Season 1, Episode 6: The Evil At Her Side
EMPIRE
Season 1, Episode 6: The Evil At Her Side
The Hermes pulled into the palace veranda, which was held up with ostentatiously detailed pillars, painted in brilliant white. A compelling mix of arches and gold-domed towers, the Canterlot Grand Palace was as majestic and exotic as they say. The gardens were kept prim and proper within the palace grounds. The regality of a reigning monarch extends far beyond personal appearances, it would seem.
Needless to say, such beauty warranted caution. From behind the car’s tinted crystal windows, Orion cast his gaze upon the squads of Royal Guards patrolling the palace grounds. Whether perched high on alabaster walls or austere like stone statues by the palace gates, they all wore that same steely expression. Eyebrows drawn stern with glaring eyes as if the earth itself had turned against them. It was either that, or their lustrous golden armors were in fact two sizes too small.
“Here we are, Gov’ner. Just give ole’ Albert a holler when yer ready to leave. Meantime, I’d be in the garage. I reckon me lass here could do with a smidge of wax.” The stallion drew a gap-toothed smile and patted the ivory steering wheel.
Orion chuckled. “Hermes is very fortunate to have you at her every beck and call, Albert.”
“That she is, Gov’ner. That she is.”
Orion’s gaze fell to the army of maids and butlers lining themselves like clockwork upon the palace’s polished marble steps. Etiquette demanded that every available servant at the time be present for the arrival of a Lord, especially the premier of an Imperial Family. Orion, however, hated the very notion of it. As a colt, even at his father’s side, he would remember the condescension in their eyes. Their twisted frowns of disgust and narrowed slits filled to the brim with judgment and hatred. Orion scoffed at the thought while he fixed his ruby-studded cufflinks. Perhaps being a Lord had its disadvantages after all. Back then, ponies needn't mask their prejudices in his presence.
The car door opened. “Good afternoon, Lord Abrasax,” a gruff, husky voice greeted him. “On behalf of Her Majesty, Princess Celestia, I personally welcome you back to the Canterlot Grand Palace.”
“Thank you, my good— Blargh!” Orion scrambled backwards to the edge of his seat as he laid eyes on a gargantuan Trottish Terrier with a mustache to match. “Great googly-moogly, what in bloody blazes is that thing?”
The Terrier blinked, or at least Orion thought it blinked. It was hard to tell through the thickness of its furred brows. They were the longest eyebrows the young Lord had ever seen on a living being. “Must we do this every time, Your Grace?” the Terrier asked, sounding more offended than surprised.
“Albert…” Orion cranked his head to his trusty driver. “I do believe that dog is talking to me… and somehow, it knows my name. Which could only mean one of two things. Either I have officially lost my rockers, or I am in the midst of being assassinated by Equestria’s most incompetent changeling.”
Albert bobbed his shoulders and shook his head.
The Terrier shrugged. “Hilarious, Your Grace. Do forgive me for withholding my applause.”
“That sarcasm…” Orion squinted his eyes and leaned in for a closer look, only to realize in fact that wasn’t an oversized pooch, rather a grey earth pony draped in a black tuxedo. “Reginald, is that you? By the Old Gods, man, get yourself a razor. I do believe there’s a jungle in desperate need of a good trim.”
Just like the illustrious halls of Abrasax Manor, the Canterlot Grand Palace’s very own avatar of perfection came in the form of Ser Reginald Whitehall, the crown’s most loyal servant in more ways than one. As Master of The Household for the past three decades, the old stallion’s list of accomplishments could only be rivaled by the breadth of his mustache. Known for his stringent, but efficient ways, the lesser servants would often refer to him as the ‘Demon of Whitehall’. Orion, however, had another name for him: ‘The Mustache of Terror’.
“Believe it or not, Your Grace, there existed a time when true stallions were defined by the exquisiteness of their facial manes, and not how loud they can scream like pansies playing video games on the Vine.” Reginald ruffled his massive patch of fur, making Orion cringe at the sight of it. “Perhaps you should try it for yourself, Your Grace. Add a bit of debonair to your life.”
Orion snorted. “And have ponies chuck dog biscuits in my face?” He shook head as he stepped out of the car, a brown paper bag clutched firmly in his hand. “Your thoughts are deeply appreciated, my dear Reginald, but I believe I’m perfectly fine the way I am.”
“So it would seem.” Reginald proceeded to shut the car door. The Hermes then drove down the veranda’s cobblestoned path. “Wise ponies say that the concept beauty is often defined by one’s personal perspectives.”
“So is good and evil, but that’s a separate matter entirely, and I believe I’d digress.” Orion tucked his hands behind him and leaned forward, curling his lips into a grin. “And dear old Clarence sends his regards, by the way.”
The older butler flinched in his step as the members of his staff drew a sharp, horrified gasp, the look of dread washed over their now panic-stricken faces. There is a fine reason why the name Whitehall is considered taboo in the Abrasax household and vice-versa, considering how both the Whitehalls and Cavendishes are mortal enemies. Orion was vague on the details, however; it involved a blood feud dating back hundreds of years, to the golden days of The Eternal Throne. As such, both Clarence and Reginald couldn’t stand the sight of one another.
“So…” Reginald said suddenly. “Cavendish’s Crimson Prince still draws breath.”
“Afraid so.” Orion took a nonchalant tone as he pushed back on his messy jet-black hair, weaving his nimble fingers through highlights of dark lavender. “In fact, I would dare say that even the nastiest beasties of the Everfree Forest wouldn’t be able to end the likes of him.”
The old butler raised his left eyebrow just high enough to reveal his violet eye narrowed in a glare. “Of course it wouldn’t. The old goat wouldn’t be worth hating, otherwise.”
“I’m certain the feeling is mutual.” A light smirk danced across Orion’s lips. “Well, as much as I’d love to stay and prattle on, I believe I have a scheduled tea session with Her Majesty. Now, if you don’t mind.” He gestured with a wave his hand and proceeded to climb the stairs. The maids and butlers bowed their heads as he passed them by.
“You do realize you are indeed a several hours early for tea.” Reginald trotted his way to Orion’s side, half-jogging to keep up with the young Lord’s long-legged strides. “Her Majesty is currently in the company of several important dignitaries.”
“Oh, poppycock, Papa always did say a Lord is never late for tea, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.” Orion flashed his pearly whites in the most salespony grin he could muster.
The golden arches of Redwood doorway soon widened out into a marble-floored grand foyer complete with ten-foot stained-glass windows. Dozens of royal tapestries bearing the coat of arms of every known Entitled House decorated the purple palace walls. The tapestry of House Abrasax, however, hung prominently from the ceiling above the bifurcated stairs, among five others. The air was scented with fresh flowers hoof-picked from the surrounding gardens and arranged in crystal vases. A trail of maroon carpets marked the floors beneath Orion’s feet like a pathway for the regal and the influential. The young Lord chuckled to himself. He never truly understood the significance of a red carpet, other than to appeal to one’s already inflated ego.
“I would hardly consider Lord Sol the epitome of punctuality, Your Grace.” Reginald droned and shook his head. “But I suppose I am willing to admit that you are very much your father’s colt.”
“My word, is that a compliment I hear?” Orion held his hand on his chest in feigned surprise. “I suppose the rumors are true then. The Demon grows soft in his old age.”
“But even the calmest streams hide the most vicious of monsters.”
“Touché, Reginald.” Orion said with a soft clap. “Well done.”
Reginald cleared his throat. “As I was saying, Lord Abrasax, Her Majesty is currently engaged, and it is crucial she remains undisturbed and—”
“Orion… is that… is that really you?”
The soft-spoken, yet familiar voice of a mare jolted Orion’s memories like a kick to a malfunctioning compressor. He shifted his gaze to a unicorn mare with a coat of sunlight orange and a marigold mane. She wore a black dress and white frilly laces, the standard uniform of a palace maid. Orion’s smile was as bright as the summer sun.
“Caroline, by the Old Gods, it’s been such a long time.” Orion fell to his knees and embraced the mare in his arms. “You look positively dazzling, my dear. How’s the family?”
“And look at you. A Lord of House Abrasax, and so much more handsome in person.” Caroline giggled and blushed. “And they’re doing fine, thanks for asking. Oh, I wish Pierson could be here to say hi. He was your escort here at the palace, remember?”
Orion chuckled. “Oh dear, how could I forget? I was but a colt then, and while Papa had tea with the Princess, the trouble I’d get into would put even the likes of Discord to shame. Poor Private Pierson had to peel potatoes for weeks.” He rubbed the back of his head. “I suppose I do owe him an apology.”
“Tell me about it. He would gripe about you for hours at a time back when we dated. He still tends to talk about you from time to time. Guess you can say he misses you.”
“Likewise, my dear.” Orion patted her foreleg. “I’m certain that husband of yours is around here somewhere, but should I see Mister Boulderface, I’ll be sure to give him my regards.”
Reginald cleared his throat. “Missus Silverstone, need I remind you that you are indeed addressing a Lord of Equestria, and he will be addressed as such. Also, if you would be so kind as to cease your small talk, for Lord Abrasax has more urgent matters to attend to.” The old stallion scrunched his face and flared his mustache. “And I believe you do too, Missus Silverstone” he added as Caroline swallow hard in response.
Orion flinched. “Well, isn’t he just brimming with rays of sunshine and rainbows?”
“No, Reginald is right, forgive me Ori— I mean, Lord Abrasax.” Caroline bowed her head. “May I at least take your coat?”
Orion smiled. “There’s nothing to forgive, my sweet Caroline, and it will always be Orion to you.” He proceeded to remove his prized trench coat. ”I hold a special place in my heart for those dear to me, so if there is anything you wish of me, Miss Caroline. Anything at all, feel free let me know, and I will do everything in my power to fulfill it.”
The mare could only blink her emerald eyes as she flushed redder than rose petal. “Thank you, Orion.” Caroline smiled as she levitated the coat from his hand. “May I also take your… paper… bag?”
“Oh, no.” Orion patted the bag in question. “This one stays with me.”
“It was nice seeing you again. Now, if you would please excuse me, My Lord.” With a final bow, she hurried down the east corridor.
“If I may be so bold, Your Grace.” Reginald took a step forward. His broad chest and stocky build served to emphasize both his stature and his rank. “As a Lord, it is imperative that you acquire some restraint when it comes to the ponies in your charge. Attachments and personal feelings tend to cloud one’s judgement.”
“And you, my good sir—” Orion patted the older stallion on his shoulder before climbing to his feet. “—are in desperate need of a soul.”
“Well, I am willing to haggle should yours be up for sale, Your Grace.” Reginald kept his insidious gaze hidden in the sinister shadow of his thickened brow. “I assure you that this demon will make it worth your while.”
“So you do have a sense of humor after all.” Orion said with a sly grin.
The sound of conversation and rambunctious voices echoed off the palace walls, drawing Orion’s attention to a group of five ponies making their way into the grand foyer from the corridor to the west. Ambassadors from the Ponies Republic of Xing, Orion deduced, judging by their thick oriental accents and local costumes woven in prized Xingese silk and gold threads. The fifth pony, however, was none other than Princess Celestia herself.
Orion curled a smile at the corner of his mouth, recalling the first time he laid eyes on the Alicorn Princess. Some would find it daunting the way she towered over the average pony, but to him, there was always something inexpressibly beautiful about her. From her coat of astral white as pure as first-fallen snow to her ethereal mane dancing in the non-existing breeze. Her cutie mark bore the gallant sun, a testament to the sovereign blood which runs through her veins. Celestia glanced up, a tinge of surprise reflected in her eyes the moment she caught sight of the young Lord. In that instant, gone was the feigned mask of diplomacy, and in its place, a welcoming smile.
“Gentlecolts.” She addressed her honored guests as the four oriental earth ponies were rendered silent. “Shall we adjourn to the pantry for some light refreshments?” she suggested, to which her guests nodded with much enthusiasm.
“Miss Sweet Star,” she called out to a passing pegasus maid. “Would you kindly escort these fine gentlecolts to the pantry? Prepare a hot pot of Jasmine tea and some red bean dumplings.”
“Right away, Your Majesty.” The mare bowed. “Follow me, Your Eminence,” she called out to the four stallions who then followed behind her while they chattered on amongst themselves in their native tongue. They soon disappeared at the far end of the east corridor.
Princess Celestia made her way to the center of the grand foyer. She even had a graceful way of trotting that made ponies turn their heads to watch. “Lord Abrasax, so you did decide to drop in for tea after all.” Her voice was soft and tender. Like a mother would speak to her foal.
“Greetings, Your Royal Highness.” Orion took a single step forward and flourished the solar princess with a fanciful bow. “Still as enchanting as ever, I see.”
Celestia chuckled. “Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise? The Royal Equestrian bow. I must admit, it’s been decades since I’ve been greeted with such proper etiquette. It’s certainly a refreshing sight.”
Orion smiled. “Papa always was a stiffer for tradition. It’s like he always said—”
“Tradition defines us in our entirety.” Celestia said, returning the smile.
“Well, well, Your Highness. I believe it’s now my turn to be surprised.”
The Princess chuckled yet again. “Not that it isn’t good to see you, Orion, but you are somewhat early for tea.”
“Precisely what I was trying to inform Lord Abrasax prior to your arrival, Your Majesty.” Reginald stepped in. “I told His Grace, that you were in midst of some rather important business.”
“Yes, that, and I believe you mentioned something about a pre-lunch cocktail with members of the press and your fellow Entitled?” Celestia inquired.
“Oh, that…” Orion shifted his eyes and chuckled weakly. “Terrible tragedy actually. Apparently, one of our esteemed guests was caught milking his eel into the fruit punch.”
Celestia blushed. “Oh…oh, my.”
“Yes, he charmed the one eyed snake. Skinned his sausage. Made the bald stallion cry—”
“I believe you’ve made your point the first time around, Lord Abrasax,” Reginald snapped, having noticed the Princess growing redder with every idiom.
“—all over the crystal bowl.” Orion inhaled sharply with a tinge of dramatic flair. “It was haunting, Your Majesty, absolutely haunting. So with great distress, we had no choice but to cancel the event altogether. These are dark times we live in. Dark times indeed.”
“Good grief.” Reginald said flatly.
“How can we expect to keep our foals safe, when we have maniacs going about defiling tropical beverages? Oh, would somepony think of the juice? Haven’t they suffered enough?”
“But that is just horrible,” Celestia said. “I certainly hope they caught the perpetrator.”
“Alas, he was too quick for us. In fact, he was in and out before anypony could lay their hooves on him.” Orion sighed and sagged his shoulders. “Well, easy come, easy go, I suppose.”
“Yes…” Reginald narrowed his gaze at the young Lord. “He must have slipped past your security like he was never there.”
Orion reacted with a subtle scowl.
“Well, it is indeed a tragedy, and I am sorry you had to go through it.” Celestia lifted her head and took a deep breath. “However, as Princess, I must first tend to my duties. Besides, it would be rude of me to leave my guests waiting.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Your Majesty.” Orion waved his hands and grinned. “It was never any intention of mine to pry you away from your royal duties. Especially not on my account. I am free to wait in the library until the appropriate time.”
“Wonderful,” Celestia turned to old butler. “Reginald, would you kindly escort—”
“That won’t be necessary. I believe I can find my own way there. After all, I’ve spent many an afternoon in the Royal Canterlot Library.” He leaned in and petted Reginald on the head. “Now be a good boy, and keep the good Princess company.” Orion then bowed his head. “I’ll be seeing you soon, Your Majesty.”
The old butler snorted and ruffled his mustache. “Well I never.”
“Indeed you shall, Lord Abrasax.” Celestia returned a bow, then turned to leave. Reginald followed at her side. “Is something wrong, Reginald? You seem a little more uptight than usual,” she asked.
“I don’t like it, Your Majesty. It’s too easy.” Reginald scrunched his muzzle. “If that crafty little hooligan is anything like his father, I’m fairly certain that he would—”
“But alas, I almost forgot!”
“And speak of Hades, the soul of Lord Sol Clarus Abrasax lives on,” Reginald said.
“It would seem that I am now going to have to finish this exquisite slice of cake which I had brought all the way from Nancy’s Kitchen, the Princess’ favorite dessert parlor, all by myself.” Orion’s voice echoed off the palace walls.
Princess Celestia balked in her step. A subtle twitch in her ear betrayed her curiosity as a Cheshire grin unfurled on Orion’s lips like the mechanizations of his nefarious scheme. His lavender irises glowed ever subtly in the sun’s rays, flowing radiantly through the colored panels of the Palace’s stained-glass windows.
“Is it… Chocolate?” Celestia asked.
“Your Majesty!” Reginald snapped.
“Better...” Orion lifted the paper bag with a grin. “Strawberry.”
Celestia turned around, a near manic look in her eyes. “With extra cream… syrup?”
“Your Majesty, I must object. You have guests. Important guests, may I add!”
“Only the best for you, Your Majesty.” Orion chuckled. “So, shall we adjourn to the gardens or will you choose to deny this poor confectionery a chance to delight your royal taste buds?” He gestured with a gentle shake of the bag.
Ponies often say that if Elysium had a place on Equus, it would have been the Grand Canterlot Gardens. Acres of lush greens and manicured lawns and a vast variety of flowerbeds of painted the landscape with a fiesta of colors. There was an aroma in the air, sweet like a dab of honey on the tip of one’s tongue, yet pleasant like velvet on bare skin. Orion inhaled, then exhaled as he relaxed into the soft cushions while he sat beneath the maple tree, graced with the company of Princess Celestia herself.
“You know, Your Majesty, while I was still a student at Stalliongrad, there were nights where I would dream of this place.” He lifted the ornate porcelain tea cup to his lips and sipped, relishing in the light blend of spearmint and cinnamon. “But of course, its beauty pales in comparison to yours.”
Princess Celestia, laying gingerly upon the cushions opposite him, looked up with a scrumptious piece of Strawberry Shortcake in her mouth. She swallowed and chuckled. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Lord Abrasax.”
“On the contrary, Your Majesty, I believe the only destination I require would be that of your heart.” Orion said, his eyes glimmering with sly humor, earning a smile from the Princess. He then shifted his gaze to Reginald, who was standing huffily next a silver cart. “Reggie, old boy, I do believe that my cup is empty. Be a darling, and fetch me some more, will you?”
“At once, Your Grace.” The old butler ruffled his mustache as he hefted the ornate teapot from atop the cart. As he filled Orion’s cup, he leaned in closer and whispered. “May I please be frank with you for a moment, Your Grace?”
“I would be insulted if you didn’t,” Orion whispered back.
“You truly are despicable.”
Orion chuckled softly. “Aww, how sweet. I bet you say that to all the stallions in your life, old chap.” When the cup was filled to the brim, he took a quick sip. “Brilliant tea by the way. Now, if only if we had some biscuits, that would be perfect,” he said, bobbing his eyebrows.
There was a slow rumble in the back of Reginald’s throat before he addressed Princess Celestia. “Please excuse me, Your Majesty, while I go fetch His Grace some… biscuits.” He bowed as he turned to leave.
“Remember to sort them alphabetically. I like my Almonds before the Butterscotches, and preferably my Chocolate Chips before the Dutch Letters. Also, Macaroons and Macarons are two very different things!”
Celestia cracked up laughing. “My word, Orion, you are just terrible today.”
“And what of you, Your Majesty?” Orion tilted his head. A light simper gracing his lips. “Leaving your esteemed guests in the wind, and all for a slice of cake.”
“When it comes to Nancy’s cakes, loyalty is but an element.” Celestia levitated another piece of cake into her mouth from the tip of her silver fork. “And to be honest, the meeting was going absolutely nowhere. After the first hour, I was simply begging for a reason to escape, and then you came along.”
Orion chuckled. “Always happy to be the object of convenience, Your Majesty.” He rested his cup and saucer upon the maroon carpet splayed on the ground beneath him. “Although, I certainly hope the ambassadors wouldn’t be too offended. You know how awfully touchy these Oriental types can be.”
Celestia scoffed. “Please, I am a Princess of Equestria. They will wait. Besides, I was here when the Xingese had dynasties, rather than presidential terms.”
“In that case, let us pray they won’t crumble to dust by the time you get back.”
The Princess chuckled. “Oh, Orion, you remind me so much of your father… so much of Sol,” she said, taking a more somber tone. Her ears splayed backwards as she sighed. “I always did enjoy our conversations, and he always knew how to make me laugh.”
“Papa maybe gone, Princess, but he lives on within us all.” Orion touched the lavender stone pinned to the knot of his tie. “So long as we find it in ourselves to keep moving forward, the light that he had cast upon this land will never fade.”
“Which brings us to the real reason that you are here.” Celestia then levitated a golden device the size of common envelope from within the folds of her wing, and into Orion’s hands.
“So… this is what a Royal Pardon looks like.” He ran his fingers through the intricate designs shaped into the casing, and a crystal seal inscribed with the royal coat of arms. “So am I to assume that you’ve accepted my gamble?” he asked, a wry grin curling on his lips.
“You play a dangerous game, Orion, but it is hardly a gamble when the risks are yours, and yours alone.” Celestia lifted her teacup to her lips and sipped from its cusp.
“Well, I’ll admit that danger has its charms.”
“Still, I suppose I should warn you.” Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “The path you walk will be treacherous, harsh and lined with monsters bent on your demise. Knowing this, are you still prepared to dance with death?”
“But Princess…” There was a sinister, almost evil glint in Orion’s eyes, burning with the intensity of the midday sun. The light simper curled into a devilish smile. “I not going to dance with death… I am going to kill monsters.” The words left his lips in foreign tongue.
“The Elder Speech?” Celestia raised an eyebrow, then smiled. “And with perfect pronunciations too. It has been centuries since I’ve conversed in the language of the Old Gods. Even some of Equestria’s greatest scholars aren’t as well versed as you are.”
“I believed I mentioned that Papa was a stiffer for tradition.”
“Then I believe we have nothing left to discuss,” Celestia replied with a crafty chuckle. “I wish you, and your new friend, the best of luck. I believe you will need all that you can get.”
Orion lifted his cup to his lips. “I would raise a toast, but a cup of tea would be highly inappropriate. After all, we aren’t savages.” He took a hearty sip and sighed. “I suppose I owe you some clarity on the matter now that we’re both on the same page, so to speak.”
“That won’t be necessary, Orion. You have my trust, but I hope you understand that what you intend to unleash upon Equus is, and will be considered evil by the definition of most. In their eyes, you will be the monster, and not those you seek to destroy.”
“That is certainly not my intention, Princess. I’m sure in time they would think otherwise.”
“No, let them,” Celestia said suddenly. “My ponies need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy, so become the monster that they already think you are. As for the real monsters, Lord Abrasax, let your crusade serve a grim reminder as to why they once feared the dark.” Celestia bit into her final piece of cake then rested the silver fork upon the now empty piece of china. “And should a day comes when true evil darkens our doorsteps, be the evil at my side.”
“If that is what you wish of me.” Orion bowed his head. “And just so you know, Your Majesty, I’ve always been on your side. As my father was.” His gaze softened.
“Your biscuits, Your Grace.” Reginald returned with a silver tray stacked to the capacity with a smorgasbord of confectionaries and a rainbow’s worth of macarons. “Do enjoy them. I sorted them myself. Alphabetically, as you had requested.”
“Splendid, my good man, your reputation is well-earned,” Orion said with a chipper tone in his voice as he popped a lime green macaron into his mouth. “By the Old Gods, these are magnificent.”
“Careful, Your Grace, wouldn’t want you to choke on it,” Reginald said.
“I shall do my very best to not disappoint you.” The young Lord then proceeded to take hefty gulp from his teacup.
“So tell me, Lord Abrasax…” Celestia spoke from behind her own ornate teacup, a mischievous smile dancing on her muzzle. “Just how many mares have you bedded since you arrived home?”
Orion did an immediate spit-take all over the old butler.
Reginald gave a blank, half lidded stare before ruffling the drops of tea from his overgrown mustache. “Very good spray, Your Grace,” he said flatly.
The young Lord hammered at his chest and coughed, swearing a piece of macaron had lodged itself somewhere at the back of his throat. “By the Maker, what kind of a bloody question is that?”
Celestia laughed out loud. “Oh, Orion, even after all these years, you still get so easily flustered over mares. I personally don’t see what the problem is. You’re single, handsome, one of Equestria’s most eligible bachelors—”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, my love life is none of your concern.” Orion cleared his throat. “In fact, it’s not anypony’s concern. Why is everypony so obsessed with me getting it on with a mare?” He threw his arms in the air.
“And these just came out the cleaners, too.” Reginald mumbled under his breath.
Shrouded in shadow from upon the tallest tower of the Grand Palace, a desolate pair of cyan eyes gazed upon the three souls in the middle of the garden. An ethereal mane of sapphire blue bore the stars that lit up the darkened horizons like diamonds in the night. Her cutie mark, the majestic moon, was a testament to her birthright. As much as the regalia which adorned her slender frame.
A thousand years had passed, and upon her redemption, her true name and throne had been restored to her. Even then, the Equestria she knew and loved was gone. No longer did they look upon their Princess with eyes of love and adoration, rather with repulsion and fear. She was no fool. She had seen their dreams, heard them whisper. Speaking lies born of spite and malice. Mares would scare their foals into behaving by invoking her name.
The Night Princess narrowed her gaze at the strange bipedal creature. He was unlike anything known to Equestria, and yet the ponies had willingly acknowledged him a stallion. Orion Caelum Abrasax, they called him, the Lord of House Abrasax. But as far as the tabloids were concerned, a name was all they knew.
They knew not his pain, his sorrows, his fears, and most of all, his dreams. Not in the way she did. As a Dreamwalker, she had seen what he had seen, felt what he had felt. She had spent years learning of his thoughts, his aspirations, and above all, his secrets. The Night Princess knew that her actions were ill at best, but this strange creature knew her pain in more ways than one. The pain of being lost in a world not their own, and to be scorned for something beyond their control.
Though nothing could prepare her for the future he intended to shape. She saw it in a dream once. It was a dream heralded upon the backs of mechanized chariots of gold, and a tidal wave of evil’s blood unlike anything Equestria, nor Equus had ever seen.
“And so it begins…” Princess Luna’s words came as soft as a psalm. “War.”
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I don't know or care how you did it man, but Orion has to be one of my favorite fanfic characters to date.
Grins ferally
I can't WAIT for the carnage to start~
7931964
Aww shucks. Well it's going to be some time before we get to that part. In the meantime, Orion needs to recruit his knight.
Oooohohohoh you cheeky author you...
I approve of this~
And damn what a chapter, nicely done man! Nicely done
7932048 Stay tuned for the next one. I'm excited for it myself
7932233
So am I, and I shall, keep it up man!
7932028
Then from one author to another I say: Don't you dare rush it!
I love Orion, reminds me of myself. Considering how he was always in the Palace as a child, I think it would be likely thay he befriended Twilight.
Are more Humans going to end up there or will Orion be the only one?
Admittedly, I don't even halfway understand Luna's premonition... but that's because I don't fully understand any premonitions that don't make things obvious.
Regardless, it's got me excited for what's next!
7932405 Not gonna spoil that for you
7932420 You'll get it when the time comes. Trust me.
Hmmmm, where would Discord be in all of this we wonder? Also on another note we would expect Twilight to had embraced new science/technology and study it at times besides friendship.
7932842 Discord shows up a little later down the road. The world of Equus is already in turmoil with or without him.
And yes, Twilight will be both well versed in magic and Machina, also like Discord, she and the main six will make an appearance a little further down the road.
7933484 I hope they don't steal the show the young lord is putting up. o..o
7933672 Unfortunately things aren't as simple in this Equestria. EMPIRE follows the main events of the canon storyline with few minor differences here and there. So Discord is still reformed, Twilight is a Princess and the main six are Elements of Harmony. Even so, the existence of Machina and Lacrima tip the balance of power in significant ways.
Before I read this, what is the Gore and Dark tag for ?
And how bad does it get ?
8095692 There's a war scene in Episode 2 as the news covers the invasion but that's about it. The Dark tag covers politics, nature and questionable morals that will play out as the plot unfolds. It's a story about corporate and political drama after all. The Gore tag covers the fights, duels and battles a little further down the line. Don't worry about graphic content. EMPIRE is rated T for a reason.
8125576 Hi, not sure what you'really trying to say or where you're getting at.
2/10
X_X
camo.derpicdn.net/c01bed759cf1f1a657914df524126923ee960939?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi123.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo282%2FAbramus5250%2Fbadge_zpseaf496af.gif
You can read your review here: https://www.fimfiction.net/group/202157/blunt-reviews-group/thread/318070/blunt-review-empire-by-jackanarchy
8149715 Thanks for the review. It's good to have honest opinions from time to time. That being said, I can't agree with you a 100% with some of your points because most of it sounded as if it steamed from your own personal perceptions, preferences and taste when it comes to stories rather than reviewing this story from a neutral standpoint as you have pointed out in your earlier PM to me that you have your own personal set of rules when it comes to Canon, AU and Crossovers, which is fine, don't get me wrong. Perhaps it was the way you wrote your review, which sounded prejudiced and biased to me in more ways than one. Truth be told, the entire review could have been summarized to "This is a bad story because I don't like it." But we are all entitled to our opinions and preferences, and I respect yours. Thanks once again for taking the time to read and review.
This is shaping up to be epic.
And I love the verbal jousting; 'Mustache of Terror' and the alphabetized cookies being only some of my favorites from this chapter.
I only finished reading this story recently and I am completely in love with it! Please continue with it if you are able, I need to know what happens next!
9108724
Thanks for the comment. I've been putting off my writing because of career related stuff but I'll get back to it eventually. I'm glad you enjoyed the story, and things will pick up steam in the next few episodes