//------------------------------//
// Prologue  
// Story: What Remains II: After the Fall 
// by Bateman66 
//------------------------------//

The monolithic black construct reached up ominously over the over the dark sprawl of trees and shrubbery which surrounded the building on all sides. Jagged stone towers jutted upwards from all four corners of the fortress’s sides; piercing the dull blue night skin that had hung over the structure and the surrounding land for millennia.

And situated deep within the construct’s center, stood two ponies, a mare and a stallion.      

“The time is nearly upon us,” grandly announced the stallion, his entire body concealed behind a shimmering blue-black robe that gave him both a wizardly but as well ominous presence. “Soon, our greatest ally shall be by our side, and with him, the ultimate power in all of Equestria!” 

“I don’t see how this is necessary,” stated the mare with a stern glance toward the stallion. “After the conversation we had I’m very quite sure he’d be more than happy to follow us willingly. He seemed convinced.”

“We can’t know this for certain,” replied the stallion. “His mind is malleable and young, subject to change whenever he feels the need. He could’ve just as well altered his stance in the months you last saw him.”

“Is this the best way to convince him then?” countered the mare with both a growing worry and defiance. “Transporting him forcibly with magic? It would definitely give him a sound enough reason not to trust us.”

The stallion seemed to ponder this for a second, and then quickly shook his head in disbelief. “No, a show of power will introduce to him what we already hold in our hooves. The shock and awe will be enough to entice him to join us, then, we will educate him on what is at stake. We've waited long enough as it is and I don’t want to even open the possibility of jeopardizing the brittle situation. Careful and precise planning has always been the key to our success.” 

The mare’s eyes sharpened. “He’s not as foolish as you’re making him out to be. In the situations I’ve seen him in he’s more than capable of understanding and adapting to his surroundings. He’s not going to fall before us in submission.”

“He will be no match for us,” said the stallion flatly. “Any act of resistance will be responded to swiftly and effectively. The boy is merely one piece in a larger puzzle, and although his continued service would be preferable, we can gladly do without.”

“Perhaps if we—”

“The spell shall still be performed,” announced the stallion conclusively, raising both his hooves to the air as if to end any further discussion. “However, I will leave it to you to decide the handling of the boy when he arrives, since you have taken such an interest in his welfare. Does that sound suitable, Commander?”

The mare stooped her in reluctant compliance. “As you wish, my lord. Is there any particular way I should treat the human?”

The stallion shook his head. “Act as you would with any other youngster. Sincerity will as well be a factor that could alter his judgment. If we are going to ensure adequate compliancy on his part, then he needs to feel comfortable among us.” 

The hooded stallion stretched a wry and sarcastic grin across his shadowed face. “Friendship, after all, is magic.”

Catching the blatant sting at Celestia’s insufferable philosophy, the mare smiled in return. “That it is.”