//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: A Minor Setback (Last Edited 3/30/2023) // Story: Resurrection: Isekai of Equestria // by JackofEquestria //------------------------------// December 12, 2020 Badlands: Unmarked Cave “Ponyfeathers!” Hoity Toity scowled at Blutknochen. “You’re plan failed harder than orange with yellow stripes!” “You’ve ruined our lives!” Cherry Jubilee added. “We’ll all be branded as traitors now and we have nothin’ to show fer it!” “Actually, it’s just my life that’s been ruined,” Flash Sentry sighed. “There shouldn’t be anything that could be traced back to either of you.” “Well in that case I’m leaving!” Hoity Toity scoffed. “Hmmpf!” As he turned to exit the cave the mouth was consumed with flame. “You’re not going anywhere!” Dammned chuckled. Canterlot Castle: Dungeons Luna had taken Jack back to the newly repaired castle to discuss the prior day’s events. Deep underground she was now interrogating him. “I understand it’s difficult to contain the Jade entity,” Luna said. “I don’t wish to have you isolated, but for the safety of Equestria, I will do what I must. If you have an alternative now is the time to explain.” Jack reached into his pocket and fished out a baggie of pot. “What is this?” Luna asked, squinting her eyes curiously. “Marijuana,” Jack explained. Badlands: Unmarked Cave “It is true that phase eins of mein plan has nicht gone as ich had hoped,” Blutknochen admitted. “However we have eine opportunity now. The attack is news all über Equus. Those mit animosity toward Equestria und her new government will rally to join uns. It won’t be long before we have another opportunity to strike at Equestria’s heart.” “And you want us to continue providing funds?” Filthy Rich asked. “Ja, that is correct,” Blutknochen nodded. “And if we refuse?” Filthy Rich asked. “Then vous will make un excellent test subject pour mon new virus!” Malade answered. Canterlot Castle: Dungeons “Explain to me what this marijuana does,” Luna requested. “By burning it and inhaling the smoke, I’m able to reduce any kind of stress that risks empowering Jade Jack,” Jack explained. “I see…” Luna paused, “so, it’s some sort of drug then?” “Yes,” Jack answered. “It’s how I’ve held out so long to begin with. It’s a depressant so it inhibits a lot of stimulation that Jade Jack uses to take control.” “A depressant?” Luna asked. “Are there perhaps stronger depressants you could use?” “I mean yeah, but I’m not sure that would be a good idea in my current state,” Jack answered. Badlands: Unmarked Cave “So what exactly is the plan?” Flash Sentry asked. “For the time being, Filthy Rich, Cherry Berry, und Hoity Toity shall continue acquiring resources and finances for our endeavor und they shall recruit other nobles und business ponies with sympathies for our cause,” Blutknochen explained. “You und your troops shall remain on standby to aid mein freundes in their tasks.” The three business ponies exchanged worried looks, but Flash Sentry looked on firmly. “And what exactly is it you expect me to help your ponies with?” “Malade has concocted ein little surprise for Equestria’s leaders,” Blutknochen said. “We’ll need to test that before we proceed further.” “It will be merveilleux,” Malade giggled. “Løgner’s power of persuasion ist unmatched,” Blutknochen continued. “He will be tasked with retrieving assets we lost in the Battle of Canterlot.” “It will be done,” Løgner said with a smirk. “Morte’s ability will be key to our plan,” Blutknochen continued. “How many corpses have you raised?” he asked Morte. “I have raised over quindicimila per me esercito,” Morte rasped. “All that’s left is to retrieve some pedine I left in the Everfree Forest some centuries ago.” “An army of fifteen thousand zombies?” Flash Sentry asked himself. “What pawns could he have left in the Everfee?” “Gutten, gutten,” Blutknochen said with a malicious grin. “There are some artifacts Ich want recovered from der Menschenland.” “If you mean firearms my men have already recovered sufficient stockpiles from the Lowcount…” “Nein Dummkopf!” Blutknochen scolded. “Ich have nicht use for such trinkets! Was ich am after ist something much more powerful. Der Mensch create many artifacts of worship. In their world these artifacts are worthless beyond der fact der Mensh think they have worth, but here they hold real power. They can be volatile if handled incorrectly so Ich will be tasking Dammned with their retrieval.” “Why am I getting the most boring job of them all?!” Damned protested, sparks shooting from his mane. “You will need to take on eine division of Equestrian soldiers to even reach der artifacts, und they will surly call for reinforcements when you defeat them,” Blutknochen said. “That just leaves Oni-Hime who should be arriving with our newest ally shortly. “I have her right here, Otosan!” Oni-Hime called as she entered the room with a large insectoid-looking mare. “Ich would like to introduce you all to, Queen Chrysalis,” Blutknochen said coldly. “Charmed I’m sure,” Chrysalis said smugly. Canterlot Castle: Dungeons “I understand your concerns, Jack,” Luna said. “And I want you to understand I only wish to help you. I owe you and Twilight Sparkle that much at least for all the help you gave me last Nightmare Night.” “I trust you, Luna,” Jack assured. “I just don’t think you understand how dangerous some of these drugs are. Weed is harmless. The only harmful side effect is how fast it makes me empty poor Flutter’s fridge. Stronger depressants aren’t so harmless. At best I could try alcohol which risks severe physical and mental impairment and at worst I could try Opioids and end up suicidal.” “Then we shall have to find another way,” Luna mused. “We shall have to find another way.”