//------------------------------// // Power play // Story: Friendship Amongst The Stars // by Thunder Brony //------------------------------// Across the universe on the planet Pontus Night-Mare remains unbeaten with 15 wins 0 losses this breaks the record for wins in the arena. Salamar the games promoter held a ceremony in the arena for Night-mare. At the ceremony he stood in the middle of the ring on a floating platform and said “citizens of the Pontian Empire and all those watching across the universe, today we commemorate a momentous occasion. Our finest gladiator Night-Mare has broken the record set by Larmbadar 270 years ago with 14 wins and 0 losses. Now for your pleasure I present the gladiator herself Night-Mare. He points downwards to a location slightly to the left in the center of the arena a circle with 2 doors. On the screens they showed footage of Night-Mare’s past fights and victories. At the same time the 2 doors in the floor opened horizontally and Night-Mare rose up the crowd cheered she basked in the cheers of the crowd. Salamar continued “those of you who follow the combats know that Night-Mare has broken that record with 15 wins and 0 losses. As many of you know once a gladiator reaches a 12 fight winning streak they are given a choice, they can either continue fighting at their leisure or retire. She chose to continue and has now broken the record. Turning to Night-Mare he asked what is your decision do you wish to continue or retire?” Nigh-Mare said “I will need to think about it I will announce my answer soon.” Salamar said “very well let the ceremony begin!” The platform lowered and Salamar signaling for Night-Mare to come on the platform the rode it to a special booth in the arena.one there huey took their seats as the ceremony began. As the ceremonies commenced past clips were shown and a speech was given afterwards the guest of honor just sat there feeling slightly depressed. A being sitting in another location close by saw her discontentment. When suddenly a being came sliding out one of the holes in the side of the arena it had 2 arms 2 legs silver skin and red eyes. A laser sword and a shield laid on a small table next to where the being landed. On the far side of the arena a door opened and a ground based Malctitude came into view. The being picked the sword and shield sliding his arm onto the 3 slots 2 to secure the arm and one for grip he activated the sword. It glowed with an amber glow the monster charged at the gladiator. He held hi shield out and charged at the monster moments later they slammed into each other. They crashed into each other with a thud the monster huffed stood up narrowed its eyes at the gladiator. Then lowered its shoulder and swaying its arm at the gladiator, striking the shield raking its claws into the metal. The monsters claws tore into the metal and creatures claws got caught in the groves. The beast drew its arm back taking the shield and the gladiator with it lifting him off the ground. It shook it arm violently. The crowd cheered loudly as the beast began to run was dragging the gladiator along the ground by his shield. Thinking quickly the gladiator activated his sword and sliced the monster in the leg. The creature howled in pain and threw the gladiator to the front on the ground. Then raised it arm into the air with the gladiator in tow taking advantage of the opportunity he then impaled the beast in the abdomen. The monster howled a seconed time as the sword came down with the gladiator carving a slice into the monster. The monster howled then fell to the ground dead the crowd cheered loudly as the gladiator held his word in the air. Night-Mare smiled for a moment then frowned and hung her head slightly. Salamar noticed her sadness and asked “is something troubling you?” Night-Mare looked over and said “am I happy you put this ceremony on for me but I do not feel much like celebrating I’m going to go for a fly thanks for the ceremony.” She got up from her seat went to a balcony spread her wings and took to the air she flew high in the air over the capital city periodically passing shuttles and air busses. The citizens inside waved as she passed by. After a few hours in the air her stomach began to growl so she banked for the place she called home. She landed outside the front door and went inside took off her armor then ate a few apples a pear and some oats. A short time later someone knocked on her door she opened it and saw Salamar standing there. She said “oh hi Salamar come in.” Salamar entered and said “Matscuf what’s bothering you?” Matscuf sighed and said “I’m feeling lonely as far as I know I am the only one of my kind or possibly the last of my kind the only lead I had was a dead end.” She looked up and said “and I’m tiered of fighting I want something more I have decided I’m going to retire. Then I can devote more time and energy into finding out more about who I am and where I come from.” Salamar nodded “very well but you will be missed in the arena” thinking for a moment “have you considered politics?” Matscuf smiled “that’s not a bad idea I don’t suppose this planet has such things.” Salamar said “no not really.” Matscuf shrugged and turned to a window “if the universe is as big as they say it is maybe I can find my home planet.” Salamar said “if it still exists.” Matscuf turned “what do you mean?” Salamar said “just what I said suns go nova and wipe out most planets in a system sometimes the entire system, it is entirely possible your planet suffered a similar fate.” Matscuf lowered her head sadly then turned towards the window but said nothing. Salamar turned to leave but turned back and said “I will inform the gaming commission of your retirement I hope you will drop by for personal appearances.” Matscuf turned smiled and said softly “I might.” Salamar turned and left before leaving he said “see you around.” Later that day while watching a viewing monitor when she heard a knock at the door, she found this to be slightly annoying because it came during one of her favorite programs. She groaned slightly in annoyance got up from the cushion she was sitting on walked over to the door and opened it with her magic. To her surprise there is no one there thinking she was the victim of a prank she noticed a note attached to the door. Taking it in a blue aura and closing the door she read the note it said. Dear, Matscuf aka Night-Mare my name is Kalmar and I have a proposition for you one you may find appealing, meet me in Solnaria Park tomorrow when the 2 suns are at their apex the sky. Look for the fountain in the center of the park I will be the one sitting on the fountain edge wondering what this could be she decided to meet Kalmar. The next day she went to the local transportation station and rented a shuttle. After boarding it she traveled to Solnaria Park. Upon arriving she went to the fountain in the center she saw a being sitting on the fountain. This being did not look like a Pontian it had only 2 arms and a darker skin tone. Kalmar looked up at the gladiator and said “I’m glad you could come please sit down.” Matscuf walked up to Kalmar and sat down on her haunches and said with a glaring stare “what do you want? I don’t do autographs.” Kalmar grinned wickedly “direct and to the point I like that no I’m not here for an autograph I have a proposition one I’m sure you will find most enjoyable.” Matscuf said “I’m listening.” Kalmar said “I am a Sandarian from the planet Sarndar my world was concord my people enslaved. Some of us were given a choice either join the Pontian military or die in labor camps I chose the former. Over time I worked my way up through the ranks and I am now a high ranking officer. I am also part of a growing underground movement of those who wish to establish a new ruler. Matscuf said “what does this have to do with me? Also why are you telling me this how do you know I won’t report you?” Kalmar smiled wickedly “I saw you at the ceremony and watched you leave you want something more something that will ensure your place in the annals of history.” Matscuf said “what are you proposing?” Kalmar smiled and said “I am sure you’re tired of fighting meaningless fights to a crowd who does not appreciate your true talents how would you like to be supreme ruler?” Matscuf asked “why me?” Kalmar said with an evil whisperous overtone “I have seen you in the area no gladiator has ever won as many matches as you have. Oh yes some have had long winning streaks but none have gone undefeated for as long as you 270 years ago Larmbadar had 14 wins he retired. A short time later he was offered the position of planetary guardian. But declined and returned to the arena and was killed in his return match. I ask you not make his mistake as supreme ruler you could crush any who would oppose you and your talents would be appreciated by all. Also your gladiator name will strike fear into your enemies that is why we have chosen you.” Matscuf said “I can’t deny that is very appealing but Hydoria is supreme leader Kalmar smiled “yes but he is off world at this time in his absence he has left a guardian in charge. Pointing to her horn he said “did you know he is trying to duplicate your abilities?” Matscuf arched an eyebrow “explain.” Kalmar said “he scanned your brain in order to understand your powers and reverse engineer them.” Matscuf said “why should I believe you?” Kalmar help up a small pad in his hand Matscuf took it in a blue aura and looked at it face scowling into an angry look. “So I was nothing more than a tool for a weapon?” After taking some time too cool down she said “very well.” Kalmar said “we have been planning to storm the palace and take the guardian of this planet prisoner then we can call Hydoria back here and do the same to him for some time. The only thing we were missing was a leader.” Matscuf smiled wickedly “or better yet put them into the arena” then arched an eyebrow “wait what in this for you?” Kalmar smiled “I don’t ask for much only a seat by your side as your second in command I would take the throne myself but my talents are better suited for recruitment rather than ruling.” Matscuf nodded but then she felt something familiar about trying to seize a throne then it was gone turning to Kalmar. “I’m in, but if this is a deception I will personally deliver you to Hydoria and he will give a gene altering serum.” Kalmar cringed at the idea of the amount of suffering he would go through as his DNA rewrote itself and his cells slowly mutated. He remembered seeing a prisoner who tried to assonate Hydoria go through that very process he nodded “understood.” After a pause he said “first we have to take down the planetary guardian once she’s out of the way we can take over the planet.” Matscuf smiled wickedly “and then the universe.” Kalmar smiled wickedly “that may not be too hard we have a graviton pulse weapon capable of destroying an entire planet.” Matscuf thought for a moment there was something familiar about that but was unable to remember where she heard it before. Pushing the thought aside she said “we need some way to keep Hydoria busy once we are established and consolidate our power. Then only then can we deal with any insurrections.” Kalmar said “I agree stealth is the best approach Hydoria must not suspect anything I know a few who wish to see him deposed. I will speak with them about possibly placing communication scrambling satellites in orbit. Where he thinks he’s hearing one thing when in fact it’s something totally different and by the time he realizes what’s going on it will be too late.” Matscuf smiled then asked “what’s to stop you from deposing me once we have achieved this? Kalmar said with a wicked grin “unlike some others my loyalty can be bought.” Matscuf asked “what do you want?” Kalmar said “not much just my own galaxy.” Matscuf smiled widely “deal” and they shook hand and hoof she gave him an icy glare then said “if you betray me.” Pointing to her horn “forget the genetic serum I will use my powers to slowly turn you into something gross and slimy.” Raising a hoof to her chin “or maybe a mix match of creatures something to put on display for all to see something with 8 legs and 2 heads.” Kalmar cringed “understood my liege but in order to pull this off we have to deal with the planetary guardian” he grinned fiendishly “I think I have just the thing.” Several days later Matscuf received a letter it read operation power play is proceeding as planned meet me at the palace tomorrow when the 2 suns rise. The next day Matscuf arrived at the palace as the 2 suns began to rise on the horizons. Then Kalmar stepped out from the side of the building “you’re here this is the plan I want you to hold the guardian in place while I administer the sedative.” Matscuf nodded and said “we will need disguises” her horn glowed as she took the form of a Pontian maintenance worker then did the same for Kalmar. Kalmar looked himself over and said “that’s a neat trick” then they entered the palace. Matscuf smiled “let’s get moving” Kalmar nodded “the guardian’s office is located on the top floor.” Matscuf nodded as they went to the lift and traveled to the top floor once there Kalmar pointed the way to the guardian’s office. Once outside the door Kalmar said “ok this is it.” Matscuf nodded and dropped her disguise then turned invisible Kalmar asked “are you still here?” Matscuf replied “I am here” as Kalmar opened the door and the 2 walked inside the planetary guardian was sitting at her desk. Kalmar said “greetings Xorbax we are here for maintenance on the main operating systems.” Xorbax said “there is no scheduled maintenance today” standing up from the desk she walked over to him and said “now tell me why you’re here. If I am not satisfied with the response I will brand you as a traitor. Then after a stay in the dungeon then I will deliver you to the arena and you will be put in combat against a Malctitude or a Blatomar or maybe Night-Mare.” Kalmar smiled and said “I don’t think so” Xorbax arched an eyebrow when suddenly she was enveloped by a blur arura. Xorbax was stunned and struggled against the magic aura screaming “WHAT IS GOING ON WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” Kalmar smiled and said nothing as he used a medical device to put the guardian asleep Xorbax said as she fell asleep “you won’t get away with thiiiis.” Kalmar said “oh yes we will” as his disguise faded and he pulled a pad out of his belt and uploaded a file onto the console. Moments later it sent out a message on screens all over the planet. On the screens the citizens saw an image of Xorbax sitting at her desk she said “greetings citizens of the Pontian Empire, as you all know our glorious leader Hydoria granted me the position of guardian of the planet. This is an assignment I have grown tired of and so I am leaving the planet but do not worry I and leaving the care of our planet to Matscuf.” Then leaning in close continued “I trust you will take good care of it while I’m gone” waving a hand “barlak” then the screen went blank. Matscuf walked over to a window looking out over the city below and smiled. Kalmar pulled out a communication device “Kalmar calling Forbar.” A voice replied “this is Forbar.” Kalmar said “operation power play has begun report to Xorboax’s office.” Forbar said “on my way.” Moments later Forbar came into the office and Kalmar said “use a holographic generator and show our” he paused for a moment then said in a cynical tone “guest to the dungeon.” Forbar saluted and placed a holographic generator on the guardian to make her look like a Pontian citizen and a gravitational inhibitor to make taking her to the dungeon much easier. Kalmar said “now that we have this planet we can take steps towards dealing with Hydoria and his lackey.” Matscuf nodded “yes but how.” Kalmar grinned wickedly “before we do that we should concur a few worlds that will give us more resources. Then we accuse them of something treasonous and declare them enemies of the empire declare them exiles and the planet will be all yours..” Matscuf smiled as her horn glowed and she used her magic to look through some of the files to see if there were any weapons that could be used. When she remembered something the graviton weapon she accessed the file that read Graviton Pulse Weapon. She watched some footage of it being used on a planet her eyes grew wide as she said “ooooh this looks promising.” Calling Kalmar over she said “we may not have to invade some planets. We just show them this weapon and what it can do if that fails destroy a few moons and they will surrender.” Matscuf asked “what about Hydoria? I’m sure when he finds out what has happened here he will be very unhappy.” Kalmar said “that’s exactly what I’m counting on when he arrives we will have a surprise waiting.” Back on the pony home world Hydoria receives a message “Holmar calling Hydoria come in.” Hydoria pressed a button and a hologram of Holmar appeared Hydoria said “what is it?” Holmar said “my lord I intercepted a message that was sent out across Pontus and I think you should see it.” Hydoria and Kalios went to a viewer and saw the message sent by Xorbax to the citizens of Pontus. Hydoria was confused “this makes no sense I’ve known Xorbax for over 70 years her loyalty is absolute and would never just up and leave the planet for no reason.” Kalios said “a traitor my lord?” Hydoria said “possibly it could be a ploy to lure me to Pontus.” Kalios said “what should we do my liege?” Hydoria smiled “we do nothing if someone is trying to usurp me let them try” he then grinned wickedly “I have an idea let them kill me and when they reveal themselves strike.” Kalios said “I don’t understand.” Hydoria said “I create a duplicate of myself or a reasonable facsimile and when they destroy the ship it’s in then they will believe I am dead and take over once they do that I will have them.” Pulling out a communication device he said “Hydoria calling Holmar come in Holmar.” A hologram appeared on the device Holmar here how may I serve you my lord?” Hydoria said “come to base one I have something I need you to do.” Holmar bowed and said “at once my liege” as the hologram faded. Not long afterwards a shuttle landed and Holmar stepped out and met Hydoria “you requested my services my lord?” Hydoria replied “I did I require one of two things either a clone of me or something to fool a routine scan.” Holmar thought for a moment “I believe I can do that my liege a clone will take a long time to create but a vile of organic compounds that will take no time at all.” Hydoria said “do the organic compounds and place them aboard a ship.” Holmar bowed “at once my lord it will be ready by the next solar cycle.” The next day Holmar showed up with a container of liquid “your genetic compounds my liege.” Hydoria said “good place them on a seat of a ship and set it on auto pilot for Pontus.” Holmar did as instructed and as they watched the ship ascend into the sky as it did Hydoria said “soon we will know who the traitor is.” On Pontus Kalmar and Matscuf are monitoring ships approaching the planet when one catches their attention Kalmar scans the ship and says “this one has Hydoria’s signature on board. But something does not seem right” Matscuf said “what does not seem right? Kalmar said “I’m not sure something about the bio signal. I have a target lock on the ship.” Matscuf said “blow it out of the sky!” A barrage of energy bolts are fired from the orbiting defensive batteries striking the ship exploding in bursts of white energy causing the ship to rock back and forth. As the last shot strikes the aft section and the ship explodes in a flash of orange fire. Fragments flying in every direction some falling into orbit and burning up as they fell. Kalmar smiled and said “Hydoria is no more looks like you’re the leader now what are your plans?” Matscuf said “nothing yet, if I announce Hydoria is dead it could cause panic and spawn insurrections. We must work in the shadows until we have an army large enough to crush any opposition in the meantime assemble some troops.” She grinned wickedly “we need to expand our empire. Kalmar bowed “at once my liege.” At the same time on the pony home world Hydoria and Kalios are watching the transmission sent from the decoy ship as the screen went blank Hydoria said “it begins.” Just then his communication device begins to beep pressing a button Holmar appeared “I have good news my lord we have successfully melded the dragon and Malctitude DNA. The prototype is ready.” Hydoria said “good work send it here.” Holmar said “at once my lord.” Moments later a faint flapping sound was heard it had a pause than repeated and it grew louder Kalios asked “do you hear that what is it?” Chrysalis walked up to the two and said “I hear it too what is that?” Hydoria smiled and said “the prototype.” Chrysalis said “what prototype?” Hydoria pointed to a location in the sky where something could be seen approaching in the distance. Soon a creature could be seen as it came closer it had huge wings and 2 horns that curved back on its head Holmar was riding on its back. The beast landed on 4 legs both Hydoria and Kalios stood in amazement at the creature as it folded its wings. It had orange scales red spines and teal eyes as Holmar hopped off its back the beast stood up on 2 legs it stood 3 meters tall. Holmar said “everyone meet our newest creation a Malcti-dragon” the creature bowed his head. Hydoria said “I am Hydoria leader of the Pontian Empire this is my second in command Kalios and the one over there is queen of the Changing Empire Chrysalis.” The creature nodded and said in a deep voice “I am Troezen.” Hydoria said “I have a mission for you I want you to fly west to the United Dragon Alliance and introduce yourself to King Dargo tell him I sent you.” Troezen nodded and spread his wings and flew into the sky. Hydoria said “soon we will have an army of them and we will concur the universe but first we have to find out who the usurper is.” Kalios said “they think your dead so the element of surprise is in our favor.” Hydoria nodded “it is I will sit back and let them make the first move then when the time is right” clenching 2 fists “strike.” At the same time Troezen was over the territory of the United Dragon Alliance soon he approached the castle of Dragons. Once there he met with King Dargo who was pleased with what he saw “I am glad our trade was successful.” Troezen said “what trade?” Dargo said “they didn’t tell you? You’re a product of our DNA and one of their creations you will find you have some unusual desires such as hording things and an appetite for gemstones.” Troezen said “no, I wasn’t told about the trade but the DNA mixing does explain a few of the things I am feeling.” Dargo said “don’t worry about it your part dragon and therefore your one of us all that is ours is yours as well. Your creators gave us a ship I sent a team to the planet Zaffiro and soon will return with enough gems to feed us forever. In the meantime allow me to tell you the stories and legends of our race.”