//------------------------------//
// Chapter Five 
// Story: Daughter of the Crimson King 
// by The-Black-Knight 
//------------------------------//


Chapter Five



-Manhattan, the next morning-


Azhek was out of his armor, wearing a towel over his body, and sitting cross-legged on the floor. Through the night, the Captain’s meditation was filled with scanning the areas around Stark Tower, putting up psykic barriers, and searching for those three that attacked earlier. While the search failed, he couldn’t help but use his ethereal form to watch his baby sister sleep, for a few moments.
When he finally returned to his body, Azhek smiled. “She truly is beautiful… The Legion’s shining jewel.”
“Captain Ahriman? Sorry to interrupt.” Jarvis spoke up, making him look at the screen, near the door.
“Nonsense, Jarvis. I was just coming out of my meditation.” He said, slowly standing up, rubbing his stiff legs. “What is it?”
“Mr. Stark needs you and Princess Sparkle to join him in the penthouse lobby. Seems like yesterday’s incident has some negative back lash.” Jarvis answered, Azhek starting to put his armor on.
“I’ll be over, once my armor is on.” He said, using his psykic power to place the armor on. “Oh, and Jarvis?”
“Yes, Captain Ahriman?” Jarvis asked.
“Please don’t wake Twilight. I’ll handle the situation. She’s had quite the time, and could use the rest.” Azhek requested.
“Of course, Captain Ahriman. I can do that.” Jarvis said, the screen turning off.
Once he finished putting the power armor on, Azhek made his way to the lobby. In his right hand, the Astartes held his heqa staff. In his left, he held his helmet, while the bolt pistol remained at his hip. When he arrived, Tony Stark was waiting for him with two other men. One was an athletic man, standing a little over six feet tall, and wore more classic looking clothes. The other was a dark skinned man, wearing all black clothes and an eye patch over his left eye.
“Apologies for keeping you all waiting.” Azhek said, making his way over to the three. “I only have my armor to wear, one can imagine how long it takes to put it on…. Even with psykic powers to aid in the endeavor.”
“Ah, no problem, Azhek. I was just telling the Captain and Director Fury about you and the Princess.” Tony said, the two others standing up, looking at the Astartes.
Steve Rogers walked up to Azhek, holding his hand to the giant. “Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America. I have to say, I’ve been rather anxious to hear the stories you have.” He said, giving a slight smirk.
Azhek took his hand, carefully, and shook it. “As am I, with your own. My lord always told us, learning from another’s experience is a gift within itself.” He said, nodding at Steve.
“And I’m here to make sure you aren’t a threat to our world, Captain Ahriman.” Fury said, eyeing Azhek very carefully.
“I assure you, Director Fury, long as your world is no threat to Twilight… You won’t find an enemy within me, nor my lord and Legion.” Azhek answered, understanding the man’s cautiousness. “Once she returns home safely, I will go back to my own dimension.”
Fury gave a nod at the response. “I can respect that, not staying in a place longer than you have to.” He noted.
“Now then, Mr. Stark, what is it you had called me down here for?” Azhek asked, looking at the billionaire.
“This.” Tony simply said, turning the T.V. on to reveal a rather aged man… Who seemed quite angry.
“Once again! That menace, Spider-Man has caused more havoc in Manhattan, with six of his friends!” The man yelled, identified as James Jameson of the Daily Bugle, showing pictures and videos of yesterday’s battle. “And who are those two!?” Slight images of Twilight, her face hidden in most of them, and Azhek appeared. “No doubt more freak friends of Spider-Man! Bet that woman is his little eye candy, like that Black Cat!” Then, there was the image of Azhek carrying Twilight, face hidden by his robe, and Spider-Man.
Azhek’s grip tightened around the heqa staff, placing his helmet on. “That mortal dares label my lord’s daughter, my sister, as a whore!?” His mind raged, before letting out a calm sigh. “Where might this ‘Daily Bugle’ be found? I wish to speak with this mortal about how rude, and unwise, it is to insult a Princess.” Azhek asked.
“I don’t think that would be a good idea, Captain Ahriman…” Steve said, looking back at the Astartes. “He’ll end up using your visit as ammo against you three.”
“Agreed, and we can’t have you marching down places, like Central Park, geared for heavy combat.” Fury added, walking to the window. “That would cause mass panic, and the wrong message.”
“Then what do you propose we do?” Azhek asked, looking at the other three. “I rather Twilight not be called a whore, in some way, shape or form.”
The group nodded, understanding Azhek’s point. The four stood there, pondering possible options they could take about the recent event. Jarvis’ screen suddenly came to life, the A.I. noticing the four in deep thought. “Excuse me, gentleman.” The four looked at the screen. “Ms. Sparkle is awake, and seems to be surprised at the use of some form of magic.”
Azhek nodded to the others, keeping his helmet on. “I’ll go and handle this…” He said, the three nodding to him. After all, the only one there that understood magic was Azhek.


-Twilight’s Room-


Twilight couldn’t believe it, she was able to use magic again, as a human! The last time she was able to, it only occurred with her friends or when they were playing music! Now, she was doing it like she was in Equestria, just by thinking about it. “H-How is this possible?” She thought, before a strong knock came at the door. “Who is it?” Twilight asked, looking at the door.
“It’s Azhek, Jarvis told us you were awake. May I come in?” He asked, Twilight noticing she hadn’t even gotten out of bed nor dressed! She had to sleep in nothing but her underwear, so not to ruin her clothes.
“One moment! I need to get dressed!” She called out, quickly getting out of bed and put her clothes on. While there were tears and rips, from the battle yesterday, but it was all she had at the moment. “Alright! You can come in now!” Twilight said, using her magic to have a brush work on her hair.
Azhek opened the door, bending down so he could walk in, noticing that Twilight was brushing her hair with magic. “I see someone is using their magic again.” He said, closing the door behind him. “That’s good, I noticed yesterday that you weren’t able to.” Azhek walked up to her, and took the brush himself before running it through her long hair.
“I guess using the inter-dimensional spell sapped all my magic at the time. I guess resting and sleeping for so long allowed it to come back.” She said, with a smile, before Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Not to offend you, or anything… But how come you’re able to brush my hair so well?”
Azhek chuckled a bit, continuing to brush her hair. “Using my psykic abilities, I can see every strand of hair and small knots. I then use said ability to fix the strands. Afterwards, I use the brush to help get the strands straight.” He answered, giving a light shrug. “And I had the honor to watch someone very important to me do it.”
“Well, I’ll have to thank them. You’re really good.” Twilight giggled, as Azhek finished up. “So, what brought you up here?” She asked.
“Jarvis told us you were awake, and shocked that you were able to use magic again.” Azhek said, placing the brush down. “I came up here to find out why.”
“Well, the last time I was human, I couldn’t use my magic except at certain situations dealing with the Elements of Harmony, in some way.” Twilight explained, holding her hand up and watched a magic aura appear around it. “Guess I’m surprised to be able to, freely, now. There must be a few Nexus Points of magic on this world, and only very few humans able to use it.”
“When I was in my Ethereal State last night, I did notice strong connections with the Great Ocean. Not strong enough to effect anyone, of course, but those who can… Are able to touch its waters.” Azhek noted, Twilight looking up at him.
“Ethereal State? Great Ocean? Mind explaining that for me?” She asked, politely.
“The Ethereal State is something strong psykers are able to do. Our souls separate from its mortal shell, allowing us to pass through objects, like ghosts, along with cover great distances in short periods of time.” Azhek explained, Twilight taking mental notes. “The Great Ocean, on the other hand? That is where a psyker draws their power from… Think of it like, the reason you’re world is able to use magic, is because you have a link with the Great Ocean. It’s waters gently washing over your feet.”
Twilight nodded. “I think I understand the concept, sort of.” The young princess tapped her chin, in thought.
“Good. The Ethereal State also allows us to access the deeper portions of the Great Ocean. However, this must be left to a well-trained psyker… Even its calming waters have hunters, ready to devour an unsuspecting psyker.” The Captain added, Twilight understanding the danger.
“Would you teach me how to use my Ethereal State? I mean, the concept seems to be exactly like our magic.” She asked.
“I would, but with the return of your power, means that you can go home. Teaching such an advance spell would require a great deal of training and focus.” Azhek said.
Twilight smacked her forehead, unable to forgive herself in forgetting such a fact. “You’re right! Oh Celestia, everyone must be worried!” She said, looking up at her companion. “But... What about Mr. Stark and ‘Peter’?” The princess put two and two together after the first moment Tony called Spider-Man ‘Peter’ and figured out that it was his real name… But remained respectful about it.
“I’ll let them know you were able to go home quicker than expected.” Azhek said, nodding to her. “Now, best deal with your worried friends.”
Twilight smiled up at him. “Thank you, Azhek. It was a pleasure meeting you.” She said, the Astartes nodding before stepping away. Twilight began to channel her magic, all around her body, causing a soft whirlwind of pure energy. Her hands began to glow with lavender energy, her eyes glowing white. “Equestria!”
The energy began to increase rapidly, discharging, making Azhek smile behind his helmet. “It is done, my lord. Your daughter will soon be home, safe.” He thought, placing a hand over the scarab on his breastplate. “Good luck, little sister… It was lifting to actually speak with you.” His thoughts continued, before he was struck with shock.
A blue flash of light suddenly appeared around Twilight! The magical energy around Twilight suddenly vanished, without a trace, and the young prince fell to the ground. “W-What!?” She managed to say, shocked and looked at her hands.
“Twilight, are you alright!?” Azhek said, rushing up to her side, and helped the young princess up. “What happened?”
“I don’t know…” Twilight said, looking up at his helmet. “I could feel the spell occurring, I was almost ready to leave for Equestria…. Then, it just stopped. Like something was preventing the spell from continuing.”
Azhek looked at her, before placing a hand on to her forehead. Within seconds, his body started to glow gold while hers glowed lavender. That was when he saw it, a faint blue glow in her form. He knew what it meant… An advance spell from a powerful being, meant to block her from inter-dimensionally traveling. “Seems like a really powerful being doesn’t want you leaving this world.” Azhek said, with a sigh, before the glows disappeared.
“W-What was that?” Twilight asked, surprised at what she just saw.
“Aura recognition. My Legion uses it to identify one another, it prevents others from infiltrating our ranks.” Azhek answered, checking Twilight, to be sure she wasn’t harmed in anyway. “I just used it on you, to check and see what happened, along with identifying your aura for later use.”
“A-And?” She asked.
“A being, far more powerful than me, is preventing you from going home or leaving this world.” He said, carefully helping Twilight walk towards the door. “Seems like sending you home is going to take even longer. Though, your connection to the Great Ocean wasn’t broken, so you can still use magic.”
Twilight nodded, and sighed. She held her hand out, a lavender aura appearing around her back pack. When it floated over to her, the princess quickly put one strap over her shoulder. “Just when everything was going great...” She muttered, allowing Azhek to walk her towards the lobby.


-Back in the Lobby-


“Are you sure that idea would work, Tony?” Steve asked, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t want to overload the poor girl.”
“It’s the perfect idea, especially how those pictures didn’t get a good shot of her.” Tony said, working on something with his tablet. “Put a mask on her, or a veil, and then she can walk around freely. Plus, if she starts to freak out, I’m sure the big guy will jump in.”
“I see the merit of the idea, along with the governments calming down. Especially if they know SHIELD is watching them.” Fury said, thinking about it.
“And what idea would that be?” A young, female, voice asked, making the three turn to see Twilight walking in with Azhek.
The moment Steve noticed Twilight was having Azhek support her, the Boy Scout rushed over. “Princess Sparkle, are you alright? You’re not hurt or anything, are you?” He asked, stopping right in front of her.
“I’m fine, Mister…?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Rogers, Steve Rogers. Also known as Captain America.” Steve said, smiling at her. “And are you sure? You don’t look so good.”
Twilight gave a nod. “Just a bit weak, is all. A failed attempt to go home.” She looked at the three of them, raising her brow once more. “Now, what is this about an idea?”
They looked at one another, Tony smirking. “A press conference.” He said, showing the two of them his tablet.
On it was a news article, with the picture of Azhek protecting Twilight. She was hidden behind his arm, only able to see her from the collar bone down, none of her face. The article read, in big bold letters. “Public Announcement from Mystery Princess at Stark Tower! Tony Stark calls out Daily Bugle’s slander of Royalty!”