//------------------------------// // 3: Falling into Place... // Story: Overlords and Friendship... // by OblivionShadow //------------------------------// Azure rolled over and groaned as he slowly opened one eye. He closed it and shook his head as he sat up and scrubbed his face for a moment before looking around him. The room had not changed and he growled under his breath about strange dreams and ponies. He spun and stood in one swift motion. The Overlord yelped as he pitched forward and found himself standing on four hooves. He released a heavy sigh as he realized that he had not been dreaming. “By the Netherworld.” He cursed for a moment before a laugh broke from him. “Well, I suppose it could be worse and I have a new realm to conquer as a result.” He paused as that realization caught up to him. The stallion moved through the chamber that was his quarters and paused before a tall mirror and regarded his new form once more. His mind went back to the prospect of having to carve out his domain once and he allowed himself a moment of frustration. He had finally achieved his goals of taking the land that he proclaimed as his own and keeping it. Now he would have to redo all his efforts and take the ponies as his own. His frustration grew as he recalled the treatment at the hands of people before the minions had found him in Nordberg. A loud snort sounded as he spun away from the mirror and gave a hard buck, shattering the glass. He panted as his rear legs came back to the stone floor and his head lowered. His ears heard the sound of minion claws scrabbling to his bed chamber and he watched as the heavy velvet drape was thrown back. “Master!” A minion cried out as he stormed toward them. “I want that fixed and bring my armor.” He commanded as he passed by them. They bowed their heads and scrambled to do as they were told. He waited as his armor was brought to him and he allowed them to place it on him. His gauntlet was brought to him from its place beside his bed and put in its place as well. When it was in place, aside from his helm which he set on his back and made for the door to leave. He stopped and glanced back as the minions cleaned up the shattered mirror. He mentally berated himself for his loss of temper which slowed him for a moment, then he went out the door and down the stone steps toward his throne room. The red stallion trotted down the last few steps as he passed by the mare’s rooms and kept going. “My Lord?” He closed his eyes for a moment as Juno approached him. “Yes, Juno?” His head turned to glance to her as she pulled up beside him. “Sleep well?” She asked. He nodded and waited for her to speak further. Experience with this one told him that her greeting and wondering about his health masked her intentions. “And you?” He asked her. She gave a dramatic huff and leaned into his shoulder. “No. I slept awful. This new form is simply not to my taste. It was impossible to get comfortable. And it was cold.” She said to him, her body pushing against his. She looked suggestively to him. “I know that if I could have joined you, for example, then I would not have been so cold.” ‘There we go.’ He thought to himself. “I can ask the minions to see to it that the braziers in your quarters are tended to more thoroughly tonight.” He said to her and slid out from under her weight. He heard the quiet snort from her as he walked away. “One more thing.” She said her voice sing-song. He glanced over his shoulder as he paused at the top of the stairs, just in case he chose to throw himself down them to escape her. “Yes?” “I need to have some new dresses made or bought. This one is old and not as nice on this body. I am one of your mistresses. Which means I need to look the part.” She said to him. He withheld a groan. “As soon as I think the area is ready I will be sure to find a shop for you, Juno.” He said to her, his tone of voice landing on the side of diplomatic, instead of condescending. The mare tilted her head and nodded as she went back to her room. Azure waited till she vanished from sight before putting a hoof over his face a rolling his eyes. “That one will drive me to insanity.” He whispered to himself. He went down the remaining flight of stairs and into the throne room. “Greetings, Dark Master,” Gnarl called top him and approached the tall stallion. “Gnarl.” He replied and halted at the minion advisors approach. “Any news?” “Yes. That Princess sent a message through earlier.” “Oh?” “Yes, she was asking about the gate.” “What about it?” He said as he walked past and headed for the platforms to reach more of the tower. “Well, she was wondering if we knew about the pony that was injured by the gate last night.” Gnarl supplied him as he kept stride with the stallion. Azure stopped. A malicious smile crossed his muzzle. “Oh? Did a pony get hurt by the Gate? How unfortunate.” He oozed back at the now grinning minion. “Yes, Master.” Gnarl chuckled darkly and went on. “She would like to meet with you about how to safeguard the Gates further.” He growled. “Bloody Hell. I warned them against messing with the Gates. Their lack of control over their subjects is the cause of this. I will not be ordered around by some little pony who happens to have a title.” Azure said aloud, venom dripped from his words as he reached the platform he wanted and stepped onto it. It would take him to the kitchens for a meal. Gnarl jumped onto it with him and waited as the stone moved under them. “I agree with you Master.” Gnarl quickly spoke up. Azure could feel his temper rising and bit it back as he focused on where he wished to go. The stone came to a stop and he stepped off of it, Gnarl on his heels. A large room opened up before them and the stallion walked in. A long table stretched out and he made for the main seat at the end of the table. He sat in the high backed chair and waited. Gnarl waddled to the kitchens and called for their master’s usual request, before returning to the still angry stallion. “Master?” Gnarl said to him, his voice held caution. “I know.” He said with a sigh and leaned heavily into the chair as he thought over his options. “Well, I suppose I should give the appearance of being concerned if I am to one day remove these mares from their thrones.” He reasoned. Gnarl smiled and nodded at him. “Precisely, Dark Master. These ponies are quite trusting and…” Azure held up a hoof, calling for his silence. “Though we will have to beware of a strange creature called Discord. He knew more than he was letting on when he met me.” “Discord, my Lord?” Gnarl asked him. “Yes. A strange mesh of many animals and seemed to have the trust and respect of the mares as well. He had no qualms about throwing me in a makeshift cage and leaving me there.” “Pardon!?” Gnarl cried out. “Easy Gnarl. I have escaped far worse. He was admonished for his actions by Princess Twilight and had to apologize. Though she did use the name of another to force him to comply…Who was it?” He tapped a hoof to his chin as he went over the names of ponies he had met. “Butter…Bitter…Flitter…Damn it…Flutter…Something…Fluttershy!” He cried out as the name came to him. The image of a butter yellow pony came to him. “If needed we will take her to force him to comply. Keep in mind the butter yellow mare with wings and long pink hair Gnarl. Should the need arise.” “As you wish, Master,” Gnarl replied, making a mental and physical note of the mare’s description. His breakfast came out of the back and he ate in silence, as was his preference. When he finished he sat in silence. “Alright. Have a minion go to the castle that houses the Princess and inform her that I will arrive in half an hour. That should give me enough time to get ready for their world.” “Yes, Master. Their world is very…bright.” Gnarl agreed, looking a bit green around the face at the utterance. “Very. Try being outside in it.” Azure admitted. “Everlight had the sun, but it was better than this. Give me the cold of Nordberg over this any day.” He replied as he stood. Gnarl gave a visible shudder and walked with him. They reached the throne room once more and Gnarl rushed to accomplish his task. Azure stood still as he tried to figure out what he wished to do with the bit of time he had. He looked up and saw Juno in the throne room with Kelda and decided that the arena sounded like a good spot to go. Anywhere, but the throne room. The stone shifted and glided through the air to take him where he wished to go. He jumped off the stone once it stopped moving and walked onto the stone platform. He glanced over to the minion gates and reached out his gauntlet and the minions jumped from the gate a few moments later at his summons. Once he had a group of fifteen he walked into the arena and began to trot around, keeping the minions directly with him and making sure they could move around and even under him to stay in place and guard his body. He noticed that Wrath was with them, his arm in a cast. Azure slowed to send him back but thought better of it after remembering the devotion from the day before. Minutes passed as the minions moved with him and the greens began jumping over his back to stay in their place. Azure’s red aura lifted up two of them and set them on either of his shoulders. Once they were in place they vanished once they stopped moving. He was free to move and the green minions were no longer visible. He gave a satisfied snort and looked up as a minion ran into the arena, running hard toward him. “Master!” It yelped as it slowed and saluted as it reached him. “Go on.” “The pony is waiting outside of the gate for Master.” He shrilled. “Understood.” Azure trotted to the entrance and slowed to a walk as he stepped onto the platform. The minions ran for the minion gates and would meet him in the throne room. He stepped into the throne room and walked to the Gate in the center. The fifteen minions crowded around him and he gave a hesitant sniff to make sure the green minions were properly bathed. As much as he understood their love of smells, there were times that even he was tempted to throw them into a puddle and clean them off before his sense of smell rotted due to the stench. One that he knew to be called Stabby jumped to his back and held onto the opening by his mane. The other jumped up as well and they took their positions. He now had six browns, two greens, three blues, and four reds. He glanced to Gnarl who nodded and backed away from the gate. Azure looked up and called on the gates teleportation magic and vanished in the stream of blue lightning. He opened his eyes once he felt the magic of the Gate end and looked down the steps to find Twilight Sparkle at the bottom, waiting for him. She smiled at him and waited as he approached. “Good morning, Overlord.” She greeted him. She seemed to stumble over the title but he chose to remain silent about it. “I’m sorry.” He paused as he stepped off the last step and stood in front of the purple mare. “For what, Princess?” She looked at him and sighed. “I didn’t tell every pony to avoid the Gate and some pony was messing with it and it reacted.” “So I have heard,” Azure replied to her. “I trust it was not too serious?” “No, just a really nasty sunburn and road rash from it tossing her.” She replied. “I suppose that is fortunate.” He said to her. “But I get the feeling that is not all you are apologizing for.” She looked surprised when a red flush went over her skin and through her fur. “Your right. I know I should have anticipated Discord showing up. He always does. But I should have known better than to let him get too close and then to insult you like that.” She looked to the ground and swirled the tip of a hoof in the dirt. “Also you don’t have to call me by my title. Just Twilight is fine.” He looked to her, a bit of surprise went through him. “You do not care for the title?” “It’s not that. I’m grateful for the trust every pony has in me, but…” She trailed off. “But?” “I wasn’t always a Princess. I was just a regular unicorn.” She admitted. “I sometimes miss it.” He looked at her for a moment before replying. “So you were appointed to the position?” “In a way. Would you walk with me and I can explain?” She asked of him. “Certainly. Lead on.” She fell into step beside him and began to explain. “I was just a unicorn before, no wings.” She admitted and glanced to them as they flicked at her sides. “When I was able to create new magic with the help of my friends, I ascended to an Alicorn.” “Oh?” “Yes. Only Princesses Celestia and Luna were born as an Alicorn. I and my sister in law, Cadance are Ascended Alicorns. So it’s different.” Azure considered for a moment. “So to become one of the ruling class you must accomplish a task of some kind?” “Not always. I don’t know how it worked for Cadance, I’ve never asked her. That was just how it was with me.” She amended. “Interesting.” “How about you?” “Pardon?” “How did you earn your title and throne?” Azure was quiet as he considered. “Our ways are very different. As are the places that we grew up in. So the methods are therefore different as well. I took my place.” “What do you mean?” “I was thrown away by the village as a…colt.” “They abandoned you?” She asked. “In a way. Where I am from magic was hated and believed to have caused a magical plague and such. So it was outlawed and any who had it were either killed or enslaved or thrown in what was called an Arena to fight to the death against other magical creatures.” He informed her. He saw no reason to inform her of a few things. So far as he could tell she was interested and he figured that drawing on one of the rulers of this world could only work in his favor. “Did that happen to you?” “It did. When I was much older. I was dropped off in front of the gates of a village when I was an infant. Due to my being different, I was ostracized. One day during the festival of Midwinter's Eve the Empire came to the villages gates. I was with another foal who was the only one that cared at all for me and we went to the main gates to see what was going on. People were screaming and running as a boulder crashed against the main gates. They called for the village to send out their magic users so that they could be cleansed.” “They pushed you out the gate?” Twilight asked. Her voice was insistent that he continues and she looked worried about how he would reply. “Not quite. The elders of the village said that there were no magic users and they were simple folk that worked the land. The captain of the garrison said that they had been led there by one of the sentinels. A being that can sense and locate magic.” He informed her as she opened her muzzle to ask. “If the magic users weren’t sent out the entire town would be cleansed. So after a moment or so he saw me a few feet away. He cried out that they had one and picked me up, then tossed me over the edge of the wall. Which was about a 20-foot fall. For a child of eight or so, that was quite the distance.” “Oh, by Equestria. You lived obviously but…” “Oh, it hurt. I have the scars from it. I landed in the snow, but it was not as fluffy as one would hope. I cracked several ribs, split my neck on a rock and nearly broke my shoulder. But I got up as soldiers approached me and I looked to the left for any kind of escape. Several minions began hollering for me to follow them and they led me to safety.” Twilight smiled and looked to the minions beside him. “So they rescued you?” “Yes. They had been searching for many years for a new Overlord to lead them. The previous one had been locked in an infernal abyss and was gone. I was brought to the minion burrows and they took me in, saw to my wounds and raised me as their next Master.” Twilight looked ahead of them and shook her head. “I can’t believe others would sacrifice you like that, especially at such a young age. It’s barbaric.” “Perhaps. But, I was the magic user they were after. Magic is what I am and always will be. Granted, I had never truly used it until the minions found me and I began my schooling.” “How long before you…took…your place?” “Thirteen winters. I returned to that village on the same day as the one that they had shunned me. It took a few hours, but I conquered the village and all who lived in it. That was the first one to fall under my command.” “Conquered?” “Yes. You were given your place. I took mine. Any who stood in my path were removed and I took control of the lands that I chose to view as my own. So those who view an Overlord as an object of evil are not wrong. It’s a matter of perspective. Some may view that what I did was wrong, but in the same breath, some think of it in another way. No one under my rule is killed unless it is needed. They are protected and permitted to go on with their lives, so long as they understand that I am their Master and I brook no threat to my rule.” Twilight was quiet as she considered his words. They neared the castle and he stopped to look over it. It was exactly like the image in the Tower Heart. Not a crystal was out of place and the surface shone in the sunlight. The minions gazed at it and made noises of awe at the structure. Twilight looked over at him before speaking. “Was it just the one place that you took control of?” “No. Others fell to my rule and eventually, so too did their Glorious Empire.” He admitted to her. “So magic users are safe under your rule?” “Of course. Magic is many things, but it is not inherently evil on its own. Only those who choose to be an issue are dealt with.” She nodded and led him into the castle itself. He walked behind her and marveled at the structure. He was not a fan of the brilliant lights coming from it, but in time he was sure that it would make for a suitable castle under a new ruler, in time. Her magic gripped a set of double doors and opened them to reveal a table with what appeared to be a map of the area on it. Even he could tell that the furniture had a magical signature of its own. Around it were thrones with markings that were the same as the one on the pony’s flanks. He looked up as the other mares and the baby dragon all turned to look at him as he walked in. They all smiled and the baby dragon, Spike, smiled and waved to him. He gave a polite nod in return. Twilight went to her own throne and turned to look at him as a chair for him appeared at the end of the round table. She beckoned for him to take a seat, between herself and the flying pony, Rainbow Dash. He gave another polite nod and sat in the offered chair, making sure not to move the greens minions on his shoulders. The other minions made themselves comfortable around him and watched the doors, windows, and the ponies around them. The orange mare looked to him, her expression a mix of apprehension and anger. “Now ya need ta explain yerself.” She said aloud after a moment of letting him get settled. He looked to the mare. His expression was blank for a moment before a smirk crossed his muzzle. “Oh?” “Eeyup. A pony got hurt by that there Gate ah yers.” She began. Azure held up a hoof to silence her. “I had warned your Princess of the possible consequences of a pony trying to use the Gate or attempting to tamper with it. I would have expected you to be more cautious of the Gate as it is not a creation that is common to this place. It is hardly my fault if one of you chose to tamper with something that you have no way of understanding.” He said to her. His smirk remained as he leaned in the back of the chair, giving off an air of superiority as he waited for the mares to react. Applejack stared at him for a moment before she spoke again. “Now ya see here. Since that thing is yers ya have a responsibility ta make sure it’s safe.” She went on. Azure scoffed at her and leaned forward till his elbows rested on the table’s top. “I do not recall anyone asking about if the Gate was dangerous. I figured since my guards are there that would dissuade any…” He paused as he tried to think of the proper wording. “Little ponies from tampering with it. Perhaps I was incorrect in assuming one would have the base intelligence to leave it alone.” He said to her. He watched as the mare's eyes widened at his words. He refused to be spoken down to by this little mare and the blame for their stupidity put on him. Twilight quickly leaned in and tried to defuse the growing tension. “Applejack, I know how he said that was a bit cruel, but he does have a point. I knew that it could act out if tampered with. I am sorry that I did not come back with him to let every pony know about the Gate. He asked that we help him find the other Gates and the Princesses and I agreed and that way he can go to them and bring them fully under his control. But just like any magical item, the Gate will act if it deems a threat is nearby. Is that correct?” She looked to Azure for confirmation. “Yes. If it is being tampered with or it perceives a possible magical threat then it is designed to act a certain way. Because I was able to use that one the damage the attack did to the offending pony was muted.” He paused as they listened. “From what I have been told it was just a very nasty sunburn. If it had been tampered with prior to my presence then the offending pony would not survive that encounter with the Gates magic.” The other mares nodded their understanding and the orange farm mare leaned back in her chair a glare leveled at him. Twilight leaned forward and addressed them. “Okay. So I think we need to try to find these Gates as quickly as possible. If we find one then we need to alert him and he can go to the location of the Gate to make it not as deadly. It can’t be made not to stop any pony from messing with it. It’s a Gateway to his home so security is paramount, right?” He nodded. “So I do know where one is now.” “That was quick.” He admitted. “Well, I got a letter from my brother and Cadance. One of them is just inside of the Crystal Empire.” He tilted his head at the name as she went on. “It’s inside the barrier that the Crystal Empire would have made to protect its ponies. So if you would like to we can go to that one now. My brother has already been told of the danger the Gate can pose so they have marked it off till you get to it.” “Well done. I appreciate the aid. I will go to the location now.” He said and began to stand. “Now hold up there fer a sec.” Applejack spoke up again. “Ah still got questions fer ya.” Azure sighed and sat back down. His gaze fell to the orange mare, his expression a mix of annoyance and boredom. “I hardly have time for this. I appreciate that the Gate is not in danger of being used at this time, but I would prefer to not be delayed more than what is required.” “Ah know. But still, ya owe us some answers.” She said to him. Azure's head looked to the mare, his glowing red eyes flashed. “I owe you?” He stood in his seat, his hooves on the table. His horn lit as the red aura lifted Applejack and she hovered in front of his snout. “I owe you nothing, little mare! You would presume to command me? I have commanded armies across countries and brought Empires to heel. You do not have the power to bring me to command me.” Off to the side, Twilight looked to her friends and they all looked stunned. She lit her own horn but was unable to stop him from holding Applejack. “You will never try that again. I have conquered legions, little pony. Do not think that I cannot do so again.” His voice was low as he spoke. Azure's voice held the promise of action if he was treated that way again. He released her from his magic and let her fall, roughly to the table. The mare gasped at the impact as he spun and started to leave. He stopped and glanced back over his shoulder. “If you wish to accompany Princess then you are welcome, but only you.” He added Twilight nodded to him as the minions pushed open the doors for him and he left the throne room. Twilight looked to Applejack who still sat, stunned where she had been dropped. “Are you okay?” She asked her stunned friend. “Ah’m okay. Ah think.” She jumped off the table and checked herself over. “Ah didn’t think he’d get so sore over it.” She muttered. “Applejack he’s not a normal pony. It’s not my place to tell his story, but he isn’t the type to take that kind of talk without speaking up. Even though that was a bit unsettling for all of us.” Twilight admitted as she walked to her friend. “Ya still gonna go with ‘im?” She asked the Alicorn. Twilight nodded. “Yes. It will be good for me to go with him since my brother and Cadance don’t know him and I don’t want them to be blindsided by him.” She admitted with a smile. The mares chuckled and nodded. “You had better hurry, darling. He was setting a rather brisk pace to that Gate.” Rarity said to her. Twilight gasped and teleported. She opened her eyes and found him to be standing by the gate, waiting. “I am so sorry it took me a minute.” She rushed as she trotted to him. “It’s all right. I needed a moment to gather my temper as it was.” He admitted to her. Allowing the mare to think he was more bothered than he was would work well in gaining her trust. He walked to the Gate and stepped into the blue lightning. The mare joined him and they vanished in a crash of lightning. He opened his eyes and was greeted with an open field. His eyes cast to the right and was a set of two tall crystal spears from the earth that were a deep magenta in color. Azure glanced to the left and saw a city encased in various crystals, each a different color. The crystal shone in the lights and sparkled in the sunlight. He couldn’t hide the cringe as he glanced to the base of the Gate. Two ponies stood at the gate and were now staring, stunned at the stallion. Twilight had sagged against him for a moment as she gathered herself from the longer distance use of the gate. “Oh wow. That was worse than the first time.” She said to him as she came out from behind him and the minions. “It was a greater distance than the last time.” He informed her. She nodded then looked down to the guards. She trotted down to them. “Please let my brother and Cadance know that I am here and I brought the owner of the structure with me.” She said to them. One of the Pegasus guards nodded and took to the air, flying hard for the castle. “It’ll be just a few minutes I’m sure. Shining Armor and Cadance said that we could come by anytime and they would be happy to meet with you out here by the Gate.” “I appreciate their understanding.” He looked to the city. ‘That is way too much light for me anyway. It makes me cringe just thinking of it. If I must wander through it then I will, but not unless I must.’ He admitted to himself. As they waited Twilight looked to the gate. “So they are all identical?” “No. The ones that you have seen are the larger formation. The other is a simple structure that is elevated off the ground. It has the same blue lightning so it is advised that they not be tampered with but they are much smaller.” “How small? Will they be hard to find if they are too small?” She questioned. Azure lifted his gauntlet and formed an image in his mind the minions ran out in front of him and circled themselves into the design he wished. It was a circle of around four by four. “The metal of them is the same as this Gate, but in that size.” He informed her. “They rise around six to eight inches off the ground.” “Okay. So they are pretty easy to spot.” She said back to him, looking to the now dispersing minions as they went back to their master. “Yes. You would have to work to miss one. It’s likely that they would have to be blind to not trip over one.” He said to her. Twilight giggled at his statement and looked back as he glanced beyond them. The purple mare grinned aloud as she saw the approaching ponies. Azure was silent as she ran up to them and began to sing and dance with the other mare. The stallion walked up to him and saw the look on the armored ponies face. “You get used to it. They do it every time.” He said to him. “Is there a reason?” “Yes. Cadance was Twily’s foal sitter and that was their thing.” He advised. “I’m Shining Armor.” Azure shook his head. “Nice to meet you. Azure Flame, Overlord of the Dark Tower.” The white pony looked a bit unsure at the admission but seemed to let it wash over him instead of dwelling on it. The minions watched the stallion closely as he waited with their master. He was a white stallion of close to Azure’s own height. A shield was on his flanks with a star identical to Twilight’s own in the center. Azure ignored the markings and waited as the pink Alicorn trotted over to him with Twilight at her side. “It’s nice to meet you, Overlord Azure Flame. My name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Please just call me Cadance. My sister in law said that this structure is yours?” “She has informed you correctly. This is one of the Gates that I use to get around to separate areas of my Kingdom. As you can see it has been displaced along with the others.” He informed the mare. “May I ask how they work?” Cadance asked of him. “I am not certain of their exact magic, but they are used mostly for transportation. For exact details, I would need the one who makes them. He, unfortunately, does not venture out of the Netherworld.” He informed her. “I see. Twilight mentioned that you can make the Gate safe for the ponies.” “I cannot make them docile if that is what you are referring to. I can ensure that any defensive action from them will not result in a casualty. But they cannot be made dormant.” Azure said to them. “Some pony in Ponyville tried to use one and since it uses that blue lightning they got thrown away from it with a nasty sunburn.” Twilight supplied. “I think that is as safe as they get.” “I see.” Shining Armor put a hoof against his chin as he looked at the structure. “I will be leaving two of my guards here to protect the gate itself. I will ask them to drive off anyone that is not either of you. That way if needed you can send a message through them and they will deliver it to me or my advisor.” Azure added as he looked to Gate. His gauntlet flared and the Gate flashed as a minion came through. “Grubby.” He called as he walked over to the minion, who stayed in place. “I want the usual minion gates and ensure that the Gate itself is at full power and capacity.” The minion stood up straight and saluted as he set to work. Once again Azure didn’t ask about how he could dig enough to connect the gates to the Netherworld or anything. That was not information he had to be proficient with. He walked back to them and stood with them as the minion got to work. “He will check on the Gate and ensure its security is set. I have also tasked him with ensuring its stability. The last thing we want is for it to collapse.” He tossed in that last part due to Gnarl once mentioning that the gates could be a bit temperamental. “Collapse?” Cadance asked him as he still by them. “Yes. I was informed by my advisor that a gate needs to have its magic properly linked and attuned or it can cause damage to the area around it. Collapse is a possibility. If that were to happen the lightning held within it would lash out as the surrounding area. I do not know how far the damage would extend only that it could. Which is why I am ensuring that the Gates are secure due to them now being in a different area than they were originally set.” “Meaning?” Shining leaned in a bit to gain his attention. “Meaning that the Gates were all in set location prior to arriving here. I had placed them in my own kingdom and they were set in place. When we arrived here they were…misplaced.” “You’re not from Equestria?” Cadance asked. “Not originally.” He admitted. “That must be upsetting. Any idea of how you arrived here?” Shining asked him. “I have others investigating the possible cause while I am tending to the issue of the Gates,” Azure told them. In fact, he had no idea, but he had to appear well in control or risk derailing his own plans for the future. The conversation settled onto the Crystal Empire and its history as they waited for Grubby to finish with the Gate. “Master!” A loud yell from the direction of the gate caught his attention. Azure looked to the gates as a minion came running to him, carrying a folded paper. His red aura picked up the letter and opened it. Master: I am pleased to inform you that we have found another of the Gates. It is in a town nestled inside the forest by the crystal castle. We have reason to believe that the town is actually Nordberg or possibly Everlight. Send word of what you wish for us to do now. Devoted servant of Darkness, Gnarl Azure read the note several times as a grin broke out over his muzzle. A low chuckle escaped him as a quill appeared in his magic and he replied to Gnarl, with his orders. Gnarl, Investigate this location immediately. We must know if this is Nordberg or one of my other territories. Also, have the minions go out into this area and see if the other parts of my kingdom have also been brought there. If this is, in fact, the truth then we can change our plans to accommodate this development. I will return to the Netherworld within the hour to investigate this in person. Overlord Azure Flame Azure gave the note back to the minion, who ran back to the Minion gate and leaped into it. The ponies looked at him as he watched the minion vanished, a grin on his muzzle. ‘I might have my kingdom with me. That’s…fortunate.’ He thought to himself as the implications washed over him. He looked to the ponies as they waited for an explanation. “Another Gate was located by some of my minions. My advisor was simply informing me of it.” The ponies smiled. “That’s wonderful news,” Twilight said to him. “Do they know the name of the town by it?” He shook his head. “No. They were asking me for further instructions so I gave them their orders. I will head back to them in time to investigate it myself as well.” Cadance tilted her head a bit at him. “They do not act without you?” “He rules them on his own. Unlike us where there are several of us.” Twilight advised them. “She is correct. I do not trust the rule of my ponies to any other besides myself.” He informed them. Shining gave him a bit of a look but didn’t argue. “So I take it you don’t have a special some pony back home?” Azure looked at him. “A what?” Shining was quiet. “A wife?” Azure snorted. “By the Dark, no.” A laugh played over his features for a moment. The ponies were quiet. Shining smiled and a laugh broke from him, Cadance and Twilight giggled at his declaration. ‘Will leave Kelda and the others out of it till the time suits me.’ Cadance looked back to the Gate and walked cautiously up to it. “Is it simply able to transport you?” She finally asked. She whinnied in surprise as Grubby burst from the ground a foot in front of her, causing her to fall back to her rump. Twilight giggled as Azure walked over to her and watched as the minion vanished back into the ground. Shining helped his wife to her hooves. “Its purpose is what I make it be. As you have been told it can be defensive if needed. Yes, its primary purpose is to act as a long range teleport. For example, we used it to arrive here.” He informed her. “So long as he knows the name of the place that it’s close to, then he can use it,” Twilight added. “She is correct. She informed me of the name of your empire and I used that to command the Gate. So long as I can locate the place the gate answers my command.” He added. “And your minions can use it as well?” Twilight asked. "Yes and no. It depends on the reasoning of the gate itself. Some can. You saw the one that came to me left through one the holes that Grubby is creating?” The ponies nodded. “Those are minion’s gates. They have four colors and they are connected directly to the burrows that exist in the Netherworld. They are directly connected. Do not ask me how. That is information I do not have.” He added as Twilight opened her mouth then closed it with a click of her teeth. “So the only way they can reach you was through those holes in the ground.” Shining started to speak as metal came through the ground and it became a mini form of the larger Gate. Each color came through and Grubby jumped out of the brown minion gate, looking quite pleased with himself. “Minion Gates for Master!” He yelped as he bowed to the Overlord. Azure walked up to him and ran an armored hoof over the minions head and patted him a few times. “Well done. Head back and inform Gnarl that I will be along shortly.” He ushered the minion to leave and watched as he jumped into the minion gate and was gone. “To reply to your statement from before, the answer is twofold. They can come through the gate so long as they are with me. The moment they are on their own they rely on the minion gates that you now see.” “If a pony touches one of these?” Twilight asked as she examined the red gate. “It will do nothing. These are far less sensitive since they do not act as anything more than a Gate for the minions. Only a minion can use one. Anything else will meet a wall. Feel free to check.” He said to the mare. He watched as Twilight tentatively put her hoof into the red light and then was surprised when it struck something solid. It was closed to her. “How extraordinary!” She shrilled and began to circle the small gate, curiosity humming through her. “She’s gone,” Shining commented with a laugh. “How do you mean?” Azure asked, watching the mare. “Twilight fixates on new things and strives to learn everything about them.” He advised the blood red stallion. “She will have to do it on her own time as I am needed elsewhere. So if she wishes to stay here to poke at the minion gates then that is fine I will leave her here. Otherwise, she needs to peel herself away from it or be left behind.” Azure advised. Twilight stopped and looked back to him, sheepishly. “I’ll go with you. Thanks for waiting.” She added. “It’s fine. I understand your desire to understand things, but I do not have the time to accommodate that desire at this time.” He said as he led the minions up the steps and stood in the lightning, waiting on the mare as she bid her brother and sister in law farewell. He looked to the minions with him and sent two of them to the base of the gate to watch over it. “These two will stay here and wait for any news that you may need to send to me. They will also drive off any who approach the gate that is not either of you. They will not kill, but they will drive them away. I have no desire to deal with another fool trying to meddle with what they do not understand.” Azure informed them. Both rulers nodded and backed up from the gate. Twilight joined him and waved to her family before they vanished. Azure opened his eyes and found the town of Ponyville back in front of them. “Thank you for letting me go with you,” Twilight said to him as she trotted down the steps and spun to look to him. “It was no trouble. I will ask that you keep the others in check. As you have no doubt noticed I will act as I see fit should I be challenged.” He advised the mare. She nodded at him. “I understand. Applejack was upset since it was a friend of ours that got zapped by it.” “That’s is no fault of mine.” He replied to her. “I know. It’s actually mine since I didn’t warn them. It fell to me to do that and I didn’t. I am sorry for that.” “I will forgive it. So long as it does not happen again.” “I’ll try. Good luck with the Gate you found.” She said to him as she waved goodbye to him. He gave a polite nod and focused on the Gates magic. A loud crash and he was gone. “Hey, Twi!” Applejack loped up to her. “He gone?” “Yeah. They found another gate so he went to go investigate it. Applejack why were you so angry at him earlier? It wasn’t his fault that Derpy got hurt. I should have come back with him to let every pony know about the Gates magic.” She said to her. “Yeah the gate is his but Ponyville is mine to protect.” Applejack leaned onto her haunches and looked apologetic. “Ah’m sorry. Ah was just upset that he didn’t seem ta care about it. He didn’t ask how she was doin’ or nothing.” Twilight looked to the Gate then back to the other mare. “Walk with me?” Applejack nodded. “He’s not the type to worry about that. I think if she was one of his subjects then he would have focused a bit more but since she is one of mine then it falls to me to tend to it, not him. I think that’s just how he thinks of it.” “But it was his…” “I know it was his Gate. But the ponies here are mine. So their well-being isn’t his problem.” Twilight interrupted. Applejack looked uncertain before she nodded in understanding. “So we still gonna help him?” Twilight nodded. “Yeah. After what Discord did the Princesses and I agreed that we owed him for that slip-up.” “And now ah owe ‘im an apology. Ah shouldn’t have said what ah did.” Applejack said to her friend. “He comin’ back?” Twilight shrugged as they walked. “Eventually. I can send for him and ask for him to come to Ponyville but I think we would need a gate to bring him back. He’s pretty focused on them.” Twilight admitted. Applejack huffed. “So just askin’ ‘im ta visit won’t work?” Twilight laughed and shook her head as they walked. “No. I don’t think that would work on him.” Azure looked up as Gnarl waddled up to him from his place by the throne. “Welcome back, Master. You seem in better spirits since the last visit.” Gnarl said to him. “I wasn’t touched, but I hate the bright lights,” Azure admitted as he walked forward. His magic gripped his helm and he slid it onto his head, encasing it in armor. “Okay, so this Gate that was found and the town?” Azure stopped as Kelda and Juno came down the stairs, bickering. “Gnarl, where is it?” “They call it the Everfree, Master.” “Oh, good. See ya later.” Azure stomped a hoof and vanished as the mares saw him and started to speak. He was gone before they could catch him. His eyes opened to find a jungle stretching out before and around him. He breathed it in and found it to his liking. It felt different than the village of ponies. It felt more normal to him. He walked forward and was greeted by several minions. “Lead me to the town.” He commanded as he saw them. They nodded and scampered ahead of him. They gripped a long set of vines and pulled them aside to reveal the town. A familiar sight greeted him. The tall wooden gates that told him where he was. “Ahh. Nordberg. Welcome back.” He smiled as he strode up to the gates. Inside, he could hear yelling and he paused as the gates were slowly opened for him. The Overlord walked in as the gates opened and found the humans turned ponies all watching him. He stopped and waited for them to act. Wisely, he watched as they began to bow. Azure walked forward and they immediately parted for him to pass by them. They whispered as he passed them. “It is the master.” “It happened to him, too.” “So he didn’t do this to us as a punishment?” “Why would he do this to us?” “Is he angry with us? We are loyal to him, endlessly loyal.” Azure listened as they talked to each other. He reached the bridge for the small river flowing by the front of the town. One of the villagers came forward as he turned to look at them all. “Master! We haven’t angered ye, have we?” He asked as he tried to kneel down in the form of a horse. “No, I am not angry with you.” He said to them. His voice carried over the village, commanding their silence and attention. “How did this happen to us, Dark Lord?” Another called out. “It has happened to all of us. What I require from you all now is for you to begin to come to terms with this new reality. Show me that you had nothing to do with this by renewing the loyalty that you have shown me before. I have no doubt that I can continue to act as the Master that I was before, so long as your loyalty is as unfaltering as it was before.” He paused as they all bowed low to him. None stood upright as they listened and prostrated before him. “Your lives will be as safe as they were before. Once again, I will deploy a large group of my army to both protect and watch over you. I expect that within this forest is much of what we will need to continue your way of life.” “Oh, thank you, Dark Master. We are eternally loyal to ye. Ye have protected us!” Another cried out, praising him. Azure was quiet as he gave a slight nod, acknowledging that he had heard them. “Go about your days and try to come to terms with the new forms you have found yourselves in. While your bodies may have changed I do not think that your minds have. You each have the ability to understand and adapt. I trust you can accomplish your tasks and continue to move forward.” Azure turned and walked toward the City Hall. Last time one of his main Gates had been beside it. He looked up as he broke into a trot, both to get there faster and to show his subjects that he was more than capable of doing more than walking. He looked up as the gate loomed before him. He slowed as he neared it and the Gate roared to life with a crackle of lightning and crash of thunder. A malicious smile crossed his muzzle as he looked to the Gate, then back to the ponies that were beginning to mill about. A laugh pulled from him and he smiled as the minion gates began to be dug as well. “This is beginning to work in my favor. This new world will be mine. I will take it as I have taken everything else. But for now, I will bide my time.” Azure looked back to the gates of Nordberg. “Perhaps the others are here as well.” He leaped to the Gates lightning and focused. His eyes opened as the gate came to life around him. A smile crossed his lips, showing his teeth and the Gates came to life at his call. Others were still missing, but his subjects would soon now him once more as their Master. “Everlight, the Empire, they are mine once more.” He said aloud as he barked out a laugh. “It will be mine once more.”