darkSpyro

OOC:it's cool, we won't go too far without you

The guard shrugged, "Then you have no idea who or what I am," he turned to Raptor, "You don't keep yourself too well do you?" he then turned a dark glare to Arlon, "You do not want anything with her do you?" he then raised his head up again, "Of course not. If you did, knowing me, since we both seem to know, which is only half right at this point, then you wouldn't try anything at all. And also since it doesn't seem you will, may I ask what it is your are really here for? Might be able to help if I get some spare time," the guard had the glass raise away from his view, sliding back into the helmet. Raptor looked around to the guard when he asked her, she just brushed it off and slid another slice into her mouth.

--

S1D3 walked up to Sicolus, gradually, "So what are we doing with him?" his legs were in a slow trot, not too fast to get ahead, but faster than a walk. His messy mane bounced to his steps, and his hooves made lighter plops in the decaying grass and sand. The trees were still tall and standing, only few of them had visual damage or blood up their trunks.

--

Rainbow Dash stepped over to Gulaven's side to have a look at the leg and help him if it pains him again, "Can you still walk?"

"Yeah," it moved cleanly like the rest of his limbs, "I have it set up with up to two extra self repairs. At least with the smaller possible problems. But the major stuff requires opening the thing completely. I amy need to upgrade the metal itself. Fit it with titanium this time. The aluminum alloy is light, but weak too," the both walked into the hall the Factory used for tours, but stopped at a key point to open the hidden door to the real sectors of the once terror in the sky. They walls were much cleaner past this door, since it is well kept by the workers and the AI operated devises throughout the system(similar to Aperture, but less advanced and chaotic). This hall led mostly around the interior workings, this layer is where the top science projects are advanced and tested, along with guard training, lodging, and some recreation to ease the higher ranking workers minds. These halls had few windows, which were barred on the outside, preventing break-ins; the halls also connected to the rest of the factory where it all meets in the back. A high security area at that, exports and imports usually occur there.

Red finally made it to his destination until he could find Celestia or the Mane Six, the Rainbow Factory, he pounded onto the doors hoping one would come to answer, "Anyone inside?" he called standing outside

The Rainbow Factory door was then covered by a metal seal. Gulaven and Rainbow Dash halted before entering the door, "Someone has come? I was wondering when they would," Rainbow said turning to the hall behind them, "I'll go see who it is."

"Be careful, in this world gone mad, anything has become a possibility," Gulaven raised his right hoof up to keep pressure off of it while Dash went to the door.

Rainbow Dash stopped behind the front desk to order a camera to view just beyond the now bound by steel door, "Who are you?" a speaker placed just next to the door played her voice to the pony who stood just outside the walls, "What have you come here for?"

Red smiled at the camera the most calmly and affably he could and can, "Red the pegasus of Hell-raisers. How y'all doing in there?" he asked flashing his crimson eyes like they were rubies, "I have heard tales of the massacres that occur in this metal scrapped land and I just had to join in for a lil' fun. Also, I came to see if you all are willing to kill another kind of useless pony breed I have in mind,"

Arlon didn't respond straight away, running a hoof down through his beard. "Nothing that you would have. A little more information, a little more time. I came here to look for the so-called Element Bearers, but I'm guessing they aren't here." The earth stallion shook his head, straightening up and beginning to leave. "I'll continue my search elsewhere. Good day to you, guard. And to you, too, miss." He added as he passed Raptor, blinking his odd red-yellow eyes slowly. "I have an odd feeling that we'll meet again."

---

Luminia landed down by the entrance, touching down lightly despite the heavy armour, spear tucked to her side. She ignored Red, aside from a side glance.
"Luminia Zephyr, soldier of the royal guard and co-founder of Zephyr Laboratories. I wish to talk to the Doctor, if he's still around."

"I'm sorry Red, we do not let just any pony join, especially one that would enjoy the work. Unless you have not negative intentions, leave the premises before you are fired upon," the camera retracted into the wall, and was replaced by a sentry gun, the laser sight was set on Red's chest. When Luminia came into view, the targeting system aimed for her, recognizing the hardened armor around her, it located the most open area, whether it was a joint, or the eyes, it was targeting to injure if not kill if needed. Upon hearing her name and plans, "Good to see your still kicking Zephyr. Being out of the clouds is dangerous. Yes, Dr Gulaven is here," the sentry was then redirected to Red once more, "As soon as he is a safe distance from the perimeter, I'll let you in," the laser on the sentry turret was a shade of light blue, it represented the type of ammo it held. This color indicated that it was primed with stun rounds(idea from Gears of War).

--

Raptor tossed the empty bag aside taking a deep breath feeling relieved her hunger was now gone, "I would say thanks for the meal, but I'm just not thankful," she stood up, looking over to Arlon, only to show her teeth and distrust of him. She then turned to the rubble to her right; Ash was finally climbing out of the hole. He was keeping himself low to the ground as he made his way shakily out of the area. Raptor began to follow the grey pony only to be followed herself by the dark guard, "Stop following me!"

"No, it would be against my orders. I must ensure your safety, in the name of the Doctor, you are to be kept alive and if possible, returned to him," The guard picked up the saddle bag and slid up on under the shield.

"Ok, I order you to leave me be," she stopped to face the guard.

"Your authority is useless outside the walls," the guard continued to approach her, "If you want me gone, then come with me."

"I'm going where I choose to go, and it has nothing to do with you!" she the swing her hoof up to slap the guard's head, "Get out of here."

The guard then just sat in front of her, "Is this some sort of joke to you?" she swung again. She made another hit before her hoof was then caught mid swing. She struggled for a second before striking with her free hoof. It was then stopped by the guard's wing. When she pulled back, the guard pushed forward, wrapping his hooves around her stomach area. He did not squeeze her to the pint she was being hurt, merely to the point that she could not get out, "Get off of...." she stopped, "me..." she felt herself stop struggling. This position was familiar, thinking back... So was the voice. She had only been this close to one pony before, "A... A... Alex?" there was no reply, "Alexander?" she looked down with disbelief, "N-no, he was killed... By... my teeth," she then looked upon him in anger, "Get off of me, your not him," she started beating on his helmet.

This continued only for a few second till Raptor tired out and dropped onto his head with tears in her eyes, Crying... I never cry... This cannot be... This cannot be him! she laid on him for a few seconds. Her heart was rushing with joy, sorrow, and fear, If... If it is... How?

The guard slowly tightened the hug, before releasing slowly, "Hey," he started before holding his hug, "R?" he said as his wings rose out behind him, "Your warm," the mid section of his wings bent in and out, fanning Raptor as they sat for a minute.

"Considering everything going on, I don't believe anywhere is truly safe anymore." Luminia stated, folding her wings against her side. "And that will be fine, thank you."

---

Arlon merely chuckled softly at the display, setting off at a steady pace. Finding the Element Bearers. A lie, but not entirely untrue. It was more the missing princesses that drew the puppet-master's interests. He had already had anonymous control over several of the noble houses. How his great competitor would rage if he had a princess or two in his pocket!

Arlon barked with laughter at the thought, startling a lone foal. Hilarious, the seemingly weak earth pony outdoing the centuries-old changeling queen. The icing on the cake of her dead 'agents', or whatever word she used to call her mercenaries.

"Negative intentions?" asked Red, "I have none whatsoever, and I'll tone down my sadisim for you. I'm just here to protect Rainbow Dash,"

Barkis turned to S, "So what is this strange stone area supposed to be?" he asked examining it, "is this a shrine to Discord?"

"Well as you can see I am pretty well fortified," Rainbow replied to Red, "You haven't exactly posted the greatest first impression. Give me at least two reasons this turret shouldn't buzz your @ss and leave you convulsing on the concrete cloud."

Gulaven had come back into the lobby room, "Who is it, what are you talking about?"

--

Raptor fell limp, the idea of this being a long lost somepony she had forgotten sent her emotions on the greatest coaster ride the world had ever seen; confusion, guilt, sorrow, joy, excitement, fear, and a longing to be with this stallion was just too much for her mental stability to handle. She was unconscious in a few seconds after the rush of air from the guard's wings brushed over her face and neck.

The guard eased her up a little to have the shield on his back be removed, flipped, and replaced. Taking some dead grass and some more lively, he cushioned the interior of the shield. Lifting up into the makeshift cot, he walked over toward Ash who was creeping away slowly with his head way low, "I didn't... I didn't... No..." he was mumbling to himself as he halted at the sight of the guard's shadow. He shakily and slowly turned his head around. Seeing the dark pony behind him, he jumped and zoomed over into cover in what use to be an alleyway between buildings.

"It's alright Ash," the guard's voice was deep but sincere, "It seems the unicorns have vacated the area. I'm not here to hurt you, I'm not here to cause trouble," the guard stepped over to be more direct with the scared earth stallion, "If need be, you may tag along with us, I can assure you that you will not cause any harm to R, I can protect you both. Though with your particular skills, you dont really need protecting from other ponies."

"This place is unassailable." Luminia commented. "You'd be a fool or a moron to mess with them." She tossed her mane back casually, scratching an itch by her chest. "Believe me, I helped build the foundations of a place like this. It's nigh impossible."

Red looked up, "Alright, reason 1: I can help you fight against anyone that could try to kill you, these ponies are...disgusting." he said, "Reason 2: If anypony (specifically Patriatic) were to come here to take the elements of harmony, I could use my guns to loan them to you or help fight,"

Luminia couldn't help but chuckle quietly at Red's second reason.

---

Arlon snickered. Soon. Soon I'll know what's going on. And then I'll rebuild, and keep going.

---

Phosphora soared out the office block, files tucked against her chest, diving down towards the darkened bowels of the labs. Behind her, a well-placed bomb detonated, blowing the abandoned rooms apart and into the abyss. Phosphora had no need for them anymore, so why keep them around?

Food... Food will be nice.

"I need you to take something somewhere" the bleeding guard said to Argaent "but I suppose family is more important than anything I can give you."

The guard looked down "my family is dead, I suppose I am to" he looked up "but that doesn't scare me, I'm just on the waiting list.

But there is one more thing I need to get done." He pulled out an envelope "please take this to the rubble east of Ponyville when you get a chance. It is a several hour walk."

---

"OH MY CELESTIA!" Sic said in a pit of frustration and turned to Barkis "no it is not a shrine to Discord. Discord is not here right now. No more questions or I SWEAR I WILL CUT YOUR THROAT WITHOUT REGRETS!"

---

"Then guess that means we are in a hurry" Dusten said "y'know maybe Jed could help ya out." He looked back at Grey "if ya take off now you could make it in no time. I would be careful though, you'll tell your wound up."

"Why can't we just fly to the amulet?" Jed asked "it would be quicker." "This ain't something you can just fly to" Dusty said "I am more clever than that. You have to get to it the hard way or you can't get it. It's kinda a complicated system. I don't even remember how I did it. Its been awhile."

Barkis backed up, "Alright...I shall remain quiet then sir," he said nervously

Grey thought for a moment. "No, Phosphora can wait (to kill me, probably). With the way you're talking, I'm guessing this is a bit more important."

"'Amulet.'" Hellena mused. "Heh, I can only guess which one it is you're referring to. Why not destroy it if it you knew it was going to cause problems later on?"

---

Argent took the envelope carefully in his magic, looking over it momentarily, then tucking it into a scarf fold.
"East of Ponyville," he muttered under his breath, before speaking up again. "Shouldn't be too out of zhe way..." His horn flared up, preparing to teleport at least part way down the mountain, if not to the bottom in one jump. "...What about you?"

Red was losing patience and turned to Lumina, "Did I ever tell you what the definition of insanity is? Insanity is doing the exact… same thing… over and over again, expecting… everything to change. That… is crazy; but the first time somebody told me that…I dunno, I thought they were messing with me, so boom – I shot him." he said

OOC: Arlon is in Ponyville. It's Luminia who's outside the Factory.

OCC: Fixed

"it's not that simple" Dusty said "I have heard rumors on how to destroy it, but nothing conclusive". "Also you might let something out" Jed added "the Alicorn Amulet was created for a reason". Dusten nodded his head in agreement "It's actually the strongest weapon in Equestria right now, second only to the Elements of Harmony. A lot of ponies associate it with the Trixie incident in Ponyville, honestly it could have gotten a lot worse. It wasn't being used to its full extent. I was charged with hiding it after it was resolved."

"Now there be devices out there that can destroy entire towns, but this can create as well as destroy" Jedidiah elaborated "it is only limited to your imagination." "You know, there is a legend about how it came about" Dusty said "would y'all like to hear it?"

---

With that problem resolved Sicolus took a step towards the building. Several of Luna's night guards stepped outside of the entrance and bowed their heads quickly to Sic then retook their positions. "As for what I am going to do with him" Sicolus said speaking to Side Swipe "you will see." He lead them into the building passing the guards their blood red eyes became obvious.

Inside the building was far warmer than the outside was. Sic shivered "oooooh it's nice in here". As he lead them down steps the smell of blood and death became more potent and the air became even warmer.

---

Guard looked at Argaent for a while before giving a genuine smile, which was strange for his blood soaked countenance. "I am going to wait to see my family" he said "I am losing blood and there aren't any nearby hospitals that are still standing. I am going to die, but I am not afraid. I am ready to go. I miss my wife, my kids, hell even my annoying brother that always borrows my salt shakers."

His smile began to fade a tad but was still obvious "if it helps you any, I can look for your family until I have met my end. It would be my last mission. This may be my day, but for now I am still a soldier and must carry out my duties."

---

A roaring sound pierced the air. Fear quickly struck the red stallion's heart, only to be washed away with the thought that the sound would soon dissipate...he was very very wrong. The sound grew louder and louder. The fear grew as the sudden realization struck that this threat was not going away any time soon. A mare, his wife, appeared through the hallway "NICK! WHAT'S GOING-" the roof over her head quickly gave way and crashed on top of the mare. "STELLA!" he cried as if it would bring her back.

Moments passed and the house was no longer standing. Nick looked to wear his wife had just passed. He did all he could to keep from crying. "DADDY!?" came a small voice. Nick's head quickly shot up and he dug his daughter out from underneath the rubble. Miraculously she was unharmed. 'If this she is everything I have left... I will give anything to keep her happy' he thought to himself. "Daddy? Where is mommy?" the filly asked. "She is in a better place now" Nick said sadly "we will meet her again someday."

"oh" the filly said lowering her head. "Don't worry honey" Nick encouraged "it is all going to be okay" and then muttered "daddy will make it all okay..."

Barkis followed and scent hit him very quickly, Woah, the ponies must go here to die when they lose hope, he thought, they must have been weak ones...glad I'm not one of them, or at least have a strong looking adversary,

"Got nothing else to do." Hellena shrugged, conjuring a pair of fiery butterflies with a flicker of her horn. "Yeah, out with it, then. I like a good story."

---

Argaent returned the smile, though it was a bit forced.

"Zhat would be nice." the silver unicorn replied. "Zhank you... and good luck, both here and zhere."

In a pink pop of magic, Argaent disappeared, reappearing about halfway down the mountain face. Taking a moment to get his bearings, before repeating the teleportation spell.

I'm so glad you sent us to Celestia's School. Heh, but you never really did care about any of us, didn't you, dad? Only your precious little successor... And she doesn't care either...

Argaent collapsed from exhaustion, at the base of the mountain. He shifted slightly in the dead grass, knowing he wasn't likely to be going anywhere soon. Yeah... rest was good.

That's a new record...

---

Luminia raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"I know what insanity is. My eldest went down that dark path, a long time ago..." she turned away, a small frown on her face. "It's funny, really, what a mix of intelligence and an inferiority complex can do to someone..."

Red nodded and continued, "Well there's more. The thing is, okay… He was right. And then I started seeing: everywhere I looked, everywhere I looked, all these punks, everywhere I looked, doing the exact same freakin' thing… over and over and over and over again thinking: “This time, it’s gonna be different; no, no, no, no, no, please… This time it’s gonna be different.” …I am sorry, I don’t like the way you are looking at me… Okay, do you have a problem in your head? Do you think I am screwing with you? Do you think I am lying? Forget it! Okay? Forget. IT! It’s okay, man. I’m gonna chill, hermano. I’m gonna chill… The thing is… alright, the thing is: I killed you once already… and it’s not like I am crazy. It’s okay… It’s like water under the bridge." Red continued finishing

Luminia watched Red's rambling, but wasn't listening. There was enough on her mind, without adding a lunatic's ravings to it.

Red knew she wasn't paying and was slightly disappointed, but decided it wouldn't matter, I should've taken a few more breaths, he thought

The metal shielding of the factory doors eased open, but stopped just far enough to see through the glass. Gulaven was standing tall as usual on the other side, "Luminia? I am quite very surprised to see you here again. I was sure you had the intentions of keep your distance. What have you returned for?"

Rainbow Dash was still watching the camera that was attached to the small turret outside, making a reference page for the pony, analyzing his behavior, movements, and reactions. This was all stored in a file within the system, for any camera that spots him is to be of a high priority and is displayed on any monitor near Gulaven or herself. After setting the system to auto pilot with a few weeks of information, she joined Gulaven by the door. Making a quick glance at Luminia before fixing her eyes on Red, What does he want with me?

--

"Doesn't it make you want to just take a deep breath," S commented as they entered what seemed to be a basement area of the structure, "And those guards, such night owls too, it's like they never sleep or something."

--

Ash curled into a ball on the ground with his head out and low, "I just... Want to be alone..." he said slowly with a lump in his voice.

"R is in some sort of emotional shock status, so I really do not have anything better to do," the guard added as he then laid down low with Ash, "C'mon, just don't think about it. If you worry, you think, if you think, it is harder to avoid. So, put you mind on something much more important than what it wants," by it, Grey, the name given to the much darker side of Ash, was pretty much a very different subconscious as compared to himself and every pony around him, "Come up, lets get up, and start walking. I know a nice secluded place we can try. You look tired, and if need be, I won't be able to use my shield if she stays in it."


OOC: I used my phone to connect my Xbox to internet, used quite a bit of data, so I'll be on like every other day to lower my data usage.

"So..." said Red, "this your new home, or is this your night shift job Rainbow? Because I am curious about Cloudsdale and Gilda,"

"I think those are Luna's soldiers S," Barkis commented following him as they went to the basement, the scent of blood was getting stronger for him

"alright, but it's a bit long" Dusty said

"During the middle of Discord's rain over Equestria a small white colt was born, his name was Colluis. He was a small unicorn, weak in body, mind and eve spirit. But one thing this pony had was a wish. He wanted to be a warrior. He saw all the destruction from Discord's reign and was sick of being to weak to ever do anything. As he grew he worked towards this wish. His white coat turned darker and darker until it was a black. He grew in size, strength and mental toughness. He was sharp as a whip. He worked for it.

I have to say that white mane must have looked strange in contrast to the dark coat. None the less he could fight and was meaner than a rattlesnake. He did not let this stop him from being kind to others though. Even as strong as he was one can not wage war with one person. He built an army. Many battles later and these ponies gained a blood-lust, some say they are the ancestors of Luna's night guards. And then it happened, around the time that Discord was overthrown by the elements he transcended.

A mixture of sudden power gain and blood-lust would corrupt anypony, but for some reason Colluis remained sane. He was still kind to the local children and only killed when it was called for. He never fought against the new Equestrian government or took over lands outside of that region, even though he would only have to claim it as his own. In fact all he did was defend these lands. Didn't you find it strange there where no invasions prior to the toppling of the last regime. The great god of war Colluis was how he was known outside of these fair lands. But out home he was just another kind stallion.

It boggles my mind. But the legend does give an explanation for his kindness. Supposedly he admired a certain princess of the night. He eventually go together with the sisters and became the first Captain of the Guard. He also headed the other military forces which we don't hear much about. Peace and tranquility followed, but as we all know it doesn't ever last.

1,000 some odd years ago Luna was banished. Hearing this Colluis snapped. He slaughtered half the guards and bathed his mane in their blood turning it a sickening red. Using what power the elements of harmony had left after Luna's banishment Celestia sealed his wings and all his power into the Alicorn Amulet.

Yet she could not take his immortality. Whether it was for a morale reason or just not enough energy is still undetermined. So she did the next best thing and cast him into hell." Dusty finished the story he had memorized as a child. They where beginning to near their destination.

---

"I have been stuck in the factory for so long" Sic said as they reached the bottom. Their where devices scattered across the room. Doors led to rooms where screaming could be heard. "You know when Side swipe was created it opened up a world of possibilities. Using our mental connection I was able to develop a mind corrupting form of magic. And I didn't realize the uses of technology until he was taught about it." He walked to a door opened and stepped inside.

Inside the door was none other than Twilight Sparkle. Her horn was sawed off. Her wings and limbs where held to the table with dried blood covered spikes and hooks.

Barkis' eyes immediately were fixated onto her, "What the hell? Isn't that Princess Twilight Sparkle?" he asked, "did you tear her apart?"

Patriatic searched through the ruins of Sugarcube Corner to find Pinkie and quickly began to start to lose his patience even more, Where could that frilly pink earth mare be?! he mind screeched like a bat as still continued to search endlessly

"Selfish reasons, really," Luminia admitted with a small smile. "I have a small request. Usually, yes, I wouldn't come here, but 'usually' isn't the norm anymore. One of the last strongholds left, I had to come and see."

---

"Interesting, yeah." Hellena nodded, then paused momentarily. The butterflies vanished. "...Wait- Oh my god. You don't mean-"

"What?" Grey's ears flicked. The pegasus hadn't really thought much of the story. It was just another thing to add to Hellena's screwed up mental fantasies that she tamed with the word 'imagination'.

"I- no- never mind." the firebug shook her head indignantly. "Bloody hell, this isn't right."

"Hellena..." Grey started quietly.

Patriatic immediately got an idea, he grabbed a chunk of the dirt and molded into a cupcake, Now to find something to substitute for frosting... he thought

Gulaven grunted lowly, "So... Your here on a tour then? As much as I'd like to let you visit, we really have things we need to get done," he raised his mechanical arm up, a homographic display of a cylindrical machine piece with three thick wires out the top, and an inlet of some sort along the outside with a smaller line running to the bottom which was a gear shaped hose attachment, "We need an atom converter node to install a sustenance distributed to the reactor we have. The radiation it releases can be harnessed and used to a new high in atom conversion. Making the atoms in the air, food or water for the factory," Gulaven turned his head, "The only one I've been able to find data on is located in a basement lab at the royal castle. It must be under tons of rubble at this point."

"I am living here now," Rainbow replied, "It is not safe out there," she looked out past Red, "My house was taken by the new monarchy of the city anyway. I originally just worked here, but recently, it's been a haven from the wasteland Equestria has become.

--

"It is a good idea, but we cannot. See, she holds knowledge of the amulet's whereabouts," S walked over to the table, placing his front hooves up on the side and raising up over her, "Don't you just look... devine," he smiled. S1D3's stomach made a quick deep noise, "Yeah that," he raised his left hoof up over to Twilight's immobile body, "If she would only tell us," he then slapped his hoof down on her stomach, "I can see what alicorn taste like. A delicacy, so rare," he tilted his head resting it sideways on the table.

Barkis walked up to Twilight, "The princess hm... torn apart by what you would call lower-class. Oh this is hilarious, years of shoving soil, planting crops, slaving hard for you and the other alicorns while you sat on your flanks with no worries, regrets or anything. You never cared for anyone except your friends and the sisters, if it didn't benefit you or them then they should crawl to their corners to sob away their last days," said Barkis to her, "and what is this amulet they're speaking of?"

"I see..." said Red, "anything else I should ask?"

"I'm afraid I can't help with that, either." Luminia shook her head. "If there's one in Zephyr, even if the facility is still standing, it's unlikely Phora would give it up. 'If' being the keyword there. I don't know."

Barkis had always despised Twilight and the princesses, despite the fact that he was a Darwinist, he had hated them for the sole purpose of thinking that they were spoiled. Now he was with ponies who could use her for their abusive purposes, he felt like he found the home he was always looking for.

OCC: Can I add another character?

Arlon caught sight of Patriatic around the ruins of what was once Sugarcube Corner, the other pony's odd antics dragging him out of his thoughts.

"What are you doing?" he asked flatly, wandering over. "And how does a... lump of dirt... tie into it?"

Patriatic turned around, "Oh this?" he asked, "I was about to bury something of mine but it will wait. Are you looking for somepony to?"

ooc: yes

"the amulet is not really of your concern. if you are curious wait and you will see" Sic said to Barkis. He turned to a guard "wake her up." The guard quickly obeyed revealing which he placed onto Twilight's leg. There was a shock then a scream then a laugh from the devil himself. "GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!" Sic shouted. "w-where am I?" the alicorn asked. She tried to use her magic only to realize she no longer had a horn.

"ain't that a *****. Don't worry it will grow back" he paused "if you live long enough." "what do you want?" came the frantic response. "Simple, where is the amulet and where did the princesses disappear to?" Sicolus asked. "How am I suppose to know that!? and what amulet?" she replied the terror evident in her voice.

Sic sighed and reached over grabbing a metallic ball. There was a glowing yellow stripe around it "Up until the point that S was conceived I was a low-tech pony. Then an incident opened my eyes. With magic and the devices of the factory think of the havoc I could create" He lifted it up until Twilight could see it clearly "guess who this is?"

---

"Nothing ever is" Jedidiah piped in. they reached a clearing with mounds of dirt obvious and a makeshift tombstone here or there. "welcome to paradise hereafter" Dusty said "we all end up here, from richest to poorest. Kindest to the most wretched. Here."

Name: Blue Visor
Gender: Male
Species: Unicorn
Personality: Silent, quiet, pleasant, one to hold a grudge, murderous, amoral, deluded when it comes to life, a sociopath, perverted, torturous, focused
Appearance: Blue robe with a long hood to hide his face, sapphire eyes, sharp teeth
Weapons/Abilities: Blue electric magic from horn
History: A scientist rejected by some ponies for his lustful idealism, he is sadistic to the point of trying every form of abuse possible. He is working with Sic and S to help find the amulet with Twilight's knowledge
Other:N/A
---

Barkis looked at Twilight, "What a pretty face, ooh... so beautiful. But behind that face," he said with a little rage, "an ugly monster. Red eyes a black skull lure behind and it stares into your soul with devils and demons basking in it. But for now, we need that amulet..."

"You know what I mean." Hellena snarled, turning away bitterly. "What exactly is going on here? And you!" she pointed an accusing hoof at Dusty. "Why do you look so familiar?"

"Hellena, stop." Grey said quietly, but she ignored him.

"No, Grey!" the amber mare turned on her companion, before continuing in a harsh whisper. "This is big. I remember the Factory, Calibre. I saw Gale die."

S turned to Barkis, "Leave the work to the professionals, runt!" his horn lit up and a random ring of metal launched over and latched around Barkis's neck, "Not too tight is it?" S dropped off of the table and walked right up to Barkis, "Or is it not tight enough?" the ring pulsed, changing in size, quickly tightening and releasing, "If I had known you'd talk so much, that spear would have gone through your face and expanded from your spleen, and tear your skin in two."

--

"Shame it is," Gulaven added, "If I accompanied you with my best guards, I ask you to help me retrieve this converter, would you be up for the venture? If the train is still in tact, we can use it to get to Canterlot... Whatever of it is left. We really need that equipment," he dropped his arm, "My leg is beginning to effect me..." he added, "I dont know how much time remains," the arm's exterior was sealing itself slowly with stitching that looked alive.

"Doctor?" Rainbow Dash put her hoof on the mechanical shoulder, "Go to the labs, have them-"

"It doesn't work like that," Gulaven sat.

Barkis slightly wanted to gag, but knowing Sic he kept his mouth shut, not like he had much of a choice, I'll think of something to get back at him later, he thought, as long as I'm working with them this should be enough,

Luminia's mouth tightened slightly, the pink mare shifting her wings slightly.

"I flew by Canterlot on my way here." she replied. "It... isn't pretty. Even from so high up, the bodies..." Luminia trailed off, shaking her head and frowning slightly. How many of her own were part of that gruesome play?

I shouldn't have left them behind...

"...Perhaps. If worst comes to worst, maybe Phora can be convinced." she sighed, before continuing. "Angry would be an understatement for what she was feeling when she left this place."

---

"...Uhhuh." Arlon raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Looking for someone? In a way, yes."

Patriatic looked concerned, but quickly calm again, "Really?" he asked, "what a small world this is eh sir?"

Raptor snapped awake, "Factory," she quickly whispered with wide eyes. She froze and looked around at where she was, "What? Where?" she turned to see Ash. She frowned with anger in her eyes, "You!" she rolled over to stand up, loosing balance on the shield, she dropped back done to the stable height. She quickly hopped off the side, where she was met by a foreleg blocking her from the white earth pony, "He tried to kill me, are you just going to let him get away with it?"

"Yes, you are not currently in danger," the guard replied, "Plus, I've been over many released files. He has no control of what he does at most random times," he dropped his leg, "I can take care of you both. We need to make our way toward Canterlot, a demolished area of Equestria, least likely to have any hostiles."

--

Gulaven turned back to Luminia, "She may not refuse if we go see her together. Either way, we are heading toward Canterlot, I am getting that component even if I die trying."

"Gulaven," Rainbow Dash was now more worried about his condition, "You need to rest, you've been up the past two days-"

"I do what it takes to ensure the survival of our race, and those around us. I will not simply sleep when I can do more to save more, to give back what we have taken, what I have taken," he stood up. The doors opened all the way, he pushed out through the glass doors, "Send for Torch and Cauldron, we are heading out now," Gulaven walked out to the edge of the cloud.

"Y-yes sir," Rainbow said a bit glumly. She gave him one more glance before returning to the hall they were previously heading down. Finding the door, she stepped through and made her way to the first door of the east wing. Making a left through the first door, heading down a wood paneled hall to a wood door marked "Dr. Gulaven."

Luminia nodded curtly, but didn't respond, watching Rainbow Dash leave.

For your sake, I hope you're right. she thought.

---

"Not really, no." Arlon shook his head, chuckling quietly. "A lot of ponies died, and I'm not one to lose track of what's going on. Do you not think that there are more than a few searching for their lost family? Friends?"

---

"Ugh..." Argaent groaned, dragging himself to his hooves. Pounding headache, check. Tired and not really wanting to get up, check. Thirsty? Yeah, that's a check too. "God... If this is what Pen had to put up with every day..."

"Could be," said Patriatic, "this hellish new reality works in oh so many mysterious ways. I'm actually looking for Pinkie Pie and Rarity, are you looking for one in your family?"

---

Red frowned and decided his purposes were of no more for the Rainboe Factory, he flew up over the factory and trotted above the roof

"Pinkie Pie and Rarity." Arlon repeated. "Hh. Good luck. In all honesty, I should be looking for them, but it doesn't really matter. Their wellfare isn't of concern to me."