Hail to the king, Hail to his Horde

by Emo Rainbow

First published 30th of November, 2013

King Verus made a vow to fight for Sera until his dying breath. No matter where he is, and no matter the odds. That is a vow he intends to keep.

King Verus,the true ruler of the locust. Has escaped the hollow after the bloody rebellion led by him left it in ruin. As it was washed away by the flooding of Jacinto. An unexpected turn of events has left him and his general badly wounded in Equestria fully armed to the teeth due to a certain deity playing a dangerous game with fate, or is it something more than that. He must be here for some reason? The reason he doesn't realize. His ultamite cause, the salvation of his planet. A cause he will make a reality even if he dies on this planet.

(A/N:This is my first fic be gentle. I would very much appreciate constructive criticism. Tips and help on poor pacing. Help with bad grammer (LOL I spelled grammar wrong) would be most appreciated as well. I wrote this because I felt as though there were not enough locust in Equestria fics. Comments are encouraged, Enjoy!)
P.S: If you found this story I-I'm so sorry

The beginning

Author's Notes:

Are you sure about this? Like, honestly?

From his fallen headquarters Verus walked towards his reaver. It was a normal reaver except it was clad in onyx armor instead of crimson. Verus thought back to everything before this moment. Verus was the last black Theron and the most intelligent locust to be spawned by Myraah so much, to the fact that he could speak.

One thing was amiss though. Ever since he carried out his first task as general, an unstoppable one at that, he doubted his so called queen. He gained backers under the radar. A lot of locust supported him. With the first failed attempt on Myraah's life Verus spurred....the black rebellion.

In the years to follow Verus was thought to be a small annoyance to the queen. She thought his foolish self would be crushed by her might. Little did she know it was only the beginning. As more time passed she tried even more frantically to destroy the last human stronghold Jacinto. She thought if she took the surface she could have more time to gather her forces to crush the rebellion,but the humans wouldn't succumb. It didn't help once she realized Verus being her ex-general had access to the armory for prototype equipment. Such as the oneshot,full kantus body armor,and remanufactured reflecting mauler shields. Most were not fully developed. Only the armor was and he couldn't take all of the equipment which she still had.

There was so much propaganda in the hollow saying things such as "Verus is the true king death to Myraah." She couldn't even fathom how her children could do this to her. Verus knew that. He saw no reason to take the surface. The rebellion was to show they could live in the hollow in peace and harmony. Verus had his general do missions to take the queens life. His general Krogg, the only kantus to have a full suit of armor, joined him a while back. Krogg also had a long lasting hatred for the head kantus skorge. The kantus who refused him a head spot in the religious church.

That wasn't the reason why Krogg joined though. He joined the rebellion in order to help the locust live in peace. In the following years the rebellion took off. Until one day the groundwalkers drilled to the hollow they killed everything in their path. Even his soldiers who were ordered not to kill them. After a few encounters with stranded and cog in which they released humans captured by Myraah's forces. They made a name to the humans. They were called anti-Locust or something like that Verus never knew for sure.

He spent a lot of time trying to save the locust even to the point where he travelled to the depths of the hollow to recreate the kryll. A once extinct species after the death of his general predecessor Raam. He tweaked his personal weaponry like his ink grenades which now contained kryll. Once they were released they surrounded him like a shield. As general Raam and his Theron elite would do in the old days. His gnasher was tweaked to have a lancer Mk I bayonet on it. He also had a faster suspense upgrade for his torque bow. And he had dual gorgon pistols at his sides.

He was warned by the humans to leave the hollow, which was soon to be flooded, as soon as possible. It was a late warning as his army was in the middle of a final battle with Myraah's troops. His forces were decimated him and a handful of his best locust were all that remained.

Which brought him here to the reavers. Before he could get to it though, locust burst into the room. They opened fire as soon as they set eyes on him. He ran for cover as did his guards. These locust weren't mere Drones they were Hunter Elites. They wasted most of The guards covering Verus. With an opportunity when they reloaded Verus quickly counted the intruders. There were seven in total. One of The guards ran out of cover as a distraction. The hunters got him but not before Verus shot a fully prepped torque bow arrow through a hunters head which then passed onto another hunters back. Killing them both.

As Verus reloaded he looked at his enemies quickly to see the remaining hunters reloading their longshots and lancers. Just as he was about to rush them the wall next to them exploded. Krogg jumped out of the hole he rolled towards the hunters slicing one of them in two. He quickly twisted around to see a hunter tag him with a frag. Immediately after he pumped the locust full of led. He jumped towards the other hunters as the grenade detonated. The blast killed two more and brought Krogg to the brink of unconsciousness. With the earlier frag wounds he could barely stay awake.

He looked up to see the locust jabbing his gnasher right next to the weakened armor surrounding his head. The locust said "Die traitor!!" only to be stabbed through the abdomen lifted up and blown to bits by a gnasher. Verus knelt down and helped Krogg to the reaver. Krogg had long since passed out. Verus was carrying his entire body weight including both of their equipment. Verus thought to himself I will not let my general die as long as we live so does the cause. He hoisted him on the reaver and strapped him in with a rope he found on one of the dead hunters.

Verus got on the main seat and flew the reaver away just as the waters started to flow. He headed for a small cave opening which led him into a larger cave. He pushed the reaver to fly even faster to evade the waters. He dodged rock pillars and malformations heading further into the depths. He saw a dead end wall up ahead of him which he then proceeded to blast with the reavers rocket turret. He entered a massive chamber with a weird swirling storm in the center spewing out lightning.

Seeing no other options and seeing how quickly the water was approaching he headed for it. The storm swirl was unlike any storm he had seen he traveled down the middle of it. His speed was accelerated by the tempest storm(which he decided to refer to it as)as he did a downwards spiral to the ground.

On the ground he saw cracks and the ground rumbling as if the storm was trying to rip open the depths of sera. In a final act of hope or foolishness(the king could not tell which)he blasted it open with a rocket and traveled in it. He felt wind rush past him as he was going faster,faster,deeper,deeper. Until he broke the darkness. Only to see a mountain with a palace built into it rushing towards him at high speeds. He maneuvered the reaver to where it crashed into a garden of some sort with four legged equine looking statues everywhere. The reaver was very damaged and finally stopped. As he rose from the crash he looked around frantically barely staying awake.

He searched for Krogg until he saw him lying still in some rubble. He crawled to him."Krogg.....don't die Krogg!"Verus pleadingly said. As he looked up he saw miniature horses wearing golden armor and holding spears. The spears where pointed at him and the general. Some of the equine creatures looked frightened. Others looked cold in the rain. But most looked confused wondering what the hay it was. A certain equine creature that stood out from the others. It was much taller and had hair that flowed in a breeze of its own not aligned with the breeze of the cold night. It also had a horn atop it's head and wings at its sides. It also had a peculiar looking marking on its backside. It was also accompanied by another one that was shorter than her yet slightly taller than the others.

It was dark colored unlike the other. It was so dark in fact he could only see her by her hair. It was the most peculiar thing he had ever seen even more than the other horse things hair all he could say is that it had stars in its hair. He couldn't make out too much of this ones features he at least knew it had a horn. Just then the tallest one said in a clearly feminine voice "Hello. What is your name?" In an attempt to reply he let out a grunt from the pain. He was then reminded just how hurt he was he fell to his knees and fell down. Right before blacking out he heard her tell the shorter ones to help him and Krogg. She said "Don't worry you will be fine." He then passed out

30 minutes earlier: Equestria

Princess Celestia had no time to sleep no matter how much she wanted to. She had stayed up all night so far in order to study this magical phenomenon with her sister who was wide awake. Luna was princess of the night. This storm was formed not by pegasus but by pure ancient magic. The magic that both Celestia and her younger sister manipulate. The only magic that can be used to raise the sun and the moon. The only other creature capable of using pure ancient magic is Discord the god of chaos. He can manipulate a more chaotic form of pure ancient magic.

They knew though that they could rule out discord because anything he has manipulated has his chaotic magic residue written all over it. Plus he was "reformed". That is why they are spending so much time trying to figure this out."Ughh there is literally no other individual capable of pulling off this storm."yelled Luna clearly exasperated."I know nopony could have Unless...maybe yes of course." Celestia said thinking she had made a breakthrough. "If they somehow got ahold of a-."

She was cut of as there was a large crash catching both of the princesses attention. "What was that sound?"asked Luna. As Celestia was one step ahead of her already looking out of the telescope. What she saw was a large group of guards gathered around a large creature with black or onyx armor on in the garden. It had tentacles a saddle of some sort and it was clearly dead. But the guards weren't interested in that. They had their attention and spears pointed at something else.

"Luna we must go." Celestia said. "Why? what were you going to tell me?" Luna asked confused. "That can wait this is more urgent." Celestia stated as they were flying from their balcony to the scene. When they landed Celestia saw something unexpected. It was a weird biped creature with black war armor on. It had what she assumed was weapons on its back and waists. It was standing before a very tall creature which looked as if it could be a mutated porcupine made of metal. It was laying face first on the floor.

Back to the conscious creature it looked like it was barely standing itself as it clutched a wound on its side. It's face was covered mostly by the helmet it wore. Though she could see its teeth which were all canines very sharp yet not to big to were its lips couldn't cover them. She saw the guards tense up once they followed her gaze. The creature was sizing up her sister and herself as well.

She decided to try and communicate. "Hello. What is your name?" She said cautiously. It let out a gruntish hiss noise then fell to its knees then to its face. "Help it. get it medical attention now!" She yelled when she realized what was happening. She knelt down hoping it was still conscious enough to understand her. If it could in the first place. "Don't worry you will be fine." She said as it passed out.

What?

Princess Celestia relaxed in her study. Her sister was sitting down thinking about the situation. "They must have some form of connection to that magic storm." Celestia said unsure about her new visitors. "They might not sister." Stated Luna as she pulled out a clipboard. "According to this doctors analysis the creatures took quite the beating before ending up here. The sheer amount of concentration needed to summon this does not amount to either of their conscious minds." Luna said to her older sister.

Celestia was trying to find another reason. "Well what if someone sent them here?" She said. "Unlikely sister. The storm was conjured from this realm not theirs." Celestia knew she had to figure out a different theory now that Luna made some excellent points. Though, she couldn't shake the feeling that the creatures had something to do with this. "Okay Luna you win. We can rule them out as the cause, but what about them as pawns?" Celestia inquired to Luna. "Do explain sister." Luna responded

"If we question them when they wake we might be able to figure out if someone, or something wants them here. If not we shall try to send them home if they don't prove to be harmful." Celestia explained. "I wouldn't count on it their gadgets are most likely weapons far more advanced then ours. Not only that but they are most definitely carnivorous." Luna said. "Does that remind you of a race you judged too quickly? They turned out to be good all along?" Celestia said. With a sigh Luna replied "The griffins."

"Exactly." Stated Celestia. There was a moment of silence until the door was busted open by a guard. "Princess Luna, Princess Celestia come quickly they have awoken." The guard panted out from his nonstop running from the medical ward.

15 minutes earlier: medical ward of canterlot castle.

Darkness all he could see was darkness. "Prepare to die traitorous cur!" Yelled an all to familiar voice. He opened his eyes to see Skorge running closer to him with his chainsaw staff. He dodged to the right causing Skorge to cut downwards throwing up sparks from the metal. He quickly looked at his surroundings while Skorge tried to dislodge the chainsaw. He was in the throne room of the queen this felt like the day he tried taking her life. He felt pain in his right arm and he jumped to the right.

He looked back to see Skorge had abandoned the chainsaws and attacked with his gorgon pistol. He kept on jumping trying to find his weapons but they weren't in sight. He never parted with his weapons. When Skorge reloaded Verus charged at him with his knife. Skorge was surprised to say the least. Even though he didn't show it he was used to having locust fear him.

Verus tackled him and brought him down. Skorge lost grip of his pistol as Verus repeatedly slashed him. Until everything stopped by the sound of a voice. The queen then spoke to Verus in his anger and Skorge in his weakened state. "Verus kill him he is weak. Kill Skorge and resume as my general." She said thinking Skorge couldn't hear her. Which he didn't. "No you evil, corrupt, insensitive, wretch." He said as he charged at her.

Just then he saw the room fill with locust. Before they could stop him he slit her throat. He jumped backwards time seemed to slow down as he grabbed Skorges pistol and gunned down locust on all sides. None of which had guns for some reason. His clip ran dry and he jumped high in the air. He looked down Skorge and the queens bodies were nowhere in sight. He saw it the chainsaw his only salvation. He fell quickly and grabbed it he chopped down never ending waves of the horde. He eventually gave out and was bludgeoned to death.

Verus woke with a start to the sound of beeping machines which increased rapidly. But decreased when he realized he wasn't in immediate danger. He looked to his right nothing but a white wall. In front of him a white door and more wall. No windows either.

To his left walls no windows and his general lying there attached to a machine. "Krogg!" Verus yelled thankful he wasn't dead. Krogg's heart monitor was showing he was normal his heart still worked. Krogg was in his ceremonial robes which he wore under the armor. Speaking of the armor where was it. Verus still had his weapons it was mandatory for all of his soldiers to keep all weapons on magnetic lock to their armor.

There was a clank sound of something hitting the floor he looked to the sound of the noise to see one of those equine creatures. It wore a hat atop its head that had a Red Cross on it. "Uh oh." She said. It was clearly a female. She ran out the door and slammed it shut he stayed quiet and heard her tell someone to tell a princess. This couldn't be good he needed to get out of here. He ripped off his cords connecting him to the monitor and got off of the bed.

He went to Krogg trying,and failing to awaken him. "Krogg awaken now." He said. Krogg opened his eyes and stood up the cords barely halting him.

"My King." He said with a bow. Krogg looked around and scowled. Verus walked to the door pressing his head to it and knocked on it with his hand. Verus motioned towards the door and Krogg knew exactly what that meant.

"Yes my king." Krogg said as he broke down the door to look down at several surprised and terrified equine creatures. Some with golden armor on, and others just plain with nothing on. There were two that did stand out though. A tall one with multicolored hair waving on its own. A horn, wings, and a picture of the sun on its flank.

He looked further down to see a smaller one that was a darker shade of blue and had wavy Hair like the other one. She also had a mark of a moon on her flank. She had a straight face with a raised eyebrow as she looked up at him.

As the taller one regained itself it said in a female voice "I came here to see if we could talk over some tea, would you care for some." As she said this a tray of tea levitated in fron of them. He had one thing going through his mind which his king voiced for him " What?"

I can fix that.

Celestia walked down twist and turning hallways. The meeting with the creatures was something Celestia was thinking about. Though she did expect them to have a lot of questions she could only hope they weren't hostile.She looked down to her left to see her sister contemplating something. "What are you thinking about Luna?" She said. "What? Oh nothing just the creatures." Luna said.

"I as well Luna. I hope they will be cooperative." She said. They walked together in silence having nothing more to say. They had brought tea with them so they can make the newcomers feel more welcomed.

As they turned the corner they saw the large door with enchantments to make it unbreakable be blasted off its hinges. Said door almost took Luna's head off. They stood in front of the eight foot two creature they took the armor off of. Luna was staring at it agape. It stared at both of us confused that same look she saw on the smaller biped which she tried to speak to.

Celestia closed Luna's mouth for her. Luna looked up at Celestia. Then she proceeded to give Luna a look saying be nice to the creature. Clearing her throat Celestia said "I came here to see if we could talk over some tea. Would you care for some?" She said then levitated it in front of him. He looked at her unamused then his expression turned to confusion.

When she thought he was going to reply the other one showed up Verus was his name according to his weapons.

"What?" He said. Verus had walked out to see the two taller equines from before. Beside that he saw a tray levitating on its own that was enough to warrant confusion. He did notice the darker one he could make out that she had wings along with her horn and a moon on her back leg unlike the other one who had a sun.

There was a smaller equine that jumped in front of the taller ones. He said "Princess Celestia Princess Luna I advise you to stay away from these creatures. So their names where Cel-ess-tia and Lou-na and they were of royalty. "Pipe down bright defender. If you crashed into another realm passed out then woke up confined in room would you have acted any differently?" She said in a calm voice with some understanding tone in it. "Well I guess not." He replied.

"What?"Verus said still dumbfounded by the flying tray of wonder. "You act like you've never seen magic before. Let us go back into the room and discuss the situation." She said with a chuckle.

"Wait give his king an explanation of events or else!" Krogg practically shouted at her. "Me and my sister shall give you an explanation. Now Bright Defender get our guests some chairs." She said. The guard saluted and trotted off. He returned almost immediately he returned with a couple of chairs. Verus kindly accepted and sat down,and Krogg simply chose to stand.

"Verus why are you so entranced by simple Magic?" Celestia asked. "How do you know his name? Explain yourself. Also what is this magic you speak of?" Krogg started immediately after. "Krogg stand down! Now How do you know my name? Please explain. Also if you could kindly explain what you mean by magic. That would be nice." He said in a much kinder fashion then took a sip of tea.

"You don't have magic were you come from?" She said. "That would explain why we couldn't get a read on his magic I.D." The smaller one stated. "We will talk more about that after proper introductions. I am princess Celestia co ruler of Equestria. This is my younger sister Luna the other co ruler of Equestria." She said introducing them.

"Pleasure to finally meet you Verus." Luna said to him. "How do you know my name?" Verus said in reply. "It is quite a funny story when we tried to take off your weapons we saw the name engraved in it. We assumed it was your name. We guessed right." Luna said. Verus was reading the intentions of these ponies. They did not seem to be hostile. He saw Krogg ease up as soon as he came to the realization as well.

"Well I do believe it is our turn to ask questions. So Verus you are a king? What is the name of the country you rule?" Celestia asked. He could not tell if she had two separate intentions for this question. He decided to lie a talent he got very good at. "I hail from a small country called...ilima." He responded to the question with the name of a fallen human city which he had tried to save.

Celestia could not tell if Verus was lying or not. His helmet covered his eyes the most common method she would use to detect lies had to do with looking into eyes. She thought she felt something In his small hesitation could it possibly be a lie? "Well that sounds like a splendid name. Who named it?" She asked. lets see how quickly he answers she thought to herself.

She was suspicious he could tell he quickly thought of a name from one of his general predecessors. "Why yes the country's founder and first king Sallus vhun." He replied.

She squinted her eyes and so did he though it could not be seen. Luna and Krogg both looked at them feeling the suspicion rise. Celestia was the first to speak "Well this has been fun but you two must be hungry. Shall we continue this another time?" She asked. "Why yes princess that would be suitable.

Celestia turned around to see the broken door. "We should get somepony on that." She said. "We can fix that." Verus said. "Really you would be so kind as to do that? You are a guest." "It would be our pleasure after all you did heal us from the goodness of your heart." Verus insisted. "Very well if you insist." Celestia said as they walked towards the broken door. Luna conjured up some materials to repair the wall.

"Finish quickly so we can show you to your rooms and so we can serve you something to eat. We shall speak more thoroughly next we meet." She said. As they walked off Verus turned to Krogg. "Finally now we have a moment to plan out our next move. Talk in our native tongue and get to work." Whispered Verus as the sisters were speaking with one another about the suspicious visitors.

"I felt that maybe Verus lied to us. What about you Luna what do you think of them?" Celestia said as they headed to the cafeteria. "I don't know sister I am pretty good at spotting liars and I couldn't get a beat on him." Luna replied. "Perhaps we should wait until we get more information before we accuse him of lying to us." She said to her older sister. "Your right we should wait a bit longer before we choose to accuse them or trust them." Celestia said as they opened the cafeteria doors.

What they saw shocked them. Twilight and her freinds were right there in the cafeteria talking amongst each other with the elements of harmony on. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight shouted as she trotted to her. "Twilight why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Celestia asked. "I sent you a letter didn't you get it?" Twilight asked confused.

"Well your here now I believe this is something important?" Celestia said to her. "Yes princess Discord has been missing for a month now. And we thought he would be here. We can't even summon him with the elements. Have you seen him?" She asked worriedly.

"No Twilight. I haven't." She replied to twilights explanation. Just then an explosion rang out through the castle. There were several smaller rapid explosions afterwards and then some shouting. "We have to get to the medical ward now I felt this would happen." Celestia said as the elements Luna and herself headed to the medical ward.

Author's Notes:

Hello BCarmine here to tell you that I want you guys to tell me. Quatity or length?
I can pump out bunches of short chapters 1000-2500. Or if you give me time longer chapters 3000-5000 but not as often.
Let me know in the comments. If no one decides to help me with this big decsision I will choose one I am most comfortable with.

Only truth.

Medical ward: current time

As Verus and Krogg worked they calmly spoke to one another about the next course of action. "Should we speak truths to the ponies?" Krogg asked his king.

"I am still not sure. From what I have had to gather we can't trust them unless they can assure us a way to save Sera." Verus replied. Krogg nodded his head. He did not question the decision after all he joined the rebellion to save the planet.

They continued to work until they heard an all to familiar sound. A wretched thumping noise echoed down the halls. Then came that damned voice. "BOOM!" It shouted as they jumped to the sides. An explosion hit the door causing it to shatter to pieces. Verus already had his torque bow fixed on the boomers head. When he released it a wet crunchy noise could be heard as the arrow tore through its skull.

Krogg with his pistols in hand ran to his king. "Stay behind me." He said. Verus simply nodded and went behind him with his torque bow still on hand. As they walked towards the exit they heard locust letting out yells of attack. When they rounded the corner they were met with five or so drones, a Theron, two grenadier elites, and a sniper. One thought crossed both Verus and Kroggs minds. Easy.

Krogg charged in evading left and right dodging as many bullets as he could. Verus shadowed him quite nicely. They reached the wave of drones hiding behind cover. It was then that Krogg mantle kicked a drone in the head, knocking him back. He killed him swiftly then arched his head backwards dodging a sniper round that would have surely injured him.

Krogg felt some bullets hit his back. He jumped backwards going past a drone. Kroggs robes may have been reinforced with light durable armor, but it wouldn't last as long as his suit. He immediately shot the drone with rapid waves of bullets from both his pistols. As the drone died he saw the Theron charging a torque bow. Krogg charged at him.

Meanwhile Verus was engaged with three locust drones. He shot an arrow at one drone that barely dodged in the nick of time. Only for it to hit one of his comrades. He turned to the traitor Verus only to see him drive a bayonet through his flesh. Verus pulled the trigger giving him a merciful end. He heard steps running behind him. He turned intending to blast the locust with his gnasher. What he didn't expect was to get tackled to the ground by two grenadiers.

They started beating him with brassed knuckles. Verus raised his arms in a defensive position to which they took most of the beating. They laughed maliciously thinking they were soon to kill him. The left grenadier was surprised when a bullet took the other locust head clean off.

Verus grabbed his knife from his chest plate and pinned down the last grenadier and slashed his throat wide open. Krogg searched more with the sniper rifle currently in hand. He had lost that Theron after it cut his arm and threw a smoke grenade.

Verus stood up and walked toward his shotgun but when he bent down he heard a sound of a blade cutting through air. He smacked his shotgun out of the way as he rolled to the left. A large cleaver hit the ground where his head was just moments ago. He let go of the cleaver and took out his Boltok pistol and fired. It hit Verus in his armored forearm causing Much damage that was numbed by adrenaline.

Verus charged with his knife and slashed down. Just then the Theron pulled out a knife as well and deflected his slash. He swiped horizontally at his abdomen. Verus jumped back as the Theron tried to land a hit on him. He lunged at the Theron only for him to dodge and let him fall to his face. Krogg saw his chance to get a good shot without hitting Verus.

Before he pulled the trigger releasing his last bullet the Theron did a backflip. He pulled out the cleaver at the same time Krogg pulled the trigger. The Theron hit the bullet with the flat side of the cleaver sending the bullet back just as fast. It went sailing back and struck Krogg in his right unarmored leg causing him to fall. But with this action came the reaction of Verus stabbing him through the gut with his blade while he was focused on neutralizing Krogg.

The Theron hissed in pain and backhanded Verus across the face. He then kicked Verus, and making him clench his gut. He grabbed Verus turned him the other direction and threw him into a window which cracked. He pulled the blade from its resting place in his body and stepped toward the locust against the window. In a mostly understandable voice the Theron said "I have saved the locust. What have you done other than bring bloodshed amongst our own kind. It will satisfy me to kill you Verus."

Before he could stab Verus a gold beam shot the knife from his hand. "Enough!" A voice said. He looked to the source of the sound. There standing with her sister, the elements, and a group of guards was princess Celestia. He merely laughed. They thought they could stop him?

Celestia was through playing games and shot a bolt of magic at his head. It hit him causing him to let go of Verus who then proceeded to dive away from the window. The Theron's helmet was destroyed and he looked forward to see a very pissed princess and mean looking horses. Even the ones that where brightly colored.

He also noticed a very pissed kantus aiming a sniper rifle at him. It was probably out of ammo but he wouldn't dare take that chance. Especially when there is another one pointing a shotgun at him.

"Well it seems the odds are in your favor. You where able to beat me and a group of the most mediocre locust. Whoop-Dee-Doo. Just know that I Viken! Shall be back
to kill that traitor your protecting." He said to them as he backed up. The window shattered and he let himself fall while staring at them laughing the entire time.

"Thank you Celestia." Verus said in a strained voice.
"I am not through with you! Clearly we have MUCH more to discuss before I even think about making the foolish decision to leave you alone. What was I thinking!" Celestia said to him. Krogg could not get angry despite how she was talking to the king. He was too hurt.

"Okay Celestia give me a moment before you blow up into a rant about the situation!" Verus yelled in frustration with a little bit of it fueled by pain.

"Who do you think you are talking to the princess like that!? What gives you the right to be so disrespectful?" Said Rainbow Dash.

"Silence so I may speak. Your princess has questions that need to be answered." Verus said as he helped Krogg to a chair to which he sat. "You don't tell me to shut up I'll tear you to pieces just try me freak!" She said to Verus while trying to look tough.

"Rainbow Dash Calm yourself. Now Verus enlighten me and my sister as to the reasons why we should not incinerate you like the others." Luna said in a calm tone.

"Well lets see hmmm I killed them so I am clearly not one of the others. Also I am your only way of finding out the origins of the storm. Lastly I am your guest and I should be treated as such." He said in a heartbeat.

"Very well you make valid points, But you must still answer our questions of who they where and why they want you dead?" Celestia said. The guards accompanying her mostly dispersed except for six. Two to stand guard by the princesses and four to clean up.

Verus thought hard about what to say next. He realized the time had come to tell the truth. He decided to start on E-day and go from there. Take a seat everyone this story is long. He said unenthusiastically. A pink pony jumped up and said "Oh boy I love stories!"

"We have enough time. But first I need to get ready." A lavender pony said as she took out a notepad and quill.
"Ughh stories? Really? This is gonna be boring!" The cyan one said in an annoyed tone.

"Please Verus start." Said Celestia.
Verus sighed and said "Well it all started on E-day when the Locust....my race emerged." And so began the long and horrifying story of the locust hordes attack on the surface, and the long bloody rebellion that he led.

There was no escaping his past Verus knew this.

Medical ward: a significant amount of time later.

"That's when I blacked out." He was done with the story. He told them each detail A-Z but with much more gore. He told about everything they did on E-day, the lambent, his career under Myrrah's influence, and the rebellion.

"I think I'm gonna be sick." Said the cyan one. Verus could've sworn he saw her face change color automatically. There was a butter yellow pony with a pink mane. She looked terrified. When he looked at her she seemed so scared to the point where she looked angry.

The lavender one snapped her quill halfway through writing his story. A white one with an indigo mane held her mouth agape at the events she just heard. An orange pony with a blond mane was staring at him. She did not show emotion she just stared at him with squinted eyes. Until she gasped and looked away.

The pink one was scared but She also looked the most sad. Her mane literally deflated at hearing the death filled story. She was also further back than all the rest.

The princesses looked normal except no smile adorned their faces. They looked sad at what they had just heard.
They almost looked like they had witnessed everything first hand like they where there.

The guards where tensed up and all had their eyes fixed on Verus and the sleeping form of Krogg. As if they expected them to attack at any moment.

Verus looked no more happy than the others. He never wished to kill his kind. Even so, violence was the only thing the locust would respond too.

One of the ponies stood up and looked at him. It was the butter yellow pony that looked terrified. Though now she looked angry. Downright pissed off at Verus. Verus was confused he did nothing to warrant such behavior.

"Is it true applejack? Is what he said true?" She said through her teeth. "Yes fluttershy it's as true as Luna's moon." The orange one replied.

So those twos names are fluttershy and applejack. He looked over to them and he saw the yellow one flying towards him. "Why did you do that? You never have the right to do something like that! To a defenseless race no less! What do you have to say for yourself? Huh bub!?"

She was looking down on him expecting him to cower. If not cower than at least try to apologize. Verus felt angry at this pony trying to make him apologize to her for what his kind did to the humans. Did she forget how it saddened him to kill his own kind.

"Shut up! You have no idea what I've been through. I'm sorry okay I'm sorry for what my race did, I really am, but that gives you no right to attack me!" Verus yelled at her. Had she forgotten that he said he tried to save them. She doesn't even know what the humans are. After hearing him yell back she shrunk down. She usually had anything that was sapient bawling and saying sorry.

"I tried to save the humans. They were in danger, but they were far from defenseless. You have nothing to justify you blowing up at me." Verus said now calming down.

"Wait just a gosh darn minute here! You can't just yell at her. She just was distraught at the thought of your race killin so many creatures." Applejack said to him clearly angry. "Yeah! Apologize to her!" Said the annoying cyan one.

"No girls." Fluttershy said with a sniff. "He had every right to yell at me. It's me who should apologize." She said to them stunning them. They nodded as she looked to Verus. He had watched the whole thing unfold.

"I am sorry Verus. I shouldn't have assumed you were bad. I hope we can be friends." She said lowering her head to him. "I as well Fluttershy. I forgive you." Verus said to her. He was very true when he said those words.

Fluttershy looked up at him and smiled. She nodded then went back to her old spot before the argument. Celestia sighed when she looked out of the window.

"Well everypony and locust. It is late you all need to sleep after today's events." She said before looking toward Verus. "As for you and Krogg I shall keep a close eye on you. Your room shall be shared, and I will keep it locked by magic until I have guards to watch over you." She said.

Verus nodded and held up Krogg. His anatomy being a Kantus was quickly healing him. Verus didn't want Celestia to know he was injured. Krogg could fix that quickly when he woke. They all started following Celestia to the rooms to rest their tired bodies.

Underneath ground level of Canterlot mountain.

As Viken was walking through the tunnels he was pissed. He was angry that it would take longer to kill Verus. He entered a chamber door that read "forbidden". It was dark until he knelt and a light illuminated the room.

He looked up and saw the light. "Viken you have failed to kill Verus." Said a low gravely voice. "I need more time and soldiers to kill him." He said.

"Very well just don't fail me." The light said to him. "Now the queen of the changelings. Is she dead?" The light asked.

"No she was injured badly when she and her subjects disappeared. She is most likely dead." He said nervously.
"Acceptable Viken. Remember you must kill Verus to ensure the survival of the locust. Now go." The light responded.

Viken stood turned and shut the door as he left. When he was gone the light chuckled as he thought about his plans for these stupid locust. "All in due time." He said before disappearing at the sight and sound of a yellow lightning bolt.

Author's Notes:

Sorry. I suck at fight scenes on a small scale.

The calm is not a good sign

Verus walked through the hallway following Celestia still carrying Krogg. The group had fallen silent long before they began walking. He looked around and saw the halls adorned with decorations ranging from a humble vase to an all out tapestry depicting war. Verus thought more about that locust he had encountered. Viken was his name if he recalled correctly.

Something about him seemed off. Almost as if there was something dark following him wherever he went. His thoughts then drifted to his rebellion for some reason. A guard…. in the room with Myraah the day he tried killing her by surprise. The one who said he would stop at nothing to kill him. That guard must have been Viken the similarities are too uncanny.

“Well here we are everyone.” said celestia while gesturing to a set of doors. Verus counted seven in total. How convenient Verus thought to himself. “Get plenty of rest. I feel tomorrow shall be a long day” Luna said as they all entered their rooms. Celestia stopped Verus before he entered. “Verus I feel as though I must make sure you agree to the terms I set.” Celestia said to him.

“Yes I understand the agreement and shall abide to the rules.” He said to her without looking back. “I shall stay in here until you summon me.” He said. “Good now rest up.” With that Celestia turned around and walked away. Verus went in and set Krogg on the bed which strangely enough accommodated his size. He heard the sound of guards moving to the front of the door.

Verus sighed and went to the left side of the bed to sleep. He kept his armor on simply because he was used to it. He shut his eyes and focused on nothing but the extremely soft bed he was laying his head on. He felt like sleep had already took him and sent him straight to heaven. Then there was this nagging feeling in his head telling him to open his eyes to which he complied.

When his eyes cracked open he saw a sight which had haunted him since the day it happened. A large cell block which had dozens upon dozens of cells. with dried blood on almost all of the bars. He heard a call from one of his squadmates. Turning around he saw a grenadier searching a body of a dead elite hunter propped up against a wall.

He knew what was going to happen yet he couldn't say anything to get him to run. All Verus said was “Very good the queen will be pleased.” then it happened he heard a screech then immediately after a berserker burst through the wall running over the Grenadier. the roundish object flew away into a nearby cell all the locusts eyes never leaving it.

The berserker smelled and listened for the locust not seven feet from it. Verus motioned for them to stay still. Since he was the closest he slowly stepped towards the cell. as he did the berserker moved around as it started smelling faster. Verus was almost there but suddenly the berserker started smashing the ground in an attempt to get the ones hiding to panic and scatter.

Verus motioned for them to stay still. They listened Verus slowly grabbed the module through the bars. “RUN!” he yelled as he threw it to a hunter who stood furthest away. the berserker looked at him and charged. He jumped away and he heard a crash. once he turned he saw the berserker chasing his squadmates. The berserker wasted almost all of the locust. only two remained as they tried running for the data module that was ripped from the hunters hand.

“Go! Run!” shouted Verus. the locust did not hesitate to listen though they did feel they shall pay the price once returning to the queen. suddenly his vision was filled with the sight of the queens throne room. He looked around and saw the two other locust that survived the mission.

“So. You have failed to gather the data of the new weapons. It pains me to do this to my children but such losses are punishable by death.” Myraah said as the locust nodded in acceptance. “As for you Verus. I shall let you survive for you will still serve some use to me.” she said to him.

“My queen let them survive. It was my fault in the first place to leave the data.” he said to her not wanting them to die. He did not know why. Werent theron not to show this much emotion. what was he?

“Verus I do respect you very much, But even so you must learn to hold your tongue. Do not question my decisions.” she said to him. her voice showed her annoyance with his opinion. “My queen please listen to me.” pleaded Verus. “NO! listen to me Verus I decide what happens if you speak out one more time I shall kill you myself!”she said to him.

“yes my queen.” Verus said through his teeth. Myraah proceeded to kill the locust. Verus left the room filled with rage. He knew that she would pay.

Verus awoke and he automatically noticed his teeth hurt. He must have been grinding them in his sleep. He looked to his left to see Krogg sleeping on his side of the bed. Verus decided to go to the balcony to get some air.

As verus walked out on the balcony he saw it was still dark outside. He couldn't feel a breeze when he walked closer to the rail. When he grabbed hold of it it zapped him. He pulled his hand away and saw a barrier of yellow magic flash before going away. “Looks like Celestia is taking extra measures.” Verus said to himself.

He saw no use to be outside since there was no breeze to enjoy. He went back to the bed so he could try to sleep again. All he could do while he laid though was think about himself. What was he? Was he even a locust?

He kept asking himself these questions until the sun rose up. Bringing the new day along with some headaches. He heard a loud shout come from Krogg as he awoke with a start. “My king!” He shouted as he jumped out of the bed. He looked around trying to figure out where he was. once he turned around he saw the standing form of Verus. He walked towards his king and knelt before him.

“Rise Krogg. Everything is okay.” said Verus as he motioned for his general to rise before him.

“My king where are we? Is that bastard locust dead?” He asked wanting to know.

“No. I regret to inform you that I know not if Viken lives.” He said to Krogg. Krogg assumed that Viken was that locust. “As for our location we are in our room awaiting Celestias guards.” Krogg nodded and took another look around.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw something that made him smile. His eyes fixed on an open crate in the corner of the room. Verus followed his gaze and followed him. They stood side by side with smiles on their faces.

In the crate string at them was Kroggs armor. The general eagerly put on his armor. When he was done a knock was heard at the door followed by a voice. “Get out here the princess wishes to see you in the dining room.” Both locust shared a nod and headed out of the door.when Verus emerged he saw two guards ready to escort them.

One had wings while the other had nothing on its sides or forehead. They had expressionless faces, That is until Krogg emerged. The general emerged with his armor on and his smile returned when he saw the frightened faces of those ponies. Verus smiled as well and looked at the guards. “Lead the way.” He said.

The guards turned around and began walking. The hallways seemed to look identical and Verus was sure they would get lost soon. No one could keep track of these twists and turns. He heard Krogg speak from behind him in their locust language.

“May I say something my king?” asked Krogg in his usual deep voice.

“Yes Krogg speak.” replied Verus.

“I feel as though we haven't been cautious enough. We need to be to survive. We are the only ones we can trust.” He said. Verus was thinking and then he replied.

“I agree Krogg. I understand. We can’t trust them fully unless we can be sure.” Verus finished and he looked forward again. The guards were still walking, But were now confused as to the jiberish they spoke during the walk.

“We have arrived please be respectful. We are watching you.” The guard said trying to be intimidating.

Verus walked in to see Celestia and the six smaller ones he met yesterday. They were eating happily. Celestia saw them and asked them to join. They went to the large and sat down.

“Verus did you sleep well?” She asked him in a calm voice.

“I slept well thank you very much.” Verus replied. Celestia looked at Krogg and froze. Her mind started racing as she thought about his armor. How did he get it. The armor was kept secured in her private study, and he hasn’t left the room all night. Yet here it was before her eyes.
She didn’t show her surprise though. “I see you found your armor. she said.

“Why yes. I am grateful that you gave me the armor. I thought you wouldn’t have given it to me after what happened.” He said. Your darn right I wouldn’t have. Celestia thought to herself before replying.

“You’re very welcome. Now you must be hungry please eat.” She said. Soon after plates of salad and fruit came out. Verus and Krogg both eyed it before trying it. Only Krogg stopped Verus and ate some of his food.

Krogg had a thinking expression on his face then gestured to the food. “It is alright to eat.” Krogg said. Verus looked up at him shook his head and started to eat. Krogg looked to the left of the table to see the ponie staring at him. He growled and the ponies all five ponies turned away….wait five?

Just as he was about to turn his head to the left again he saw a pink face show up out of nowhere. “Hello my name is Pinkie Pie. Wow you’re tall. What is your name? Mine is Pinkie Pie but I already said that huh? You should hold a record for height. I hope we can be friends. I made you, and your king cupcakes.” she finished with a huge smile.

Krogg looked stunned though his armor didn’t show it. He only understood blah blah blah I am annoying listen to my annoying voice blah blah blee blah. He looked down at the pastries below him on the table.

“Pinkie where did you find the time to make these? I know that you should not be allowed into the kitchen of the castle at all.” said Twilight.

“Oh Twilight I never leave ponyville without new pony greeting cupcakes. Or in this case new locust.” She said with a laugh.

“Then how are they warm?” Asked Twilight.

“Oh Twilight there are some things nopony can know.” Pinkie said as she pat Twilights head. Twilight let out a sigh then went on to argue with the pink one. Krogg looked down at Verus who had already finished his food.

Krogg took that as his cue to eat. As he munched away everyone was silent except for the chatter of the ponies in their section of the table. Then suddenly the door burst open and a guard approached the princess.

“Princess there has been an attack on the city by those creatures from last night.” said the guard.

“We have to stop them. Do you know what they are after?” asked Celestia.

“Yes. Queen Chrysalis.”

Underneath east district of Canterlot

“You know your mission. Chrysalis has come here seeking Celestias aid. Do whatever you must. DESTROY everything you must to kill her.” said Viken to a large assortment of boomers, drones, beast riders, and reavers. In unison all said “YES GENERAL!”

A large hole opened up causing the creatures of death come to the surface. The citizens ran for cover as fast as they could. All they could hear were explosions and gunfire as some were gunned down by the locust. There was a series of loud shouts all saying one thing “DIE GROUNDWALKERS!!!”

Author's Notes:

I wanted to get one out before christmas success!

Distractions

Verus walked down the halls with a furious pace. “Verus you can’t seriously be considering trying to counter their attack. You are hopelessly out numbered.”

“Does it look like I care Celestia? I may be outnumbered however many to two, But Krogg and I outgun anyone who tries to stop us.” He continued on his path until the princess stood in front of him stopping his motion.

“Just listen for a second Verus, my standing army has already taken action and I am getting status reports. They are stopping the locust from even getting close to the gates.” Celestia looked at Verus awaiting his reply.

“You’re sure your ponies can handle the locust? After all of the things I have told you, what they are capable of?” Verus looked back at Celestia. The princess appeared to be thinking hard.

“Your highness let us go out there. The locust will surely cause a lot of damage even if your army stops them.” Krogg said in his deep voice. “As far as we are concerned we don’t even need to be asking you.” He added.

“Just go then I will not stop you from doing this especially when my little ponies are in danger.” She said. Verus and Krogg nodded then picked up the pace running faster and faster until they were out of sight.

“Princess?” Celestia looked down to her left to see a guard.”Yes?” She replied. “Chrysalis is waiting for you in your study. Your sister has already started to speak with her shall we go?”

“But of course.” she then followed the guard to the study where she would at least get a couple questions answered.

UNKNOWN POINT IN CANTERLOT PRESENT TIME.

Verus thought there would be significantly more locust but no. The entire deployment of locust was centered in this area aside from the reavers. Speaking of reavers Krogg should be just... about… DIE GROUNDFEEDARS HAHAHAHAHA! done.

Just then all of the locust moved their attention to the reaver in the sky that they proceeded to shoot at. Verus took this chance of their broken concentration to attack as did many of the soldier ponies. He reached behind his back and pulled out two grenades.

He threw one at a boomer and one at two hunters. The hunters started coughing as the ink entered their lungs the first one choked to death while the second one escaped the cloud he looked for the culprit seeing the theron killing more of his comrades he raised his gun to fire.

Only for it to be ripped off. He screamed in agony as the kryll went to work on him as they did with the boomer. Once the kryll were finished they went to protect their master. Verus continued to slit throats and blast off shells by instinct. He wasn’t even trying. He took this time to think of the reasons as to why they would attack not a full day from their last attack.

This seems rushed on very short notice really rushed. Also if they wish to kill him this Chrysalis or the princesses why send a small detachment it just made no sense...unless this was a “DISTRACTION!” Verus shouted right as he snapped a drones neck. Verus stopped to look around and all he saw was a bunch of slack jawed soldier ponies looking at him and the large group of dead bodies surrounding him.

He raised a finger to his ear and called for Krogg to pick him up. His reaver landed and pretty soon they were cruising through the air. “I saw you on the ground fighting my king. what happened?” Krogg asked.

“I think I just tuned out the fighting I am so used to it.” Is what Verus said. What he was thinking was that he just blacked out in thought and mercilessly killed those locust.

“This seemed a lot quicker than I originally thought it would be . Dont you think?” said Krogg as they approached castle grounds.

“Well I was thinking about that and I think this may be a distraction.” said Verus. Krogg looked back at him. “A distraction from what?”

“I am not sure yet.” said Verus. They landed at the castle. They put the reaver to sleep at the holding pens. They headed straight back to the castle entrance. There stood a guard who told them he was ordered to take them to Celestia when they returned.

MEANWHILE…

“So this is as much of a waste of our time as it is of yours. Just tell us the information you were able to gather. the sooner you do the sooner we can help.” said Luna trying again to get some information from Chrysalis and her changelings.

“Not one word until your locust friend arrives” said Chrysalis. Luna let out a groan of frustration. Just then they heard a scratching noise coming from the vents it was getting closer and closer by the second. The changelings got ready for a fight as did the royal guards in the room. the scratching noise got really loud above them then it stopped.

The bending of metal was heard as the vent pipe was ripped back and out popped a small creature. It was short, had a rounded hunchback, a big mouth with large teeth, And most peculiar of all no eyes. It looked very strange was an understatement. Everybody in the room had their horn or spear pointed at it. A guard asked “What is it? Some sort of monkey dog thing?” It then did something that caught everyone off guard, it opened its mouth and screeched.

The screech made everyone flinch. Their sensitive hearing wasn’t used to dealing with that high pitch a noise. Celestia looked up when the screeching ceased. The glass windows were shattered, everyone had recuperated from the screech, and the creature had others looking like it coming out of the vents.

They all started attacking the ponies and changelings. Celestia fired off a few shots of magic at them but they were too fast and they dodged the blasts. One of them ran towards her and a guard kicked it across the room it hit the wall and slumped over motionless. The guard smirked but was tackled to the ground by three more of them and was ripped apart as he screamed in agony.

The small creatures looked up from their meal with bloody mouths and looked over to their brothers tearing apart a changeling.

“Shin!!” Screamed another changeling after witnessing the other ones demise. Celestia caught the small pack of abominations by surprise by shooting them in the head when they weren’t paying attention. She killed four out of the twelve present.

The guards and changelings ran in just beating down on the monsters while Luna, Chrysalis, And Celestia shot at them with lethal beams of magic. The Creatures all fell limp in minutes. With this moment all of the occupants in the room took a breath. A guard stood over his fallen comrade as he swore he would be remembered.

Some chatter could be heard over by the group of changelings as they huddled over their fallen brother. “What were those things?” Asked Luna as she took in the sight around her.

“Wretches.” said a familiar voice. They looked to the door to see Verus and Krogg standing there looking at the current scene in the study. He walked forward and grimaced at the stench of the dead flesh of wretches as they were carried out of the room. “Celestia I must speak with you. I think this half assed attempt of an attack was a distraction. I am not sure what yet.”

“Perhaps I may be able to shed some light on this dilemma.” Said Chrysalis as one of her changelings constructed a weird looking Tome out of green goo.”This is the collected knowledge my changelings were able to gather on the locust. The locust have come in contact with a spiritual force which is believed to be helping them.”

“Wait so you mean to tell us that the locust are being helped by some ghost?” Asked Luna

“Well..yes But hold on and let me finish with this part you’ll really love it. My intelligence tells me they are based right here in canterlot mountain.” Chrysalis said.

“Then I guess we should take that with a very large grain of salt. Because I know from experience that your “intelligence” isn’t a very good place to get information.” Luna said with some attitude on the word intelligence.

“Quiet you. I know for certain it is true.” Chrysalis said trying to convince Luna.

“Without proper evidence we can’t be certain that’s even true.” Luna said back to the queen.

“Well go ahead and check I guarantee you’ll find them.” Chrysalis said confident in this proposal to look for them. Suddenly Verus shouted and silenced everyone.

“Ignorant fools. This attack was a distraction for them leaving. They knew Chrysalis would give us this information that’s why they wanted her dead. Now that she is here they decided to leave and used an “Attack” as the distraction to occupy us. Now they are probably hundreds of miles from here and you are here arguing like a bunch of children. Krogg lets go we are tracking them down.” Verus finally finished as him and Krogg ran all the way to the holding pens where their ride was

“My king what if they are tunneling under ground how will we see them by reaver?” Krogg asked.

“Well Krogg I am guessing they have a lot of locust with them so unless they have procured a riftworm there is no way they could tunnel underground without tunnels.” Verus said as he put more supplies they gathered from dead locust onto the reaver.

He turned around and saw Celestia standing there looking at him. “I refuse to let you leave without me giving you a proper send off.” She said as he walked closer.

“Well here I am. Is that all?” Verus said.

“Is there anything I can do for you before you leave?” Celestia asked him. He stood and thought for a while then smirked.

“Do you remember the night I arrived here?” He asked.

“Of course. Why might I ask?”

“I need you to get something for me.” He said. After a few seconds of waiting she returned with onyx coloured armor. Verus and Krogg took the armor and mounted it on the reaver. It then proudly wore the armor of the onyx government soon to be.

Celestia walked up to Verus as he was seated on the reaver driver seat. “One more thing take this that way we can keep in touch so I can make sure you don’t die.” She said when she gave him a mirror that he could hold in his hand.

“Aww Celestia you do care.” Krogg said as he was setting the Kryll shield in place.

“Well just try not to die and you won't hear from me that often.” she said to both of them.

“Will do. See you later. Give my regards to Luna and the elements.” Krogg said as he gave her a thumbs up. he didn’t know why but this land made him feel comfortable enough to talk like this.

“I will.” She replied as he took off. Verus paid close attention to a monitor to his right. the reaver was given orders to follow the stench of the locust that handled it before the attack.

Everything made more sense now. All of the forces sent were nothing but cannon fodder. Thats why he took out all of the ground forces without even trying. That also explained why this reaver had such a malleable mind. Now though he could only focus on getting answers and blood from these locust especially Viken.

With that thought in his mind he sent the reaver faster to its destination.

UNDERNEATH EAST DISTRICT OF CANTERLOT:
SEVERAL HOURS EARLIER DURING START OF ATTACK.

Viken moved through the moving ranks as they were heading out through the passage. A mist with the same color and lighting of the apparition of the “GOD” Kontos. “Ah now we can escape and gather all forces with the added bonus of that idiot Verus coming straight for us.”

“Kontos I don’t know how you treat allies but the locust usually give them some form of truth when they go on a suicide mission.” He said in a very less than pleased voice.

“Silence! they were merely a distraction for us. do not speak out again.” the mist said as it whizzed away.

It was then Viken calmed himself down. That bastard would pay. After he was done with Verus he would Kill Kontos brutally.He just needed to find out more about him. After that thought he continued on the track they were taking.

Fully unaware of the future that was set for him and his locust.

Author's Notes:

I didn't forget about the kryll and now that he has started his journey the fun can begin.

Calmness For the most part.

It had been several days since the locust had attacked canterlot. Viken walked silently while slowly plotting his murder of the so called savior of sera. He is no more fit to be king than that spirit is to be commanding the locust. “After I am done with Verus I will move on to him.” He said under his breath. His vision had been filled with nothing but red for several days now. He couldn’t stop it.

This entity didn’t even have the decency to try to make himself worthy. Yet his troops stayed faithful in the Idea that they would be praised as heroes once they returned. Something felt off to Viken ever since this started, he felt something tugging at his mind. he looked around at his fellow locust and saw the fatigued looks on their faces. He realised he was tired too and that Now might be a good time for a rest.

“Alright everyone it will be dark soon we must rest here for the night.” all the locust happily obliged to his orders. The spirit returned.
“What do you mean we are stopping here we’re so close to our destination we can’t stop now." He said frantically. Clearly letting his voice show that he did not want to stop there.
“Last I checked I was in charge of MY locust. I will not risk their health for your personal gain. unless you want tired soldiers unfit for a firefight?” Viken finished with a smirk. the spirit closed his non-existent mouth.

"Now go make yourself useful and tell the underground troops to stop."
The creature seemingly growled and receded into the ground. Viken took so much satisfaction in that conversation that he actually had the best sleep in a long time. Little did he Know that the spirit continued the journey with the vast underground soldiers in tow.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Verus and Krogg had been flying for days now the reaver didn’t need rest and Verus had been awake staving off sleep. It was late and Verus felt drowsy and Krogg yawning didn’t help. “We should stop and get some rest my king.” Krogg said seeing the sleep deprived king.

“You can rest Krogg I will stay awake guiding the reaver.” Verus replied not wanting to rest. Krogg was not deterred and pushed for him to get sleep but Verus kept replying "No." Eventually Krogg gave up and went to sleep. Verus kept flying determined to find the locust with the cold air hitting his face at these speeds.

Despite the cold air the fatigue was wearing him down. As his eyes started dropping he fought hard to stay awake. Eventually he resorted to punching himself.
After a heated battle with his body over sleep he resorted to drastic tactics to stay awake. But With the jagged piece of the reavers armor that would cut clean through his eye in his hand, He fell asleep.

He awoke sometime later in a daze he looked to his left and saw the large reaver severely injured. He looked to his right and saw Krogg cutting a tree branch with his knife.
"What happened?" Verus got no reply from his general. "Krogg what are you doing." Verus still got no reply. He took notice that Krogg had his Kantus robes on because he almost never took off his armor. He tried standing but with a hiss and a sharp pain in his leg he sat down once more.

He looked down at his left leg to see a splint and rope holding it. He inspected it further but was interrupted by Kroggs footsteps approaching him. He looked up and met a branch to his face. If the glare he produced for Krogg was turned into energy that Kantus would be a red stain on a tree.

Before he could say anything Krogg shouted at the top of his lungs at him he felt pain in his leg followed by relief. "Don't say a word YOUR HIGHNESS I told you to get rest but NOOOO you had to persist. Now you are going to stay here and heal, right now your crippled in the left leg it needs time even my shout has restrictions. It can bring it back just stay there."

Sensing that he was done Verus felt he should say something. "Krogg I am so sorry for not heeding your advice. But you have to understand that if we found them I wanted to be awake to kill them." Verus looked up at his friend. He was met with another branch to the face. With a slight chuckle he said "Take it easy that almost hurt."
Yet another swing came it was so hard that it snapped in half. Keep in mind it is a thick branch so it hurt a lot. "Alright alright I'll stop. How long will we have to stay here?" Krogg pondered at what he brought up.

"Well thanks to you if we take into account yours and the reavers condition and the fact that I am the only one capable of standing up. Three-four days at the least." With that startling revelation Verus realized just how stupid he'd been. Now they had to waste time getting their strength back because of him.

"Well. I can at least help you set up shelter. It looks like it will rain soon." He said about to stand on his right leg.
"Yes it does look like rain is coming in but I can't let you help. As the medic when it comes to the well being of you I am the highest rank. So I order you to rest While I make shelter." He said as he was forcing Verus to sit down. With a few grumbled complaints Verus reluctantly sat down next to the reaver.

Two Days Later 8:09 AM.

The past two days were uneventful especially for Verus. Most of the last few days had been spent under the shelter with the reaver and waiting for Krogg to return. He had a lot of time to himself and except the one-sided conversations with the reaver thinking was the only way to keep himself occupied.

He thought about things like how he would get home or if Sera was being controlled by the lambent and the humans were running scared.
He imagined lambent everywhere and the humans trying to stay alive. But a much more grim thought entered his mind. What if there was no Sera to return to. He immediately shoved that thought out of his mind. Someone will save Sera someone has to.

A rustle of bushes off to the side caught his attention. It might just be Krogg coming back with breakfast he thought. But you can't be too sure. He made a hiss noise Theron are most common for. Something he needed to know in order to be considered one. Krogg was supposed to in turn make a grunt noise Kantus can pull off but all he got in return was the motion in the bushes stop completely. He saw a little brown nub coming out of the bushes. Thinking it was another Wooden wolf he grabbed one of his Gorgons and focused the sights.

What he saw made his eyes widen. A little unicorn foal was staring at him with a confused expression. If he had to guess he looked eight or nine though he hadn't seen too many young ponies. The foal had a Chestnut brown coat and a light brown mane. He had Blue eyes and a white sadlebag. Suddenly the ponies' face turned from confusion to joy.

"Yes I knew I'd find one eat your heart out Kick I found an alien!" The Colt exclaimed. Verus for one was just wondering where he came from. The unicorn started walking towards him intent on asking some questions. Verus was going to do the exact same thing. Feeling he had enough strength he stood up with the makeshift crutches Krogg made him.

He immediately regretted it as the unicorns face was then plastered with fear. He backed up and Verus tried to calm him down as he could see his rising fear. "It's okay I won't hurt you." He said. Regardless the pony didn't listen.
The brush to the right moved and Krogg stepped out holding two large pieces of meat. "Verus I've returned....with the...food?" He trailed off as he caught a glimpse of the foal. But not a few seconds later the pony lost it. He screamed a the top of his lungs and ran off. Krogg set the meat on the table and got ready to chase him but Verus cursed and fell down so Krogg went to help him.

"Don't let him say anything about us we don't have time for this." Verus said Krogg nodded and bolted after the pony. They must not have realized just how close they were to a town because within minutes he saw a town filled with ponies. He hid down in the foliage only one pony caught his attention the youngling from before was bawling his eyes out to another pony a Pegasus that had a skeptical look.

Once the pony pointed at the forest the Pegasus looked up put on some weird goggles and fell down from being startled. He took them off and seemingly stared right at Krogg then grabbed the Unicorn and ran. The locust came to one solution "He saw me." After saying that he bolted right back to Verus they needed to move now.

Three Days Earlier 11:13 PM

Kindled Fire Kindle for short was a unicorn colt who lived in the quaint little town of Harvest. The town is usually dominated by the local scientist Kick Start. He's always up in some crazy high jinks be it five foot tall spiders ravaging the town to some radical growth syrum that made the crops turn into Killer waffles that shot out bubbles. Long story short this town was anything but peaceful.

Kick Start was an average height Pegasus with a white coat black mane and he's always in a lab coat he'd done good things, And Kindle was good friends with him. But they were both considered dummies, him mostly. He was now on his last day of grounding and he couldn't wait for more adventures.

He was grounded for flunking the math test at the school. He didn't care he sucked at math it wouldn't hurt him in the long run. He looked to the sky and saw something falling, he could barely see it. As it was at night and it was black.

He squinted and he saw a brief flash like a quiet explosion. With the small amount of light he could make out key features like tentacles and something riding it.

"A weird tentacle creature falling from the sky with some thing riding it?" The gears started turning in his head with the thought of his outer space adventure comics and once they came to a stop his mind was set on one thing. "ALIENS!"

"Kindle be quiet and go to bed!" Yelled a disgruntled mare in the other room.

"Okay sorry mom!" For the rest of the night he laid in his bed babbling how his name will go down in history for this.

The next day he got up and wanted to tell Kick right away. "Well you're in a hurry aren't you." Said his mom

"Sure am I saw Aliens last night! I'm heading off to tell Kick Start." He said in a cheery voice.

"Really? Aliens? That's a little bit far fetched don't you think?" She said to him.

"Yeah I know but he'll believe me you'll see." He grabbed his breakfast thanked his mom and left. On his way to the observatory he saw some of the towns local guards.

"As stoic as ever." He said under his breath. As he neared the entrance he heard a loud bang and coughing. He looked inside of the main laboratory room to see a gust of black smoke leave and Kick wheezing.

"Gah ugh. Kindle get me the sweeper." He said while waving away the still prominent smoke. Kindle gave him a strange object with two propellers and a squirter of some kind. He flicked it on and it squirted blue magic in the air then the propellers started waving away the smoke.

"Thanks my dear assistant. Ahem so you're here early. Any particular reason? Or are you actually thrilled to learn for a change?" Kick said as he set the "sweeper" down.

"You will never guess what I saw last night." He said wanting Kick to respond.

"And that isssss." Kick said wanting the colt to spit it out.

"Aliens Kick I swear to you I saw them." He said smiling. He looked up at Kick seeing him slowly turn around and give him a look.

"Aliens? No no no don't say anything else just let me say it out loud. Aliens. No it sounds even more ridiculous than before." He said to the colt.

"Kick!" Kindle shouted.

"What?" He said defensively. "Come on we have to continue field testing of the extendo boxing glove." He said as he pulled out a mechanism connected to a boxing glove. He pushed it and it went out with a satisfying boing sound. He gave a chuckle and headed for the door.

"Come on you get first hit!" He said nearing the door.

"Kick wait I can prove I saw them." He said. "Off in the woods they crashed I can show you to them."

"Well maybe tomorrow you can show me, But right now we have work to do. I don't pay you for nothing!" He said as he continued on.

"Fine Kick tomorrow you promise?" He asked.

"Yeah tomorrow. So lets go I have an awesome thing for testing to show you. And remember to bring the vector cannon we'll need it." They headed out to the back of the observatory and Kindle got a sense of déjà vu when he saw a metal staff standing upright in the ground.

"What's that doing here!? Weren't you supposed to give that to the canterlot magic research association?" Kindle said with panic in his voice. Shouting pretty loud but not loud enough for others to hear.

"Well yeah I was obligated to under threat of imprisonment for life but I kept it in the name of science! It's fine you shouldn't be freaking out." He said cheerfully as he set the "Vector cannon" In position with the staff.

"How can I NOT be freaking out right now YOU should be freaking out right now we're so dead it's not even funny!" He said then continued to bite his hooves. Kick did not respond though as he shot a big black vector at the tip of the staff.

A huge black hole emerged and a realm filled with floating objects appeared. "What's this now?" Kindle asked.

"Well you see the properties of the vectors and the properties of the staff are able to combine an opening for me to access hammerspace." He said as he reached in and pulled out an ice sculpture of a griffon. He pushed a button on the gun and the portal closed. He then set the sculpture down on the grass.

"You stole this powerful artifact and put a whole bunch of lives at risk just to access hammerspace!? That's not worth it...is it?" He asked not sure if he should be mad anymore.

"Will you put it back now?" He said hoping he'd get the right answer. After a pause from speaking Kick spoke up.

"No I won't. First off I can't let it fall into the wrong hooves. Second there's no need to worry I gave them a fake staff with the same wavelength and properties but it's a lot weaker. Now come on we have tests to run." He finished while he pulled out the boxing glove.

"Okay okay deep breaths deep breaths Kindle." While Kindle tried calming himself Kick declared first punch and hit the ice sculpture.

It blew up into a million pieces. "I think I put in too much power." He started tinkering with it while Kindle freaked out.

LATER....

Kindle had gone home after a long day. And now it was just Kick and his creations. He didn't want to tell Kindle what he really kept the staff for, he wasn't ready. Maybe in a month or two.

He took the staff in his hoof and lifted it up trying to activate it but it was a massive failure. He tried setting it down and making a bunch of hoof gestures while saying oohs and ahhs.

"Come to life! Open sesame! For Luna's sake activate you rotten sack of hay!" After that he gave up until it shed a white light that engulfed him. He emerged feeling different also everything hurt he ran to a mirror and looked at himself.

He looked taller than before, he had a much more manly physique, his mane and tail looked healthier, and his wings were more large and brilliant almost as big as Celestia's. "I'm looking good. But how will I explain this. I guess I do have to tell Kindle."

THE NEXT DAY...

He'd gotten Kindle to go get some roots without seeing him now was the time to tell him. He waited by the woods entrance at the backyard. He heard Kindle screaming down the path. Kindle fell in front of him shouting loudly.

"The aliens are gonna kill me there's one in the bushes!" He shouted while pointing at the rustling bushes. Kick looked and a little bunny popped out.

"Kindle that's not an alien it's a bunny." He said as he gave him his skeptical look.

"No not that you idiot use your goggles." He said shivering. With a sigh Kick used his specs to see the bushes more closely.

"I'm sure I won't find anythi- What in the name of Equestria is that!" He said falling on his back. He saw something horrible. A tall creature with robes and wall to wall teeth. Kick didn't hesitate in taking Kindle and running. He needed to get the guards now!

"Kick?" Kindle said.

"Yeah?" He replied. "Since when could you fly?"

Meanwhile

The repairs on the city had been running along smoothly. Celestia had a moment to rest before more affairs with the changelings took place.

When Chrysalis showed up with the information on the locust they had no choice but to trust her. A shaky balance between both royals was established. She gave them information and what she asked in return was for them to keep her and her subjects safe from the spirit that tried to kill them.

"Princess." Said a deep voice of a guard. "We are completely finished repairing canterlot. Should we now reinstate all homeowners to their residents?" He asked.

"Yes send them to their homes." She replied to the question.

"Very well I also have come here to say that your conference with the queen of the changelings is about to start." With that Celestia dismissed him and he gave a quick salute before departing.

The princess stood up and closed the doors with her magic. She opened them and they entered into the conference room. This spell was a shortcut to get around the castle.

Chrysalis sat there waiting and focused as soon as she saw Celestia. "Ah. Celestia very Kind of you to show up early should we start now or wait for your sister?" Celestia gave her a what do you think? Look. "Okay then I will wait for Luna to show."

A few minutes later Luna showed up ready for the next set of news Chrysalis had to offer. Why she couldn't give it all at once she would never know. "Now let me start by saying me and my subjects are very grateful for all you've done for us." She said.

With the natural way her voice sounds they couldn't tell if she was sincere or being sarcastic. "That's why I decided to give you this." As she finished her sentence she tossed out the tome with all the information in it.

"Wow your giving us the tome?" Said Luna as she flipped through the gooey pages.

"Yes along with the final piece of information We just gathered. It wants to become all mighty. All powerful and it has the tools to do so. All he needs is the staff of hearts form. The locust are just his pawns, And really terrible things will happen if he achieves his goals." She finished her final input of information. The two royal sisters sat in thought and wondered what to do.

"Also my magic specialists came in contact with it before we were attacked. They think the mysterious storm was caused by it." She said.

Then Luna spoke up. "Well it's a good thing we have it. A scientist by the name of Kick start and his assistant found it. We took it into custody and we wish to study it." She told Chrysalis.

"That's one less problem to worry about." Added Celestia. "Well Chrysalis we thank you for this." After exchanging temporary farewells they departed until a guard crashed through the door panting.

"Prin-prin-princesses I am lieutenant Dill I have urgent news!" He said while still panting. "The artifact we recently found, the staff has been taken by the locust." He said.

The princesses shut the door and opened it stepping into the war room. "Where was it stolen?" Celestia asked. The private stuttered before telling them.

"The eastern edge of the blight mountain range close to the border." Celestia had an idea. She took out her mirror communicator to call Verus the last time she did he was heading that direction.

She called and it immediately picked up. Verus appeared and had a numb expression. "Verus I need you to do something for me." She told him.

She didn't realize the locust wasn't there then It was picked up by a strange pony with one green eye and one red eye.

"What's this? Princess? Oh right Verus told us about this don't worry everything's under control." He yelled at calmly with a warm smile.

"Ok then be sure to tell him I called." Said Celestia. Something about this was fishy she didn't like it. She searched for the other mirror magically but the connection was broken. The mirror was destroyed.

"Lieutenant."She said to the guard who cowered a bit at her gaze. "Get a squad of the best soldiers our army can offer, And assist King Verus immediately something isn't right." She ordered he stood straight and saluted.

"Yes ma'am right away!" He ran off as fast as he could. Celestia looked at the time and saw it was time to lower the sun.

"Luna it's time to work." When she said that Luna nodded and both she and Chrysalis followed. Celestia lowered the sun an Luna proceeded to bring out the moon and the stars.

"I assume I wasn't the only one who sensed something off about that call?" She said with a look that said she already knew the answer. "Thought so."

Luna and Celestia shared a hug as they were to depart to different duties. Chrysalis turned in and as for Luna she kept the moon up in the sky. Celestia was called to the dispatch area immediately to debrief the soldiers on the special mission they'd been given. When she got there she was met with a Griffon, a Changeling, and the pegasus lieutenant from before.

They gave salutes but the Changeling and Griffons salutes weren't as enthusiastic. "At ease. You three have been picked especially for this mission. Find King Verus of the Locust and assist him in stopping the evil spirit. The fate of Equestria, and maybe even the world, lies with you." She finished.

The Griffon said in slurred words "Sir yeas Sir Mam!"

Celestia squinted at him. "Are you inebriated mister Vance?" She asked.

"No! Ahm just Drunk. Ha ha." The scottish Griffon took a swig from his flask until the Changeling swatted it out of his hand. "Oy! You got a problem?"

"Yes! The princess is sending us on a super important mission the least you could do is try to be sober!" She said to him. He gave her a dirty look and picked up the empty flask and put it away.

"Don't worry Princess we won't fail you and we'll sober him up." Said Dill

"Good luck to all of you." Celestia said as she tipped her head to them and they set off to save the world.

xxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXxxxxxxxxxx

The staff had finally been brought to him and he tried testing it out. He could almost feel the power as he hit the ground and when it snapped in half he was surprised as well as outraged. "What is this?" He shouted. The locust didn't know what happened. He honed his powers and sensed it the real staff a few miles west in a town.

He chastised himself for not being able to tell it was fake, And he hated the fact he had to head in the direction of that idiot Viken, But maybe he wouldn't have to. He told the troops to get out of his sight. When they dispersed he summoned four spirits. These spirits were his personal hunters.

"Use my blood to help guide you to the staff for my magic drips from it. Once you find it bring it back here and don't let it fall into anyone's grasp." The Hunters growled in response as a way to show they understood and they dispersed.

He waited as he knew it would not be long for this to end and he would reach his final goal. What he didn't know however is how wrong he was.

Illusions

"Never mind my flying Kindle we need to get the guards." He said calmly. In his mind however he was freaking out over the fact he could fly. He could never fly before.

Kick glanced behind them into the woods and he didn't see the thing following them. "Kick it's not following us we can stop right?"

Kick didn't stop flying until he saw the guards. "Guards, guards! There's something following us it's in the woods."

The guard looked behind them. "I don't see anything Kick. If there is I'm sure you can handle it mister science!" He said as he walked away with a smirk.

"For real there is believe us!" Shouted Kindle but the guard ignored them and walked off. With a gulp Kindle looked up at Kick and said "Now what do we do?"

Kick thought and with a look of determination he replied "We prepare for a fight." He smiled.

".....We're not fighting the Aliens are we?" He asked with a frightened look.

"Kindle of course we're going to fight them." He said calmly. "Now lets prepare my dear assistant." He dragged Kindle as he tried to squirm away.

"I didn't sign up for this!"

Same time The woods.

"You have to get up or else we're screwed you overgrown octopus!" Yelled Verus at the reaver. It groaned in response a pained grown.

"Don't talk to him like that. He's hurting!" Said Krogg as he started cooing at the reaver trying to make it feel better.

"Krogg this is no time to be reaver whispering when we are about to have a mob up our asses! Just shout this thing better!" He yelled nervously.

"I've forced healing all I can. We need to let it rest." He responded while tending to the reaver. Verus sat down and kept thinking up a plan for them to do. After a short period of drawing up blanks he checked to see if there was anything hiding in the woods.

With no signs of trouble he went to the reaver and took his weapons in his hands and prepared them for combat. He loaded his gnasher and gorgons with paralysis rounds his special creation. He left his torque bow out of the equation due to it not having alternate rounds.

After him and Krogg did preparations for a battle with ponies night came around. Verus was first to rest as Krogg kept watch in his armored suit. He lied there in the camp completely still until he heard a noise. More like a set of noises coming slowly for camp.

One of the hoof steps stopped outside of camp while the other continued in. A cloaked figure appeared in his vision. Immediately he lunged a it only for it to disappear into the ground. A yell coming from behind prompted him to turn and receive a kick to the mouth. With a hard blow to one of his only unarmored areas he staggered backwards.

He was hit in the gut by something fairly hard but it didn't faze him. He looked down a the colt from earlier who looked surprised that the attack didn't work and grabbed out a different contraption. He went to grab him but was electrocuted and backed up.

The Pegasus from before rammed into his back and made Krogg topple over. He looked up and kicked the airborne pony to the left. The pony lost control and was tackled to the ground by Verus and his almost fully healed leg didn't slow him down.

"You can't stop me I have fricken poets man!" Yelled the pony. "Kindle! Paralyzer! Now!" He yelled as he braced. The colt activated the small contraption from before and Verus was electrocuted as well as Krogg.

They fell to the ground still conscious but paralyzed on everywhere. "You two are tough but you can't Kill us!" Yelled the colt named Kindle.

"That's right you dangerous beasts are now in custody. Now I will ask questions that you will answer. Question number one how is it like being aliens?" Verus and Krogg gave a puzzled look before answering.

"What in the hell kind of question is that?" He yelled. "We're not aliens. You idiot!"

Kick looked at him and squinted his eyes. "Well I guess that's a touchy subject next question. What planet do you come/hail from? Oh wait that has to do with aliens huh?" If the two locust sitting paralyzed there could facepalm they would.

"Okay question seventy-two then wait no." Kick continued before Kindle jumped in and asked a question of his own.

"Do you eat brains with a straw?" He asked with curiosity and a hint of fear.

"No." They groaned at the ridiculous question. Kick had unfortunately not come up with non offensive questions and he was having a quiet discussion with Kindle.

Verus thought of something to help them the communicator the princess gave him. "Hey! You two listen up you need to let me get something to clear this all up."

"What are you doing?" Whispered a recovering kantus to his right.

"Getting the princess." He said as he looked back at the ponies. "Come on let me get it." He may not have needed to ask anymore as his arms were moving slightly more.

"Should we trust him? It could be a trick you know those crafty aliens." They whispered back and forth.

"I can hear you. That is very loud whispering." He was able to move his limbs more freely. He felt the strength to stand up but something completely unexpected happened.

Kicks' eyes turned white as he lifted his hoof and pinned Verus and Krogg up against a couple of trees. Just then the mirror started ringing and Verus barely had enough strength to answer it.

"Verus I need you to do something for me." Said the princess calmly. Could she not see the pain in his face she kept looking at him even though the force kept him from responding.

"What's this? Princess? Oh right Verus told us about this don't worry everything's under control." He said with a warm smile his eyes had changed from white to green and red. She replied with a shaky "OK." And hung up. Was she that oblivious.

Kick proceeded to smash the mirror in his hooves and his eyes returned to a ghostly white. Kindle stood there still not able to comprehend what was happening. That wasn't Kick it couldn't be.

"Kick! What are you doing? How are you doing what you're doing?" He yelled baffled. Kick screamed in pain and that caused the grip on the locust to loosen then tighten back up.

He choked them but he started talking frantically. "No No please stop I can't control my body. What am I doing?! Stop it! Stop!" He yelled and the grip ceased letting the locust fall to the ground gasping for air.

Kicks eyes were green he looked up at them as one turned red and he ran off into the forest. Kindle ran to their side as they were gagging due to lack of air.

"Aliens are you okay?" He asked concerned.

"We're not aliens gahh!" He said before going back into a coughing fit.

"Jeez sorry for trying to help." He said. Krogg stood up and trudged forward as his armor made clink noises along the way. Verus followed suit. "Where are you two going?" Said Kindle.

"We have to stop him everyone at the town is in danger." He said as he checked his weapons. Kindle whispered "Oh no." As he ran towards the town with two locust in tow.

They ran until they reached an observatory of some sort. Kindle ran inside and frantically looked for something. "Looking for this?" Said Kick but it sounded more demonic and evil. He wasn't Kick right now he was something else entirely.

Verus and Krogg aimed their sights on him. He was holding a staff that looked weird. It seemed to set Kindle on edge. How old was he again? Thought Krogg. Kindle looked to them and mouthed the words don't attack.

"Kick think about this put the staff down. That thing turns ponies into something their not." He said hoping he'd listen. Of course he didn't and he kept talking in his two tone demonic voice.

"I need this Kindle. I need it. Need it. Need it. Need it." He repeated that over and over until Kindle interrupted him.

"Please think about what would happen if you let It corrupt you please-." He was going to finish until That thing gave him a look that made him stop.

"I tire of hearing your voice." He swung the staff and a gust of wind carried Kindle into the wall knocking him out and possibly breaking some bones.

Demonic Kick looked at his handy work and smiled then turned his head at an ungodly speed to look at the locust. His smile grew even bigger and Verus opened fire while Krogg ran right and did the same.

It didn't help the bullets just stopped there in mid air. They turned around and went flying back at them extremely fast. A few bit Krogg which he brushed off as well as Verus. Kick let out a blinding light that caught them by surprise. When they could see once more Kick was gone.

Krogg went to Kindle and checked his pulse it was very faint he couldn't live much longer. Krogg looked at him then shouted as loud as he could Kindle woke up and his gashes and wounds were healed.

"Wha? What happened? Did Kick escape?" He asked confusedly.

"He got away but I came here to check on you looks like your ok. He's unstoppable when he has that staff. Do you know how we can stop it?" Verus finished as he looked out of the window. He looked at Kindle who was in deep thought.

"We need to destroy the staff. It's not going to be easy but that thing has corruptive powers far stranger than anything I've seen." He said. He got up and looked around for weapons. He was scared he just wanted to make sure everypony in town got to safety. Especially his parents.

"How old are you?" Asked Krogg.

"What? Oh umm nine years old." He replied while looking for the magic enhancer.

"This is an awful lot of responsibility your taking onto yourself. You should make sure all of the citizens are safe from harm. Then you get out too we'll take care of Kick." He said in a friendly yet commanding way.

"I guess your right I should." He said as he put a weird metal cover on his horn that was taller than it. "Now that I have my magic enhancer we can go."

"Does that actually work?" Verus asked.

"Well heh heh no, But he doesn't know that he thinks I'm as powerful as the princesses. So he won't mess with me. Now lets go!" He ran out the door and started gathering citizens. Verus and Krogg started trying to bring him to them.

"C'mon move it ponies get out of here take necessities and get out!" He yelled and the ponies listens due to them being so scared.

"Come here and fight coward! Do you not wish to fall to us? Don't want to kneel to your new King well then keep hiding Kick!" He was going to say more until Krogg told him to look out behind him. It was too late as he was thrown forward like a ragdoll.

"I don't know what's more pathetic. You being a king at all, Or you actually believing I'd bow to you." Verus recovered quickly and shit an arrow at him. Kick stopped it while saying fool until it exploded sending him to the ground.

Krogg jumped and fired a volley of bullets at him he rolled to the right avoiding most of he bullets but getting bit in his legs, torso, and staff. Kick jumped up and landed upright and laughed.

"This battle has been the most challenging in millennia for me. I'm joking of course you two are so weak. If I was at full power you wouldn't even stand a chance." He laughed even harder as Krogg got more furious.

"Uh oh I hurt your feelings ha ha ha ha. Do you need a blanket?" He laughed even harder until an arrow entered his mouth and exploded sending him back. He hit a wall and looked up to meet Kroggs fist as it bashed into him.

After his left fist hit him his right pulled the trigger and it fired into his gut. He Kicked him and grabbed the staff. He looked down the pony as he groaned in pain.

"Pathetic I thought defeating a powerful spirit such as yourself would be difficult." He leaned towards the staff. "Silly me your too weak." He finished with a chuckle. He snapped the staff on his knee, And went to help the pony up. He was whispering something to himself.

"Mend the wound. Mend the wound. Mend the wound." He wasn't all right Krogg new it. Verus came up and looked at him then the staff and he started thinking.

The words it won't be easy resurfaces in his head. This seemed pretty easy to him. He had an Idea of what happened the staff wasn't where it was it it. "It's still inside of him move back." It was a no brainer any common idiot could have found that out. It was too late though as Kick screamed in pain and sent Krogg flying far away and Verus couldn't tell where.

"So you figured it out. So late a monkey would have beaten you to it." He laughed. Verus pulled out his torque bow but it flew from his hand. Kick was already in front of him he punched him up into the air then knocked him down again.

He hit the ground so hard it broke the stone. "I realize now that holding back was a mistake. I will kill you at my full power and it's not going to be quick." Verus just tackled him before he ended. He took out his knife and started slashing him.

Kick threw him off violently and jumped at him slashing with invisible claws that followed wherever he went. Verus felt as though he was getting weaker the more he dodged not just tired. Verus was dodging until he ducked turned around and shot him in the face with the gnasher. He Jumped on his head and took out his kryll grenades.

He was getting angry and his primal locust rage surfaced. "RISE!" He yelled as it echoed for an unknown reason. He threw his grenades down and the kryll surfaced ripping away at the poor victim. Kick yelled out in pain until Verus screeched like a mindless Theron for them to return.

He took a look at him and it was hideous. A lot of his skin was missing and he was bleeding profusely. He was shaking either out of pain or fear Verus Couldn't tell.

His body regenerated until he was fully healed. "Oh god this hurts. This hurts this hurts this hurts. This hurts? Ha ha ha ha ha." To Verus' expectation he started laughing.

"You are something else. I never thought you could drain my magic this quickly. By the time I'm done here I'll need more sacrifices to stay alive in this worthless body." Verus just looked at him in disgust while the kryll circled his vision.

"I would have liked for you and your friend to be my first but this will have to do." He pulled a mare from the ground. Verus ran forward but was stopped by an invisible shield. He tried sending his kryll but they couldn't get through all he could do was watch.

The creature pulled out a sword and was about to stab her but something stopped him. He was being held back by an unknown magic source. Kindle stepped out in front of him with his horn blazing out magic.

"You will not hurt my mom!" He said as he flung him back and his sword fell. Kindle grabbed the sword and went to finish him.

That was what should have happened. But nothing ever goes according to plan. Verus would have wished for anything else to have happened. But what he saw was real and he didn't like it one bit.

Poor Kindle.

Blessing or curse?

Verus watched as Kindle jumped down to stop the spirit from ending his parents. The spirit just pinned him against the wall.

"Pitiful." Was all he said before readying his sword. Just as he brought it down Kindle yelled for him to stop.

"Please! Please stop you can't do this! Kick if your in there stop him!" He yelled. The wide smirk on the body disappeared and it was replaced by a solemn frown. He was struggling to move the sword.

"I won't do this. You can't make me kill his parents. I am stronger than you, your in my body!" He was moving the sword away from them. Verus ran to help them but was flung back.

The magic holding Kindle had been released he then jumped on Kicks neck and started choking him. He threw him off and jumped towards Kindles mom. "No!" She yelled. Kicks eyes changed colors again and he hit the floor rolling away from her and started writhing on the floor.

He thrashed around faster until he stopped. A large light shined out from him and engulfed everything and Verus closed his eyes to shield himself. When he reopened them he was floating in a white abyss. He looked around and saw a black mist seemingly staring at him.

"What? Where am I?" Verus asked before looking around again. "Well to put it bluntly we're in your head. not really the sanest place to be but it'll hold for now." Verus looked behind him and was met with a suspicious looking black mist. "What?" Verus whispered before it spoke again.

"Well you're probably wondering what I am and what I'm doing here. Well lets just say I'm basically you except I look all foggy, let me fix that." The mist cleared revealing a female locust in battle armor similar to queen Myraah but this did nothing to calm Verus. To say the least it angered him she looked a lot like Myrrah.

He pulled out his blade and pinned her down with the knife to her neck. "Whoa there! Can't we be friends? Huh? Can't we just get along?" She asked. Verus loosened his scowl and realized her face was a bit different. Her voice was younger sounding.

Her face had similar features to the queen except her face wasn't as broad and she had no helmet and a ponytail hairstyle. Verus let to and they both stood up. "Well I guess I owe you an apolog-oof!" He didn't get to finish as she kicked him in the jaw and sent him to the floor.

"Well I can certainly see you don't trust me. But news flash YOUR HIGHNESS you don't have many people to trust. What better person to trust than some random locust in your head." She said frustrated. She looked at him irritated but then sighed.

"Listen I want to help you. Because if you die I die. So let me help you." She said as she reached out her hand for a shake. He hesitated before accepting her hand and shook it. "Alright what do I need to do?" He asked.

"Just look at your hand and you'll see how I've helped you." She replied with a tilted head and a smile.

Verus examined his arm and suddenly saw green marks wrap around it before flashing away. "Just what did you do? Do you have any directions for whatever that was?" He said confused.

"Well it's not done yet, look further." She said pointing to his other arm and his legs.

He looked and saw the same green patches wrap like his arm. He felt a huge burst of energy. "What is this?" He asked. "This world unlocked something lying dormant in your noggin. That something was me. Not only that but special powers as well. My powers." She said with a serious tone.

She took his silence as a sign to continue. "Now this power here is very VERY limited and unstable. Even pushing yourself an inch over the edge will result in both of us dying. Don't go crazy use it only when necessary."

"This is unbelievable." Verus said looking at his arm. "How strong is it? What can I even do?" He asked curious of the powers. "I don't know personally I haven't been able to use it outside. All I know is that it is highly unpredictable at first. Test it out to get used to it." She replied. Suddenly there was a large rumbling noise.

"Well my time is officially up if you want to reach me again recite these words before you sleep. Vae Al Meruk." The rumbling grew stronger.

"Vae Al Meruk." Verus said trying to memorize the words. The nothingness was shaking violently as Verus felt himself slipping away.

"I forgot to say good luck! Lord knows you'll need it!" She yelled as she faded to black.

He woke to the sound of a blood curdling scream. He saw a huge stream of light coming out of Kick's mouth and eyes. Kick screamed even harder when the light got brighter.

He followed the light with his eyes and he saw it go into the hand of one of four ethereal beasts. They looked about as tall as he was, they had a ghostly blue color, sharp claws on their hands, and no face. Everyone else followed his gaze. The light stopped and they all faced him at the same time. They looked just like the other and Verus couldn't tell the difference.

They started moving their heads everywhere until Kick started floating towards them still unconscious. That was all Verus needed to see before he spoke up.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Verus got no reply except for them lifting their hands up and pointing them at him. Verus turned and ran as a blast of energy sent him running at a high speed. He looked behind him at the huge black crater that was where he used to be standing.

One of the beasts stepped out of the line and it tilted its head in confusion before firing more bolts of magic from its hand. Verus outran each of them before running towards it and punching it in the faceless area in front of his head.

He looked at his fist and saw a green fire surrounding it before slowly dissipating. He stood up and watched it hit a building. He turned around and saw the other three creatures

He saw the creatures walk towards Kindle and his mom as they were hugging. He was about to shoot at them until Verus felt himself get lifted up and slammed on the ground.

As the creature he punched flung him around like a ragdoll the others grabbed Kindles mom. "No! Stop!" Kindle yelled as he shot a bolt of magic at it. It fazed right through and the creature smacked him. They started walking away with Kick and the mare.

"Stop let me go now!" She yelled before they pressed their fingers to her head and she went unconscious. They walked farther and Kindle felt helpless. He couldn't do anything barely staying conscious was a hard task in itself. Eventually they went out of sight Kindle kept trying to get up but he kept falling down. "No." He said silently as he felt himself crying.

Verus was flying through the air as the one that stayed behind kept holding him. He took his gorgon out and shot a volley of bullets at it. They hit it causing it to stagger. Verus fell and landed on his feet before running fast and tackled it with his boost of strength.

He threw it on the ground before punching it three times in its face. The thing let out a burst of blue magic that sent Verus flying to the ground far away as he felt himself burning. He looked up and saw the creature high in the sky about to punch him with all of that velocity.

Verus panicked and held out his hands when a huge green blast of energy hit it just inches from him and made it disintegrate. It exploded sending Verus flying from the remains of the creature. He felt tired as he stood on one knee trying to fully stand up. He smiled until he felt a large pain in his chest. He was fading away fast.

Before fully passing out from the pain he hissed a phrase with constricting lungs. "Vae...Al...Me..ruk." With that he was gone.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

They had been flying for a few hours to the last known location of the King. Vance had sobered up on the way and he flew with a straight face like the rest of them. He knew flying drunk might not have been a good idea. They were flying through an area of dense bushes and foliage.

They flew slightly higher to avoid most of them. Several crouched figures hidden in the bushes were looking through scopes watching them as soon as the three got close they opened fire with their weapons. Four metal projectiles shot out a them the trio heard them fire they dodged all but one that hit the lieutenant in his wing.

"Dill!" Chaurus yelled as she watched him wail in pain and fall to the ground. Dill recovered and used his wing and hooves to smooth the landing. More projectiles soared at high speeds all around them. "Chaurus go find those hostiles! I'll help Diligent." She gave a nod and flew to the source of the sounds.

Vance flew to where Dill was taking cover. Dill was strapping on bladed gauntlets. "How are your wings?" He asked when he saw the wound with some half dried blood staining his white feathers. "Can't move it, they must have struck a nerve." He said as he glanced up a bit and saw nothing but trees and more foliage.

Suddenly there was a large green flash and a locust flew past their fallen tree that they were hiding behind. He dropped a long weapon that looked like it would be a club but they knew it was one of the guns from before at Canterlot.

Both of the soldiers jumped out and flew up to help Chaurus. They were able to Kill the locust with their superior speed because after one shot they would reload. They thought they were almost done until a locust with really big teeth, white armor, and a giant cleaver.

It charged with a lot of speed with the huge cleaver not slowing it down. It kept slashing at them and even nicked a piece off of the changelings' armor. Vance was getting tired of the ugly beast and took the cleaver out of its hand and slashed his leg. The locust fell with a cleaver lodged in his knee. The Theron crawled away as the trio slowly walked after him.

Suddenly they realized it was night already. "How long were we fighting?" Dill asked them. They didn't reply and just looked at the Theron propping itself on a rock then looking up into the sky. Chaurus thought this would be a good time to interrogate it. But a tall metal creature fell on top of the dying locust also shattering the rock. It let out a groan as it looked up at her then passed out.

"Wha?" She said looking at the thing that crushed their prisoner. It was very tall and covered in a suit of metal armor. The armor had blood coming out of the open areas. It also fell from the sky as well so they couldn't make heads or tails of that.

"I don't have any idea what that is, but he looks like he's been having a bad day. Should we help him?" Dill asked while surveying him.

"Don't know about you but I feel like helping him. Which is what I will do now." Said Vance as he started trying to lift up the metal figure. "Well don't just stand there help me." The others started to help and it was much easier.

"Well since my wing is injured we need to stay somewhere on ground." The lieutenant looked around for a suitable location for the team to rest. After a while o searching they settled on a formation of trees and bushes that hid them nicely.

"So did the king have more locust with him?" Vance said as Chaurus started healing dills wound. "I think he had a general or something I never really saw him." Dill said before wincing at a sharp pain from the healing magic.

Vance started removing the armor of their newest addition to the group. When he was finished he realized it was a locust wearing ceremonial looking robes. It looked a lot like the ones from Canterlot. "Hey guys its a locust." He said.

Dill walked up with a patch over the part of his wing that was hurt. "Well I guess we should have saw that coming." He looked at the locust and shrugged. "Well I guess we should tie him up." He said while going to get the rope.

"Well lets get to it and finally get some rest." Chaurus said, and with that they got to work.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The hunters brought the staffs energy back to their master along with something else they thought he should see. They entered into the same area as before except this time there was a giant hole that he was in front of he was filling it with green dust that came from a portal he conjured. "Your back and I assume you brought me what I wanted?" He asked as he turned and faced them.

Suddenly his face had a scowl. "Only three of you? I sense the other one is dead. You do realize this displeases me." The others lowered their heads before they remembered the other things they brought.

They nodded their heads as one of them reached out and opened his hand. The magic flew from its hand into its masters. The spirit inhaled and smiled as he felt the power surge through him. "Wonderful. I sense you have more to show me?" The Hunters nodded and brought out the two ponies they caught.

The spirit looked at them and sensed something resonating from them. "Why do you bring these to me?" He asked them they looked at him with faceless looks. "I see. Keep them locked I have research to do. This slightly makes up for your loss. You are dismissed." They departed leaving him to think to himself.

"Could they be the hosts? They are vital to the ritual but there's supposed to be three of them." He said in a whisper to himself. He looked into the green dust in the hole as images appeared to him. "Maybe there's more I need to see?" He said as he researched.

Awakening

Viken had been following the spirit to the destination he had said. He couldn't be sure whether or not he would still be there but he had no other leads. Viken had been left with only a handful of locust, but Regardless of the odds he would make the spirit pay greatly for betraying him. Granted he didn't know how he could kill it but he would find a way. The small company of locust marched farther and took rests when needed. Following them in the tunnels the other locust dug as it was the quickest route.

A day or two more of walking and the tunnels ceased showing that they weren't stupid. They knew he would follow through the tunnels. They rested after a four day march while the snipers and their Theron captain searched for supplies above ground. Shortly after they left Viken decided to investigate the blockage.

Walking up to it he looked around and something to the right of the wall caught his attention. He walked closer to inspect it. A Boltok pistol with a chrome finish was stuck in the ground. He knelt down to look at it and he tried to pull it out of the ground. He pulled but it wouldn't move and he tried again. Once that didn't work he tried one more time and the ground started to give.

He stopped pulling as the ground rumbled. leaving the pistol he turned around and tried to run. It was too late though as a hole replaced the weak ground and he fell in. Falling farther he began to pick up speed. The Boltok had fallen as well and with his right hand he reached for and gripped the Boltok as he tried to position himself feet first. However it was too late. He hit the ground hard on his left arm hissing loudly in pain as he felt his arm crush under all the weight. He laid there for quite some time before he regained his strength and got up. His arm felt terrible but he was able to stand and move. Barely.

He gripped his arm and he felt the shattered bone and knew it wouldn't heal soon. It was pitch black so he reached down and found his flashlight with his right hand. He lifted it up and flicked it on. He looked around and on the ground he saw the Boltok. He picked it up and put it in his holster. He scolded himself for not bringing any weapons. Quickly recovering he walked forward and got a look around. Around him were large cobwebs, and vines.

He moved walking around the cold dark room looking for an exit. Something about the area made him feel unsafe so he put the flashlight away and took out the Boltok pistol. It didn't give light so he had to rely on his natural enhanced eyesight. He moved quietly to a door he saw in the distance with nothing but his breathing and his steps making any noise.

He walked further towards the door as quietly as possible until he heard loud footsteps coming towards him. Realizing that something was following him, he ran as fast as he could while not looking back. He reached the door and went through it afterwards he slammed the door shut behind him. He waited there pushing his weight against the door, expecting something to try and break through.

He slightly opened the door and looked through it his hand trembling violently. His heart nearly stopped when he saw a stone wall behind the door he just came through. Trying to ignore the possibility that he might be going crazy. He turned around still trembling and realized his arm was only getting worse. He felt terrified and that wasn't Normally a feeling he got.

After somewhat calming down he looked up and he saw a giant slightly cracked mural on a wall staring back at him. He could've sworn he saw crudely drawn locust in the mural. Most locust in the hollow that weren't Kantus couldn't draw very well so he could believe it was a locust who drew it. He looked behind him and saw that the door was gone. Something must have been wrong. Looking back to the picture he saw some locust kneeling in submission before two different colored mists.

One was black the other was light blue or light green he couldn't tell. There were writings above both of the figures they were written in locust language so he read them. "Arkius, One who wanted nothing but power." Was the words over the lighter one. "Artemis, One who wanted nothing but destruction." Was over the black one. He read further and above both were the words. "None are to be trusted as they are nothing short of horrible." He finished as he took a step back and looked at all of the mural. He felt a cold breeze hit him and he froze.

" It has been so long since someone has said my name. And I wouldn't say I can't be trusted. " It said. He turned around planning to shoot it, but it threw him across the room into a wall. Viken hit his broken arm and screamed in pain while his heart continued beating faster. " Your fear and pain is Delicious." The black smoke said maliciously before violently forcing itself into his mouth.

Viken felt excruciating pain and he tried to fight it but as the smoke took over his body he stopped. His entire body was in the smokes total control. He felt helpless as he was stuffed into the back of his own mind. His broken arm shifted into place, and his voice was replaced with a demonic one that said "Perfect".

Satisfied with his vessel the spirit smiled and stood. He turned and continued on to the surface. The strangest sensation Viken had ever felt was seeing his body walk across the ground and into the tunnel where the rest of the locust were while not controlling the movements. He saw the animal hides they were sleeping in and Artemis saw them too. Before he could take a step a locust ran to him. "Viken the sniper team were killed we need to go investigate." He said.

Artemis looked at him and smiled. "Of course lets move." He said. The locust nodded and turned around but had an arm dig into his back and pull out his heart. "But first a snack!" He said ripping out the heart. Viken could do nothing but scream in his own head as he watched his fellow locust die.

The thing that he felt was unforgivable was that he took the heart and bit into it blood gushing profusely from it. More blood gushed out from the open wound in the locust and Viken felt like he wanted to hurl. He wanted to stop but he had no control over his body.

"Ahh now time for more power." He said as he walked to the camp. Then for the first time in his life Viken cried. All throughout the brutal massacre of his fellow locust he cried. His soul was nearly broken as the demon laughed at all the pain.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Verus felt excruciating pain all over his body and couldn't move an inch. His head wasn't filled with thoughts but instead filled with pain. He felt a tap on his forehead but to him it felt like a pile of bricks. "Hey get up." A lady said. He opened his eyes to see a blinding white light. He quickly closed them and let them get used to the light.

Reopening his eyes he saw the locust in his head offering him a hand. He groaned and accepted it. He knew she wouldn't be happy with him. Pulling him up to his feet she punched him in the face, and he hit the ground. She pinned him down and started punching him over and over.

"You idiot! I said limited and unstable yet you chose to overuse the powers I gave you!! You think you hurt? The only thing keeping me from writhing on the ground in pain is the fact that I need to kick your ass!" She said while continuously punching him. He couldn't do anything except lay there. She finished and stood as he just lied there in pain.

"That's it Verus clearly I trusted you too soon. I thought at least you could listen but no. You are hereby cut off from my powers. I need time to heal, in the meantime you need to heal as well. Like I said before if you die I die. That's why you can't use my powers. Is that understood?" She looked to him and he was still groaning in pain.

"Good now leave." She said rubbing her temples.

Verus woke up laying in a cot and he immediately turned to his side and threw up. He hurled again and then wiped his mouth. Looking at his arm and the floor he saw it was blood he sat up feeling a migraine starting. Regardless he stood up and looked around. He saw that he was in a small room. He got up and walked out of the door into a larger room. He stumbled and got himself to stand upright.

He realized he was wearing the under robes of his armor. He felt weird about not wearing it feeling almost naked especially without his helmet. He'd never felt so vulnerable before. He walked outside of the door and saw a bunch of different characters going about their lives. There were zebras griffons and some ponies. Some talking to one another or walking through the street and going inside a building while others watched over the young children playing.

He watched some zebra foals playing around and running after each other. He looked around some more and saw something that made his heart stop. One of his Kryll grenades were lying on the ground were anyone could step on it unleashing a Black Death upon everything. He got out of the tent and staggered his way to it.

He didn't notice the nervous stares and murmurs he was getting from everyone he passed. He had his entire focus on the grenade but when he saw a little zebra pick it up by the chain and start swinging it he picked up the pace. "Stop." He tried saying but he couldn't say anything. His vision started to blur and he felt blood coming from his nose.

He reached the foal and quickly snatched it from her mouth before she threw it. Shortly after he lost balance and fell down to his knees. "Hey we were playing with that." She said. She stopped and looked at the kneeling figure in front of her. "Um are you alright?" She looked at his face and screamed in terror. "Monster!" She ran away as fast as she could and her friends looked confused. After a look at Verus they screamed as well and ran to their parents.

Verus ignored them barely staying awake. He looked down a his grenade and gripped it. He heard someone start asking where he was. "There you are big guy." Verus looked up and saw a blue pony with a black mane and a horn. "Oh no. Come on get up and back to the room you can't be walking around. Do you understand me?" Verus nodded. "Good good now come on." He said helping him up. Verus stood up and walked back to the door.

They walked to the main room and he sat Verus down and gave him a potion of healing to help him. Verus drank it and sat there waiting for his migraine to go away. Soon he felt better and his head cleared up. He looked to the pony and thought of some questions he should ask. "Where am I?"

The pony looked at him and smiled. "Well you sir are in west wing city. Me and my friends were out scavenging for plants and ingredients to use and sell before we found you in the middle of a field lying next to a small colt unconscious." Verus took in the information and wondered why he was in a field. He looked back at him and was about to ask fir a name. "You can just call me Hal, Your Verus right?"

"Yes I am." He said before getting up and inspecting the other room more closely. He saw it was filled with plants,bowls, and satchels. Most of the items that looked valuable were either on display on the counter or behind it. "How do you know my name?" He asked.

"Oh your son Kindle told us." He replied with a smile. Verus snapped his head towards him and stood up. He saw the look Hal gave him so he cleared his throat and sat back down. Hal looked at him nervously before getting back to the conversation.

"Well anyway your son told us about what happened and we watched over him as we waited for you to wake up." He said. "You must be hungry come on I'll take you to lunch. After that we'll get your son. You must be so worried." With that Hal took Verus to a Diner but not before Verus deactivated the grenade and set it under his cot. Despite the fact that Verus had more questions he was pretty hungry.

They walked to a diner much like the ones the humans used to have on sera. They took their seats and soon a griffon waitress walked towards them. She was looking down at her pad and didn't notice Verus. They placed their orders and she looked up about to smile. She caught a look at the locust sitting there and shrieked before falling on her back. Verus looked at her with his cold eyes as his white scales made him look more menacing. She stood up and quickly walked into the kitchen.

Much of the attention in the diner was drawn towards them. "So you have some questions?" Hal asked quietly trying to ignore what happened.

Verus lowered his voice and asked "When you found us why did you help us? You had no idea who we were most people or ponies don't stop to help." Hal's smile dropped and was replaced by an embarrassed look.

"Well I guess most normal ponies wouldn't do that. Especially considering how intimidating you are. But I saw you were both hurt. I had to help." Verus tilted his head in understanding before Hal continued. "We helped Kindle but I had to do a little convincing to get them to let me help you. And good thing too your heart was giving out." Hal looked at Verus expecting him to be offended at that. When he saw that Verus was just waiting for him to continue he went on.

"We came back here after we performed a hasty procedure to help you two. We got you both in and Kindle woke up." Verus nodded his head while in thought. "He explained to us what happened and we helped. This all happened five days ago." Verus looked down and shook his head while he smiled and chuckled. Verus stopped and looked up to see a pony waitress shaking as she slowly walked over to the table. She set down the plates and then ran off as fast as lightning.

"Ah finally." Hal said starting to eat. Verus shrugged and followed suit and they were soon eating in silence. Verus remembered he should ask where his gear was.

"Where's my equipment?" He asked. Hal swallowed and stretched his upper hooves.

"Well they're in the room I lent you but I'll give them to you after we get your son." Verus nodded and ate. On the inside he felt stupid for not checking the room he woke up in if it was there the whole time.

After they finished eating they headed out. "So where is Kindle supposed to be right now?" Verus asked.

"He's supposed to be with the other children at the playground on claw street. You should check there and head back to the shop when you find him. I have things to take care of, until next time." Hal said before he left Verus. Verus looked for the street as he walked through some crowds that stopped and looked at him in disgust, and fear, but more of the latter. He reached a a fenced playground full of all sorts of children, but he stopped walking towards it when something caught his attention.

The reason for this attention was because some griffons were flying around and throwing rocks at Kindle. "You idiots will regret this! Come down here and watch what happens. I'm not playing around you better stop." He shouted up at them. They just laughed at him.

"Oh really now? Okay then your funeral." One said with a confidently with a smirk. She landed and stood tall over Kindle. "I'll take it easy on you so you won't go crying to your mommy." Was what she was about to say before Kindle head butted her and tackled her to the ground. He used his magic to keep her pinned as he punched her repeatedly in the face.

"Who's laughing now huh? Who's laughing now Katherine!" He screamed as she started to cry. Verus all the while stood there and wondered what she did to make him snap like that. Kindle continued wailing on her until Katherine made a small noise and Kindle stopped. "What was that? Speak up three days of rocks hitting my ears must have made me deaf."

"Un...cle." She said before sobbing some more. Kindle stopped and his anger faded leaving him to realize how bloody his hoof was. He got off of her and slowly backed away. All of the kids were staring in his direction with fear plastered on their faces. He felt ashamed until he backed up into a leg. He turned around and saw his "Dad".

"Oh hi dad." Verus looked at him then to the griffon being helped up by her friends. Kindle looked at her too and a feeling of guilt struck him. "These are my I'm friends." He said gesturing to them as Katherine wiped some tears away and covered her nose.

"I saw everything that happened." Verus said simply. Kindle looked away ashamed of himself. "Well then lets go." Verus turned and walked away. Kindle followed him, but he still couldn't stop looking back.

"What was that about Kindle. You don't seem like one that would be so violent." He asked.

"I don't know what happened. I just snapped I tackled her and suddenly all my pain and anger was released on her." He said back to him.

Verus stopped at a bench and sat on it Kindle sat next to him. "So...you met Hal right? He's really nice, we would be dead without him. And his friends are-"His talking was cut short when Verus interrupted him.

"Kindle I know what your feeling. You lost your mom and your best friend. But I know that you should not release all of it on someone who doesn't deserve it. Did Katherine deserve a punch maybe. Did she deserve being bludgeoned no!" He said harshly. Kindle, not wanting to look at him, looked at the ground ashamed of what he did. He felt tears start to well up in his eyes.

"I-I'm sorry it's just I don't know what to do. I-I just feel so bad and I just lashed out at the first thing that made me mad." His tears started to flow as he looked at his bloodied hoof again.

"It's okay. You may feel bad but I promise that we will find your loved ones. I'll make sure of it." Verus held out his hand and Kindle looked at it. He reached out his hoof and shook Verus' hand.

The sun was starting to go down and turned the sky a brilliant mesh of red and orange. They got up and walked to the potion shop in silence. Soon it was dark and they walked to the front door. They walked inside and they saw a note on the counter.

"I'm asleep upstairs the beds are set up in the back room. Sleep well." -Hal

They walked into the back room and saw two beds next to each other in the back. Kindle went up to the bed and got in . Verus slowly walked to it before he stopped. He turned around and looked through the bags on the ground. He eventually found his gear. He put on his armor on and put his weapons in their holding magnets and pouches.

Verus just stood there completely still feeling like he was missing something. He then remembered that his torque bow was still on the reaver in god knows where. He sighed as he went to the bed. He looked up at the clock it read 10:20 PM Feeling more comfortable with his armor on he drifted off to sleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"We did not work this hard to get destroyed by an insufferable witch. She has fooled your brothers fooled them all into thinking this is the only solution. But know this there is but one way to end Seras suffering. Stopping this war in its tracks and having the Neo-Locust rise!" Verus' voice echoed against the walls of the rebellion controlled hollows. His speech made many onyx armored locust cheer.

His makeshift palace that was hastily thrown together was filled with guards of all species patrolling the grounds. A locust barged through the doors. His body was covered in deep gashes and bullet wounds. He was bleeding profusely. "Oh my god! What happened?" Verus said as he ran up to him and held him up before he fell down.

"We need a Kantus!" He yelled but no one responded. He felt himself get pushed to the ground. He got up and looked at he locust. He glared at Verus with bloodshot eyes.

"How dare you!" He shouted. "You sit up in this damn tower doing nothing. Nothing but send your subjects and brothers to die!" He started panting heavily. "You may think this will save the locust but I the end all of us will burn for our sins!" He raised his hand pointing towards Verus. Verus looked at him nervously.

He spit blood on the floor before he spoke softly but loud enough for him to hear. "Especially you." He fell to the floor dead and Verus could only stare a the fallen locust. Another equally injured locust appeared behind him.

"It's inevitable." It spoke. Soon another showed up.

"You will burn." He said. One after another they appeared soon filling the room. Soon all were shouting at him while simultaneously punching him or scratching at him.

"Sinner!"

"Heretic!"

"Pure evil!"

Soon before he was completely engulfed he saw Krogg standing before him. He raised his foot over Verus' head. "Deserter." He stomped down his foot and Verus felt it tear apart his skull.

Verus awoke with a start and was panting heavily he looked at the clock and it read 10:45PM. He sighed and looked at a bookcase that was a the side of his bed. He got up and went over to it. He picked up a book titled Potion Brewing 101. He sat down in a chair and opened it up to chapter one The Basics.

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"What should we......him." Someone said.

"Don't know..........him up." Another replied

"Guys I......He's.......ing up now." Said a third. Krogg couldn't tell who they were because his hearing was fading in and out. He felt pain in his head and it hurt to think. His heartbeat was so loud that his ears couldn't hear anything else.

A huge shock coursed through his body and he screamed. He opened his eyes to the blinding sun and he tried to put up his arm but something was stopping him from doing that. His hands had been tied together by some rope that he couldn't break out of And so were his feet. It was way stronger than most other ropes.

Something from behind him lifted him up into a sitting position. He blinked his eyes a few times to adjust to the light. After they were adjusted he saw a pony, a changeling, and a griffon.

"Who are you and why did you bind me?" He asked while trying to break free of the rope again.

"Um we'll be asking the questions here." The Changeling said. The others looked at him and examined his threat level.

"We want to know who you are. Well who are you?" The pony asked. Krogg felt the rope starting to break slightly. He looked at them and decided to stall. "Hey buddy your not getting out of the binds they have special enchantments. They aren't breaking anytime soon. Now answer the question." He said.

"Why should I tell you? How do I know your not Vikens spies?" Krogg said while discreetly ripping the rope some more

"Vikens spies? What are you talking about?" He replied not noticing Kroggs arms moving.

"Don't act like you have no clue. Why else would you hold me hostage?" Krogg felt the binds come off of his hands and feet. "I don like being held hostage." He jumped at him and pinned him down. He raised his arms to hit Krogg but he hit his head into the ground knocking him out. Krogg got off right as the griffon made a swipe for his arm. He stood up but the griffon was faster and cut into his arm.

Krogg punched him in the face and he was flung into a tree. The changeling kicked him in the face and knocked him down. "Vance!" She yelled and the griffon held him down. Her horn glowed green and he felt heavier than ever. Krogg couldn't lift a finger and he could only talk.

"Release...me!" He commanded.

"No." She said. The two of them went to the pony and got him up. He groaned and placed his hoof on his head.

"Ow that hurt." He looked at Krogg and walked over to him. He raised his hoof and slammed it on his arm wound. Krogg yelled in pain. "Shut up! I want you to know that I am not one to be underestimated. You so much as blink without our permission I will kill you myself." He said while placing more pressure on his wound before lifting his hoof.

"Now what do you say?" He asked with a glare. Kroggs anger brought out his inner strength. He had enough strength to kick in between the ponys hind legs. He yelled in pain and fell over.

"Hubris." Krogg spat out. He laughed at his pain when he shakily got up.

After Gasping for breath he held himself up. "This is gonna be a long interrogation." Said the Griffon.

The Vessel

Arkius was frustrated with this hole full of dust he couldn't get any answers from it like it was supposed to do. Lately everything had been going terrible for him. Not only the dust situation but the locust were starting to get angry that he hasn't been giving them answers.

He honestly could not have cared less about what they wanted but their weapons could hurt him so he needed to play it smart. He conjured energy in his hand and fired at the dust pit once more hoping for some results. Soon the dust started glowing and lifting into the air. Arkius slightly rejoiced at getting some results.

The dust swirled and created a book made of dust suspended in the air. It opened up and there on the blank page words appeared.

ASK ME A QUESTION.

Arkius walked up to it and took it into his hands he looked at it and wondered what he should ask it. He realized something that was troubling him earlier. After that large surge of energy he was certain Artemis escaped. He knew exactly what his first question would be.

"My brother Artemis did he escape his prison? Is he looking for me?" He asked the book. As the text wrote down his heart dropped. •Yes He has escaped and he knows where you are and what you are doing. It displeases him• It replied.

Arkius summoned the last two hunters in front of him. "Go find my brother and slow him down at all costs!" The Hunters nodded and disappeared. That should buy some time he thought. He knew the hunters wouldn't buy him much though. He looked at the book and asked another question "Can I perform the ritual with only two vessels?"
•No• It replied simply.

"Where is the final vessel and how strong are they?" The text wrote once more. •The final vessel is somewhere near the city of west wing far away from here. But this one is different he possesses a power much like your own Yet it is untapped as of now. And he walks this plane as if he lives but his heart had stopped long before now.•

Arkius needed to ask one more question. "What is the final vessels name?" The text wrote out his answer giving him the information he needed to get his power. He called for the locust to bring him the final piece to his puzzle.

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Verus' eyes were bloodshot and he felt so tired. He tried to sleep again but the nightmares only got worse. All he could do was sit there and read the books to keep himself occupied. He was now on the experts addition of potion brewing and he even started practicing with small amounts of the ingredients he found in the shop. Hal wouldn't miss them...probably. So far he made a speed potion, a potion to increase accuracy with weapons, and a migraine remedy.

The sun started to shine and everything was quiet. Verus even felt himself drift off to sleep when Suddenly there was a huge crash outside of the door. Kindle got startled and fell to the ground on his head. Verus ran outside and saw his reaver had landed right outside of the shop. As the dust from the crash cleared everyone came out to see what happened. Verus got on the reaver and flew away. He sighed and sat there thankful that he had a reaver again.

They flew into the air above the clouds. He saw his torque bow still in the holding bag in the reavers armor. He felt happy that his other gear was still there and kept on flying. He didn't know where he was flying to so he sat there and closed his eyes admired the wind. Eventually he flew back and tried to set the reaver down somewhere.

He looked around for a place to set it down and decided to keep it away from the city. He saw a clearing that was very flat and void of tall trees and grass. It was not the ideal place to set down a large flying squid but it would do for now. He got off and went up to it grabbing his torque bow and other gear from it. After so long he finally had his torque bow back.

Feeling ready for a walk balk to the city he looked at the reaver laying down. "Stay here and try to stay as hidden as possible." He told it before walking off. He traveled pretty far until he found a trail with a sign toward the city. He followed it as he thought about everything that had been happening to him. What am I doing? He asked himself. I was a rebellious locust who wanted to save sera the scars of war but now here I am in a foreign world chasing down the thing that sent me here. And when I catch him what then? Will there even be a home to go back to?

Asking these questions made time fly by really fast and it was already noon. Lost in his own thoughts he bumped into a pony. "Hey watch it!" He said without turning around to look at Verus. In the city everyone walked around and talked to each other not even noticing him. He shook his head and walked some more.

Twisting and turning through the streets he looked for the shop where kindle and Hal were. Cutting through an alley he looked for any familiar sights. He popped out on the other side seeing the playground from yesterday. Looking around for another sight Verus decided to walk down a very promising street.

Soon Verus realized the street he walked into made him get even more lost than before. Hours passed by as the city tricked him over and over bringing him to give up and sit down on a bench as the sun descended in the sky. Feeling bored Verus pulled out his kryll grenade and examined it. After some time he felt like sleeping even more than before since he got no rest the night before.

"Verus there you are we've been looking for you all day." Came Hals voice from the right. Verus looked at him and stood up ready to get back to a bed and try to sleep. "Come on let's go." Said Hal walking away. Walking to the shop in silence he looked up to the sky and saw the sun slightly inching further under the skyline. For the first time Verus noticed the rest of Hal's features. He had a short tail and his eyes were golden in color. His mark was a phial with a crack in it and Verus only understood half of what that meant. The sun, Casting an orangish hue on the sky, reminded Verus of what Sunsets on Sera were like.

Upon reaching the potion shop Verus' fatigue reached an all time high and he could only think of sleep. "Ok so you need to explain to me exactly what happened out there this morning alright?" Hal said. Verus on the other hand was completely knocked out on the bed in the other room. "Tomorrow we have to have a talk." He quietly said to himself before heading upstairs.

Hal walked up to his room and opened it up. Walking in he turned on the lights and locked the door. He walked to his desk and grabbed a quill and some parchment.

'Cray I think I need you to come here tomorrow I'm calling in the favor. So you need to come here and help me get some answers from my guests. The colt can only tell me so much and his Father seems to know something and I need to know. Just hurry please.'

~ Hal

With that he rolled it up and held it over a fire. It blew up into smoke and flew away. Several moments later and a letter materialized in front of him. He opened I up and read it.

'Has it ever occurred to you that people might have plans for their weekend? No? I thought not. I'll be there at 8:00AM tomorrow you have one favor left.'

~Cray

Hal smiled and got up yawning. He walked to the bed and settled himself into the bed. Lying his head into the pillow he felt comfortable and soon drifted off into sleep.

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Several hours of questions and boring stories they came to several conclusions. They had been interrogating the general of King Verus, They had to keep an eye out for a power crazy pony, and he was very quiet. They flew through the air as Krogg ran as fast as he could fearing the worst had become of his King.

Upon entering the town though he found nothing but destroyed buildings. The reaver wasn't there either so something had to have happened to it. Chaurus took out the mirror and contacted the princess. "Yes Chaurus have you found Verus?" She asked the changeling.

"No princess but we have found his general who was separated from the King. We need to find the Verus' current location do you know where that might be?" Princess Celestia closed her eyes and channeled her magic to find Verus.

"Got him he is in west wing City Forty-five miles east of the town he used to be in. Find him quickly there is something I need to ask him. Good luck to you all." With that she faded from the mirror and Chaurus put it away.

"Alright everyone lets move." She said and everyone headed in the direction of West Wing city. The three soldiers took to the sky as Krogg ran through the trees fairly fast.

The trio flying above were pretty impressed at how fast he could run in that heavy armor of his. They continued following the directions to the city for an hour or two until Krogg stopped. The others stopped too and flew down to him. "Why did we stop? Asked Diligent. Krogg just shushed him ignoring his question. The ground started rumbling like an earthquake and the others started hovering thinking it was. Krogg however knew what it was. The ground kept rumbling but soon thundering noises came as a monster of a creature walked near them.

Looking up above the trees they all saw large guns mounted on top of a Brumak as it walked in the direction of the city Verus was in. "What is that thing?" Vance said rubbing his eyes.

"Brumak." Krogg said as he stood up and formulated a plan. "Stay here." He jumped down and continued to run towards the city. The trio flew closer but stayed out of sight. As they waited Vance asked "What the hell is a Brumak?"

Krogg ran up to the Brumaks side. He looked up at it and saw there were two beast riders piloting it. He jumped in front of it and yelled in the loudest voice he could muster. "HALT!"

The Brumak stopped and looked down at it with an obedient look. The second pilot looked down at him and climbed down to meet him. "Kantus what is your name?" He asked.

"My name is Skald and I need to speak with your co-pilot." The beast rider motioned for him to follow. Meanwhile from far away the three others were watching the whole thing unfold. Pretty soon the beast roared and a large fire sprouted from its back. It turned towards the ground behind it and it fired missiles. Within seconds however the Brumak exploded leaving nothing but a huge fire behind.

Krogg jumped up to where they were and scared them. "Lets get going." He said to them. From that moment on they were glad he was on their team. At least they hoped he was on their team. They still wouldn't let their guard down around him though. Passing the remains of the Brumak they found a trail that lead to the city and they all walked from there.

The path was nearly deserted with the exception of them, But that was probably for the better. A long silence came about, And the only noise was their steps on the stone trail. Krogg looked to the ground and thought of his life up until that point.

He knew nothing but kill them, go here, do that, And saying for the horde. After he swore loyalty to Verus that all changed. The whole hollow changed after that, but now without any of his fellow rebels or his king what was he even doing. Was there even a point in any of this anymore? He didn't know at all what to think in this new world. Then that's when everything finally sunk into him. In the silence of his own mind he finally realized just how crazy everything was right now.

Being in a different world, fighting more locust in said world, and destroying a Brumak single handedly. It's not like he'd never done that before but it had been so long since he last killed a Brumak he was surprised he did it so quickly. Was he dead?

Thankfully his out of control thoughts were interrupted by the changeling. "How did you kill that massive thing by yourself?" She asked curiously.

"This isn't the first time I've done it." He replied casually. She gave him a curious look.

"You've killed more of those things? You can't be serious." She said to him.

"Believe me I have. About four others now that I think about it." He replied to her. Chaurus looked at him closely, and when he stared back something in his eyes genuinely scared the day lights out of her. She snapped her head forward and slightly gulped. She knew he wasn't lying and that scared her even more

'I can't believe he can talk so normally about killing four of those huge beasts. I sure hope the princess is right that we can trust him.' She thought.

"Four others? What the hell?" Vance said under his breath while looking at Krogg. The talking ceased and they continued walking down the path. Time was going by slightly faster after the idle chit chat but even then it still seemed like it would take forever to reach West Wing.

The long silence continued growing longer with every passing moment. No one felt like breaking it though the silence was a welcome sound. Suddenly rumbling was heard approaching them quickly. They all heard it and looked around for anything that could be coming. The rumbling stopped for a moment causing everyone to be listening closely for it to return.

Krogg turned quickly and ran at Vance tackling him to the ground just as five large appendages burst from the ground right where he was standing. They snapped at the air trying to rip anything it could down.They returned underground before the rumbling continued but more aggressive this time.

Small dust and debris trails were following each of them. And then three giant spider like creatures clad in armor and with really strange faces burst from the ground. They screeched at them and started to charge at them. Krogg took out his gorgons and fired volleys of bullets at them.

"I'm guessing these are locust. Do you happen to know what kind." Dill dodged the large limbs swinging at him in mid air.

"Corpsers. But I've never seen one so small before." Krogg said while reloading his pistols. 'They get bigger than that?' Dill thought to himself and flew towards a corpser stabbing it in the eye. The Corpser raised its limbs and screamed in pain. Krogg seized the opportunity and threw an ink grenade into its mouth. It started coughing as the poison mist filled its lungs.

It thrashed about and crashed into the other Corpsers hitting them and some trees. It burrowed underground but soon it's cries of pain stopped as it was no doubt dead under ground. One of the other Corpsers burrowed underground while the other charged for another attack.

"They're weak to fire so if you have any fire tricks up your sleeves let them loose!" Yelled Krogg before he was punched in the gut by the other Corpser in the ground trying to impale him. His armor kept him from being gutted right there But it did knock him out cold. Chaurus fired a blast of fire at the Corpsers' eyes burning it to a crisp.

Blinded the Corpser ran into a tree and Vance lunged at it digging his claws into its joints tearing at its ligaments and sockets. Thrashing in pain it tried throwing him off and tossing him around like a ragdoll. Quickly Vance ripped out his claws from their respective sockets. Soaked with blood two of the middle claws that the Corpser had fell to the ground leaking crimson liquids all over the ground.

Vance whipped his claws trying to rid them of the same crimson blood. The Corpser desperately tried to burrow into the safety of the ground but it was futile. Chaurus gave it he killing blow with a spell to the head. There was a silence and Dill counted the dead Corpsers. "1 2..... Where's number three?"

Behind them they heard an explosion and they snapped their heads around. The final Corpser grabbed Krogg by his leg and returned underground with the unconscious Krogg in tow. They all ran after him but it was too late as the ground returned burying him and the Corpser under ground.

Chaurus casted a detect life spell and saw the Corpser digging through the ground as well as Krogg. "Follow me!" She yelled taking to the sky. Flying fast with the others in tow she followed the lifeline provided by the spell as best she could. The Corpser stopped and she started descending with the others.

Closing in on the ground the rock started rumbling then boulders were sent flying towards them. She dodged some but then she heard Vance get hurt. She turned around to see him fall to the ground. Soon after she was hit in the back and she fell too. After recovering she looked around for the Corpsers lifeline but she couldn't find anything.

"Dammit!" She yelled. "Come on come on!" Chaurus tried casting the spell again but all she could see was Vance and Diligent. "We lost him."

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Krogg was hurting terribly, and all he could see was blackness. He tried breathing in but he couldn't do it. He continued trying but nothing came in and his lungs felt like they were going to burst. His back hit something hard and cold that forced him to take a deep breath. His lungs burned like fire as his lungs greedily took in as much air as they could handle.

His breaths quickly evened out and he laid there. A bright light was shined above him. "Well well well. It's you." Said an unidentified locust. Krogg tried to say something but he couldn't manage it all he could do was lay there. "Get me the spirit and tell him we found his piece." The locust said.

Some footsteps walked away as one set came closer. "Goodnight." Was the last thing Krogg heard before a boot came down upon his face. Once more the dark embrace of unconsciousness grabbed hold of him.

This story is...

Cancelled. And here's why.

So This story. Ho ho this story man.

This story was the very first thing to pop into my head when I started writing, key word being started. I love gears of war to death, but when I look at this story, MY story, I feel awful about how I wrote it. I did not give my favorite King the writing he deserves.

Horrible pacing, lack of smooth story transitions, and just god awful writing in general. I really wanted this story to be a hit, but I fucked it up. So if you were wondering why this story is still on hiatus let me tell you.

I am scrapping this hunk of junk and that is that. I may try a rewrite but with the mediocre shape that my other story is in I can't afford to give up the time right now. I love Verus but I just need a well written story for him and this isn't it. I will not forget him though I will most definitely do something with him but as I said before now's not the time.

So for the five people who actually still read this story. I apologize. Now please take a moment of silence for this story.

May you never be forgotten. All hail the king!

All Hail His Horde.