//------------------------------//
// The Stare Master : Staring Down Cthulhu 
// Story: Thrackerzod 
// by Charx 
//------------------------------//

Thrackerzod was to meet with an Entity today. This Entity was once an incredibly powerful being, or so he claimed. For now he was weak, but still the wisest of all the Elders. He claimed that he had been reduced to his current form in some great war, and that only the most powerful of magic could bring him back.

This was why Thrackerzod was sent to recruit Twilight Sparkle. She could use her stores of magic, in connection with the magic that flows at the Place Where All Points Converge, and become very powerful indeed. Powerful enough to resurrect the Entity.

The Entity was, as of now, an Elder God. You may wonder how this is considered 'weak', but he was trapped inside the Dreamworld, in a very peculiar way. He could only attain a physical form where points converged. His power was not...gone, but hidden from him, or so he claimed. This was why Thrackerzod was so astounded by the idea of a regular pony, like Twilight, interacting with Nodens, an Elder God. After much arguing, the Entity convinced Thrackerzod to contact Nodens. The communication had uncovered vast amounts of information.

Twilight Sparkle had support from the people of Thorabon, who lived in Leng. Thrackerzod did not know if they were a cult which worshipped her (for whatever reason), or if she led the cult to worship some deity. Maybe even Nodens. Or, they could be under Noden's control. They might not be related to any of this, and Sparkle is merely manipulating them.

Thrackerzod was confused on the subject for the longest, until the people of Thorabon stopped supporting Twilight Sparkle. They had recently come under a new leader, who immediately declared independence. Thrackerzod was told Twilight had argued and fought against him, but had been defeated. She was dreaming at the time, of course, but the important aspect was the loss of support. This made Thrackerzod think that Twilight had somehow blackmailed them, or threatened them.

Thrackerzod had also cobbled together a quick petition of various races, beings and cities to present to Nodens. Thrackerzod was unaware of the reasons Nodens contacted Twilight (though she doubted he wanted to contract her), but Sparkle was obviously optimistic. However, Thrackerzod's informants said that Nodens had refused all of her treaties thus far, which was good. Perhaps the Elders still had a chance.

This news would all please the Entity, despite Thrackerzod's lack of progress in contracting and/or killing Twilight Sparkle. Of course, if Nodens shows that he does not wish to contract or use her in any way, they may not have to kill. Then again, others may be able to contract her. Thrackerzod needed to uncover her motivation behind demonic research and the source of her power.

XXXX

Thrackerzod had convinced Rarity to allow her to go to the CMC's Clubhouse, but in reality she trotted down the main path to the outskirts of town, crossing a small bridge I've the creek to Fluttershy's cottage. She had promised Rarity she'd be back in two hours, but she should finish this meeting long before that limit.

Not bothering to knock, Thrackerzod entered the cottage, ignoring Fluttershy's greeting and questions. The yellow pegasus raised her hoof but hesitated to speak several times while Thrackerzod cleared the middle of the room, moving the rug and small couch. Fluttershy finally mustered up the courage, after recovering from the strangeness of the event to greet her.

"Hi-hi Sweetie Belle."

Thrackerzod turned and cocked her head, "Hello, Fluttershy."

There was a long pause.

And it continued.

"What are you doing in my cottage?" Fluttershy asked.

"I am meeting someone. A very important someone, to discuss perfectly ordinary things, of course. What else would I be doing but normal things?"

"Oh. Are the other Crusaders coming to meet you?"

"No, someone else," Thrackerzod said, drawing a simplified Necronomicon gate upon the floor. The Elders had once been in possession of the Necronomicon itself, but it was missing at the moment. Thrackerzod was only able to use this simplified version, but it was sufficient to summon the Entity.

Thrackerzod took a deep breath and cast her magic out. The Entity appeared, horribly evil, wearing his tattered yellow......blanket?"

Thrackerzod was temporarily taken aback, "You-who-must-not-be-named, I come to discuss perfectly ordinary business, which are not the least bit suspicious................"

XXXX



"It's simple. We go into the woods, identify the source of Twilight's power, and then destroy it!" Thrackerzod said, in response to Apple Bloom asking of their purpose at Fluttershy's cottage.

After discussing recent affairs with the Entity, Thrakerzod had determine that the source of Twilight 's power was in the Everfree Forest. She then concocted a plan for a sleepover at Fluttershy's, as it was near to the Everfree, and it would seem normal to most of Thrakerzod's adult overlords.

Apple Bloom was still rather unsure of this plan, though, "I know, but why really?", she asked.

"Because... there will be candy."

"How does that work?"

"It will be an abstract kind of candy. But you may trust my mutual desire for things identical to what most children desire."

"I dunno about that. I mean, the forest is dangerous. Did Twilight wrong you or somethin'?"

"No, of course not. No more than she wrongs most ponies."

"Well, I think she does wrong most ponies."

"Oh. Then yes. I have been wronged and wish Twilight to lose her powers."

"Okay, see? Now I getcha. I've heard all about blood feuds, so I can totally help y'all out, I think. So I'm up for it if you gals are."

Uhhh. The Crusaders could be so annoying. All Scootaloo wanted was to propagate her genes as much as possible. An admirable goal from an evolutionary standpoint, but it rather hindered Thrakerzod's purposes in recruiting them. She had tried to indoctrinate them to her worldview, exposing them to the wondrous worship of Azathoth, the only true power in the universe. Or so she claimed. The others thought it rather strange. They didn't mind her practice of it, though. Thrackerzod had always known cults to murder non-believers, yet these ponies were oddly with letting live what lives.

It was an oddly.....mortal outlook, Thrackerzod thought. Of course, Thrakerzod herself was mortal, but she could become immortal in the service of Azathoth. These ponies, however, and especially Apple Bloom, focused on momentary things. Apple Bloom lived on a farm, where they very much depended solely upon the whims of the weather (well, pegasi and national government). Scootaloo, also, semmed to seek only that one evolutionary purpose. Thrackerzod had heard it was pleasurable, but what point was pleasure in a mortal life?

Thrackerzod was consumed in her existential thoughts, as she often was when she lived in Dreamworld, when Apple Bloom's voice pierced through her depth.

"You okay, Thrackerzod?"

Thrackerzod blinked, and shook her head, "Ah yes, I am perfectly normal."

"You scared or something?"

"No. I mean, uh, are you?"

"Well I know it's dangerous," Apple Bloom sighed, "Alright, I think all of us are aware of the danger out here, so we need to stay as quiet as possible."

Scootaloo piped up, "Nah, baby, that ain't how it works......."

XXXX

A disaster. The worst possible thing, as Rarity would say. Right in the middle of the Everfree, Apple Bloom says this ISN'T where Twilight's power lay. Couldn't she have said so before?!?

Thrackerzod lay on her bed, silently screaming. She wished to sacrifice Apple Bloom to the Void for her silence with knowledge, rip the skin from her bones! Tear her flesh, and the flesh of those closest to her!

But then she would lose an accomplice. 

And now Thrakerzod had to tell the Entity. Twilight's power turned out to be 'cheap jewelry', currently in possession of Celestia. Thrackerzod would need to conduct further research.