Dust Kicker paced the floor of his room, brow furrowed as he considered and planned. In a way this new information was well timed, considering that he hadn’t yet developed a plan beyond getting to the Lost Legion compound. A new threat, a new problem to solve…

Still he couldn’t help but wish they could go a moment or two without some new threat coming out of the woodwork, “Central, is there any way of flying up the mountain? Or climbing?”

“I am afraid not.” Central’s monotonous voice declared, “It has been tried. Unfortunately the mountain is covered in the nests of flying predators, who inevitably set upon any so exposed.”

“Indeed. The grand road was hit by a megaspell impact and collapsed, surveys have confirmed that it is impassable. That only leaves Socans Road, through Sequesta territory.” Central went silent for a moment before speaking once more, “Master Dust Kicker, I must advise you against this course of action.”

Dust wasn’t too thrilled with it either. He had heard about conditions in Canterlot before it was destroyed. Still, the data Puppy had pulled was unambiguous. Mercenaries, headed for the capital. And their mission sent chills through his heart, “We can’t let anyone shut down Caesar’s curse, not now. I have to admit to not being too worried about the zebra and NCR going to war, no matter how badly diplomacy goes. I saw that storm when we came in, we barely made it with a aircraft designed for scouting. No way are they going to get troop transports or battleships through that, not without casualties. For now, the two nations are cut off.”

“Dust Kicker.” Central stated firmly, “We are aware of the implications of opening up the seas between here and Equestria. We do not wish war, and are aware that relations are tense at this current time. However we do not advise following for the same reason we did not inform you of this attempt earlier. Previous data indicates that the chances of success are negligible.”

Dust felt like he was being given the run around now. He disliked ponies giving him excuses for not telling him things he needed to know, “What data is that?”

Central’s voice stated the information with a definite hint of regret, “To date there have been one hundred and twenty attempts to enter the Capital City Kursiyin, numbering five hundred and seventy three equines in total. Not one of them has ever returned.”

Dust sighed. It was a familiar story. He had lost count of the amount of treasure hunters that had boldly declared their intentions to plunder the mysteries of Canterlot back in the day, sure that they were going to do what others could not and strike it rich on the unplundered remains of the jewel of Equestria, “Puppy, can we beat that? How many idiots died trying to break into Canterlot?”

“I don’t really have the kind of records the lost legion have.” Puppy stated, her voice soft and regretful, “But… a lot.”

“Yeah, I guessed that.” Dust sighed, contemplating the wisdom of this path himself, “But I can’t help but feel… this group aren’t just treasure hunters, they’re professionals, with a mission. And we don’t know who hired them, and right now opening up Equestria to the zebra lands could lead to war on a scale we haven’t seen since the great war.”

“With due respect, organic minds often apply special significance to events that specifically involve them. With regard to the data, this group of mercenaries show no significant differences to many other groups who have tried to enter Kursiyin.”

Dust kicker tensed in frustration, understanding the wisdom there but unable to let go of a gut feeling that this was different. Maybe it was the fact that everything else had gone wrong so far, “Puppy, help me out here. What do you think?”

Puppy hesitated for a moment, her voice holding a shaky tone as she contemplated the question. Her voice was unsure when she finally spoke, “I… think… a lot. Who hired them for a start? Who wants the route from here to Equestria open, and is willing to hire mercenaries to do it?”

Dust contemplated this, lip curling, “Well… we were asked to do it actually.”

Dust nodded, though to be honest he had almost forgotten about it, “Golden Dawn of the Star Fall council wanted to open up trade between the two nations, to apply economic pressure to her attempts to reform Star Fall into a trading port.” He felt his shoulders tense, grinning at the grim possibility, “I really hope she didn’t hire these guys though, because I doubt it would turn out that way with things the way they are.”

Puppy spoke again at this, her voice worried, “Do you think it could be Themba? Opening up the seas would allow his pirates to plunder the less prepared Equestrian coastline, now that Caesar has increasingly fortified his own.”

He really hoped not. Nothing would drive zebra and ponies further towards war, as he honestly didn’t think most ponies would care about the political distinctions between zebra nations, “Or Caesar himself. I doubt he’s forgiven that attempt on his life.”

“None of this changes the fact that this attempt is very unlikely to succeed.” Central stated grimly, “Or the fact that if you venture after them, your own lives are placed at great risk.”

“Uncle Dust… this data certainly backs up what Central has been saying, and that’s actually something about Kursiyin that has been bugging me for a while now.” Puppy stated cautiously, before putting a stream of data up on the video screen. Dust quickly recognised it as a list of attempts to breach the city, a long list of never seen agains… a list which Puppy did indeed make a good point about, “Uncle, I can’t find a record of any pony ever coming back from the city. That’s… really strange.”

Dust had to agree, “I see your point. Ponies occasionally came back from Canterlot after all. Normally screaming and missing limbs, but they came back. How hard is it to exit a city without walls, especially since some of these records list pegasi among their number?”

A map of Kursiyin appeared on the screen now, Dust Kicker noting that the damage indicated that this was post war… and yet, the city appeared mostly intact otherwise. Circles and annotations appeared on the map as Puppy spoke, “The entrance to the city from Socans Road is clear and easy to access. The roads are mostly clear, and only the factory district shows evidence of substantial concentrations of biological agents.”

Dust agreed with Puppy’s point. This place was weird, “When was this all mapped out?”

“The map was updated two years ago.” Central stated, “Taken from long range aerial reconnaissance.”

Puppy spoke up again at this, sounding absolutely fascinated, “Uncle, I think I understand why.”

Dust chuckled. The mare was certainly showing her stuff lately, “Go ahead Puppy.”

“From aerial photographs I don’t see any evidence of plant life. All the trees are dead, and there’s no further growth. I can only detect a limited number of monsters in the streets, some mutated animals and some ghouls. And as Central stated, all the scavengers that have entered the city have promptly disappeared. The city has only suffered five megaspell impacts, fairly low yield. Most of them have hit the factory district.” Puppy smiled as she reached her conclusion, “The city has been left mostly sterile and untouched. There’s little to produce the kind of decay normally seen in a pre-war city.”

Dust understood that. Without plants, without an ecosystem there was little to cause decay. But that added whole new questions, “So… why is the city sterile? What are the radiation levels like? Were the megaspells unusual?”

“Well…” Puppy paused as a thinking icon appeared on the screen, “The impacts did not produce the blue flowers found at the sight of other megaspell locations. Probes sent into the city put radiation at… high, but manageable levels, similar to pre-rainbow Fillydephia. And… there’s something else missing that should be there…”

“There’s some kind of magical field around the city, and Caesar’s curse definitely originates from the area… centred on that large building there.” She circled the building in question in red, “But that building appears to be powered down and partially ruined from aerial photographs.”

“That is the Zebra Academy of Science.” Central intoned grimly, “It was targeted by the largest number of megaspells. The tower’s defences protected against almost all of them, but one got through.”

“Uncle, it destroyed the antenna and broadcast equipment, I can see what’s left of it hanging off the side. It shouldn’t be able to admit a magical field, let alone one that produces a continent sized effect over the other side of the country.”

So this city was going to throw another mystery at them. He was starting to realise why so many risked everything to explore the place, “Maybe it’s underground, or hidden.”

“Uncle, though limited to one single effect Caesar’s curse is still a stronger weather manipulation event than the Single Pegasus Project can manage at maximum power. A magical spell like that can’t be cast through solid matter, that is why both the science academy and SPP are placed at such high altitudes.” Puppy stated before finishing authoritively, “It would need a powerful transmitter placed upon an exterior surface, with an unobstructed view of the horizon in all directions. There just isn’t one in the city.”

“Well…” Dust wasn’t a magical theorist, arguing this would only lead to him looking stupid eventually, “We won’t go into the city.”

“So we’re not going after them?” Puppy asked, sounding a little disappointed.”

“No, we go after them.” Dust grinned, shrugging his shoulders, “They’re a large group of mercenaries about to brave a city no being has ever returned from, and reports of their progress so far hasn’t exactly depicted them as being in a hurry. They’re going to need equipment, preparation, rest…”

“The size of your group opens up routes too dangerous for a larger number to take.” Central stated, “You also lack the heavy equipment they are carrying.”

Dust grinned, figuring as much himself, “So we catch up to them before they even reach the city. Take them down, work out who hired them, never go near that fucking place.”

Puppy pondered it for a second before stating her agreement, “It’s a good plan, but only if we move quickly.”

“Then we wish you luck Dust Kicker.” Central intoned, “May we meet again.”

They set out a few hours later, Dust realising he was rushing everyone a little but aware that his plan required it. Star Swirl had only just woken up and still had a slight concussion and magic burnout, Zenai showing signs of a lack of sleep and stress. Still they accepted his plan and prepared themselves without complaint, both keeping up admirably as they ascended towards the mountain peak. Zenai in particular he had to note, the little zebra not slowing or complaining despite the gradient. He remembered just a short time ago that the girl had needed Star Swirl to carry her up a mountain path, proud at how the mare had progressed in their time together.

The scenery helped. It was absolutely breathtaking here, Dust having not realised they had climbed this high. It appeared that at some point in prehistory a neighbouring mountain had collapsed into the side of the peak that bore the capital, its remains what they were navigating now. It was a broken, jagged slope of stone still displaying striped layers of sediment, frequent totems and fetishes waving in the strong wind. Look to your sides and you peered down jagged cliff faces past the remains of old paths and staircases and the ruins of mountain side facilities and villages. Beyond that… the mountains and valleys of the zebra heartlands, Dust able to locate the sheltered entrance to Dusklight hiding between two cliffs. And a little way away, the village they had first found shelter, a snakelike troop of Starhammer’s soldiers, the abandoned ruins of a great zebra city… beyond, somewhere past the horizon, the Golden Coast and Equestria.

Ahead lay a straight tarmac road, split into four lanes that led higher and higher, past what looked like a major pre-war settlement built on a large flat plain on the halfway point of the mountain, shielded from the wind by a jagged spire of rock, one of many that loomed over the long road upwards. Past that it looked like the route had been artificially extended, a great wedge of stone reaching up to touch the great mountain beside it, bearing the final reach of road that led to the just visible spires of the zebra capital.

“Zenai, this is Socans Road.” Star Swirl commented as they continued upwards, her tone quietly reverent, “I never thought I’d actually walk it. That city ahead, that’s Mesonora. The actual Mesonora.”

Zenai chuckled lightly, a smile edging across features that had spent too long frowning lately, “Setting of a hundred detective novels. The city in the shades, den of scum and villainy, where every zebra has a price and every zebra keeps their hat down and a knife hidden in their coat.”

“The cliff beside it would shield it from the sun during the evenings.” Dust observed dryly, “It would only get half a day.”

“Exactly.” Star Swirl commented excitedly, “All kinds of dark deeds can go down in the shadow of the elder’s hoof.”

Ace gave an annoyed grunt, “Is this the scholarship of the Followers? Terrible dime store crime fiction?”

Zenai gave a wry grin, “Well… I doubt we’ll be meeting any tall dark strangers in wide brimmed hats or slender ponies with ambiguous accents. It looks ruined.”

Zenai gave Star Swirl a withering look, though there was a sincerely happy smile underneath, “Star… your geek is really showing.”

Dust Kicker chuckled, actually kind of liking the sound of some of that. He had read some of the Fillydephia Nights genre after all, and had to wonder how a zebra’s take on the same sort of idea would be. Maybe when this was all over he would ask those two to share a few tomes, having to admit to neglecting his reading since his eyes had started to go, “Well, remember that those shadows can hide more things than fictional detectives. We were told this route was pretty dangerous.”

They continued upwards, the area widening, the landscape changing. This area was shielded from the wind a little and some plant life was growing, tough, stubborn looking weeds. Dust lead the way, keeping his eyes out for any dangers.

He caught a rustle, a hint of movement. He looked round to see sand colored fur, lean muscles propelling a sleek, cat like beast with long fangs and sharp claws, its form clearly built for speed and fast kills. He slowed his step a little, talking quietly, “No pony startle, remain calm and keep walking. We’re being stalked by a big cat thing to your left, keep your eyes out for more.”

Fluttershy turned, clearly startling for a moment despite his orders. Her hoof reached hesitantly for her shotgun, her voice trembling, “Do we… shoot it?”

Dust frowned, watching as they all drew their weapons closer to hoof. He was quite honestly disgusted at the sight, “No we don’t.”

“We’re in its territory. It’s justified in keeping an eye on us.” Dust turned, glaring at all of them, “It’s on its own, and it’s not alerted its pack. It’s not going to attack a whole group of armed ponies, not unless evolution has truly failed.”

Everyone went quiet at this, Fluttershy eventually quickening her pace to walk beside him. Her voice was quiet, “You’re right Dust…”

He smiled at her. She was pretty with her windblown mane, “I’ve been out in the wastes a while.”

“I used to be known for my animal sense.” She commented sadly, looking up at the sky, “Fluttershy, tamer of dragons, being lectured on kindness to animals by…”

She hesitated in a moment of horror, Dust grinning and finishing her sentence for her, “A dirty killer.”

He smirked at her, shaking a hoof, “Don’t sweat it. And that’s why I’m not going to kill it.” He chuckled, shrugging his shoulders and looking back ahead, “My job at the end of the day, involves killing ponies. It’s not a happy thing, and it wears a soul down. I’ve dealt with it by thinking very long and hard about what ponies to kill, and why.”

Fluttershy looked away, quiet for a moment before speaking softly, “Rainbow Dash said something like that… when I asked her if she had every killed a pony.”

“An untrained, innocent, peaceful pony can startle, panic and kill any old thing, in any brutal terrible way, for any stupid reason if given a weapon.” Dust stated, having given this speech to a whole lot of new blood, “A trained killer kills painlessly, quickly, and for good reason. He will never kill without forethought, and never forget what a terrible thing taking life is.”

Fluttershy looked back across the path, Dust following her gaze to the cat thing standing on a rock, watching them go. She spoke after a while, a smile edging across her lips, “I’m trying so hard to become strong. I’m starting to regret forgetting how to be weak.”

“No… I guess not.” She chuckled sadly, “It just makes me… remember the old days. It’s ironic really.” She chuckled, “I’m not sure I was really happier then.”

“Not… happy.” Fluttershy smiled after a moment, chuckling lightly, “Maybe a little.”

Dust looked at her, wondering if she was joking. After a moment he could do nothing but grin at the cheerful little pegasus, “Fluttershy, are you an adrenaline junky?”

“I don’t know why I’m happy… maybe.” She admitted, “I feel better than I have in years. I think I really was becoming sick of politics. And… I guess it makes me a terrible pony, but despite all the disaster, all the death... I’m just glad to be on an adventure again.”

Dust grinned. They were both perilous old fools it seemed, “Nothing wrong with that.”

“Yes there is.” She chastised gently, “My best friend is dead, I’ve killed innocents, I watched powerlessly as dozens of children were killed and war becomes more likely every day. But I guess I really am crazy.”

“You’re in good company.” Dust quipped, before finding his eyes drawn towards the route ahead. His heart quivered a little, spotting the shaded figure under the shelter of a rock. It was wearing a dusty brown cloak, its face obscured…

They drew closer, the figure coming into view. A warm, friendly smile beamed from beneath a wide brimmed hat, worn stripes and deep wrinkles visible across the figure’s muzzle. He raised his hat and gave them a nod as they approached. He was old, the kind of deep furrows you only got from long decades exposed to the hard roads. Shards of bone and gold jewellery adorned him, surprisingly complex pieces with clearly a lot of work put into them. Obviously this zebra was reasonably well off despite his dusty appearence. Dust raised a hoof as they approached, “Ho!”

“Take rest travellers. Rest your hooves.” The zebra spoke, his voice whispered and croaky but still easily reaching the ears, “Our roads are blessed today.”

“You’re a member of the Sequesta” Fluttershy stated as she approached, her tone cautiously friendly, “The tribe in control of this area.”

“Dea’. We walk these roads since starlight fell… long before.” He smiled, a reassuring sight despite the lack of quite a few of his teeth. He grabbed hold of a long barrelled rifle, using it to scratch out a furrow in the dirt, “Grandfather walked great plains in proud uniform, protecting all creature here from those who would prey.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened, the excitement clear in her voice, “You protected the animals here from poachers?”

“Some. Others scouts for army, some scientists of natural places, some just survivors of the star fall who understood our ways.” He gave them all a friendly look, waving them over, “Either way, we welcome friends all those who walk the same path.”

They all settled around, the zebra offering some dried mushrooms that looked very suspicious but actually tasted very good after Dust had mustered the courage. The zebra chuckled at their reactions, reaching out and pouring some tea from his kettle, “Many laugh for us staying. Say this is lifeless land, no plants or animals. Just not looking hard enough.”

“It must be hard to live here though.” Star Swirl commented, looking around, “Why do you do it?”

“Because some zebra must understand. So much of zebra is now dust and dirt, so we must be the ones who understand the dust.” He gave a croaky, throaty laugh, “Some smooth face shaman comes down, where he ask for guidance across these lands? Go to Clendel, ask some stripeless with painted hooves?”

“No offense to pony.” The old zebra grinned back, “Stripes for camouflage, break up shape, make it hard to aim. Zebra in Clendel, they groom fur every day, put oils on to make it shiny, grow their great big bellies. Make much better targets, see them from mile away. No real stripes, never earned them.”

“I call them softhooves.” Dust commented with a chuckle, “Hooves that have spent all their lives walking across tarmac, likely chip a piece stepping onto proper rock.”

Fluttershy rolled her eyes a little, interrupting them, “What do we call you sir?”

“And Dust Kicker, Star Swirl, Easu… and you last two children I do not know.”

“Ace Gold.” Ace Gold answered, a little evasively, “How do you know our names?”

“My kin were down at the fight between Luna and Starhammer.” Kuovan answered, giving them all a knowing smile, “And word of your travels is beginning to circle. I’m an old stallion, not much for me to do but sit and gossip.”

Star Swirl asked her question hesitantly, “So what are others saying about us?”

“Many, many things. That is your problem!” The zebra declared, fixing them with a wry, judgemental stare, “So many story, all different. Starhammer has one, that he chose for self. But no zebra know what Princess Luna really stood for. Princess not good at communicating with others outside her circle.”

Star Swirl looked stricken for this for a moment, before quietly questioning, “So it’s up to us to tell her story?”

Kuovan chuckled, “If you value the story she wanted to tell. Many heroes, all need their story to be told. Easy to be forgotten without one.”

“These lands haven’t had a hero in a while now.” Kuovan walked over to a pile of twigs ringed by rocks, striking a fling and igniting a small fire, “Starhammer and the others, all fighting for the right to be the one who defines this decade.”

That tweaked Dust’s interest, “I heard that Tradash the Black was once a big hero.”

Kuovan nodded, smiling, “A hero of my generation. I met them, fought alongside them. They were the greatest of heroes, the ones that define an age. They embodied the elements of harmony, birthed the first new elder since the stars fell, delivered us from the brink of extinction.”

“Really?” Star Swirl stated with a twinge of both scepticism and awe, “I knew Tradash. He didn’t seem… epic. He just seemed like a nice, cheerful scholar.”

“You don’t know what Tradash was.” Esau spoke for the first time since they set off, his voice softly threatening, “He never needed strength. It takes more to be kind, forgiving.”

“Oh Tradash had strength once.” Kuovan breathed, “I was there on the day he ignited the Navaran Megaspell, condemned a hundred zebra to death in but a moment. Not one of the others had will to do such a thing.”

Kuovan smiled, looking down at Easu, “My son, you greater gift to him than you might realise. Tradash spent all his life being strong, makes old zebra grateful that he has one that he can be kind, gentle for.”

Star Swirl looked across at Easu, staring at him for a moment or two before turning back to Kuovan with a horrified expression, “How could he do something like that? He seemed so… kind!”

“Zebra already dead. Demons already upon them.” Kuovan shook his head, “Gave them quick death, delayed death of others just long enough.”

“Littlepip detonated a megaspell too.” Dust reminded, for the second time this week, “And massacred the villagers at Arbu.”

“That’s… the trait in her that I really admire.” Fluttershy spoke after a moment, “The difference between a real hero and fake one.”

“A fake hero wants to be a hero. They spend all their time trying to look good, doing great deeds in the public eye.” Fluttershy sighed, looking into the fire, “A real hero wants to help as many ponies as she can. Even if she ends up looking like a monster in the process.”

Everypony was quiet for a moment, before Star Swirl finally spoke up, “That’s the same justification used by the Goddess, Red Eye… every pony with a cause, a gun and a bodycount in the thousands.”

Zenai looked at Star Swirl before speaking, “I’m not necessarily a huge fan of moral relativism. It’s… sort of allowing ponies to decide their own systems of morality, outside of conventional norms. It’s a little vulnerable to… well, the totally crazy.”

“Oh dear Celestia!” Ace suddenly interjected, grumply waving a hoof in their general direction, “I’m sitting in the middle of a discussion between three Followers, and I’ve already heard ‘moral relativism’ and ‘Red Eye’ being banded about! I had enough of this shit at university.”

To everypony’s surprise Fluttershy started laughing, cheerful, giggly and loud. After a moment she managed to restrain herself, shaking a hoof with a huge smile on her face, “Oh Ace, I was an insufferable coffee shop philosopher long before the followers made it cool. And I also seem to remember kicking both these two out.”

To Dust’s relief and joy Zenai smiled at this, her features lighting up. Star Swirl just looked confused and a little shocked.

Ace spoke up with a note of grumpy amusement as the mood lightened, “Can we just hear more about the awesome heroes who saved the world?”

Kuovan moved up onto his hooves, taking some dust from a bag at his side and striding towards the fire, “Certainly. Now where should I start…” He smiled and threw the dust into the flame, the fire turning blue and soaring up into the sky, “Maybe at the beginning…”

Tradash made his way through the great halls, his hooves echoing across stone that had stood for millennia, surrounded by statues and murals depicting the history of his people.

Tradash turned round, regarding Zane for a moment with impatience and contempt. He looked at the buck, chubby, asthmatic, always so well intentioned but never really good at anything...

Zane gave a happy grin, his goofy face lighting up, “I though you would love it here. Look at all the history, all the culture of the zebra!”

He sighed and turned around, continuing on through the arched halls, “I’m starting to lose my appreciation for history.”

The corridor they travelled along ended at a large, ornate set of double doors, Tradash identifying the symbol for knowledge inscribed above. His head turned as they moved past a set of windows opening out onto a lovingly laid out garden, watered by a set of winding streams and warmed by a series of glowing stone pillars, giving it life despite the snow that lay on the smooth alcoves above. Several zebra walked the paths, carefully and thoughtfully cutting and pruning the plants there.

He pushed the doors open and they stepped through, Tradash having to admit being impressed now. It was hard not to be. The library was huge, and even though many of the shelves were empty it still held more books that he had ever even realised existed. The library sat under one of the lesser domes, faded images decorating the curving stone above. The room itself consisted of three floors, the second a large central platform linked to a veranda ringing the outside, stairs leading up to a third floor laid out in the shape of a cross. Great stone pillars supported each, inscribed with runes of strength and protection, a ring of runes around the edge of the dome seeming to be complex inscriptions of shielding. The building had a sense of timeless antiquity, yet looking around Tradash could see many of the shelves held memory orbs and data chips, monitors set up on some of the desks.

There must have been thousands of books here. The whole library together had space for about six times that.

Tradash turned at the cracked, elderly voice, quickly locating the zebra sitting at a desk nearby. His gnarled, shrivelled body was hunched inside a well padded wheelchair, supporting bones and flesh that looked like they were about to turn to dust. He was pretty much the oldest zebra Tradash had ever seen, faded tattoos covering his body. After a moment Tradash found his nerve, walking over and presenting himself proudly, “We’re looking for books on demons.”

The old zebra chuckled, his voice a dry wheeze, “Ground floor, far left corner, reference 0351.”

They set off at his instruction, Tradash reading the numbers off as they headed towards the area the librarian had directed. Zane as normal could not contain his enthusiasm, “They have books on Negaran embroidery! Those must be the same books my mother learned from, back when she was just a girl!” He looked across at Tradash, still silent and determined, after a second doing the one thing Tradash prayed he wouldn’t… “Cheer up! Look where we are! These are the same halls where Zephyr Stormstrung once walked, where zebra have studied the great mysteries!”

Tradash sighed, not really wanting to do this but considering himself duly pressed, “First of all, the oldest structure here was built seventy five years after Zephyr’s death, and this library was built near four hundred years after that. In that time it’s been repaired enough that not one stone likely stands from the original structure.”

“And second…” He continued, taking a quick breath to steady his tone, “The great mysteries? They’re still pretty mysterious, and not one book here stopped the great war, the megaspells, the winter that’s killing us all now, or any real world problem I can name. What’s the point of wisdom if it can’t save your species?”

“Well…” Zane considered for a moment, his goofy brow furrowed, “We’re not dead yet. So you know… maybe it did save us?”

They eventually found the shelves they were looking for, though Tradash was instantly confronted with the reality of the task. The section on monsters and demons contained hundreds of books, and many of them were really thick. He walked over and let his eye drift across them, trying to work out how exactly they were sorted, “Looks like they’re arranged alphabetically, with sections for… organic, draconic, demonic… etheric…”

“What’s etheric?” Zane asked, “And… what’s the difference between that and a demon? And what is the definition of a demon anyway?”

Tradash felt his shame burn, realising… he didn’t know. There were other categories that were equally bizarre, and skimming the books didn’t help. Draconic was fairly obvious, but why were they distinct from organic? Why were Timberwolves demonic, alongside Changelings? Etheric seemed to contain mostly creatures he had never really heard of… though… “Look at this. Windegos, Windwraiths… didn’t Garidia call it a wraith?”

“Excuse me! This is a library, and I would ask you to keep your voices down!”

Tradash turned his eye to a zebra mare sitting nearby, smooth furred, pretty, wearing a pair of elegant, expensive looking glasses. Her perfectly smooth hooves sat either side of her book, her eyes full of withering contempt. Tradash took this all in and couldn’t help the aggression pouring out in his voice, “Excuse me?”

“This is a library, full of the wisdom of the elders.” She stated witheringly, “I bet you haven’t even washed your hooves before touching those books have you?”

“I thought not.” She sniffed, “And so here you are, smudging the ink on books a thousand years old, disturbing the work of real scholars.”

He looked down at the book in her hooves. It was a history book, he could tell by the list of dates, “Do you know why we’re here?”

“Because dozens of zebra dear to me have died out there from the cold and hunger, and now there’s a demon of the snow and wind stalking my village that left Zane’s brother and my best friend in bloody pieces.” He advanced on the mare despite the desperately grabbing hoof of Zane, glaring in barely contained fury, “I walked across a hundred miles of barren crops, desperate villages and the piled dead to get to this place, only to find zebra like you! Smug, self righteous and totally useless, while zebra out there die in their hundreds! I might be a farmer, but at least I produce something of worth! What have you ever done for the world?!”

He turned back as Zane shouted loudly at him, his hoof insistent on his shoulder. He looked upset, nervous, a little angry… was it at him? Why would Zane be mad at him? “What…?”

“That’s enough bro.” He stated softly, shaking his head and looking deeply embarrassed, “You’ve said your piece.”

“I… fine!” Tradash growled and stalked off, not even sparing a glance for the girl he had yelled at. It wasn’t until he had put a few bookcases behind him that he allowed himself time to think, to question.

He wasn’t wrong, he wasn’t. The zebra here spoke of wisdom and harmony but they had abandoned those out there. They had the power to change the world and they did nothing. He wasn’t wrong to hate them for it, only for thinking he would ever find anything of worth here.

Tradash paused, realising he had walked straight past the old librarian. He averted his face, mumbling a little, “Only what I expected…”

“Perhaps the latter hmm?” The librarian teased, a look of serene calm in his expression, “You did not spend very long looking after all.”

“A zebra searching too hard for the smallest twig to light his fire can ignore a great many branches in his path.” The librarian stated cheerfully, his long whiskers twitching in amusement, “A young zebra, full of anger at the injustice he feels he has suffered may see a young girl studying something of little importance, and believe she does not care for his plight.”

Tradash fumed, his temper breaking once more, “She was reading a history book!”

“A book on historical accounts of wide spread climate change, and specific examples where it brought in its wake dangerous monsters.” The librarian spoke with a widening smile, “And a young girl may see two ignorant country bumpkins mishandling books, yet miss the true weight of their mission and its connection to her own.”

She… she was trying to help? She was studying the exact same thing he was, only… bigger. He was only interested in Clendel after all, despite his loyalty just a small farming community of little importance. If this was true then she was trying to save everything, “But… she was so rude.”

“And your response was well balanced?” The librarian chastised softly, “The energy of youth is a marvellous, powerful thing, and it burns in the both of you like a fire. The wisdom to direct it however… that is not so easy.” The librarian chuckled and turned as hoof steps approached, smiling warmly as the zebra mare exploded from around a corner, her glasses askew and a book clasped in her jaws. She froze and dropped it as she saw Tradash, a deep blush spreading across her face as she averted her eyes in shame.

“And here she is. How fortuitous that I delayed you. That book certainly seems most interesting Tandia.” The librarian observed happily, “Why don’t you tell us what you found within it?”

The mare looked left and right, obviously not wanting to speak up in front of Tradash. After a moment she was forced to however, adjusting her hair and trying to sound more composed than she looked, “The other zebra, he described the monster to me. I believe it is a Mishibizhi, as described in this book.”

She handed it to the librarian, the ancient zebra taking it and handing it to Tradash. Tradash took it nervously and opened it up at the indicated page, finding the section on the Mishibizhi…

“And now you have what you came for, because you were patient enough to wait a moment. There is a lesson there, hmm?”

Tradash hated to spoil the lesson, but… “There’s almost nothing here! It has weaknesses, but they’re all things I’ve never heard of, and that you would have to get close to it for!”

“Well then, I guess you will need a zebra with expertise in this sort of thing?” The librarian stated breezily, his eyes turning to Tandia, “And look at this. Your impatience and unwillingness to challenge your expectations almost spoiled your chance at two major assets in solving your problem.”

“Wait… you don’t… no!” Tandia shouted desperately, her eyes full of panic, “You mean me?”

The librarian chuckled, “It seems destined does it not? That you would meet in this place.”

“No it doesn’t!” She complained, indignant, “I’ve… I’ve never even left this city!”

“Really? Well then we must rectify this before it’s too late!” The librarian laughed, shaking his head at the girl, “Tandia, you really must get away from all those dusty old books. There’s a whole world out there to experience.”

“Elder, I’m… I’m not even a full Shaman! I don’t know anything about fighting demons!”

The librarian smiled kindly, extending a hoof to her, “The road to wisdom is a long, painful one, but you grow with every step. The time has come for you to walk that road yourself.”

She gave him a withering glance, “Would you be here if you knew the first thing about fighting demons?”

“My dear, the shaman of this place have spent years trying to banish this darkness that has settled across the land. They will keep trying, but I fear the task is beyond us. The old and wise find themselves unable to combat this thing because it is new, and we are far too old to learn new tricks after all this time.” The librarian nodded his ancient head, “You are young, and inexperienced. You profess to learn nothing, and therefore you can look on this with eyes untainted by bias.”

“Our magic and alchemy fail us.” He looked around the great library, eyes misting, “I remember, so long ago. My first steps into these halls. I was a farmer, just like young Tradash here. My fellows were labourers, tailors, merchants, thieves. We knew nothing of magic, but we walked these halls under the light of the fading megaspells, saw the bodies of the shaman piled up in the halls, and knew that we must learn if the zebra were to survive.”

“It does make me smile when zebra declare that title with such reverence.” The old zebra stated with a chuckle. He then looked at both of them, his wrinkled head nodding in satisfaction, “Tradash, we cannot defeat your demon. We possess the knowledge that may turn the tide, but we lack a zebra with the drive, determination and courage to see this quest to its conclusion. I am truly sorry.”

Tradash let his head drop, the words settling into his soul like rods of steel, “I… understand.”

“And Tandia… you are an excellent student, a diligent young mare of infinite potential.” Zaradine’s old eyes twinkled with affection as he looked upon her, “And you will wilt in these halls, never flowering as I know you could. So this is my final test for you. Go out there, and learn whom you truly are, and what this world really means to you. When you return, I will be the student.”

“So here we are, two young zebra, setting out on a noble quest!” He gave the pair a look of pride, smiling as he looked between them, “It warms this old zebra’s heart to see…”

“Sorry I’m late!” A familiar voice cried as another zebra galloped from the shelves, “This place is so huge, I totally got turned around three times back there!”

“Is he a noble hero off on a quest too elder?” Tandia stated in an admirably deadpan tone.

“Indeed!” Zaradine stated, giving the puffing zebra a kindly smile, “In fact I sense this young zebra might have the most shining destiny of you all.” He gave them a humble nod, eyes shining as he beheld them proudly, “Now go, and show me the fire of your youth. If you wish a better world, then forge it with your own four hooves!”

Tradash led them out, enduring the withering glare of Tandia and the constant chattering questions from Zane. Despite the speeches he had heard he still didn’t believe it. They were heroes? They were kids, that had no idea what they were doing.

But there was no one else willing to step up it seemed, and he never backed down from the challenge.

Dust pondered this as he looked over the valley, lit sparsely by but a few small villages and outposts. The air was chillier up here, the others all curled up in thick blankets behind. Dust on the other hoof was having trouble sleeping, and it really was too beautiful night to miss. The Lunar Aurora lit up this sky at this altitude, the light reflected of the moon’s surface shattering against the radiation in the upper atmosphere.

He reflected for a second longer before answering, “I think the young drive change. Take Zenai. She might not think she can do a lot on her own, but it’s her ideals that really brought me into this fight.” He chuckled, “The young risk more. Older folk like us, we have more things to lose, and as our brains slow down we become increasingly wary of leaving the things that grant us security.”

“As was Velvet Remedy. And it was them that inspired Calamity and Steelhooves to try and change the world. And Xephyr was the youngest of the Elements of Harmony… as was Twilight Sparkle if I recall.” He nodded to himself, rather pleased with this really, “And that’s how it should be. I’m not always that patient with kids, but there’s something about the young that gives me hope for the future. And I’m happy using my timeworn experience to make sure they get to fulfil their potential.”

Puppy’s voice lit up with amusement, “So you’re fighting for Zenai’s dream?”

“I guess so. Maybe she’s more like Littlepip than she realises.” He stated, feeling the night’s air and the stars above leave him oddly sentimental, “I’m not over the hill yet, but I must admit it’s more difficult to get passionate about some grand crusade to make the world a better place these days. But keeping some idealistic little filly alive, helping her achieve her dreams? That I can care about.”

“Well… she’s arrogant, sulky, secretive and impulsive to a fault, and I have to admit wanting to throttle her sometimes. I still owe her a smack across the head for hiding your existence from me for so long. But she’s a good kid.” He shrugged, “Better than I was at her age.”

“Well you’ve been hiding things from them too Uncle.” Puppy stated softly, but with a definite hint of accusation, “You’ve been talking to somepony yourself, somepony you haven’t told anyone about.”

Dust opened his mouth to speak but didn’t know quite what to say, the words failing at the tip of his tongue. Rationally he should have known he wouldn’t have been able to hide it from her forever, but now he was confronted with it he realised he had no defence to give, “I… I’m not…”

“You know he’s a bad pony, right uncle?” Puppy’s sweet voice plucked wickedly at his heart strings, “You don’t still agree with what he did?”

Dust didn’t know where to look, knowing that Puppy could read his heartbeat, likely see his face no matter how much he tried to hide it, “I understand Puppy… that the things he did weren’t good.” He set his jaw, trying to sound confident in what he was saying, “But I still believe in the pony.”

“Because if I thought it was the only way to save the world… I couldn’t do what he did. But only because I’m weak.” Dust felt more sure of himself now, knowing he was right, “I saw the way he interacted with those kids, saw the way he spoke of the future. Saw his anger, his grief when children died in the pointless brutality of the wasteland. I have no doubt that his heart suffered at every evil thing he was forced to do, but that he did it anyway because he wanted to make a better world. And I believe he let Littlepip win, because he wanted to give her a chance to make a better world than he thought possible.”

“Because that better world wasn’t possible.” Dust stated, finally voicing what he had known all along, “I always avoided the civilised areas of the NCR because they always felt hollow to me. Ponies living in the tombs of the past, arguing over the same old shit. And now I realise that I was right all along.”

Puppy sighed, gentle and sad. It felt somewhat familiar somehow, both that and her words filling him with an odd regret, “And you think Red Eye could have made a better one?”

“I think he deserves to try.” Dust stated firmly, “Before I didn’t understand what his plan was, sitting out in the wasteland raiding isolated settlements. But now… he’s been speaking to me, helping us. He has a plan, even if I don’t know what it is.”

Puppy paused for a moment before speaking, her words to the point and without judgement, “And don’t you feel the others deserve to know who’s advice you’ve been following?”

Dust cursed internally, but he knew it was a fair question, “Just… not now. Not yet. Please Puppy, trust me on this.”

“It’s your decision to make Uncle.” She stated with impressively precise neutrality in her tone, “But I don’t like hiding things from our friends.”

“It is my decision to make.” Dust answered, annoyed that he was being forced to justify himself. He tried not to prickle at it, not wanting to be arrogant or unapproachable… but these weren’t exactly decisions made on a whim. They had a lot of soul searching and deep consideration behind them, and he already felt older for it, “Puppy, this group seem to consider me the leader. That means I’m responsible for their welfare, and if that means hiding things from them that I think could be harmful… then so be it.”

Puppy chuckled suddenly at this, oddly throaty and a little sinister. Her tone afterwards was full of affection… and deep regret, “Oh, uncle… I remember you used to say you never wanted to be a leader. That you hated it.”

“I understand how much stress you’re under uncle… and I’m sorry for adding to that.”

Dust sighed, realising that he had become increasingly grumpy and difficult of late. He had been especially quick to take that out on Puppy as well, “Puppy… I’m sorry, I really am. For being difficult, and for bossing you around, and criticising you… and generally being an ass.”

Her voice lowered, deeply affectionate, “You’re torn up about what happened at Dusk Light.”

Dust felt a tremor run through his heart. She was right, “Those kids… goddamn, I really… really wanted them to… live…” He bit his lip, feeling the tears form upon his eyes. That… he didn’t cry. He hadn’t cried in years. He hadn’t even cried at the funeral. Not when he buried Blessed Dawn.

She had been scared out of her mind down in the caves of Sanatoria, yet despite the rapid breathing, shaking knees and jittery movements she had never once froze up or acted without consideration. She had constantly looked to him for encouragement and he merely had to give her a nod for her to take charge, keeping the other’s spirits up and forging onwards. She was a great shot, fast, agile, smart. Damn pretty, with a good head on her shoulders.

“Puppy… I’ve seen too much death to want to be responsible for the lives of others.” Dust took a deep breath, feeling so many faces fill his mind, “I just want to be a soldier, cursing my commander when I see my comrades fall in battle, not full of the realisation that… I could have been smarter, or quicker, or more aggressive…”

His mind was once more drawn to the past, back to that little filly… her fur was blue, her flank too young to have a cutie mark. Innocent green eyes. His brother and the other two had chased her around, copping feels, hobbling one of her legs, laughing as she had become more and more desperate and exhausted. Then they had finally held her down, raping the poor child as she had screamed and cried… and then they had offered her to Dust.

He wanted to join in just so he could go another day without feeling different, left out. Playing along with the role given to him by fate. But on that day… he hadn’t the energy.

He had drawn his weapon and shot the girl through the forehead. She had looked confused, that expression frozen on her face in death. He wondered what had gone through her head as he drew his weapon.

And then Gawd, the most dynamic and amazing girl he had ever met. She had taught him what it meant to love another, to be totally enraptured by every part of them. He had fought alongside her and felt his life finally mean something. Finally find a girl he would have done anything for, that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

And when he finally told her this she had struck him, looked down at him with such total contempt that he had never been able to face her again. He had run away that very same day, abandoned his whole life rather than endure that look that spoke of everything he loathed about himself.

And then Elizabetha. He had initially rebounded on her, the only griffon in the unit that had recruited him to Red Eye’s side. That had been insulting. Elizabetha had been no mere poor substitute, and he felt embarrassed to have ever thought that way. She had taught him to read, taught him history and philosophy. She believed so strongly in Red Eye, not because she was a thug or a sadist like the others but because she understood what he was trying to do. Used long words to describe them, waved around large books on politics and philosophy to justify them.

And he had just walked away from her, leaving her broken and alone in the ruins of that village, surrounded by the corpses of her victims. He had tried to convince her to come with them, tried so hard… but she wouldn’t even speak to him.

He thought she would follow along when she felt better, rejoin the unit. She was tough.

Cerulean Sparks… damn that filly. Fifteen years old, sharp as a knife, cold as steel. Her home destroyed, her body beaten, and still she stared ahead with those impassive yellow eyes. Judging, considering, not a hint of fear. He had been a senior member of the group that destroyed her home and had been the one to finally capture her, yet she had treated him with… what? Affection?

She said Dust Kicker had been the only one worth talking to. She had asked him about Red Eye and he had quoted from Elizabetha’s books. Her eyes had lit up, her cold indifference fading into steely determination as she critically analysed Red Eye’s operation, Dust’s part in it, his motivations, his tactics…

He liked intelligent mares. He had… approached her in the end, and she hadn’t said no. But afterwards she had been colder. Never disapproving, never saying no, never saying anything about it. Her questions grew sharper, tearing at the things he valued most. Occasionally he would catch a glimpse of affection, chasing desperately after more only to be faced with those cool piercing eyes and a look of total indifference.

She had asked him to take her to Red Eye. He was totally in her spell by that point, unable to even think of refusing. And Red Eye had been impressed. Dust had seen her briefly before the final operation, one of the many unicorns Red Eye intended to use in case Littlepip refused his offer.

And then she died. The most fascinating mare he had ever known, dying alone when Littlepip’s transport crashed into the Everfree Forest.

So yes… Luna’s death had hit him hard. He had always… figured at her true identity, that sense of youth about her stopping him for ever thinking about her romantically. Still she was one of those rare breeds that fascinated him so much, so smart and with the clear signs of a deep wisdom already growing, yet with the stubborn, impulsive, reckless drive that could really change the world. And maybe he had associated her with those he had lost a little too strongly, exposing his heart once more to the pain of losing them all. And at the end of it…

“I held her in my hooves Puppy. I didn’t know who she was at first, and when I did… she was so small.” He felt the tears well up again, wiping down his eyes with a hoof, “She looked just like a mare I was once… close to. One I learned had died, during the destruction of the cathedral by Littlepip.” He sighed, admitting it felt good to admit all this, “But I never saw her body, never had to deal with seeing that light just extinguished. So I guess that when I learned that this little, fragile, broken thing in my hooves was Princess Luna… well I’m beginning to realise that hurt more than I originally thought.”

“Is that why you chose to hide your intentions from me back there?” Puppy questioned softly, “Convinced me to act against the Lost Legion?”

“I think it was.” He admitted, “I was scared, and… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“I don’t think you should trust Red Eye either uncle.” Puppy advised softly, affectionate and concerned, “No matter what his intentions, nothing good can come of associating with stallions like him.”

Dust thought that was a very good point. The young inspired change all right, and maybe the old got too attached to his past to see the future clearly, “I’ll take that under consideration.”

“Thank you. Now I think you should get some sleep. We both have a lot left to do.”

They awoke the next morning to a nourishing breakfast, Kuovan feeding them all up before waving them over with a knowing look, “It is now time for you to leave.”

“Yes elder.” Easu bowed politely, hoof on his chest, “Many thanks for your kindness.”

“Well not finished yet.” He noted with a soft, slightly grim smile, “You wish to honor Princess Luna?”

Dust hesitantly took the bait, “Is there an opportunity that we should know about?”

“A village, that way.” Kuovan pointed with a hoof, “It is along your route. Ask about the Princess there and you may find some surprising answers.”

They took his advice and some supplies, heading off in the direction indicated. It wasn’t long before they did indeed see a settlement approach, well sheltered by rocks, long cliffside ledges holding gardens full of tough mountain crops. It looked old and well established if not exactly rich, Dust leading them inside.

Suspicious eyes followed them, a team of militia meeting them not a few steps inside. They were cheerless and gruff, their eyes dwelling upon Star Swirl especially. They asked the usual questions and Dust answered as best as he could, still they simply continued until Dust swore they were simply stalling. That suspicion was finally answered when another, older zebra stepped up, flanked by four more armed zebra. He trotted over, manner chilly and aggressive, “You, alicorn.”

The zebra all became wary merely at the sound of her voice, Dust noticing them tense. After a second the lead zebra spoke again, “You Star Swirl, yes?”

Star Swirl frowned for a moment more before speaking in some zebra tongue, the sound of the zebra’s native language actually causing several of the guards to react in a manner that would be quite hilarious under any other circumstance. The lead zebra took a moment to compose himself before answering in a further gruff tone, Star Swirl and Zenai answering a few times as Dust tried desperately to translate. He looked to Fluttershy but she was looking rather jumpy, biting her lip and looking like she wanted to wade in herself. He decided it was probably best to take her lead and not make this any worse.

After a short while Star Swirl huffed, turning her head down to Dust Kicker ad scowling, “They won’t let me in.”

“They know I’m involved with Princess Luna and Starhammer.” She answered with irritation, “They think we’re here to cause trouble.”

Dust was starting to wonder why they were sent here. Still he owed it to Kuovan to explore this a little more, and they had come all this way, “Star Swirl, do you mind waiting outside while we just buy a few supplies?”

The lead zebra looked to him, frowning for a moment before holding up a hoof, “One.”

“I don’t think we really need anything from here.” Fluttershy looked across, her eyes full of worry, “Do we Dust Kicker?”

Dust briefly considered just moving on, still… he spotted some zebra just inside the settlement staring at them, a small buck waving at him with an excited look… “Just a brief stop, then we’ll move on.”

Star Swirl gave the town a complex look before nodding hesitantly and moving away. Fluttershy walked over and gave Dust a worried glance before touching his shoulder with a hoof, “Be careful.”

As expected Dust was followed into the town by a few guards, the unfriendly looking zebra glaring at him as he walked the streets. He saw the waving zebra that he had spotted at the entrance a few times but he quickly disappeared as he saw the guards with him. Obviously not a big fan.

It gave Dust the chance to walk around at least, noting that this place seemed to consist of only zebra, with even the friendliest of the merchants rather guarded and eager to see him move on. After a short while he became weary of this game, now familiar enough with the layout of the town to quickly lose the guards with a few quick turns. It wasn’t long after that that he saw the waving zebra trying to get his attention, quickly trotting over to an alleyway between two buildings.

There were two zebra children there, a well built and rugged filly with the build of a farmer and a cheerful looking, bouncy buck who looked softer than a down pillow. They both looked eager to talk to him, Dust giving them both a reassuring smile, “Something to say to me?”

“Don’t pay any attention to those jerks.” The female stated angrily, pouting firmly with both ears fully erect, “There are some in this town that still have an inch of sense.”

“Nope, we’re as dumb as they come.” The buck commented cheerfully, “But we know a very smart zebra. Is that good enough?”

The filly glared at him before giving Dust a pleading, hopeful look, “You know of Princess Luna?”

Dust sighed. He didn’t want to do this, he really didn’t, “I knew her, yes.”

“So she’s really dead.” She stated, her head falling even though she didn’t seem too surprised. Eventually she looked back up, patting a hoof against her chest “Nora.” She motioned to the buck beside her, “This is Zash.”

Zash bounced at the mention of his name, positively exuberant as he waved Dust further down the path, “Now come on, come on, we have someone for you to meet!”

“He will want to see you.” She confirmed, giving him a hopeful smile, “Will you come?”

The house the kids led Dust to was on the edge of town, looking like it had once been a defensive structure with its high tower, small windows and solid construction. It was old, maybe part of the original settlement, and was in a poorer state of repair than the buildings around it with the garden at the front heavily overgrown. It looked like it had been abandoned, though Dust couldn’t understand why given the quality of construction.

The interior was in much better condition, if a little messy. Couches were pushed to the corner, covered in crumbs and food stains, posters and handwritten notices stuck to the wall. They moved out of the lobby and into the main room, Dust confronted with a large, well carved statue of a unicorn mare in an equestrian magic corps uniform. It had been placed in the middle of the room, far too big for the space it filled, “Who is that?”

“Magus Heartfire. One of the founders of the town.” A zebra youth in the corner stated, turning and making his way towards them. He was skinny and gaunt, sharp features extenuated by intense eyes, “She lived in this house, as did her descendants.”

“Strange to find it hidden in here.” Dust commented, “Something to do with the local feeling towards ponies?”

“Good guess.” The zebra stated, his expression serious, “You saw it then? The hatred that runs through this town?”

“Nau, that’s not true!” Nora stated angrily, glaring back the way they came with a truly dirty look, “It was them out there that were to blame! You’re just the only one who took responsibility!”

“It was my responsibility.” Nau replied grimly, looking down at the floor for a moment before turning his eyes back to Dust Kicker, “You know of Princess Luna?”

Dust was getting the idea here. It wasn’t a good one, “You got a visit from her didn’t you?”

“This town… hurt a pony child.” Dust reasoned, then fixed Nau with a long stare. Finally he smiled, hoping he had worked it out successfully, “You took responsibility.”

“It was my responsibility. I started it.” Nau stated, looking deeply at war with himself, “I lied, told everyone she had attacked me. I lied to protect myself, then watched as the whole town turned against her. And… one night they accused her of being a witch, burned her alive on a pyre with the whole town in attendance.”

Dust had to catch himself. He thought this zebra was over dramatic and trying a little too hard to be grim before, now he considered it very much justified, “That certainly seems like the kind of thing Luna didn’t take lightly.”

“This might have been the first town she visited actually.” Nau stated, his head dropping, “That’s one of the reasons the locals don’t talk about it anymore. Not only are they ashamed, some think that by doing it they somehow unleashed a curse, that Princess Luna was their fault. She stated as much when she came here, she knew exactly what they had done, said she had come to punish us.”

“And Nau was the only one who came out!” Zash declared cheerfully, “He stood in front of her, told her that it was his fault and begged her to spare the town in exchange for his life! It was so awesome!”

“You make me sound like a hero.” He stated sadly, “I told you, it was my fault. I bullied her, I accused her of crimes she didn’t commit to save my own skin. They killed her because of me.”

“Luna spared you for a reason Nau.” Dust gave him a smile, liking this kid. He saw a lot of himself in him, “She made plenty of her own mistakes. She was big on making the most of second chances.”

“An abandoned theme park about six days travel north.” Dust smiled, “There’s a big statue of her there.”

“I see. Thank you.” Nau seemed to wrestle with himself for a while before speaking again, “Is it safe?”

“As far as any roads are.” Dust commented, before shrugging at the honest conclusion, “Probably safer. Starhammer should be patrolling the roads quite heavily now.”

Dust shook his head, “Make your own decisions about him. He won’t stop you from visiting the statue, I think he rather likes her being famous. Even respects her himself, in his own way.”

“Not so much.” Nau stated grimly, walking past to stare upwards at a dusty photo on the wall. It depicted a tough middle aged mare with a white coat, her hoof draped around a small, plain grey filly, “The filly I bullied. Who I called names, and pushed into puddles… I liked her. She was the smartest girl in town. And she was always so sad, always looked so lonely.” He let his head drop, voice becoming husky, “I desperately wanted to be a part of her life, and the only way I could find to do that was… to torment her.”

“Nau, it’s not your fault…” Nora stated, moving forward to lay a hoof on his shoulder before hesitating. After a moment it fell back to her side and she retreated sadly, “It was your father who overreacted.”

Dust stared at the photo, his heart fluttering a little. She looked so young, her frame thinner than he remembered… but he could still recognise Midnight Dreamer staring out at him, her mother’s hoof gently laid upon her shoulder, “When was this taken?”

“A long time ago.” Nora stated sadly, “That’s Midnight Dreamer, the girl… the girl who we’re taking about. Her mother died when she was very young.”

He looked at the picture for some time, unable to tear his eyes away. He wondered if he should really retire right now, if he couldn’t save one little filly. He had held her in his hooves, totally useless as the last remnants of warmth drained from her.

“Did… Princess Luna mention her?” Nau asked after a moment, a suspicious look in his eyes, “You’re the second pony to react like that to her picture.”

“And really suspicious.” Nora countered, with a glare shot in Zash’s direction, “She wouldn’t tell us how she knew Princess Luna, or anything really. She was clearly hiding something.”

“Her name was Sunshine Ivory.” Nau finally concluded, his own expression undecided, “I think she had a lot on her mind. She didn’t stay long.”

Sunshine Ivory? Dust had to admit being more than a little intrigued. Sunshine Ivory had appeared briefly after Luna’s death, some of the children spotting her looking shellshocked in the remains of the library and Star Swirl reporting that she had exited the caves soon after with tears in her eyes. She had not returned, “Where did she go?”

“Up the mountain, towards the town of Nasson.” Nau answered, before turning his head, “Do you know her?”

“Yeah… she was close to Princess Luna. I think she was pretty much her mentor.” Dust felt a twinge of sympathy. Looked like somepony was also feeling pretty responsible for her death, “Thank you for making her welcome. She’s a good pony.”

Dust would have claimed a touch of destiny about all this if he didn’t know better, “I’m going in that direction anyway. I guess I should try and look her up, see how she’s doing.”

Nau nodded, taking a deep breath, “And… I need to prepare for my own journey. It’s a fair distance, but it has to be done.” He looked up at the picture for a moment, closing his eyes tight, “I can’t continue like this, hiding from it all. I have to look her in the face and confess my sins, find some absolution.”

Dust nodded, giving him an encouraging smile, “I understand kid. You do what you have to.”

“Thank you.” He turned to the others, giving them a grave look, “Look after the house while I’m gone. I…”

“What?!” Nora shouted, raising her voice for the first time. She gave him the dirtiest look, her powerful shoulders tensing in anger, “You are not going without us!”

“Nora…” Nau countered with a sigh, “…this is my journey to make. I should never have brought you into this…”

“You idiot!” She shouted, stomping a hoof hard on the ground. Nau and Zash both backed away in fear, Nora biting her lip and lowering her voice a little as she continued, “This isn’t about you Nau, and it is not just your journey. When you started talking about taking responsabilty for our actions, accepting all races with kindness, for being genuine in our emotions and looking towards the future… we listened because you were right! We’re following you because you’re the only one in this town who makes sense!”

Nau gave her a pained look, “Nora… look at me. Am I a zebra worth following? I’m weak, barely clinging to my own beliefs. I got a girl killed with my own selfishness.”

“I don’t care what you are.” She countered, “Wisdom is wisdom. I want to go with you because you make me want to better myself, and that remains whether you want it or not.”

“Princess Luna said something very similar Nau.” Dust added with a smile, “She just wanted to find her own place in the world, didn’t ever think of herself as any sort of role model. Sometimes you just have to work with what fate gives you.”

Nasson was a very traditional wasteland town, built around an old refuelling station and attendant service buildings. The trucks that had once stopped here on their journey up the mountain now formed the raw materials for a chaotic sprawl of civilisation, Dust and the others mobbed by sights and sounds and smells as soon as they passed through the gates, merchants yelling out their wares. Dust noticed a lot of them were selling survival supplies and animal parts and concluded that this was your classic wilderness frontier town, supplying those heading out into the more untamed parts of the mountains. They spotted a heavily expanded and converted former sheriffs office now bearing the logo of the tribe, heading inside and finding a tough looking zebra inspecting some maps in the lobby. He was old and experienced looking, his Frumentarii scout uniform modified with animal skins and bones. He looked to them as they entered, speaking in iwato, “Strangers. What can I offer?”

Dust went to speak before pausing and turning to Fluttershy. His comprehension was getting better, but he was still unsure of his ability to pronounce most of these words. Fluttershy smiled back at him before moving forward to the front of the group, “We’re heading up towards the capital. Can you tell us of the terrain between here and there?”

The zebra frowned slightly, still he nodded and poked at the map, “Two options. The shortest route is through the city of Mesonora.” He looked at the party, carefully inspecting them for a moment, “You are of a good size and are well armed, though it’s still a dangerous route. Many bandits and beasts lurk in the old ruins.”

“Very dangerous city, it is not recommended you go exploring.” The zebra warned, “Buildings there are very tall, and city was notoriously corrupt. A whole community who had settled there was once wiped out when a tower block toppled onto them.”

“Death by shitty construction regulation.” Ace breathed, “Makes you appreciate how well built Manehatten was. Most of the buildings there we’re still using.”

“Second route is along the levadas, following the cliffside paths. Long, winding, easy to get lost. But communities there are friendly, farming villages sheltered from the winds.”

Dust considered this for a moment before making the hard choice, “We’re in a hurry unfortunately.”

Fluttershy nodded before giving the zebra a charming smile, “Have any other groups headed towards the capital recently?”

“Not that I know of.” The zebra stated, “Several groups have entered Nasson recently, but they were all headed either down towards the valley or old heartlands.”

“Hmm.” The zebra gave a conflicted, slightly bitter snort, “Not as much anymore. A good thing but…” He shrugged, “Town used to be a safe route between the western valleys and the lands to the east, allowing travel to the golden coast and an alternate route to the camel lands. The other, easier route to these places led through Entitidi territory, who heavily taxed or outright stole goods passing through their lands.”

“And now they’re all dead.” Zenai commented, “And Starhammer is in control.”

Fluttershy shook her head, looking rather official as she drew herself up, “It doesn’t have to. Remember, you are still the gateway into these mountains. And now communities can thrive in the Entitidi’s former lands, and the roads are open towards the golden coast.”

Ace nodded, shrugging his shoulders, “You must have plants, minerals and animals that only exist at this altitude. Before you could only really trade them to the west, but now the east is pacified you could open a trade route all the way to Equestria.”

The zebra looked stunned, though he was clearly trying his best to maintain his composure. Eventually he spoke, voice soft and definitely hopeful, “I’ve heard that a mercenary group is trying to open the seas towards Equestria. If that happened… then these lands could thrive again. Trade from the east would have to pass through these lands to get to Equestria. We would have a purpose, guarding these routes and protecting the natural world from the inevitable risk of over development.”

Dust smiled, even if it was a slightly rueful and conflicted one. Open the seas to Equestria and the result promised prosperity… and war. Dust had been a mercenary long enough to know that those things weren’t opposites, that most armed conflicts between ‘civilised’ ponies stemmed from the rights and profits of merchants. On the other hand, trade was the life blood of the many peaceful, welcoming communities he had encountered, “Do you think… contact… will lead to peace, or battle?” He asked hesitantly, aware he was likely butchering the language, “Can golden coast, equestria, clendal and starhammer life in peace?”

The zebra thought long and hard about this, finally speaking firmly, “Conflict drives life. Conflict between us and nature, between the hard hooves of the mountain zebra and the soft of the valley zebra. Between zebra and ponies. Between king and serf. These things cause us to experience understanding. The pilgrims path is not a simple walk, it is a path through many different ways of life, many different philosophies. It is a hard, dangerous route, that opens our perceptions so that we may fully consider the world and our place in it.”

Everyone went silent for a while, Dust unsure exactly how he felt about that. On one hand he kind of agreed, on the other it led to some… unpleasant places. One of them being…

The zebra turned to Fluttershy, shrugging his shoulders, “We Sequesta are taught not to dwell on the rights and wrongs of history. It was a thing, and if it would not have happened then we would not stand here right now. The bandit tribes of the lowlands would not have been born, would not have done the monstrous things they took such pleasure in. But neither would have Tandia of Garm. Would the heroes of legend have ever fulfilled their potential in a peaceful world? Would any of us gain fulfilment if we did not strive for survival?”

They all considered this for a moment, Fluttershy finally answering with a smile, “Thank you sir. Your kindness is most appreciated.”

They made their way outside, Dust moving over to Fluttershy with a note of concern, “Fluttershy, are you really considering deactivating Caesar’s curse.”

“It’s worth considering Dust Kicker.” She answered, “I have never believed the solution to conflict is just to avoid the probl... I don’t believe it anymore.” She corrected, before chuckling and giving him a exited smile, “Me and my friends could not be more different, yet we grew through those differences, became stronger. The ponies and zebra can do the same.”

“So what?” Ace Gold interjected grumpily, “We just give up, turn back, let these mercenaries do what they have to do?”

Fluttershy frowned at his cynicism, “All I said was that we should consider...”

“I’ve got another idea.” Star Swirl suddenly stated behind them, all turning as she trotted up. Dust Kicker frowned a little, rather intimidated by the strength in her voice and the fact that she was a lot taller when she wasn’t slouching. Her voice too was firmer and more resonant, “We act like the only choices are keeping Caesar’s curse active, or deactivating it permanently.”

“Holy shit, she’s right.” Ace Gold declared with not a little excitement, “Caesar’s curse is a magical weather effect. Presumably it works something like the SPP, and that means... we can take control of it.”

Easu took a deep breath, his voice sounding a little impressed, “Open the seas to trade... and close them if war comes.”

Dust chuckled, having to admit she had a good point, “Then we have a plan. Take down these mercenaries, then complete their job. Seize Caesar’s curse, use it to force ponies and zebra to play nice.” He nodded firmly, then gave the group a grin, “Then we move out tomorrow at dawn. Everyone, get in some R&R. We won’t get another chance to rest for a while.”

Dust watched them all depart, tempted to follow but aware he had more important work to do. So he set off to the bars and shops, happy at least that his target was certainly distinctive.

The place was surprisingly nice for a small town, done up in classical zebra style with lots of pillars bearing complex, curving patterns, a deep smell of incense in the air. He got the feeling from the wink wink nudge nudge from the mare at the desk that this wasn’t just a spa, still he just brought a basic package and parked himself out in the main lounge.

It didn’t take long. He smiled as the pure white mare stepped out from the corridor, having to admit to enjoying the sight a little too much. That robe she always wore was extremely modest, Dust seeing now that it hid a body that most would kill for. It was a body that Dust knew took a staggering amount of effort and dedication to maintain, revealing yet more sides to the mare that he found interesting, “Fancy seeing you here.”

Sunlight Ivory turned with a start, her eyes going wide in shock. She looked around desperately for a moment before the panic faded away, turning a weary expression towards him, “Dust Kicker, it’s good to see you again, if unexpected.” She tried to smile but didn’t quite make it, looking away after a moment, “I guess you were wondering why I left so suddenly?”

“Not really. I have a few guesses.” He chuckled, shrugging his shoulders, “I was just traveling in this direction, heard how you visited Midnight Dreamer’s old home.”

Sunlight Ivory sighed, a lost, painful look on her face, “Oh… yes.” She looked to him, her voice heavy with regret, “I took her from that village you know, saved her from the flames. I taught her everything she knew, wanted her to be a symbol. A symbol that would change the world.”

“That does not mean anything.” She retorted, “Celestia did not have her cutie mark when she first took rulership.”

He sighed, “You’re right, and I would have to be pretty hypocritical to judge you. I wish it had turned out better too.”

“It… still has a chance.” She stated quietly, “Star Swirl… how has she taken all this?”

Dust Kicker felt a twinge of protectiveness, especially now. Midnight Dreamer was barely cool in her grave, and now this mare wanted to add another alicorn princess to the world? “Luna died for your plan Sunshine Ivory, are you asking Star Swirl to do the same?”

“What is she here for, if not to be a hero?” Sunshine Ivory retorted quietly, “I will admit, the manner of Luna’s death has… shaken me.”

Dust looked around. A ‘spa’ in a little town out in the middle of nowhere, it seemed an odd tourist destination, “Is that why you’re all the way out here?”

Her smile slowly faded, becoming soft and lost, “I’m sorry, I… could not look you all in the face. Luna’s death was my fault, more than anyponies'. I put her on that path.”

“Luna was her own mare.” Dust stated firmly, “And she did better than anyone could hope. But this wasteland… it can’t be fought against.”

“Yes it can.” She replied with a fearsome glare, “Equestria recovered from the devastation of the Windegos because Celestia united them, led them through the darkness, saved them from Discord. We need a Celestia more than ever, and I believe Star Swirl and Charaxies have it in them to be her successor.”

“What about you?” Dust Kicker asked in sincere interest, not quite understanding why the mare was so content to work in the shadows, “You’re charismatic, smart… well, pretty as Celestia herself, if you don’t mind me saying.”

She smiled softly, a definite sadness in her eyes, “I’m not… built for it. Believe it or not, I’m not particularly good at public speaking. Neither am I very comfortable in the spotlight.” She looked away, lip curling slightly, “When I was younger, others used to look on me as the second coming of Celestia. I just… looked so much like her. I always found it hard to cope with that.”

She nodded, “Ironically, that’s where I forged all my virtues. I was a wild, difficult child, and I went out into the wasteland because I was angry.” She smiled a little, the colour coming back to her cheeks, “But seeing the wasteland… it changed me. This was only a short time after Tandia of Garm had saved the world from Achiyalatopa, yet already corruption and darkness were starting to creep back into the world. Ponies and zebra alike were still cruel to one another, and I soon realised that no matter how many monsters I killed the real sickness dwelt in the hearts of those I was serving.”

“Yes.” She confirmed, her voice quietly proud, “But I cannot save the world one pony at a time. I need a symbol, a symbol of purity and kindness and harmony to inspire others. Tandia tried her best but she is a very zebra kind of hero, humble and reclusive. Those might be personal virtues, but they won’t change the world.”

Sunshine Ivory paused, the words freezing on her tongue. She forced them out eventually, under great duress, “She was meant to prepare the way. The fiery warrior, the instigator. Princess Luna, and all she embodied.”

“And Star Swirl is your Celestia?” He hesitated for a moment before finally admitting the one problem he had with all of this, “Admit it, did you pick her just because she’s an alicorn? Because she… doesn’t really seem the leading type.”

Sunshine Ivory smiled now, a twinkle in her eye, “You just need to look beneath the surface. I will admit that her experiences with the Goddess and her destruction have damaged her, but under the Goddess she was an unmatched warrior, masterful tactician and inspiring leader. She had merely lost her purpose.”

“No, Char gave it to her.” Sunshine stated cheerily, “Charaxies is a true rarity, and when I first encountered her out in the wasteland I knew I had to help her. She is truly committed to virtue and harmony, perhaps unique among all her race. But she lacks the conviction and willpower to make her desires come true. In many ways she is afraid of her own potential and capacity for evil… as is Star Swirl.”

“Exactly.” Sunshine Ivory stated with a cheerful grin, “Their mutual caution helped to make their full integration slow and controlled, allowing a stable personality to result. A personality that combines Charaxies’ fierce desire for virtue with Star Swirl’s temper and passion.”

Dust thought this sounded all a little too manipulative. The priestess clearly had good intentions, still he had seen what good intentions could do if enacted incautiously, “I wish you had asked Star Swirl first. She almost got us killed back at the bones of the All-mother.”

At least Sunshine Ivory had the good grace to look embarrassed, “Well… Princess Luna got arrogant, not for the first time. You were considerably more of a fight than she expected.” The priestess smiled warmly, “She was most impressed actually. You were the first in a while to so much as touch her, let alone put a bullet through her side. Plus you apparently managed to actually pull off a rocket jump?”

Dust chuckled. He wasn’t sure what he had been thinking, “For all the good it did me.”

She shook her head, “You were a single earth pony, standing up against an alicorn princess. A close fought battle is something to be proud of Dust Kicker.”

Dust mentally absorbed that insult and carefully filed it away. He had heard it before, and didn’t hold it against Sunshine Ivory exactly.

An earth pony huh? He figured it made sense for her to feel that way, Sunshine Ivory was after all heavily reliant on her magic from what he had seen of her. With ponies being a minority here, especially earth ponies, he figured she hadn’t had enough chances to see what earth ponies could do. He would have to tell her sometime, before she underestimated anypony because they lacked horn and wings, “Well I’ve faced alicorns before. Luna wasn’t too different…”

They both turned as a familiar voice drifted in from the lobby. Dust recognised it easily, it was hard not to.

“I’m sorry… miss… but I’m going to have to ask you to leave. You will disturb the other customers.”

“What are… of course you are, I mean just look at you. Now please, don’t make me throw you out.”

Dust instantly darted through the door in a fast trot, his worst suspicions confirmed. Standing in the lobby was a single, distinctive pegasus mare, rough snot green fur peeling away from her misshapen form, oversized teeth poking from a malformed jaw.

And around her stood four large, tough looking zebra, the rather prissy bowties they were wearing doing little to disguise the threat in their eyes. The receptionist motioned her hoof to the bouncers, her eyes allowing no question of her intent. The bouncers just nodded in response, two of them moving to seize her from either side.

Dust had already worked out what they were doing wrong and quite what was going to happen next. Still he wasn’t quite prepared for the… ferocity of the attack.

Clear Skies opened up her wings with a crack of rushing air, the zebra hit by her smaller wing sent tumbling through upended tables to slam with some force into the far wall. The zebra hit by her larger wing hit a pillar and smashed straight through it in a rain of broken wood.

The other two bouncers reacted impressively quickly. They both drew stun rods, one attaching his to his hoof, the other holding it in his mouth. They both rounded the pegasus, careful to avoid her wings as they charged.

Clear Skies went for the one in front, flinging out a back hoof to ward off the other. The stun rod was swiftly rendered useless as she flanked to the opposite side, the zebra trying to strike with a hoof but only succeeding in getting it grappled. Clear Skies grabbed tight hold of the hoof before rolling over, using her wings to gain momentum before flinging the zebra through the air to smash straight through a window.

The second threw caution to the wind, charged at her back… Clear Skies rolled to the side, turned around, slapped the stun rod from his jaw and took him down in three short jabs, sharp, military and extremely impressive.

The pegasus ignored him however, her eyes snapping to the receptionist, currently going for the stupidity all time record by shakily pulling a shotgun from behind the counter. She hadn’t got it halfway before a shot rang out and the weapon exploded in her hooves, throwing her back against the wall with a bleeding torso, “Oh… oh… oh…!”

Clear Skies bounded onto the counter, angrily transferring the pistol from her jaw to a hoof grip, pointing it down at the panicking zebra with an angry grimace, “All Ithwanted wath to be treathed like a thuking pony! My money is as good as anypony elsthes!”

Dust stepped in, not liking the way she was jiggling her hoof while that pistol was pointed at the poor mare’s face, “Clear Skies, if you’re going to make this difficult…”

Fortunately the situation was promptly resolved without his intervention, Clear Skies suddenly finding herself suspended in a small, golden ball. She blinked for a moment before slamming both hooves against it with a ‘pling’… promptly causing her pistol to discharge and ricochet around the small area before ending up in her shoulder.

Sunshine Ivory released her hold and dropped the cursing pegasi to the floor with a thump, Dust Kicker grunting with frustration and snatching the weapon from her hoof. Sunshine Ivory strolled over with a calm resignation, levitating her cloak and saddle bags over and securing them both tightly around her shoulders. That done she levitated a complicated looking vial from her bags, floating it over to each zebra in turn and dropping a small bead of liquid into each of their mouths, “What a mess…”

“Slow acting, but powerful. They should be fine.” She stated primly before stepping over to Clear Skies, “Would you like some?”

Clear Skies looked mournfully up at the pony for a moment before gingerly rising to her hooves, putting on a brave expression, “M’fine…”

“I think we better make an exit.” Dust commented, looking over at the cowering receptionist, “Somepony is bound to have heard that.”

Clear Skies looked up, giving them a slightly inappropriate smile, “I can thfy uth out…”

“No, thank you Clear Skies.” Sunshine Ivory responded, with a tone that was a little too polite, “Allow me. Simply follow close behind.”

Dust decided not to question, and quickly shushed Clear Skies as she moved to open her mouth. They simply did as they were told and followed along quietly, feeling the tension dissipate as a group of guards ran straight past them without so much as glancing in their direction. Command over light was a more effective special talent than he would have thought, Dust honestly starting to think it might be just as useful as Star Swirl’s skill with teleportation.

They finally stopped a decent way away from the masseur, a mostly deserted part of town consisting mostly of warehouses. Sunshine Ivory stepped away from them a short distance and looked up at the stars, her voice cheerful as she finally broke the silence, “Well, that could have gone a lot worse.”

Dust wasn’t quite that forgiving. He looked round at Clear Skies, looking a little too pleased with herself, “Do you realise how much trouble you almost got yourself into?”

Clear Skies just snorted and walked away, giving a flap of her wings and a smug grin, “New Applethosa trithed that onth. Just flew away wifth the net thill on me.”

Sunshine Ivory chuckled, the mare still in unusually good cheer, “So you do this a lot Clear Skies?”

Clear Skies didn’t seem to like her tone, sounding rather hostile now, “They put hoothes on me! They insthulted me, justh bethouse I’ma ghoul!”

“Way to fight the prejudice Clear.” Dust stated wearily, starting to realise why the pegasus spent so much time out in the wilderness, “What are they going to say about ghouls now?”

“Donth care.” She stated smugly, “They’ll say that they shothent meth with me.”

“I seem to remember you saying that you don’t fight.” Sunshine Ivory questioned, her tone amused.

“I donth fight for capths.” She sulked for a moment before waving a hoof at herself, “Look ath me. I learnt how to defend mythelf real early. Tried anth true Enthclave spethalist too, four commethations for long raneth thoting and close combat.” Her expression grew darker, “Tho I know what a childeth face sounths like when it breaketh under your hoothes, and I know what a civilianth face lookths like when you put a bullet through it.”

Dust felt the pegasi’s speech fell somewhat flat, “You almost put a bullet through that mare’s head.”

“Please.” Sunshine Ivory interrupted, her calm tones breaking the hostile mood instantly, “Let us not fight. Clear Skies, you are perfectly justified in defending yourself. You simply must be more in control of your temper.”

Dust noticed, not for the first time, how close these two seemed to be, “Do you know each other?”

“A small world isn’t it Dust Kicker?” Sunshine Ivory commented with a chuckle, soon nodding her head in affirmation, “We met a few days ago, found we have a lot in common.”

“We are both interested in archaeology for instance.” Sunshine Ivory clarified, motioning a hoof to Clear Skies, “Clear Skies searches for signs of Rainbow Dash, I for Princess Celestia. We have decided to combine our knowledge and skills.”

“Well… good luck I guess.” Dust concluded, finding it rather frivolous with everything that was going on. Still, each to their own, “I hope it works out for you.”

“And you Dust Kicker.” Sunshine Ivory responded with a beatific smile, “You take care of yourself out there.”

It was a dusty, poorly built shack with a tin roof and dirty glasses, the patrons generously described as ‘rough’. Still Dust was tired, too tired to really be bothered too much, really just wanting a drink and a chance to rest. He sighed and leaned his body against the bar, attracting the attentions of the barman and barking out his order, “Whisky, dry.”

The barman nodded and set off to fulfil his request, Dust’s peace soon broken however by smooth, familiar tones next to him, “Took the long road here then?”

Dust turned to a pistol pointed at his face, grasped in a well manicured talon. Behind was a smoothly built griffon in a crisp mercenary uniform, a knowing smirk spread all across his beak.

Small world indeed. It seemed like it was a day for reunions, both pleasant… and those not so much, “Arick Grimfeathers.”

“You remember!” The griffon grinned, lowering his pistol to point more discreetly at Dust’s shoulder. Arick was all smiles as normal, cheerful and chuckling, “It’s been a while. How’s Ace and Fluttershy?”

Dust found the casual nature in which he asked that question to be extremely irritating, “They’re alive.”

“I figure they would be. Fluttershy is tough as nails, and that buck… well he’s a fighter.”

“And what the hell happened to you?” Dust questioned aggressively, turning away from him and back to the bar without heed to the gun pointed at him, “Last time we saw you was escaping from Demonivore.”

Arick chuckled, slipping his pistol casually back inside his jacket and taking hold of his drink. He swirled it round for a second or two, peering into its inky depths, “I’m not really one for close teams like that, and no offense but yours seemed like a bit of a downer.”

Dust thanked the barman as his drink was placed in front of him, taking a sip before replying to the griffon, “So you joined a mercenary group.”

“Have you seen the kind of cash these guys are offering flight capable fighters skilled with heavy weapons?” Arick questioned, “I’m a Grimfeathers, this is in my blood after all.”

“Your family might have accepted money occasionally, but they always fought for something.”

Arick scoffed, “Please. Just because you knew my grandmother does not make you an expert on my family. Before we were driven from our original home by the Enclave the Grimfeathers were one of the most famous gun for hire families in the Griffon Empire. They say three of my ancestors fought in the great war.”

“And now your mother is Arbiter.” Dust answered, unable to restrain the hostility in his voice, “And here you are, playing thug for hire.”

“Why, am I stepping on your territory Dust Kicker?” Arick answered snarkily, angling his head and giving Dust an evil grin, “The honor of the Grimfeathers, Regina is the Arbiter, a great and noble family… I really can’t believe you’re honestly that much of a loser Dust. Is that really why you’re still out here, why you haven’t settled down with all those caps?”

Dust turned now, glaring at him. He obviously had a point, and Dust wished he would spit it out and stop acting the fool, “What the hell are you getting at?”

“You’re still carrying a torch for my grandmother. You’re still acting like you’re some kind of honorary griffon, just because back in the day you fired a few rounds in the refugee campaigns.” Arick sneered, raising a glass in a mocking toast, “How should I break this to you… my mother doesn’t even know your name. Not one member of my family gave a crap about you, not even my grandmother. You were just some stupid ex-raider who signed up for money and spent the whole campaign drooling on her flank.”

Dust had to restrain himself from throttling the griffon right there, “And who the hell are you?”

“I’m good looking, rich, good with a gun, great at convincing fools to part with their money and having a fucking awesome time living without fear of duty, honor or consequence.” He took a sip of his drink, chuckling to himself, “And I’m doing a hell of lot better than some withered old fool who thinks he’s worth a damn.”

Dust kicked the griffon’s claw out from under him, ripping the gun from Arick’s holster as he fell and flinging it across the room.

Arick wasn’t going down so easily though, catching the side of the bar with a claw and pushing himself back to sharply elbow Dust in the jaw. Griffon bones were sharp and pointy and Dust was still reeling when Arick brought a set of razor claws swinging down at his face.

Dust could have dodged, still that was both an obvious move and dependent on his rather misty memory of what exactly was behind him. Instead he gritted his teeth and thrust himself forward, taking Arick’s claws across his side before slamming hard into the griffon’s chest.

Arick yelled out, his fall uncontrolled as he thumped to the floor and sent stools tumbling and patrons fleeing. Dust charged in to pin the griffon but he unleashed his wings in a fluttering storm and obscured Dust’s vision. Dust flung the feathers away with a growl and continued to charge, spotting Arick’s form and turning to aim himself…

Arick kicked a stool at Dust’s legs and then jumped, angling himself into a position Dust couldn’t easily reach and descending with a feral screech, claws extended and beak open for the kill. Dust briefly considered that this was what it must once have been like in the old world, so easily forgotten when griffons were considered one of the three most important races in the NCR, when a griffon was head of the pony government, and intermarriage wasn’t particularly uncommon.

Arick hit him hard and they rolled, Dust initially thinking this was a tactical misstep on Arick’s part. Ponies were stronger, heavier and tougher than a griffon, in a wrestling match where Arick couldn’t bring his claws to bear he was at a disadvantage.

But then Arick was also half his age. Dust did his best but he was soon outmanoeuvred, Arick supple as a snake as he twisted himself out of every hold, angling himself to pin Dust tight against the floor and bring his claw back to strike with a triumphant grin.

The claw came down, Dust bringing his head up and biting the griffon’s claw hard. His lip and cheek got cut up pretty bad in the process, still Arick reared backwards with a scream and Dust threw his body sharply to the side, bringing the griffon with him. Arick slammed down beside and Dust supported himself onto a shoulder as he delivered both back hooves into the griffon with all his remaining strength. It worked, Arick sent crashing into the bar, glasses raining down upon his head.

Dust made it onto his hooves, trying to stem the bleeding from his face as the surroundings burred in front of his eyes, his blood thumping hard against his eardrums. Arick smirked, giving a wheezy chuckle as he pulled himself back up, clearly breathing hard and favouring one side.

Dust just hoped this would end now. Still he wasn’t about to back down to this douchbag, and to his amazement none of the patrons seemed about to intervene, instead looking like they were enjoying the show. They stood around, whispering and holding their breath as Arick focused his stare, his grin growing wider.

“Little stiff. Only reason I haven’t delivered the beatings your mother owes you, with generous interest.”

“Well you haven’t.” Arick declared, presenting his claws and holding them in front of his grinning face, “And forgive me for noticing but you appear to be losing a lot of blood, whereas I just have a few bruised ribs.”

Dust grunted, realising that was a good point. You needed to finish a hoof fight with a griffon quickly, everyone knew that. Allow him to bleed you and you’ll lose by attrition, “Just back off Arick. This fight is pointless.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Friends?” Arick stated cheerily, before launching himself forward with a sweep of his wings, claws extended for the kill. Dust growled and galloped forward, charging in for a slam…

Something intercepted them halfway, Arick flung backwards to slam back against the bar, Dust tripped and flung hard against the floor. It was impossible to resist, the angle perfectly chosen. Despite being between two charging creatures the pony who had intervened wasn’t so much as brushed, just landing smoothly onto the wooden floor. He turned his head to look at both of them, seething in anger as he shouted in rage, “What the hell is going on here?!”

Dust looked up at the pony, amazed at what he saw… but then not so much. It wasn’t the first time he was looking up at that face after a beating, “Ace…”

Ace Gold swept round to face Arick, the griffon wincing as he held a claw against the side of his head. Arick grinned as he saw Ace watching, shrugging his shoulders, “Just a bit of roughhousing, nothing major. Hey Ace, how you doing?”

“What, you missed me?” He chuckled, rising back onto his claws, “It’s been what, a month?”

Ace trembled for a moment before stilling himself with a deep intake of breath. He spoke again after a moment, cold and precise, “Where have you been?”

“For a zebra, Caesar sure has some nice aerial units. Had to fly quite a way to evade them.” Arick chuckled, retrieving a half spilled glass from the counter and taking a sip, “I didn’t know where you guys were, so I just wandered for a while. Did a bit of banditry, until this mercenary group breezed into town. Signed up on the spot.”

Dust’s eyes finally moved down to said armour, pieces sliding into place. Mercenary group meant that Arick was likely part of the team going up to Kursiyin. And the design of the armor… he had seen it before.

At Estelle. This was the mercenary group that killed everypony at Estelle, working alongside Luna.

“Well well, izint thiz a supprize?” A familiar voice called out, hoof steps and big stomping boots from something heavy advancing across the ground towards them, “Arick, meet Dust Tracker. An old friend!”

“Really?” The camel in front of him brought his head forward and struck Dust between the eyes, knocking him hard against the floor. It was a good shot, leaving him seeing stars as the camel loomed over him, “That was for my friends. You understand, yez?”

Ace advanced forward to help, only for a huge female minotaur to step between him and Dust, tone quietly threatening, “I wouldn’t do that sugar.”

Dust retrieved himself from the ground, holding out a hoof to ward Ace off. He rubbed his injured skull and looked into Nazir’s eyes, the grubby looking camel just grinning back. Dust matched his stare for a moment before speaking, “This fight wasn’t anything to do with your group. We have previous unfinished business with Arick.”

“That’z good.” Nazir declared happily, “I’d hate for you to hold a grudge.”

“Oh grudges are terrible things. Say I started holding grudges, say… for suffocating a pretty woman half to death?” The minotaur stated cheerily, looking around with interest, “Where is that fine little alicorn of yours?”

Dust looked at the minataur, Daisy he though her name was, “I saw you shooting down an unarmed family in the middle of the street. Don’t pretend you’re the wounded parties here.”

“Money makes everyzhing simple. Some zebra pays you to do something, you do it, and it’s on the commissioner of our servicez to provide justification.” Nazir stated, his words sharp and to the point, “That’z the differenze between you and me. I’m a professional, where as you… you take thingz personally. That makez me nervouz.”

“Who were you working for?” Dust asked, hoping to at least get something from the camel, “You were working with Princess Luna…”

“Thankz for that by the way.” Nazir noted with a chuckle, “She waz another one. Got personal, became… unpredictable. A loose end we didn’t have to tie up ourselvez.”

“And we don’t divulge client information sugar, so stop asking.” Daisy commented, taking a rather amused looking Arick in one beefy arm and lifting him onto her shoulder like he was nothing, “Best you forget you ever saw us. All live a little longer.”

Dust finally decided to deploy his trump card, “Long enough to go into Kursiyin?”

“What amount of money is worth going there?” Dust questioned insistently, “You know it’s a death trap.”

Nazir smiled knowingly, chuckling for a moment before shrugging his shoulders and continuing on, “Not your concern.”

Dust cursed inwardly as he watched them go, trying to force his battered body back onto its hooves. His hip clicked painfully, the watching crowd tittering slightly as he swayed on age worn and battle damaged muscle.

“Here.” Ace Gold moved forward, holding out a stabilising hoof, “Come on. I’m already sick of this place.”

Dust stewed as they stood in the garage, feeling the many bruises starting to sink in. He refused to take any healing potions, not wanting to waste money on his own stupidity. And it was. What possessed him to start a fight with a younger, larger opponent, right in a public space of all places. He wanted to reason that Arick had a gun, but he doubted the griffon would have used it.

“You’re going to end up really stiff if you don’t take a healing potion for those.” Ace advised, once again fiddling with that laptop he carried around with him, “We’ve got plenty of it.”

Dust bit his tongue, wanting nothing more than to tell Ace to leave him alone. But that was his ego talking again, “We’ve got a long walk, that will wear any stiffness off. Plus you heard the Lost Legion, I’ve got an enhanced healing rate. A few bruises will wear off pretty quickly.”

“It’s not just bruises.” Ace stated, looking up at him insistently, “You lost a fair bit of blood. Arick is a better fighter than he looks.”

Dust noted for the first time that this had to be pretty difficult for Ace. Dust rebuked himself, so tied up in his own problems that he hadn’t stopped to consider what the kid must be feeling right now, “Ace Gold… can I ask how you’re doing? Seeing Arick again, after all this time?”

Ace simply grunted, looking away, “I expected him to abandon me at some point, and just wander back some time later. I’m not naïve, I know what he is.”

It was a fair point. One that had indeed been bugging him a little, “Why did you follow him here anyway? You said it yourself, he’s not exactly got a sterling reputation.”

“Quite a few reasons actually…” Ace stated quietly, before shrugging as Dust waited for him to continue, “He does what he wants, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. His heritage is an asset to him, not a burden. I guess that was pretty attractive to me at one point.”

“Yeah.” Ace took a deep breath, “Isn’t that easy. I can’t help being…. tied up by my own feelings.”

Dust snorted lightly. That was one way of putting it, “I’m not sure that’s a bad thing Ace.”

“My feelings are a fucking mess…” Ace growled snarkly, before his voice got quieter and a blush spread across his cheeks, “I also joined him because… I though he was hot.”

Now Dust laughed, a sound which made Ace wince. Dust quickly stemmed his chuckles, giving the buck a smile, “He’s a little old for you isn’t he?”

“He’s also straight.” Ace complained, “But that’s feelings for you, constantly leading you into stupid shit. For all Arick doesn’t give a damn about anyone, at least he’s happy. I’m just stumbling through life driven from one crap idea to the next, not even sure why I do half the things I do.”

Dust sighed. He knew that feeling. And to be honest… “Ace, thank you for pulling me out of there.”

“No… look.” Dust sighed, digging deep down inside of him for this, “I shouldn’t have started that fight. I was dumb, and… angry. And I don’t even know why. So you’re not the only one going through this, because I’m not really sure I know what I’m doing either.”

Ace considered this for a moment, not really displaying any sort of expression, eyes hidden behind his sunglasses. After a moment or two he finally spoke, blunt and to the point, “We’re all in this together. Everyone’s going through shit.”

“Maybe I need to remember that.” Dust mused, “I’ve been trying to keep you guys out of decisions, working out where to go, what to do… and until now, I actually thought I was doing alright. But now I think it’s getting increasingly clear that I’m not quite as centred as I think I am. And you… well I know you hate people going on about it, but you’re a damn smart pony. I really need that right now.”

Ace didn’t look quite as embarrassed as Dust thought he would, the whole speech being pretty damn cheesy. Of course, he was never the most expressive of ponies. Really he just looked round for a few seconds before speaking, tone neutral, “You have it. I don’t mind, so long as I’m doing something useful.”

Dust chuckled, “For the first thing… how did you find me? Aren’t you blind, or is that not a thing now?”

“Actually I’ve got something to tell you. I should have told you a while ago, but… she told me not to.”

“The old zebra mare, who saved you back in Dusk Fall? I know her.” Ace stated, Dust instantly reminded of that brief image of a heavy scarred neck and wild hair hidden beneath a stealth cloak. Ace let that sink in for a moment before continuing, “She saved Fluttershy, me and Swift Crimson from Starhammer too, and has been secretly teaching me how to compensate for my blindness.”

Dust paused at this. This was certainly starting to sound like crazy zebra martial arts stuff, that he honestly always found a bit unsettling, “You can compensate for being blind? What, super hearing? Sense of smell?”

“I wish.” He breathed, before shaking his head, “Everything in this world reacts to magic. It bounces off hard substances, giving off a frequency according to its properties, it’s emitted by living creatures. If I concentrate real hard I can feel the inate magical properties within the soil, in the currents of the air.”

Dust looked down at his hooves, “Like… earth ponies and pegasus ponies work with?” He had heard something said about the like, though he had never really took much notice. He wasn’t a farmer, and honestly thought it all sounded a little unlikely, “I stamp my hoof and a flower comes out?”

“Actually you have a very closed, very contained magical energy.” Ace noted, horn glowing every so slightly, “It’s actually pretty unusual. I doubt you’ll ever be able to perform magic, but you’ll likely be highly resistant to it.”

Really? He had always shrugged it off pretty easily, though he had always just assumed he was tough. He had been the only one Dream Star hadn’t just one shotted though, “So who is this zebra who taught you this?”

“She hasn’t told me her name… and I’m not going to ask.” Ace frowned, muzzle wrinkling in a rather unfriendly expression, “She saved my life. I’m only telling you because… we’re a team.”

“She saved my life too.” Dust reminded both Ace and himself, “So I’m all for respecting this mysterious stranger. And… maybe I’ve got some secrets of my own.”

Ace continued his frown, tilting his head slightly, “Is this about Puppy? Because I know that.”

“No.” Dust answered, thinking to himself that Puppy was actually Zenai’s little secret if you were keeping score.

Man, what was it with ponies and secret imaginary friends? Fluttershy and Easu were starting to make him really nervous considering where the party was heading. Especially Easu. That zebra had issues.

But back to pressing issues, “I’ve been talking with… well… Red Eye. He’s been contacting me by radio.”

“No one knows anything about him Dust Kicker!” Ace shouted, sounding… rather exited actually, “What has he been saying to you?”

Dust wondered that exactly. It still seemed a rather odd relationship, “Most of the time he just… offers some general advice, talks about philosophy, reminisces about the past. I knew the guy remember, I was part of his army.”

“A lot of ponies were part of his army.” Ace noted, not unreasonably, “Why is he talking to you specifically… and how does he even know your frequency?”

Ace followed him after a second, his voice quietly intrigued, “I’ve actually noticed it lately, I didn’t know what it was. I wondered if my horn was just getting confused.”

“A beam of high concentration, low powered magical energy, beamed straight from space. Weirdly jumbled… likely some sort of military encryption algorithm.”

Dust gave him a confused, rather worried look, “From space? Like… aliens?”

Ace’s expression suddenly went wide with shock, “Holy fuck… that’s how he knows so much about our troop movements!”

Ace gave him a withering tip of his muzzle before continuing, “No… I suppose it’s not common knowledge.” He sighed, taking a deep breath before opening with a weary look, “I warn you, I’m about to bore you to tears.”

“Right…” He started, “There’s three accepted ways of achieving long range communication. The first is wired, you thread a long line of some conducting substance between the location you want to speak from, and the place you want to speak to. Fast, efficient, and it doesn’t need a lot of equipment. Unfortunately it’s also expensive and prone to physical damage. For those reasons it’s generally just used inside a single building or facility.”

As a mercenary Dust had some knowledge of communication systems, still it didn’t hurt to brush up, “Right.”

“The next two are kind of connected, and most antenna can perform both. The first is a wave, kind of like causing a ripple in a pool of water. It radiates outwards in a generally circular shape, and can be picked up by anypony in range. That’s what’s used for radio stations.”

“Not very useful for pony to pony communication though, for obvious reasons. For that the magical signal is sent in a beam, practically identical to a magical energy weapon of very low power and high resonance.”

“The problem is that beams cannot curve without corrupting their data. The planet of course is round so you cannot reach past the horizon.” He placed his hooves a way apart, “So you add relay towers, allowing you to fire at one, that fires at another, then at another… until you reach your destination.”

“But… what if you wanted to send a communication into the zebra territories? Or to an island?”

Dust pondered this for a moment before shrugging. The buck was right, “You would either have to use very well hidden transmitters, or hijack the zebra’s own…”

“They did, a few times.” Ace confirmed, “But they soon ended up relying on a brand new and somewhat untested technology created a few years before the war. You see if you apply a mild weightlessness spell to an object, give it some engines to readjust itself and place it at exactly the right point in the sky it ends up falling in the same arc as the planet’s rotation, eventually staying aloft indefinitely.”

Dust had heard of these, though he had never really believed in them. It sounded… improbable, “You’re talking about a satellite.”

“A communications group called Sunrise Industries built them originally, as part of a global communications project.” Ace used his levitation to lift a nearby wrench into the air, lifting his hoof to point at it, then wave it back down at the ground, “You can hit an object suspended in orbit from almost anywhere, and from there it can beam a message across the same wide area. Luna quickly realised their potential and requisitioned them for the state, restricting their use to the military. She also had the idea of putting cameras on them, allowing them to see pretty much everything happening below.”

Dust pondered this for a moment or two, every single one of those moments moving him closer to the realisation of how useful they would be, “That must have given Equestria a huge advantage.”

“It did.” Ace assured him, “Many consider it the single factor that won Equestria the war.”

Were wars won by superior intelligence? He had to admit, having that kind of knowledge of exactly what you were sending troops into would certainly help, “So what happened to them?”

“As far as we know, nothing.” Ace stated, “There were five confirmed satellites launched, with rumors of another two secret ones. One is generally agreed to have fallen out of orbit fifty three years ago. Astronomers have confirmed that two of them appear to be still active.” Ace finally gave a sigh, shrugging his shoulders, “Unfortunately we’re as in the dark about their location as the zebra were. Naturally they would be a priority target for zebra weapons, so they’re heavily cloaked, move around constantly, and only respond to a very specific message transmitted in a specific way. As a result… well, one of my teachers has spent the last twelve years looking for them, without success.”

Dust thought that made sense, but that raised the question, “How did Equestria communicate with them?”

“A couple of top secret facilities, maintained and guarded by the military. One of them was in Cloudsdale, another in Canterlot, another in Whitetail Command, another in Manehatten Central.” He concluded with a sigh, “All of which were destroyed by the megaspell impacts.”

Ace pondered this for several long moments before shaking his head in frustration, “I have no idea.”

Dust sighed, this was getting them nowhere, “Well… it’s a valid theory at least. Something else we now know about him.”

“He can shut her down too.” Dust explained, “Puppy always goes offline while he’s talking to me.”

Ace frowned at this, “That’s worrying. He shouldn’t be able to do that, should he? That would imply that he’s able to acquire top secret data from the Steel Rangers of all ponies, and they take network security seriously. Hasn’t Puppy noticed that she keeps shutting down?”

“Our talks are pretty brief.” Dust reasoned, “And she has noticed actually. She confronted me about it last night.”

“Well I’m not surprised.” Ace Gold stated after a moment, “You were talking to him near constantly all day. That’s when I really noticed it.”

Dust frowned at this information. That wasn’t right, “The last time I spoke to Red Eye was back at the Lost Legion compound.”

Ace Gold looked at the armor, then back at Dust. His mouth curled into a frown, trotting over to the armor with a serious look in his eye, “You were transmitting all day, large amounts of data both sent and received.”

“I took a long sample, I’ve been trying to decode it all day.” He looked back at Dust, giving him a grim stare, “Not that I don’t trust you, but if somepony really was listening in I didn’t want to tip them off.”

“No. It’s not really my field to be honest.” Ace hesitated before continuing, “Actually it’s Puppy’s. It seems a little perverse, but… well, she’s a hacking and data analysis AI.”

Dust supposed it wouldn’t hurt to ask. In fact she would be more interested in getting to the bottom of this than anyone, “Puppy, are you awake?”

“Increasingly so.” Dust stated with irritation, figuring she was likely sleeping. He trotted over, standing up and accessing the controls in the neck. A quick emergency alert…

It took about ten seconds, rather worryingly. He was just about to give up on it when Puppy finally answered, voice groggy, “Ugm… Dust Kicker? I’m sorry, I was asleep…”

“She’s receiving that signal again.” Ace sniffed the air, his horn covered in a faint, pulsing glow. He laid a hoof on the side of the armor, mouth moving into a frown, “And… there’s something else unusual…”

Puppy’s voice broke the silence, “Is there something wrong? Maybe I simply left the radio station running? I can’t detect any tampering with any of my systems.”

Ace finally spoke in reply, his voice cold, “That’s strange Puppy, considering you’re totally inoperative.”

Puppy spoke now, her voice a sharp, most un-puppylike whisper, “Clever boy…”

“Dust Kicker, sir.” Ace spoke, softly but insistently, “Puppy’s program is offline, I’m detecting no data flowing to or from her central core. The armor is being operated remotely.”

Dust felt panic grow, the obvious conclusion becoming all too apparent. That signal, constantly communicating, constantly connected to the suit’s systems… “Puppy?”

“The apple does not fall far from the tree.” Red Eye spoke, tones smooth and respectful, “I underestimated you Ace Gold.”

Dust saw Ace stiffen at the praise, anger in his eyes. Dust controlled it at least, but he could still sympathise with that anger, “Red Eye? You’re… Puppy?”

“For a short while, yes. Since your hacking attempt on the Lost Legion actually.”

Red Eye’s voice was smooth and calm before the accusation, “I did not want you to worry. Young Puppy has encountered some… software trouble, and has gone offline. I was merely maintaining her program until her self-repair protocols kicked in.”

“Maintaining…” Ace growled, “You were impersonating her! Tricking us!”

“A somewhat confusing accusation to answer.” Red Eye responded, tone oily, “I took control of her personality algorithms, her voice simulator, all her vital systems.”

Ace snarled, clearly furious, “You’re… using a living, reasoning girl as a sock puppet!”

Red Eye responded, sounding… impressed, if a little irritated all the same, “Tell me, what is a pony without her personality, her memories, her body? I have all at my command, clicking along in her hard drives.”

Ace snarled, “You tell us. You’re right, I can sense a hard drive, a CPU, power systems… all of them separate from her central core. So what’s there, what powers her sapience? What is left when you take away all of that?”

“Well spotted. And indeed, that might be a worthy subject for the philosophers among us. For memories can be faked, a body replaced, yet something still remains.” Red Eye responded with a spark of inappropriate cheer, “These personality files that I have used to ‘impersonate’ Puppy. They were created by SolUs, and are some of the most sickening things I have ever seen. Idealistic whitewashing, what could have beens, hero worship of a dead toddler who has been denied rest for centuries. The work of a crazed machine, trying to recreate the personality of a girl he knew for days at best. These were forced upon something capable of reason, something that already had life and personality. The impersonation was easy. After all, you were never really talking to Puppysmiles, only that crazed machine’s image of her.”

“I don’t care about your damn speeches Red Eye.” Dust muttered, feeling his own haunches rise in anger, “Just bring her back online.”

“I cannot.” Red Eye stated with over-laboured regret, “Puppy has shut herself down. Unintentional I assure you. All I did was remove the controls, the brainwashing already placed over her by others, set her free from her shackles. The control obviously went deeper than I thought. The shock of being free has broken her it seems.”

“Broken means capable of being fixed.” Ace Gold stated angrily, “Now get the fuck out of here, you fucking full of shit ghost.”

“And how would you fix her Ace Gold?” Red Eye cheerily commented, “Would you take the easy, pleasant route and impose this bogus Puppysmiles identity on her anew? Bring her back how she was, even though you now know the terrible secret behind her creation? That she was never this girl you have befriended, that it was all a lie imposed by a crazed artificial intelligence?”

“You always have to have a message, a cause, don’t you Red Eye?” Dust commented wearily, “Can’t you just cut the braminshit, tell us what you want us to do?”

“Somepony has to be the villain, taunting you from just beyond your reach. I inspired Littlepip to make a better world, now I seems I must inspire others. Either save the world or destroy it, before it’s too late.”

“For the world to do the same thing to Littlepip’s dream as they did to the entity in this armor.” Red Eye responded, “To shackle it with the names, personalities, the ideals of corpses who should have long been buried.”

Red Eye’s tone lifted in amusement, “Actually my motives have changed Dust, ever so slightly. And believe me, I wanted to live in Littlepip’s world. We might still yet.”

‘We might still yet’? Red Eye hadn’t stopped being needlessly cryptic, “What’s that mean?”

Red Eye laughed, a profoundly unsettling chuckle, “If this world extinguishes itself once more, wipes the equine species free from this earth… tell me, to whom will salvation fall to, what mare will remain to rebuild this planet?”

“Oh, I hope it doesn’t come to that. That the world will pull away from the brink of disaster.” Red Eye stated calmly, “But the knowledge that the pony I thought worthy of divinity will survive any eventuality, trapped inside an impenetrable facility capable of planetary terraforming opens up… options.”

Ace Gold was really losing it now, his voice wild, “You would really destroy this world for your… grand ideals?!”

“My boy… when did I ever state that it was I who would destroy the world?” Red Eye laughed, his voice rising in amusement, “Tell me, how many megaspells does the NCR control?”

Ace Gold frowned, his jaw set, “None. The NCR bans weapon grade megaspells, it has…”

“…twelve megaspells equipped in secret targeting facilities, along with a facility capable of creating more.” Red Eye commented cheerily, “They are equipped at Jubilee Fields, within the restricted Maripony radiation zone. Their existence is only known to the military council, trusted members of Internal Security, a closed group of Equestria Systech engineers, Doc Slaughter and… how interesting, your mother.”

Ace’s voice dropped, Dust noting that he wasn’t denying it anymore. In fact, Ace now sounded a little scared, “Why my mother?”

“Because their construction and installation was approved in a secret meeting between her, Elder Peach Trees, Silver Rade and Doc Slaughter.” Red Eye gave a short, humourless chuckle, “The arbiters and civilian government have never been briefed on this. And how interesting, neither has your father.”

“I don’t know. Maybe you should ask your mother… either of them.” Red Eye chuckled, “Calamity was so eager for them to get along. Perhaps their political beliefs mesh more closely than he though. Perhaps they felt your father would disapprove.”

“You don’t need to trust my word.” Red Eye smoothly stated, “I can put you in contact with any of them right now. Ask them yourself, expose the lies within your fragile little family.”

Dust finally decided to speak up, “Velvet Remedy is dishonest and secretly in control of NCR. You can get this shit off Lonesome Pony each and every day Red Eye, what’s your point?”

“Simply that it seems rather ironic that the leader of the Followers of the Apocalypse would commission the creation and storage of the weapons that caused it.”

Dust sniffed. He wasn’t too surprised actually, “As I’ve said a couple of times lately, Littlepip used a megaspell on the Goddess. They have tactical value.”

“Of course.” Red Eye crooned, “Tactical value. For emergencies. For the last resort.”

Ace spoke, his voice threatening, “Don’t tell me you’re trying to be the good guy you arrogant asswipe. Saving us all from the tyranny of my mother.”

“I know tyranny Ace Gold. I used to practice it. And your mother is neither a tyrant or a bad pony, any more than Celestia was. Both collected power, ensured that it was safe in their hands, so that they were able to control and guide it towards good. A noble goal.”

Dust was starting to work out what he was getting at, “Yet she couldn’t stop the apocalypse.”

Ace snorted dismissively, “What, so that’s your job now? Stopping the end of the world? How, by raiding small villages and hacking little girls?”

“Stopping it? Oh I wish that was true. But I’m afraid not. My interest is… academic.” Red Eye concluded with a sigh, “Time and time again, this world has been saved by heroes. The mistakes and short sightedness of the common pony, negated by the nobility of one. But this time, there is no pony to save them. No Littlepip, no Xephyr and no Red Eye.”

Ace went silent for a moment before speaking, full of quiet defiance, “We’re still here.”

“The NCR written in your every interaction. A dozen competing view points, all convinced you are the hero, each pursuing your own heroic quest.” Red Eye’s voice took a touch of anger now, tone condemning, “You blame me for Puppy’s condition, but I merely provided actions with appropriate consequences. You marked yourself the carefree rogue Dust Kicker, tied to no grand crusade, the voice of reason, looking down on the emotional ties of others. Yet when I spoke, you listened. You lied to those who trusted you, you spied on your allies, you accepted my every command with barely a flicker of doubt.”

Dust felt his heart beat faster, his words a jumble. Red Eye was messing with his head, he was…

He was right? Dust Kicker gasped his answer, unsure what else to say, “I trusted you. I trusted you like…”

“Like a father?” Red Eye responded, “I was your boss Dust Kicker. I believed your skills were useful in carrying out my objectives, and I placed you in the position where they could be best used. I have done the same to you here, and am happy to say you’re still the same loyal little pawn you ever were.”

“I’m sorry Dust Kicker, but I never bore any particular emotional connection to you. You were minion number six, some statistics on a chart. I was nice to you because I correctly assessed that you responded well to kindness and encouragement.” Red Eye continued, calm and precise as a scientist dissecting his latest test subject, “I determined quickly that, though possessed of a reasonably developed set of morals, you were good at rationalising your terrible actions so long as you were convinced they were for the greater good.”

“So you are the hero who will save the world?” Red Eye questioned, “How many little girls are dead now Dust Kicker? And now Puppy will join them, simply because you trusted the voice of an infamous mass murderer talking to you over the radio. I’d consider that a… serious lapse in judgement.”

Ace Gold looked like he was about to say something but it froze on his tongue, the buck simply turning away with a rueful expression.

“Nothing more to say? Then this is it then.” Red Eye stated, “I have gained all I want from you, and now your role has ended. We will not speak again. Goodbye… sir uncle.”

The armor speakers finally flickered and went dead. Leaving a cold, dark silence.

Ace finally broke it, his words blunt and heavy as iron, “The signal is gone.”

He had accepted the role of leader in certainty, certainty that he knew what he was doing, that he could give the others the best chance of survival.

And now one of those in his care sat on the table just a few feet away, her condition unsure. Unsure because of him. Because he had trusted too quickly, in someone he had no right to trust.

Ace Gold had said nothing to him of the matter, making no comment bar his intention to get to work immediately. Dust had almost questioned how he could do anything to help considering his blindness, but quickly resolved to trust that the kid knew what he was doing. And indeed he certainly seemed to, feeling about the surface of the armor before using a tool to open up a panel, his horn glowing and his hooves feeling around as he carefully explored within.

Finally Ace stopped, his hoof hesitating in place, eyes confused at first but with a dawning understanding, “Well that’s… interesting.”

“Take a look.” Ace stated, stepping back a bit, “Puppy has never made sense to me. An AI of half her complexity would take up an entire crusader mainframe, yet she runs on a single suit of armor. I’ve really wanted to open her up for a while now, find out exactly what it is that makes her tick, what her secret was… and there it is.”

Dust moved round, looking into the machine. Most of it was what he expected, armor plating, wires, tubes… yet there, at the centre was…

“It’s… metallic. Soft. Radiates its own natural magic, a very low frequency… it’s…” Ace looked up, suddenly shocked, “I know this metal. It’s… it’s star metal.”

Dust almost rolled his eyes, having been exposed like most mercenaries to the tales. The evil metal, which if placed in a weapon made it hunger for death, turned a simple tool into a thing of pure evil. He would have scoffed, except… he had heard things. Reliable things. And after Luna, and Philidous, he was no longer quite so sceptical of the power of the stars, “So they implanted star metal into the suit… what, to make it more deadly?”

“No.” Ace looked up, deeply concerned, “This is the AI core. All higher functions flow from this rock, look at the wires connected to it. That rock is Puppy.”

“I don’t know.” Ace conceded, “This isn’t mechanical engineering, this is magic. Serious magic. I’m out of my depth.”

Dust smiled reassuringly, “You did a good job Ace. We just need another specialist is all.”

They couldn’t hide it any longer, and Dust was becoming increasingly sure they shouldn’t. Secrets had got this group in trouble too many times.

So now they all gathered inside the room, Esau and Star Swirl inspecting the suit as the others watched with apprehension. Easu was his normal grumpy self, his bad mood only growing as he studied the object. He eventually stepped back, looking up at Star Swirl challengingly, “Put a positive spin on this. Tell us this thing is worth saving.”

Dust frowned, not liking the sound of that, “What’s wrong? Star, what is he talking about?”

Star lifted a shaking hoof, her eyes darting around, looking at anything but them. After all this time she was still the bearer of the world’s most obvious tell, “It’s… well… there’s some dark magic in there. And it’s growing stronger.”

Dust wasn’t quite sure exactly what she was saying here, “What? Where’s Puppy?”

“Puppy’s gone.” Easu stated bluntly, “Consumed. What’s in there now is a monster, and needs to be put down now before it gets any stronger.”

Star Swirl turned, her voice staring off angry but quickly losing its power, “We don’t know that…”

“You felt it as clear as me Star Swirl.” Easu replied, shaking his head and stalking away, “Delay the inevitable any longer and I will take things into my own hooves. You know full well what that thing is.”

Easu turned to her, eyes softening for but a moment before becoming cold once more, “It’s…”

Everyone turned, Dust having to admit being somewhat surprised as Fluttershy walked out towards the suit, eyes wide and trembling. He spoke to her as she continued, moving forward a little in case she was losing it again, “What do you mean Fluttershy?”

She was silent for a moment before she turned to him, her voice sure now, “It’s Nightmare Moon. Don’t ask me how I know, but… maybe you never forget.” She nodded at the suit, “That… will within that stone, it’s her. The mare in the moon.”

Dust shook his head, unbelieving. This was crazy talk, “How is that possible?”

Easu faced him head on with a suspicious lack of surprise, seeming hesitant to speak. Eventually he could hold it no more however, his voice slow and regretful, “The being you call Puppy. She is not a computer program.”

This fanfiction is based on Fallout Equestria by Kkat, it is highly recommended that you read that first for context. Reading Fallout Equestria: Pink Eyes by Mimezinga will help understanding, but isn’t required.
Many of the characters and much of the setting are not mine but are on loan from the very awesome Kkat, or are taken from My Little Pony - Friendship Is Magic by Hasbro. This story makes no pretentions at being canon with either, and is merely a ‘what-if’ set in the same world.
If you enjoy Fallout Equestria Side Stories, you will want to check the Fallout Equestria Side Stories post on Equestria Daily and the Fallout Equestria Side Stories thread on Ponychan.

Fallout Equestria : Black And White

by Philweasel

Chapter 3.5 - The Long Road To Wisdom