The Shadow of Equestria

Chapter 18

The BadLands

The best way I could describe the BadLands to another human would be something along the lines of a barren wasteland. Not even tumbleweeds were to be seen in that desolate place. As Spectre and I began to trek the dry landscape, she deemed it impossible for anything to survive there.

"I've heard stories of giant dragons who kidnapped foals and brought them to the BadLands. I used to think that this place was filled with the skeletons of foals."

"I doubt that even their bones would survive this damned heat."I said as I tried to block the burning rays of the sun from both blinding and irritating me.

"Now that we're here, I wonder why my parents always told me horror stories about this place?" said Spectre.

"There are some Constellation Beasts in here." I replied.

"But not the most dangerous." said Spectre. "You'd find Taurus and maybe Scorpio but nothing more. The more dangerous like Leo, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and the Aquarius are found in Equestria. It's probably correct to say that Equestria is more dangerous than this place."

"Wait." I said. "What do these Constellation Beasts look like?"

"Well, they look to be mostly comprised of stars and can range from any size. Lucky for us, Taurus gets no bigger than you and Scorpio is small enough to squash. The other ones in Equestria can size up to a large building or bigger."

"That's really weird." I began. "What about the other ones like Cancer, Aries, or Gemini?"

"Those have been seen in other place but not in Equestria." said Spectre.

"Hmm." I said as I went silent trying to digest the information that I had just received. I would have preferred it to stay quiet, but Spectre continued to ask questions.

"In all seriousness." she began. "Where are we going, what is your plan out here?"

I shrugged.

"I'm looking for a place to go where Celestia can't send her guards after. A place where I can plan what to do next."

"Do you have any idea where that'll be?" asked Spectre.

"Either with the Minotaurs or the Changelings. I don't care which one."

On that, Spectre stayed quiet for a good majority of the trip.

After an hour or two of walking through the desert, we began to notice a small town out in the distance. Almost like an old western style town. As we approached, we noticed that the town was a thriving Minotaur village. I was surprised to see that they were that well organized. I first assumed that they would be living in tents or caves or something of that nature. I guess I was wrong.

We walked into the town and I immediately began to look for a saloon. I thought if it was an old west town and the Minotaurs don't act like the ponies do, they would probably have a bar of some sort. After some looking around, I found what I was looking for. A large sign that read SALOON in big bold letter hung atop one of the buildings lining the streets. As I began to walk towards it, Spectre grabbed me by the arm.

"Why are we going into the saloon? I don't think we'll be safe in there."

"Nonsense." I said as I shook her grasp. "A saloon is the best place to learn stuff. I learned a long time ago that loose lips sink ships. Who knows what we'll find out."

Not saying another word, I walked towards and finally into the saloon. Once inside, I was met with the smell of alcohol and vomit. As disgusting as it was, I walked across the saloon and found an empty booth that was as close to the bar as I could get. Spectre followed close behind, drawing a few gazes from the other patrons of the saloon. As we sat, I waited for something to happen, it was only a matter of time now.

"Want something to drink?" asked Spectre as she started to get out.

"I doubt they'll take your bits here. This is a separate country after all. Besides, I think we should stick to water for now."

Spectre sat back down and sighed as she leaned back in the booth. At the meantime, I was trying to listen to the multitude of conversations. Most of them were irrelevant information. Mostly pertaining to past mates or war stories. However, a few did catch my attention.

"Didcha hear about the changelings?" asked a nearby Minotaur. "They've been buying our supplies for somethin' big."

"Like what?" asked another Minotaur. "They ain't plannin' to go ta war with us are they?"

"Nah, nothing like that." said the first Minotaur. "I've been hearin' rumors about them attackin' Equestria but they'll never do. I mean they are sneaky and cunning but they lack strength."

"You're damn right they do." said the second Minotaur and the sound of two cup clanging together rang out.

I turned my head again to catch another bit of information that was interesting.

"Give me another challenge, that last one was too easy." said one Minotaur.

"Alright, how about that pony over there?" asked the other one.

There was a second of pause before the Minotaur replied back.

"She looks like she would break in the sack. All ponies look like that."

"But look at all of her scars, she's defiantly the wild type." said the second one.

"What about that weird looking thing covered in that blood. I don't think I wanna mess with that."

"Come on man, I he give ya any trouble, I'll be there for ya."

"Alright, I'll give it a shot." said the first Minotaur.

I looked over to Spectre and smiled.

"Incoming." I said as the Minotaur approached the table.

"How ya doin' today." said the Minotaur. "We don't see too many ponies out here in the BadLands. Whatcha doin' so far away from home?"

"That's none of your business." said Spectre as she sneered at him.

"Feisty, I can deal with that. Look darlin' whatever you see in this thing sittin' across from ya, I guarantee I got more of it. Whatcha say about coming back to my place and I'll show ya something you'll like."

Spectre sneered in disgust.

"I'd rather be torn to pieces by an Ursa than go home with you. Why don't you do yourself a favor and leave me alone or else I'll make sure you regret talking to me."

The Minotaur snorted.

"Oh really, you think that your boyfriend here can stop a full blooded Minotaur? I'd like to see him try."

"He's all your." said Spectre.

I wasted no time in punching the Minotaur in the gut. As he doubled over, I grabbed his head and slammed it on the table, knocking the bull out.

"Time to go." I said to Spectre as we stepped over the unconscious Minotaur and made for the door. As we got close, the Minotaur that gave the other one the challenge jumped in front of it, stopping us from leaving.

"I'm not going to let you walk out of here after ya did that to my friend. I'm going to rip you to pieces." he said as he charged at me.

Quickly thinking, I channeled magic into my leg and waited for him to get close. As he approached, I sidestepped to avoid his horn and kicked him as hard as I could in the stomach. This stopped him dead in his tracks and caused him to collapse were he stood.

"Would anybody mind telling me where I can find the changelings at?" I asked.

"To the south." said the bartender as he cleaned a glass. "They live in several large hives that jut out from the ground.

"Thank you." I said as I walked for the exit and left the saloon.

After we left, Spectre flew up next to me.

"That was awesome, especially the way you stopped that Minotaur in its tracks. That was awesome."

"At least we know where to go now." I said as I tried to determine which was south."

"Why the changelings?" asked Spectre. "What use will they be?"

"I heard of a rumor that they're planning to attack Equestria. If so, I wanna be in on it."

"Whatever you say." said Spectre as she continued to fly alongside me.

Here's the next chapter, Enjoy!

Sorry if this chapter was so short to some of you. I needed a filler chapter so that the next chapter would be more story driven.

Be sure to go check the poll on my profile. I've added a new choice that was suggested to me. I'd like to see what you guys want to see.

See you guys next Monday!