"Can you believe what they did to my creation?!" Tube kicked a piece of metal that had fallen from his robot. "Do you have any idea how long it's going to take to repair this?!"
"Oh no, having something you've worked hard on being ruined by somepony else's carelessness?" Grace smirked at him. "I can only imagine what that must feel like."
"I improved your wooden toys!" snapped Tube. "This is just… just… vandalism! Needless destruction of an advanced, scientific creation! Oh, I will end that Twilight Sparkle, just you wait!"
"Thou hast mine sympathies, doctor." Fallen strode into the room, regarding the diminutive unicorn coldly. "But I hope thou hast not been too preoccupied from thy work from which our efforts hast borne fruit."
"O-Of course not, master!" he stammered. "Yes, I had just finished examining the Amulet. A most fascinating artefact, it's only a shame I couldn't examine it sooner when we-"
"I am not interested in a lengthy thesis, Tube," Fallen cut off. "I merely want to know if it can be accomplished, for what we have planned."
"Y-Yes, master." Tube scowled when he turned his back, then plastered on an obsequious grin when he looked back. "A-After careful examination, I've determined that the gemstone within the Amulet can be configured to respond to formations of crystal created by your horn. Though I must caution, master: you will be unable to form new crystal growths if you do proceed."
"That is a minor concession, considering what will be gained." He turned to his gathered allies. "Every one of thee has performed well beyond mine expectations. We have begun to shake the foundations of kingdoms with what we are about to achieve. Sting, credit must be given to thee especially. The Beast of Wrath was a most dangerous target to acquire and thou hast risen to the task."
Sting nodded stiffly, but offered no verbal response. This didn't go unnoticed by Fallen.
"What troubles thee? Ah, of course. Thy concerns lie with the princess. Fear not, she shall be retrieved in due course."
"I don't see how," Sting replied. "While our attack was successful, we've shown our hoof and they'll be expecting us when we strike again. Tube's teleporter requires time before it can be used again and we have no army. Grace has his puppets and Tube has his fancy machines, yet you've insisted you want them guarding this place."
"That is true. However, with the power I will soon possess, their efforts will be for naught and no army will be able to stand before us. The purpose of having thy combined creations guarding this place is to assure our chances of victory." He levitated the Amulet from Tube. "I believe it is time for us to commence. Come, I wish for all of thee to bear witness."
He led the way out of Tube's workshop, the scientist offering one last look of exasperation and irritation to what was left of his work before following.
"I am eager to return to battle, Fallen," said Osteo. "The taste that I've had from our enemies has left me wanting."
"Could you talk a little quieter?" hissed Selena, pressing her ears against her head. "And what is that stench? I can hardly bear it!"
Snick and Slash looked at one another. The latter placed a hoof on her shoulder, tilting her masked face inquisitively.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. I just need to… need to…" Her eyes drifted to Slash, her catlike slits narrowing. Her tongue ran across her lips. "Feed."
With a flash, Slash's blade was drawn and she jumped back. Her sister took up a stance next to her. Selena prowled towards them, then faltered and touched her head.
"I'm… I'm sorry, I don't know what just…" She looked at Tube, suddenly fearful. "What is happening to me? I've never felt like this before."
He nodded, eyes alight with curiosity. "Yes, I had a feeling this might happen. The formula I've injected you with excites the natural attributes you use for hunting, though this can result in over-excitation of these same attributes. Your body may undergo certain… changes and so will your mind. Tell me, how strong was the urge to-?"
"I will not speak of it!" she snapped. "When I hunt, it will be because I choose to. Not like I am a maddened animal, unable to control myself. If this persists…"
He waved a hoof dismissively. "Not to worry, I've prepared an inhibitor solution for just such a thing. You may wish to carry a few with you, just in case."
Fallen stopped. So did the whole group. They all stood aside, giving him an unrestricted view of the scientist who wilted like an ant in the glare of a magnifying glass.
"I trust," Fallen said, his voice a low rumble, "that there shall not be any other instances of thy experiments potentially turning upon us?"
"O-Of course not, master!" he said quickly. "A-As I said, this is an issue that is easily rectified, never fear!"
An odd, buzzing sound echoed in the tunnel. Almost like a snort of suppressed laughter. Eyes flashed to its source. Cutting Edge, standing impassively next to Tube. Sweat trickled down the back of Tube's neck as Fallen regarded first him, then the cyborg. His eyes lingered on the latter before turning back to the former.
"See that it is."
With a sweep of his cloak, Fallen resumed his march. Grace flashed Tube another smirk before following. The scientist brought up the rear, stewing in his ever-growing resentment.
He flung open the doors to the chamber ahead, where their assembled captives awaited. There were six of them, all of them heavily restrained and unconscious. Three were ponies, one for each sect, but there was also a dragon, a buffalo and a griffin. For added precaution, they were also each placed inside strong warding spells that glowed faintly around them. Fortunately, none of their charges had awoken or attempted to breach their confinement. Yet.
"I still don't quite understand what's so important about these individuals," said Grace. "You've spoken of great power, but they seem wholly unremarkable to me."
"Such is the intention," said Fallen. "But thou will soon see. Firstly, a test of sorts. I will curtail the strongest of these Beasts before I move on to its fellows. It is this one, correct?"
He gestured to one closest to the centre. A unicorn stallion with bright green fur and a shock of silver for his mane and tail. Tube very vaguely recalled having seen this very same stallion on more than one occasion while he'd been staying at the Little Lamplight inn in Ponyville, as another of its residents. To think, one of their ultimate targets had been so close and he'd never noticed.
Shaking away his thoughts, Tube nodded an affirmative to his master. He regarded the stallion through his helmet, apparently considering him.
"Awaken."
His horn glowed and the stallion's yellow eyes sprang open. He looked about in confusion, but his eyes settled on Fallen.
"Um… hi?" he said uncertainly. "Uh, this isn't some kind of Ren Faire nopony told me about, is it?"
"One who attempts to keep good humour, even in the face of certain demise. I admire that," said Fallen. "Speak thy name, Host of Wrath."
The stallion's eyes widened at the title, but then promptly narrowed again. "You mean… you don't already know? Kind of insulted, honestly. Especially because of all the trouble you went through to capture the incredible Ray Strike." He attempted an easy smile as he slowly stood up from the ground. "Least you know my roommate's name. I'd say that would make him happy, but nothing ever does."
The stallion made no sudden movements, though Tube did notice him glancing over at the rest of their assembled band, as well as over the room in general. No doubt looking for any possible escape routes. Unfortunately for him, thanks to their reconnaissance they were well aware of his unusual proclivity for teleportation magic, and Fallen had ensured that the wards around him and the other Hosts would prevent such spells from working for the time being. And if he were foolish enough to attempt to escape via more conventional means, his restraints would see to it that he didn't get far.
"As I have witnessed," Fallen said in response to the stallion's comment. "I saw thee from afar, in the Everfree Forest at the end of the Changeling Skirmish. 'Twas truly magnificent to behold. The Queen paid the price for her hubris, as was expected."
"Not sure if 'magnificent' is the word I'd use." His voice lost a little of its humour as he made a show of looking Fallen up and down. "So you're the big bad, huh? Is this the part where you explain to me your evil plan before I make my daring escape?"
"Thou hast spent too much time in the theatre, though I also appreciate the arts." He began to pace around him. "Thou knowest who I am?"
"A Shakesmare actor gone rogue?" Ray's expression turned serious. "But yeah, I know who you are. Fallen Soul. What, was Edge Lord taken?"
"That depends upon the manner of edge which thou wouldst assign me lordship over." His blade drew slowly from its sheath. "Perhaps a demonstration."
"Okay, okay, joking aside, you do not want to do that!" Ray was fighting hard not to panic, though not entirely out of fear for his own life. "If something happens to me, the other guy is going to be pretty riled up and trust me, that's the last thing you want!"
"I am aware. And on the contrary, I am counting on it."
Without any other warning, Hhe raised the blade and stabbed Ray, right through his back and out of his front. Blood trickled down the blade, but that wasn't the only thing red that seeped out. As the stallion gasped, a mist-like vapour poured from the wound and fell from the corners of his eyes. Rather than exhibiting the expected shock or pain response, though, instead both of his hooves went to his head. His mouth opened in a voiceless scream as he buckled forward onto the floor, both blood and mist pouring out of his wound in equal measure. A moment later, a bright blue glow began shining from his chest… no, a glance revealed it to be emerging from an otherwise-innocuous-looking crystal pendant around the stallion's neck. The crystal started gradually shining brighter and brighter, filling the air with a quiet hum as it seemed to vibrate with energy.
Some of his associates, namely Snick, Slash, and Osteo, took up ready stances as they observed. Fallen, however, merely walked back around to the front of the stallion and leaned down to inspect the source of the light. "What might this be… ah, I see. A spell to further contain thine Beast's destructive powers, from without as well as within. Celestia's work, no doubt. A pointless effort." As he spoke, he drew his sword down along Ray's neck, catching the thin metal chain of the necklace on the blade's edge. With a single quick stroke, the chain snapped, and the crystal fell away from Ray, clattering against the floor. It immediately dimmed and went silent.
The results were both immediate and obvious. Ray'sHis face started to contort with anger as his eyes became clouds of red and his gritted teeth began to visibly sharpen. He immediatelyand began to pull against his bonds, snarling like an enraged dog as he did.
But he didn't get much of a chance to. Fallen placed the Alicorn Amulet around his neck. It glowed in time with his horn. Crystal emerged around Ray, encasing him completely, his expression frozen in the visage of rage. The redness seeped out into the crystal, making it shimmer a vibrant red. But it remained within its confines.
At the same time, Fallen fell to his knees with a guttural yell. He staggered beforefrom behind the crystal, the glow from both the Amulet and his horn increasing. Louder than Fallen's cries, however, was the sudden sound of growling. A deep, vicious snarl reverberated through the room, seeming to emanate from the reddening crystal itself.
"Get back, get away!" he shouted when a couple of the others approached. "I will… corral it. I will… I will command it!"
His exertions echoed inside his helmet. The magic from the Amulet and horn coalesced into a light so bright, they had to avert their eyes. Fallen's scream was heard clearly through the burning haze and over the sound of bestial growls. A sudden flash made those who could dive for whatever cover they could find.
Then, it stopped. Everything was still. Very slowly, those watching lowered their hooves and wings or peered over from wherever they'd sequestered themselves.
Fallen was back on his hooves. Ray was still imprisoned in the crystal behind him. The Amulet hummed with a faint light, though his horn no longer glowed. He looked down at the Amulet.
"M-Master?" Tube ventured cautiously towards him. "Did… did it work? Master?"
"Yes… yes!" The alicorn's laughter bordered on mania. "I have done it!"
"Does that mean he didn't know for sure it would work?" muttered Grace.
His comment passed unheard by Fallen, which was probably lucky. He was far too absorbed in his moment of triumph. Tube clapped his hooves like an excited child.
"This is excellent, master! My congratulations, on this our joint accomplishment!"
"Indeed." He touched the Amulet tenderly. "I can feel its power, waiting to be unleashed. And that is only one! Soon, they shall all kowtow to me!"
"This is momentous." Osteo grinned as well, his voice taking on an awed tone. "To force the Scarlet Wolf itself to your will…. The Beasts will be unleashed once more and restore the natural order. Canterlot and the princesses shall fall as a testament to this!"
"All in good time, Osteo," breathed Fallen. "First, I shall repeat this process upon the others. Then, we shall retrieve the final host. It is only fitting that they should all be under mine influence, as their new lord and master. But with six of them at my beck and call, the last should be a simple matter. But before that, a test of sorts shall be undertaken."
"And where will this test take us?" asked Selena.
"I shall do this alone, as a demonstration of the strength I now wield. I believe…" He thought for a moment. "Yes, a journey north will be my destination. After all, it is from there that the ability to control this power was granted to me. It is only fitting they should be the first to see it."
As he spoke, Sting did his best to disguise his growing apprehension. He knew, on some level, that Fallen's intentions for Samore would be far from agreeable, especially if what he'd just done to that unicorn was any indication whatsoever. If he was to have a chance at getting her out of harm's way, he was going to have to do this carefully. He'd play along, for now and wait for the right moment.
Besides, Equestria deserved what was coming. The world that would come after would be better, one where his people wouldn't have to scrape and scavenge for love to sustain them. He would fulfil his queen's vision. He just had to wait, a little longer…