//------------------------------// // Yer first job // Story: The Empire of Blood // by The Psychopath //------------------------------// Many things were cleared over during the long chatting seesion in Spearow's hut. Rarity had her plans for Rasberry's dress in mind, and was eager to create it. Twilight explained where her friends came from and who reigned over them and protected them. However, the response Twilight recieved was completely unexpected. The couple didn't know at all what an alicorn was and seemed more stressed by what they could do. The only reason for this lack of knowledge of alicorns, coupled by these buildings that were unknown to everypony back home, could place Twilight and her friends somewhere around six to eight thousand years in the past. What were they even doing so far in the past? Some more things were clarified as to the living status of the current time. They were right in the middle of the Empire of Blood. It was a ruthless army that would go to war very often and take the prisoners of war to sacrifice them to their god of blood, Ghorandras. Their blood always seemed to swirl underneath the sacrificial chambers. Apparently, this blood strengthened Ghorandras and, when he would awaken, he would destroy everything and everyone who wasn't a faithful part of the Empire. Noone knows what he looks like, but rumors have been leaving the crimson city about what his appearance was. If rumor was true, then Ghorandras was actually a mixture of both dragon and pony. It was extremely huge and was chained up in the lowest levels of the blood temple. As for the mare that had attacked Twilight and the group, as well as the guards, they were a Gore patrol. Patrols that wander around randomly through towns and villages belonging to the Empire of Blood in order to search for worthy sacrifices. The guards were high ranking bodyguards that could easily kill several gryphons if given the possibility. The mare, however, was a special case. She was a general of the Blood army. She was one of the elite of the army, and had the highest value among current generals. There were others above her, but her experience in battle gave her the rank she currently possessed, as well as her "gift". Her name was Carnifex. It was actually a nickname, but hence, her teeth and thirst for battle gave that name it's reputation. She was well feared because of her participation in the gryphon wars, as well as the yellow battles. The yellow battles were against the remaining gryphon soldiers who had allied themselves with the minotaurs. The battles still rage today, despite them lasting for over thirty-five years. It is said that, despite the low survival rate in the gryphon wars, she participated in the beginning, and finished the war by her own hooves. She was rewarded for her servitude with a new rank and a "gift" that would match her personality. Canine teeth that were incredibly sharp and intimidating. It was common to see a general with these things. For example, if one were the type to charge into a group head-first, without thinking, they would obtain either an increased mucle-mass, or hardened skin. How they recieved these mutations is completely unkown, and those who did know...well...they weren't heard from again.The one who led the entire Empire during Ghorandras' slumber was Redsky. He was greatly feared and worshipped at the same time. Any who opposed his rules were killed by a Jonchu assassin. This time period was completely frightening for the five. It was no wonder that it was hidden away from the future. After the discussion and dinner, the group was allowed to sleep in Spearow's living room until the cabin was rearranged. The "cabin" was just the name of a smaller extension of the house. However, each of them would need to find a job if they wanted to stay at his home. No freeloaders. Tomorrow, they would all go to their respective locations for work...if they were found. It was now night, and the five mares were sleeping tightly. The moon was shining brightly through the trees as it embraced the world in a hug of silvery light. Twilight suddenly awoke. She didn't know what awoke her or why. She carefully got off the couch and went to the closest window to see what was going on. She was surprised to see that the smokey creature from before was there. It seemed to be sitting in mid-air, with it's legs crossed. It was staring directly at Twilight Sparkle. She didn't understand what that thing was nor how it had appeared there. Didn't it come from their time? Twilight was about to get out of the house, when it roared loudly, that screeching waking up everypony painfully. "What was that?!" yelled Applejack. "It's that shadowy creature from before." replied Twilight. "What? How did it git here? Did it follow us through that thing it created?" "What's going on out there?!" yelled Spearow. He came rushing down the stairs, a spear attached to his right side. Rasberry followed behind him. "What are you girls doing? What was that?" "It's that...thing that sent us here." said Fluttershy. She was terrified by the creature. Spearow pushed everypony aside, a fierce look on his face. He stared out of the window, eyeing every corner of the forest around him. "What are you talking about? I don't see any-" The creature popped right in front of the window. Spearow fell backwards onto his back s he started to pant heavily. Rasberry seemed to do be panting just as quickly. "What? What's wrong?" asked Twilight. "Impossible. It was reported dead in the gryphon wars." "What?" "That is the Drayvis." "What in Equestria is a Drayvis?" asked Rarity. "The...the Drayvis is a being with incredible poweres. Some say that it can kill our god if it put any effort into this action. It has been tormenting and destroying our Empire for years. That thing was said to have been killed in the gryphon wars by Carnifex. I guess it was a fluke." "What does it want?" whispered Fluttershy. "I don't know, but it seems to like you five." The Drayvis was lookng around frantically through the house. "If it's so powerful, why hasn't it broken through the walls yet?" asked Applejack. "I don't know. Is it looking for something?" The drayvis seemed to be panicking. It took two steps back and pointed at the window, carving temporary forms into it. The first that appeared was the element of loyalty. This surprised the five mares still there, but estranged the couple. Then Rainbow Dash appeared, before finally dissappearing as well. Everypony was unsure at what it wanted, except Pinkie Pie. She jumped to the window with a large smile on her face. "We went don't know where she is. Apparently, she got caught by the meanie soldiers around here. I hope I helped you!" The couple just looked at her strangely. They certainly weren't used to a pony acting like she did. The Drayvis seemed to have silently cursed as it thrust it's arm down. It gave a sign of thanks to Pinkie Pie as it quickly dissappeared into the trees. Some disturbances were had shortly after, but everypony went back to sleep. Just because that creature had reappeared didn't mean that it would attack them right away. They still had much to do if they wanted to survive in this new world. It was already the crack of dawn, and Spearow had awoken everypony. Only Applejack, who was used to waking early to tend to her apple orchards, was full of energy. Even Pinkie Pie was still a bit tired. After a simple berry and hay breakfast, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy left with Spearow to his beast shop, while Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity left with Rasberry. After a bit of travel back through the forest, Spearow and the two mares finally arrived at the shop. It was completely rebuilt. "Wow. You work fast here." said Pinkie Pie. Spearow started to smirk. "Yeah? I thought we were kinda slow. Nowthen, back into-" Another piercing scream followed as Karm ran out of the forest to grab Fluttershy and hug her intensely. Everypony in the street first started to run away, but came closer to the Yumis as it rubbed a laughing Fluttershy against it's face. They came to close apparently, as the Yumis roared at them, causing the ponies to run away. Fluttershy scolded Karm once more. He was going to need alot of teaching to act properly. Spearow reassured the crowd, who quickly swarmed around this new prodigy with animals and beasts alike. The stallion asked everyone to step back as the group went into the shop. Karm was told to not attack anypony and to stay in the surrounding area. Fluttershy wasn't going to keep it in place forever. It was against her way of thinking. The inside of the shop was just as woody as the rest of the building. A few counters and trophies here, a few things needed to ride monsters or control them there, it was pretty bland for a beast shop. Fluttershy was still disturbed by the skins and furs everywhere. Spearow reassured her that they were still either fake, or from already dead creatures. This didn't seem to help much. As Spearow rearranged everything a bit Pinkie Pie started a conversation with the stallion: "So...what DOES a beastmaster do?" Spearow answered this question while still rearranging his things. "Like I said, we capture monsters and tame them for the Empire. Sometimes, our hunters find extremely rare creatures and bring them back here for us to tame and sell for several thousand Cins." "Cins?" "Our currency." "Is Karm a rare creature?" asked Fluttershy. "No. Not really. The Yumis are rare to capture and fewer are those who have been tamed, but they are generally common creatures." "Then what are the rare ones?" "Follow me and you'll see." Spearow went towards a huge metallic door that was at the end of his shop. He gave a smile as he unlocked it and let the two mares through before locking it back again. There were strange luminescent rocks attached to the walls.As they went down the cobblestone steps, Spearow started to smile even more when he started to speak. "My shop is known to have the most rare beasts in the entire Empire. This is why many ponies come to me for a beast if they need help in agriculture, building, or mostly just wars. That is what they are mostly used in." "Oh my." stuttered Fluttershy. "I know. But it's better to have them on our side than anypony else's. Now see and be amazed at my "collection"." Spearow opened two extremely huge doors to reveal a room full of giant cages, aquariums, and other contraptions. There were so many different beasts that all looked so strange. They all ranged in size and shape. Pinkie Pie was all giddy about this. "Okay then. So, Fluttershy, you will take care of the Dru, while Pinkie Pie plays with the monsters to keep them from becoming restless." "What's a Dru?" asked Pinkie Pie. "It's a strange creature actually. We confused them for gryphons during the war. They look exactly like them, although they are more of a blue chrome color all over their bodies. Strange things, really." "I'm not sure if I can. I had a bad moment with a certain gryphon..." said Fluttershy. "NONSENSE! If you can tae a Yumis, you can certainly deal with a Dru. Come on then, it's time for work." "Come on Fluttershy, this'll be fun!" "I hope you're right." In the vast zone of agriculture that could be seen, several ponies were currently watering the newly growing plants. Many wore hats and overalls while taking care of their cultures. Strangely, there was a large spot full of trees that were being observed by a giant earth pony. This stallion was a purplish, lavender color, just like Twilight Sparkle, but he had a roughed up blonde mane and tail just like Applejack. He had a shovel on his flank. "There. That's the big boss, Carmite. He's not too kind to outsiders, so I'd be quiet if I were you." said Rasberry. "Oh! This dreadful heat is just KILLING me! I can't believe you didn't let me get a hat or something to protect my beautiful mane." "Will you be quiet Rarity?!" "Wait, are those the apple trees?" asked Applejack. "Unfortunately...yes. Now please be quiet while I talk to Carmite." Rasberry carefully walked towards the giant stallion. When she opened her mouth, he started to speak, with a rather intimidating voice: "It's been so many generations that these trees have not given a single apple. I have tried everything, but they will not give. What am I doing wrong? Would you happen to know, Rasberry?" "Um, well, I-" Applejack look mighty frustrated as she walked towards the trees. Rasberry tried to make signs for the cowpony to move away, but she wouldn't have it. Carmite's hollow eyes started to fill with anger and fury at this outsider, until he saw Applejack's cutie mark, and started to give the benefit of doubt. His eyes resembled yellow stars, scary, yellow stars. "Now what yer doin' here is all wrong! Appletrees are supposed to be in a fertile area full of grass, not this dry place. It doesn't allow the water ta seep in properly. The trees should be in a shaded area too. They're gettin' the full front of them sunrays, so they sweat too much! It doesn't allow it to get enough sap through the branches!" "You seem to know an awful lot 'bout appletrees there missy. How?" "Mah brother 'n eye worked on an apple orchard. We made the best apples ever." Applejack said her last words with great pride. The stallion's face paled. The other working ponies around the area also stopped to look at Applejack in awe. "What happened to your orchard?" " It...uhhh...got destroyed during a raid." "Those accursed gryphons! Well then, I believe you will be our the one to take care of these appletrees. Tell me what you need and I'll give you whatcha need." "Thanks alot sir! I'll get ta work right away. Ah just need to see the trees first. They dun look in good shape." Applejack went off to inspect the trees more thoroughly in order to grow the best apples with these sickly things. Carmite turned around to face a shocked Rasberry who was staring at the abyss with her jaw open and her eyelids twitching. "RASBERRY!" "AH! What?" "And who are these two?" "They are Twilight Sparkle and Rarity." "What are your talents? I'll see if I can put them to use. YOU, go first." He pointed at Twilight sparkle. Rarity was certainly mumbling something about manners. "Well, I'm very good at organization and-" "GOOD! We need somepony to help organize our tools and fertilizers. We would also need you to help us plan out when we need to water certain plants, start to plant the needs, and so forth. I'll walk you to the place. Now...for you..." Carmite didn't seem too happy with Rarity's appearance. He knew that she was too sophisticated for farmwork. "Well, I'm great at designing clothes and-" "I'll stop you there. We don't need you here. Maybe somewhere else." Rarity couldn't say anything until Rasberry pulled her away. They'd find someplace for her to work at, but, for now, everypony had a place to work and was starting right away. It would be a tough first day for them all.