//------------------------------// // Part1: awakening. Chapter 2: The king of the frozen temple* // Story: I will kill you yet, Discord! // by IMN //------------------------------// As the ringing in Ahuizotl ears finally calmed down, he tried getting up. However, after what Sombra’s horn did to him, even four paws weren’t enough. He just felt broken. It was then that he realized that something was amiss: the central chamber was supposed to be five floors underground, but all he could see above him was the night sky. “Anyone?” Ahuizotl had brought with him half of the forces of Talacon, along with Doctor Cavaleron’s goons, and a snow tiger, but, as they saw Daring Do entering the ruin, he decided that it was best to simply follow her until the right time to strike. That plan worked better than he would have imagined, until it didn’t, that is. Now... “Now look what you’ve done!” Daring Do scurried from the shadows, clearly nursing a few broken bones, but still better off than he was. “I told you there was more to the scythe, but did you listen? Nooo. And now we have a mad king running loose.” Suddenly all eyes in the room were set upon her. “Uhm… I’m just gonna go now…” And with that, Daring scampered off. However, with fresh troops after her, it wasn’t long before... “Got you!” screamed Doctor Cavaleron triumphantly as two of his goons grabbed and pinned her to the ground. good thing I kept them handy outside, Ahuizotl contemplated, at least he and his stallions are in a better shape than mine. “Hold her down.” Ahuizotl ordered. He felt disappointed, betrayed even, that all of his investments turned sour. He rued the day he bought that brochure from the Crystal Empire that started it all, “and keep her mouth shut, I don’t want to hear a single word from that pain in the flank.” The Doctor nodded, and his goons tied her well. “What happened down there?” asked the Doctor. “We heard the explosion, then a spiral beam of light destroyed all of the upper floors! Then, we heard somepony yelling ‘Discord!’ from the top of his lung, and screaming something foreign.” “I don’t know. I used the horn, I saw the scythe, then, a pegasus came out of nowhere and everything went to Tartarus.” Ahuizotl replied disgruntled. Such a loudmouth for a mercenary. If I had that stupid scythe, I’d put him in his place, he thought, “let’s pack everything and leave, there’s nothing here anymore.” However, as he turned toward the exit, a blue pegasus suddenly appeared before him. The Pegasus wasn’t of normal height or stature. Bigger than any he had ever seen, he had a tricolored mane of three different shades of blue. Though impressive, his physique wasn’t his most striking feature. That would be is his eyes. They were deep sapphire, shimmering under the moonlight like jewels from a distant land. Only slits, like that of a dragon, frightening and commanding all at once. But, above all, their glare was as warm as Celestia’s own. “Buongiorno1.” said the pegasus with an odd drawl. Oh great, a foreigner. That explains it. Must be new. Where does Cavaleron get these guys, anyway? “Listen here. I don’t understand what you’re saying, but if you want to get paid, you’ll get your dues once we’re out of this frozen wasteland.” He snorted. The Doctor looked over in confusion. “This isn’t one of mine.” The Doctor finally said, realizing Ahuizotl’s mistake. “You must have me mistaken, mi amico2.” The blue pegasus spoke clearly, his accent of high end nobility, and everything down to his body language was overwhelmingly disarming. “I am only trying to inquire about the fair mare tied up behind you.” Ahuizotl and Doctor Cavaleron blinked at what this odd turn of events. Confusion was plentiful until they noticed he was pointing at Daring Do, which was violently thrashing around, trying to shake her ties loose. The silence was broken by laughter. Hooting soon followed accompanied by hollering. Then every goon in the room soon decided to join in. The blue pegasus remained dignified in the face of it all. As everyone finally settled down, Ahuizotl walked closer to this stranger, placing his hand around him cordially. “You’re a funny guy... you know that?” Shaking his head, he chuckled, “Daring Do! A fair mare!" suddenly, all forms of laughter died in Ahuizotl's face as he pointed Daring Do judgmentally, "that’s no fair mare! that’s the thorn Princess Celestia chose to stick in my side," he screamed, "she is my enemy, and I, the great Ahuizotl, have the right to deal with such troublesome prisoner as I wish.” Ahuizotl let go of his stoic guest’s shoulder as he walked toward his nemesis. “I won’t kill her quickly. I’ve got to take some satisfaction torturing her, you know... She’s had this coming for far too long. Then, once I’m done, I’ll leave her here to freeze to death. Slow. Agonizing. I will savor this for the rest of my life.” turning to his emotionless guest, he added “I am however going to be terribly sorry for what I am going to do to you, my friend. You see, I can’t just let you go. I’ll make it quick, but it has to be done, I’m afraid.” The Pegasus took a moment to think, then he addressed the thief in front of him, “Es tut mir leid3, my friend, but that will not happen.” It was but a flash, faster than a blink of an eye. One moment, he was there; the next, he was standing near the earth pony guarding Daring Do. Nopony had time to even react, when a powerful punch hit the earth pony’s side, sending him flying toward one of the remaining walls, shattering it on impact. Panic ensued. Some tried to attack, while others simply started to flee. Amid the mayhem, Ahuizotl froze, staring intently at the pony in complete shock. The Pegasus then gently tugged his hoof underneath his wings, and the dark scythe that appeared in the shadows was being pulled seemingly from the ether. Daring Do could only gasp for the second time upon seeing this majestic weapon. The blade shimmered pale white under the moonlight, scores of runes were written on it's edge, their whitish glow felt as if the dead were carving them. Fully released, the scythe stood taller than Celestia, it's handle clanged resoundingly on the ice floor declaring it's toughness bordering on being unbreakable by gods or any living being for that matter. It's chain rattled ominously from it's nook, warping the pegasus' entire body before leaving a small pointy knife at the other end clinging at his other hoof. The adventurer could only hold her breath praying not to die by its presence alone. “I am sorry Ma Cherie4, but I must ask you to be patient for a short while. I’ll be done shortly.” Turning to face the crowd, he missed Ahuizotl’s eyes brightening as he whispered in awe, “Azazel’s Scythe.”