An Overlord Apart

by OblivionShadow


34: A Bit of Fun...

Hunter was quiet as Sorkeno landed in the park in Canterlot and he waited for the dragon to still. He stood up once the dragon's head came to rest on the ground and he walked down the dragon’s snout and jumped off to land on the soft grass.

“Thank you Sorkeno.” He addressed the dragon who nodded in reply.

“Of course Little One. What are your plans?” The dragon inquired.

“I plan on simply touring the city for a while. Twilight did not say when she would be done speaking with Rarity and I do not wish to sit and wait for her to have time. If I need anything I will call out to you, but I do not think there is anything to be concerned with.”

“Be careful,” Sorkeno advised and reached out to nudge the stallion in the direction of the city. “Enjoy.”

Hunter nodded and looked at his shoulder as Wrath chittered for a second before he went quiet and stayed in place on the stallion’s armor. He began to walk down the market streets and his armor tightened on him as he moved around ponies and stalls alike. His red eyes glowed as he scanned the vendors and he slowed to look at serval items. Ponies’ paused at the sight of him and he said nothing to stop the stares he was getting. He was not upset or surprised by the looks and he ignored them to the best of his abilities and moved on.

On his back Wrath shifted his weight and leaned over Hunter's shoulders to look at things that caught his attention. The Overlord said nothing to the ponies as they moved out of his way and he began to weave through the streets to look at the businesses that lined the streets. His red eyes scanned each storefront as he moved and he couldn’t help but compare what he saw to his own kingdom and he could see the similarities that Twilight had mentioned to him before. His armored hooves thudded dully against the roads and he let them carry him forward. Slowly he realized that he was close to the less desirable part of town and he walked forward anyway, instead of turning on his heel. He knew that in his own kingdom there were merchants in the lower sections that could sometimes hold items of greater value. He knew that it was not often in his best interest to walk into the black districts without knowing exactly where he wished to go.

Hunter was quiet as his hooves carried him through the dirty streets and into the lower section of the city. His ears flicked to listen around him as he moved, his armor tightened around him and he could feel his magic humming under his skin as he moved. His stride was confident and assured as he showed no sign of concern at his location. He paused at a T intersection and looked around him as the sound of whispering caught his ear. He kept his head facing forward as he looked back to see several ponies watching him from the shadows of one building. He knew that his armor alone was clearly valuable but he was pretty sure it was the crown on his brow that had garnered him some extra attention. The great gems that littered it showed their value clearly.

On his back Wrath chittered in a warning and leaned over his shoulders, his lips drawn back in a soundless snarl. He looked back ahead of him and began to move slowly forward, his pace unhurried. The black Unicorn kept his hears pointed back to listen as the small group scuttled behind him, desperate to keep out of his sight and remain unknown. A slight smile tugged at his mouth as he slowed down slightly to allow them to keep up. He could hear them trying to get ahead and around him to move him where they wish him to go. He gigged down an alley at the very last possible moment and he could hear as they cursed quietly.

“I should be trying to get away from them.” He whispered to himself as they began to move around him once more. “But at the same time, I think I can outmaneuver them and have a bit of fun at their expense.”

His voice faded and his steps were upbeat as he moved back onto the street and once more began his slow advance. On his back Wrath stayed facing forward, though Hunter knew the minion was listening even closer to their pursuers than he was. The minion’s ears were keener than his and he trusted Wraths ears to keep him out of too much trouble. His steps kept him moving forward and he cast an ear back as they began to move above him as well as behind. He said nothing and gave no indication that he knew their locations and he instead moved forward at an easy pace.

“And here.” He whispered as he cut down an alley and he heard a curse from above him.

He cut down another alley and this time a pony openly shouted in frustration from behind him and he fought back a smile of amusement. Wrath sat on his back and seemed even less concerned with their pursuers than he was. Hunter bit back a laugh as he gigged down another alley and out of the corner of his eye he saw two ponies dart across the alley to keep up with him. He gave no indication that he had seen them and kept moving forward. Time ticked by as he dodged and shifted through the alleys until the ponies were openly shouting to each other to try to get ahead of him.

He glanced over his shoulder with a small smile on his muzzle. “Okay, I think that’s enough fun for now.” He whispered and began to head in the direction of the golden dragon.

He could sense the dragon relatively close by and he angled his body to head in that general direction. He knew enough not to follow a direct route just in case his pursuers kept trying. On his back Wrath began to chitter loudly to gain his Master's attention. Hunter looked over his shoulder to the minion who was watching intently behind them. His eyes fell on a group of around five ponies who had given up on stealth and were now openly targeting him. His eyes glowed in the dim light of the alley as he scrutinized each of them. His ears pinned against his skull for a moment before they began to walk faster to gain ground on him.

He broke into a trot to keep ahead of them and his ears stayed pointed back as he listened to the sound of hooves on stone. On his back Wrath began to snarl and he felt the minion turn to face the threat behind them. He broke into a lope at the minion's change in behavior, trusting the minion on his back to alert him of further danger and he cut down an alley to keep them at some distance. He looked at the end of the alley as a second group blocked the end of it and he charged them openly. His armor tightened on him as he moved and Wrath gripped his mane in his claws as the stallion galloped for them. He had jumped Twilight and her wings before, he had no doubt that he could jump them as they were crouched down to come after him.

Wrath hissed as the stallion leaped over the ponies and his hooves thudded as they landed on the other side of them. He was ready to kick out if they tried to grab ahold of him but they seemed so shocked that he had made the jump that they missed the opportunity. He looked back as Wrath walked down his armor to his hips and dug his feet into the armor and prepared to defend Hunter's flanks from the ponies that were chasing after him. Hunter watched ahead of them for any sign that they had gotten in front of him once more and his hooves drummed heavier against the stones as he pushed himself a little bit faster.

‘I made an error when I chose to tease them as long as I did. That’ll teach me.’ He groused to himself mentally as he swerved into another alley and galloped toward the golden dragon.

He looked up and his eyes fell on a wagon at the end of the street and he had enough time to wonder about his run of poor luck as he flicked an ear back as the sound of hooves radiated in his ears. His hooves dug in and he galloped ahead, planning on jumping the wagon. Wrath looked back and he could hear the minion screech and dig his claws into his Master's mane to keep a hold on him. Hunter leaped for the wagon and his forelegs cleared the wagon but he gasped as his hind hooves caught and he could feel himself being put off balance by the impact. His horn lit as a shield went over his body to lessen the impact of his body hitting the ground. He pitched his body as far forward as possible and rolled as soon as his hooves hit the ground.

He grunted under the impact and he got to his hooves and Wrath scrambled back to his back, after he had been thrown by Hunters fall. The black stallion danced on his hooves for a moment as he looked back to the alley and the sound of whispering voices. Behind the wagon, the group of ponies stared from behind it and he held his head up and a smirk crossed his muzzle as he spun to walk away. He stopped when one foreleg twinged with pain and he knew that he had not landed as nicely as he had thought he had. He looked back over his shoulder to the group who were cursing him very colorfully as he smirked and walked away, a slight limp in his stride.

His ears flicked as the sound of wings caught his attention and he looked up to see a Pegasus in golden armor angling toward him. The guard landed ahead of him and saluted as the Overlord waited for him to speak.

“Overlord Hunter Flame?”

“Yes?”

“Princess Celestia wishes to speak with you. Please come with me.” He said and swept one hoof back to point in the direction the stallion should walk.

Hunter contemplated his options for a second as he sighed and began to walk behind the guard. ‘This should prove interesting.’ He thought to himself.


Hunter walked into the throne room and he could see Princess Celestia smile at him as he neared her. She came down from her throne and met him halfway. She bowed her head to him and he gave a slight bow in reply to her polite greeting.

“May I ask what happened that has made you limp like that?” She asked him carefully.

He could hear the caution in her tone and he chose to speak honestly with her in accordance with her own actions. “I was touring your city when I wandered into the less desirable part of the city and attracted the attention of a small group. They gave chase and I evaded them. I may have sprained a hoof in the escape though.” He replied truthfully.

Her eyes widened and she looked at the limb as he was keeping weight off of it. “Do you need anypony to look at it?” She asked and he shook his head. “I assure you I can call somepony who can tend to it.”

“It will be handled on my own but I appreciate the offer.” He assured her and she seemed to accept it.

“Does Twilight know that you are here?” She asked him.

He pulled his head back for a second as a flash of anger went through him. “Do I need permission to tour a city?”

Celestia seemed to realize what she had said and she shook her head at his question. “No. My apologies I should have phrased that differently. I received a somewhat panicked letter from my former student asking if I had seen you.”

He felt a calm wash over him as he understood what she had meant. “I see. I did not mention to her that I was coming here. It was a last-minute decision.” He said to her.

“I already sent a letter to her informing her that your dragon is here and where he is her guest would not be too far away from it,” Celestia informed him. “Would you care to rest in a side room while she takes the train to get here?”

“She’s on her way no doubt.” He replied.

“She is yes. Or if you wish you may go ahead and head back to her castle and she will join you there later?”

Hunter was quiet as he considered his options and a slight sigh pulled form him as he regarded the Sun Princess. “I will wait here for her. It makes very little sense for me to go back ahead of her. She simply wastes a trip that way.”

“That’s true. I know she will be pleased to see you.” She said. “How have you been enjoying your vacation so far?”

“So far I have enjoyed it but it is more difficult to clear my mind of the work I could be finishing instead. If I am being honest I will be relieved to get back to it and work out a few minor things that have come up since my arrival here.”

She chuckled and nodded in agreement. “I know what you mean. It is hard to stop working when it has been what you do for so long. It becomes the first thing you focus on when you awaken for the day.”

“While you have been working for far longer than I have I think we are similar in that our subjects benefit from the time we spend.” He said to her and a warm smile crossed the mare's face.

“You may not have been ruling for as long as I have but that does not cheapen what you do for your subjects. You spend your time on them and they benefit from your efforts. It is clear to me that you are just as experienced as my sister and I are.”

“How do you mean?” He asked, suspicion in his tone.

“Your ponies have never crossed the borders to ask for our aid. That tells me they are happy under your rule and that they do not wish to see you come to harm.” She clarified.

“I am feared in some respect but I have been told that their love for me is equal in that respect.” He replied. “May I ask you what was done with your nephew?”

A look of anger crossed her features as she breathed out a deep sigh. “He has been dealt with I promise you.” He nodded as she went on. “He has been warned before and now he has crossed a line when he tried to harm Twilight. His attack on you was the final straw.”

Hunter nodded in understanding. “Am I right in assuming he has been cast out or punished in a similar fashion?” She didn’t reply as he nodded and dropped the subject to avoid causing friction with her. “I am glad to hear it was tended to appropriately.”

She nodded in understanding. “I think this is the longest conversation we have had, Overlord.”

He snorted a laugh and nodded. “I agree. Without the worry about the land dispute we can speak normally.”

She looked at him for a moment before she nodded. “We will still speak of that.” She assured him.

He gave her a look of surprise as she turned to the doors and beckoned a guard to join them. ‘Has Twilight not told them yet?’ He thought to himself and wiped the look from his face before the guard reached them.

The guard bowed to him and the Overlord fell in behind him as he was led to a separate room to rest while he waited for Twilight to reach them.


The doors were thrown open and he startled as Wrath leaped to the ground and brandished his short weapon in the direction of the door. Twilight stood in the doorway, panting as her eyes landed on him. The minion screeched in recognition of the mare and put away the weapon and went back to the Overlord and jumped to the sofa Hunter had been sitting on.

“You’re okay?” She panted.

“I’m fine.” He assured her and got to his hooves.

Her eyes went wide as he limped to her and she looked down at his foreleg and then back to him. He shrugged at her look of worry and moved past her.

“Don’t worry about it. When we get back to the castle I’ll summon a blue minion or two to check on it.” He assured her and she sighed in defeat in response.

“What have you been doing?” She questioned as she fell in beside him.

“I was touring Canterlot nothing more than that.” He said to her. She gave him a sidelong look as they left the throne room. “I may have gotten myself into a bit of trouble, nothing to worry too much about.”

She sighed and shook her head at him. “You need to be supervised since you always find trouble.”

He barked a laugh and nodded. “You may be right about that.”

“So what more were you doing here? Did Gnarl send word?” She asked as they moved into the streets of Canterlot.

“No. Nothing from Gnarl. I was truly just bored and chose to come here to look around. And that’s all I did…At first.”

Her head spun to look at him as a smile tugged at his mouth. “What do you mean at first?”

“At first I was just walking around when I walked down into the lower city.”

She looked at him and tried not to be angry at him. “And?”

“I was being followed after being in there for a little while and I may…have decided to have a little fun with them.” He admitted,

“You did what?!” Twilight nearly shrieked.

He pinned his ears and Wrath screeched in complaint at her volume. “I let them follow me and whenever they tried to trap me I would take a different path and I suppose after a while it grew frustrating enough that they gave up stealth and simply came after me.”

“What part of that was a good idea?”

“It was nothing but harmless fun at first. I had no doubt I could outwit them at every turn. I was a bit surprised when they came after me in force instead of giving up.”

She rolled her eyes to the sky and appeared to be mouthing a few curses before she looked back at him. “Okay, you may actually deserve the injured hoof.” She groused and he broke into a laugh at her tone. “I’m not kidding.”

“I know you’re not. And that’s what’s funny to me.”

She gave a deep sigh as they reached the park where Sorkeno waited for them.

“Hello, Little Princess.” He greeted her and she smiled at the dragon’s greeting.

“Hello, Sorkeno.” She said and nuzzled the dragon when she reached him. “You should know that he is getting himself into trouble for fun.”

“Tattletale.” He whispered to her.

She looked over her shoulder with a triumphant look at him.

“What have you done now Little One?” Sorkeno asked as the stallion limped to him. “You have been injured?”

Hunter could sense the anger that lanced through the dragon and he held up the injured leg as he spoke. “It’s nothing. They didn’t actually harm me. I jumped a wagon that was a bit too tall and landed badly. I was able to shield myself enough to keep from being hurt but I still injured a hoof.” He assured the protective dragon.

Sorkeno seemed to relax at his explanation and he waited as the pair of them jumped to his snout and walked back to the back of his head to hold on while he took to the air. Hunter waited as they took off before he asked twilight about telling her fellow Princesses about him rescinding his claim. He knew that it was important information and he was unsure why she hadn’t mentioned it to them. While he trusted her enough to rescind the claim at her request alone he was not sure why she was hesitating. He sat down as Sorkeno’s flight evened out and they both sat comfortably on the dragon's smooth scales.

“So are you sure you’re okay?” Twilight asked him, breaking the silence.

“I’m fine I promise you.” He assured her and she nodded and smiled at his assurance. “I do have a question for you though.”

“Oh.” She said and turned to him. “Go ahead.”

“I was speaking with Celestia and it seems that you had not mentioned to her that I had rescinded the claim on the land.” He stopped at the panicked look from the Alicorn mare. “I trust there is a reason?”

She didn’t reply and he watched as her jaw opened and then closed several times. He could see her trying to think of what to say to him. She looked down at the dragon's scales and then back at him.

“I just…was waiting for the right time. When I’m there with both of them?” She said to him.

He tilted his head slightly at her reasoning and finally shook his head. “Very well. You are the best judge of when to tell them I suppose. I would hope that it would be soon enough to avoid any conflict between Equestria and the Netherworld.”

“Of course. I’ll get around to it. I promise.” She assured him with a wide smile.

“Very well.” He said to her and looked ahead of them. “I trust your judgment.”

He saw her smile out of the corner of his eye and he gave a slight sigh as they sat in silence. “So what was so important you had to run to speak to rarity as soon as she was available?”

They had barely been back in town for a day when she said she HAD to speak to the other mare.

“Oh. Well…Umm…It was just mare talk.” She said to him. “I just needed her perspective on something."

“Really?” He teased and she blushed under her fur.

“Yes.” She chirped and stared ahead of them.

“Hmm.” He replied and let it drop. He could see that whatever it was had been important and she was even tenser than she had been lately. He let it drop and sat in silence with her.

“So you’re going back home in a couple of days.” She said to him.

He could hear something in her voice but he chose not to dwell on it as he nodded. “Yes. That’s the plan. Bout time I got back to work anyway. But I think before that we will go back to the Netherworld and have your Regalia made by the Giblet. He will size it to you properly. He will ask if you have any particular style in mind and he will try to accommodate it.”

“It’s a gift. Not something for me to be picky about. Will I be able to go and show it to Kaiana and others?”

Hunter was quiet as he considered her question. “I’m not sure. Kaiana would not mind but it’s the others I’m not sure about.” He got to his hooves and walked along with the Lord Dragons scales until he was out on his snout. “Sorkeno.”

“Yes?”

“I spoke to you about making a new Regalia for Twilight.” The dragon nodded gently to avoid upsetting Hunters' stance on his nose. “She wishes to be able to show it to Kaiana and the others that spoke up for her. I am asking for your opinion.”

Sorkeno looked thoughtful as he considered the Overlords words and he closed his eyes for several seconds before he spoke again. “She is welcome among us. She stood firm with us in the heat of battle and has stood with you when needed.”

“We will stay out of the Nest though,” Hunter replied and the dragon gave a slight nod in reply. He walked back to the mare and sat down beside her. “So the answer is yes. You can come to the Lair and show your gift to them.”

Twilight smiled and stood up to hug him as she squealed happily. She released him and trotted down Sorkeno’s nose to thank him for letting her among them and the dragon nodded to her as she rejoined Hunter.

“Thank you.” She said to him.

“Your welcome.” He said back to her and they fell into silence as the dragon flew.