“All the guards are in position, both Equestrian and Changeling.” Chrysalis informed as we went through the checklist of items. Today was Doomfist’s visit… and Security was being cranked up to fifty.
“Let’s hope this asshole has more respect and honor than I give him credit for…” I frowned. “But hey…there’s always Fizzy suplexing the bastard into a massive crater.”
“As fun as that would be to witness I doubt that will happen…” She sighed. “From what you’ve told me about him, he might have already added magical augmentations to his cybernetics.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised…” I sighed out. “He’s a tech genius…if he puts his knowledge of tech to the Minotaur’s knowledge with magic…”
“Even with all we know about Widowmakers gear and your own, we might not be able to catch up with the Minotaurs speed on mass productions.”
“So…” I sighed out. “The best we can hope for is he accepts one on one combat against me to end this war before it even begins…or I do something I really don’t want to do and show you why the person I am is called ‘Reaper’...”
“Remember the rules Chris, if he dies then the Minotaur people declare war against us anyway.”
“That’s only if he dies before he gets back to his cozy little throne on time.” I said simply. “But I’ll stay my hand as much as I can.”
“Right, well, head off to the throne room. With luck he is civilized. I’ll keep an eye on the students.”
WIth that, Chrysalis and I parted ways.
I stood next to Celestia while we waited. The Minotaur Airship was no Equestrian design. It looked like Doomfist brought some Talon Tech with him when he arrived.
Soon enough he entered, his cybernetics adorned in etched markings, like runes, and his attire a somewhat formal take on a King’s outfit, crown included.
“Princess Celestia.” He addressed her with a bow. “Reaper.” He added as he rose. “A pleasure to meet you formally.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you formally as well.” Celestia answered politely. “Now, just so I mind my manners and not accidentally call you something I shouldn’t due to what my associate has informed of me, shall I call you King Akande or Doomfist?” She inquired, a simple innocent question due to his real name, his title based on his new and improved machine arm, and his new title as King of the Minotaurs.
“I have no preference.” Doomfist informed. A seat was given to him, the weight of his cybernetics threatening to make the chair give way as he sat down. “Now then, I’m assuming you’ve already guessed as to my visit.”
“Reaper has informed me that you are a Warrior. Is that correct?” Celestia inquired of the new King. “If yes…then I believe we know exactly what you are here for.”
“Indeed. I pride myself on my skills in battle, and I have come to aid your kingdom in developing similar skills, and… more.” He stated with a smirk as he looked around.
“Is there any way we can create peace without going to War?” Celestia asked, cutting immediately to the main issue she wanted to dodge. “I have been told from Reaper that you are a man of Science, a bright intellectual that could do more good with a hammer and anvil, with machines and medicine, than you would with fist and blood.”
“Perhaps, but in nature, isn’t it the threat of death that helps animals to learn faster, adapt quicker, and develop skills they otherwise would never need or conceive in peaceful times?”
“And isn’t it also in nature for those same skills, adaptations, and learning to continue the cycle of violence?” Celestia countered evenly. “To be used against those weaker than it until something else comes in and kills the monster only for it to happen again?”
“Like all things, everything exists in a cycle. Endings and beginnings repeating are part of nature. Day and night, you know this one all too well… it’s why you had to imprison your sister for trying to break this cycle, yes?”
“That part actually had nothing to do with it.” Celestia said simply. “But what do you know of my war against Nightmare Moon? I haven’t re-read the story the Minotaur’s tell about that age-old war in some time due to my duty’s.”
“Minotaur records show, it wasn’t even a war. It was just a battle between you and she, and in the end, in less than an hour, your sister was imprisoned into the moon. I imagine it was hard, the whole world likely never even knew what occurred that night.”
“The only thing they would know is certain areas having an extra hour of daylight or moonlight.” Celestia answered. “But…when it’s between two Gods, like me and my sister that was corrupted by…certain things.” She shook her head. “But my battle with my sister is not what we’re here for today.”
“True. We are here to discuss… the rules for the coming conflict.”
“I will ask you…one more time.” Celestia said. “We don’t have to go to war, we don’t need to have possible thousands of lives taken just because you believe violence is the answer to problems that don’t exist.” She stated. “Please, don’t do this. There is nothing this war can do to help either side.”
“Ah, but that is where you and I see differently. After all, magic can do wonders, and Reaper has clearly shown you the advanced technology of our home world. His body itself is a prime example of such… advancements. He needs not to fear death, no sickness can claim him and age itself halted. A true marvel. Besides, if you insist on going to war, I can always play the… long game.” Doomfist stated simply.
“And that is where you’re wrong.” Celestia shook her head. “Reaper has told me…” Celestia tried, but I put a hand on her shoulder.
“May I?” I asked, which Celestia nodded as I stepped forward. “Alright, you have literally no idea what’s going on here.” I growled. “You say I’m a ‘prime example’, when I am far from it…I am in a constant state of pain and agony as my entire body decays and rots, but immediately heals just as fast. The only reason why I’m not in a pain addled rage right now is due to this world's magic keeping it at bay…and then there’s the technology, where we have developed thing’s not meant for violence, not meant for war, but simple peaceful fun. This world is not some new war zone with fun little trinkets to use, it’s not some ‘test of might’ bullshit you believe…it’s a place where honest peace can be made, where violence isn’t the answer, where problems don’t need to be started just because someone said ‘fuck it, let’s just start some trouble’.”
Doomfist sat there, his smirk never faltering. “And, I should take your word on that? Someone who has stolen my allies body?” I took a step back. “I had my suspicions. The rumors, the intel from back home telling me Reaper’s brain chemistry and waves were different than before. Hearing you speak now confirms what Widowmaker came to see. So, what is your name? Or do you insist on using the name you stole with that body?”
“See…that’s where it gets…complicated.” I replied carefully. “And I’m pretty sure, even after all this…you wouldn’t believe me how this happened to me.”
“Perhaps, but in the end it doesn’t matter. Reaper, body and soul is still… Talon company property. Soul it seems you’ve removed, so the body I’ll be reclaiming for us. Though, I get the feeling you don’t want that, do you?”
“The only reason you aren’t seeing me holding your still beating heart in my hand is because I have to follow the rules of this land, and also in some vain hope that you might see things differently.” I countered. “As one man that’s fought in a war to another…don’t.”
“You have, have you? Then you should know better than to compare us. We may both have shed blood for different sides, but I’m betting you fought for a cause you don’t believe in. I found my reason to fight in the violence that changed my home for the better. All worlds run on a balance and this world has had that balance broken for a millenia, by the very ruler seated before me. The world, no matter where, always needs someone to be the evil in it, and if I must, I will be the evil to challenge the good.”
I sighed. “Cause of course you do…” I muttered, stepping back as Celestia took over.
“So I was told about this Geneva Convention, what is it exactly?” Celestia asked curiously.
“It is simple, it is a set of rules in place that must be followed by all parties contributing to a war with soldiers. The rules are in place to protect civilians, food and power distribution and such of the home countries, and are largely in place to ensure one side doesn’t go too far and commit genocide of an entire country like some armies did in the past.” Doomfist stated simply.
“And I presume you will abide by these rules?” The solar monarch asked curiously. “Also, I will need a full list of what it entails, just to make sure I know of your world’s military customs and laws so the…alternative isn’t accidentally brought upon.”
“I have them modified given our… your country's technological disadvantage.” Doomfist said, opening a panel on his massive mechanical arm and getting up, handing the removed document to Celestia.
She opened it, reading the contents slowly.
I leaned over slightly, able to read the exact same thing fully just as her so I know exactly what I’m able to do and not able to do. “So all Royals are exempt from fighting…”
“That is fair…last time I fought well and truly…well where Las Pegasus is wasn’t always a Desert…” Celestia admitted.
“And…I’m not allowed to fight until both parties are of equal technological and magical prowess…” I read off. “Now this might cause a bit of a problem, cause it would also hinge on the actual war either starting to begin with, or if a massive ceasefire has to happen in the middle of it all for both sides of the conflict to fully assess if both sides are of equal strength in both tech and magic.” I explained. “Even if both Royal’s are exempt from fighting, they can still be used as hostages when it should be an otherwise peaceful check up on progress.”
“See paragraph four, section three.” Doomfist said.
Nobility, while exempt from the battlefield are also non targetable persons for hostage or assasination purposes. The businesses both native and offshore are targetable only if the noble in question is supporting or profiting from the war.
“Alright, that part is sorted, but what about the first part?” I inquired. “Cause even if we get a third party to investigate, it would still have to cause a Ceasefire and you traveling to hear the Third Parties verdict.”
“Simple. We won’t be attacking Equestria directly. Not for a while at least. While you work on gaining and building your technology and military, the Minotaur Kingdom will offer alliances to the other kingdoms, as I am sure you will do as well.”
“I have already contacted every leader I was able to and informed them about our meeting and the possibility a war might break out.” Celestia brought up. “Who they join after we…put in our pitch meetings…will soon decide it all.”
“Now this is also in the agreement, but just to clarify, if any Party remains Neutral in this conflict, they will act as Neutral Zones for both Warring Parties and their allies, where we are not allowed to Occupy it’s space in any militaristic endeavor, but as Safe Havens for any Refugee’s, or Soldier’s who legitimately need breaks cause…fuck does fighting a war take too much out of you.” I said honestly. “Cause sometimes…we need a form of Christmas Truce every once in a while to show that we’re all still people…that this war, while plainly needless, can at least help bring people together from other nations and just…well be friends funnily enough.”
“If you wish.” Doomfist said with a shrug.
“Any chance for the Minotaur’s and Ponies to see past this war and to see the better in each other, and prove that Peace and Friendship is the better alternative than this, I’m all for it.” Celestia nodded.
“If that is all, I believe this meeting is concluded.” Doomfist said, giving a bow.
“So, it went… okay?” Chrysalis asked.
“We’re at war so no.” I sighed out. “Thankfully we have some time to prepare before the actual fighting starts…”
“Well, better than the battle starting the same day.” She shrugged.
“That is also true…” I sighed out. “So we’re scrambling to get as many allies as we can, as well as starting to speed up productions on weapons, armor, enchantments, and a whole host of other things…”
“Well, in terms of allies Changelings are already with Equestria, and if anything the factories and jobs this will make will definitely be an economic boost.”
“A war is not something we needed…” I sighed out. “But at least we have you all…that’ll definitely help us in the long run.”
“Spying is part of what Changelings are best at.”
“Which will help in many many ways.” I nodded. “And considering how deep your transformations go…I doubt Doomfist will be able to figure out a way to cancel it.”
"I do have a question though. From what Doomfist said, if this body isn't your original, what happened to your old body?"
“No idea.” I shrugged. “Cause I didn’t say this in front of him…but all I did was buy Reaper’s Shotguns for fifty dollars, the lights went out and I fell.”
"Hmm… well, since having this body have you even felt, thought or done things you typically don't. Or something along those lines?"
“One thing has been…bugging me…” I replied cautiously.
"What?"
“So…currently I’m in a state of constant decay and regeneration, and the only reason I’m not in such excruciating pain that I’m either bedridden forever, or driven completely bat shit is due to all the ambient magic in the world…” I explained, looking down at my hands as a gentle mist surrounded them. “But…a strange hunger is gnawing deep within me…the hunger for actual life essence…it’s not too bad now…but it’s something very concerning…”
"Hmm, mind if I?" Chrysalis asked.
“If you can understand it…that would be fantastic.” I said, ready for whatever she needs to do.
She placed her fingers to my temples, I felt that gnawing hunger suddenly suppress and lessen until I barely felt it. "Hm, it's similar, but still different. I'll be right back." She said, quickly getting up and leaving the room, returning with a small hard candy. "Eat this."
“Uh…sure?” I asked, taking the hard candy, unwrapping it and popping it into my mouth. “So what’s the problem doc?”
"You're hunger, as you put it is similar to what I and the Changelings went through, it's a form of illness commonly appearing with necromancy and necromancer's. Basically your soul has a rot or decay on it, and while it's not enough to kill you, it will be enough to need replacing with mana or more powerful energy."
“That…makes sense.” I nodded. “Honestly…one thing I’m scared about is…if I get involved and walk into the front lines…” I shuddered, fearing that I would absorb so much life from either friend or foe I go out of control.
"Well, I just gave you pure mana, which is why you feel it so little now. There is also alternative methods to help treat this, King Sombra, a notorious necromancer, managed to controle his hunger with the magic found in gems, in the same way Dragons absorb the magic in gems by eating them."
“And I find it through the power of love from both you and Celestia.” I joked.
"So lots of shagging? Seems like a win win." Chrysalis added with a chuckle. "But seriously, gemstones hold lots of magical power, dragons eat them to fuel their fires and fly, Zebras use them for enchantments and as potion ingredients. I hear they can be tasty if you end up able to eat them."
“Well…I doubt I can eat Gems.” I said simply. “I can maybe just drain their magic then?”
"You can. How was that candy?" She asked. I awkwardly crunched the small bits that were left. "Yup."
“Yeah…it was good though.” I nodded. “Thanks Chrysalis.”
"So, that all aside you can't actively participate in this battle?"
“Not until Equestria becomes as technologically and magically advanced as the Minotaur Lands…while the Minotaur Lands have Doomfist who is a mechanical genius…”
"So he basically made it so you probably won't ever see the battleground?"
“But that also means the war won’t ever start.” I pointed out. “Because if he chooses to disobey that rule that he created, then it would become… a lawless war…and I doubt the Minotaur’s want to see what I’m capable of, and I really doubt they want to know what the scorn of a woman who embodies the sun would bring.”
"Unless he's hiding something." Chrysalis stated. "After all, I doubt his Talon would not back him up."
“If they did back him up, then this would become a Lawless War.” I said simply. “But also, I doubt they have the tech to send a lot of people into this world, if all they’ve done is have Widowmaker and Doomfist here instead of an entire squad of those damned terrorists.”
"Does make me wonder why they built this portal though."
“I’ll have to ask Doomfist when I see him again…cause something about what he said about me ‘stealing Reapers body’ doesn’t make much sense…and it would be hilarious to see his reaction when I say Reaper’s Shotguns were only worth fifty bucks.”
"Somehow I doubt things like that will phase him."
"Probably." I shrugged. “But really wish it was Sombra or Sigma that got here before that asshole…”
"Can't always be lucky." Chrysalis sighed. "You should go check on the students. They were all fine when I left but I imagine by now they heard the news."
"Knowing Fizz she's probably already wanting to beat the shit out of Doomfist…which that's my greatest concern right now…"
"True, I could sense the mana from those runes from the castle tower, add to whatever that mechanical limb does normally and even Celestia won't be healing from that so easy."
"Yeah…" I said. "Though I doubt it could last long enough from the heat of a sun on it every second." I brought up. "But even if Tempest is overpowered as hell…she's still a kid…she shouldn't have to experience this…"
"I wouldn't be so sure. Other lands have gods of their own and not all of them are friendly with Celestia."
“Never fought a god before…wonder how that’ll work?” I chuckled at the thought I might be fighting a God sooner or later because they don’t like Celestia for some reason.
"Just be glad you aren't fighting an All Maker. That's the definition of a losing battle."
“And…would this All Maker look like a weird Merchant that was bored out of his mind?” I asked carefully, finding that name very strange and also feeling a weird sense of ‘deja vu’ just by hearing that title.
"I don't know. Maybe? The All Makers are old, powerful entities that created the universe, the laws of physics and magic, the world's and the Gods to oversee the mortals, if a race gets a god that is. They're as countless as they are powerful, but so we stand out more than others in history."
“Right then.” I nodded. “That’s…very worrying…”
"Only four regularly interfere with the world's they make, and only two do so in a bad way."
“That doesn’t sound good…” I frowned. “And…who would these All makers be called?”
"Well, if my memory serves me right the main four that appear are Genie, Demon, Voodoo, and Pain. Genie, like his name suggests, grants a chosen person a wish but usually just the one. Demon is a deal maker, he'll offer you what you want for something in return and no it's… rarely, a soul. Voodoo is known as Fates Gambler. Win his games and what you seek will be yours. Lastly, there's Pain, often referred to as the Maker of Monsters. Anything with a sole desire to kill, spill blood or cause carnage and violence in the universe is of her making."
“That’s…rather interesting.” I said honestly. “Wonder if it was either Genie or Pain that wanted me here…Genie because I was just some cosplayer having fun and a Convention…or Pain cause I’m literally a life devouring monster with twin shotguns…”
"I honestly doubt it was either of them. Genie is quite the show off for starters, and Pain doesn't really dabble in anything outside of spawning nightmarish abominations to slaughter a planet and stain the soil red. Assuming she isn't doing that all on her own."
"Maybe." I said with some thought. "The merchant that did this was rather…unassuming to be honest."
"Well, however you got here, Celestia and I are glad
you are here. I have a feeling even if you never showed up they would have."
"It's a lot better than the Alternative with Reaper…" I said nervously.
After that I went to check on the kids. Most of Celestia's class was pretty much out cold, asleep in beds prepared for them in a dorm room tower. Cadence was still up, sitting by the fireplaces in the dorms main room.
"Hey kiddo." I said to Cadence softly. "Something up?"
"Just… nervous. Is Equestria really going to war?"
"Sadly…" I sighed out. "Not something I want…but it won't happen for a while…and when it happens, you won't have to be apart of it."
"Why not?"
"To what? You not being apart of it or why the war won't start soon?" I inquired.
"Both, I guess."
“Well, to the first one…your all children, and I don’t want you to be apart of war.” I stated simply. “War’s are never a good thing…you do terrible thing’s to other people whether you like it or not…” I sighed out. “And why the war won’t start soon? Because Equestria is behind in technology by a lot compared to what the MInotaur Lands most likely have…”
"And they… took pity on us?"
“Pity in the fact that he wanted a fair fight, not because he gives a crap about the lives he’ll be taking because of this stupid decision.”
"That's not really any better is it?"
“It’s really not.” I shook my head. “That just means…maybe less lives will be taken…but many, many lives will be taken…”
Doomfist walked back Into his war room, formerly the old King of the Minotaurs throne room. Windows bricked, and enough enchantment and technology to make this room a true deadzone. No data or sound escapes this room.
"And it all went according to plan?" He looked up to the old king's throne, still stained in his blood as a woman, pale skin like the dead and hair black as the void with fogged, milky eyes looked at him with a smirk.
“Everything went according to plan.” Doomfist nodded. “Almost too easily…this world has a lot more…care to it’s war’s than on Earth.”
"That's the fault with the Equine races. Too few variations keep a healthy sense of paranoia. And how was Reaper's body?"
“They seemed more…whole than back home.” Doomfist answered readily, wanting to kneel to the All Maker in front of him but knowing she despised worship like that. “Both mentally through the new mind, but also physically as they didn’t need a constant stream of…volunteers.”
"This world's magic is stronger than your own, they have been creative with it. I'll give them that. But I'm interested in Reaper's physical body, not the accident in control."
“Physically they are still as strong as ever.” The robot armed king said. “If not stronger due to the magic of this land, but I will need to see him in action to fully understand his capabilities.”
"Interesting. And thankfully, the accident that put this person in Reaper, put Reaper in his body." Pain said, shifting in the seat as she flicked her hand, a dark miasma flowing from her finger tips to the nearby wall. An image of a man, short cut hair and several scars along the torso and face floated there. "Poor thing was stuck in that void in between this plain and the home. Looks like that machine uses a stream too close to the edge that… Echo uses." Pain said with a mutter, snapping her fingers as a file folder appeared on the war room table. "Have your little friend Sombra make those modifications, and this won't be a future issue."
Doomfist nodded, taking the file folder in his robot arm as some of the runes glowed and sent it straight to Sombra via the portal tech and teleportation magic. “But I must ask, who caused Reaper to switch bodies? I believed your powers could just shapeshift someone into whatever you pleased.” Doomfist inquired his Patron of might and death.
"They can, but where's the fun in that?" Pain replied with a chuckle. "As for who did this, well, that little… Echo, is a remnant of a bygone battle that refuses to stay dead and lives only to annoy us all."
“Sounds like Sombra on one of her…’trolling binges’.” Doomfist shuddered a bit, remembering the time she plastered all over the Internet Widowmakers internet history and the only reason why he didn’t break her spine was because she was still useful in every regard ever. “How did that woman have so much Tracer porn?” Doomfist muttered to himself.
"So, how many more of your Talon allies should I expect?"
“Besides many, many grunts, two or three. Moira, Sigma, and maybe Sombra if we can get the two way portal stabilized.” Doomfist answered readily. “And how each of them will react…it’ll be best if they know where they’re allegiance lies.” He said, clenching his titular doomfist at the thought of more people deserting their cause.
"Good, and tell me, are you aware of the Overwatch Spy roaming Canterlot?"
“I wouldn’t have realized it if this worlds magic didn’t resonate with the great Omnic Monk so well.” Doomfist answered. “They may help Equestria in some capacity, but their mistrust for Reaper as a whole will prevent them from giving their full support, if they manage to send any more.”
"Especially should a certain Soldier find his way here." Pain spoke, a pur in her voice as she imagined the chaos that would cause. "The pieces are falling onto the board, and soon the games can begin."
“And the battles will be glorious.”
"And, as promised." She added, opening her hand and raising it to her mouth. She blew the ichor of miasma from her palm towards Doomfist.
It touched his skin and burned like hellfire, the heat radiating from the point of contact on his chest to his limbs, even his cybernetic arm, he felt it heat up and burn as if it was organic as the metal darkened and changed. It thinned and slimmed into a more organic shape, but glowed with a vile aura.
Doomfist fell to his knees, his cybernetic arms keeping his balance. Upon touching the ground, the aura leaked out, and formed from the shadows of the room five monsters.
As the pain subsided and Doomfist looked his new arm and the monsters he created over, he grinned, feeling true power, power beyond mortal capabilities.
“Perfect.” The former human said happily, ready to bring about the destruction to those that can’t keep up with true progress.