//------------------------------// // 2: Another day, Another Uprising... // Story: An Overlord Apart // by OblivionShadow //------------------------------// Hunter started and sat up. He groaned and stretched his back as he looked around his chambers. His normal armor was sitting on a mannequin by the velvet curtains that were open to the rest of the room. He pushed his blanket back and rubbed his face as his hooves hit the ground. He reached out to the bell above the alcove where his armor sat. His magic flicked it and it sounded off with a quiet chirp. He inspected his armor and found that Giblet had once more done well in his tending of it. The Overlord was quiet as he looked to his right and found he was standing in front of the full-length mirror that had been added to his quarters. The long scars on his body stood out among his black fur. He ran a hoof over the scars and looked away from them. He started as minions came running into his room and they gently climbed onto him as he sat down. Allowing them to begin brushing through his tangled mane and tail. His fur was brushed to its normal softness and then his armor was slid into place on his body. Hiding the deep scars on his body under the metal. He got to his hooves when they finished tending to him and he was still as they pulled his cloak onto his back and he waited as the last one jumped off his back and then tugged the cloak into its proper place. “Master.” Wrath raced up to him and gave him a note. His magic held it as he began walking through the spacious cavern of his quarters. Gnarl had requested his presence in the kitchens. It was an odd request from the advisor, but he assumed there was a need for it. He felt Wrath jump to his back and hang onto his armor in his normal place. Hunter walked down the steps and passed through several hidden corridors that masked where his room was to hide it from any pony that was there without being permitted. He took the shortcut to the kitchens and walked into the main room, passing by the large table. “Gnarl?” “Good morning, Dark Lord.” The minion sounded out and watched as the Overlord reached him. “What is the reason for me being here?” He asked. He fell into his Overlord persona to keep up appearances. “The dragon, Spike, yesterday was requesting jewels during breakfast,” Gnarl explained. Hunter gave him an odd look and his head tilted slightly to the side. Showing his confusion. “So he wanted to have gems brought to him?” He asked, seeking clarification, as the minion nodded. “For what purpose?” “According to what I have found out after asking the servant who spoke with him it seems he wished to eat them.” Hunter stared at the minion for a moment before he composed himself, hiding his curiosity. “All right. That is a first for me. I will speak with Sorkeno if that is a normal request for dragons. He might have more information about the eating habits of Equestrian dragons.” Hunter reasoned out. “Very well, My Lord,” Gnarl added and bowed to the Overlord as he turned and left the kitchens. “So what is on the agenda this morning, Gnarl?” “You have a meeting with an emissary from Nordberg and after that, we may need to visit the Empire itself. The city has been quiet for several weeks.” Hunter was quiet as he listened. “That is troubling. Next, to Everlight they are almost as foolish and demanding. Send one of the stealth troops to discover what is going on and report back.” “At your command,” Gnarl replied. “Will you be visiting Sorkeno now or will you summon him to you, Sire?” “I will go to him. I will return to the throne room when I have finished with him.” “Very well.” Gnarl peeled off and headed to follow the Overlords commands and find the reason for the Empires sudden silence. Hunter dropped off Wrath at the throne room as he jumped onto the floating stone and sent it to the Dragons Lair. He waited till it stopped and then jumped off of it. He looked up as the lair stretched high into the Netherworld's ceiling making sure there was enough room for the Dragons and ensuring their comfort. He looked to the sides as dragons slept or reached out to acknowledge him as he passed. He stopped at the entrance to one cave and peeked his head inside. Within was a she-dragon called Kaiana. She was the eldest of the dragons and the closest thing Hunter had to a mother growing up. He adored her as any child would. She slept within the cave, her scales had changed from the red they once were to pink, and now to silver. Her scales showed her age. He walked quietly up to her and nuzzled her gently, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek before leaving the cave. “Sorkeno.” He spoke his name aloud and waited to see if the Dragon Lord was close by Kaiana’s cave. When he got no reply he walked a bit further back to find him. He walked back and found the dragons sleeping close by a clutch of eggs. The eggs were taller than the black stallion and wider, but he knew the beings inside were babies. He felt anticipation for the hatching and we went up to the eggs and put his ear against one. He could hear the baby shifting inside and a smile crossed his muzzle as he listened for several minutes. The Overlord pulled away from the egg to find Sorkeno’s wide head on the other side of it, watching him. “Morning, Sorkeno.” He greeted the dragon. “Good morning, little one.” The dragon greeted him back. “It is very early for you to be here. Normally you are working around this time. Did you stop to see Kaiana?” “Of course I did. She still slept so I was quiet. I have a question for you.” “Oh? Go ahead.” “What do you know of the Equestrian dragons?” The golden dragon shifted and put his paw down for Hunter to jump into. Hunter waited as the dragon reached up so that Hunter could jump from his paw to his head and sit as he spoke. The Dark Lord sat down on the top of Sorkeno’s head between his horns. “What do you need to know? I know a few things. Nothing in-depth, little one. But enough I suppose.” “What do they eat?” He asked, after sitting down in his usual spot for chatting with the dragon. “They eat the same as any other dragon. A mixture of foods I would assume. What little I know is that they are somewhat of an omnivore.” The dragon said to him as he began walking around their territory checking in on the dragons he watched over. “Dammit.” Hunter cursed and sighed, annoyance creeping into his tone. The dragon paused and his head gave a gentle tilt to show he was waiting for more. “The Princess brought a baby dragon with her and he was… Yipe!” Hunter gripped the golden scales as Sorkeno laughed under him. “What is funny? Stop moving for the love of the Netherworld!” “That explains more. I thought you meant adults. Many of the young dragons supplement their diet with gemstones. It aids in their development. Many still eat them later in life for the flavor and nutrients.” Sorkeno informed him. “Lovely,” Hunter complained from his place on the dragons head. He laid down and put his face in his hooves. Sorkeno paused as he waited for the Overlord to speak more, but when there was no response he stopped walking. “Little one?” “Sorry. I’m just tired. Have meetings today, The Empire city went quiet, and now I have to find normal gemstones for a baby dragon.” The Overlord let his head out of his hooves and bashed his face into the dragons gold scales. The golden drake was quiet as he heard the frustrated sigh from the stallion. “Hold on, my little one.” Hunter sat up and gripped the scales as Sorkeno jumped up to a ledge above them and walked through a cavernous walkway and into another section. Hunter was quiet as he looked around him. He had been through all the places of the Netherworld, but this did not look familiar. “Is this place new?” He finally asked. “Yes. This is where the draglings will grow until they are big enough to be around the adults more frequently. This way the attendants can return to their work without us worrying about them upsetting the newborns.” Sorkeno reasoned out to him. “Oh.” The stallion was quiet as he processed what he had been told. “Perfect. Now I don’t have to find them something to do until the okay is given.” Hunter replied, clear relief in his voice. “Here we are, little one.” Sorkeno leaned down and allowed Hunter to jump off his head and to the floor. Hunter’s eyes widened at the sight ahead of him. The caverns walls glittered with gems and ore. The stallion walked up to the wall and set his hoof on the surface of the wall. “Holy damn. When did this show up?” “A few months ago. I have a stockpile of the gems that were removed from the walls as we carved it out.” The dragon put a paw around Hunter and turned him to face a small alcove. "In case, little one wanted them." “Wow.” The alcove was close to twenty feet high and thirty feet wide. There were various glittering gems inside of it. “You might need your saddlebags to carry them.” Sorkeno chided him. Hunter chuckled and nodded. “So it seems.” His horn lit up and his saddlebags showed up on his back. He picked up several of each type of gem and set them in the bags. Once they were full he backed up and waited as Sorkeno lifted him back to his normal place. “Thanks, Sorkeno.” He said to him as he held onto the scales once more as they turned around to leave the cavern. “Of course, little one. If you should need more then come down to get them. This is your land as well. The only one that can come here as one of our own.” He reminded the pony. Hunter laid down on the smooth scales and sighed. “I might come down here just to hide for a few hours.” “You need to rest properly at times, little one.” Sorkeno chided him. “I know. There’s just too much to do and get done. A few hours a night is the best I can do.” Sorkeno slowed as he lowered them down to the lower floor. “Stay down here for a time, little one. Your meeting is several hours off, am I right?” Hunter was quiet. “It is, yes.” “Then you will stay here and rest. Your health is far more important than a few slips of paper to read over.” The dragon said to him as he laid down around the eggs. Hunter sat in place as he listened. He knew the dragon had a point, but at the same time, the work weighed on his mind. “But I…” “No more discussion, little one. Rest. I will return you to the throne room in a few hours.” Sorkeno cut him off and gave a gentle shake of his head to jostle the stallion into going silent. “Okay. But if I get yelled at by Gnarl I will be so upset at you.” He teased as he folded his legs under him and laid his head over his tail. Sorkeno laughed at the mock threat. “He can come here to retrieve you then.” Hunter laughed and went quiet as the warmth of the dragon seeped into his body. He found himself slipping into sleep faster than he thought he would. “Sleep, my little one.” Sorkeno’s voice was the last thing he heard as he fell asleep. Twilight opened one eye and rolled away from the window. She snapped awake as she recalled where she was. Beside her bed, Spike snored contentedly in his basket. She smiled as she reached out with her magic as she recalled Soft Touch’s words. The bell sounded and she sat up in her bed and pushed the blankets back for her to get out of bed. She reached up to her mane and found it was still in the tight braid that Soft Touch had done. Her tail was the same. She was quiet as there was a knock on the door. “Come in.” She said aloud. “Good morning, My Lady.” Soft Touch greeted her. “Morning.” Twilight greeted her. “How did you sleep?” “I slept well, thank you. The bed is more comfortable than I thought it was.” “That’s good to hear.” She paused at the sight of the still sleeping dragon. Twilight giggled as Soft Touch reached down and shook the basket gently. “Five more minutes,” Spike mumbled and rolled over in his basket. Twilight put a hoof over her mouth to hide her smile. Soft Touch looked at her for a moment then picked up the basket and turned it over, spilling Spike onto the floor. “Wow.” He yelped and looked around. “What happened? Did the castle turn over?” He looked up and saw his basket above his head, held in Soft Touch’s hooves. “It is time to awaken, little dragon.” She said to him and set his back on the bed, folding his blue blanket onto it. “Your sand bath is ready and I will lead you to it once I finish with my Lady’s needs.” Spike nodded and got up. Soft Touch led Twilight into the bathroom and began upbraiding her mane and tail. She ran a brush through her mane and Twilight's nose caught the floral scent from the oils in her hair. “Oh wow. You were right. That is a wonderful scent.” Twilight gushed as she pulled a chunk of her mane to her nose to smell it. Soft Touch smiled and nodded. “As I said, there is no other like it in any world.” “I can see why. It’s wonderful.” “I am glad you like it. Hold still, please.” The mare ran a brush through Twilight's fur and it became smoother as she brushed it. Once that was done she checked her hooves once more than led her out of the room to find that her Regalia was by the reading nook table. Spike was staring at it due to the shine that was coming off of it. “Wow. Giblet did a really good job.” Spike said aloud. “Our Master is particular about his armor, so Giblet has become very good attending to it.” The handmaiden informed him. “I have a question.” Spike looked to her as she looked at him. “What happened to him?” The mare looked confused. “What do you mean?” “I mean those scars.” Spike clarified. The mare visibly stiffened. “You saw those?” “Yeah, he was getting his other armor in the armory and he hadn’t put it on yet.” Twilight informed her. Soft Touch was silent as she heard them. “I…” “Are you okay?” Twilight asked her. “Yes.” She was still stiff but slowly calmed. “That is not a story that is ever spoken. That is part of his tale. It is not my place to tell it.” She said to them and gathered up the linens and other items to be cleaned. Twilight glared at Spike for a moment. “I’m sorry, Soft Touch. I know he didn’t mean to upset you.” “It’s all right, My Lady. I just have never heard of anyone asking. The Master doesn’t even like them to be seen.” She replied. “He put his armor on really quick after that,” Spike informed her. “I won’t ask him either.” He said to her, a wide smile on his face. The mare smiled and nodded at them. “Follow me to get that sand bath you wanted to try.” She said and led them out the door and to the baths. She opened the door and led them both inside. Spike looked at the small basin filled with very fine sand. It was a basin of close to a foot deep and two feet wide. She waited till he got in and settled in before she gave a slight whistle. Twilight looked up as a stallion came around the corner and sat down by the basin. His coat and body were covered in leather armor and only his head was visible. His coat was a light golden color with a light brown mane. “And you are?” The stallion looked surprised, then cast an angry look at the mare, who looked away from his gaze. “My apologies, my Lady. I was not aware my sister had not given my name.” “Oh, you’re her brother,” Twilight replied and sat down on the other side of the basin. “Shield Rest?” “Yes.” He bowed his head to her. “You tend to Sorkeno and the others normally?” Spike asked as he sat in the basin. “Yes.” He nodded. “My sister asked that I show you what a sand bath is. The other dragons enjoy it and she said you wished to try it.” Spike nodded. “I will rub the sand over your scales. If the pressure is too much or you do not like the feel of this particular sand let me know and I will change it.” He told the dragon. “Okay. Thanks!” Spike sat in place, waiting. Shield Rest picked him up and sat him on his belly. Spike looked to Twilight, who smiled in encouragement. Shield Rest picked up a hoof-full of sand and began to slowly massage it into Spikes scales. The baby dragon relaxed as the stallion worked the sand over him. He only protested once when a hoof went over his spines. His spines were tended to and after a little, over an hour he was being picked up and set on his feet outside the basin. Soft Touch held up a mirror and held it up for Spike to inspect her brother’s work. “Wow. That was really nice. No wonder the dragons here like it.” Spike said to him. His scales gave a light shine from the abrasiveness of the sand and the loose scales were removed so the new ones could easily grow in. The stallion smiled at the praise and stood up. “I’m glad you liked it.” He said to the baby dragon. “It must take forever to bathe Sorkeno.” Spike laughed. “It usually takes quite a few of us to give the Lord dragon a sand bath. Takes almost the entire day.” He replied. Spike gaped at the stallion for a moment before he shook his head. “So what is Sorkeno like?” The stallion looked to the baby dragon before he responded. “How do you mean? Like his personality?” Spike nodded. “I’m not sure. Very few of the dragons ever speak to us. The only time I have heard Sorkeno speak was to banish a pony that had harmed one of the she-dragons.” “What happened?” Twilight asked. "She was bathing one of the she-dragons and instead of listening to the dragon when she expressed her displeasure about the sand that was being used.” He paused at the look from the Princess and the baby dragon. “Each dragon is different. So the sand we use on them is different.” He explained and they nodded in understanding. “She didn’t stop when the dragon expressed that she didn’t like the sand being used. So the she-dragon reacted and called for Sorkeno. When he arrived the dragon explained the reasoning and Sorkeno summoned the Overlord.” “Oh, I bet he was happy,” Twilight said, sarcasm dripping from her tone of voice. Shield Rest chuckled. “Thrilled.” “So what happened to her?” Spike asked. “The Overlord spoke with the dragons and they desired for her to never return to the Dragons Lair and the Overlord went one step further and had her banished from the Dark Tower and left out on the streets. The Master takes the Dragons wishes seriously. It was also a she-dragon that he is very attached to so he was even more furious.” Twilight startled. “He banished her? Meaning he fired her?” “Yes. She was forbidden from the Dark Tower and left with nothing. It reminded all of us that the dragons are highly prized and loved by the Master.” Shield Rest explained. “So we ensure that they are well taken care of and any discomfort is remedied.” Spike stared for a moment and watched as the stallion stood up and, after bowing politely to Twilight, left the room. Soft Touch cleaned up the sand basin and set it aside. Marking on a scroll about what type of sand Spike liked, in case he wished to have another sand bath. She turned back to the pair and a smile crossed her muzzle. “Your friends should be up and moving by now. Would you care for a meal?” “Yes, thank you,” Twilight said as Spike jumped to her back and sat quietly, still admiring his well-tended scales. “Hey, Twilight?” “Yeah, Spike?” “You think Rarity will notice?” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Maybe. Will see when we get there. Will Hunter be joining us?” Soft Touch paused for a moment.“Hunt…Oh. You mean the Master?” “Sorry, I heard his name and that’s what I was using. But, yes.” “I doubt it. He has been up for hours and it’s out of the ordinary for him to eat this early.” She explained. Spike crossed his arms as he listened. “When does he eat and sleep?” “Normally the master is asleep for a few hours after dinner then he is back up and working on the kingdom and any other matters that have caught his attention. It’s rare for him to eat in the mornings.” “Wow. Talk about a workaholic.” Spike commented. Soft Touch looked back and gave a slight shrug. “He’s always busy.” She led them through the halls and into the main dining area. Her friends were indeed already there and were ordering their food. Twilight noticed her guards were also ready off to the side of the table. “There ya are, Twilight.” Applejack piped up as she came into the room. “Ah went ta yer room and it was closed and ya weren’t there.” “Oh. Spike wanted to try a sand bath. It’s a bath that the dragons here enjoy, so he wanted to try it out.” The Alicorn explained. “Did ya enjoy yerself, Spike?” The orange mare asked as he hopped into the chair beside Twilight. “Yeah. It was actually really nice. Soft Touch’s brother came to do it for me. He was pretty cool. I got to ask a few questions about the dragons as well.” He replied. “So what’s the point of a sand bath?” Rainbow asked. “It's designed to help alleviate any issues with the scales, as well as remove any dead or lose scales that can cause sores or discomfort on a dragon’s skin.” Soft Touch explained. “Oh. Wow, that sounds kind of complex.” The rainbow mare said as she rubbed the back of her head with a hoof. “It is at first. But Shield Rest is very good at remembering what the dragons like and how to treat them.” The handmaiden explained. She turned to Twilight and made sure she was comfortable and that her food request was seen to. “I will tend to you and Spikes quarters for now. I will make sure the linens are washed and ready for this evening. Do you wish for another bath this evening?” “Do I need one?” Twilight asked, genuinely unsure as she looked to her mane and tail. “No. The oils in your mane and coat are designed to keep it healthy and soft for at least two days. Usually longer. It is a simple preference.” “Oh, then no. I’m okay. As long as that lovely scent keeps up, I’m okay with it.” The Alicorn said with a smile. “It will last, I promise you.” She replied with a smile of her own. “If you have need of anything during the day tell one of your minion guards and they will find me. Enjoy your day, My Lady.” “You too Soft Touch. Thank you brother again for us. It was nice talking to him.” Twilight said to her as the mare walked toward the door. She looked and smiled. Spike watched her leave and leaned back in his chair. “Might want another sand bath tomorrow.” He said aloud. “Spike, I’m sure Shield Rest has things that must be done. I think she asked him to help to make sure that it was a good bath so you could make a decision.” Twilight said to him. Spike nodded and waited with the others for his breakfast. “I still want to know if they have gems.” “We can ask later if Hunter has a moment to spare. Don’t pester him about the dragons, Spike.” She said to the baby dragon. “Yeah. He’s been mighty nice so far. Don’t push it, Pardner.” Applejack said to him. Their food arrived shortly after they were all in the same room and Twilight was glad to see that her friends were more relaxed than the day before. Hunter was an intense pony, but he did calm at times. That didn’t mean she didn’t have questions for him that lingered. If possible she would have liked to speak to him in private and see if there was any way to negotiate with him about the land. Though she doubted that he would give in, even a little bit. “Well. Ah’m stuffed. Who wants to take a walk around the Netherworld?” Applejack said aloud and jumped out of her chair. The others agreed and left their plates behind for the servants to clean up. Applejack admitted that when they tried to help with the dishes the servants looked nothing short of horrified. So they had chosen to leave it behind and thank them as they left. That seemed to be much better received than the previous day’s attempts to help. The kitchen staff smiled at their thanks and told them to come back for dinner later and they would work to find foods they might enjoy. Twilight walked next to Rarity, trying to describe the fabric from the dress that the emissary from Everlight had worn. They followed three of Twilight's guards around to make sure they stayed in bounds and out of the way as they reached the front of the Netherworld by the floating stones she paused as they spotted Gnarl standing there in silence. She glanced to the others who shrugged as well. “Gnarl?” She said to him. The minion master turned to her and bowed his head to her. “Hello, My Lady. How was your sleep last night?” “It was fine, Gnarl. Thank you for asking. I do not want to pry, but why are you standing in the middle of the path?” She asked him, managing to land on the sincere side of questioning his motives. “The Master went to speak with the Lord Dragon and has not returned as of yet. He has a meeting with an Emissary from Nordberg in a few minutes.” He explained and looked back to the stones. “Oh.” Twilight looked nervous. “We haven’t seen him.” She paused as the sound of wings caught her ears and all of them ran up to get a glimpse of the golden dragon. They jumped back as he dug his claws into the same places as the day before and Hunter jumped off of his snout and onto the ground. She noticed a pair of plain leather saddlebags wrapped around his barrel. “Thank you again, Sorkeno. Your help is invaluable.” Hunter said to him as he turned back to the dragon. “Of course, my little one. Shall I call you when Kaiana awakens?” “Yes.” He said to the enormous dragon. “Let me know. It has been too long since she and I spoke.” “I will let you know.” The dragon began to push away from the platform when he looked to the side, at the group of gaping mares and the baby dragon. His eyes were taller than Twilight's bedroom door. They were endlessly bright and colors shifted through them, never staying one color. His eyes landed on the diminutive dragon among them. “So that is the one in question.” He said aloud, his voice directed to Hunter, who nodded. “Do not take advantage of those around you, small one. Your actions speak for many.” He said to them, nuzzled Hunter affectionately and then dropped off the side and flew back to his dragons. Hunter watched him fly and smiled after him. He looked to Gnarl as the minion gave him a sour look. “Sorry about that Gnarl. It took much longer to get the information I needed. I also spoke about possibly calling upon him should the need arise in the Empire city.” Gnarl perked up at the mention and nodded. “Your audience begins in a few minutes Lord.” He watched as Gnarl waddled off then looked to the mares. A spark of mischief went through his eyes as a little grin tugged at the side of his mouth. “I lied.” He said to them as he trotted into the throne room. Twilight and the others giggled at his admission. His face had taken on an impish look as he admitted to lying to his Advisor. She laughed with the others at the look from the Overlord. “Well, he can smile. Ya were right, Twi.” Applejack said through a giggle. “I told you. You kind of have to wait for it to happen but it will happen.” She admitted and led her friends into the throne room. She stopped in her tracks at the sight of a pony holding tightly to Hunter's black cloak. “Oh no.” Hunters red eyes narrowed at the pony that was holding his cloak in an iron grip. His eyes flashed as he felt his temper rising. “Release me, immediately.” Hunter’s voice held the promise of action if his commands were not followed. “Please, Sire. I need you to understand.” The pony began. “Wrath.” Hunter’s voice went through the air and was followed by movement to the left. The pony had enough intelligence to release the black cloak seconds before a tall halberd slammed into the ground between him and the Overlord. Hunter groaned and went to his throne. His magic covered his saddlebags and he set them on the throne right side. Gnarl stepped forward and moved the pony into his proper place to speak to the Master. “Now you may speak. Do not move ahead or touch the Overlord. Such transgressions are dealt with harshly.” The minion advised and went back to his place beside the throne. Twilight saw Applejack start to walk forward and flared her wings. Stopping the farm mare from moving. She shook her head at her friends and moved them to the side of the room. They watched as she put her wings back to her sides. “If we move up that is interfering with his rule. So we will stay out of the way.” She whispered to them to make sure they understood. She smiled as they nodded and settled back to watch what would happen next. Hunter noticed that the Alicorn had moved the mares and was out of the way. He appreciated the understanding that she now had of his boundaries. He refocused on the prone pony before him. He wore typical wear for Nordberg. His body was covered by a long coat made of furs and fabric. Nordberg was well known for the almost endless winters and the cold. The pony waited to be spoken to, his body shaking. “Now why have you come to my hall?” Hunter asked him. “Sire. Please, I…” He paused and seemed to be trying to gather his thoughts. "There are some in Nordberg that…” He whimpered and sat down heavily where he stood. Hunter waited as the pony sniveled. “What about Nordberg?” “Some ponies have decided…They have…” “Speak up.” Hunter’s voice was low and slid over those in attendance. “They have begun a small rebellion, Sire!” The pony finally cried out and covered his face with his hooves. Hunter leaned back and thought about what had been said. Beside him, he saw Gnarl staring at the pony, in disbelief. “I have to admit that was not something I had considered when you approached,” Hunter admitted. “Nordberg has not shown any desire for rebellion since I reclaimed it. The last issue was…” Hunter thought back and then looked at Gnarl, who held up a paper with the number five on it. His eyes widened slightly at the number. “Over five years ago.” “I know, Sire. No one is quite sure why they are doing it. They are trying to steal one of the great ships you have stored in the docks. I have tried to dissuade them. Reminding them that you have always been fair to us and let us live our lives peacefully.” The pony sniffed, tears sliding down his face. “How do you know so much about this rebellion?” The pony paused and looked down to his hooves. “My…My daughter is among them. I have tried to speak to her, but she is like a whole different pony. It’s like her mind has been taken and replaced with a cruel and rebellious child.” He said to their Lord. Hunter was quiet as he thought over what he had been told. “You know that if she stands against me it is possible that she will be killed for this…decision.” “I am aware, Sire. I beg you to spare her. I will do anything, Sire. Please spare my only child.” He begged and fell to his knees. Hunter leaned back into the throne and snorted. He leaned over to Gnarl, his voice low. “Gnarl.” The advisors leaned in to ensure he heard the Master properly. “See to it that the minions are prepped for a trip to Nordberg. This problem ends today. Also, have the dungeons prepped in case of prisoners. I am not sure if I will take any, but we will see.” He looked back to the pony on the floor. “And make sure none get in the way when we arrive there.” “As you wish, my Lord.” The minion leaned to his runners and began issuing orders according to the Overlords will. “I will go to Nordberg and quash this little rebellion. It will not be the first time I have done so, but this one will not take me days to end. They are in the area of the ships, I assume?” “Yes, Sire.” The pony mumbled and looked up to him. “My daughter?” “If you can convince her to surrender, I will spare her life. If I am attacked I assume you know what the outcome will be?” “Yes, Sire. I understand. Thank you.” The pony was escorted back to the gates. Hunter groaned and stood up from the throne. His magic surrounded his saddlebags once and he walked toward the mares and Spike. As he moved he reached out to Sorkeno, alerting the dragon to him needing his help. Once he felt the response he dropped his saddlebags in front of the baby dragon. Spike reached up and opened the flap of the saddlebag closest to him and was greeted with an entire saddlebag of gems. He opened the other and found the same contents. His eyes were huge as Hunter began moving past them, heading for the stones to reach his armory and switch his armor. He felt an impact on his hind leg and he looked back to find Spike hugging his lower hind leg. “I know you don’t like being touched but, thank you so much,” Spike said to him. Hunter paused and waited for Spike to release him before he spoke. “Your welcome. Sorkeno helped to find them. I will be gone for the remainder of the day. Please enjoy the time and see what the Netherworld has to offer.” He heard hooves behind him as Twilight drew up beside him. “Can I ask what’s going on?” She asked him. Her voice was quiet as she spoke to him. He sighed and looked at her. “It is a small rebellion. Does not happen often, but it does happen. This one seems a bit out of the ordinary due to their plot to steal one of my ships. They will be reminded of why I rule them and be brought back in line. Depending on their actions they might live to see tomorrow.” “Can I come?” He looked at her, confusion in his expression. “Why?” “I want to know how things work here. It’s so different. I will not get in the way, I swear.” Hunter had to admit bringing her along would be an interesting thought, but at the same time, he was unsure if she would react to his methods. “I am not the type that tolerates the rebellion of one of my territories. Your kind talk and negotiate, correct?” She nodded. “I do not. I take what is mine and I do not release it.” Twilight nodded in understanding. “I know. I don’t expect you to be the same as the Princesses back home. But I was asked to come here. I know that you have no intent to release your claim and I want to understand it and learn. If I can understand it, then I can explain it to Princess Celestia.” She reasoned to him. Hunter looked away from her to the stones that he needed to travel on and thought over her reasoning. “Very well. Spike stays here with your friends. I can convince Sorkeno to possibly carry you but, not all of them and certainly not Spike.” “Why not Spike?” “It’s a matter of dominance. Sorkeno is Lord of the dragons here and I rule over him. So my riding on his back is not out of the ordinary. But a dragon on his back…” He left it open-ended for her and she nodded her understanding. “I understand.” She said and smiled at him. “Bring your Regalia. When it is over the presence you give off is what matters.” He advised her. “Come back here and I will speak with Sorkeno.” The stallion went to the stones and was gone a moment later. Twilight spun around and took off running. “Be right back!” She shouted and her guards raced after her as she ran for her room, then slid to a stop. She looked to her guards and pulled one of them to her side. “Tell Soft Touch that I need my Regalia, now.” She said and sent him off. The minion covered a surprising amount of ground in a few short steps. She had to admit having them do that for her was pretty handy. She turned back around and trotted back to her friends. “Never mind.” “What is going on, darling?” “Hunter has allowed me to go with him. I need to see things as they happen so that I can understand how he rules and see if trying to negotiate with him about the land is worth the effort or not.” She explained. “So we are going with him?” Spike asked her. She shook her head. “Sorry Spike, he is allowing me only. He can ask Sorkeno to let me ride on his back, but the Lord of dragons would never let you ride.” She explained. “Why not?” “You’re another dragon. It’s a matter of dominance. He rules the dragon and Hunter is above him. So letting a baby dragon stand higher than him is very insulting.” She explained. “Oh.” Spike understood and looked dejected. “I can see if when we get if you can talk to him. For a little bit.” She tried to cheer him up, she hated seeing him so crestfallen. “Okay. I’ll wait here. He did get me a whole bag of gems, so I know he remembered me.” The dragon reasoned and smiled at the mare. Twilight hugged him as the sound of hooves rushed toward them. She turned to find Soft Touch galloping toward her. The mare slid to a halt with the Regalia sitting securely on her back. She sagged for a moment before her eyes widened and she pulled the breast collar off her back and slid it into place around her neck and shoulders. “Oh no, I don’t...” She paused as the mare was clearly not listening to her. Her hoof boots were put on and her crown came last. Soft Touch pulled the cloth she had with her off her back and wiped the pieces down and threw Twilight's mane in a tight braid and did the same with the top of her tail. Twilight looked back as her tail was braided into a tight braid for the first foot of her tail then the rest was left alone. When she was done she backed up and gave a quick pant as she smiled at her. “You’re ready.” She said to her and smiled, clearly proud of herself and the swift time she had accomplished it in. Twilight looked over her body and gave a weak smile until she heard the sound of a heavy hoof stomped behind her. She spun and found Hunter waiting by the end of the platform. His armor was different from the ones she had seen him wear so far. This armor was clearly designed for combat. Across his back sat the Rune Bow that belonged to him. A quiver of fletched arrows sat along his right side. ‘Oh now I know he might be wading into combat.’ She said to herself and she walked over to him. She stopped in front of him and was able to examine the armor from a closer angle. The helm was made of solid steel plating and the horns of it stretched up then angled back to appear like they were actually the same horns of the dragons. The central spot just under his horn had a deep purple crystal embedded inside the metal. The more she looked at it the more she realized that it wasn’t a crystal, it was a grand amethyst gemstone. She looked to the rest of his armor and found it was a set that differed even more than she thought from his normal set. The metal-covered all of his fur from the shoulders to his flanks. His flanks were covered and the metal went down past his flanks and had a hole for his tail to be, but his hamstrings were covered by the full armor. His hind legs were covered in metal leg guards. The Gauntlet on his right foreleg had changed as well. It now had sections of it that were bladed just in case of him entering into melee combat. The main armor also had what looked like living lava moving through it. A red cloak with fur on the edges covered his body. Its edges rounded so it would not drag the ground. It seemed to be there to obscure his body and make it harder to hit. She looked back to her friends who were giving him looks that ranged from nervous to terrified. She steeled her nerves and stood at his side. Hunter watched as Soft Touch placed the mares Regalia on her form and then braided her hair to avoid it getting in the way as they flew. He stomped a hoof to alert the Alicorn to his presence and then reached out to Sorkeno. As Twilight finished looking over his armor and bow the dragon climbed the side of the platform and set his head down in front of the stallion. “I am with you, little one.” He said aloud and nuzzled the heavily armored stallion. “Thank you, Sorkeno. Will you permit Princess Twilight to fly with you?” The stallion replied as the dragon pulled his head back and leveled it with the platform, allowing Hunter to step into his head with Twilight at his hip. The mare looked back to her friends and waved to them as she sat beside the Overlord. “Watch over things till I return Gnarl!” He commanded from his place. “At your command, Dark Lord,” Gnarl yelled back as Sorkeno dropped from the ledge. Twilight yelped and wrapped her forelegs around Hunters leg and held on. She had closed her eyes and held tightly to him till the dragon’s flight leveled out and smoothed. She gasped and let go of him as she relaxed. Hunter chuckled. “That is becoming a habit of yours, I think.” He teased at her. She flushed and rolled her eyes. “Well, if you would stop terrifying me then I would have no reason to yell or cry.” She replied to him, smacking his armored shoulder. She stopped and looked at the hoof boot on her hoof. “Suddenly I am glad I am wearing these. That probably would have hurt otherwise.” Hunter gave a bark of laughter and nodded to her. “Most likely.” She paused and looked down to Sorkeno’s eyes, which looked up to her and she startled away and collided with Hunter once more. He sighed. “You know holding still is generally easier when traveling by dragon.” He said to her, his tone still teasing. “I have never traveled by dragon." She said back to him. “You’ve been missing out.” He replied. “I can fly on my own.” She said to him, flicking a wing out to push him. “I can see that.” He replied as he regained his balance from her playful shove. “This is as close as I can get.” The mare stopped her playful pushing and looked at him. “So would you rather be a Pegasus?” “No. I am what I should be. While I dream of flying, Sorkeno is good enough to indulge me every now and then. My magic is what is needed more often than not.” He replied to her, his eyes watching ahead of them. “I will always fly with you, my little one.” The dragon spoke up from under them. He watched as Twilight slowly made her way back to where she could look the dragon in one of the enormous eyes. “Thank you, Sorkeno, for allowing me to ride. It is a wonderful sight.” “You are welcome, little Princess.” The dragon replied. The mare gave him a grateful smile and backed up to sit at Hunter's side once more. Hunter was quiet as he closed his eyes and let the winds rush over him. His mane was braided down under his helm which stretched down his neck. He had chuckled when Soft Touch had frantically braided Twilight’s tail in the same fashion as his own. ‘For now I can put thoughts of the battle out of my mind. It best to remain calm before the fight anyway. Flight has always calmed me and allowed me to focus.’ He thought to himself as they flew. “So how long will it take to get there?” She asked him. He opened his eyes and glanced at her. “About an hour.” “Oh. I thought you had ways of getting there instantly?” “I do. But I call on Sorkeno just in case they have trapped the Gates. I have made that mistake before.” He said to her. She cringed. “That was probably really bad.” “It was not pleasant, that’s true.” He admitted. She went silent as they flew on. Hunter allowed himself to lay down and folded his legs under his body but kept his head held high, watching ahead of them. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Twilight stood up and walked as close to the edge of the dragon’s skull as she dared and looked down. She whinnied in surprise and went back to her place at his side. She was still as she blinked. “Higher than you thought it would be?” “Much.” He laughed at her expense and she giggled with him. “Do not fear, little Princess. You are always safe in flight.” The dragon encouraged her. “Thank you. I was just not ready for it to be so far up. I have flown high before, but I wasn’t ready for everything to be so tiny. Even towns look like dots.” Hunter chuckled and nodded. “It’s refreshing, isn’t it?” “How so?” “You can look down and see how small everything truly is. Even a dragon can be dwarfed by the view alone. It’s a sight I enjoy if I am being honest.” He said to her. He saw her smile and she went back to the edge to look once more. “You do have a point.” She called back to him. He nodded and closed his eyes. She came back to him and laid down beside him. He felt her shudder and looked over to her. “Are you all right?” “I’m okay.” She said to him, trying to smile, despite her shivering. “If you are cold then you can say so.” He said to her. “I’m fine.” He said nothing in reply as she shivered again. His eyes closed once more as the minutes went by. She shivered beside him and he heard her huff. “Okay, I’m cold.” She chattered to him. He chuckled and his magic lifted the cloak off his body and slid it over her head and tucked it around her body. Twilight snuggled down into the garment, warmed by the lava in his armor and his own body heat. He looked at her as she smiled at him. “Thank you.” She said to him as she held the cloak close to her. “Your welcome.” He said to her. “How are you not cold?” She asked him. He chuckled and pointed a hoof to the moving lava in his armor. “It’s is a living piece of the armor so it’s in constant movement. It keeps me warm. You can keep that with you.” He said and pointed to the cloak. “But don’t you need it?” She asked. “Not really. It’s there more for impact on sight. Usually, I use my cloak to cover my armor.” He admitted to her. “And my flanks.” “Oh right,” Twilight said to him. “Well, it’s not something to be ashamed of.” “Oh really? Did you and Spike not judge when you saw that it was blank?” She paused and nodded. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t judgment in the way you might think.” “Oh?” “Yeah. I mean it was strange to see that a pony your age who did not have a marking, but you are one the strongest pony’s I have ever met. Even without that marking, you are strong and proud.” She said to him. He looked at her as she spoke. He was a bit surprised to hear her opinion. “So you are of the opinion that it does not matter?” “It’s not that they do not matter. It just means that you have the potential to still find it.” She said to him, a wide smile on her muzzle. The stallion was quiet as she finished speaking. “Well, thank you for that.” He said to her and turned to face the wind once more. “Your welcome.” She said and settled back down beside him. ‘Perhaps the ponies of Equestria aren’t the fools I thought they all were.’ He admitted to himself. “You are certainly different than Princess Luna was.” He said to her. “How so?” “She was borderline annoying. You at least were polite about asking for my time. She seemed to think she could command it.” He replied to her with an annoyed snort. “Even the memory aggravates me." “Luna was sealed for a thousand years. She’s still… Adjusting. So it takes time. But she’s really a very sweet pony.” She said to him. “To you, perhaps.” He jabbed at her. She smiled and pushed him with her shoulder. “Why don’t you ever come to Equestria? Princess Celestia said you were invited many times.” “I never have the time. There is a great deal to do when you rule a kingdom alone.” He replied to her. “Plus. I’m not very good in those formal situations.” “Why not? You are a very confident pony.” He snorted. “I am confident, that’s true. But if a pony asks me to dance they are going to be disappointed. I was taught many things by Gnarl and the minions. But formal dress and dance were not among them.” He informed her. “Oh. That makes sense. They would be awkward to dance with. Can you imagine?” He looked at her. “Gnarl. Dancing!” She howled with laughter at the image. He snorted and broke into laughter with her. “Oh, by the Dark. That would be hilarious. Embarrassing, and he would have hated me for it, but so worth it.” “Don’t make him do it. I don’t think he likes me anyway.” She admitted. “He would hate me for life if he knew I was the one that mentioned it.” “I’ll cover for you. I’ll say it was in an invitation I received and I was the one that thought of it.” “You’d cover for me?” “Sure. He can’t be mad at me for very long anyway.” He replied. Twilight laughed with him as they flew. “So why do you rule alone? I know you mentioned that you don’t trust any pony to rule them as you do. But what if you had a pony you could ask for help?” “I wouldn’t even know how truthfully. I have been ruling alone since I was young. My father vanished when I was eight. We lost control of some areas after his disappearance and I had to grow up quickly to retake my kingdom. It is my fate to rule alone.” She was quiet. “What if he hadn’t vanished?” “Ahh. What ifs. Haven’t thought of them in a long time.” “Sometimes they can be…Therapeutic.” “Oh really?” “Yes. Come on. Okay, I’ll start?” She questioned him, a playful gleam in her eye. He looked at her and nodded. “All right. I’ll play.” “Excellent. Okay, what if…What if I had not gone to Ponyville to check on the decorations for the Summer Sun Celebration.” “Okay, I'll bite. What in the Dark is that?” “It was the thousandth year of the day that Princess Celestia raised the sun. But that’s not important. Pay attention.” She chided him. He smiled and held up a hoof to placate her. “Anyway. Okay so I didn’t get on the chariot and I never went.” “Okay, what would have happened?” “I never would have met all my friends.” “Oh? I thought you knew them already?” “Nope. I actually really didn’t have friends. I had Spike and my books. Learning was all I was interested in. So I would not have met my friends and Nightmare Moon would have won.” He cringed and shook his head. “That’s not good what if.” He replied. “Okay fine, smarty pants. Your turn.” “Okay.” He thought of it for a moment. “How far back are we talking?” “Whenever is fine.” “Okay, what if I didn’t hate Luna and actually willingly talked to her?” “You didn’t say you hated her!” “I was being polite. But now I don’t need to since you told me to pay attention.” He chided back to her. Twilight laughed and nodded. “Okay, what would have been different?” “I don’t think I would have given up the territory, but I wouldn’t have threatened to throw her out if she didn’t leave willingly.” Twilight stared at him. “You threatened to throw Princess Luna out of the Dark Tower?” “Not in that many words, but the implication was there.” “Oh, by Equestria.” Twilight put a hoof over her face and shook her head. “Your turn.” She looked thoughtful. “Okay. What if? I never became a princess?” “Became?” “I was Celestia’s pupil before. I was a regular Unicorn.” “What?” His confusion was obvious on his face as he regarded her. “I was given a notebook that had Starswirls last spell in it. He couldn’t get it to work so I used it and it messed everything up so I had to redo it and fix it. When I completed that, I had made new magic which earned me my wings.” She explained. “Interesting. Okay, what if you hadn’t become an Alicorn. Where would you be?” “I would still be in Ponyville with my friends, but I wouldn’t have my castle, we would still have the Elements of Harmony. Oh, and Tirek would have won.” “Do you have any what if’s that do not involve saving your kingdom?” “Umm…” She looked away as she thought back. “Not really, no.” He shook his head. And looked away from her. “Okay, what if my father had never left that day.” Twilight looked to him as he spoke. “Okay, what would have been changed?” He paused and looked to the golden scales under him. He inhaled and waited to speak for a moment. “I would not have needed to be raised by Gnarl. We would never have lost control of the kingdom. I might have answered some of those invitations.” He said to her, eliciting a giggle from the purple mare. “I would have grown up knowing him, instead of the stories Gnarl told me when I would ask. Or the tales of their adventures from Sorkeno. I could have just asked him.” Twilight was quiet, as he spoke. “That would have been perfect.” “Yeah. But that’s not reality.” He replied to her, his voice quiet. “It’s not how things are. I was raised to be the Lord and Master of my kingdom. I heard about my father from those around me. I barely knew my mother I don't even remember her.” “I was going to ask about her but wasn’t sure how,” Twilight admitted to him. Hunter was quiet. “She died when I was two or three.” “Two and a half, little one,” Sorkeno spoke up. “Two and a half then.” Hunter chuckled at the dragons comment. “She was like the sun according to Gnarl. The room would light up when she came in. Her eyes were a brilliant blue that rivaled the seas." He said aloud to the mare. “She sounds beautiful.” “From what I have been told she was. I don’t even know what she looked like. Same as I have forgotten my father’s face.” “You don’t have any pictures?” “No.” He admitted to her. “If we do I have never seen them. Perhaps there are some, but I have never really asked.” “Why not?” “Why bother?” “What?” “Why bother searching for something that I have no memory of? I have been told countless stories of them, but I have no memories of my own.” He said to her. “It’s not that I have no true interest in them. I simply don’t see any point in dragging out the dead and wishing for change.” “That’s sad to hear.” She said to him. “I don’t know what I would do without my parents and my brother.” “You have siblings?” “Yes. One older brother Shining Armor.” “Ahh, the Prince of the Crystal Empire. Now I recall him.” “You know him?” “Not formally. I keep tabs on Equestria events. The wedding was a big event.” “It was something all right.” She said to him. ”But I can’t imagine not seeing them. I know it sounds foalish, but they are a big part of my life. Even if they were gone, I would want to at least see them.” “We are very different you and I. You have always been given the world and a place to turn to. I have fought for mine and taken the chances I have needed to take. Nothing was given to me. With the exception of my life.” “Sorkeno.” “Yes. That is the only great gift I have ever been given.” He replied to her. “He did not have to save me. But he knew that it would crush my father. So he did what needed to be done. That is a debt I can never repay.” He admitted and patted the dragon’s skull. “I never regret giving you my name,” Sorkeno replied. “It was a gift I was happy to give.” Hunter was quiet as he patted the dragon again and stood up. He walked to the end of the dragon’s outstretched snout and looked over the kingdom under him. He looked back as he heard a quiet gasp. Twilight was trying to join him. He turned and reached back for her hoof. She reached out and he gripped her hoof, slowly helping her to his side. “Oh wow, it's high.” She whimpered. “Then why follow me?” “I wanted to see.” She replied and held his hoof tightly. He drew her up next to him, his cloak fluttering around her. She closed her eyes in fear and he laid his foreleg over her shoulders, stabilizing her. “Keep your eyes closed.” He said to her and she did as he told her. “Now, let go of everything. Feel nothing, but the wind around you. Reach out with your ears. Listen to the winds as it speaks through you. Your nose as it scents the air.” He could feel her calming and relaxing under his leg. He looked back and saw her wings. “Now, feel how the wind as it goes over your wings. How the feathers move as you fly. The strength that comes from them as they lift you.” He looked back at her wings lifted from her sides and stayed aloft. The wind going through the feathers. “Now use all that you feel and let it guide your eyes.” He waited as a smile began to tug at her mouth. He lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered. ”Now, open your eyes.” She opened her eyes as he let go of her, backed up a couple of steps, and she stayed still in place. She looked ahead of her and smiled. Her eyes sparkled as she looked down and stayed in place. He didn’t see the fear that held her before. Now she was seeing the world as he did. He felt no fear as the wind ripped at his body. He only felt the wind itself. He stopped as she looked back to him, her smile radiant. “You were right.” She cried out to him. “It’s not scary at all.” He nodded to her and joined her back on the dragon’s snout. Her wings stayed aloft, but she lowered her left-wing and it draped onto his side and back. She smiled and closed her eyes as she faced the winds once more. He was quiet as he stood beside her. His mind was calm as he looked to her. ‘Maybe she’s not so bad.’ He considered for a moment. ‘But I still the pink one is crazy.’ He sat down and felt her wing holding him. He allowed it as he felt himself calm. “Little one?” He jarred out of his silence and stood up. He looked over his shoulder as Sorkeno’s eyes connected with his. “Yes?’ “We are almost there. Prepare yourself.” The dragon advised as Hunter nodded. “Twilight.” The mare looked to him and nodded. He grabbed her hoof and pulled her behind him as he moved to the dragons back. He hunkered down, digging his hooves into small notches in the dragon’s scales. He pulled her under him and held her in place. He looked down as she looked up at him, alarm in her eyes. “Hold on.” She hunkered down and put her forelegs around his right foreleg and held on tightly to him. He slid down over her and pushed her under him, closer to Sorkeno’s smooth scales. She looked up as the golden dragon angled his body towards the ground. “Little one! Shall I announce for us?” The dragon shouted at him. He saw her look up as a smile crossed his muzzle. “Do it!” He yelled back. “Pin your ears.” He said into her ear. Her ears pinned against her skull as the dragon roared under them. Hunter felt the dragon inhale and release a roar that would split the heavens. As he slowed gouts of red flame tore over the houses of the town. It was meant to remind them why he was their Master. Only he rode the Dragons of War.