Azure glanced back over his shoulder as he stood on the rampart of a newly constructed wall. He had tasked the minions with building a small fortress to hold the newest of the Gates that he had Grubby create. This would act as the front of his new kingdom. He was going to take the forest that now seemed to house all of his domain within its borders. All of his subjects were accounted for and were now adjusting back under his rule. He had made his presence known to them as soon as he found the Gates that connected to them. His mind raced over the implications of possibly having to go hoof to hoof with the ponies over the territory.

“If needed I will hasten my plans. If not then I will hold back for now.” He reasoned to himself.

On his back, Wrath sat in silence as the minion stayed still in place. Azure had taken a bit of a liking to the minion over the past several weeks. He had tasked Giblet with crafting armor for the minion as he now stayed at Azure’s side at all times. The armor was well fitted and mimicked pieces of Azure’s own. While his was black, Wrath’s was red. A color similar to Azure’s fur. It showed that he was closer to Azure and gave the minion a bit more authority. The red stallion looked back to the trees that surrounded them. The forest itself was unruly and held monsters of its own. A creature called a manticore moved with the minions, under their order. It had attacked a week ago and Azure had subdued the creature then tried out his Presence spell and was surprised when it worked on the monster. He had to ask Twilight what the creature was and she had shown him several pictures from her books. Along with several warnings about the woods and advised him to stay out of them.

He snorted as he thought over her warnings. “As if I need to be worried about this forest. Though, it has proven to be rather…robust at times.” He admitted aloud.

The stallion heard a yell from behind him and he glanced back. Several ponies were pulling wagons with supplies. The ponies of Nordberg had once again proven that they were the more athletic of Azure’s subjects. The others were complaining more than working. He had tasked Kelda with whipping the Empire into shape. Faye was in Everlight using the Elves under his rule to shore up any defenses and prepare the new farmland. He had considered putting Juno to work, but had thought better of it after a moment of thought. That mare would have them doing things for her, not working to accomplish her task. She had argued when the others went outside of the Netherworld. He had explained to her that they were going to be working. If she wished to get out and work then she was welcome or she could remain in the throne room till they returned. Azure chuckled as he remembered her eyes light up at the new spot she found herself. She chose to stay behind as a result. No doubt hoping that the position would end up being permanent. Once out of the Netherworld Azure had breathed a sigh great relief. He had assured Kelda that her position was not in any danger and she still held her position, but he had used that to stop Juno from complaining. The pale mare had agreed and gone to her task.

He turned and walked down the stairs to the ground behind the wall. A gate that was larger than the others was still in production. Azure had it created as a test. He was going to have each part of his kingdom connected by a series of larger Gates. He could use them to transport large items. These gates would also hold more than enough power to kill any who tried to use them. Even at their lowest settings, the effects would be deadly. He walked calmly among his ponies as they scrambled to work and get out of his way. Foals ran around him as he walked toward the Gate. Grubby and his diggers were clamoring over it, tweaking parts of it, removing other pieces. Azure said nothing as he watched them. This Gate would be the first and the most potent of them. It was the prototype for the others. The Overlord was quiet as his eyes scanned the surface of the growing structure. Grubby had spent hours with him as he explained the superstructure to the minion. It had begun construction only days earlier. The other Gates closest to it would not be connected to it. This one and the others had the sole purpose of moving large amounts of equipment and supplies as needed.

A sound caught his attention as he looked to the doors of the wall. He trotted to them and his magic pushed them open, revealing utter chaos. Ponies ran in every direction and the minions were scrambling as trees fell around them. The Overlord was quiet as he looked to the tree line. A shape moved behind the trees. A loud whistle pulled from him followed by a commanding bellow from the Gauntlet around his right foreleg. He was soon surrounded by over fifty minions, all battle trained and tested. He galloped forward to the tree line and plunged into the forest after shape in the shadows. The minion fanned out and began emitting calls and growls to herd their quarry. They began to narrow their lines and the greens dashed ahead to jump through the trees and gain ground on their quarry. Azure galloped at the back of them, his katana, still within it's sheath at his shoulder. His magic held the hilt of the weapon, ready to draw it should the need arise. A shape snaked ahead of them and Azure gave a loud growl as he picked up speed. A shape reared up and loomed over them as he slid to a halt. Dirt and dust billowed around him as he came to rest. His sword slid from its sheath and he squared off ready to attack.

Around him the minions cried out and jumped ahead and back to him, ready for a fight. As the shape came down a set of teeth came into view and Azure leaped back, taking the minions with him. The creature was over fifty feet tall and had teeth taller than Azure himself. Its coat was a deep purple and seemed to have stars within it. While Azure had never seen such a beast, he would marvel at it later. The minions stayed with him and he glanced to the side as the greens were hidden within the trees, awaiting his commands. The blues stayed off to the side and the reads were several feet back. Azure roared a challenge and reared back, his hooves cutting the air as the gauntlet began to send a signal to the minions as he thought out his commands to them. They split into smaller groups as the creature swiped at them. The greens leaped from the trees and began tearing into the creatures hide. The blades on their hands were soon bloodied and the poison within their claws and blood began to attack the creature’s body. The Browns began to move around its feet, stabbing at the soft tissue. Balls of flame went over his head as the reds began to lob fire at the creature. The scent of burning flesh soon coated the air as the fight continued. Azure's hooves gripped the ground as he jumped into the fray as well. His sword cutting deep into the animals paws. He collapsed his legs and let himself slide on his side under the animal, sliding toward its belly. Azures blade plunged into the animal’s soft underbelly and he twisted it cruelly in place, forcing a pained bellow from the animal. It swiped at him and he felt pony sized claws glance off his armor as he dove under the beast and came out from under it. His magic pulled his blade free and galloped to the side of it. A weight on his back had him looking back as two greens landed on him, with a glance to him he took off for the creature's side once more. The greens understood his intent and held onto his armor. He raced up next to it and the greens leaped from his back as he went by. As time wore on Azure could feel fatigued inching its way into his muscles. He plunged ahead and brought the greens on his back to the creatures back and bucked them higher than they could have jumped on their own. The animal was slowing and beginning to fade. Azure plunged to a halt and waited. The gauntlet bellowed and the minions that remained returned to his side. The blues had revived those that fallen and they joined them as well. The creature looked to the group and finally began to collapse. Azure was silent as it collapsed before him. He flicked the blood from his blade and slid it into the sheath.

“As nice as having this monster under my control would have been, I’m not foolish enough to attempt it.” He watched as the monster died in front of him and he leaned back against a tree. Fatigue biting at him. A bark of surprise went out from his right and he spun as a minion sitting on a blue bear galloped in front of him.

It looked like a smaller version of the bigger one. Azure watched as the small bear collapsed and groaned under the minion's weight. Azures magic lifted the minion off it as he regarded the cub. His eyes flicked to the dead beast and then to the small one.

“If this is the cub of that one then…” His mind raced as the implications went through his thoughts. A smile pulled at his muzzle and his teeth shone between his lips. “It will be that big at some point. So if I… Keep it, then it will serve me as well. What a nice little pet you will be.” He said as his hoof hovered in front of the bear and magic coursed over it as his control spell took its mind. Once the spell faded Azure walked slowly back to the keep. The minions and the bear followed behind him. He looked back as the bear followed on his heels. “Perfect.” He said to himself as they cleared the trees.

Ponies peeked out from behind the doors as his magic pulled it open and he walked back inside. Azure sent the minions back to work unless their injuries needed tending. Those that were wounded went to the blues and waited to be tended to. The minions could be revived but the blues were not able to heal them on the spot. They did, however, know how to tend to the wounds. Azure was able to get the infant bear to stay in one place as he considered what to do with it now that he had control of it. It would need a place to be held so it could be trained. He looked around and found an area that could be converted to a holding pen and training space. His magic picked up downed trees and vines to lash the logs in place. After a time his magic faded and he sighed as the pen was completed. He led the bear into its pen and was able to command it to remain there. He closed the gate behind him as he left it in place.

“Perhaps I will put Kelda in charge of it.” He thought aloud. An idea struck him and he looked back to the forest where the dead one lay. “Wrath.” The minion ran to him at the call of its name and saluted him as it waited. “Take some of the greens back to the animal and skin it. I want the pelt.” He commanded.

The armored minion nodded in understanding and ran to gather several of the greens. The red pony was quiet as he looked over his armor, which was scuffed from the hit from its claws, but otherwise in one piece and had withstood the attack, leaving him unscathed. His gaze went back to the minions as they went into the forest to accomplish their task. The Overlord leaned against the pen he had created and waited for the minions to return with the pelt, it would make a nice gift for Kelda. He had a feeling it would end up as a decoration in the Netherworld. Though for once it would be his own kill, instead of hers. He hunted, but not as active as she did. He looked up as a minion ran through the crowd of working ponies and minions. He slid to a halt before their master and waited for his acknowledgment. He recognized the minion as one of Gnarls messengers. A nod had the minion speaking.

The minion looked thoughtful as he thought about the question. A shrug escaped him with an apologetic glance to the Master, who now looked unimpressed.

Azure looked to the forest as Wrath and the others dragged the enormous fur out of the trees. His magic gripped it and lifted it to him. The greens went back to their own work and Wrath galloped to him and leaped to his place on Azure's shoulder. The Master turned for the gates of Nordberg and lifted the pelt behind him. They reached the Gate and he walked into it. A thought later and he was gone.

His eyes adjusted to the darker throne room and his magic set the fur down and walked to where Gnarl was waiting for him. “What does she want this time?”

Gnarl looked to him with a cringe. “She wishes for you to join them for tea.”

Azures stared. He blinked as his mind stumbled over the statement. “You’re kidding?”

“No, My Lord. Apparently, they have not seen you in recent weeks so they wish for you to join them to have a cup of tea and… Chat.” The minion advisor clarified.

Azure still stumbled over the request and its clarification for a moment before he shook his head and craned his neck up at the thought. “Tea?” He looked away from Gnarl and glanced around him for a moment as his mind finally seemed to slam into place with the nature of the request. “They miss my presence?”

Azure was quiet as he went to his throne and let himself fall into it. He shook his head again and a laugh pulled from him. “That’s new. These ponies really are the friendly bunch. Foolish, but friendly. Oh, send for Kelda. I have a gift for her.” He said. “I’ll think over this request while I wait for her. Did the Princess say when?”

“So in an hour or so. Or when I choose to arrive, if I do at all.” He said as the minion advisor nodded.

Gnarl sent a minion to retrieve Kelda at the master’s request. The minutes ticked by as Azure suddenly chuckled and leaned heavily into his throne. “Send a note to Twilight that I will accept her request.” He cringed at the thought but held his composure.

“Well, I suppose I do need to find out the ownership status of the forest. Since my kingdom resides within it I plan to claim it as my own, but I would rather not fight them at this time.” His dialogue paused as Kelda came through the Gate and smiled to her Lord.

Azure gave a smile to her as his magic gripped the deep blue and purple fur, then unfurled it before her. The fur was the same size as the beast it once belonged to. Her eyes widened at the sight before her as her hooves covered her mouth. A delighted sound tore from her as she reached for the long fur. His magic released it as she gripped it and held it in her hooves.

“This is the most beautiful coat of fur I have ever seen. What beast has this fur?” She squealed with delight as she spoke.

He stood up and came to stand behind her as she snuggled the luxurious fur to her face and chest. “Came from a beast that we have never seen before. It attacked the area by Nordberg, but fell to me in the end.” He said to her as he put his cheek against hers and gave her a gentle nuzzle. “I figured the pelt would make a perfect gift for you.”

She cooed and nuzzled him back. “You are a wonder, love. I adore this fur.” She said as she looked to him. “Though I must admit the red of yours is much more appealing.” She said as one of her hooves was on his cheek. She held him to her as her lips ghosted over his.

Azure pushed back and kissed her as she moaned under him. He pulled back and nuzzled her once more. “Only for you.” He whispered to her. “I have also taken control of the cub that was with it. It will grow to be as large as the parent then it will make a hell of a guardian. If you wish to tend to it, then it is in Nordberg.” He said to her and gave her ear a gentle nip as he walked for the Gate.

She reached back and swatted his flanks. “You are too kind, my Lord.” She said to him. “I have to see this small beast.” She started to stand but then dove into the fur instead. “Once I finish deciding what to do with this marvelous fur you gave me.”

The mare giggled under the fur and he gave a satisfied snort in reply. “Gnarl. Ensure my new pet is fed and housed. I will be going to have…tea.” His mouth twisted on the wording but managed to speak it aloud.

Azure stomped a hoof and Wrath and the others that normally went with him joined him at the gate. He groaned and focused the Gates magic. A crash of thunder and he was in Ponyville once more.

His eyes fell on Twilight as she approached the Gate. He regarded the mare for a moment before walking down the metal steps of the Gate. Her casual use of his name had not gone unnoticed by him or the minions with him. Only Kelda ever used his name, even then it was rare. The mare suddenly paused, a hoof going over her mouth as she realized her words.

“Oh. I’m sorry. I forgot to ask if using your name would be okay. I was so glad to see you that I forgot for a moment that you’re more formal.” She berated herself as he stopped in front of her.

Azure was quiet as he thought over what to tell her. ‘In the long run allowing the mare to use my name means that she will be thinking I am her friend. As much as I prefer that she not use my name so casually I will allow this.’ He reasoned to himself. “It’s alright. I suppose since we are of nearly equal rank then the use of a given name is…allowed.” He said to her.

A wide smile crossed her muzzle and she nodded. “Thank you for understanding. And of course, thank you for coming to join us. We haven’t seen you in quite a while so I figured asking you to join us for our weekly meeting would be good for all of us.” She explained as they began to walk for the castle.

“Makes sense. Though it sounds as though I am imposing on a…” He paused as she waved a hoof at him.

“Not at all. It’s usually just the six of us getting together for a meal and tea to discuss events. I am sorry to say that I haven’t found any more Gates. So I am thankful that you still chose to come to Ponyville even though I don’t have a new location for you.” She admitted to him.

“That’s all right. I have found several of them already so I have not been waiting for any word of your success or failure.” He reasoned to her.

She nodded. “I’m glad that you found some of them. They are proving harder to find than I thought they would. I figured something that size would be easy, but if they are all over Equestria then it could be more difficult than I first thought. And since they are not all the same size that makes it more challenging.”

“As I said I have been busy, so I had not really even noticed the lack of word from you and yours.”

She went quiet with a small smile on her muzzle as she opened the front doors of the castle for him. He gave a polite nod and walked into the front foyer. Her magenta aura gripped the next door and he walked into the room where the other mares and Spike were seated. A chair was once more waiting for him beside the Princess as he went up to it. Wrath jumped from his back and pulled out the chair for him. He sat down and waited as Twilight sat down. His eyes looked to them as the other mares looked to Applejack. The orange mare looked uncertain for a moment before inhaling.

“Ah have somethin’ ta say.” She said, her hoof tapping the table, gaining their attention.

Azure nearly groaned at the thought of what she was going to argue with him over now. He waited as she inhaled again and looked at him.

Azure blinked at her for a moment before he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his chin on his hooves. “Oh?”

“Eeyup. I was unfair to ya before. While Ah think I was right askin’, Ah should have been more considerate of yer feelings. Ah just plunged ahead thinkin’ Ah had the right of it.” She explained to him as he waited for her to go on. “Yer a pony just like us, but it's differen’ where ya are from and Ah should have been understandin’ of that. So Ah am sorry fer how I acted to ya.”

Azure was quiet as the mare waited for his reply. He leaned back a bit as he thought it over. “I accept the apology. So long as this does not happen again I see no reason why we cannot go forward.”

Twilight smiled and turned to Azure. “Spike, can you get the tea please?” The purple dragon nodded and jumped off his chair and ran for the door across the hall. “So what have you doing for past few weeks? We haven’t heard anything from you since we found the Gate at the Crystal Empire and you needed help identifying a manticore. How did that go by the way?”

“It was fine. There have been no further issues with the beast.” He explained to her.

Azure was quiet for a moment. “I did find several more of the Gates and have been tending to them. I do have a question about territories if you will permit me.”

Twilight looked thoughtful. Her horn lit as a map appeared on the table. Azure yelped and pulled back. A living map appeared over the smooth surface. It reminded him of the Tower Heart and for a moment he thought he might need it. Twilight giggled as he composed himself and glanced to her.

“Sorry. I forgot you haven’t seen it before.” She explained looking apologetic.

Azure snorted but looked to the map. He stood up and he felt the greens on his back shift in place as he moved. Her horn stayed lit as a paper map appeared in her aura. She unfolded it and his magic took it from her as he scanned the page.

“Okay, so the Everfree stretches from one side of Equestria almost to the other. It’s huge and untamed.” She explained and pointed to the map table to show him the length of the forest.

“Not really. It exists within Equestria, but no matter what we do it has never really been used as a part of Equestria. The Princess has never called it her own. The borders are a bit flexible at times, but the general rule of hoof is to avoid it.”

“It ain’t natural.” Applejack tossed in, with the others nodding in agreement.

“That does not explain anything.” Azure informed her. “Is there anything that you can tell as to why it is labeled that way?” He pressed the mares as gently as he could.

Azure was quiet as he listened to her. “And that’s bad?” He said to her, confusion obvious on his face.

“The animals everywhere else have our help, but those ones are too wild.” She explained.

Azure leaned back and looked startled. “Pardon? Wait so the animals I see around here cannot tend to their lives themselves? They have ponies working for them?”

“Kind of.” Twilight sought to clarify. “For example, during Winter Wrap Up we make the nests for the birds that are coming back from their winter roosts.” She informed him.

Azure was shocked, to say the least as he thought that over. He shook his head and leaned up to the table once more. “All right, I’ll wait on that explanation. Anything else?”

“What about it?” He started, then held up a hoof. “Please do not tell me that you can control the weather as well?”

Rainbow nodded. “Yup. It’s controlled by the weather team.” She explained. “The weather team is made of Pegasus ponies who move the clouds and tend to the weather around Ponyville.”

Azure leaned back once more and shook his head. “That is…the strangest thing I have ever heard. So the weather and the animals are all incapable of natural movement? Am I understanding that correctly?”

Twilight and the other mares nodded. “The Princesses raise and lower the sun and moon as well.” Twilight chimed up.

Azure opened his mouth to speak but paused at that bit of information. “What?”

Twilight giggled. “Princess Celestia raises the sun each day and Princess Luna raises the moon at night.” She explained to him as he listened to her, shock clear on his face.

He put a hoof to his face as he thought over what he had been told so far. On the ground, the minions shuffled as he focused on the new intelligence. “Interesting.” He looked up as Spike came in pushing a cart with teacups, tea, and sugar on it. The baby dragon handed a cup to Azure, who held it in his magic and then filled it with fluid, the dragon then held up several sugar cubes. Azures magic took them from his grasp and dropped them into the cup. With a polite nod, he looked back to the table and the mares as Spike went to the next pony.

“All right. So the animals and the weather cannot be moved or changed. Is that all?” He finally said aloud.

The mares were quiet as they thought it over. Twilight finally nodded as Spike got into his chair and sipped his own tea. Azure's hooves gripped the teacup as he took a sip from it. He managed not to grimace. He hated tea. The only time he drank it was when he was forced to and even then he had to sweeten it. He set it down and waited for them to speak up.

“Those are the main things about it yes. There is one pony who lives inside of it though.”

“Zecora isn’t afraid of it. She’s a zebra from far away so she sees it differently. You seem pretty surprised about what we mentioned.”

“Considering that where I am from the weather needs no ponies to help to change and the animals are just that, animals.” He replied. “Is she loyal to your Princesses or is she on her own?”

“Pardon the interruption.” Rarity spoke up. “I could not help but notice the damage to your armor, dear. Did something happen?”

Azure looked to the deep cut in the right shoulder of his armor and the scuffs from sliding on it. “Oh, that. It was nothing. A creature attacked us in the forest this morning.”

“Any idea what it was? And that’s why no pony goes to the Everfree, willingly.” Fluttershy added in.

Azure shook his head. “I’m not familiar with the type of beast that it was. I’m not well versed in the creatures here to make a guess.”

“What did it look like?” Pinkie asked. Excitement quivered over her. “Was it a serpent, a manticore, again, no you know what they are? Maybe a…” Red aura covered her muzzle, stopping her from speaking further.

“It was close to fifty feet tall and had what looked like stars in its fur…”

“A what?” He asked as a book appeared in front of him and the pages flipped to show him an almost exact picture of the creature he had killed merely an hour or so before. “Yeah, that’s it.”

“Wow, I have never seen one before. We have dealt with an Ursa Minor, but not the parent.”

“Yes. What did you do when you saw it? Why was it so close?” She paused as his horn lit up and she went quiet.

“Considering that it attacked me and mine it was not a good meeting,” Azure explained. He picked up the book in his hooves and held it to read the contents. The mares gasped and Spike leaned forward in his seat.

“Yes,” Azure replied as he looked at the book once more. “It was missing the front teeth now that I look at it. This image has the saber teeth, the one I met did not.”

“Might have been a defect or lost them,” Twilight spoke up. “Did you drive it away?”

“And how would I do that? No, we were forced to kill it.” He said as he read over the beast’s description in the book. Silence resounded as his ears suddenly flicked forward as he heard nothing after his statement. He glanced up and the mares looked nothing short of horrified at him. He rolled his eyes and he set the book down. “And what should I have done? It did not exactly give me the choice of options. I do not think it would have paused to speak with me.”

“I don’t think that was an option. Considering it was felling trees as it tried to maim everything in its path. We drove it away, but then it attacked. I am not about to let myself or mine be attacked by some beast and let it walk away without recourse.” He informed them. He sipped his tea and once again managed not to cringe at the bitter taste. “If it helps, I intend to care for the cub that was left behind.”

Fluttershy gasped. “You killed the parent? It was defending its family.” She had tears in her eyes as she spoke.

“Before we drove it back it was attacking us without reason. We chased it for over a mile before it stopped and fought back. So we were not near the cub when it lashed out. So there was no logical reason to attack us when we were not threatening the cub.”

“Yes. I have already erected a pen for it and have the minions creating a shelter, now that I am looking at this I will know what to feed it.” He explained as he picked up the book once more. He looked from the book once more to the mares as they seemed to relax. He left out skinning the beast and his plans for the infant as it grew.

“No.” He replied, then thought of it. “Since it will have been fed by me it will not be wild any longer, correct?” Fluttershy, the animal expert nodded in agreement. “Then releasing it would be a death sentence. I see no reason not to raise and protect it as needed.” Azure explained.

Fluttershy smiled. “That will be wonderful. You will have a very large pet, Azure.” Azure stopped at the use of his name but ignored it. He closed the book and set it aside. “What will you feed it?”

“Well according to this it is old enough to eat meat so that is what we will feed it.” He reasoned to them.

The mares cringed but agreed. “Well, at least you can take care of the cub.” Rarity reasoned.

“So now that is settled. No one controls the forest or owns it?” He refocused the conversation back to his own goal. He picked up the paper map in his hooves and looked over it as he spoke.

“No. If we look at it in terms of borders, then no. Equestria borders end when they meet up with it. So it’s on its own, I suppose. The Princesses used to have a castle in it, but it's fallen to ruin.” Twilight reasoned to him.

“Perfect.” He commented and glanced to the Princess beside him, who looked to him at his comment. “Then there is no argument if I take control of it.” He stated as he folded the map and set it on top of the book.

Twilight spun to look to him as he chuckled and leaned back in the chair. The minions mingled around his chair for a moment, then settled once more. Wrath kept an eye on their Master and then to the mares. “What do you mean?”

Azure looked at her and explained. “The Everfree, as you call it, will come under my control. I claim the territory as my own.”

“I’m aware. It’s actually exactly what I am looking for. Where I am from the sun, moon, animals, and weather act on their own and we adjust around them. So having that back in our home is perfect for mine. If there is no argument about then I suppose taking it is the easy part. I assume I must do more to take it officially?”

Twilight focused and nodded. “We would need to go to the Princess and get approval…”

Azure barked out a laugh. “Approval? If no one owns the territory, then why do I need approval?” He replied to the Alicorn. “I am not aware of needing to justify my decision to your fellow Princess should I choose to occupy the land that no one owns. Unless I am mistaken?”

Twilight thought it over and looked at the others before replying. “I don’t know much about land laws, I’ll be honest, but just taking something isn’t really the way things are done in Equestria. I’m certain if you explain to the Princess then she would be happy to make that official for you.”

Azure crossed his hooves and appeared thoughtful. ‘Well since I do still need aid finding the Gates I might want to play along. This is becoming more aggravating my by the minute.’ Azure was quiet. “I will send her a note, but I do not need to justify the acquisition of land that is not claimed.”

“She is more than welcome to stay. I do not require her fealty or anything of that nature. So long as she keeps out of my way and does not argue my rule, then she is more than welcome to remain. I assume that she is not too far into the forest?”

“As I said, she is welcome to remain. I will not command her so long as she keeps to herself. Which by the sound of it she does anyway. So she and I should be able to exist without annoying the other.” He reasoned out.

Twilight looked visibly uncertain. “Why do you need that much space? That’s a huge territory. It could fit Canterlot a hundred times.”

A loud knock resounded and Spike jumped up to open the doors. A minion raced in, scrambling over the smooth crystal floor. Azure sighed and his horn lit as he lifted the scrabbling minion to his side. The minion held out a letter and he gripped it in one hoof as he patted the minion on the head and looked to the note.

Mistress Kelda sends her regards once more for the lovely fur. Now to business. The residents of Everlight are rebelling. Faye returned to report that many of her troops were killed and then she herself was attacked. Her wounds are minor, though she was quite angered by the attack. The ponies claim that since they were free of you for an extended time that they are no longer yours to command. Shall I prepare to have the minions overrun their position? Please return with your orders, Sire.

Your Devoted Servant,

An angry look clouded Azures features as he crushed the note in his magic, which incinerated the note and stood to leave. His temper barely under the surface, he stormed to the doors and flung them open. Twilight went after him, he could hear her hooves on the crystal floor. His magic tossed the final doors open and a stiff breeze of cool air ruffled his mane and forelock. His red eyes blazed as he began to walk to the Gate. His steps were deliberate and held a purpose as Twilight drew up beside him. The others hot on her heels.

“Azure! What's wrong? Is everything okay?” She questioned the enraged stallion.

He stopped when they reached the gate and he sent the minions ahead of him until only Wrath remained. The mares startled at the green minions that appeared on his armor as they jumped to the minion gates and hopped through them.

“You asked why I am taking the forest as my own. My ponies are within it. My kingdom came with me but was scattered. I have located my subjects within that wood and I dare anyone to take it from me. I would explain further, but I have a business to attend to.”

Twilight stared, shocked. “Your ponies are here too? That’s good news, isn’t it?”

“It is. To a certain extent.” He replied as he looked to the Gate. ‘Until they go against me. Then they need to be brought back in line.’

“Something went wrong I guess?” The mare questioned further. “Can we help?”

Azure snorted. “As much as I appreciate the offer you would be under hoof while I tend to a rebellion. I do not allow anything or anyone to question my rule. The ponies are about to be reminded who their Master really is.” Azure vowed, venom dripping from his tone as he ascended the stairs to the Gates magic.

“They rebelled?” Applejack said to him. “Why in tarnation would they do that?”

“They are foolish at times and easily swayed. I have no doubt that I know the one that instigated this and I intend to remind them why I am their Overlord. I took their city once, I will do it again.” He said to them as he waited for them to react.

“Still we can help. Maybe they just need to be reminded that things are better under your rule.” Twilight added. “Magic was evil before you. We could help you remind them of that.”

“The ponies that I need to realign are the ones that enslave others and attacked one of my closest advisors. I have three…two under Gnarl that I trust to an extent. They attacked her and injured her. I will not tolerate any act of rebellion.” Azure informed the small group.

“Yes. I abolished that when I took command. I suppose I must do it again.” He turned away from the group as the red flame began to dance over his armor, recoloring it. The scuffs vanished as the armor warped around him. The shoulders thickened on his armor and it slid down to end past his flanks just before his tail. The sides slid back to cover the sides of his flanks and the boots around his other three legs lengthened, the gauntlet swirled with colors as it too morphed under his fury. The gauntlet became sharper and the edges melded to cover the entirety of his leg. Red coloring began to dominate the pieces that were once silver. The areas of molten lava that encircled it began to ignite and flames danced over the sections. Azure looked over his shoulder as his helm appeared over his head and covered his mane. The horns between his ears sharpened and the opening for his mouth narrowed. The pieces of leather within it thickened and the armor became a solid piece of molten metal that began to circulate over Azure's fur as if it lived. The mares backed up from the sight.

“Azure! We can help. Maybe with us helping this can be done peacefully.” Twilight tried to reason with him.

Azure looked back over his shoulder as Wrath leaped to his back. “I am no Prince, Twilight. I am an Overlord and those ponies have committed a grievous error and I will remind them of their place. Perhaps in your world kindness can survive, but not in mine. Should I leave them be and try to negotiate do you think the ponies who are not of noble birth will be treated as well as they were under my command?”

“I do not tolerate slavery. They may be called slaves under me, but they are protected and taken care of. I command their loyalty that is true. But I do not tolerate slavery of another under a pony, which is not me. Therefore, I will be TAKING the Everfree as my new territory, since those I rule are within it. I have no intention of harming Equestria or its citizens so long as my rule is not threatened. I have no quarrel with any of you. If Celestia or Luna wish to argue with me then they can come to my stronghold within the forest.” He stated and turned to the Gates magic.

Azure startled and looked back to the ponies and dragon. All of them were giving him a smile and hope sparkled in their eyes. He sighed and chuckled at them. “You ponies are far too trusting.” He said to them.

“Can you send a note if everything works out okay? Or if you need help?” Twilight pleaded with him.

“Thank you, Azure. Good luck!” Twilight and the mares backed up after he agreed.

He gave a slight shake of his head before vanishing once more. His eyes opened in the throne room and they fell to the light gray mare sitting on the steps with bandages around her neck and forelegs.

The Fairy looked to him, anger burning in her eyes. He could see the pain in her gaze as well, but he pretended not to see it, for her sake. While Kelda was his first mistress, he had no argument with Faye, who was just as loyal to him as Kelda.

“It’s all right. Stay where you are.” His voice commanded her to remain in place as he reached her. His magic removed his helm and set it on the throne behind them. He reached out a hoof and set it on her cheek. He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss to the cheek. Kelda was sitting with her and he nuzzled her as well, a silent thank you for sitting with the other mare.

“What happened, Faye?” He asked her as he sat down on the stairs with the mares. “Gnarl, have Quaver bring Faye a drink.”

Azure hesitated. The bitter tea aftertaste had him nodding to the minion master. He waddled away as Azure turned to the gray mare.

“My Lord. I arrived through the Gate under your command. At first, they were a bit argumentative but fell back in line. The Elven ponies fell to my command easily.” She paused at his look. “They have finer features and their ears are elongated back at the tips.” Azure nodded for her to continue. “The others were more…hesitant. It would seem that since they were on their own for a time they came to think they no longer needed to be commanded by your Dark Majesty. I was able to put down a few small uprising with force. Using the Elven and the minions you gifted me the slight resistance fell quickly to your rule once more. But it seems they were biding their time and amassing the weapons and supplies they would need to fight you. I beg your forgiveness, Lord.” She stopped, sniffled and looked away from him.

Azure sighed and reached out to her. He pulled the mare to his chest and put his cloak over her. He knew Faye well enough to know that she was far too proud to cry in front of others. Kelda put a hoof on her back as the gray mare sniffled and then quiet sobs shook her frame as she gripped his fur and armor. Azure looked to Kelda and saw the same fury that was pulsing through him reflected back to him in her eyes. While Kelda was his clear favorite, Faye was a close second. Her attachment to him was obvious due to his power being what had corrupted her when they were empowering the Tower Heart for the assault on the Empire. By draining her of the power of Light that she held, he had then filled her with the Dark power that resided within him. He waited as her cries quieted and gently pushed her back from him. She looked at him as he took the edge of his cloak, then used it to wipe away any remaining tears on her face.

He quieted her with a gentle kiss and stood up. Quaver waddled to them at Azure's glance, having stopped the minion from approaching minutes earlier, and gave Faye her drink, the other he took to Azure himself. Azure sipped his drink as he focused and used what he had been told so far to base his plan for retaking Everlight.

“Faye.” He said aloud. The mare looked to him. “Was the gate still active when you got to it or had it been compromised?”

She looked away and sniffed. “We were not in the main area of the town. We were by the entrance, by the Nether shard.” She gave him the requested information.

He cursed in silence as he nodded to the mare. “All right. Then I would assume that they have trapped one or both of them.”

Faye looked into her drink and he walked back over to her. “I conquered it the long way once before. It will not hurt me to do so again.” He whispered into her ear as he nuzzled her once more. Gnarl came back into the throne room and approached the Overlord.

“Master.” The minion waited for Azure's attention before speaking further. “What has happened to your armor? Not that I find it bad, Master. It has simply been changed. I like it better since it covers up more of that nasty fur of yours.” He amended at the look from the stallion.

Azure looked over the changed armor and tilted his head at it before responding. “It began to change after I read the note from you about Everlight. Though I’m hardly upset at the changes. Will have to ask Giblet to make the others like this as well.” He replied to the curious minion. “Perhaps it changes as I need it. Will see how it changes in the long run.”

Gnarl nodded and stepped back as Azure began to pace under the Gate. Azure finished his drink and set the glass on the floor by Quaver to be taken back to the kitchens. He paced as plans circled through his mind. Calling his attention to the old routes and what he knew of them. He knew the Gate that was in the center of the Isle of Everlight was still active. He had tried it before and found it to be active. He didn’t think they would travel far outside of Everlight city itself. They would keep their strength where it would have the most use. He stopped as he looked back to Faye and Kelda. Both mares were quiet as they sat on the stairs under his throne. He looked to the throne and a new wave of indignation went through his body. There would be a reckoning in Everlight come daybreak. If he was right the former governess was to blame. She had been outspoken before the move but now he assumed that she would be the driving force behind this foolishness. He spun to the Gate and was bathed in the light from its magic. His helm slid over his head and he looked to the mares and Gnarl. Wrath jumped to his back at a glance.

“I will be taking enough minions to overrun Everlight, Gnarl.” He said to his advisor, who still looked nervous.

“Master. We still have not figured out why we cannot speak to you through your helm. I ask that you wait to see if Giblet can check this newly remade helm to speak to you as we did before the move.” Gnarl pleaded with him from his place beside the throne.

Azure knew that since the move Gnarl had become a bit more paranoid about Azure’s whereabouts whenever he left the Netherworld. The move had made it impossible for him to reach their Master. They had not been able to figure out what had changed the magic that allowed them to speak back and forth. Since Azure's father had been lost to the Infernal Abyss Gnarl had been a bit unsure about the Overlord leaving the Netherworld. Even now Azure had a minion in the form of Wrath sleeping at the end of his bed, or on the floor if he got annoyed with him and kicked him off the bed. Azure had permitted the changes, but he knew that now they had no choice, but to act on what they knew.

“Gnarl. I understand your hesitation, but the longer we delay the more time they have to shore up their defenses and make retaking the city more difficult. They must be brought back to heel. I will send word through the Gates as I retake them. I will use the one in the center of the Isle just in case they have trapped the other two within the city itself.” Azure advised Gnarl as he looked to the gate.

Kelda stood up and trotted over to him. “Be careful, love. You ran yourself ragged conquering it once.” She said to him, her tone whispered, as she spoke quietly in his ear.

“I was not as experienced then, Kelda. I have learned since that time. But, I will be as cautious as I can. If I am right the Gate will put me close to the nesting ground of the spiders, I can use them in the assault.”

Kelda nodded and held him close. “Just come back to us. Your loss would destroy us all.” She whispered to him.

She held him tighter. “I thought I lost you once. I won’t again.” She said to him.

He held her and pushed her back from him. “See you in a few hours or a day.” He said to her and kissed her. He ended the contact and the Gates magic took him from the throne room.

Overlords and Friendship...

by OblivionShadow

4: Rebellion...