//------------------------------// // 2: Meetings and screw ups... // Story: Overlords and Friendship... // by OblivionShadow //------------------------------// “Okay everypony. Just stay back and remain calm.” Princess Twilight Sparkle announced to the crowd of ponies as she stood in front of the strange structure. Her back was to it as she addressed the ponies of Ponyville. Spike, her assistant, stood a couple of feet behind her. “Hey, Twilight?” He waited for the purple Alicorn to look to him. “What is it?” She was quiet for a few beats before she leaned down to him. “I have no idea.” She admitted to the baby dragon. “No idea at all?” “Nope.” She admitted with a sheepish glance. “I can tell you is that its made of metal, but the structure itself is an unknown metal.” She looked over her shoulder at the structure. The bottom of it had pieces of metal that looked like stairs but they were not in lines. It had 6 spines going up from the side of it. It stood over 20 feet tall and had a beam of bright blue lightning constantly coming from the center of it. The center did not have a floor that she could see. She had hovered over it as close as she dared to look into it. It was made of only metal and was scary to look at. She had been called upon to investigate by Rainbow Dash, who had dragged her away from a new book to look at the structure. Spike had come with her and she had sent him back to the castle to gather several architecture books to see if there was anything that resembled it. The books showed nothing that was even close to it in terms of design or architecture. She had put a hoof on the metal while she had examined it and it was warm. It had felt alien and she pulled away from it, the look was off-putting to her as well. The mare now looked at it from the ground. There were odd swirls and markings engraved in the metal. The worst part was when it had started to move, the spines had spread out as if they were reaching for something. After a few tense moments, it had calmed and returned to its original place, allowing the panicked ponies to return to their places to gawk at it. Spike stared at it with the other ponies. “So what do we do?” She looked at him and tried to smile. “We sent a message to the Princess so we should hear from her in no time.” The ponies around her all smiled and nodded. Twilight was glad that had seemed to ease their nerves a bit, even if it did not help her own. The structure made her nervous and was upsetting to be near it for too long. It was foreboding and frightened her on a primal level and she had to hide her shaking. Her wings remained pinned tightly to her sides. Her friends were with her, so she felt better with them to close. But she was still uneasy. “I must admit dear, I’m surprised that nothing was damaged at this, things, appearance. It seems to fit right in that empty space.” Rarity said to her. Twilight nodded. “Yeah, but the fact that it just tore through the ground and was just suddenly here is worrisome.” “Well ah’m sure that whatever it is isn’t a threat to no pony.” Applejack said as she looked to it. “Even though it is creepy lookin’. Ya really have no idea where it’s from?” The Alicorn shrugged. “None of the books I have looked through have anything like it. I even looked at some from ancient history. Nothing. Nothing that even resembles it, not even a little bit.” “I think it’s pretty sweet looking,” Rainbow admitted as she looked at it from where she was hovering. “Its like something from a Daring Do book!” She said, excitement in her voice. “What if it is something from one of the books?” Twilight laughed. “As fun as that would be, I think Daring Do would be here by now to see it.” Rainbow frowned. “Maybe. Or she’s in disguise!” She yelled out and looked to the ponies behind her. “Or not.” The mares laughed. “Maybe a pony owns it!” Pinkie Pie shouted. “Then we can have a Welcome to Ponyville Party!” She exclaimed. “Of course, you need a pony to have the party for. Celebrating a weirdo metal thing is just really weird.” Fluttershy was looking at it from halfway behind Rarity. “Why would it come here?” “I don’t think it made the choice itself, Fluttershy,” Twilight said to her shy friend. “Somepony must have put it here.” A clash of thunder went out and Twilight went still. Her hooves gripped the ground in front of her. Fluttershy screamed and fainted. Her other friends and Spike shouted as well. She looked to them and watched as they stared at something behind her. Her ears flicked to listen behind her. The sound of hoof falls on metal sounded, a slight echo coming from the sounds as they landed on the metal. “Twilight…Run.” Spike advised his voice a whisper. “There is something behind me?” She asked, nervousness edging into her voice. “Some pony, darling.” Rarity said to her. Twilight gulped and slowly turned to look over her shoulder. A tall pony stood at the top of the ramp behind her. She couldn’t see his face or any part of him. He wore full armor and the helm that covered his face was horned, it covered his mouth, and glowing red eyes looked out from under the inside of the helm. She looked down by his legs and saw little creatures around him. She could see ten of them. They were in 3 colors, brown, red, and blue. The brown ones were in front of him and to the side. The red ones were behind them and the blues in the back behind him. They stayed with him and were as still as he was. He said nothing as she looked back to his face. Rarity helped Fluttershy to her hooves, the yellow mare squeaked and hid behind the other. Twilight slowly turned around and faced him, asking her voice not to break before she could speak aloud. She gulped once more and cleared her throat. “Hello.” Her voice pitched and she cleared her throat. “I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. Welcome to Ponyville.” Red eyes looked to her and she had a moment of panic before there was any reply. “Thank you for the greeting.” Twilight nearly shuddered as his voice went over her. There was no emotion behind his words. It was a statement and nothing more. “What brings you to Ponyville?” “One of my Gates ended up here. I came to see what might have drawn it to this little town.” “Gates? Is that what this structure is called?” “Yes.” Twilight looked to the ponies behind her. “What is your name?” He looked from her to the other ponies and then back to her. “Overlord Azure Flame.” Twilight paused as she heard the title with his name. “Overlord?” He closed his eyes for a moment. “I command the creatures you see beside me. That is what they call me.” “Oh.” Twilight looked to the creatures beside him. “What are they?” “Their species name is the same as what they are, they are Minions.” He said and the creatures looked to him at his words. “I’ve never heard of them,” Twilight said to the armored pony. “Not surprising. We are not from here originally.” “Why did you come here?” He paused. “That is not your concern.” Twilight stepped back but then squared her shoulders. “You are in a town that I protect. So it is my business.” He chuckled. A sound that went through her and made her cringe. “You have courage, I will give you that. But unless you plan to force me to speak, it is still not your business.” His voice pitched and the last word was husky and an obvious declaration. He was daring her to fight with him. Twilight blinked and nodded. “Fine. Perhaps we will speak of it another time then.” She paused as she tried to think of what else to say. “So how do we address you? They call you an Overlord.” He gave a wry chuckle. “I am called many things. Though if we are being technical those that I rule over calling me Lord or I am called Master by many.” He paused as Twilight stared. “Granted those that I command are not from here so the titles may be different.” “Those that you rule?” “Yes. You are a Princess, are you not?” She nodded. “You are a ruler then?” Twilight nodded. “I share it with three others.” “Ahh, so they are queens then?” “No.” He tilted his head slightly and waited as she explained. “They are Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadance.” “So is there one above you three then?” “No. It's just us and Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor rule the Crystal Empire.” She said to him. “Interesting. Well, if we are going with that term then I would have been called a King.” Her eyes widened. She looked back to the ponies behind her and saw the shock on their faces. “You ruled alone?” “Of course, I rule alone. I’m amazed that you rule as a group.” A burp caught her attention and he looked back as well. Spike looked at them as he caught the scroll on his claws. She nodded to him and he unrolled it. Dear Twilight: When you figure out what this structure is please let us know. My sister and I are interested in what this item actually is. Please keep in touch and be safe. Princess Celestia Twilight looked to Spike then back to the Overlord behind her. He was silent as her mind raced. “Thank you for speaking with me and if you will excuse me for a moment, I would speak with my assistant.” “Very well.” He said to her and took the weight off one of his rear legs. Twilight grabbed Spike in her magic and ran to the side. She missed the look he gave to a corner of the structure, his eyes flaring once. Dear Princess Celestia. The structure is called a Gate. A pony named Overlord Azure Flame emerged from it a few minutes ago. He is the equivalent of a King where he is from and commands a bunch of little creatures called Minions. He says that the Gate appeared in Ponyville for some reason, but is unwilling to elaborate about. He is nonhostile at the moment but is very rigid in his responses. I have only seen ten of the creatures he commands, but they are well armored and carry weapons. He is also fully armored and armed. He carries a long sword at his shoulder. He hasn’t threatened any pony, but I think he could do a lot of damage if he wished to. Thank you for your quick reply. Princess Twilight “Send it Spike.” She said to the dragon, who nodded and breathed green flame on the scroll. It vanished and Twilight walked back to the crowd and the Overlord. “Thank you for your patience.” “Sure. I’m in no hurry at this moment in time.” He said to her. “Still, thank you. You mentioned that you wished to see what brought your Gate here. May I inquire as to what reason this Gate could have ended up here?” The pony regarded her for a moment before he looked to the Gate itself. “This was at a different location before. When we moved, it did as well. I will give you a few details if you work with me on something.” Twilight looked nervous and held her breath for a moment before she looked to him. “If it is reasonable.” “I assure you it is nothing major. I have no doubt that the other Gates I have could have also been shifted. So I will give a few more details to you, if, you aid me in the search for them.” He reasoned to her. Twilight stared for a moment. “How many are there?” He looked to the side for a moment. “Twenty, give or take a few. They vary in size and power depending on their location.” He replied to her. Twilight jaw opened and she stared at him. “Over twenty?” Her voice barely a whisper. “If all of them are in effect, then yes.” A burp sounded again and Spike gave her the scroll. She turned to the side and read it to herself. Dear Twilight, Please be careful. An Overlord is so named due to their propensity for acts that would be called evil to us. Bear this in mind as you interact with him. The mention of him being unwilling to speak of his past or motives is concerning to my sister and I. If you believe that he has no ulterior motive or at least does not intend to attack, then please bring him to Canterlot and we will be happy to meet him. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna Twilight rolled up the scroll and sent it to her castle before she looked back to the stallion. She turned to him and held her head up to him. “I cannot promise to find them on my own. If you are all right with it, the other Princesses would like to meet with you as well. Between the three of us, we would have better luck finding the Gates.” He looked to her, his eyes narrowed as he looked at her. Twilight shrunk back a bit under his gaze. “I suppose I will have to meet them eventually. One thing I will require before we meet with them.” Twilight stopped herself from gulping before she spoke. “And that is?” “Safe passage no matter the result of this meeting.” He said to her. His head lowered some to look down on her. “I require your word that no matter what the result, I am able to leave their presence and have a safe passage back.” Twilight blinked at him. “Why would we stop you from going home?” He looked at her. He blinked and then pulled his head back to his full height. “By the Dark, your not kidding.” He said to her. A laugh escaped him as he let his head drop to his chest. He looked at her and another laugh barked from him. “Oh, to hell with it.” A shrill whistle escaped him. Two of the Minions looked up and then jumped to stand on his back and shoulders. They removed his helm and his black mane tumbled from under it. The silver and blue streaks showed as one of the minions jumped down and held the helm in its claws. His fur was a deep red and it was looked like blood to the Alicorn mare. His eyes continued to glow red as he looked to the ponies. “You are no threat.” Twilight shook her head. “We wouldn’t hurt you.” She said to him. Azure stood in silence as he looked down to the ponies before him. ‘This should be interesting.’ He walked down the steps and the ponies all backed up to give the armored pony room. “So, where is this meeting place?” Twilight had backed up with them and stared at him. She inhaled before replying. “Canterlot.” He looked back to the Gate. “I wonder.” He said as he spun back to the Gate and walked into the blue lightning arcing from it. He stomped his right hoof and the Gate came to life under his command. He heard a few yells and looked back. The ponies had backed up even further as the Gate came to life and he couldn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes in response. He waited as the magic grew and he gave a shallow grin. “Found one.” He looked back at her. “I can meet you there if needed.” Twilight stepped up to him. “What?” “One of my gates is close by that town you mentioned. I’m not certain of its exact location. I’m unsure if it’s inside the town or not.” Twilight shook her head and blinked. “I think it would be best if I went with you. That way no pony panics when you come through that Gate of yours. If that is possible.” She added the last part as an afterthought. Azure was silent as he considered what she said. He knew that he and the minions could travel between Gates easily enough. He had brought Kelda and the others through them as well at one time. He looked to the Gate and let the magic in it go for the time being. “I will be honest and inform you that I am not sure how it will react if I take you with me through it. I can use it as I wish due to my command of it, but I have never used it to take anyone with me to another Gate.” “So you have never tested that?” “No. I have never needed to.” Twilight looked nervous as she thought over what he said. Azure looked to the Gate as it had settled back into it’s resting position. ‘I’m not sure if having her go through with me is a good idea. I still have to test whether the Gate can do the same things it did before. Taking a Princess of this world through with me and if she ends up in the Netherworld I will have to find a way to explain the place or kill her outright and blame it on the Gates magic.’ He sighed and leaned back on his haunches. He looked back at the mare as she seemed to be speaking with the little lizard. He waited as she turned back to him. “It's up to you whether we use you to test it out. I will do what I can to make sure it does not hurt you.” He reasoned to her. The purple mare nodded as the dragon jumped onto her back and held onto her mane. “I have no doubt that it will be okay. I trust you will not let me get hurt.” He focused on the gate and the minions clamored to go through it at his command. He waited till the mare was up beside him, he reached out and set a hoof on her shoulder as he called upon the Gates power to send him to the other location. He heard a yelp as they appeared in the new area. He looked to the mare who swayed on her hooves. He held her up as the dragon fell off her back and onto the metal of the Gate. She shook her head and composed herself. “That was...disorienting.” “Are you all right?” He asked of her. He paused as the minions surged forward at the sight of several guards. His horn lit with a brilliant red aura as it surrounded the hilt of his sword. “Wait! It's okay.” Twilight ran down the Gates stairs and stopped in front of the guards. “It's okay! He’s with me.” The guards relaxed and Azure whistled for the minions to return to his side. Twilight looked back and gave him a tense smile. “Sorry about that. Now I’m glad I came with you.” She said with a forced laugh. “Oh, Spike.” She trotted back up to him and her magenta aura covered the baby dragon and set him on her back. She trotted to the bottom of the Gate and turned back to him. “Allow me to welcome you to Canterlot, Overlord Azure Flame.” She said and waved a hoof to the gates of the city. “I thank you for the warm welcome.” He replied as he came down the steps and stood in front of her. The dragon stirred and sat up on the mares back. “Wow. That was a hell of a ride.” “Spike! Language!” She scolded him. “Not in front of a guest.” Azure chuckled. “I have heard and said much worse, Princess Twilight.” Twilight grimaced as she walked in front of him through the gates. A sprawling city showed behind the doors. He walked slowly behind the mare, the guards walked past them and headed for the castle that he could see from his place in the streets. ‘This could be troublesome to conquer.’ He made mental notes as they walked. The red stallion was quiet as they moved. Spike turned around and motioned for the red pony to walk faster and pull up by the mare. “So how many of those minions do you have?” “Enough.” He answered. ‘He must think me a fool if he thinks I will give him information about my army.’ “I just wondered. They don’t look very tough.” Azure chuckled. ‘They can easily lift a cow.’ The Overlord was quiet for a moment. “Appearances can be deceiving.” He said to the drake. “Yeah. I guess so.” “Spike. I need to write up a letter of safe passage for him. So a quill and paper, please.” Twilight voiced to him. The drake shrugged at the red stallion and turned back to the mare. Azure looked around as ponies looked out their house windows and stopped in the streets to stare. He held his head up and followed behind the mare. They approached the castle and he halted on the edge of the moat. The wooden drawbridge was lowered and welcoming. Twilight looked back and trotted back to him. “I’m working on it, but it might be better to finish it inside.” She advised. He was about to ask for her reason when he looked back and was the large crowd that had amassed as they walked through the city. “Bloody Hell.” He said as he nodded to her. He followed her inside and the guards prevented the ponies from following them inside. “How long have these other ponies ruled?” Twilight slowed down and walked next to him. “Princess Celestia has been the ruler of Equestria for over a thousand years and Princess Luna was banished to the moon for a thousand years, but she ruled with her sister before that. So maybe 100 years or more. I’m not sure of the exact time.” He looked to her and managed not to look as stunned as he felt. “Over a thousand years?” The mare nodded as they stopped outside a set of very tall doors. Her magic held the scroll in its magenta magic and she walked up to the door and a smaller door within the larger one opened. “Here we go...” He heard her whisper to herself as they went into the room. A white mare and a deep blue waited inside the room. The minions with him drew up closer to him, intent on protecting him if needed. Twilight motioned for him to stop just behind her. He stopped and waited. “Princesses Celestia and Luna. I bring the Overlord Azure Flame. He owns the structure that appeared in Ponyville. There is also another one just outside of Canterlot’s main gates. That's how we got here so fast.” Twilight informed them. “I had wondered how you were able to get here so quickly.” The white mare said and stood up. Her mane held several colors and swirled as if constantly moved by the wind. The other mare was a deep blue and her mane matched her coat and moved without wind as well. “I am Princess Luna. It is a pleasure to meet you.” She said and stepped off the dais to walk up to him. He gave a slight bow of his head and waited for her to reach him. He whistled and the brown minions backed up a step to stand at his shoulders. The mare held out her hoof and he reached out to grasp it. She gave his hoof a vigorous shake and he pulled his hoof back, away from her. “I think that was a bit, abrupt sister,” Celestia said with a laugh. Luna looked sheepish and backed up. The minions stayed close to him and watched the mares. He looked over his shoulder as the three reds he brought with him were ready to start tossing fire if he so much as twitched. He stayed back and did not speak as the mares regarded him. He looked to Twilight who was talking to her assistant as he wrote almost frantically. “Got it!” He suddenly shouted, holding the paper up. Azure looked back to his minions as they came forward and surrounded him. A red leaped onto his back and held a ball of flame in its claws. “Spike.” The Princess yelped. “I’m sorry. We have your passage note ready. I’ll make sure it’s signed. Umm...just a minute.” She said and her magenta aura gripped the scroll as she went up to the other monarchs. Azure relaxed and gave a signal for the minions to calm but remain on alert. The mares talked amongst themselves and Luna regarded the stallion, curiosity in her eyes. “Why do you need to have a letter of Safe Passage?” “I require it before I speak with you further,” he said to her. Twilight spoke up to explain. “So that if we do not like what he says he can still leave. Its a fail safe.” The white mare, Celestia looked at him. “We have no desire to stop you from leaving.” “I have been told that before. But in the end, I was stopped and attacked. I will not explain anything without that binding contract.” The mares looked surprised and they each applied a seal to the paper. Twilight trotted down the stairs and gave him the document. His magic held it and he looked over it. He put the paper in a slot in his armor and leaned on his haunches, showing them he was all right for the time being. “Twilight mentioned that the Gates that are in Ponyville and now outside of Canterlot belong to you. Do you have any idea why they ended up in their current locations?” Celestia asked. “I am currently looking into that myself. I am unsure of why they were put into their current locations.” He replied with a true statement. Luna sat down by her sister and looked to him. “How many are there?” “Close to twenty give or take. They vary in strength depending on their purpose. I can travel to any of them when they are active.” “You asked that we help you find them. Why would you want us to aid you?” Celestia asked. “A wise question. I have no real need of your aid. I can find them on my own time. I simply asked as a way to start a beneficial relationship.” “And how does finding those benefit us?” The white mare asked. Azure’s mouth pulled into a slight grin. “Well, if they are messed with they are designed to kill.” Twilight’s eyes widened. “How much attention can they be given before they react?” “If a pony were to try to activate them or linger in the lightning from them for too long...well, I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate too much.” He replied. ‘A slight lie won’t hurt them. Plus, it will push them to act.’ They looked nervous and glanced to each other. “So they are dangerous?” Luna asked. “To an extent. Princess Twilight can explain the feeling that comes from them. She had some exposure to the Gate itself before I came through it.” They looked at her. “It felt very...alien. Something felt wrong about it, but he can command it easily. It answers to you and only you right?” “Correct.” He answered. “There is nothing like it in any of my books on architecture. Nothing looked even close to it. The feeling from it is very...upsetting. Even being a few feet away feels like the air itself is trembling.” She explained further. “Are you all right?” Celestia asked her. “I’m fine. I came through the Gate because he was there. If I tried to go through alone...what would have happened?” She asked of him. “I’m not exactly sure. Ponies have tried to use them before. I didn’t see them come through alive. They also do not react well to tampering.” He replied with a half-truth. He was certain the Gate would not allow them through it, but he wasn’t positive of any action if they did manage to activate it. The mares looked shocked. Celestia leaned forward. “How can you control such a thing?” “I am the one they are designed and made for. I use them to travel to parts of the world. It depends on me what the Gate does. If I choose for them to kill, then they will. If I wish for the Gate to remain closed unless I activate them, then they will. The problem now is that they were scattered. To safeguard them I need to have access to them.” “So you can make them safe?” Twilight asked. “Safe is a relative term. If you mean completely harmless, then no. They act as a doorway for me, but to others, they are a wall.” He sighed, as a way to draw them to his words and ensure their attention. “But. If I can get to them, I might be able to alter them to be less...deadly. But to do that I need the Gate itself. I have two of them under my control at this time. The rest must be found.” He informed them. “So far they are in Ponyville and outside Canterlot. Maybe they are near other cities and towns?” Luna reasoned. “That is possible.” “Do you have any idea what might have drawn them to those places?” Celestia asked. “Without analyzing them further, I have no concrete ideas. I have a few suspicions, but nothing worth mentioning.” In truth, he had no idea, but they did not need to know that. Celestia sat back in her throne and looked at him, her expression guarded. “We will help you find these ‘Gates’ of yours, for the sole purpose of safeguarding them and avoiding death and harm to our subjects.” “A wise choice.” He replied to her. “But what assurance do we have that you will not use them against us? You come here with a guard contingent of those creatures. One looks like it is ready to attack us with fire.” She went on. Azure looked over his shoulder at the red on his left shoulder. It no longer held any flames, but it was still as it watched the mares, intently. “If you were in a new place with no knowledge of the inhabitants and their manner, how would you react? Would you walk up to them and hope they were friendly? Or would you take precautions to protect your own life?” The mare looked sheepish as she sat back again. “That is a fair point.” She admitted. “I appreciate your understanding. In exchange for that, I will have him stand down.” Azure reached back, put his hoof on the minion and tossed him back and onto the ground. The mares looked shocked as the minion stood up and shook his head, ears flapping against his head, then watched as he ran back into his place behind the brown minions. Azure looked at the mares as they were stunned. “That looked like it hurt,” Luna said aloud, then put her hoof over her mouth. Azure looked at her. “If it did, why should that concern me?” “Whatever he is, he still serves you. And you threw him over your shoulder?” Twilight said to him. “I can do as I wish with him. His is one of mine.” Azure replied to their stunned expressions. “But.” Twilight stopped. He sighed and looked to the minions. “You seem to misunderstand something. They serve me and I can do as I wish to them. I could throw him off that balcony, and if the fall doesn’t kill him, he will come back to protect me, at all costs.” Celestia’s mouth dropped open at his statement. “Why would you throw him from the balcony?” Azure chuckled. “Again, I can do as I wish. Shall I prove it?” “No!” Twilight shouted. “I mean. It’s fine.” “A smaller demonstration then?” He looked to a brown minion. He looked at them then saw the one he wanted. “Wrath.” “Master?” The minion came forward and stood in front of him. Azure spun around and a strong buck sent the minion rolling. Azure turned around and waited till the minion stopped moving, then stomped a hoof. The minion scrabbled on the smooth floor to get back to him. The mares stared, wide-eyed as he wrapped his unbroken arm around Azure’s right foreleg. He gave a contented purr and then stood up, arms dangling. Azure reached up and patted the minion on his knobby head and then gestured to go back to his place. “I am all they see. I am the center of their world and there is nothing else. My word is absolute to them and my wish is what they accomplish.” Azure informed them. Twilight stepped down and walked up to him. She reached him and then looked to the minion who was standing just behind his shoulder. It didn’t seem to be in any pain from the broken arm and the minion watched Azure, then his eyes moved to the mare that was staring at him. Twilight backed up a step then regarded Azure. “So they have no real minds of their own?” “Not really. A few of them have lived long enough for higher thinking, but there are only 4 of them at this time. I leave them at home to prevent their deaths. I need them as they are.” “Where is home?” She asked. “Not far enough in a relationship for that Princess.” He said to her. Twilight flushed and backed up. Spike walked up to them and stared. “So they don’t ever talk back?” Azure thought for a moment. “No. If they do and it displeases me, then their life is forfeit.” Spike startled. “Wow.” “So you can kill them for disagreeing with you?” Twilight asked. He snorted a laugh. “No. I do not mind being challenged. Within reason. My eldest adviser, for example, is permitted to disagree, so long as he has a good reason.” Spike stood in front of the red stallion and a smile grew on his face. “That's actually kinda neat.” “Oh?” “Spike!” Twilight admonished the dragon. “I mean that they are so loyal. They won't let anything hurt you?” “No. If I am injured then, they have failed in their jobs.” “Wow.” Spike was awestruck by the stallion in front of him. He was different from the Alicorns. He was a Unicorn that had absolute control over everything around him. Spike had grown up surrounded by mares and his few male friends weren’t always around. Azure's ears flicked and he looked up as a laugh sounded off. Spike looked up and groaned. Azure looked to the dragon. “Hi, Discord,” Spike said aloud. A creature appeared beside the stallion. Azure snorted and stepped to the side, away from the strange creature. The creature was taller than he was by a couple of heads. It had a draconian tail with one dragon leg, the other was from a goat. One arm ended in a paw and the other appeared to be the arm of a lizard with four claws. Its neck was long and had gray fur on it. It had one goat horn and the other was the antler of a deer. It looked around and smiled. “Hello, my friends. I heard we have a visitor. So who is this new...pony?” He looked at the red stallion. Azure had the brown minions in front of him, weapons ready, the reds stood behind them with one on his back, its claws in his mane and the blues stood at his flanks. Discord stared at him then looked to the mares. “Him?” Discord commented and motioned a thumb to the stallion. “Discord. Meet Overlord Azure Flame.” Twilight said and motioned to the stallion. “Well, well. An Overlord makes his way to Equestria. So are you going to throw him in the dungeon?” He asked as he snapped his fingers and a cage appeared around the stallion. Azure startled as the bars surrounded him. His eyes widened as he backed up and his rump hit the bars behind him. His horn lit up with a red aura and he wished himself away from the bars. He closed his eyes as he felt the magic in his horn gather, then he opened them to find himself outside the bars. He startled, but then looked to the offending creature. His horn lit up and the blade at his shoulder slid from its sheath. He snarled as the blade twirled in his magic and he waited for the creature to act. The minions yelled and cried out as they were still stuck in the cage, unable to defend him. “DISCORD!” Twilight yelled. “What are you doing?” “What? I was just asking a question?” The animal replied. He snapped his fingers and the minions fell out of the cage. They scrambled over to their master and surrounded the enraged stallion. They clamored around him and prepared to attack as well. Twilight loped up to him and stopped in front of him. “I am so sorry.” She frantically spoke to him. “That is Discord. He’s usually like this. It takes getting used to, but he won’t hurt you.” “So instead he would imprison me?” Azure replied. His voice tense and venom dripped from his voice. “No. That was him teasing. I promise we would have stopped him. We will not imprison you.” Twilight tried to reassure him. The red stallion was silent as he glared at Discord. “Keep that thing away from me.” He snarled and put the blade back in its sheath. “Thank you.” She said to him and trotted to Discord. “What are you thinking!?” She whispered to him. Discord looked affronted. “I’m trying to help.” “By putting him in a cage?” “Well, an Overlord earns that name for a reason. I was helping.” He reasoned. Twilight put a hoof over her muzzle and flapped her wings till she was level with Discords face. “Helping? How is that helping? He has the name Overlord cause that's what the minions call him.” “Oh.” The creature looked at Azure, who nodded and pointed a hoof at the minions with him. “Oops?” Twilight dropped a foot in altitude from shock, before she recovered and was level with him again. “Oops? You would have broken the safe passage agreement we have with him!” Discord looked to the red pony who was watching the exchange. “Safe passage?” “Yes. We all signed a safe passage agreement at his request.” “And you signed it?” “We all did!” She yelled at him. “I didn’t.” Discord said to her. The purple Alicorn reached out and grabbed his beard, pulling his face to hers. “I will tell Fluttershy that you are judging a pony before getting to know him.” She threatened. Discord startled and looked at the mare. He disappeared from beside her and appeared in front of Azure. The stallion snarled and backed up a step. The creature bowed low and spoke. “You have my apologies, Mr. Overlord. I hope that we can start over and build a better friendship.” He looked back to Twilight who nodded as she landed. Azure stared at the creature as it looked to him. “Very well. But do not think to imprison me again or I will not be as kind as they are.” He vowed. Discord stood upright and grabbed Azure’s hoof in his claws. He gave it a frantic shake and then backed up. “Good, that's taken care of. See ya!” He vanished as Azure growled at being touched. Twilight gave him a sheepish glance. “I am so sorry about that.” Azure shook his head. “I will ignore what just happened under the agreement that it will not happen again.” The mare nodded and sighed in relief. ‘That will put these friendly equines in my back pocket. Now they will do as I ask simply because that buffoon committed an error. Though if it happens again I will attack him and turn him into a rug.’ Azure thought to himself and looked to the mares as they began speaking among themselves. They looked to him after they had finished. Celestia looked to him and a gentle smile crossed her muzzle. “Overlord Azure Flame. After discussing it we would be more than happy to help you find these other Gates. Not only to make them safe but to apologize for Discords... Egregious behavior toward you.” “I appreciate the help, Princess. I look forward to working with you to find all of them.” He replied, even as he fought back a smirk. Twilight came back to him, a smile on her muzzle. “I’ll take you back to your Gate. Are you okay to be teleported?” He looked at her. “Tele-what?” She looked at him. “What you did when you escaped that cage Discord put you in.” “Oh. Right. Sorry, its called something else where I am from.” He quickly replied to her. “Oh?” The purple mare looked curiously back at him. 'Well shit.’ He thought to himself. “Its called a portal.” He said to her and hoped she fell for it. “Oh, okay. I suppose it could be called that.” She said to him. Oh thank the Darkness she fell for it.’ He thought to himself. “And being teleported should be fine.” “Excellent.” She motioned for the dragon to join her. “Okay so get all the minions to put a hoof on you, or claws in their case.” Azure looked to them and they did as instructed. She reached out and set a hoof on his shoulder. He closed his eyes as he felt something pulling on him and when he opened them he swayed on his hooves for a moment before shaking his head to clear it. The mare looked concerned as she watched him. “Are you okay?” “That was a bit...disorienting.” He admitted. “But I am fine.” Twilight looked relieved and backed up as the minions trotted to the Gate and into the lightning coming from it. They stood and waited for him. He glanced to the purple mare. “Are you wanting to go back via the Gate or...?” “Oh no, it’s okay. I’m going to stay here and start looking into where those Gates of yours might be.” She smiled at him, a slight blush to her cheeks. “But thank you anyway.” “Of course. Till next time then.” She watched as he went to the gate. “Oh!” She yelled and spun to him. “When we find a gate how should I contact you?” He stopped and looked back at her. “I will post a pair of minions outside of the Gate in Ponyville. I will also put a Minion Gate so they can inform me of your presence.” He said to her, the mare nodded her understanding. “I can see if a pony begins to mess with the Gates so I do ask that it be left alone.” Twilight nodded again. “Of course. It's your property and I will make sure ponies know to leave it alone. Thank you again for your understanding of Discord.” “So long as that creature leaves me alone we will have no further incidents.” He replied. ‘Or I will skin him alive.’ “Understood. I’ll make sure he knows.” He nodded to the mare and walked to the Gate. He focused on the Gate in Ponyville to create a minion gate in Ponyville. He focused on the Gate within Ponyville and closed his eyes. He opened them in Ponyville and walked down the stairs to stand on the earth. He turned to face the gate and used his gauntlet to call on Grubby. The minion came through the Gate and waited for instructions. “Create a minion gate in the usual place for all 4 colors.” He instructed. The minion nodded and immediately began the process of creating the holes for the minion types. Azure sighed and stifled a yawn. ‘Acting is more difficult than it looks.’ It was easier to just conquer an area. But since magic seemed to be common in this world he would need to approach this conquest differently. His ears flicked to listen behind him as he looked over his shoulder to find several multicolored ponies watching him. He ignored them and focused back on Grubby’s efforts. Azure had never asked what needed to be done to connect the hives to the Minion gates. Grubby poked his head out of the brown minion gate and gave a toothy smile to the Overlord, who remained silent. He jumped out and began the next one. “Howdy!” A yell from behind him startled him and the minions spun to look behind him. He turned and found an orange mare with blond hair and a hat standing a few feet behind him. The minions growled and grumbled around him. ‘What the hell does howdy mean?’ he asked himself as he regarded the mare. “Ah’m Applejack. Ah wanted ta welcome ya to Ponyville. Ya appeared so quickly earlier ah didn’t get a chance ta greet ya.” She explained. Oh. It's a greeting. Pretty informal in my opinion.’ He thought about it as he stood in silence. Four more mares approached as well and stood at Applejack's shoulder. The stallion flicked his ears back then forward as he regarded the mare. “It's nice to meet you, Applejack. As you know, I am Azure Flame.” A light gray mare approached him. She had a violet purple mane and had a horn on her head, similar to his own, only spiraled. “I am Rarity, my good stallion. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He gave a polite bow of his head to her. A pale yellow mare with a long pink mane came forward as well. “I’m Fluttershy.” He had to flick both his ears forward to hear her name. Her voice was quiet and barely above a whisper. A pale blue mare stepped up next. “I’m Rainbow Dash. The fastest flier in all Equestria.” Azure looked at her, unimpressed. The last mare was a bright pink mare that appeared to be vibrating in place. She ran up to him but stopped when the minions advanced to keep her from getting too close to him. “I’m Pinkie Pie! Do you like chocolate cake?” “Do I like...what?” He asked of her. “Cake. More specifically chocolate flavor with chocolate icing.” She explained as she began to bounce in place. He looked past her to the other mares who gave a defeated smile and chuckled at the pink mare. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” He admitted to her. The mare froze in place, about a foot off the ground. Azure tiled his head to look under her to see if he had missed a platform but found nothing holding her in place. ‘What in the hell?’ He went to look at the mare and watched in alarm as her eyes widened to the point he was concerned they would pop out of her head. “You haven’t had chocolate?” She said as she slowly landed back on the ground. “No.” He said to her, his body guarded and tense. The jewel in his gauntlet flared and the minions crowded him, ready to defend. She looked at him, her eyes going back to normal size and jumped at him. Azure leaned back and growled at the mare. Wrath jumped to Azure’s back, then jumped to collide with the mare and stopped her from landing on the Overlord. Azure watched as Wrath struck the mare and sent her rolling. She landed to the side and Azure gave a sigh of relief. The minion looked back to him for a moment before turning back to the mare. “Do not touch me,” Azure said aloud. Pinkie stood up and shook herself. “But how can I throw a party for you if I don’t know you?” “A party?” He asked her. ‘They won’t be wanting to welcome me when I conquer them.’ He thought to himself as the mare nodded her head. “No. Not necessary.” The pink mare looked crushed at his statement. “But ponies use parties to welcome each other and get to know one another. You can make a lot of friends at..” He barked a laugh and looked sideways at the mare. “I have no desire for friends, little mare.” The Overlord said to her. “They are a liability I cannot afford.” He said and turned back to the Gate. “Minion gates for Master!” Grubby shouted and motioned to the now glowing holes in the ground. “Well done, Grubby.” He praised the minion as it ran up to him. He ran a hoof over the hard hat it was wearing. “Let's go home.” He said to the minions, who scrambled to get back to him and walk with him to the Gate. He looked to the minions around him and his eyes fell on Wrath, even with a broken arm he still jumped to protect him. He reached out with his magic, picked him up and set the minion on his back. “Stay there.” He commanded and the minion nodded. He looked at two of the minions with him. “You two will remain here to guard the Gate. Should the purple mare, Twilight Sparkle, give you a message you will deliver it to me immediately. Understood?” “Yes, Master.” The two chimed and took their position on either side of the stairs. The Overlord walked up to the stairs to the Gate and commanded it to return him to the Netherworld. He closed his eyes and opened them once he felt his hooves hit the stone ground. He looked around and inhaled. “By all the is Unholy! I need a bath and something to throttle! Now!” He roared. He looked around. “Quaver!” The jester ran up to him and waited for the beating to start. Azure turned and bucked the minion away from him, then charged after him to throttle him with his own hooves. His hooves gripped the minion's neck as he shook him. After several seconds, he released the minion and let him drop to the ground. “Okay, I'm calm,” Azure said, a pant escaping him. Kelda walked up to him and leaned into him, putting a foreleg around his shoulders, nuzzling him. “Bad time, love?” “There are no words.” He said as he gave a loud snort and looked to Gnarl. “Gnarl the ponies will start looking for the Gates as well. I have stationed two minions beside the gate and had Grubby create the minion gates for later use. If the Princess sends a note to us she will do it through one of the stationed minions. This way I do not have to associate with them too much.” The minion on his back shifted. “Also. Create a suitable reward for this minion. He protected me from being...hugged by one of the ponies. Reward him well.” Oblivion set the minion down his magic. “At your command. Will you be bathing next master?” Gnarl asked. “Yes. Also, tone down the lights in my chambers. I’ve had enough light on me to last a month.” He said as he got out from under Kelda’s foreleg and walked for the stairs to his chambers. “Want some company, love?” Kelda asked as she winked in his direction. “Normally, yes. But not this time, Kelda.” He said to her. Azure walked up to the stairs and found the minions in his quarters already blowing out several braziers and making sure the water in his bath was a suitable temperature and the salts were added. They were clothed in small togas and several carried large fans made of peacock feathers to fan him with if he chose. Several ran up to him and he sat down to allow them to remove his armor. A large red pillow was brought over for his gauntlet to be placed on while he bathed. They would take his armor to giblet to be polished and bring back his other armor for him to wear if he so chose. The gauntlet would be tended to immediately in his presence. He waited till the armor was removed, the binding in his mane removed and then jumped into the bath. The water went over his head as he shook his mane underwater. He came up for air after a minute and panted. He shook as the murky water covered him. The Overlord stood up and collapsed backward, sitting on a stone under the water. He whistled and a few blue minions jumped into the water as well and began to wash his mane. He looked around and then stood up, allowing them to add soap to his fur. He relaxed under their ministrations and felt himself calming further as their claws gently moved through his fur. ‘That was more of an ordeal than I anticipated. These ponies are far too trusting and kind for their own good. Might actually make taking their kingdom easier. There are many ways to take over though. I could just use my presence spell to enslave the weak minded, but that can cause panic and aggravation.’ His skin trembled under the minion's claws and he sighed. His ear flicked as Gnarl came into the room. “Yes, Gnarl?” he asked. His voice held impatience. “Deepest apologies, Dark master, but there are ponies trying to access the Gate.” “Pardon?” “Well, it’s just one pony that appears to be trying to use it. What should we do?” “Well, I did warn them that it could hurt them if messed with,” Azure replied, he gave a malicious look to Gnarl, who grinned as well. “Understood Master. Shall it be deadly or?” “No. I need them alive. Just a minor attack should do. I did tell them to avoid messing with them. So unfortunate that they do not listen.” He said fake sympathy oozed from his voice. Gnarl nodded and waddled back the way he had come. Azure relaxed once more and put the Gate out of his mind. ‘Well, it won’t do to much damage, just enough to dissuade any further attempts.’