//------------------------------//
// It's a date! 
// Story: Battle of the Blanks 
// by HumanSVD 
//------------------------------//

Konrad and Ruby were making their way towards the lookout point with the hope to kill as many of the their enemies as possible. While Ruby was eager to guide the desire of her heart and hero to the spot with a slight pony hop, Konrad was nervous as he could be. The whole night had been one struggle to stay alive, and despite his best efforts to make a friendly impression, the entire attempt had been one disaster save for Apple Bloom and Princess Luna. As they continued to walk, Ruby stayed very close to Konrad, something the human knew all to well was going to happen.

He did not mind having the company of the Ghost Mare, and rather enjoyed it very much, a far cry from his earlier encounter with her. Despite the awkward first meeting, he had gotten to know more about the little known Earth Pony character from Story of the Blanks, and was very surprised at the mare that she was. She liked humans, was a down to earth type girl, had a fighting spirit, was NOT afraid to curse like him, and apparently really wanted him despite the physical differences. Konrad had never felt so much desired by a girl before in his life and the attention he was getting was something he liked.

Then again, there was also Princess Luna. She was elegant, beautiful, very talented with magic, NOT a useless damsel in distress, and had a very unique charm. She too had wanted him as well, and Konrad could only guess as to what she saw in him.  

"Always wanted a nice girl that would like me for who I am...just never guessed it would be a princess mare from a cartoon or a ghost mare from a creepypasta fan game. Man my life is very weird. Should I tell Ruby of my decision now or wait for Luna to get here too? Damn this sucks! Either way the friend zoning is going to suck. While I'm glad to have met Ruby, Luna and the ponies from the show, I kinda miss being in Raccoon City. I wonder what's going on right now at my hometown..."

Konrad was suddenly bumped by Ruby's left foreleg breaking him from his deep thoughts. The young man turned to see the young Ghost Mare look at him with a raised eye brow and a slight smirk. Her eyes reminded him of Tali Zorah as they glowed with an exotic and captivating look, something he never thought would be possible. As the night continued to pass, he started to see the original character with more attraction and intrigue. Ruby then spoke up to him with an amused tone, asking him,

"A Bit for your thoughts?"

Before Konrad could reply, the man walked right into a dangling tree branch and took a face full of leaves. Doing his best to not curse, Konrad spat a few of them out while having his face turn red from embarrassment. Ruby held a hoof to her mouth and suppressed a giggle at the funny moment. Mitta, who was a little bit behind watching the two like a chaperone, smiled at the embarrassment of the Konrad. The older Mare's opinion of the human had gone up exponentially knowing that he genuinely cared about her daughter's well being, the sense of honor he had, and his fierce determination to exact justice on the murderers of her daughter.

As Konrad spat all the leaves out, while his face was still red, he checked the SVD and made sure that there was a full mag. Satisfied of the full mag, he reinserted the magazine back in and turned to Ruby who was now looking at his gun with curiosity. Konrad smiled as Ruby began look at the details of his gun, especially the scope.

"Could ask you the same thing oh Master of Observation." said Konrad in a joking manner.

Looking back at him with a flirtatious smile, Ruby said,

"That you can but I asked you first."

As Ruby took a step closer to Konrad, he held out his right hand while holding the rifle with his left and said,

"Nuh uh uh! You didn't give me my bit."

Making an obvious false frown, Ruby lightly scrapped the ground a she thought of a way to pry Konrad's previous thought. All while this was happening, Mitta continued to watch the interaction of her daughter and what she perceived to be Ruby's new Stallion friend. It was quite obvious to Mitta that both had forgotten her presence and only out of curiosity did she allow the flirtation to continue. As much as she approved of Konrad, she was very much old fashioned when it came to courting and the proper customs must be followed, considering Ruby's lack of dating experience. As Ruby ceased scrapping the ground, the Ghost Mare looked the young Man and said in a seductive tone,

"Well, maybe we can make a deal. I highly doubt a human such as yourself is unreasonable."

As Ruby made seductive wink towards Konrad, the man's heart suddenly starting beating real fast. 

"Woah, she just does not stop! Oh man! What do I do?! I need to tone it down, I need both Luna here to hear my decision too....but if this is my last chance like the dream I had with her and Apple Bloom....no, I need to tone it down or something."

Making a nervous smile towards Ruby while rubbing the back of his head, Konrad make a nervous chuckle and said,

"Well, of course I'm reasonable Ruby! But before we talk about making a deal, how about you lead me to the spot so we can end Gray Hoof and his ilk?"

The smile that Ruby had slowly melted away to a frown, showing the disappointment that the Ghost Mare had. While Ruby was disappointed that he did not take the unspoken "Hey I'm right here! Kiss me!" offer, Ruby instead got closer to Konrad. As she got closer she pointed a hoof in the direction of the spot that held a good elevated view of Sunny Town. 

As Konrad turned to view the direction of the spot, he saw a massive cluster of thorn brushes in the way and this did not please him at all. The thorn brushes looked like it would be a very tedious task and that it would be all but inevitable to reviece a few pricks from the tough brush in their way.

"DAAAYUMM! I'm going so have to clear that cluster fuck?! Ugh! Better than being eaten I suppose."

"The spot is beyond those thorn brushes. We can't get there unless you clear it. Would you kindly clear it for us Konrad? Pleeeaaasse?"

As Ruby made a silly pleading look towards Konrad, the man simply smiled and said,

"Heh, no problem Ruby! I'll clear that right up! And after that, perhaps we can talk about the "deal" when I'm done."

"I'm so going to hate doing this, but at least Ruby's face is cute...I just thought that didn't I?"

Making another smile towards Konrad, Ruby responded to Konrad's flirt by saying,

"Can't wait, I'll be right here watching...for Gray Hoof and the others I mean."

Pulling his knife out, Konrad smiled at Ruby before turning towards the thick thorn brush. When his back was facing Ruby, the smile was replaced with a scowl at the thick brush in front of him. As Konrad made his way towards the brush, Ruby took the opportunity to take a look at Konrad's rear end. The lack of a tail was something entirely different for the Ghost Mare, but using her special talent of "finding things" she was able to get a good look of the general outline of his "plot". She could tell that he was indeed in good shape and once more the urges that she felt earlier were starting to come back up. That moment was brought to a halt as she felt her mother's hoof on her equine shoulder. Ruby turned to her mother as Mitta whispered,

"Do you know what it is your feeling Ruby?"

Taking a quick look at Konrad and making sure that he wasn't looking, ruby turned back and whispered,

"Um....wa..was I about to go into umm.....heat?"

"Yes Ruby, I could tell by the look on your face when you tricked the boy-I mean, Konrad into looking in that direction. I never got the chance to sit down with you and explain..."certain things" about how Mares work, especially in our family history. So I'll give you a quick explanation...the Mares in out family are known for getting strong sexual urges. Now with that in mind, I don't want you making a rash decision in giving up what is special and should be only given to a stallion that is special to you, not because he is attractive."

"But Konrad's a-"

Putting a hoof to Ruby's mouth in order to keep her from interrupting,

"I know Ruby, man or stallion, does not matter. If Konrad acts the same way our Stallions do, and I know he does, then he too is capable of taking advantage of something that should be earned, not given away freely. I want him to court you when this is over and fully earn your love. If we are still around when this is over and all goes well, I would gladly give him permission to take your hoof in marriage should he choose to propose to you."

Ruby's eyes widened at her mom's proposal, who in return nodded which confirmed to Ruby that her mother was indeed serious. Ruby then lightly hoof stomped the ground in happiness as Mitta smiled at her daughter. Both the mares took a quick look at Konrad and noticed that he had walked a bit further in the direction Ruby had pointed at, safely out of hearing range. He seemed to be cursing to himself about the way being blocked by thick thorn brushes and pulled out a knife. As he began to cut though the brush, the mares turned back to their hushed conversation.

Continuing to whisper, Ruby replied in a very happy manner,

"THANK YOU MOMMY! THANK YOU THANK YOU!"

"SSHH! Don't let him hear! Remember we still have to deal with the others, not to mention Princess Luna's Guards and her sister too."

Ruby frowned when Mitta mentioned Princess Luna, and remembered her rivals adamant claim on Konrad. While doing her best to not think of such vulgar thoughts, Ruby felt it necessary to mention her Rival's intention towards Konrad. The Ghost Mare was hoping that her Zombie mother would have some guidance in this matter and asked,

"Mom, you know that Konrad mentioned Princess Luna right?"

"Ah....that Alicorn Princess that Gray Hoof wanted captured, the one whose sister is on her way here. Yes I do, what of her?"

Both the mares turned back looking at Konrad, who was still busy cutting the thorns but had made a bigger clearing of the pathway. Continuing to curse and receive the occasional prick of the brush, Konrad began to pick up the pace with his frustration becoming more evident. Turning back to their mare gossip, Ruby continued,

"Well....before I met up with him....he met her and saved her from Necro Hoof's family. After that she began to flirt heavily with him and...well..." said Ruby as she looked at the ground while scrapping it with her hoof.

Mitta raised an eye brow and asked to be sure,

"You mean...she made advances on him?!"

Ruby nodded while looking at the ground before whispering,

"Yes she did, and she's very pretty too. As much as I hate it but, Konrad kinda flirted back too and when I got there, her and I...kinda fought over him."

Mitta narrowed her eyes at the situation and replied in a neutral tone,

"I see...please explain some more."

Making eye contact with her mom, and ceasing scrapping the ground, Ruby then whispered,

"Both Luna and I fought each other for Konrad's affection. You see um...I kinda...went into heat on Konrad when he carried me across the-"

"Skip that part my daughter, I already know."

Ruby's eyes lit up with surprise, making a bright glow with a blush plastered over her face. Her ears were lowered as she slightly lowered her head in shame before whispering,

"You do?! B-but...How-"

"Konrad told me Ruby. I was able to...persuade him to tell the truth about his full interactions with you. While I could have handled myself a bit better, and more importantly, treated him better considering what he's done for you, I simply had to now more about him. I already made the mistake of failing to protect you long ago, and your heart is all that you have left. I do not want your first romance to end up crushing it. You deserve happiness and I want the best for you, which is why I told what I have. So if you would, please continue."

Ruby's mouth was wide open in surprise as her mother's revelation at how she was able to find things out. It would seem that finding things was not limited to just Ruby special talent, but in more ways than one to the family itself. Shaking the shock off Ruby continued with her romantic dilemma.

"Okay then...anyways, at first Konrad didn't particularly warm up to me. He seemed suspicious at first considering that I was the first pony he saw when I...brought him here with my special talent. I still don't know how that happened really, but it freaked him out when he saw me. I think my eyes must have had something to do with it."

"Ruby, your getting off track."

"Oh sorry Mom! Well, before I actually met him, I met Princess Luna on the other side of the river near a bridge. She panicked and attacked me with her magic...it really hurt. When she met me again, she was very angry and and even more so when I cuddled on Konrad's back after the river crossing. And here's where it gets interesting..."

Ruby then went on to explain to Mitta about how her and Luna showed Konrad their plots in an attempt to get his attention, which Mitta face hoofed at the information. She eventually explained how Princess Luna and her almost got into a fight and how Konrad had hated both of their behavior. She also explained how Konrad had really warmed up to her near the river before the confrontation with Shining Armor. She also told her mother of Konrad's indecision when both of them had made it finally clear that they both desired him and how every time he went to say something, they were interrupted every time.

When Ruby was done with her explanation, Mitta just stared at Konrad with a neutral look. The young man's back was still turned towards then as he was finishing up clearing path to the spot. Mitta then narrowed her eyes, and whispered,

"So...he hasn't actually chosen you to be his mare has he?"

"Ummm...yes, but-"

"So he's leading you on and giving you false hope as a result."

"I wouldn't say-"

Turning to her daughter with an annoyed look, Mitta then said,

"Ruby, while I "think" I understand Konrad's reasoning for holding off telling you his decision, he should not do that. Wasting a mare's time and holding her heart hostage is a wrong thing to do. When this is over, Princess Luna or not, I will force him to make a decision. If he knows what's good for him, he WILL pick you."

Mitta's face turned into a look anger with her eyes glowing dark red as she finished her sentence. Fearful of Konrad's safety and not wanting her mother to push Konrad away from her, Ruby wore a pleading expression, and whispered,

"MOM! Please don't do that! I don't want you to scare him off! I think he's picked me anyway, the signs are-"

"Not quite so obvious Ruby, I think he's afraid of making a decision that he'll regret. I do believe he does have feelings for you but this Princess Luna...certainly has not helped matters at all by trying to flash her beauty and rich background. If there's one thing I think that plays into you favor it's your personality. I doubt a Royal Mare, who deals with the affairs of a country and has a sister hunting him down like a rat, will work out in the long run with human who acts like a renegade commoner."

"But you and Konrad didn't get along the first time-"

"We met? Yes that's true but we came to an understanding and I have already told him of my approval. That and the fact that he's vowed to protect you and I against Princess Luna's sister, the Guards and whoever else after how bad I've treated him? Who does that Ruby?!"

As soon as Mitta finished her question, Ruby to turned to look at Konrad as he was finishing up the newly cleared pathway. A light smile of love and admiration came across her face as Ruby watched Konrad and whispered back to her mother,

"A very honorable, strong and loving man."

Turning back to her mother, Ruby continued,

"Mom, I really think he's picked me, and I'm going to keep him interested in every moment I get."

Mitta, who looked at Konrad as he began to turn his way back towards the two mares, whispered back,

"Okay, Ruby but just...don't give "it" away so easy. Remember-"

With a slight blush to her face, Ruby nodded and said,

"I know mom, make him work for it...and that I will!"

" Just don't get too out of hoof"

After squealing with glee, Ruby turned to meet Konrad and looked at him straight in the eyes. His attention was focused on Mitta as he asked,

"Don't let what get out of hoof?"

Mitta looked at him said,

"Nothing of major concern Konrad. I take it you've cleared the path to the spot?"

Konrad curled his hand into a fist and extended his short and big finger outwards, using it to point over his shoulder at the cleared pathway.

"Yeah...it wasn't fun at all."

"Fun? Why would clearing thorns up be fun in the first place? It that a human thing? Psh! Humans." said Mitta as she rolled her eyes.

Waving his free arm in dismissal, Konrad made a quick retort as he said,

"Psh! Zombie Ponies."

Both Mitta and Konrad narrowed their eyes each other and engaged into a stare battle. Afraid that the tension between each other would ruin her chance of winning Konrad's heart, Ruby tried to interrupt the battle of wills but was surprised at what happened next. Both Mitta and Konrad suddenly broke into a fit of laughter and the stare battle was immediately over. Confused at what had just happened, Ruby tried to get answers from both of them.

"What is so funny? Why are you guys laughing?"

As Konrad and Mitta ceased laughing, they both looked at each other as if trying to telepathically come up with an answer. Both Mitta and Konrad shrugged their shoulders and said,

"I don't know."

"I'm not sure either Ruby. It just...happened."

"Okay...well now that's over, anything you want to tell us before we go through with the plan Konrad?"

Konrad the held his free hand to his chin and rubbed it with his fingers. Ruby instantly wished that he would touch her again, just as he had done earlier in the night. If she could get a massage from him, she would do it in a heart beat, hoping to not only make Luna jealous, but hopefully convince Konrad that her touch was much better. As soon as he let go of his chin, he looked at Mitta and asked,

"Mitta, you remember the plan correct?"

"Attack after the first shot, blend in as much as possible, meet up if you and Ruby are discovered and hold them off until the Guards arrive. I remember Konrad."

"Good and may I ask you something? Please don't take it as an insult-"

Interrupting Konrad, Mitta chuckled and said,

"It's okay Konrad, I think we've gotten comfortable enough with each other that if he insult one another, well be just fine. Now what is your question?"

As Ruby smiled know that her mother was comfortable around Konrad and not sensitive to his unique personality, Konrad then said,

"Okay then, can you dig a hole and crawl int he ground?"

Mitta raised an eye brow and answered,

"Yes I can. May I ask why?"

"Well...you see considering that you're a zombie, the Guards might try to kill you on sight and neither I nor Ruby want that to happen. If we get separated and they are nearby, I want you to hide until Ruby and I can meet up with you."

Mitta lightly smiled as before looking at Ruby before turning back to Konrad and said,

"Thank you for your concern Konrad. I will take that action if it becomes necessary."

"I hope it won't be but you never know. And Ruby, if I get killed, I want you to run away from the fight."

Ruby looked at Konrad with shock on her face and shook her head. She did not want to even consider the possibility that Konrad could die in the fight. After she stopped shook her head and constantly said, "NO NO NO NO!", the young man put his hand on her shoulder and said,

"Hey! I don't want to die but we have to plan ahead. I'm not letting you suffer anymore Ruby, do you understand that? And if I do die, know that it's not your fault, none of this is."

"But I took-"

"Ruby?" asked Konrad as he put both hands on her shoulders. The feeling of his warm fingers was very nice and comforting. Ruby felt compelled to look Konrad in the eyes as he said,

"Not your fault! The blame lies with them, not you. Got it?"

Letting a tear come out of her right eye, Ruby instantly wrapped her forelegs around Konrad embracing him in a tight hug that took him by surprise. As Konrad looked at Mitta, the zombie mother let out a smile of approval and lightly giggle at his look of embarrassment. This was something that Mitta just couldn't help but pass up on as she said,

"Wow Konrad! You haven't even take  her on a date yet and you've already won her heart, you lucky stallion!"

Konrad and Ruby both broke off the the embrace after Mitta made her jesting comment with both having a light blush on their faces.

"Uh technically I'm a man, not a stallion."

"Same difference." said Mitta as she rolled.

"Yeah well....I guess your right. Same difference indeed."

"Anyway..." said Konrad, "I think it's now or never. You ladies ready?"

"That I am Konrad." nodded Mitta.

"Let get those bastards!" squealed Ruby.

"Ruby..."

"Oh...sorry mom."

Making an apologetic look towards her mother before turning back to Konrad, Ruby eagerly awaited the chance to get even closer to Konrad. The man made a few adjustments on his gun's scope before looking at Ruby and asking,

"Now about that "deal" from earlier, would you like to join me on a date? I've planned on taking you to this wonderful spot to kill your murderers. I swear it will be fun and totally appropriate."

Ruby giggled before turning to her mom, giving her a false pleasing look. Mitta rolled her eyes with a smile and said,

"Have fun you too. I'll be sure to wait until the the first shot is made."

"Thanks mom!" said Ruby as the tone of excitement was very obvious.

"Thank you Mitta! I promise to bring her back on time and not late at all."

"You such a gentlecolt Konrad." replied Mitta as she began to trot towards Sunny Town.

As Ruby and Konrad turned to each other and smiled, Mitta spoke back up as she walked away saying,

"No Flanky Spanky you too! I have my eyes on you Konrad."

"Oh God, so awkward! Wasn't going to touch her down there....though it's very tempting.

Konrad facepalmed as Ruby turned to her mother with a blush on her face saying,

"MOM!"

The zombie mother merely just chuckled until she was out of sight. Ruby held her head low in embarrassment as well as her ears lowering but was lifted up by Konrad's fingers. As he pulled his hand away, Konrad with a light smile,

"Hey, don't worry about it. She's just teasing us."

"I know but...it's so embarrassing!" replied Ruby.

Konrad shrugged his shoulders as he said,

"Parents, it's their job to embarrass us. It happens."

Ruby's ear perked up at the possibility of knowing more of Konrad's past, especially something that was embarrassing and cute.

"Really huh? Mind telling me a story." as a smile creeped up.

"Not tonight Ruby! Great, she's going to try and find out about my past. Glad my mom isn't here with baby pictures."

"Maybe another time...c'mon let's go." said Konrad as he began to walk towards the opening hoping Ruby wouldn't see the discomfort on his face.

As Ruby quickly trotted up to Konrad before walking to maintain the same pace as him, she couldn't but help giggle. Curious as to what was funny, Konrad looked at Ruby as the both walked and asked,

"What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing, it's just that I think I'm going to enjoy this "date"."

Konrad stopped and face palmed before looking at Ruby, who was giving him the biggest pony smile he had ever seen.

"Oh god! Why did I say that? I mean Luna isn't here and....you know what? Screw it! I'm going to treat Ruby to a nice night of shooting Blood Hooves and enjoy her company. Besides, it's nice to have a cute pony at my side before a potentially life ending experience."

Retuning a smile of his own, Konrad held out his free arm and asked,

"May I escort you Miss Ruby?"

Getting on her hind legs and grabbing Konrad's arm with one of her forelegs, using him for support. The stance was very awkward and a bit difficult but for Ruby it was worth it. Turning her head towards Konrad, Ruby smiled with happiness causing her eyes to glow bright but lighter shade of yellow. It was at this point could only say,

"YES! I uh mean...of course." 

Konrad chuckled before assisting Ruby's new walking experience as it was the closest she could ever walk like human. As they both walked out of sight and into the thick canopy, a pair of red eyes had watched the scene unfold from a distance which neither Ruby nor Konrad had detected. The pair of eyes were soon joined by a bloody, but happy set of teeth showing off a smile of joy. The set of eyes and teeth then disappeared, as if they vanished like thief in the night. As a happy mother was heading towards what was likely to be her final night, she was glad that her daughter would get what appeared to be happiness in the embrace of a human.

She would do anything to keep that going, and the denizens of Sunny Town were about to pay the price required to keep that going.

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Gray Hoof ran as fast as he could towards Sunny Town, angry that Konrad, Ruby and Mitta had defeated his untainted Blood Hooves. He could not spare anymore to dispatch them as the Alicorn Princess's forces were on their way towards Sunny Town. For the first time in 100 years, Gray Hoof was very worried about the survival of Sunny Town. It was bad enough to deal with a renegade human and his exotic weapons, it was another to deal with an army closing on their weakest moment. For once the stallion leader had regretted a plan of his making, and he had wished that he had taken Blood Clop's advice on killing Konrad when they had the chance.

"I should have listened but no, I had to be the all knowing wise leader! And what a stupid idea to put him in with Mitta. I had hoped her anger towards the human would cause him to beg for mercy. It would seem that he's stronger than I though, even without his weapons."

"Do not forget the capabilities I possess. With my protection, you can reinforce your weakened heard. When I tell you too, give me full control."

"YES! Anything to save my town! Konrad must die!"

As Gray Hoof made it into the clearing, he was greeted by his fellow Blanks who were shocked at the loss of his Blood Hoof companions. All of them had the look of fear in their eyes as their leader ran towards them. Gladstone was the first to speak up,

"Gray Hoof! What happened?! Where are the others!?"

"Don't tell me he got them too?!" shouted Starlet with blood tears coming from her face.

As Roneo went to comfort Starlet, Gray Hoof looked at the ground with shame and sadness. He could only nod his head as he made his way towards the table with the giant cake that Three Leaf had made. Nopony had even taken a slice of it as they were busy dancing and drinking the night away. All of the Blanks were shocked at Gray Hoof's confirmation that their companions were now long gone, as they looked at a very depressed Gray Hoof. Blood Clop slowly walked up to him and put a hoof on his shoulder, doing his best to comfort him. 

"Itss okays Gray Hoofies! We cans stop him for sures! We are by your side til the end, no matter what happens."

Look at his friend's crooked red eyes, Gray Hoof smiled and said,

"Th-thanks Blood Clop. I should have listened to you earlier and now we are paying for it."

"Well get can gets him now and make him pays. Right everyponies?"

"Were here with you Gray Hoof." said Gladstone.

"Totally!" cheered Three Leaf as she kissed Gladstone on the cheek.

"Both of us are at your side Gray Hoof!" said Roneo as he held Starlet's hoof.

Taking a look at all of his friends, Gray Hoof smiled and said,

"Thanks guys...thank you. I wished this hadn't happened and that we didn't lose so many friend tonight, but at least we have each other."

Every Blank and Blood Hoof suddenly heard the loud noise of the battle with the Guards near their doorstep. The sound of clashing and yelling could be heard as they echoed through the night. Everypony was scared but not Gray Hoof as he looked at the cake. It reminded him of why he liked the parties, they were always the best way to enjoy each others company and the hard work that they completed. That's all he wanted really, a simply life in happiness and the company of others, plus cake was very nice.

Gray Hoof took a dap of the frosting with his hoof and sampled it. It was very nice and he considered it a shame that he would probably not get to finish it all at the moment. Determined to not give up, Gray Hoof turned to everypony and said,

"They are coming for us my friends! They do not know of the paradise that he was have here and see to destroy it! We will not let them! Let's show them the meaning of friendship! Everypony into defensive positions! Blood Clop! Stay close to me! I have something that I want to share with you."

Nodding in acknowledgement, Blood Clop then said,

"Okays!"

"Ugh, that punch has really affected their intelligence. I hope sharing will work."

"That it will, and you'll find that the protection will give you some unique combat capabilities that the others don't have. Remember, when I tell you to, let me assume control."

Satisfied with the answer, Gray Hoof began to give out more orders to everypony, urging them to get ready for an impending fight. While the original inhabitants, who were unaffected, went to their usual spots, the Blood Hooves began to take cover around the whole town. A few of the Blood Hooves fell down due to the Poison Joaks effects causing Gray Hoof to facehoof.

"Ugh! I'm so going to get you for this Konrad. Okay, now follow me to my house Blood Clop-"

BOOM!

A shot rang through the Town square and a scream filled the air shortly after. A Blood Hoof mare had taken a hit by Kornad's weapon, blowing her guts out all over the ground.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!"

Then the Blood Hoof mare suddenly ceased screaming and was no more as her eyes suddenly stopped glowing. Many of the tainted Blood Hooves began to run around in chaos with some ran into others, while others fell down on their plots. Gray Hoof looked around, desperate to find the source of the shooting, but was unable too see.

BOOM!

As another shot rang out, a Blood Hoof Stallion, whose plot was facing upwards while his head was on the ground, received a shot right in his plot.

"AHHH!!! MY PLOTTOCKS! MY-"

BOOM!

Another shot rang out and the plot wounded Stallion's head suddenly had a whole right through it as his brain was splattered across the ground. Gray Hoof again looked around to try and find the source of the shooting but was still unable to find it. 

"Wherever Konrad is, he's certainly hiding very well. I can't understand how he can make a noise that big and get away!"

"Humans are very annoying when stirred, and their persistence if even worse."

"How do you know-"

BOOM!

Another shot rang out and this time two Blood Hooves holding each other and crying too a hit to their head at the same time. They both slumped over each other, still embracing as their eyes faded out of existence. That was the last straw for Gray Hoof as the sight before him was absolutely heart wrenching. Realizing he needed to get to his house to help share the protection with Blood Clop, Gray Hoof was able to figure out from his observations that the ponies who were hit were the ones that were out in the open. It he could move from cover to cover, perhaps he could make it to his house with Blood Clop.

"Blood Clop, when I tell you to, I want you to follow me very closely. We are going to my house. Got it?"

Blood Clop merely nodded as another shot rang out,

BOOM!

A blood stallion had his leg hit, causing him to scream, before another one took him.

BOOM! 

The shot had blown out his throat, spraying blood on the ground as he fell down. The Blood Hoof's eyes shortly faded and Gray Hoof took a gulp of bloody spit that had built up in his mouth. He would get to his house and help Blood Clop if it was the last thing he could do. Making sure the coast was clear, Gray Hoof turned to Blood Clop as he said,

"Blood Clop! Follow me! NOW!"

Both Blood Clop and Gray Hoof got up and ran from the party table at which they had taken cover. Another shot rang out as a patch of dirt struck up near them. It became very clear to Gray Hoof that Konrad was taking a shot at them and proceeded to zig-zag as best as he could with his speed that the strange, yet powerful voice gave him. Blood Clop followed him as best as he could and did a good job keeping up with his erratic patterns. As he made it half way, Blood Clop crashed into something, 

"OOF!"

"AGH!" said feminine voice in pain.

Gray Hoof turned around and noticed that Blood Clop had collided with none other than Mitta herself. It seemed that Konrad had taken the traitorous Mare's appearance to blend to in and cause damage. Gray Hoof narrow his eyes at Mitta, who was on her plot and disoriented.

"YOU!...TRAITOR! I'LL KILL-"

BOOM! 

A Patch of dirt shot right up next to him. Another hoof or two and he would have been hit. Not wanting to let Konrad get another chance at him, Gray Hoof immediately helped Blood Clop get up whose head was sideways but not corrected. Using his forelegs to correct the deformity immediately, a snap was heard.

SNAP!

Blood Clop's head was corrected as the stallion in question look around with it. Satisfied that it worked, Blood Clop looked at Mitta and said,

"YOU! I HATES YOUSE!"

Shaking her disorientation off, Mitta looked at Blood Clop and growled before getting up and running off. Blood Clop went to to run after her but was stopped by Gray Hoof. 

"NO! Get to my house....NOW!"

To Gray Hoof's surprise, the stallion complied and ran towards Gray Hoof's House. Gray Hoof continued to zig zag in towards his home, hoping that the erratic patterns would throw Konrad off. Based on what he saw, Gray Hoof was sure that the human's weapon was dependent entirely upon line of sight. Considering that he hit the ground with his weapon and that dirt couldn't not possibly hurt him, it would make sense that his assumption would be the case. Not wanting to confirm it, Gray Hoof made one final push towards his house.

"Almost there...."

As soon as Gray Hoof made it to his house and opened the door, a shot rang out once more.

BOOM!

"WAAAAAGHGGHH!! CRIMSON TAIL! I'M COMING TO JOIN YOU!"

Gray Hoof turned around to see that Blood Clop had taken a hit to the leg. His left hind leg had a massive hole in it between his hoof and plot. Knowing that couldn't get up, Gray Hoof ran out and grabbed him by the tail, doing his best to pull him in. For what seemed like an eternity, Gray Hoof pulled the screaming Stallion into his house and close the door. Nopony had ever really been in his house before, as his home was a his own sanctuary. Blood Clop began to flail and wail all over the place, spluttering blood over his floor.

"WWAAAAGH! It hurts! I love you Crimson Tail! I'll see you soon!"

"Not right now you aren't! Stand still Blood Clop! I'm going to help give you something."

As the Blood Hoof Stallion kept screaming and flailing, Gray Hoof let the voice take control. His eyes turned a completel hazy black, and lifted his right foreleg. A black haze emanated from his hoof and enveloped Blood Clop's leg, before spreading to his head. The haze filled the hole in Blood Clop's leg, and the stallion himself began to shake. For a moment of two, it seemed that Blood Clop was going to die from the convulsions, but to Gray Hoof's relief, the stallion did not. Blood Clop then got up on his legs and looked around with his new black eyes, and saw that Gray Hoof now had normal red eyes.

"I had to share the power in order to prevent the source of protection from disappearing, but it was worth it. Hopefully Blood Clop can use the source to stop Konrad while I watch from a distance."

"So Blood Clop....how do you feel?"

As Blood clop heard Gray Hoof, he turned to his friend and smiled as the black haze emanated from his eyes.

"Never better Gray Hoof....never better..."

"Excellent, well welcome to my home! But I'm afraid I can't ask you to stay, we've got party poopers to take care of. You know who they are right?"

Blood Clop chuckled menacingly before responding,

"Yes I do...Mitta the traitor, Ruby the cursed, and Konrad...the bastard."

"And what are you going to do?" asked Gray Hoof.

"KILL THEM ALL!"

"Gooood! Now unleash you anger and show them the power of Sunny Town!" comanded Gray Hoof as he lifted a foreleg up and pointed towards the door. Blood Clop bowed before saying,

"As you wish!"

The newly protected Blood Hoof Stallion then lifted his head up and turned towards the door eager to kill Mitta, Ruby, and especially the human known as Konrad. Gray Hoof could only laugh menacingly as his eyes turned a dark shade of red. The human hadn't seen anything yet and Gray Hoof was placing his bits on Blood Clop. It would definitely be an interesting sight to watch indeed for the leader of Sunny Town, for the Battle of the Blanks was just getting started.