//------------------------------//
// The Unification Wars - pt. I 
// Story: The TwiDash Imperium 
// by MatCor1337 
//------------------------------//

Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence, the Element Bearers and the families of Twilight and Rainbow were seated at a large table in the Princess' private dining hall that was being served a multitude of foods and sweets by the maids and waiters.   They sat in silence for some time until the last servant left the room, which Shining Armor took the opportunity to speak up.

“Something’s not right with them.” He said, gaining everypony’s attention.   “Ignoring the obvious of them not being ponies, they were sharing the same bed together and acted strangely towards each other as they were leaving.”

“As suspicious as that is, we need to wait for Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle and hear their story before we come to any rash conclusions.” Luna commented.

Twilight Velvet looked towards her future daughter-in-law.   “Cadence, you can see the love between ponies, right?   Did you see anything between Twily and her friend?” she asked, catching the younger princess off guard.   She knew it would’ve eventually come up, just not so soon.

“U-um… y-yeah, I did.” Cadence awkwardly said, looking nervous.

“Go on, Cadence.” Celestia encouraged her niece.   Nodding thanks to her aunt, the Princess of Love took a deep breath and continued.

“It was strong.   Very strong at that; the only couple I know with anywhere near that much love for each other is myself and Shining.   From what I saw, they truly love each other above anything else.” The ponies were shocked by Cadence’s news for various reasons, but from the corner of his eye Night Light saw Applejack do a curt nod, as though her own suspicions had just been confirmed.

“B-but that’s i-imposible.   A mare c-can’t love a mare like a stallion can’t love a stallion.” Fluttershy stuttered, the meek pegasus almost aghast that her oldest and closest friend was with another mare… technically.

Celestia remained quiet and outwardly calm, but her mind was swarming with many thoughts.   She had worked hard to make Equestria the way it is now, and part of that was implementing a perception of what a true loving couple was; that being a unity between a mare and stallion, no questions asked.   Anything else that deviated from this ideal was considered unnatural and something of an abomination.   Having two of the nation’s greatest heroines in such a relationship would cause widespread uproar.

She was about to say something on the matter, but stopped herself when the doors to the dining hall opened.   The other ponies also stopped speaking and looked towards the doors, seeing Rarity enter the room, followed shortly by Twilight and Rainbow wearing a modified version of their Gala dresses… holding hands.

“Sorry we’re late guys, hope we didn’t keep you waiting too long.” Rainbow said, idly gazing at the food on the table.

“Nah, yer alright there sugercube.   C’mon and take a seat, ya must be starved.” No sooner than when Applejack said this, the rumbling of stomachs was heard from the two humans.

“Hehe, guess we’re more hungry than we thought.” Twilight comments, she and Rainbow taking seats between their families and helping themselves to the food on offer as Rarity sat next to the apple farmer.

As the transformed ponies dug into their food, the others getting treats for themselves, Princess Celestia spoke up.   “Twilight, before you get started in telling us what happened to the both of you, there’s something that we need to know first.” She said.   Twilight made a noise that meant she was paying attention, surprising the alicorn slightly that she didn’t finish her food first.   Regardless, Celestia took a deep breath before asking seriously, “Twilight Sparkle, are you and Rainbow Dash in a relationship?”

Everypony was deathly silent as they waited for a response.   Rarity shifted in her seat awkwardly, causing some curious glances to go her way.   A couple more seconds passed before Twilight swallowed her food and finally answered.   “Rainbow and I aren’t just in a relationship; we’re happily married and proud of it.” She said with a small smile.

While all in attendance with the exception of Rainbow Dash and Rarity were clearly shocked, their expressions were varied.   The three princesses were wide-eyed and open-mouthed, Fluttershy seemed ready to faint, Pinkie Pie was ecstatic and already planning a party, Applejack had a small smile and glanced at Rarity, her expression showing that she already found out, and the parents of the couple were curious to know how they got together.

Shining Armor, however, was livid and made it known as he slammed his forehooves on the table, startling everyone.   “I can’t believe this!   A relationship with two mares is no different than two stallions; impossible!” he yelled.

Rainbow glared intensely at the abrasive unicorn.   “Oh, and I imagine that you’re such an expert on what true love is, right?   How ‘bout you shut up and listen to the one person who can actually see the love between two people before you decide to be an ass, yeah?” she asks.

“That doesn’t mean anything!   It’s unnatural and goes against everything we know and stand for!” Shining argued.

“What Equestria stands for is peace, harmony, love and tolerance.   If ponies all over Equestria are as homophobic as you seem to be, I might start losing all respect I still had for them if they throw the nation’s core virtues out the window just because two lovers are the same gender.   Besides, if you think that the problem is that “they can’t reproduce”, then let me remind you that there are other options.   There’s adoption because, let’s face it, most orphans are abandoned by scumbags that don’t deserve to breed, sperm-donating is self explanatory, they can also get an operation to have a sex-change and get the organs needed, or in the case of two mares, they can use a spell that’ll give one of them a dick and balls with fertile sperm.   I’m sure someone must’ve made one or two such spells by now.” Rainbow counters calmly.   “And another thing, females of just about any species can reproduce without a male by adding the genetics of the “father” to the mother’s eggs.   Equestria, and likely the planet, just simply doesn’t have the technology to do so.”

Everyone stared at her in astonishment, caught off guard that she was able to remain calm during her speech as she not only showed how hypocritical they unknowingly were, but also listed valid reasons that proved that same-sex relations could work.   Shining’s mouth gaped like a fish, unable to form a response to Rainbow’s logic and reasoning.

Twilight giggled at the expressions of the ponies around her and was proud of how Rainbow handled the argument with her brother.   Wanting to give a small reward to her wife and show the others that they truly loved each other, Twilight leaned towards Rainbow and planted a small kiss on her cheek, catching her off guard and causing a blush to overcome her face.   “That’s my girl.” She said, snapping Shining out of his stupor as he scowled.

“Regardless, I’m not just going to stand by and let my little sister waste her life and time on an arrogant, selfish attention seeker that only cares about her own petty ambitions.” He stated firmly, not intent on changing his views just because of one person’s words.

Windy Whistles and Bow Hothoof were going to make an angry retort to defend their daughter, but stopped short when Shining Armour was suddenly struck by a pulse of magic that launched him into the wall hard enough to crack it.   Before anypony could move to help the stallion or wonder what happened, there was a bright flash of light.   When it faded, Twilight was in front of her brother, catching him by the neck before he fell to the floor and slamming him back into the wall, cracking it further.

Shining opened his eyes so that he could see who was attacking him and demand an answer, but regretted it as his voice was caught in his throat.   Gone was the sweet smile and gentle eyes, in their place were a feral snarl and furious eyes that burned with godly power and anger long thought buried.

“How DARE you insult my beloved you worthless piece of GARBAGE?!?!?!” she roared, shocking and terrifying the ponies while Rainbow Dash grimaced.   “Let me make this very clear to you, dear brother; you have NO control over my life and NO right to tell me who I can and cannot love!   She and I have gone through and done things that simple mortals like you cannot even begin to imagine!   We took part in the founding of a GALAXY spanning empire that we’d aided the Emperor of Man rule for over 10,000 YEARS!   Separately we have slain tens if not hundreds of MILLIONS of the Imperium’s enemies; threats so great that nothing on this planet could hope to hold a CANDLE to their strength!   Our sons are the greatest and mightiest warriors, generals and war-heroes that the galaxy has ever seen, and they even rule their own PLANETS!   In comparison to Rainbow, myself or any of them: YOU. ARE. NOTHING!!!”

The dining hall- no, the castle or perhaps even all of Canterlot trembled under the volume and strength of Twilight’s declaration as she belittled her brother.   At some point during the rant, Rainbow Dash had risen from her seat and made her way to Twilight, placing a hand on her lover’s shoulder.

“Alright Twi, I think he gets it.” She said soothingly.   Twilight glanced at Rainbow for a moment before looking back at the dull creature in her grasp.   A few seconds passed in silence until the Psyker Queen heaved a heavy sigh and released her grip, dropping Shining to the floor with a thud.   “Better?”

“Yeah, actually.   Much more than I thought I’d be.” Twilight replied tiredly, giving her wife a thankful smile.

When Twilight seemed to have calmed down enough, Cadence rushed from her seat to help her fiance while everypony else kept staring at the former unicorn with their feelings conflicting between awe and shock.

“Sorry about that everyone, it seems that I still get some mood swings since I got off the Golden Throne.” Twilight apologized as she and Rainbow returned to their seats, snapping the ponies out of their stupor.

“O-oh, it’s okay dear, we understand.” Velvet assured her daughter a little warily, still slightly unnerved by her outburst and a little confused to what this ‘Golden Throne’ was.

“Well, now that we’ve witnessed how strongly you’ll defend your relationship, I believe that we should move on from the topic for now.   Personally I am very interested in finding out the origin of the things you said.” Princess Luna said as Cadence helped Shining back to the table.

Celestia nodded her head.   “Yes, I believe that now is the time for an explanation.”

The two ponies-turned-humans glanced at each other, Rainbow putting a hand on Twilight’s shoulder before said woman sighed and began her tale.   “Well, I guess the best way to start would be when I found myself on Terra...”











Terra; Cradle of Mankind
Hive World
Sol System - Segmentum Solar
ca. ???.M29

Twilight groaned in mild pain as every inch of her body felt incredibly sore.   Her muscles were cramped and stung, causing her to grit her teeth in order to bear the pain better.   A few minutes passed when Twilight finally felt the soreness start to fade, replaced by a tingling/numbing sensation throughout her body.   She could hear some sounds in the distance, but her mind was still too fuzzy to make them out.

When Twilight could finally move without too much discomfort, she brought her forehoof to her face to wipe her brow.   Or at least, what was supposed to be her forehoof.   Instead, it was a five digit hand covered by some kind of glove.   Eyes widening in slight panic, Twilight pushed herself up onto her knees and looked over her body.   She was wearing a greyish-purple jacket and matching pants that were under pieces of light armour that were held in place by leather straps and a pair of thick boots on her feet.

Breathing somewhat heavily now, Twilight’s mind was swarming with all kinds of thoughts and questions on how she had been turned into a completely different species, one she didn’t even know either.   When she eventually calmed herself down to think more clearly, she looked around at her surroundings and gasped as she took notice of the building she was in being in a state of absolute ruin.   The sounds Twilight heard earlier were much clearer and louder, possibly closer too, but she still didn’t know what they were as she’d never heard such sounds back in Equestria.

Twilight pushed herself to her feet, her legs shaking and wobbling greatly, but she used a nearby broken pipe to straighten herself up as they got used to the weight.   She walked around the pipe for a minute or so before letting go, attempting to walk without any assistance.   Except for when she had to tilt her upper body to remain balanced, especially when the ground shook after an explosion, Twilight thought she did very well in adapting to a new body until she froze in her tracks, something clicking in her mind.   ‘Wait… explosions?!’

Indeed, there were explosions out in the distance and slowly getting closer, as well as what sounded like cracks of thunder, but they were too rapid and numerous to be so.   Soon deciding to take a risk, Twilight walked towards a damaged wall that faced the direction of the sounds.   She’d almost reached it when something trailing smoke flew just past her head.   Before she could turn to watch it, the object hit the opposite wall and detonated, the force of the explosion throwing the Equestrian out.

Tumbling down a small hill before stopping, Twilight groaned and pushed herself back up.   Raising her head, she tried to see where she was and figure out what was making these sounds…

...and immediately regretted it, gasping in horror at the scene before her.

It was a warzone.   A bloody one.   Two warring factions slaughtering each other, uncaring of their surroundings and personal safety.   They fought with feral ferocity no better than wild animals, only caring about how they were going to kill their next victim.

Unable to watch the horrific scene before her, Twilight ran.   She didn’t know where she was going, only that she chose a direction and started running.   As she ran, she tried to summon her magic for a teleportation spell and barely succeeded, finding that while she still had her magic, it was much harder to use.   Just wanting to get away from where ever she was, Twilight used what magic was at her disposal and made multiple teleports in quick succession, trying hard to ignore the painful headache it was giving her.

After just five minutes of this as well as running between teleports, the pony-turned-bipedal creature was exhausted physically, mentally and magically; her muscles growing sore again, her brain suffering its worst migraine yet and the center of her very being felt like it was about to be torn apart.   What was worse was that the two warring factions were seemingly everywhere, fighting.   Dying.   Killing.   While thanking the stars that she hadn’t been noticed yet, at this point all Twilight wished for above all else was to go home.

Home……… Of course!   Maybe the portal that brought her to this horrid land was still open.   If she turned around now and got back to that building she cou-

“GAAAH!!” she screamed, a stray projectile tearing through the right side of her lower abdomen.   Twilight lost balance, tripping and tumbling down the side of a fallen wall, falling a couple of feet before landing roughly on the ground.   Tears poured out of her eyes from the pain like streams as she clutched her wound, trying desperately to at least slow the bleeding.   She groaned and whimpered for a few seconds until she was found out.

“What’s this?   A little mouse falling into my nest?” a cruel and sadistic sounding male voice said.   Fearfully, Twilight raised her head to see who had found her.   He wore dirty armour that covered his entire body except for his head and most of his arms, strange gauntlets on his forearms, had long unkempt hair, pieces of parchment on his left shoulder and a sword held on his back.

“P-please… h-help me…” Twilight pleaded, the figure looking her over before grinning widely, a dark glint in his eye.

“Oh, I’ll help you alright my little flower~.” He “purred”, his grin turning all the more cruel when he shouted, “Hey boys!   Get over here, I got ya a present!”

Following his call, a group of creatures that looked similar to him, but with a few differences, came to their location.   Some were much more muscular than the first, others with machinery of some sort replacing lost limbs or simply had different armour or weapons.   “What the hell’d you call us for?” one of them demanded.

“Check what I found.” The first figure said, gesturing to Twilight, who was growing increasingly worried about her situation.

“Ooohoo~ she’s a pretty little thing.” One with a large claw for a hand said, liking his lips.

“Figured that if we kick it today we may as well have some fun first.” The first figure informed his colleges, reaching down to pick Twilight up.   The transformed unicorn knew what their intentions were, but she was losing blood from her wound and thus wouldn’t have the strength to resist them, no matter how much she’d like to.   All Twilight could do was close her eyes and release the pressure on her wound, hoping that she’d lose consciousness before they could have their “fun”.   She felt her hair being pulled and her head was raised from the ground.   She heard the sound of shifted metal and braced herself as best she could for what was to come.

But it didn’t.

She heard the swinging of a sword, followed by screams of pain.   Her head plummeting to the ground, Twilight took a risk and opened her eyes to see three of her would-be rapists dead, the others backing away.   Between her and them was another, much larger figure wearing dark coloured clothing beneath thick plates of armour and wielding a flaming sword.   After a few seconds past in silence, what remained of the group glared and snarled at the newcomer.

“YOU BASTARD!” one of them roared.   Before he or his compatriots could make a move though, the newcomer raised its left hand and unleashed a surge of golden lightning that only gave them a split second to scream before they were completely incinerated.

Twilight’s vision began to blur, only giving her enough time to see her savior turn around and crouch down, a golden glow covering what she thinks was his hand coming towards her before she blacked out.





Numb.   That’s all that Twilight could feel over her entire body.   Numbness.   She had yet to open her eyes, but as feeling started to come back to her senses, she felt as though she was being carried.   She tried to open her eyes but they still felt heavy, so she gave up after a few seconds.

Twilight then felt herself being lowered onto some sort of flat surface, perhaps a table.   As hearing started to come back to her, she heard the opening of a heavy and metallic door, followed by footsteps and the tapping of a cane or staff as the door closed.   Their was some silence until the new figure got closer, stopping just a small distance from her, and spoke to who she hoped was she savior.

“My Lord, may I ask why you have brought this woman here?   I sense something… off about her.”

“Your concern is duly noted, Malcador, but do not fear.   I have plans for this woman.”

“What could you possibly have already planned for this woman, my Lord?   If she has come from that spike in Warp energy, than she could be a threat to your campaign.”

“True, my faithful servant, but I have gazed into her mind and soul, and have found no taint of corruption.   She is as pure as I could ever hope for my people to be.   Besides, from what I saw in her most recent memories, she has been betrayed by those she held most dear, and I could use that to give her a new purpose.   A new destiny.”

“...Very well, my Lord, I shall respect your decision.”

“Good.   I shall be taking my leave to investigate the site of her arrival to our world, as I can feel that although it has weakened, the breach has yet to close.   I also request that you or the medicss treat and clean her wound, as well as get her something for nourishment.   I foresee great things to come from her, and I will not let that potential be wasted.”

“As you command, my Lord.   It shall be done.”

Twilight heard the sound of heavy footsteps and the hissing of the door opening and closing.   She tried to open her eyes again and somewhat succeeded, but she could only make out the blurred image of what she believed to be a hooded figure with a staff before she lost consciousness once more.





After what felt like several hours passed, Twilight was finally able to regain full consciousness.   She opened her eyes slowly and saw a relatively high metal ceiling with several lights illuminating the room.   She made an effort to sit up but stopped when she hissed in pain, clutching her side where she was wounded.   Looking over herself, Twilight found that her armour had been removed and her shirt had been rolled up, revealing that her abdomen was wrapped in bandages.   Before she could ponder on this further, someone made themselves known.

“You have awakened.” He said.   Twilight recognised it as one of the voices she heard earlier - Malcador, if she wasn’t mistaken - and turned to face the direction it came from.   Standing about ten paces away from her was a figure wearing dark robes that covered his entire body except his face and hands, holding a staff that possessed an eagle icon engulfed in flames.   There also seemed to be tubes in his neck for some reason.

“Umm… h-hello.” Twilight awkwardly started.

Malcador narrowed his eyes slightly.   “Who and what are you, xeno?   Where did you come from and why are you here?” he questioned.

Twilight blinked, a little startled at the seriousness of the tone.   “M-my name is Twilight Sparkle.   I was a unicorn from Equestria and I found a mirror portal that brought me here when I was running away from the ponies that turned on me.”

His expression deepened and was silent for a moment.   “That is perhaps the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard.” He stated bluntly.   Twilight was growing worried that he’d think she was insane.   “However, I believe I have seen what my Lord saw in you; a purity like no other and potential for greatness.   There’s also the fact that I read your mind while you were comatose, so I know that you tell truth.”

“Hey!   You can’t do that!” Twilight screamed, angered that someone invaded her personal space and privacy in such a way.

“When knowledge is power, and only the powerful rule, you do what must be done to acquire and keep that power.” Was his simple reply.

Before Twilight could argue with him further, the room’s only door opened and three figures walked in.   The smallest of them was young male with spiky green hair and emerald-green eyes, wearing a dark purple suit with small bits of metal on his shoulders, chest and knees.   The second was what she assumed to be a female due to their similar body shape, wearing a pale blue suit under some armour like herself, with magenta eyes and hair in all the colors of the rainbow.   The largest one, standing about twice the full height of the boy, was who Twilight guessed was her savior, possessing a well muscular build noticeable even beneath clothes and long, raven-black hair that reached his mid-chest/back.

Suddenly, the woman spoke.   “Twilight?   Is that you?” she asks.   Twilight was startled that a stranger knew her name, but when she took a longer look at the boy and woman and recognised the latter’s voice, it clicked.

“R-Rainbow Dash?   S-Spike?   What are you doing here?” A good question, considering what happened the last time she saw either of them.   How, or why for that matter, did they follow her?   Instead of answering immediately, the former pegasus and dragon rushed to the former unicorn and embraced her tightly.

“I’m so sorry Twilight!   I didn’t mean to abandon you like that, I was afraid that they were going to kick me out of the wedding too.   I was selfish, I should’ve stayed with you!   I’m so sorry!” Spike wailed, gripping his caregiver tighter, causing her to wince slightly from the added pressure on her injury.

“I’m sorry too, Twilight.   I should’ve been the loyal friend I’m meant to be and give you the benefit of the doubt.   You told us about the things you saw Cadance do behind our backs for heaven’s sake.   We should have listened to you, and I’m so sorry that I didn’t.” Rainbow cried.

Twilight was confused, unable to fully wrap her head around what was going on.   After a moment of silence, she finally spoke.   “Why?” she asks, Rainbow and Spike looking at her quizzically, some tears in the latter’s eyes.   “Why are you here?   Why did you follow me?”

The two glanced at each other before releasing Twilight, Spike speaking up first.   “We came because we wanted to apologise for what we did, Twilight.   We felt horrible for abandoning you and couldn’t forgive ourselves.   We tried to apologize to you but you weren’t in your room and I thought that you ran away.”

“Ever since we left you at the wedding rehearsal, I felt sick to my stomach and nothing I did made it any better.   I tried to see if seeing the Elements of Harmony would help me, but it didn’t go as I thought.   They yelled at me, insulted me, and finally showed me what happened to you right after we left.   Seeing you so sad, so hurt because of us tore me apart and I realised the mistake I made.   Spike and I know what we did was wrong, and we want to do whatever it takes for you to forgive us and earn back your trust.   So please, Twilight, give us another chance.” Rainbow continued.

Twilight was taken aback by their confessions, but a small part of her mind was still skeptical, still untrusting.   Before she could say anything on the matter though, her savior spoke up.   “Twilight,” He started, gaining everyone’s attention, “the portal that brought you here has closed, sealing the three of you here.   They had willingly followed you to the unknown, to earn back your trust, without care of those close to them.   What purpose do they have being trapped in a harsh world only to lie to you.”

The former unicorn’s eyes widened in shocked at his words.   The part of her mind that didn’t believe them was immediately silenced.   Rainbow Dash and Spike willingly abandoned Equestria, their friends and family, and risked their lives coming to a dangerous world just to apologise and win back her trust.   Tears now threatening to fall, Twilight looked back to the former pegasus and dragon and asked simply, “R-really?”

Rainbow stepped forward, tears brimming her eyes as well.   “Yes, Twilight, it’s true.   I understand now that loyalty isn’t easy to make or keep, and someone can change their loyalties in an instant just to save their own skins.” She than gave a blance to Spike.   “But if I’ve learnt one thing recently, it’s that true loyalty is not so easily broken and can last for a lifetime, no matter what the struggles that come.”

Twilight stared at the two before her for a moment before bringing her assistant and friend into a tight embrace, one which they happily returned.   The Equestrians remained that way for about a minute before separating, wiping the stray tears from their eyes.   Twilight then turned her attention to Malcador and her savior who were having their own discussion, one that she had an inkling was about them.   When they seemed to be done talking, Twilight asks, “So, what happens to us now?”

The two men turned to face the three (technically) non-humans, staring intently at them.   They turned back to each other and seemed to have a mental conversation for a few moments before facing the Equestrian’s again.

“As my Lord had told you, the ‘portal’ that brought the three of you to our world is gone, as are any chances of you returning.” Said Malcador.   “However, there is a way that you can aid us in our cause, but there will be many risks involved in it, and will not come lightly.”

The larger man spoke next.   “You have witnessed firsthand the state of this world.   The people of Terra have devolved into a state of constant conflict and hatred, killing those they deem weaker and always wanting to expand their rule.   But I wish to bring an end to this cycle of war and death.   I seek to unify the human race once more, to lead mankind unto a new Golden Age where superstitious beliefs and primitive, dogmatic ideals with be cast aside to make way for science, logic and reason to dictate how the people will live their lives.   To see this through, I plan to rule this new empire, the Imperium of Man, as its Emperor.   Then, I shall conquer the many human worlds lost to the Age of Strife and claim humanities dominance over the galaxy.”

Twilight, Spike and Rainbow could only stare in awe upon hearing His plans for the human race.   They were shocked to hear that mankind had colonised other worlds, meaning that their advancement in technology was far beyond anything Equestria - no, their world possessed.   The three looked amongst each other, silently debating over their limited options.   This man - this immensely powerful being - was offering them the chance to have a place in His empire, to bring peace to a war-torn world and unite a divided species.   They had the opportunity to do something that no great Equestrian hero - that none of the Princesses - have ever done.   But more than that, He was offering them a purpose, a reason to live and fight for what they believed in, to prove if they had what it takes to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Another moment passed before they gave each other a firm nod, coming to a decision.   Turning back around, Twilight stared deeply into the large ma- the Emperor’s eyes; eyes that possessed such knowledge, wisdom and power that she’d never seen before, not even from Celestia.   After swallowing the drool that had gathered in her mouth, Twilight stared at the Emperor once more before bowing deeply, an action Rainbow and Spike repeated.

“It would be an honour to serve you… my Lord.” She said.

Satisfied with their answer, the Emperor gave a nod that they didn’t see and instructed them to rise.   When they did, He gave them a single command to follow Him before making His way out of the room.   They did as told and followed the Emperor down several corridors for about half an hour until they stopped at a set of large doors.   The Emperor waved His hand over some sort of lens and the doors opened to a small room before He walked inside.   When Malcador and the Equestrians entered as well, the doors closed with a hiss before they felt themselves start descending, revealing the “small room” to be and elevator.

After over five minutes passed they came to a stop and the Emperor walked out once the doors opened.   The group traveled through another series of corridors another half-hour before they came to a large, ornate metal door with a multitude of locks and keypads around its frame.   The Emperor raised His hand towards the door and the former began to glow, causing the keypads to input a series of numbers too fast for the others to see and the locks to start turning.   After a moment some lights turned green and the door began opening with a hiss.   When fully open, the Emperor walked into the room, followed by Malcador and His newest followers, the latter gasping at the sight.

Inside was what they could only describe as a laboratory filled to the brim with the most advanced technology and scientific equipment that they’d ever seen.   None of the three could fathom what anything in the large laboratory did or what purpose they had, which made Twilight wonder if this is what her frie- old friends and Rainbow felt whenever they came to her own lab when she was occupied with something.   As they walked deeper into the laboratory, gazing in awe and wonder at the various devices and equipment around them, they passed something that caught Twilight’s attention.

At the far end of the laboratory was an enormous vault-like door, with over a dozen different locks and seals.   The locks looked similar to the ones that were built into the door to the lab, but larger and much more advanced and sophisticated.   Whatever was behind that door was obviously something that the Emperor wanted protected at all costs.

Deciding to ignore it for now, Twilight and her friends continued to follow the Emperor until they came to a stop at a large table roughly the size of a king-sized bed about a minute later.   The Emperor turned to face His followers and gestured to the two women.   “Strip yourselves of your clothing and lay upon the table.” He commanded.

Now, ponies don’t necessarily need to wear clothes depending on where you lived or for special occasions , examples being Ponyville compared to most of Canterlot and the Grand Galloping Gala.   Because of this, the transformed Equestrians figured that (from what they’d seen) humans wore clothes almost constantly for modesty, that to wear something to cover their bodies was more of an ethical requirement than anything else.   As such, Twilight and Rainbow’s reaction was understandable and expected.

“What?!” they cried, their arms covering their chests and crotches on instinct, deep blushes covering their faces, the latter action copied by Spike, though he didn’t quite know why.

Malcador stared blankly at them.   “What my Lord and I are to do to make you useful to our cause requires the absence of any materials that could interfere, and lead to irreparable damage.” He told them.

The two women looked to each other nervously, somewhat skeptical if this was really necessary, before giving in with a sigh and began to remove their armour (with some difficulty since they’d never done so before).   After all her armour was off and she moved to her clothing, Rainbow asked a question that’d been bugging her for a bit.   “Hey, how come Spike doesn’t have to do this?”

“He doesn’t require these enhancements yet, as I have other plans for him.” Was the Emperor’s vague answer.   Figuring that that was all the answer they were going to get, for now at least, Twilight and Rainbow continued to strip, Spike doing his best not to look.

Once done, they somewhat awkwardly made their way to the large table and laid side-by-side with about a foot or two between them.   They shivered as their bare skin made contact with the cold metal table.   They were nervous about what the Emperor was going to do to them that would make them “useful” as Malcador oh-so-kindly put it.   Glancing around as best they could, Twilight and Rainbow noted that the Emperor had taken a position at the edge closest to their heads and Malcador standing towards their feet, the robed man having left his staff somewhere.

The two men raised their arms up and their hands started to glow and crackle with energy, suspending them in the air as they gathered all the energy that they needed.   When they had what they deemed to be enough, they unleashed it upon the two women.

Twilight and Rainbow screamed as the (to them) strange magic arced across and into their bodies.   Their muscles twitched and spasmed as the foreign energies filled every fibre of their beings, making them feel as though they were on fire.   They gasped as their minds were suddenly filled with knowledge.   The first was of human history and its various Eras: the Age of Terra; when humanity first expanded and spread throughout the galaxy.   The Dark Age of Technology; when the human race was at its peak in technological advancement until the rebellion of the Men of Iron and a cataclysmic event.   And finally, the Age of Strife; mankind is scattered and divided, Terra itself becoming a scarred shadow of its former majesty.   This is what the Emperor wanted to end, the reason why He wished to unite humanity once more.

In time the pain faded away, and by then the transformed ponies could practically feel each individual cell being imbued with the “magic” that the Emperor and Malcador filled their bodies with.   As Twilight and Rainbow underwent the most bizarre experience of their lives, their muscles and bones strengthening to insane levels and grow, they felt something; something that they only ever felt when using the Elements of Harmony and never thought they would feel otherwise.

Power.





A decade had passed since Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash and Spike the Dragon had first come to Terra and allied themselves with the Emperor, and there had been some unforeseen developments that were… interesting, to say the least.

The first had involved Spike.   As he waited for the Emperor and Malcador to finish what they were doing to Twilight and Rainbow, he’d found some parchment and writing utensils and occupied himself with drawing random sketches as he waited.   After they were finished and the girls lost consciousness - the combination of having every cell in their bodies enhanced to superhuman levels and having just about all of human history implanted into their minds taking its toll - Malcador had asked Spike of what he had drawn, surprising the former dragon that he was even interested.   When he showed the elder man what he’d done, he noticed a clear look of surprise on his features before Malcador asked what brought him to make the drawings.   Confused, Spike said that he just started drawing about better times in Equestria before his mind began to wonder as his hand continued drawing.   This caused Malcador to rise an eyebrow as he showed the sketches to the Emperor.

The Emperor seemed intrigued with what Spike had drawn before giving it back to its creator, allowing the young pre-teen to see what impressed them so.   Spike’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull when he finally saw the highly detailed schematics of various weapons, armours and other types of wargear.   As he tried (and failed) to wrap his head around how he could’ve done something like this without ever having done it before while muttering his disbelief, the Emperor thought that His plan for Spike might go smoother than previously anticipated.

The second had occurred in the immediate aftermath of Twilight and Rainbow awakening from undergoing the augmentation process that the Emperor would have otherwise strictly reserved for His personal guard - the Legio Custodes - if the two were not more important than they thought.   When they awoke they immediately took note of their physical changes.   Not the obvious increase in height and muscle mass, but that Twilight and Rainbow had somehow regained their horn and wings respectively.   While surprised at the unforeseen development, the Emperor quickly thought of a logical solution.

Rainbow was simple enough as He could claim that she were an angel under His command, a believable claim since the people of Terra had regressed to a state of superstitious beliefs.   The people of Ursh still refer to their psychic powers as “magic” after all.   Twilight required more planning, but eventually He came up with the plan to have her wear a specially designed diadem with a gap where a jewel would be placed so that an observer would think the horn were a part of it.   He even gave them permission to use the image of a unicorn and pegasus as their personal icons.

Afterwards, the Emperor had given the two now metahumans some simple clothes and led them to an incredibly large chamber after about three quarters of an hour’s travel.   He then instructed them to do various exercises to get used to their new bodies and learn how to keep it in peak condition, as He took Spike elsewhere to discuss his designs.   They spent the first few weeks familiarizing themselves with their bodies and what they could do with them.   In that time they had learned more about human history in greater detail from Malcador and the Emperor whenever He returned from whatever He was doing with Spike.

After a month, Twilight and Rainbow decided that it was time that they learnt how to fight and use the weapons of Man.   Upon finding instructors from the Emperor’s other followers by Malcador’s orders, they were able to train with every weapon that they possessed for months on each, mastering all and their techniques in record time, though Twilight showed preference for the halberd and Rainbow for dual-wielding swords.   Malcador had also aided Twilight in controlling and mastering her psychic powers, teaching her every ability he knew, and the Emperor had allowed Rainbow to leave the confines of His base within the mountains of Himalazia so that she could properly learn to fly with her new body.

Presently, the Emperor stood alone in the barron, open plains that made the lands of Himalazia.   He wore gleaming golden armour that held icons of a two-headed eagle in numerous places, as well as detailed engravings shaped as flames framing the edges.   On His left knee and right pauldron was an open-mouthed face that one could only speculate if it were meant to be His own.   His left pauldron had an eagle icon that showed off its left side and held a small shield, which had the image of an eagle’s head, in its talons.   On His left hand He wore a large gauntlet with the “fingers” ending in curved, razor-sharp talons.   His right hand rested on the pommel of a master-crafted sword that was completely gold save for the crimson blade.   Upon His back was a flowing royal-red cape and behind His head was an icon of a perched eagle looking over Him with its wings slightly open.

Soon He hears the sound of marching feet draw towards Him.   Thousands of them.   He turns to face the mountains that His base was built into to see His massive army of Thunder Warriors, heavily augmented superhumans made to fulfil a single purpose: conquer Terra.   As the massive army comes to a halt about a yard away from Him, three figures continue to march towards Him.   One was Malcador the Sigillite, His most loyal and trusted follower.   The other two caused Him to form a ghost of a smile.

Walking a couple of steps behind Malcador were Twilight and Rainbow, wearing what could only be described as female versions of the Emperor’s armour, but with the primary colors matching their coats as ponies, lavender-purple and cyan-blue respectively, with only the trim and icons being gold.   Held in Twilight’s right hand was a uniquely designed and crafted halberd, looking somewhat akin to a Guardian Spear - one of the weapons that Spike designed - but with an extra axe blade.   Attached to Rainbow’s sides were a pair of swords with small bolters built into the guard called Sentinel Blades, with a lightning bolt stretching along the blade.

Ever since they had been told that their names would not fit in human society as they would’ve in Equestria, the girls agreed that they would need new names to call themselves - or at least to have written in the history records.  After quite some time of careful thought, they came up with their new names.   No longer were they Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia, and Rainbow Dash, Wonderbolt dreamer.

Now, they were Tara Astrum and Ashleigh Arcus; the Brides of the Emperor.

Upon reaching the Emperor, they stopped and gave Him a short bow.   When they stood straight again, Ashleigh gave Him a confident grin.   “So, should we go and get this show on the road, my Lord?”

His smile growing just a tiny fraction larger before returning neutral, the Emperor gave His loyal followers a firm nod.   Grasping the handle of His sword, He raised it to the sky, the blade suddenly engulfing itself in flames.   “For the Imperium of Man!” He proclaimed, His voice booming across the expanse.   He turned away from His army and thrust His sword forward.   “Onward to victory!” He commanded, marching forward in stride, followed by Malcador, Tara, Ashleigh and His vast army, their heavy footsteps thundering across the land.   This moment would be remembered for millennia in the history of Man, for this was the moment...

… that the Unification Wars begun…