> Playing The Villain
>  by Northern Desert
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 - Equestria's Latest Shadow (Edited by SnapDrakeGames)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Canterlot, the home of the regal alicorns and the capital of the pony nation.  Equestria had faced many dangers, toppled many evils, and was in a time of harmony.   But that harmony had recently been. disrupted.  The Centaur by the name of Tirek had stomped across Equestria and the other nations around it, draining them of their most vital tool.  

Magic.

But, Tirek was stopped.  Six brave mares rose up and used the ultimate magic against him, the Magic of Friendship.  It seemed ridiculous to anyone who had never experienced it first hand, yet
 those who had knew; it was the most powerful force they had ever encountered.

Others had fallen to the power before Tirek.  Nightmare Moon, the evil persona of Princess Luna, Goddess of the Moon.  Discord, a being who could alter reality to his will, one of the greatest of his kind.  Indeed, indeed, friendship was a powerful gift.

Now, because of that gift, Tirek stood before the Council of Nations.  The cabal was composed of beings who were considered gods by their kind, from Pony to Draconquus, Griffon to Dragon.  Tirek himself was powerful and had once almost defeated them all in the past. Of course, he had been stopped just as he was now.

It was almost inconceivable. He, Lord Tirek; The God Eater, Stomper of Worlds, Devourer of Magic, Demon of Tartarus.  Foiled by six mares.



Now he was here, in Canterlot’s council chamber.  Inside the meeting room, it had grown dark. Outside, a storm was wreaking havoc across the world. De to the large magic flux that was released after Tirek’s defeat, a global hurricane now raged across the planet: just the latest in Tirek resume of crimes.



The sound of howling winds and the rain smashing the walls, roofs, and windows filled the quiet room.   Many creatures of all kinds sat silently, staring at the chained centaur before them.  Their glares expressed the hatred they shared for the monster.



I let out a sigh, my wings flapping in agitation.  I looked over at the other world leaders, those considered Gods like my sister and I.  Tirek has once again rampaged through my lands once he escaped Tartarus.  Luckily, my former student, Twilight Sparkle, was able to find out the secret of the magic box and had defeated him.

I was the leader of this council, not out of power, but through my fairness and kindness.  This was now coming back to bite me in the ass.  Our choices were limited, and the majority of said choices would be far too cruel for me to approve in good conscious. 

"Well,” I said, filling the void of silence that had cursed the room long enough.  “What do you think?  Should we send him back to Tartarus where he will rot for eternity, or find some new way to confine him?”  Tirek gave me a look of pure hatred, not appreciating us choosing his fate in front of him. He could stuff his horns up his ass because I don’t give a damn at this point.

“Tartarus has proven ineffective,” the Griffon Queen, Alexentric, barked in anger.  She was half owl, half panther, with white, regal feathers.  “I propose what I proposed centuries ago, Celestia…..Death!”

Some around me gave conflicted looks.  Death would be simple, it would be quick, and it would be effective.  But morally, it would be wrong.  Then again, I took it into careful consideration.  Maybe it was time to end this, even if it felt wrong.  Was it fair to leave him to the next generation once again?

“We can’t just do that!” Princess Twilight shouted in disagreement.  I let out a tired sigh. This wouldn’t end well.  The Griffon Queen was known for her temper, and Twilight’s outburst would not help.

“With all due respect, Princess Twilight,” Alexentric growled at the young princess’s outburst.  “It is the only logical way of doing this.  For too long has he been allowed to scheme, to plot.  You Equestrians have put us in enough trouble already with your pointless mercy.”

I was going to interject, but Luna locked her foreleg with mine.  “This is something young Twilight must do herself,” she whispered.  My eyes drifted from her’s and back my former student.  Perhaps Perhaps my sister is right, I thought. Let’s see what she says in response.

“That same logic led to the downfall of Griffonstone,” Twilight shot back.  Ah yes that silly one-eye goat.  “You knew of Arimaspi, and you showed no mercy towards him when he raided your subjects’ home. You locked him away away and had him tortured. When he escaped, he he went straight for your capital!  That lack of mercy led to Griffonstone’s downfall.”

That shocked the griffoness and Alexentric went silent.  I was impressed. It’s not every day one shuts down the goddess of griffons.

“What do you suggest we do then, Princess of Friendship?” the Diamond Dog King, King Mudrowler, asked.

“I suggest we put him through the same process as Discord: reformation!” she answered confidently.

My eyes dilated at the mere prospect of Tirek being ‘reformed’.  I looked around to see similar expressions; many of us were shocked at the very thought.  Tirek let out a snarl, his hatred for friendship demanded he not conform to such weaknesses.



“I agree with Princess Twilight,” Luna said, gaining all of our attention.  She looked around at the stares that were given to her, making my sister slightly nervous.  Not that I blamed her, for she had been gone for so long and many around us had lived in the time of her…...transformation.

“If Discord could be reformed, then socan Tirek,” she continued.   “For if we are to consider ourselves better then him, then should we not act like it?  It was not long ago that you deemed me redeemable to take place in this council, and it was you who decided that Discord could serve a greater use!”



Pride swelled in my chest. My little sister and the one I saw as a daughter were offering a noble deal to the creature who cause us all much harm.  While my feelings towards Tirek were less than savory, I could understand their logic.

I heard a small clap of approval and I turned to see Eris, leader of the Draconequui.  She had a owl’s talon for one hand, and a tiger arm for another.  Her color scheme was a mix between orange and black, her mane a messy black.  She had a dolphin’s tail and two feet, one being a frog’s, the other a rabbit’s.

Unlike most of the leaders here, she had rarely participated in the affairs of the world.  Her and her kind preferred to kick back and relax; only Discord’s own curiosity led him to Equestria.  Though most Draconequus were not as powerful as Discord, Eris would put him to shame in a contest of chaos.

“Well said,” Eris chuckled. Her voice did not contain the mocking tone she usually used when speaking to us.  “I agree with both of you.  After all, if one could reign in Discord, than surely Tirek can also be taught to be….friendlier.”

“I highly doubt it,” Tirek sneered.  His hate for Discord’s race outmatched that of my own, though I never knew why.  “Discord was but a weak fool, a child---”

“Yes, yes,” Eris huffed, snapping her talon to silence the centaur.  “Friendship is weakness, mushy ponies are pathetic.  By the maker, do you ever shut up about that?”

I couldn’t help but smile at her antics and Tirek’s anger.  He let out muffled shouts, probably vile words.  The other leaders looked amused, though some of them gave annoyed looks.

“You rarely share words with us, Eris,” Blackfang, Lord of Dragons, said, tilting his head in curiosity.  “Yet here you are, actually giving a damn.  What brought about this?”

Eris laughed at the dragon’s choice of words.  “One day, Blackfang,” she said, seriousness taking her voice for the first time in 4 centuries.  “We will run into a threat we can’t just stuff under the carpet.  Why not start now in using different methods, before we hit a roadblock?”

We all pondered over her words.  Even the the ill tempered griffoness took Eris’s logic into consideration.  A scary thing indeed, due to who Eris was.

“What happens if it doesn’t work?” Carapace, Emperor of the Changelings, asked.

Eris’s eyes blazed with fire.  “Tirek now has a chance, one chance, to not screw up.  If he does….then I will personally take care of him.”

Tirek shot a look of fear towards the Goddess.  Eris was a being not to be trifled with.  Her words seemed to convince the others and give them reassurance, if not in fear, that Tirek would not get far if he were to betray our trust.

“Twilight,” I said, looking towards the purple alicorn.  “Who do you have in mind to take up this task?”  She gave me a smile, happy that I was on board with her project.

“The other Elements and I should be more than enough to perform the task,” she answered.  Fear gripped me; the mere thought of Twilight being alone with Tirek was sickening.  Who knows what could happen to them if Tirek was given the chance to be alone with---

“Celestia?”  I woke up from my turmoil of thoughts.  I looked to see a worried glances from the others in the room.  I had instinctively grabbed Twilight with my wing, crushing the poor mare.

I blushed and let her go, giving a nervous cough.  “R--right,” I stammered.  “I agree with you, Princess Twilight.  Nopony is more suited for the job than you!”

I scanned the room.  Some of the other members looked skeptical, but most of them were content.  “With that said, I find this meeting adjourned!”  I declared, all of of the attendees nodding to acknowledge what was decided.

Each vanished in their own way, but Eris stayed.  Good, I needed to talk to her anyway.  I trotted away from my seat to the departing Draconequus.  “Wait,” I called out to her.  She turned back a gave me a puzzled look.

“Yes, Princess?” Eris asked in her usual cheery self.  Making fun of the title.

I rolled my eyes at her mocking tone.  “When you said ‘A threat we can’t stuff under the carpet’ did you mean you’ve foreseen something?”

“I--I don’t know,” she answered, giving me a brief moment of terror.  “And that’s what scares me.  But whatever it is I’m feeling...it’s cold.”  With those ominous words, she vanished.

I would have to inform Luna, see if she can find anything.  Whatever has scared Eris can’t be good, but we’ve faced my foes before.  I had confidence in my fellow leaders, in my friends, and in Twilight.

Because if anything were to harm one of those things I cherish, I will do everything in my power to end it….forever.







I slowly regained consciousness.  What had that salesman done?  I couldn’t feel anything besides being cold…..My eyes slowly opened; even that felt foreign, and I saw rain crashing from the sky.  Makes sense on why I felt cold, yet I couldn’t feel the rain hitting my sweatshirt.

In a matter of fact, I couldn’t feel the fabric either.  Strange…….

I slowly got up and---wow I’m tall.  I was never this tall, so what the heck happened? Creaking could be heard as I moved my joints….I felt so powerful...so superior!  The feeling was foreign, yet it made me comfortable.  I scanned my surroundings, and I could tell that I wasn’t at that convention anymore.  There were some palm trees in the area, and I was standing on sand.

Wait, what’s up with my feet?

My eyes beheld two large mechanical feet that sank into the sand.  This wasn’t part of the costume.  Something was wrong, seriously wrong.  Yet I felt indifferent about it.  I was still calm, surprisingly not freaking out at the revelation.

It’s dark, I was probably seeing things.  I doubt I could even seen my ha-----claws…….

Okay, now I was starting to feel a little upset.  My head darted from side to side, searching for some kind of way to see my reflection.  Ah, found one!  I darted over to the puddle to see my reflection.  It wasn’t what I expected, to say the least.

“Wha--what the hell!?!”  I shouted to no one in particular, my voice booming and sounding more mechanical.  “What’s happening?”  I shouted again, shocked at my new voice.  I continued to look at my reflection, staring in amazement and horror at my appearance.

I had a black mask made from a strange metal, two eye blazing from the slits in the mask.  My body was colossal; I had to at least be 10 feet….. maybe taller.  The gears, I literally mean gears, in my mechanical head started to turn, processing what was going on.

“You seem distressed…..”  a voice said, breaking me from my thoughts.

I looked around for the source, but couldn’t find where it came from.  Maybe my imagination was playing with me……

“A nice thought, yet I’m afraid to inform you that you are incorrect,”  the voice said, ruining that theory.  It sounded smug, as if it was amused on my predicament.

“Who are you…..” I called out, waiting for whoever it was to reveal themselves.

“A shadow….something part of you, something more fitting to control you….” the unseen entity answered ominously.

I gave a laugh at it’s words.  “Control me, huh?”  I asked, sarcasm dripping from my voice.  “Well then, I’m afraid to inform you that you are incorrect in thinking that you can control me!”

It was silent for a minute; I felt pride swell within me at the thought of telling off this wannabe ghost.  Nothing, and I mean nothing, controls me.  If they tried to do so then I would show them the true meaning of---what the hell am I thinking?   I feel more confident, sure, but what I was going on about was more...ruthless.

“Hehe, good to know that,” it chuckled.  “Then I might not be wasting my time then, and you could prove useful company…..”

I felt more pride at its words, but I knew better than to not ask a creepy voice in my head who they were.  I swear, if I’ve been infested with some spooky crap then I’mma kill someone.  “Again, who are you?  What’s happening to me...what am I?” I interrogated the voice.

“Inquisitive, I like that,”  it laughed.  “Questions are powerful; always ask questions.  As for who I am, well that’s an interesting thing…..”  The voice paused, as if debating on what to say, how to explain it to me.  Patience was one of my virtues, so I could wait.  Answers are important, and sometimes you need to wait a long time for the right answer.

“Tell me, do you remember where you were before this, who you met?”  it asked politely.  Though I had a feeling it already knew,  I chose to indulge it with an answer.

“I was at a convention, I think, and I was going up to meet my friends, girlfriend, and my brother when I meet this merchant,”  I recollected.  Now that I thought about it, talking to myself might prove that I was insane….  “He said he knew them, and that they had gone to this restaurant to eat.  He also gave me a mask for my costume---”

“What was the mask called? What did you go to this convention as?”  it asked.  Again, I thought it already knew the answer.  It was in my head after all.

“It was called the….”  I stopped myself, realization dawning in my little robotic head.

“Yesssss?”  it said gleefully, it desired that I say the name.

“The Great…..” I said, barely loud enough to be considered a whisper.  “No--no…”

“Oh, but yes,”  it chuckled, the voice’s laughter echoing in my head.  How---how could this be!?!  “I am the mask you think of, and you are my bearer.  Do you now know who you are?”

My mind started to shatter, trying to understand how this could be possible.  It had to be a dream, it had to be!  There was no way this was happening!

“N--no you’re wrong,”  I said, stumbling over my words.  I got up and sprinted, trying to escape the inescapable.

“Am I?”  it asked, feigning innocence.  “You know who you are…”  it said.  

The voice started to fill my mind with memories, ones that weren’t my own.  I saw a figure like me, plotting his way to godhood, destroying his foes.  His craft, his powers, now flowing through me.  The torch of perfection passed on to me.

Then I was shifted.  In a time before I came here, a time when I was falling endlessly through the Void as I made my way to my new home.



Unattainable knowledge started to fill my mind; I felt weightless and small.  Before me glowed the endless light of universe after universe.  Like the other, I felt drawn to it.  I wanted it.  It was beautiful and pure, so pure.  Yet it wasn’t perfect...why couldn’t something so beautiful not be perfect?  So many like me wronged, so many like me crushed under the weight of reality.

It wasn’t fair…...how could this be fair?  The one creating this was fair, so why couldn’t its creation be fair?  Were those who inhabited it poisoning this masterpiece?  What could I do?  Could I help, could I protect it?

I slowly went into the the many universes, sailing through the void.  Slowly I reached my destination.  A world of colorful creatures.  Creatures of kindness, of love.  Part of it made me sick, the cutesy garbage of friendship and love.  They were weak, and I fear that without strength they would crumble as my kin did.

I would not allow this!

Plans started to formulate in my head, countless possibilities lay before me.  For once I could do something meaningful!  But my mind stopped, and I shot back into the void. I was stopped just as I was so close, so very close…….I was drawn back into reality.

“I can teach you, help you grow,”  the mask whispered to me, its voice filled with compassion, with joy at my revelation.  “I can help you, but you must know who you are.  Can you tell me who you are?”

I nodded to myself, the images of my form were clear.  My purpose was clear, but if the mask thought I could control me...Hah, then it would be in for a surprise.  It couldn’t hear and see everything in my mind, it was foolish enough to show me that.  My very being demanded I not let it control me, but for now…..I was the student, and it was the master.

For now……

“I---,” I said slowly, conscious of the real world returning.  I looked down at my hands, my feet.  Strolling over back to the pool, I looked at my reflection once more.

“Yes…”

“I am----” I said, enjoying the sound of my new voice.  The name in my mind rolling through, giving me jolts of satisfaction.  I kneeled down to look at my reflection, admiring my new body.  Now that I understand who I was due to my predecessors thoughts, I can appreciate it.

“I am----”

“I am Makuta Teridax!”  I shouted in triumph.  The mere mention of my new name filled me with pride.  I was a Makuta, a being of great power and intellect.  Shadows leapt from me and I slowly began to rise higher and higher.

“And I am The Great Kraahkan!” my mask cried, his words echoing with mine.

I then lowered myself, slightly embarrassed.  It was not fitting for one such as I to act so childish…..but who am I kidding, this was exciting!

I looked around, relieved at my confession.  My claw rested under my head, deep in thought on what to do first.  

First step was to build a base.  Location was important, preferably somewhere distant so I would not be discovered.  Maybe a volcano…..yeah, that would be cool.  Another thing I would have to look for was a supply of Protodermis, but that shouldn’t be too difficult with my mask’s help.  

The next step was to learn my new powers.  I had to master each and everyone of them.  That thought was exciting since I had so much to learn.  I think Makuta Teridax had around 42 powers.  Of course, this didn’t include the forging that I would have to learn as well.  That would be fun, especially with stuff like Protodermis.  Hell, I could make some loyal Rahkshi minions.

After that, I had to get information.  Know your surroundings, know who your friends and enemies are.  I had some idea of the multiverse, but I was far from truly understanding it yet.  The memories of the former Makuta Teridax contained much knowledge of Mata Nui and the Matoran Universe and the inner working of his universe- some of that could be used here.  Yes, there were beings who could fully understand the works of the multiverse, but to achieve that, I would have to….acquire it from one of them.

Finally, I had to connect with those like me.  I wanted to meet them, to converse with them, and I bet they would like to do the same with me!

A new slate, and new friends I could make.  Though I won’t forget my old ones.  They were out there somewhere, and that salesman did the same to them as he did to me.

Heck, I could even get them in on it!  This was so much fun, being sent as one who thinks about the world around him, not mindlessly destroying it.  What I had learned in such a short amount of time had really opened my eyes.  I might be a little on crazy side, but I was to begin with so that didn’t matter much.

After I covered those bases, I could then start the next phase of my planning.

“Now then,” I said to myself, and the mask, looking around to fortify my new lair of doom.  “Where to start?”













> Chapter 2 - A Simple Game (editied by SnapDrakeGames!)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sometimes, my brothers, the best way, the only way to win... is by losing."
— Teridax, Into the Darkness





Pew Pew

CRACK!!!!

Pew Pew Pew

“You’re really enjoying that, aren’t you?”  The Kraahkan sighed in annoyance at the sight of my childish antics.  Another tree had fallen down, and only a charred stump remained.

Pew Pew

While I was exploring my location and finding some good vantage points, I chose to practice some of my new powers.  My mask had projected a list of my abilities in my mind and so I got to work.  

Right now, I was testing out my Laser Vision.  I guess I enjoyed it a little……...

“Of course!”  I laughed, firing more of my death beams from my eyes.  “I’m shooting lasers, lasers, with my eyes!”

“You’ve barely gotten to power #30 and you’re so fixated on this one power!”  the mask groaned.  

True, we hadn’t made much progress within the two hours we had been doing this (or at least as little progress as learning 30 powers could be called), but what’s the point of learning this if I couldn’t enjoy it a little. Still, the Kraahkan did have a point...

“Alright, alright,” I huffed, ceasing from my carnage.  I returned to walking along the coast.  
Given how far I had been going, I deduced myself to be either on a coastline or an island.  It was hard to see a lot due to the raging storm, but I think I saw a large object that resembled a mountain or volcano.

Evil volcano lair confirmed?  Let the dream be real!

“What’s next?” I asked my mask, sifting through the mental list of my powers.  Powers weren't everything, of course:  I would need to work on smithing and combat training.  I might have the memories of Teridax, but I would need to build up on my skills and learn them on my own.

“With this storm?”  Kraahkan hummed, deep in thought.  “Weather control, and maybe we can dabble in Chain Lightning….”

“Okay, how does this Weather control work?”  I asked in curiosity.  Was it possible that I could alter the storm, maybe make it heavier or lighter?

“Okay, this takes deep concentration like any of your other abilities.  You have to think of the storm, then you have to twist it to how you want it to perform.  It has to stick to the natural state though; you can’t make it something it isn’t,”  the mask lectured.

Alrighty then, let’s try it out.

I focused on the storm around me.  My thoughts went to its creation, its location.  I then started to shift it, forcing it to move at my command.  I then manipulated the wind and it became faster and stronger; it soon transformed into a full-blown tornado.

I could make a tornado, but could I stop it?  I tried the idea out and attempted to will it away. To my surprise, there was no response- the massive twister simply kept barrelling forwards, tearing up trees and rocks in its howling winds.

Why couldn’t I destroy something I created?  This was unfortunate, because at this rate the tornado would reach me in seconds..

“The energy already is there,”  the mask said.  “You can’t just get rid of it, it’s alive now.  You have to direct that energy away from the tornado, divert it to something else!”

That’s it!

I went back to focusing on the storm and the tornado.  Slowly, the tornado started to unravel and dissipate into the sky.  By transferring the energy of the tornado back into the storm, I had stopped it.

“Interesting concept,” I chuckled, watching as the storm swelled slightly with its newly reaquired power.  Who knew that these things could be so complicated.  Usually, people use magic to do things and make it look easy.  “It makes it easier to use it on my enemies, they can’t just will it away…...How about this Chain Lightning?”

“Lightning is an element, it is energy.  Focus that energy to a certain point in your body, preferably your claws, and unleash it at your target!”

“Okay, Emperor Palpatine,” I joked, electricity now dancing at my finger---claw tips.  “I will ‘unleash my anger’!” 

With that bad pun said, I shot the lightning forward and obliterated a nearby rock.

“Not bad. I honestly expected you to do worse than this…..”  my advisor mocked.  I found his lack of faith...disturbing.

Okay, I’ll stop!

“Gee, thanks for that vote of confidence,” I shot back, sarcasm in my voice.  Was the Kraahkan helpful?  Yes. Was it a great thing to chat with?  Not really……

My training continued like this for awhile.  I took care not to destroy large objects or make messes.  Wouldn’t want anyone finding out they have a walking robot of death nearby.  
Who knows what kind of pitchforks they could have!

“Okay, now we can try Gravity control---” the mask said, going further down to our next list.

“Gravity control?”  I stifled my laughter.  How many things could I do?  Now that I thought about it, maybe I could learn to combine them or use them in conjunction with magic from this world…..

“Let’s focus on you being able to use the powers first, then we can experiment,”  the mask chuckled.  “Though, it’s good to see you’re starting to think like a Makuta.”

Pride swelled within me.  I don’t know why, but the thought of being a member of such a powerful race felt….comforting.  Like I could finally control my own destiny.

“Okay, let’s mess with gravity,” I replied with enthusiasm.  I then looked over towards some trees.  

“While Lightning is an element, Gravity is a force,” the mask explained “You can not simply command one of the pillars of existence. So instead, you must work with it.”  I nodded, though given that I was communicating with a voice in my head, I wasn’t quite sure why. The mask seemed to understand, though. “You must extend your senses, feel Gravity tugging at you. You feel its power, its raw force? Assist it. Increase it. Make it better.” 

I grinned. Reaching out, using the power, the trees cracked and started to bend before completely crashing down.  Even from my distance, I could see the downed trees shake violently as I upped the pressure.

BOOM!

The trees literally exploded into splinters, the force of gravity so overwhelming that they could no longer continue supporting themselves in once piece

I laughed manically.  Imagine if that were an living being!  I could not only force them down, but eventually crush them if I wanted to.  

I continued to use this power as I trailed down the coast, seeing what the limits were to it.  Seems like any potential target had to be within a certain distance and definitely within eyesight.

I then stopped in my tracks as my eyes laid upon an new site.  “Oh, what do we have here?”  I asked myself inquisitively.
 
Before me lay a settlement.  It had some buildings, big buildings, dotting a rocky cliffside, but it mostly consisted of caves within what seemed to be a volcano or mountain.

“Ah, Civilization!  I have found thee!”  I cried with joy.  Having only a voice in my head to talk to was getting lonely, especially when said voice was an evil artifact that’s goal is probably a coup d'etat of my mind.

“What gave you that idea?”  it asked innocently.

I chose to ignore the mask.  Great practice for when I would employ minions who would most likely be far from intellectual geniuses.  Tell them only what they need to know; nothing more, nothing less.

I reached the village, scanning for any signs of life.  The storm was still raging on, so I doubted they would be out in this weather.  

My investigation would not prove fruitless, however.  Seeing lights emanating from what seemed to be a tavern, I deciding I didn’t want to stay in the storm anymore, and I chose to go inside.  

The doors seemed larger than those of ponies or smaller species, so that narrowed down what species dwelled here.  When my Kraahkan divulged the secrets of this planet, Equus, to me I had witnessed a bountiful number of creatures. Truly this world was a masterpiece, aside from some minor faults.

Reminiscing the information I had aside, I pushed the doors open to reveal the inhabitants of the inn.  They were large, enormous, even. I’d call some of them the largest living creatures I’d ever seen.  They had powerful wings, long tails, sharp teeth and claws, and were covered with scales.

Dragons.

“Good evening. Or is it morning?” I said cheekily, all eyes drawing towards me in curiosity.  “You must forgive me, I’m not use to the current timezone.”

They sized me up, some looking at me with suspicion while others gave me looks of amusement. A large group of masculine dragons gave me suspicious looks from a table by the restroom, while a slimmer, feminine drake glanced at me from behind the bar, before returning to her mixing.   Now would be the best time to peer into the reptiles’ minds, a concept that was both frightening and interesting to me. I couldn’t close my eyes, but all the same I focused intently, allowing the echoes of thoughts to pour into my mind.

“Another one of those Equestrian’s magic golems?”

“A strange thing indeed……”

“What’s that pile of scrap here for?”

“It might be Equestrian, maybe one of the companion golems those unicorns use.  Most likely belongs to some wannabe adventure looking to take our gold…..”

I felt somewhat insulted.  

They continued to think on what my origin and purpose was.  Though, I felt miffed about some of their thoughts (A magic golem, really?  Those mindless slaves were far beneath me!), I chose to ignore them and their ignorant theories.  How could they know of what I truly was?

Besides, I was led here for a purpose: protodermis, the strongest metal in all of Bionicle.  I needed a source and it seemed that the locals here might know the location.  That was something I would dig up from their heads.

With care, of course.  I wouldn’t want to leave their minds permanently damaged.

I walked up to the bar and took a seat between two rough looking dragons.  The innkeeper, positioned near the office, gave me a conspicuous look.  The female dragon turned away and filled some more ale cups with beverages.

“Can I help you Mr…..?” she asked cautiously over her shoulder.  

From what I gathered by hearing their thoughts and reading their memories, it seemed like many travelers had come here for not-so-noble reasons. I’d have to advance carefully. 

“Makuta Teridax,” I replied to the dragoness.  “And to be blunt about my predicament, I am lost.”  One of the dragons next to me snorted.

And he's on my shit list.....

“Well then, I welcome you to ‘The Green Drake’,” she huffed.  Turning back towards me, she gave the rude dragon sitting next to me his drink.  “As for where you are, this is Brimstone village.  Just a small colony living in the southern isles of Dragonia.”

“I see,” I mumbled, looking around the building.  “Well, I've come here for something.....important.” Some of the dragons stiffened.  

Dragons are, by nature, a greedy bunch who rarely trusts those in their own group, let alone an outsider.  All kinds of thoughts rushed to their heads.

Does he want our gold? Is he looking to make some nifty armor out of us? Maybe he wants fame and glory by killing a dragon or two……Could he be looking for the Pool of the Divine?

Pool of the Divine?  Well, seems like I found what I’m looking for.  

It seemed that Dragons were also renowned for their skill in smithing, something I could relate to, and had tried multiple times to utilize the pool. Unfortunately, Protodermis was a dangerous substance that many could not use.  Even I could suffer from it, and I had many memories of using the beautiful substance.  

As such, vivid images of these dragons, thought to be the greatest in the world at the craft, failing to achieve the task bolstered my own ego.

And gave me an idea for my future plan.

“I’ll get straight to the point,” I huffed, pretending not to notice as the two drakes near me slowly drew their weapons.  “Your...community has come into possession of a valuable resource.  One that you don’t understand, nor know how to manipulate.”

The dragoness dropped her arm on the table and puts her head on her hand, giving me a skeptical look.  Her eyes darted to the two dragons who looked ready to impale me.  “The Pool of the Divine?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes, though the name does sound ridiculous,” I chuckled, mimicking her action.  I heard the thugs near me fully draw their sword. This wouldn’t quite do. I pulled myself back up to full height, subtly adjusting my massive figure, and with a little concentration, I started to generate an aura of fear around me.  Clearly it was working, as even the sassy dragoness before me started to tremble.

“Cloudy with a chance of dragon’s blood.”

Their was one downside to fear, though.  While it scared the crap out of those around me, leaving many a shivering mess, it also made some creatures do rash things….like trying to chop my head off.

The dragon’s sword swung down towards my head.  My hand shot out and I grabbed the blade.  My head slowly turned towards the dragon, my eyes glowing a blood red.

“Well, this is rude…..” I tsked, twisting the sword out from his grip. I tossed it to the ground, before snapping it like a twig beneath my massive foot. 

This led the other drake to strike me from behind, but, seeing it coming, I had time to apply a fair amount of mental power to my next task. I teleported out of the way;  the second thug’s sword slashed his friend, leaving the latter to cry in pain and crumble to the floor.

While the standing dragon was still in shock by his friend’s predicament, I fired lasers at his back.  This forced the poor creature to shriek in pain as two burnt holes appeared in his back. He too fell to the floor, right next to his friend. 

I walked over to the two downed dragons, both in a pile of misery.  “You know, you really should treat strangers better…..” I said nonchalantly, standing over the pathetic heap that lay before me.  

“You never know who you might run into. There are some crazy people out there after all…..”

“I suggest plasma, it melts right through those pesky hides,” my mask suggested lazily.  “It’s real easy, all you have to do is generate it from your hands like the lightning.  Focus the energy into your palms!”

I did just that, the plasma glowing an orange-white.  It seeped from my claw, and I aimed it at my two opponents.  This had proved little of a challenge. I expected more from such a powerful race after all.

“Wait!” someone shouted from the back of the room.

 Ugh, what now? Someone going to beg me to not kill their brother/son/father or some other nonsense? Then I would laugh maniacally like some evil villain.  They would challenge me to some useless competition through taunts and playing with my ego to save the souls of their loved ones. Then I’d crush their hopes and execute their relatives before their very eyes. It was only proper protocol for a good villain.

A young, pink, dragoness pushed through the crowd until she reached the scene.  Unlike those around me, she showed no fear of me.  

Dear god, it was going to be one of these things. Brave youth defeats the evil monster, bleh.  

“Your media sucks, especially your petty villains,” the masked huffed.  “Honestly, who kills their brother and then makes a one-eighty and turns on his home because some chucklefuck with a halloween mask told him ‘the awful truth’?"

I know!  It makes no sense to do that after you get past a hundred episodes just to advance a plot that seemed so unexpected!

“Okay, I have to see more of this!” my masked laughed. With the voice gone, I suddenly regained awareness of my situation. Brave youth, evil monster, and me without my wise guide. This was really a bad time for this.

“Hey!” the young drake shouted.  I groaned and turned my attention to the youth, though my plasma ball was still aimed at the two ruffians on the ground.  Can’t be too careful……

“What is it?” I asked in annoyance.  “You dragons are becoming a nuisance.” 

She shot a quick look of worry to the two on the ground, mainly the one with a gash in his chest.  Interesting- seems I was right about the whole, ‘sibling tries to beat the big bad guy to save their brother,’ bullshit.

“Bionicle 2 Legends Of Metru Nui….Let’s see here,” the Kraahkan mumbled, looking through my movie memories. While my mask was screwing around, I decided to look into the kid’s mind. 
 
Okay, she’s 16, one of the dunderheads is her brother, she is a prodigy crafter…. Aaannnnd she wants to try and convince me to take some silly challenge to test the skill of smithers.

So cliche.

“You can’t do this,” she shouted in anger.

Yes, yes I can, I thought. 

“I challenge you to a competition of crafts and a dual of combats.  I challenge you to a Krazikar Dual!”

Many around us gasped in shock, now scared for the young girl’s life. I, on the other hand, nearly threw up.  For the love of---this was I was what I was just talking about!

“A Krazi---what?” I stifled my laughter.  It was ridiculous name with a even ridiculous concept.
The kid thought I was confused, so she chose to explain it to me.  “The premise is simple, we both must craft a weapon within a day; then we must use that weapon is a trial of combat!”

“Right, and what could I possible get from this?” I asked the dragoness.  I couldn’t believe I was even taking this seriously, there was no way I would acc---

“What’s wrong, you scared a little drake is gonna out do you?” she taunted.  I flinched at that.  Was she goading me?  There was no way--- “That’s too bad, I thought you might wanna one-up us ‘nuisances’?”

I twitched at that.  “Sorry kid, but I don’t need to prove I’m better than you.”

“What if...what if we let you have the Divine Pool if you win!” she suggested.  Now she was just grasping at straws.

“Uh, I don’t need your permission to take the Protodermis,” I snorted.  “I can kill all of you and then I can take it for myself.”

“What if I told you there was a password to open the vault it's in?!?” she challenged.  I did a quick read of her mind to see that she wasn’t bluffing.  

I could just dig the password out of her pretty little head, but at this point I chose to amuse her.  Besides, on second thought, there was something I could actually get out of this......
.
“Okay, if I win you’ll tell me the password--”

“--And if I win, you have to leave forever and promise to never harm any of us!” she interrupted.  Many of the dragons around me cheered in agreement, clearly proud of the young dragoness.

“But,” I smirked, I wasn’t done with my demands.  “If I win, you and your village must also swear eternal fealty to me and my Dark Legion!”  The other dragons lost their cheerfulness.  It seemed that giving their loyalty to some strange robot wasn’t what they really wanted.

The things was, I needed minions.  I needed a loyal and dedicated force to serve my will without question, and dragons would be a great bonus to my horde. Besides, others usually avoid dragons.  This could work in concealing my existence; that, and others might start poking around if an entire dragon colony suddenly vanished.

The girl looked back to her friends and kin, searching for signs of disapproval.  Slowly, each one nodded to my request.  She turned back to me, her confidence never wavering, and gave me her answer.

“It’s a deal, Makuta Teridax!” She proclaimed, puffing her chest out.

“What is your name, child?” I questioned curiously. Admittedly, I was impressed by her bravery.  Foolish courage, mind you, but courage none the less.

“Ember Root,” she answered haughtily.

“Okay, Ember Root,” I echoed.  An interesting name.  “Let us begin then. Take me to the Pool of the Divine and bring a suitable workshop to the site.”

“Fine,” she huffed, motioning some of the dragons to do what I requested.  “I don’t know what you hope to achieve.   The greatest materials are near the top of the volcano: Brimnite”

“You will see, my sweet dragoness, you will see…..” I answered ominously.

“You know, you’re kinda creepy…..” she deadpanned.

With that said, she led me out the door.  I followed after her, going over the designs of my weapon. Strange, the Kraahkan usually would be talking nonstop about---

“What the fuck!?!” And there he is…….

“Shut up, I just finished watching that stupid movie!” he growled.

“What was wrong with it?” I asked through my mental connection.  It would be awkward to talk out loud to myself.  “I thought it was okay….”

“Uh, because they had no real fight scenes with Teridax.  All we did was shoot shadow hands out and use water pillars to stop our foes.  We have 42 powers, 42!  Where is the diversity, the finesse?” he ranted.

“I just assumed they had a low budget,” I mentally shrugged.  “But, they could have done better…”   I went back to focusing on my weapon design and following the dragon guides.

“Alright,”  the mask huffed, storing away his frustration.  “Why did you take this deal again?”

I reviewed my logic behind my decision.  We needed minions who could go out in public and not give us away.  Killing an entire dragon village would also raise too many questions, ones that would lead to investigations.  I needed to think smart and build up my forces. We needed something to start with, and these dragons were just right.

“I can see your logic behind that….okay, so this weapon you want should be good,” he mused, looking over my mental schematics.  “Luckily, we have a day to teach you to become a skilled crafter… or at least a capable one.  With the memories you have, it should make it easier.”

“We’re here,” Ember Root said, stopping the party.  “Your supplies will be here shortly.  Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll be off!”  With that said, she flew away.

It was a decently sized entrance and following it, it seemed to lead into the center of the volcano.  I walked in and looked around until I reached the middle of my new sanctum.  It was near the right hand corner of the cavern that I spotted an expansive pool filled with the clear silvery liquid.

“Ah, Protodermis,” I smiled, walking over to the substance.  I admired the clear, shimmering pool.  This was my building block for my great masks and tools, and I would also use this to build my children.

The Rahkshi.

I felt giddy at the thought.  Creating was something I had always loved; in fact, it was the reason I loved Bionicle and Lego.  The things I would make here would stand the tests of time.

A loud thunk woke me from my daydreaming.  I turned around to see two dragons set down my work station (a consolidated, portable unit, of course).
“You might want to stay clear of that,” one of the dragons, and elder by the sound of his voice, chuckled.  “Many have fallen victim to its alluring beauty….”
I scanned the work station, looking for any flaws that might make my work difficult.  I was pleased to find none and I lifted the hammer.

“Good….good…..” I muttered, looking at the tool.  I would have to upgrade it eventually, but it was a fine piece of craftsmanship.

I then turned towards the pool of protodermis. Now to take the first step.  Magnetism was an interesting power, and one I would need to perform it for me to work.

“Like Gravity, Magnetism is a Force. You have to work with it in order to manipulate the metallic substance,”  my mask instructed.  “Pull it towards you, slowly so you don’t have it splatter against you, and set it towards the forge.”

The two dragons gave bug-eyed looks as some of the silvery substance floated in the air, slowly drifting towards me.  I laid it on my anvil and struck it with my hammer in constant succession. The dragons glanced at each other, before turning to leave. I paid them no heed. This would take concentration and time, but it would be worth it…..







I waited impatiently for the strange robot, rain pouring in all around them.  I had finished her sword early in the morning and was feeling pretty confident in my work.  While I hated to brag, and by I she meant loved, it would probably wreck anything the strange being would make. As for combat training, I had been taught at a young age to wield the tools I crafted.  An expert in swordsmanship, I was sure I‘d be able to end this quickly.  The blade would allow me to parry with ease, and since I was a dragon, one of the strongest races on the planet, I wouldn’t have to worry about being overpowered.

“Where is he?” I asked aloud to no one in particular.  My question was answered when the air suddenly echoed with a series of rhythmic, metallic clanks, the sound of claws scraping stone. Emerging from the swirling storm, the robot slowly strolled up the path.  His smug expression didn’t spell anything good for me….

Then again, he was an arrogant sonuvabitch.

As he reached me, barely 3 feet away, I saw in his hands what seemed to be a staff or spear.  Two bladed protruded from the metal poll.  Nasty looking blades, I thought.  I wonder where he got the metal from…..

“I was wondering what you’d show up, Bolt,” I cowed.  The machine just tilted his head in amusement.

“Yes, well perfection takes time…..” the Makuta said joyfully.  He looked around to the crowd and back towards me.  “Should I have to worry about collateral damage...or interference?” he asked politely.

That was another thing that bugged me about this guy, he always sounded too cheery.  Despite his cruel behavior in the inn, he showed no signs of anger or malice.  Just jovial……

“Nah,” I replied.  I waved my hand and my kin flew up.  They could watch the fight from above us.  “I guess I should go over the rules.”

“That would be appreciated,” he answered.  There it was again, cheery and smug.  This guy was starting to sound like he wasn’t taking the seriously. Yet….it felt like something was filing through my head.

“Since it’s a dragon competition, the only things we are allowed to use is our weapon and our fire breath,” I said to Teridax.  “Since you can’t breath fire I just get another advantage.”

“Is it a battle to the death or just until the other gives up?” he questioned.  He seemed unfazed I would have an extra weapon and he wouldn’t.  Weird, since he looked like the kind of guy who would protest that…..

“The winner chooses what happens to his opponent,” I said, a small shiver going down my spine.  I would probably let him go, but I have no idea what he would do to me if he won.

“Seems reasonable,” he replied, scanning the area around us before looking at my weapon.  “Ah, nice work there.  While I wouldn’t consider it superior than mine, it is some of the best craftsmanship I’ve seen in awhile.”

I blushed, unsure whether or not that was a compliment or an insult.  “Your’s isn’t bad either,” I commented.  While I didn’t want to boost the guy’s ego, not that I think it could get and higher, it was pretty good.  “What material did you use?”

“You like it?” Teridax asked, brightening up at my compliment.  Maybe I could use praise to throw him off.  “It’s protosteel, hardest you’ll ever see.”

“Where did you get?” I asked, still marveling at his work.  While my town was enthusiastic about my work, I never really had anydrake to talk in depth about it with.

“Protodermis, or what you call the Pool of the Divine,”  he replied, his chest puffed out in pride at his work.  I was taken aback, however.  How could he craft such a weapon out of the  volatile material?

“That’s amazing,” I gaped, now holding the staff.  “Ho--how did you do this?” I interrogated.

He took it back from me, gently handling his work.  Pride shined from his eyes.  “It was...difficult at first, but I eventually got the hang of it,”  I answered.  He then looked back up to me. “I think we should start this, wouldn’t you agree?”

I gave a nodded. “Let’s,” I answered, flying a few feet away from him. I felt a little queasy at the feat he’d managed to accomplish, but I didn’t even know if it could stand up to Brimnite.
It could be fragile as paper, for all I knew, since none have been able to use it before.

“It’s far from fragile, Miss Ember,” he said, making me jump in shock.  How could he have known what I was thinking!?!

“Right,” I said, taking a deep breath.  I then shot towards him like a torpedo, my long blade giving me only a couple of feet between me and him.  My blade collided with his staff and sparks came to life from my sword. My eyes widened as I realized that he had stopped me in my tracks….

Not good….





I parried her attack with ease, though I was pushed back a little from the impact.  Sparks flew from her sword, only proving who had the superior weapon.  I began to like the drake for her sassy attitude, even if it was a little annoying.  She also complimented my Staff of Shadows, so that gave her bonus points.

A shame I would have to kill her.

I brought my staff up, throwing her arms up as well.  With her underbelly exposed, I delivered a swift kick to her stomach.  She flew backwards and landed on the ground.

There was some worry that this ‘Brimnite’ might prove effective against my protosteel shell.  But, she would have to hit me in order for that theory to be tested.  I highly doubted that she would manage it…..

The dragoness was quick to recover, blood spilling from her mouth.  Instead of rushing me, like one would expect the young drake to, she sized me and my weapon up.  Good, she was thinking on how to fight me.

“I’m waiting,” I said lazily, slacking my guard in hopes of goading her into another hasty charge.

“You can keep on waiting, you bucket of bolts!” she shot back.  Making a defensive stance, she waited for me to make my move, silently assessing my stance.  Seems like she would put up more of a fight then I originally thought, but that only made this more entertaining.  I wanted to fight this fairly, so I wouldn’t use most of my powers.

Most of them anyway……

I shot forward at a great speed, my staff bashing right into her sword.  This left her confused on how such a creature with my stature could move so fast.  I took this opportunity to bring the butt of my staff crashing towards her head.

She crumpled down at my feet, too dazed with my attack to get up.  I lifted her up over my head and walked over to the entrance of the volcano.  Throwing her in the lava seemed like the best way to go about this, no need to leave a corpse lying around or getting blood on my new staff. “Alley-oop,” I sang, tossing the confused dragoness into the lava.  She let out a surprised scream and tumbled down into the lava.  I waited to see the drake fail as she sank into the lava.  Once she finished sinking, I turned back and walked towards the center.

SPLASH!

“Huh?” I said in confusion.  Turning around, I saw Ember Root giving me a smirk of triumph.  Droplets of lava dripped from her body, but she looked completely unharmed.

“We dragons are fireproof,” she laughed, shaking her head to scatter off the lava.  “That includes lava, but…….” Her chest then started to glow and flames licked from her mouth.  “If you play with fire, YOU’RE GONNA GET BURNED!”

With that said, she unleashed a torrent of flames towards me.  The fire engulfed me and the surrounding area.  It was hot enough to melt steel, I’ll give her that, but I happened to have the good fortune of being fire-resistance like her.

When she stopped breathing flames at me, she gave a quick look of pride before it turned to surprise.  I was still standing, showing no sign that the fire affected me.

“I’m fireproof too,” I responded calmly.  She gave a growl of frustration and took off into the air like a jet, rocketing into the sky. Lightning crackled and soon all the normal eye could see was a shadowy silhouette.

Luckily, my eyes weren’t normal.  Within the dark clouds, high above the mountaintop, I could just spot the dragoness getting ready to dive bomb me.  She soon started to drop down, her sword aimed downwards as she descended.

I raised my staff, ready to strike her once she reached me.  Now was the time to break her pride, as well as her spirit.  The air screamed as the dragon hurled towards the ground, bursting through the swirling clouds. When her sword reached striking distance, I sidestepped and brought the twin blades of my staff to her sword.

It cut clean through the blade.

From the surprise of her weapon being destroyed, combined with the fact that she was now meeting the ground with her face and not with her sword, she crashed to the ground.

“Owwww,” she groaned, blood trickling down her head from the crash.  Further examination showed that she had two cracked ribs, from when I kicked her, and her wing was twisted.
I used my Magnetism to shove the broken part of her blade into her leg, earning a loud cry of pain from the young drake.

“Ow indeed,” I huffed, grabbing her neck with my claw.  She let out a choking sound as I gripped her long neck, I then flipped her over so that she was facing me.  Tears and blood were mixed together on her face due to the pouring rain.  “I have to say, you did pretty good.  It was inevitable, however, that we came to this sad conclusion.”

She gave me a determined look to not show fear, staring me directly in the eyes.  “Just finish it,” she snarled.

I went to just do that, but then I stopped. Something about this felt wrong, wholly, utterly wrong. Something deep inside me screamed in objection, demanding I not carry through with the deed. 

I tried to rationalise. There must be some logical reason for my rejection. Here she was, the hero of this small village, defeated before me.  They would witness her death, and bitterly pledge their loyalty to me: a pledge that would mean nothing, for I had killed their friend. I had broken her spirit, and in a sense theirs as well.

But, if I left her alive and took her under my wing…. Well, then surely the dragons would serve with their new merciful leader willingly?  

Yes, that was the way to go.  I needed loyal minions, not angry drakes who would betray me at any opportunity.

I lowered my spear, gaining surprised looks from her and the bystanders.  “You said, ‘I get to chose who lives and dies,’ did you not?” I questioned, though I still held her down.

“Ye--yes,” she stuttered, her voice dripping with confused on why she had not left this world yet.

“And, our deal was that all of you would swear loyalty to me,” I continued, letting go of the pink dragoness.

“Yes….” she answered, looking at me in shock.  I delved into her mind to see the admiration she was starting to have for me.  The other dragons also had shared thoughts.  They thought I was only some thrown-away golem looking for blood, yet here I was sparing one of them.

“And do you swear?” I demanded, authority in my voice.  Her eyes got bigger at my question.  I was letting her live and still live in the community.

At that moment, she realized this was most likely the best option she could get, plus her curiosity of how I made my staff and what I really was clearly dominated her choice. “Yes,” she proclaimed. 

 A chorus of answers rang out as the other dragons bowed and swore themselves to me.  I bent down and lightly touched Ember Root’s shoulder, the soothing energy of my Quick Healing cleansing her of her wounds and the pain that came with them.

“Then I welcome all of you to my legion,” I roared, a pillar of earth beneath me slowly raised me up towards the sky.  My powers increased the storm, rain and lightning filled the world around us.  “I welcome you to the New Brotherhood of Makuta!”

“Show them, show them our glorious future!” the Great Kraahkan shouted in my head. I grinned, and gave a small nod in agreement. There were tons of bystanders on the scene, and with considerable mental strain, I projected a simple image into the minds of all of the dragons, young and old.  An image depicting a world where they were secure, a world where they would no longer suffer.

A world in my image.

“We can achieve this,”  I shouted to the excited dragons.  This image provided them comfort for the journey ahead.  “But there will be obstacles!  The Princesses of Equestria.  Kings and Queens of the Dragons, Changelings, Minotaur, and all other nations will stand against us!”

“They will be nothing but insects, ones we will stomp into the ground!” my mask laughed manically.

This didn’t deter them, so engrossed were they on what they could have that they no longer cared about the dangers that lay before us. If they could better their lives and the lives of their children, then no price was too high.

“Together, we can leap over these obstacles,” I cried, my metallic voice thundering over the raging storm.  “Together, we can achieve true perfection!  A world of true happiness!”

They cheered, praising the future ahead. My plan had worked perfectly: the mobs swelled with shared excitement and anticipation. This was their time, their time to make a change in the world. And with their new leader, they could do anything; achieve anything.

I looked down at them, my chest filling with pride  This was the first step, and many more would be on the way  But now was the time to rejoice, for I had taken the first leap to achieve my plan and win this game.

Yes, a simple game.

That is how I would see this, I decided: as a game for me to win. For if I were to see this otherwise and see those I would sacrifice and destroy as real beings….then I would surely fail. I could not have compassion, love, or friendship jeopardize my plan.

There were many foes I would encounter.  Villains who saw the world as their own, heroes who’d seek to strike me down, lords who could call the world their oyster, and her.  They were all players and pieces, and this….

This is but a simple game……………




> Chapter 3 - Meeting the Neighbors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It had been four days since I took control over Brimstone Village. The village itself consisted of veteran warriors who chose to live the quiet life and blacksmiths who were skilled in their craft. So when I started recruitment I got a lot of eager soldiers.


I have no idea why they didn’t just mob rush me when I first got here and challenged them for the Protodermis…that could have been difficult.


They were skilled in the ways of battle, but they had no sense of cohesion.  I would need to reign discipline in and keep them active so that they could be a lethal fighting force. I needed a leader…


 Luckily, I had Ridged Scale to help me do just that.


Ridged Scale was a former commander in the Royal Draconic Army before he came to the island as a form of retirement. Dragon’s aging was...strange.  While in human years she would be 16, due to dragons and their strange aging she was actually 160. Whereas Ridged Scale had recently hit respectable 750 years of age.


He was an open minded individual and was smart enough to understand the tactics and training regiment I wanted him to implement.  Since this island consisted of many former and active warriors, we had a pool of 2,000 recruits. The total population being 5,000, with 3,000 of them being children and noncombatants.


“We’ll divide them into what I call ‘centuries’ which is a unit of 80 dragons per century,” I said, using a drawing to show the commander what I was going for.  Since I didn’t have enough soldiers to make a full legion, a legion consisting of 5,420 soldiers, I would modify it a little.


“Six centuries make 480 dragons, or what we will call a cohort,” I continued my explanation, both Ridged Scale and Ember Root looking at my drawing which now showed six boxes with the label ‘century’ in a big circle with the label ‘cohort’.


“Now, a legion will consist of two cohorts.  That would be 960 dragons, we can have a total of two legions since two chorts will equal 1920 dragons and we have 2,000 dragon soldiers total.”  I finished by circling the entire thing, and labeling it ‘Legion’.


“What about the remaining 80?” Ridged scale asked.


“They will be stationed as a permanent guards around our fortress,” I answered the old drake’s question.  “Can I trust that you can take care of this?” I questioned.  If he couldn’t perform the task I would find another.


“Don’t worry,” He chuckled, taking the paper and the rest of the notes I had prepared for him. If I want them to do it right, I gotta make sure they have the resources they need to do a good job. “I’ll have them whipped into shape!”


“Good,” I said, giving the commander an approving nod. It was good to have decent pe--dragons to rely on to do the job right.  


I heard an exasperated sigh from a certain pink dragoness. “What?” I asked in annoyance.


When I had chosen to take the young drake on as an apprentice of sorts, I had forgotten that I was taking a child under my wing. While she was no slouch not wasted any of my time when I was teaching her, she was still impatient.


“Look,” She huffed, getting up from her makeshift hammock that she had set up in my chambers. Something I hadn’t minded since I had no drive for sexual activities anymore. “While I know it’s important to learn this stuff, I was wondering if we could do something fun now?”


“Fun?” I asked, my eyes turning purple to signify that I was raising an eyebrow.


“Yeah,” She said, starting to release some excitement she had been building up by flapping her wings.  “The secret weapons, more training in your craft. You know, the fun stuff.”


I looked over to Ridged Scale, shrugged at her antics.  I looked back to the young dragoness, ready to lecture her that learning the basics of military organization was important. Then I had an idea.


“Well, since commander Ridged Scale is here, I think I can reveal to both of you to my children…” I mused, the pink dragoness perking up in interest.


“Children?” She asked in curiosity.  “I had no idea you were the father type, or the reproducing type for that matter.”


“Ugh, I can’t actually have sex you know,” I sighed in annoyance at her comment.  “By children, I mean creations!”


“Oh, okay,” She said, bouncing in excitement.  “Let’s see them then!”

I waved my claw to let them know to follow me and I walked towards the back of the inside of the volcano, near the Energized Protodermis.  Once we reached the room in which my workshop and the pool were in, I removed the illusion I had created and revealed my greatest creations.


Before us appeared 42 Rahkshi standing lifeless before us.


“What are these?” Ember Root asked, examining the creatures intently.


“They are those who should never see the light of day,” I said ominously, remembering Teridax’s monologue of my children.  “They are the Rahkshi, my children…”  


“Cool!” Ember Root said, still inspecting my children. I was thrown off a little, I expected her to show fear towards them.  Another thing I now liked about this one.  “How do they work?”


“They are living, organic, creatures,” I said, walking up towards the red Rahkshi, Turahk.  “As for how they work…” I trailed off, I tore into my chest and pulled out a kraata. It then slithered into the the red Rahkshi.


Ember Root and Ridged Scale gave looks of shock and a bit of disgust at the process of the Rahkshi’s creation.


“Mhhhhm,” Turahk moaned, shaking his head. He looked around before seeing me, immediately bowing down.  “Father, what do you require of me?”


One of the things I did was give the Rahkshi their own minds. I wanted them to think on their own. If I expected them to carry out my will effectively, they needed to properly understand what I wanted them to do. They were my most treasured creations, my children…


“Enough of that, loyal Turahk,” I chuckled, grabbing onto his arm and lifting him up.  “You are my son, not my servant.  Talk to me like one would talk to their father!”


“Of course,” He said, shaking his head and looking around the room. “Who is the beautiful dragon?”


Ember Root blushed at his comment.


Turahk was the last to receive his kraata, the others only in a deep sleep until I chose the right time to awake them. Creating the Rahkshi was something I had trouble with at first, but I eventually got a hang of it after getting through a few roadblocks…


------



“You want me to do what!?!” I shouted inwardly at the Kraahkan. I couldn’t believe what I just heard him say.

“Stop being such a baby,” It huffed in annoyance.  “It’s like peeling off a band-aid!”

“You want me to tear into my chest and rip out a Kraata!” I shot back, pissed off at the mask sugarcoating the process.  

“How is that in anyway pulling off a band-aid!?!”  I questioned.

“Just do it!”

“You know what?  Fine!”  I shouted, shoving my claw into my chest.  “Oh Goddddd,” I moaned as I slowly pulled out a Kraata. While I couldn’t feel what was happening per say, it mentally freaked me out.

Finally I pulled out two Kraata, watching in fascination as one went to the Energized Protodermis.  It slowly morphed into a Rahkshi and when it finished, the other Kraata hopped into the shell.

“See, wasn’t that easy?” My masked questioned.  “Now, forty-one to go…..”


“Ugh!”

-------




…Yeah,now was that time to awake them.


“Rise my children, awaken from your slumber,” I shouted, willing them awake
.  


They soon awoke, looking around at their surroundings. I turned back to my commander and apprentice, both showing shocked reactions.  Seems like I’ve gained Ember Root’s attention.


“What do you wish us to do, father?” One of the Rahkshi, a bright yellow chameleon Rahkshi by the name of Spyglass, asked.  Others nodded in agreement, eagerly awaiting orders.


“You will stay here with me, Spyglass.  The rest of you are to perform the telepathic commands I am about to send you,” I answered, sending out telepathic instructions on what their job would be. 


“Ridged Scale, begin training the troops and some of the Rahkshi will come and help out,”  I ordered, earning a salute from the old drake and he left my sanctum.  


“Ember Root,” I turned to the pink dragoness. She perked up in interest, hoping for an exciting mission. “I need you to continue your studies, I have some solid protodermis for you to work on.  Make a sword by the time I get back and we can go over anything you missed.”


She jumped up in excitement. This was the first time she would work with the material that her ancestors could never even touch. I jerked my head to Turahk and motioned for him to come to me.


“Watch her,” I ordered, getting a confused look from the babysitting Rahkshi and a whine of protest from Ember Root.


“I don’t need--” Whatever she was about the say was never heard as I grabbed Spyglass and teleported us to an unknown location.


“I hate him, I really hate him…..” She growled in frustration.


“I’m confused.” Turahk confessed. “But Lord Teridax ordered that I watch you, and that is what I will do!”


“Ugh,” She groaned, walking towards the forge to begin her work.






(Castle of the two sisters)





I teleported my chameleon Rahkshi and I to the infamous castle of the two sisters. The building had gained my interest; secrets lay behind its walls. That and the books I discovered only bolstered my schemes.


Yes Night Princess, I have read your book…


“Little Skittles, Fishguts, Blind Eye!”  I shouted towards the shadows.  “Come out!”


Three Skinks in helmets and five without them became visible and ran towards us. Spyglass took a defensive stance, ready to ward off the small lizards. I held my hand and stopped him from wasting his energy on the pathetic creatures.


“Greetings Dark One,”  Little Skittles gurgiled.  I gave the small creature a frustrated glare. I had found them hiding in the darkest caves located all over the island. They had an uncanny cloaking ability and basically worshiped me due to the aura I projected.


“Spyglass,” I said, placing a hand on my son’s shoulder.  “I would like to introduce you to your spies, they will be yours to command.”


He gave them a scrupulous look but shook his head and lifted one of the creatures up. “My own spies?” He asked in confusion.


“Yes,” I replied. “They will be sent to Canterlot, Manehattan, and Ponyville to watch these targets.” I then wave my hand, creating illusions of eight ponies.



“The Bearers of the Elements of Harmony are a threat and they must be monitored. I want to know who their friends are, who their friends’ friends are,” I lectured the young Rahkshi.  


“In Canterlot, I want you to watch Princess Luna, Discord, and Celestia.” I said, petting the illusion of Princess Luna on the head.  “Luna has the ability to see dreams, she could find me eventually and Celestia commands high respect from her ponies and the other world leaders.”


I made the two sisters vanish, leaving the troublesome draconequus.  “Discord is one of the oldest beings to live on this world.  His power is almost unmatched, he is a reality warper, and he used to have nothing he cared for,”  I placed one of my hands on his chest, turning my head to my minions and son.  


“But he now has a heart….” An illusion of Fluttershy appeared next to me.  I took my claw off Illusion Discord’s chest with great speed and decapitated the illusion of Fluttershy.  “One I will rip out if he proves to be a problem!”


“Do you wish for me to situate one Skink to be near her at all times, so as to carry out the kill order?” Spyglass asked.


“Good thinking,” I praised my child, patting his head.  “Yes, make sure it will be memorable should I wish to prove a point to the Jester of Chaos…To never love again.”


I then made the pegasus and draconequus disappear, leaving only a rough looking humanoid alligator to remain.


“Shank is the leader of the Black Ace mafia,” I said, pacing around the ugly creature.  “I will be dealing with him under an alias.  I will use him to start a bloody feud between all of the major gangs in Equestria.”


“The same for him as the yellow pony?” Spyglass asked. I gave him a nodded of approval.



“Yes. Now, I will leave one Skink here within the castle while the rest go with you, go and begin your mission!”  I ordered. Spyglass nodded and vanished with the rest of the Skinks.


With him gone, I walked towards the castle library.  Once I reached the room and went inside, I used my shadow power to move one of the bookshelves to reveal a secret passage. I shapeshifted into a white pegasus pony with a black mane since the passage was too small for my true size.


I reached the secret room and walked over to the desk next to the bed. Around twenty-two books littered the desk, each one written by both Starswirl the Bearded and Princess Luna. I enjoyed them immensely and the secret magic and knowledge had caught my interest.



Some books had secret incantations that would allow one to communicate with the dead, incantations and runes are the only form of pony magic I can use.  Others provided spells and knowledge of the Dream Realm, I would be using this one in particular. And then there was the one I was after now--


“Princess Luna’s Guide to the Everfree” 


The book gave several locations to forbidden areas. The Tree of Harmony, which is in a ravine, some demonic altar that would some the spirit of Grogar the Necromancer, and the one object I was interested in--



The Mirror Pool.


I teleported  next to the magic puddle, taking the pool into account. It had been something that worried me, the concept that my enemies could duplicate themselves would prove to be problematic.


Which was why I was going to use it first.


I used my gravitational powers to slowly lift the water out of the pool towards a protosteel bucket. I muttered a few incantations from one of the other books, Starswirl the Bearded’s Incantations for Magic Enchantments, that would counter magical substances.


With the water in hand, I then destroyed the pool by making a gravitational sinkhole that dropped the water down into the abyss before closing the hole up. Now I wouldn’t have to worry about a hundred Twilight Sparkles swarming me.


Now, onwards to my next destination…







(Twilight Sparkle’s Fortress of Friendship)






It had been five days since she had taken the responsibility of reforming the Tyrannical Centaur know as Lord Tirek. Five days of trying to convince the stubborn centaur that Friendship was important. Five days of hearing his thunderous snores shake the castle each and every night!


I took a deep breath to calm herself down.  Ah, better. Yes, Tirek had proven to be a challenge.

I had first tried to get him involved on Applejack’s farm. Things seemed to be going fine at first, but then he sent twelve trees into Ponyville. Whether it was on purpose or by accident was up for debate.

After that, other ponies weren’t really willing to give the centaur the benefit of the doubt.  It became increasingly hard to even get anypony to not avoid Tirek, nopony felt safe. This will be difficult… 



But I would not fail!






“What are these disgusting things?” Tirek spat out a mouthful of pancakes bitterly.


Yeah, this was going to take a while.



“They’re called pancakes, Tirek, and it’s kinda rude thing to do….” I said, forcing a smile.


“Oh, I’m sorry.” Tirek sneered.  “It was an unthoughtful thing for me to do, can you ever forgive me?” He asked sarcastically.


I was about to make a comment on his behavior, but our breakfast was interrupted  by the dining room doors were slammed open. My five friends rushed in, their faces filled with worry.


Discord on the other hand jumped up from the ground.  It was just a skeleton at first, then the pancakes lept from the table to cover his bones and they morphed into his flesh.  To say that it was horrifying would be generous….


“And now I don’t want to eat pancakes every again.”  I groaned to myself.


“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Our cutie marks are acting weird and Discord said some kind of magicwhat’sit is happening inside the castle!”


“Disturbance,” Discord growled, teleporting right in front of Tirek. “What did you do!?” He demanded, grabbing the centaur by the throat.


Tirek let out a choking sound as the Draconequus lifted him off the ground.  I was shocked by Discord’s violent action, this was unusual for the mischievous prankster.


“What are you all talking about?” I asked in confusion.  “Tirek has been with me this whole time, and what is this about the map?”


I used my magic and teleported Tirek out of Discord’s grip.  The draconequus gave a snarl and jabbed a talon at me. “Something destroyed the Mirror Pool!  That should be impossible, yet it happened.” He shouted in frustration, pacing around in anger.  



“And now whatever magic remains is inside this castle. It just doesn’t make any sense! And not in a good way.” He threw his arms up before turning back to me.  “Who else could have done it?”


“You could have,” Tirek laughed, a smirk on his face. Some of us shot skeptical looks towards the draconequus. While Tirek usually lied and stole from others, he had a point.

It was not long ago that the Spirit of Chaos had betrayed us for Tirek…


“Discord is reformed now!” Fluttershy interjected, defending her friend.  “He would never do something like this!”


“He did before when you thought he was ‘reformed’,” He pointed out, making Discord flinch.


“Hello,” Rainbow Dash shouted to all of us. “While I hate to admit it, I believe Discord wouldn’t do this…and wasn’t it you who turned him on us the first time?” She stated. Tirek snorted and looked away from the daredevil.


Before the argument could continue, my cutie mark started to glow with the others.  The map must want something, but what could it--


“Ohhhhhh noooo,” Discord wobbled.  “Something bad, really bad, is happening.  Someone is using the Mirror Pool’s magic right now!”


My thoughts went straight to the map.  Could something terrible be happening to it?  Did it have to do with the Mirror Pool?  But what could it be, the only thing the Mirror Pool could do was copy--


Oh no…


“We need to go to the map, now!” I cried in fear, taking off to the map room.  The others, even Tirek, followed me to see what I was going on about.  On the way, the guards I had placed in the castle had noticed my distress expression and went after us.


Everypony was asking me what was wrong, but I ignored them. If my suspicions were  true, then we didn’t have much time.


We reached the map room, the two guards that had been placed there lied in a pool of blood. Everypo-er, everybody reacted in shock and horror, even the centaur and draconequus.


“What the hell…” Discord recoiled at the sight before us, looking at the two ponies that lay dead before us.


I tried to open the doors, only to find them locked. With a cry of anger, I blasted the doors open to reveal the Cutie Map shaking uncontrollably. In front of the map stood a dark earth pony, if I could even call the abomination that.


It a slowly turned towards us, revealing that this pony was wearing some kind of armor.


“Well, what a pleasant surprise,” he said emotionlessly.  I could see blood splattered his forelegs and chest. I had an inkling on who was responsible for the horrific act that played outside the room.  “Princess Twilight Sparkle, I presume?”


“Who the hay are you, and what have you done?” I demanded, shaking in fear.  It was like he was projecting fear from his very being.  It made no sense, only somepony like Sombra could do that…


“I….I am your father,” He stated cooly.  Though I could hear a smirk behind the mask.


All of us stared at him slack-jawed.  Was he serious?


“Wh--what the hell are you even talking about?” Rainbow Dash shouted in annoyance.


“Hehe, you should have seen your faces,” He chuckled, holding a hoof up to his face to stifle his laughter.  “Priceless!”


I teleported in front of the earth pony, lifting him up with my magic.  “I will not ask again,” I snarled.  “Who. Are. You!?”


The table continued to shake and I saw it slowly separate from another table.  The table was duplicating, and from the bucket I saw next to it I had a pretty good guess on what was doing it.


“Feisty,” The offender tsked.  “I’m just performing a little science experiment…no harm in that, is there?”


“NO--you killed two ponies!” Applejack cried at the pony’s madness.  “What kind of pony--”


“Ah, looks like it’s done!” He said coolly.  The others and I gasped as we saw a completely new Cutie Mark Table.


I let out a cry of pain as shadows leaked from his body, tearing my magical aura apart.  He teleported away and appeared next to the table.


“So many uses, so many secrets,” He laughed.  “And you just follow it so blindly, don’t you?  Imagine the secrets this little table holds…I’m confused as to why you haven’t tried figuring it out yet, Twilight...”


His shadow started to peel off the wall, still in a two-dimensional form, and formed a box around the table. It stayed in its’ box form before melting into the ground, leaving nothing behind.


How?  How could he have command over his own shadow?  It took only the most skilled of unicorns to perform such a spell, and yet he was only an earth pony!


“Wh-who are you?” I asked, trembling as I spoke to him. He was like nothing I had ever meet. So cold…



“I am nothing,” He replied. He turned his head up towards the ceiling. “But, if it is a name you want…..you may call me Teridax.”


Our shadows started to leave us, much like his left him, and slowly circled the armored being. My friends look at him with confusion and fear.  Even his name made me want to flee from his presence, names were powerful things…


“Oh, and I will be watching you very closely…” He laughed manically, his body almost completely faded from view, the shadows taking him to an unseen place.  “Have fun with that thought…”



“Byeeeeeeee…”


And like that, he was gone.











 












 

  

















   
































 

> Chapter 4 - Reviewing some History
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I shifted back to my normal form as I returned to my lair. I have no idea how ponies can stand walking on four legs.  It felt unnatural and inconvenient.  


But, it was a fun little chat. That and I got a shiny new coffee table. I placed it in the center of the room where it would fit best.


I had recently refurbished the center of the volcano. The center which was empty was now taken by the Harmony Table. Four couches circled the table, the ground was completely glass.  I had a bookshelf near one of the couches that contained my favorite books, among them books of dark magic.


I walked over shelves on the wall that was adorned with all kinds of trinkets I had...acquired from other universes.  


Travel in the void had become accessible with some practice, guidance from my mask, and another one of my friends aiding me.  I had to be careful, however, since I can’t go long distances, and if I were to hit a snag, I’d be done for.


One was a lightsaber, something I swiped from Darth Folteren’s world.  An interesting man with an interesting weapon, I worry for his mental health though.  Ironic coming from me. But I wasn’t some crazed monster, otherwise I would have gone on a pointless killing spree.  The lightsaber is fast and effective in the hands of the right wielder. I even tested it against protosteel to see if the saber could actually cut through the metal.  When I had tested it, I had made a great discovery.  With my enhanced vision I was able to see the lightsaber cut the protosteel it touches on a molecular level!


Another one of my trinkets was a vial of blood.  Not simple blood, mind you, but blood from a Cthulhu displaced.  Nice guy.  He also had a girlfriend, they both seemed happy with each other.  I got the blood during one of his recent scuffles…I’ll make a note to keep an eye on them.


Unlike most beings, I felt a close bond to my displaced brethren and I had made it my mission to make sure they were safe. It sounded sappy for me to think this, but what was the point of ruling if anything you cared about was gone?


I also had a Shank, that one drone from the Destiny game, that I snagged from a Skolas displaced. He had become some hot shot ruler of his universe’s Crystal Empire.  His hobbies included: Messing with Vex Gates, killing tyrants, and humiliating his version of Celestia. My Celestia would never had made such stupid mistakes, I feel bad the poor guy to have to deal with that kind of crap.


Yes, there were many items I had collected.  I would have gone through more of them, but any concentration I had was cut off when my mask chose to speak to me.



“Oh, those last words are really going to fuck with them,” The Kraahkan giggled at my memories of my performance in Twilight’s castle.  He had been away all day, calculating some ideas we had. “It seems like we got everything we wanted, wanna test it out?”

“Let’s,” I answered, giving a telepathic command to my children to come to me.


Soon my Rahkshi arrived, with Ember and Turahk in tow. They all gave a curious look as they examined the table. Its light glowed inside the volcano, illuminating the lava flowing from the walls lighting the room.


“What’s that?” She asked, sitting down on the comfy couch. The Rahkshi took seats as well, all of them surrounding my new centerpiece.


“The Table of Harmony, taken straight from Princess Twilight Sparkle!” I answered.  Her jaw dropped. “But, that is not why I called you all here. No, I have a greater purpose than bragging about my victory over royalty.”


“Gee, no need to be so modest about it,” Ember Root muttered sarcastically.  Some of the Rahkshi laughed at her comment.  I chose to ignore the dragoness and continue with my presentation.


“By manipulating this map and its magic, I can use its power to not only see things all around the multiverse,”  I said, using my shadow to make the map create a hologram of the Mane Six.  “I can also use the map to see past events and even pull up specific information on a single person. I call it, Equus Search!”

You heard me. I had created my own multiverse version of Google Search.  


Top that!


“What do we do with it?” Slacker, a maroon Rahkshi with the powers of sleep, yawned.


“Good question!” I said to the sleepy Rahkshi.  “Well, let’s see what we have on Twilight Sparkle.”


I waved my hand and a picture of the purple alicorn projected from the map.


“Twilight Sparkle is a princess of Equestria.  She, along with her friends, command the power of the Tree of Harmony. They have defeated Tirek, Nightmare Moon, Discord and have aided in the defeat of Chrysalis, Sombra, Ahuizotl, and more threats that plagued Equestria.”


I waved my hand again to reveal notes I had made on all six of them.


“Rainbow Dash is a braggart pegasus who will run into any fight, ignoring the dangers.  While I hate to admit it, I find myself respecting her loyalty.  If I need to do away with her, I will set a trap involving one of her friends.  She’ll screw the consequences and go straight for them, this will cost her dearly.”  I said as I read what I had compiled on the pegasus.  I then waved my hand to show them the next pony.



“Rarity is a dramatic unicorn who makes clothes, she is pompous, and I would only need a bucket of mud to ward her off.  However, she is generous and I find that admirable.  Someone remind me to order our minion’s outfits from her, she seems like the mare for the job.”  I would need to talk to the mare to brainstorm some ideas…I had the next mare’s analysis appear to my henchmen and I.


“Fluttershy is a cowardly pegasus and the only use she could serve is her influence on Discord.”I laughed at this one, she was really pathetic.  “She takes kindness to a whole other level.  I could send one of my Rahkshi to her house and beg for love and she would let them in.”

I moved onto the next slide, showing all of them the pink demon.


“Pinkie Pie is a serious threat, there is no way to really predicate what she will do and when she will do it,” I felt uneasy about the earth pony and her freaky shenanigans. “If you see her anywhere near the island, kill her!  Kill her and throw her body in the lava to make sure she never comes back!”

All of the Rahkshi nodded at my commanded.  If that pink pony ever showed her face around here, she would be swarmed by my children. As for the lava thing….necromancy’s a bitch.


Okay, onto the next one. The slide shifted to Applejack.


“This one will be easy,” I said confidently.  “Under that stern mask is a broken shell.  All I have to do is show her greatest fear and she will crumple like a bag or threaten her family and she will do my bidding. Hell, I could ask her a question and she would give it to me!”

Finally, I reached the last of the Mane Six. Twilight Sparkle. The Princess of Friendship and the warrior of Harmony.


“Twilight Sparkle is one of the strongest alicorns to ever exist,”  I commented.  I stared deep into the projection’s eyes, marveling at her wisdom “She is well versed in magic, history, and military strategy.  She single handedly took on Tirek when he had almost all of the magic in Equestria. She is a leader, a true leader.”


I let out a sad sigh.  Maybe in another life we could have been allies, but I was her enemy.


“I will personally take care of her. While she is skilled in her magic, if I were to cancel it out she would be helpless,”  My thoughts went back to her reaction in the castle.  So much fire… “I will personally absorb her, no one else is worthy of that.”

My thoughts went to her inevitable defeat. Her reaction as I toppled her and her mentor from their thrones. It felt sickening, to destroy such beauty…


I shook my head, clearing those pointless thoughts. No love, no friendship.


“Now, onto the world leaders,” I said, the map now projecting Princess Celestia.  


“Princess Celestia is the de facto leader of Equestria.  No matter what anyone else says, it is fact that she outranks Luna.”  I then shifted it to my notes of the sun goddess. “While I have no idea of alicorn durability, I will soon test it. On that note, she has proven to not be invincible--”


I played a clip of her defeat at the hands--hooves of Chrysalis.  “--Her powers increase when the sun is out, decrease when the moon is out, and she is practically a walking sun herself.  She can melt objects with heat more intense than this volcano, is fireproof, and can use a large number of spells she collected within her four thousand years.”


Ember Root gave me a worrisome look, but I was quick to reassure her.  “Again, she is not all powerful.  I can easily disorientate her and she is vulnerable to mental attacks, it is one of the reasons Sombra survived as long as he did.”


I then had the map bring up the next princess, Luna.


“Princess Luna, her failure to conquer Equestria which was only fueled by her neglect only proves her incompetence,” I snorted. Her entire corruption story was idiotic. “She grows in power when her moon is out, and is weakened when the sun is out, and she has the power to walk into others’ dreams.”


“While strong in mental magic, she is hot-headed and can easily be corrupted again. She has less magic power then her sister, but she makes up for it with her dreamwalking and shapeshifting. Breaking her will be simple…”


My next slide was on the residents closest to us, the Dragons.


"Dragons themselves are greedy and prideful, constantly underestimating any possible threat."


“Hey!” Ember Root shouted, taking offense.


“You know it’s true,” I deadpanned, giving her my best ‘o rly’ look.


“Yeah...I guess you’re right about that…” She mumbled in defeat.


“Getting back on track…Blackfang is a massive dragon whose scales are harder than steel.  He can create massive air currents and is basically a mini volcano.  He can cause earthquakes and unleash torrents of fire so great that the smoke once blocked out the sun for five days.”


Blackfang was a tricky one and was probably one of the strongest foes I would face on this world.  But like David slayed Goliath with but a sling and stone, I shall topple the God Dragon with my own power.


“Blackfang is huge and can destroy armies in a blink of an eye, but what he has in brute power he lacks in mobility.  He can be outmaneuvered and from what images I have gathered, he has a hole near the third spine on his back.”



I had the next projection show the Griffoness of War, the Avian God.


“Alexentric is the queen of the griffons,” I pointed out, having my slide transition to many pictures of the hostile griffon. “She can be goaded into fights easily.  Unfortunately, she can manipulate lighting to her will and even turn into a bolt. She is far too fast for the normal eye and it will take considerable effort to keep her down.”

I had the slide go to the next world leader, a monstrous bipedal wolf.

“What King Mudrowler lacks in intellect, he makes up for in sheer instinct,” I praised.  The Diamond Dog was not that smart, but I respected what he has been able to do with what he was given with. “He can find a scent from miles away, his eyesight rivals the most perceptive falcons, and he is fast and powerful when fighting.”

I smiled at the thought of the Diamond Dogs challenging me. They were an amusing bunch.

“He can manipulate the natural elements around him. What the Diamond Dogs lack in intellect they make up with their knowledge of the natural world. Shamans work with the natural elements of the world.  Troublesome, something I will have to read into…”


The next world leader was more difficult to learn about. Even with what I have, I still lack much knowledge on him and his race…


The Changelings…


“Emperor Carapace,” I sniffed at the lack of originality of the name.  Remind me to get a can of Raid to use on bugsy.  “He is the leader of the most secretive race in all of Equus. His empire is connected through the many hives that are governed by his daughters.”


I had the slide switch the the Carapace and his seven daughters.  Each one giving off a appearance of sexual superiority and pride. The Changeling queens were no laughing matter, each one a deceptive as their father.


“While not much is known about them or their race, we do know that Carapace has been traveling around Equestria in hopes of reassuring the ponies of any fear they may have due to one of his daughters’ actions.”


I had plans for the emperor and his race, big plans.  He was wandering the countryside, thus making him vulnerable to attack…

This continued for a while, not many of the other world leaders mattered much.  The Minotaurs were fractured and barbaric, the Buffalo were incompetent and too small for any serious military action, and the Zebrican alliance consisted of minor gods who dwelled on the plains of the savannah.

The last world leader was the most important and the most...beautiful.


“I’m sorry, what was that lover boy?” The Kraakhan taunted at my description of the last world leader.  “What happened to, ‘No love and friendship!’ you were spouting?”


“She’s different…” I replied telepathically to the mask, annoyed at his comments.


So what if I felt certain...affections to her?  It wasn’t like those affections would stop me from doing what needed to be done…


“Eris,” I said in a hushed tone, the map revealing the stunning Draconequus.  Ember Root gave me a curious look, but said nothing to me about my behavior as I placed a claw under the projections chin.


I quickly realized what I was doing and stopped what I was doing immediately.  “Right,” I coughed.


“Eris is the goddess of chaos, the leader of the Draconequueses---”

“Draconequui is how you say it,” Ember Root interjected.  I gave her a quick nod of thanks and continued my lecture.


“---Draconequui, and she is the 2nd strongest being in this universe next to Faust,” I continued, still staring at the amazing creature.  Her mane was a beautiful messy black and her fur was a reddish-brown.  She had a skinny arm with an owl’s talon that could cut stone, her other arm boasted a tiger’s foreleg with rippled with muscles.  Her tail was sleek and gray, a dolphin’s magnificent tail.  She had thin legs, one being a frog’s while the other was a rabbits.  She had a raven and changeling wings on her long back.

She was truly a sight to behold…..


“Teridax?” Ember Root asked, snapping me out of my daydreaming.


“R--right,” I mumbled.  It was strange to still have these emotions, especially since I was in the body of Makuta Teridax.  I made me rethink on how heartless the original truly was.  “Eris can warp reality to her will and she has the ability to summon chaos portals.  Chaos Portals are strange rifts that allow Draconequui to replenish their magic.”


My shadow hesitantly changed the projection to Eris and a couple of her Draconequui.


“The Draconequui are made up of other beings snatched from other universes, this means that Eris is capable of Void travel.  She usually rescues her followers when they are in dire need or are alone in their world, offering them the chance to be happy on her little island of mystery.”


My shadow once again hesitated, the next slide would not contain Eris’s image.  Once it did change the projection, it showed a small island shrouded in mist.


“The Isle of Strange are where the Draconequui live, hidden by a magic mist that even I cannot peer into.  I must, at all costs, absorb Eris and if we were to do battle it would have to be just the two of us…I will have to use my ace to defeat her…”

Once I finished this world’s leaders and what I knew about them, I moved onto the villains. I really hated all of them, their sheer stupidity could force puppies to commit a self lobotomy.

Props to the Rahkshi and Ember Root sticking through this little lecture for me.  It helps when I’m talking to people about what I’ve been doing and what my plans are.


And to rant…


“Okay, Nightmare Moon isn’t much different from Luna. Her plan was shit, she uses no tactics and relies on brute force, and she is easy to deceive” I ranted, my shadow creating the next projection of the dark alicorn. My description and tone in my voice earned an amused look from Ember Root.  “Right now, she is dead. That can change.  She has some kind of cult trying to resurrect her, and I know just the place to get the final piece to bring her back.”


“Which is why I’m going to help them,”I said offhandedly.  Ember Root lost her shit.


“Wha--what the hell man?!” She yelled.  “Why would you want to revive that crazy--”


I held my hand to stop her.  “I’m going to help them because I can use Nightmare Moon.  With her under my control, I could use her nightmares to battle my foes in their sleep!”


She looked ready to argue, but stopped once I sent her a mental image of me riding a sleigh of horrors with Nightmare the red nosed Alicorn taking the led.


Ho ho motherfuckers…..


I made Nightmare Moon’s projection vanish, replacing it with Discord’s. Yeah, I was going in order.


“Discord is a genius with the powers of a god, but he is no more than a child,” I sighed. Such wasted potential, he could warp reality itself yet all he wanted to do was make cotton candy clouds.  “He has great power, but underestimates everything because of it.”


“While he can bend reality to his will, he can’t defend himself from stronger magics taking ahold of him, such as Tirek’s, and if I were to out-maneuver him I could take him with my Shadow Hand.”


Absorbing him was easy, repressing his mind would be hard. I could be in for a mental battle, one I would win, and it could leave me vulnerable to those six mares…


I quickly created the next image.  Queen Chrysalis, the worst spy to have ever existed.


“Chrysalis is a poor excuse for her kind,” I laughed bitterly.  “Her entire plan was flawed from the beginning.  She either alerted the Equestrians on purpose so that they would throw up a shield, or she screwed up.”


I started to pace around in anger. My aura of fear seeping out of my sanctum, informing the guards outside that I was in a state of rage.


“Oh, but it gets worse, so much worse,” I chuckled, my mind thinking of the sheer stupidity of the Changeling Queen. “She chooses to impersonate Princess Cadence, of course she fails on getting the whole ‘benevolent princess of love’ routine going.”


My shadow gives an apologetic shrug to the Rahkshi and Ember Root before playing a clip of ‘Cadence’.  It shows the mare being generally unpleasant to the common folk.


“So, everyone miraculously falls for the stupid ploy and Chrysalis gets into Canterlot. Where she then trips an alarm of some kind.”


My shadow showed a clip of how the changelings and how they kidnapped Cadence.  It was almost as bad as when a different Twilight Sparkle kidnapped the Chicken of Death from his own city.


Poor sod.  He has no idea for what he’s in for……..


“The magic bubble comes up and now Chrysalis is trapped in the city,” I sneered.  This was unbecoming of me, but I need to let off some steam.  “Why she never had some of her changelings sneak into the city is beyond me, but what I do know is that she pulls off this act for five weeks.”


Another clip played Twilight and her friends in Canterlot, the purple mare being onto Chrysalis’ pathetic act.


“Twily figures out Chrysalis is not Cadence, one point for ponies, and then proceeds to shout that she is evil…minus two points for ponies…” I said bitterly.  Why did Twilight not just talk with Celestia alone, maybe then she would have been believed.  “We have a sad song after everyone abandons her and then Fake Cadence comes back.  Twilight asks for Fake Cadence’s forgiveness, and Chrysalis in response sends her to the catacombs of Canterlot….”


The clip of Chrysalis sending the purple mare into the Crystal Caverns. I myself was trembling at this point.  Never before in my life, even as a pathetic human, have I seen such an idiotic being.  How can people say they enjoyed this episode?  Were humans back at home really this easy to satisfy that they would truly appreciate such rushed material?


Thank Me I’m now a robot.


“She--” I stop myself, choking on my own anger as I tried to speak.  Ember Root gave me a worried look, as if I were about to obliterate the surrounding area.  


I had no idea Makuta Teridax could have an aneurysm…


“--She sends Twilight Sparkle to the Crystal Caverns where she has also imprisoned the Real Cadance…she then proceeds to taunt her until Twilight---OH JUST PLAY THE CLIP!” I shouted at my shadow. It flinched and did as I ordered.


Even the Rahkshi showed fear at my outburst.


The clip of Twilight being taunted and firing magic bolts lasted for only a couple of seconds before she found the Real Cadence…


Do I even have to explain my utter disappointment in the Queen?  How, how in the name of all divine beings did such a being come into existence?


“They both sing in surprising cohesion, note that ponies love to sing and this will most likely be their weakness, and Twilight and the Real Cadence crash the wedding,”  I droned, slumping down next to Ember Root.  My rage was finally fading…good thing I am no longer human.


I use to have high blood pressure.


“Fake Cadence evolves into a wild Chrysalis and our favorite changeling starts monologuing to the ponies around her.  My theory is that Celestia went to Donut Joe’s during this, it is the only way I can understand her not smiting the worrisome queen.”


My shadow at this point gave me a tired expression.  I wave my hand to inform him that his job was almost done.  He went to the next clip, the one where Chrysalis wins…



HOW!?


“Chrysalis defeats Celestia with the power of love and lets the Elements run off to get their trinkets of power. The six mares fail and are brought back to the throne room,” I sigh, we were getting to the point that urked me the most. “She now has an army bashing the shield around Canterlot, even though she already controls the guy who made the shield.”


“Chrysalis gloats, sings, and prances around the room while her enemies slowly escape her...goo, slime?”

Ember Root gave a look of concern. This was it, the moment that would drive me to do what I must do…


The table plays the last events, each one making me wish I could gouge out my eyes and rip off my ears. That I could die quickly and effectively…


Twilight frees Cadence and has her go to Shining Armor, Cadence frees her lover from the mind control spell and they nuzzle each other.  At this point, Chrysalis seems to not care.  The first rule I made during my planning to take over this universe was to never, never, underestimate anyone.


Anyways, the changelings are running amok and terrorizing the ponies. With this in mind, I have come to the conclusion that either the Changelings don’t really eat love, or they have acquired a taste for hatred and all kinds of nasty emotions.


“Cadence declares that she and Shining Armor will defeat the changelings through--,” I make a choking sound, not wanting to say the ridiculous sentence. One many villains have begrudgingly heard before they were defeated.


“Through what?” Ember questioned, giving me a look of confusion.


“--the power of love…” I answer, groaning as the words left my mouth.  That sentence should never come out of Makuta Teridax’s mouth.


“Eh, it makes sense since that’s how Chrysalis beat Celestia,” Ember Root answered, giving an accepting shrug.  “At least Chrysalis doesn’t let them use the same po--”


“Ahaha. What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment!” Chrysalis pronounces during the clip, cutting off the pink dragoness.


“...No…” Ember says in shock, giving me a look of horror.  “She..she didn’t just say that...you’re pranking me, aren’t you?”



“No,” I seethe, if I had blood it would have evaporated from how much it would have boiled.  “She uhhhh, she said that.  She, the creature who feeds off love, said that the power of love is ridiculous.  She who beat Celestia with said power just mocked it seconds later…”


“You seem rather calm about this…” Ember Root mentioned cautiously.


“Oh, I’m justing holding in the rage.” I replied cooly.  I embrace her into a tight hug.  “I must thank you for spending time and going through this brain numbing process!”


“You’re crushing me!” She gurgled.


“Right...sorry dear,” I apologized.


My shadow played the amazing clip of the changelings being blasted off into the sunset, gotta wonder how many of those buggers survived, and all of the ponies continuing with the wedding.  My Rahkshi and Ember Root danced as Twilight sang that short, yet catchy, song.


Then Luna appeared.

My Rahkshi and Ember Root seemed not to pay any mind to her sudden appearance, but I did.

Ohohhoho, I did mind!


“Hello, everypony.  Did I miss anything?”


My shadow stopped the recording, clearly showing fear as I got up. Ember Root and the Rahkshi fared no better, obviously worried that I had gotten up and that the recording had stopped once Luna asked that important question.



“Okay,” I said, walking over to the back entrance of my lair.  “I’ll…I’ll be back in a minute or two, just…just enjoy yourselves until I get back.”


Ember Root and the other Rahkshi looked at me as I left, unsure whether they should be concerned about me…or whoever I run into.



(Meanwhile, the Everfree Forest)



“Sir, it will get late soon and we must return home!”  One of the cloaked beings told their master.


Said master turned towards them and gave a wave of his hoof.  “No need to be worried captain, we’ll make it back soon.  The k--”


Whatever he was going to say stopped as they heard the crunching of the forest’s undergrowth. The five guards and their leader turned to the source of the noise.  Said source towered over them with glowing red eyes.


His mechanical form creaked as he drew closer, putting the party on their guard.  He was a mere five feet away from the hulking monstrosity, he seemed to be holding a staff of some kind with twin blades attached to it.


“Move along, golem,” The captain ordered, not wanting to fight the strange figure.  “We have no quarrel wi--”  Whatever he was going to say next never came.


A orangish-yellow ball of lava connected with the captain’s head, melting it clean off. The other four guards suffered similar fates. Lightning danced from the monster’s finger tips, electrocuting two more guards. He followed up by impaling one more with his staff.


The last guard made a dash to his leader, but was caught by the creature’s shadow.  It slowly dragged the poor guard away into the darkness.


With no more of his guards around him, the party leader stepped back in both fear and confusion.


“Who are you, what do you want!?” He roared in anger, seeing his close friends die in front of him.


“Accept. Your. Doom!” It answered, a shadowy hand shooting from its chest and grabbing the screaming traveler, taking him to the monster…



(Back at Teridax’s Lair)



I began to worry about Teridax. He had been gone for half an hour, most likely to blow off some steam…


I could tell how enraged he was about our world.  How so many powerful people squandered what they had. It angered him…maybe this was a sign that he wanted to change this?


My thoughts were interrupted when Teridax waltzed back into the room, looking rather proud of himself.


“Do you know why I’m showing this, Ember Root?” He questioned, putting his staff down on one of his tables.


I shuddered when I saw blood on his weapon. I felt bad for whoever ran into him.


“Because...you want me to learn about our enemies and what we need to do to not mess up?” I said, worried I might have given him the wrong answer.


“Correct!” He said, nodding his head.  Clearly he was pleased with my answer.  “But, I have another motive…do you see now why I must do what I am to do?”He asked.


While I did not have a clear image of what his plan was and what he truly wanted, I had a hunch on what his endgame was.


“You wish to...rule Equus?” I asked.  He gave me a curious, tilting his head in amusement.  Now that I thought about it, he seemed to want something bigger.  “the universe?” I asked in hesitation.


He strolled over and slumped down on the couch.  He looked at me and patted down a seat on the couch next to him.  I sat down, unsure of what to expect.


“I just don’t see any other way around it,” he sighed, looking over at me with a dull expression.  “The universe is screwed up.  Too many variables playing out, luck rides in the wind, destiny trying to exert power onto the world…”


His shadow danced on the wall, giving me a cheery salute.  It shot towards the table.  Even now I had no clue on how he controlled them, the shadows.  It seemed to amuse him, to control something as elusive as a shadow.


“Only I can fix it, restore balance to the universe,” He continued.  I looked up to him in a way.  Like a father figure, I suppose.  He surely had more patience than my biological father, he left me without a single drop of hesitation.


“Sombra is a brute whose search for power will be his downfall,” Teridax sighed, giving me a happy look. I could tell some facial expressions due to his eyes changing color.  “While he still lives, I have no doubt I will find the foolish shadow and end him.  Tirek is the same, I have plans that will break the centaur to his core.  Sunset Shimmer and her friends will get a friendly visit from me soon...very soon.  And Starlight Glimmer is on the kill list, even now my Rahkshi hunt her down….”



“Will it make you happy?” I asked him.  He gave me a look of shock before he started to laugh.


“I will build happiness and preserve it…I want to fix things around here, and only I have the intellect and power to do it.”


He then got up and walked over to the table.  Images sprang to life as four strange beings projected from the table, each one having the scenery of Equus.


“Who are they?” I asked, looking at Teridax in confusion.  They were like nothing I had ever seen, and the way they looked around...they seemed to be…displaced from where they were suppose to be.


“I don’t have much to care for in this multiverse….” He sighed, looking at the images with joy.  He then ruffled one of the projections furry head, the avian seemed kind of cute….”But these are the people I knew once, the ones I care for to this day….”


I pondered over his words, the Rahkshi leaving us to perform some unknown task.  We both started at the images before us, me trying to figure out who these important creatures were to have such an impact in Teridax’s life…


One name was listed, above the bird’s head…


Philip…


Who is he?




> Chapter 5 - Dark Days Are Coming(Edited by Dark Lord Kirito!)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        “Lord…” The white alicorn hesitated, trying to pronounce the name of her guest properly.  It was a sudden surprise for something like him to appear before her throne room, usually Day Court was a boring and bland process she would have to experience.

        
But it seemed that Celestia was in for something new.


        “Makuta,” The drake replied softly, his voice giving off a warm and relaxed vibe.  His scales gleamed as the morning light bathed the ruby colored dragon.  “No need for this ‘Lord’ nonsense, Your Majesty.”


        His size was another interesting feature.  He bore an amulet, one of gold with a shining ruby ominously glowing in the center, that was one of Zanzar’s creations.  The old wizard rivaled Starswirl in his time, and many of his artifacts were believed to be lost.  The magical trinket was designed to increase or decrease the bearers size.


“Well, I must say that you have gained my interest,”  Celestia hummed, thinking carefully on the dragon’s proposition.  “It is not everyday that a dragon comes to me with the offer of trading such rare materials, especially one from the Ember isles.  I have tried fruitlessly to obtain Brimnite from your village in the past, but it seems like my nephew has succeeded where I have failed.”


Her head turned to her nephew, Blueblood, as she spoke.  He seemed somewhat nervous, but that was normal for one new to such a large political stage.  Though, it puzzled her at the thought of her pompous nephew receiving such a liking from anypony, let alone a dragon. 


“I admit, I was somewhat hesitant,” Makuta said sheepishly at the regal pony’s statement.  He then turned to look at the white unicorn.  “But Prince Blueblood offered me a peculiar proposition, one I had not seen before.”


“Ah, yes!” Celestia exclaimed, using her magic to once again see the document in which brought the drake here.  “If we were to offer magical and material resources to your colony, you in return would swear allegiance to Equestria and offer your unique metals.”


        The dragon nodded in agreement to what the Princess had said, earning a warm smile from the princess.  She had hoped to gain some allies in the dragon colonies as a way to spread the draconic cultures to her ponies.  She was not blind to the skittish behavior her subjects had expressed to other species, and she hoped that this was the first step in a more open Equestria.


        “I regret to inform you that I must return to my home,” Makuta said, giving a genuine look of disappointment to the Princess.  “But I do hope that Prince Blueblood will be the perfect choice as a liaison between our two people!”


        “It was a pleasure to have you here, Lord Makuta,” Celestia said, giving a small bow of respect to the dragon.  “We will talk again when we make the official arrangements.”  Celestia would need to get some information from her ambassadors in the Dragonlands so that they could set up proper trade routes and communication centers.


        “I look forward to it!” Makuta said, giving a small bow as he got up and left the throne room.  Blueblood gave a nervous grin to his aunt before taking off to follow the dragon.  As they left the room, the unicorn chose to finally speak to his partner.


        “Do--do you think she bought it?” Blueblood asked, frantically looking over his shoulder as if they were being followed.  He was starting to have regrets about agreeing to work with the scheming drake.  But the promises made to him were too great for him to resist this opportunity.


        A cruel grin came upon his partner’s face.  “Indubitably, my dear Prince,” The dragon said calmly, giving a questioning look towards the unicorn.  “Do you have...second doubts about the Operation?”  The question sent a chill down the pampered pony’s spine.  While he may have been willing work with Makuta at first, fear was the main thing that drove him at this point.


        “Of---of course not!” Blueblood answer hastily, starting to sweat due to the intensity of the dragon’s gaze.  “Everything will be done, just as you instructed!”  The scaly beast gave a hearty laugh and pulled the shaking prince into a hug.


        “That’s good to hear,” He said, his breath giving off a metallic scent.  “I intrust this to you, Prince Blueblood.  Don’t disappoint me.”  With that said, the dragon simply vanished in a puff of dark smoke, leaving the noble to question what he had gotten himself into.





Twilight’s castle had been a mess in the frantic search of the intruder and what other nefarious deeds he committed during his short stay.  She would need to contact the families of the guards who had...perished during the break in.  While the guard was expected to take the risks of death during the line of duty, it had been centuries since Equestria’s security was attacked by such violent actions.


“Even Chrysalis didn’t kill anypony,” The young alicorn thought to herself, alone in her study room.  Her friends were dismissed from the castle, each one getting their own guard detail until this was all sorted out.  Discord had gone to investigate the Mirror Pool, or what was left of it.  “And it won’t be the last time we see that...thing again.”


        Her mind flashed back to every detail about the stranger who violated her home.  He spoke as if he expected to get in and out with ease, even with Discord and Tirek present.  And the way he acted so...nonchalant when the matter of the ponies he murdered was brought up honestly scared the Princess of Friendship.


        Anypony would if they had some psychopathic murder break into their home.


        Knock Knock

The sudden knock on her door startled Twilight, ready to blast a hole through the structure to attack the intruder.  But the familiar voice of her dragon companion stopped the violent response
        “Um...Twilight?” Spike said hesitantly, knocking weakly on the crystal door.  The whole castle made him want to pig out, but he learned to reign in that temptation a long time ago.  Celestia need a new jewel for her crown anyway.  “The guards are in somewhat of a...panic, and I think it would be great if you came out.”


        Twilight groaned at her own ignorance.  Giving out simple orders to search for some blood mongering wacko and than locking herself in her study to find anything in her books would not provide any confidence in the Guard.  She wasn’t the only one worried about these strange turn of events, and neither were they.


“I’ll...I’ll be right there, Spike,” Twilight sighed, getting off the couch and putting the disorganized mess of books she made into a pile.  “I can take care of those later…” she thought to herself.  Sometimes when something bad happens, you have to get out of your comfort zone in order to deal with it.


Stretching her wings and taking a deep breath, the alicorn composed herself so that she would be somewhat presentable to her subjects.  Pushing open the door with her hoof, she walked out to see Spike patiently waiting for her by the entrance of the castle.  Waving his hand, the young drake attempted to keep a calm appearance, but his constant fidgeting told Twilight that he was just as uneasy about the whole affair as she was.


        Looking around, she noticed the lack of guards in this section of the castle.  “Odd,” Twilight mused, not understanding why her guards were not at all of their posts.  While she was not military leader, her older brother had taught her the values of diligence.  But maybe she assumed too much from the Royal Guard…


        “Spike,” She sighed, relieved to see someone who wasn’t shaking in their fur.  He gave her a look of relief, his walking turned into a short jog.  “Where...where is everypony?” she asked, trying to keep her voice void of concern.


        “The entire town has been in a fuss,” The dragon said with concern, giving her as small hug when reaching her.  “Princess Luna shipped her own personal guards here, they’ve been reorganizing the whole town for a ‘defensive position’” He finished, making air quotes with his purple claws.


        “Wha--while I appreciate the help from her, it really isn’t necessary for her to do all this…” Twilight said, somewhat frustrated that the Lunar Guards were disrupting the town.  “Please tell me they haven’t caused too much of a mess?”


        When Luna had regained her position as Co-Ruler of Equestria, her original thestral ponies had returned to take their place as her new night police.  New guards meant a more...recent system had to be put into place, and the Lunar Guard were famous for their strict and, as many saw, uncivilized approach on situations.


        “They’re only the tip of the iceberg,” Spike groaned, grabbing her hoof and dragging the mare to the castle door.  “Discord up and vanished, Tirek has been recalled to Canterlot, the Wonderbolts have been scouting the area from Cloudsdale to Vanhoover, and the Princess’s guards aren’t exactly making everyone feel safe!”


        Twilight looked down on the ground in shock.  “How could I have missed so much!?” She asked in distress, unsure now on how long she was actually studying into the intruder know as Teridax.


        “Long enough to cause the Mayor to set a curfew for all residents...but I think it may be best if you check this out for yourself.” Spike answered and upon reaching the castle doors, he opened them for Twilight to see not her once peaceful town, but something of a military fortress.





The wind howled and trees swayed back and forth.  The sky continued to darken as storm clouds descended from the east.  A single metal figure strolled about the lake, getting a view of the gleaming waters one last time before the storm fully set upon the island.


“It sure is nice here,” The Makuta mused, relieved by the pure silence around him.  Between his dealings with Blueblood and Equestria, Teridax was also needed to speak with the Dragon King, Blackfang, about the new leadership of the Colony.  “Greedy lizards, the lot of them.”


        The first words required to be said when speaking with the gold-loving drakes was money.  It proved to be a mind numbing experience when pointless questions about tribute, the specific shine said tributary gems needed, and the time on the deliveries.


        The machine let out a sigh of annoyance, contemplating how much time those drakes wasted just inspecting the gems he brought to the hearing.  “I have no idea how the Sun Raiser puts up with them.  I was nearly to the point where I would give them all a concussion.”


        “Someone’s antsy,” The dark voice laughed, only increasing Teridax’s anger.  He did not have time for his mask’s snarky remarks.  The mechanical monster groaned and cut down one of the trees that blocked his path.  He would need to make it back to the village soon, otherwise one of those hotshot dragons might take interest in his throne.   


        “Your such a hardass, you know that right?” The mask giggled, more excited than what the Makuta usually heard in its tone.  Probably finished another one of his memories, the mask seeming to feed off of those.  “Nah, let’s just say that a person of interest has chosen to grace us with her presence!”


“That was something you should have told me as soon as they arrived,” Teridax growled at his tool.  He often wondered how much the Mask was doing for him, or for itself.  The Makuta was about to ask the Mask who had chosen to intrude upon his island, but he liked surprises every once in awhile.  “Any luck on what Celestia knew about this ‘Zanzar’?”


        The magical items he had come into possession of contained a large variety of size manipulation, fire resistance, and teleportation.  While he assumed it may be due to a unicorn living in the Dragon Territories, being able to shrink dragons or become resistant to fire would provide useful, however these kinds of objects were scattered across the Dragon Empire with notes and a lot of dragon biology research papers.  It was as if this ‘Zanzar’ was trying to create weapons to use against the Drakes...but why would a peaceful nation such as Equestria ever want such a thing?


        “That can wait,” The Kraahkan whispered in a hushed tone, as their conversation was in risk of being eavesdropped on.  “That visitor I mentioned...they’re not friendly.  Proceed to the village with extreme caution, because whoever this is has a magic aura that trumps the Sun Pony.”


        He halted my approach, multiple thoughts swarming with possible outcomes that had spooked the Mask.  While The Makuta wouldn’t say that he was worried about the dragons who were serving him, there was a sense of loyalty towards them.  Teridax had made a deal and they had pledged their loyalty to him, so who was he to not ensure his end of the bargain.  Teridax chose to slow his pace, but as the machine reached the guard post, he knew that time was of the essence.  While three dragons were an intimidating force to guard such a small area, they were not as intimidating as golden statues.


“What do we have here?” The Dark Lord mused, more interested with the handy work than the dragons.  He could sense the imprisoned drakes’ fear, so they were still alive.  “The irony of being turned to Gold...now who do I know that would have the confidence to take on three dragons and make a joke out of it…”  As The Makuta touched the golden figure of one of the guards, so as to release him, his mind was immediately assaulted by some form of mental magic.


The world around him turned white, all color and sound vanishing to leave only the Dark Lord behind.  Teridax chuckled in amusement. It was as if whoever made the spell didn’t even try to hide the fact that he had left the Physical World.  But as the colors and sounds returned, he saw himself on a bluff of some kind.  One would have assumed that he had returned to the island, but the magic around Teridax felt more...chaotic.


“That’s not good,” The Kraahkan groaned, both of them coming to a similar conclusion on who exactly chose to drop by.  “We’ve gotta stop her before she messes up anything or takes the Protodermis!”  The Mask was in a panic at the concept of failure, that they're new guest might throw a wrench in everything they have planned.

Not that it was wrong, she could make a great disturbance.  Their plans on confronting her was a ways off, but it seems that they were left no choice.  Sending out a mental command, Teridax hoped to reach his Rahkshi and alert them of the threat.  But no answer came...


“She’s in my inner sanctum,” The machine growled, his eyes blazing a fiery red.  She was truly a fool to come here on their terms, in his personal lair no less.  “Well, it would be rude to not greet my guests...unwanted or not.”  He snorted, shadows all around the area coming towards him and forming a cocoon around his mechanical body.  The cocoon slowly sank into the ground, giving him mere seconds on how they would confront her.


“This should prove...interesting,” Teridax chuckled at the mere thought of confronting his greatest enemy.  He had questions, ones that only she could answer.  “I’m coming...Eris!” His laughter amplifying as he came up with a brilliant plan, one that ironically heroes used on their evil nemeses.







The shadows that had carried Teridax to his lair soon lashed out at the surrounding area he arrived in.  Looking around with his eyes, he scanned the area with his superior vision to see what changes had come about.  Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he continued to his throne, knowing that if that arrogant Draconequus was going to be anywhere, she would probably be perched on the chair.


        “I say we leave now,” The Kraahkan said, trying to convince him away from confronting Eris.  Understandable considering her power, but Teridax was not one to run from a foe or abandon his allies.  “Stop being such a noble fool and turn now, we can find more willing servants elsewhere!”


        The Makuta ignored the mask’s reasoning.  If Teridax turned tail now, she would hound him forever and his plans would never come into play.  And he refused to be her plaything.  As he approached the door that lead to the most inner section of his lair, he noticed the doors glowing with some strange aura.

        “Oh look,” His mask said happily, as if it was given an early birthday present.  “The doors are shut, we should turn around since whoever’s in there obviously doesn’t want to be--”


        “Shut up,” Teridax said cooly, silencing the mask.  It had been the first time that he had openly dismissed it in such a manner.  “Besides, I’m sure whatever that draconequus is doing--” his eyes glowed orange and the steel doors that barred him access to his room melted, “--can be interrupted for a moment.”


        As the doors melted due to his heat vision, Teridax stormed in the room.  Every part of his body creaked and his Staff of Shadows flew into his hand from the corner of the room.  What he saw next baffled him.


        “Heya,” Eris said, laying seductively across a plush bed that sat smack dab in the middle of Teridax’s room. The smirk on her face reminded Teridax of someone familiar, but he disregarded the notion.  Honestly, he was in a shocked state just trying to comprehend what the Draconequus was doing.


Finally collecting himself, The Dark Lord chose to just ask her what she was doing and hope it made some sense.  “Wha--what are you doing here...Eris?” He inquired, slowly approaching the hybrid.  She gave a small laugh, and sat up from her position.


“Awww,” She wined, still keeping that smug grin plastered on her face.  “I just wanted to give a welcoming party, it’s the least I can do buddy!”  Her words simply increased Teridax’s suspicion, his eyes darting towards the corners.  Waiting for the Rainbows to come pouring in.


“Well,” He began cautiously, as if he were dealing with an asylum escapee.  At least they would be more reasonable.  “You have a funny way of saying ‘hi’, turning an entire village to golden ornaments doesn’t scream ‘welcome’...” She raised an eyebrow at his comment, but giggled at his reaction to her little ‘gift’.


        “Well sorry,” She said, getting off the bed and strolling towards him.  “But they would have ruined the surprise, besides...now that we’re--” Teridax raised his hand and used his magnetism to hurl around twenty swords and spears towards her, in hopes of securing the Draconequus.


        Unfortunately, the projectiles were simply repulsed off some invisible shield.  Before The Makuta could react, his metal body was launched backwards into a wall, smashing through any poor object that stood in the way.  Somewhat confused by the sudden attack, Teridax attempted to pick himelf up, only to find that he could not leave the floor.


        “Well...that’s new,” His mask said sarcastically. Teridax mentally commanded him to be silent, but he was already preparing the ‘I told you so’ speech.  “So, we’re dead...nice going kid!  At least I get to go knowing that I was in capable hands, right?”


“My my,” Eris tsked, now barely three feet away from The Makuta.  The ground seemed to break as as his body dug in, and somehow more pressure had been applied to his form.  “That was ruddddde, but it can’t be helped.  At least I was ready for that little act of yours.”

I guess that happens when you become a walking death machine, you tend to think highly of yourself.
“Act huh?” Teridax  asked in confusion, somewhat puzzled by these new turn of events. ‘I guess that happens when you become a walking death machine, you tend to think highly of yourself.’ Teridax noted in his head. “What exactly is going on here?  I can get the home invasion part if you planned on destroying me--” Eris titled her head in amusement at that proposal, “--but here you are, strutting around and making this one big show.  Could it be that you came here just for some attention, a thrill or something?” 


        She scoffed at that remark, waving her orange claw at the idea.  “You really have an ego, buddy,”  She laughed, taking another step closer to The Makuta.  Teridax’s body sank further into the ground.  “But inquisitive...I knew I liked you for a reason pal.”  She then tapped her rabbit’s foot on the ground, pondering on what to do with him.


        He, however, had come up with a theory.  If she was using some kind of gravity magic, other objects around him would have the same effect as he's under.  But she was using her own form of magnetism to keep him down.  Which meant....


        Two read beams of light shot from his eyes at her.  In response, she raised her owl talon and deflected both beams of energy.  “Oh come now, Teridax,” She laughed, snapping her clawed fingers. Teridax slowly drifted up into the air.  “I know everything you’re able to do.”


        “What, did she check our wikipedia page or something?”


        “Fascinating,” The Dark Lord said with fake amazement, getting a deadpanned look from the proud hybrid.  “Truly, I had no idea that you were stalking me.  But I guess I can’t complain, I’ve been reading up on you as well.”


        “I don’t need to stalk you in order to learn your powers,” She huffed in annoyance, peeved about something.  “Honestly, I’m hurt that you haven’t figured it out yet.”  At this point she was making little to no sense, not that Teridax had suspected otherwise.


        “Sorry, I’ve been busy,” He shrugged, or at least attempted to shrug.  “You know, plotting your demise and trying takeover the world, the usual.”  She raised an eyebrow, but her smile remained intact.  Honestly, The Makuta felt discontent with this turn of events.


        “So, you don’t remember me?” She questioned, her lip quivering in mock sadness.  “After everything I’ve done for you?”  She asked, a small smirk of triumph appeared on her face.  Teridax simply tilted his head, an attempt to convey interest in what she was going on about.  She stroked her chin with her claw, thinking on how to jog the Robot’s memory.


        “Ah,” She said, snapping her fingers at her idea.  A cloud of purple mist enveloped her for a few seconds before dissipating, leaving a man Teridax thought he would never lay eyes on again.  That familiar black cloak and ominous bag…


        “Oh, you have got to be kidding me!”


        “Would you be interested in any of my wares, Traveler?” The man asked in a raspy voice, his tone cutting at what was left of Teridax’s emotions.


        “You were that...merchant?” The Makuta asked, unsure on how to react to her confession, or if he could even believe her. for all he knew, this was some trick to get in his head. Snapping his fingers, the Merchant transformed back into the goofy Draconequus.


        “Yeah,” She said nonchalantly, giving a shrug as if she hadn’t done anything wrong.  “I thought it would be fun, and boy was I right!” She chuckled, walking closer to the mechanical schemer.  “You’ve been a riot, you really have.  I’ve been looking in this boring old plush land for something a little darker, add a little spice to the Kindness Brew, you know?”


        Teridax then started to laugh.


         “So you had the idea of taking me here!?” He roared with laughter, trying his best to get the words out, but ultimately failing as the words became jumbled as he continued to laugh maniacally. She gave him a curious, if not confused look.


        “Well, I expected anger or...something else,” Eris admitted, unsure on how to take the Makuta’s reaction to her ‘big’ reveal.  “But a comedic take wasn’t something I expected. Maybe I went a little overboard--”


        “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” He interrupted coldly, the laughter dying in mere seconds of its start.  What she had informed him of...he can’t even begin to explain to her the sheer idiocy of her reckless actions.  

“You took a being from another...wherever I was before, one that you give immense power to, and stick on your planet.”  Teridax questioned her logic behind the whole plan.  “What were you hoping for, that I would make some dark clouds and scare your ‘plush’ world a little?” Was he mad that she managed to get him involved in her fun?  Yes!  But the idea that she could possibly doom her entire world just to get a laugh probably angered him more.


        “It didn’t seem world ending at the time,” The Draconequus responded with a shrug, clearly unfazed by this point at others telling her that her choices were insane and childish.  “But I do grow bored after a while...things should never last too long or they lose the ‘specialness’ behind them.”


“Oh, I couldn’t agree more…” Teridax agreed, but his words were more directed towards her than himself.  “That’s somewhat hypocritical, coming from a centuries old being.”


 “Hey, I change myself up once in awhile!” She said defensively, somewhat nettled at the Makuta calling her old and boring. “Besides, I’ve got my own plans for world domination, ones that you’ll get in the way of...unless you want to play second fiddle?” Teridax’s  expression stayed the same as it usually did, but inside, he was seething with anger.


        How dare she take my life as a joke!


        “You should just kill me then,” He scoffed, a plan starting to form in his mind.  ‘If I could get this right, I could catch her off guard, even with her knowledge of my abilities.’ “I don’t do henchman, but I’m sure if your planning is as good as what you’ve managed to do so far, my money’s on the ponies.”  She rolled her eyes at his comment as a glowing red ball started to emerge in her hand.


“Eh, I’m pretty confident I can pull it off.” She replied, aiming the glowing ball of magic at The Master of Shadows’ head.  “I’ll make good use of what you’ve managed to build up though, so don’t feel like you accomplished nothing!”  The ball launched from her hand, turning into some kind of laser harpoon as it made its way towards Teridax.


Just as it was mere inches from his metal shell, a small blazing green dot formed in between the object and his head.  It spun intensely, slowly opening as a green flaming oval opened up with an image in between the lines of flames.  The current events in motion, except playing behind Eris.


        “Carapace!?” She exclaimed, turning around to see another one of these portals right behind her, with that magic spear heading right towards her.  She threw both her arms out and a red aura came to life from her hands, ready to stop the incoming projectile.  But as she lifted her arms up, Teridax used his magnetism to call upon one of the trinkets that he had collected.

‘
Vvvvvvuuwwwwooommmm


The red lightsaber from one of the shelves flew towards the distracted hybrid, the glowing blade severing both of her arms as it made its towards The Makuta. Now holding a weapon in his hand and Eris now fully preoccupied, he leapt up with all his strength and gave her a sickening kick towards the harpoon, which then impaled her upon impact.


        “D--amn---it,” She groaned, flying back into him.  She crashed into Teridax like a pebble, bouncing off upon impact.  “Tha---t could ha--ve gone better…” She coughed, blood running down her mouth.


        “Probably,” he responded, standing over the injured Draconequus with his staff aimed at her throat. His attack was probably more brutal than he had planned it to be, but it did the trick in disarming Eris. Literally. “But look on the brightside--”


“I’ve got a hole in my chest and both of my hands have be decapitated,” She attempted laugh, but stopped abruptly when she coughed out more blood.  A slim sense of pity erupted from The Makuta’s cold, nonexistent heart.

“True,” He agreed, giving a small nod as a ball of orangish white plasma formed in his metallic claw.  “But at least your not going to pop up on some strange island in a body that barely feels natural.”  She let a gurgled of pain as he applied pressure from his foot onto her tail.  “What, am I not amusing anymore?” The Makuta asked coldly, reaching down to grab the disheveled draconequus by the neck.


“N--ot r--ea--lly,” She choked, a small light of fear came from her multicolored eyes.  “L--et’s---cal--l it--a d--raw!” She said, a small smirk coming to her face at her own proposal.


“Nah,” Teridax replied nonchalantly, lifting her up higher in the air.  “But don’t worry, I'll make good use of what you’ve accomplished so far, so don’t feel like you did nothing!” He said, mimicking her snarky words from earlier.  But before he could deal any kind of blow, a gleaming blade launched itself towards him.


He directed his eyes towards the sword, using heat vision to melt the projectile before it could provide any assistance to his captive.  “See ya, Terry!” Eris said with amusement.


Snap


A bright flash illuminated behind Teridax. The Dark Lord turned his head to see that he was no longer holding Eris, his mask being the only other thing that accompanied him in the room.  His anger rose at his own arrogance, assuming that she had no escape plan was a foolish thought.  While he could berate himself for his stupid pride, The Makuta had more important things to do.


        “I hate to say it,” The Kraahkan interrupted, shadows pouring from Teridax’s body and expanding itself out of the Lair and into the village.  With Eris gone, he could focus his power on freeing the dragons from her spell.  “But we barely got her, and she won’t fall for the same trick twice...we’re gonna need help.”


        Teridax looked to the ground in disdain, knowing that the Kanohi had a point.  Eris didn’t even bother taking the fight seriously, and her true intentions were most likely to mess with his plans.  That and her revealing that she was responsible for his transformation was unnerving.


“She knows how I will act,” Teridax started, realizing that she may have more information on him than he had expected.  “What my powers are and how to repel them...I was lucky that she didn’t expect Carapace’s portals.”  He had hoped to keep the death of the Changeling Emperor a secret, but now she would know and not be fooled.


But she would probably not inform anyone else of this discovery...no, she’s already untrusted as it is.  The likelihood of Celestia on anyone else believing she just found this all out would raise eyebrows.  At best, Teridax could use them against her and make them think he was some mind controlled outsider, forced to do the Draconequus ’ bidding.


“We still need to put everything in motion,” The Kraahkan whispered, trying to brainstorm the possibilities they would be facing.  “Rebuild Nightmare Moon, get Chrysalis to back us up with her hive, and finding that horn.”  The Kanohi was probably right. going out alone was risky if Eris was looking for a fight. Teridax would need backup…


Some of the shadows that slithered around the lair started to emerge into a more 3D shape, stitching itself into a ragged cloth.  Teridax looked over to see a pole made from Protodermis lying near the forge, and used his magnetism to bring it towards him.  By the time the pole reached him, the cloth had completed itself.  A red symbol radiated from the middle of the cloth as he attached it to the pole.


        Teridax then whispered to the cloth, the shadows beginning to stretch the Fabric of Reality around The Makuta.



I am He who Dwells in Darkness...Evil and Good are merely titles, used to label one’s enemies...and mean little to me.  If you seek security, call upon me and I shall shroud you from your foes.  I am Nothing...I am Makuta Teridax...




        With his message made, Teridax lifted the banner that he had created, and walked over to the puncture that lead to the void. The ability to even open such a hole was difficult, Teridax himself struggling to keep it open for such a long time as now. He eventually chose to chuck the object into the hole before he lost control and closed the gap.


Ridding himself of the Tokken, Teridax made his way to his throne.  He could hear the shouts of rejoicing dragons and Rahkshi, excited to be free from their mysterious imprisonment.  Sitting down on the chair, The Makuta let himself relax with what time he had left before someone came rushing into the chamber to bother him.


“Every plan has obstacles that it needs to work around,” Teridax mumbled to himself, already formulating a way to bypass Eris.  “But it seems that I’ve underestimated this world far too much...I will need to reevaluate my notes on those who stand in my way...I’m sure I’ve missed something.”


While The Makuta may have taken this world far too lightly, he knew that they still had their flaws and weaknesses. He would just need to find better ways of exploiting them...and unlike Eris, he had time to do just that.  ‘I will not rush this, nor will I blindly throw my resources at those I know nothing about.’ He thought to himself.



     



        










        



   


        


        




















> Chapter 6 - Heralds of Chaos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

   “Rainborg, how is Khârn doing?” Ahriman asked as he and Midnight walked into The Factory. It was renamed, because ‘Rainborg Factory’ was a terrible name. Thus, it was named simply ‘The Factory’. A eerie song played throughout the vast complex, instilling fear in any living ponies still there, either to work or to become a cyborg. The song was accompanied by a constant thump of a automated assembly line, a massive engine driving a large block into the metal below, forming it into new metal limbs and weapons. An occasional scream could also be heard from one of the many ‘Enhancement Rooms’ in the back of the Factory as prisoners were given new implants and turned into Rainborg’s personal cyborg army. Jason would hate it.

       “Oh, hey Ahriman! Khârn's doing fine, the new arm has been fully implanted, and he shall be leaving shortly. I just need to oversee him for the next few days to make sure that it works perfectly. How are you and Midnight?” Rainborg replied, the cyborg pegasus flying up in front of them, covered in grease.

       “Me and Ahriman are well, Rainborg.” Midnight answered, examining the assembly line. “We will be leaving for the Rainbow Falls Camp soon, so we came to collect you and Khârn. The Council demands we take action and rid Equestria of the Blood Alicorns as soon as possible, and wish us to send these letters to every nation specified. We will also be moving The Factory with us, so we can continue our creation of ammunition and weapons. As a side note, the Council requests that we send weapons to the Griffon Kingdom, so they can then deliver them to the other nations.” 

        “Geez, ever since you became a Daemon Princess, you've been all cold and calculating. I'm a cyborg with a emotion filter, and even I can tell.” Rainborg commented.

        “We are fighting a war with the Blood Alicorns, and The War of Shadows, Rainborg. There is no time for pleasantries. Gather your equipment, get Khârn, and prepare The Factory for transport.” Midnight stated. Rainborg sighed before nodding.

×××××××××××××××××××××××××××××
2 hours later

       “Glad to be out of that stuffy room!” Khârn said as he walked out of the Thunderhawk. Ahriman, Rainborg, and Midnight stepped out after him.

       “Oh come on!” Rainborg complained. “The Enhancement Room isn't that bad!” 

      Before the group could do anything else though, Ahriman felt a familiar tug at the back of his mind. He sighed, collecting Midnight and the other two, before signaling Discord. The Draconequus appeared in front of him.

       “Ahriman, buddy! How's it been? Claiming the planet for the Dark Gods still?” He asked, morphing into a redheaded girl with Chaos symbols everywhere. “Wheee tahke this plaahnet for Chaooosssh!” ‘She’ shouted, planting a flag with the Chaos Star emblazoned on it. Discord sighed before reverting back. “I hate Tzeentch for taking your memories. Now all my references are lost on you!” He growled. 

       “I'm being summoned by a Displaced. You remember our deal?” Ahriman explained, ignoring his prattle. Discord sighed before nodding, snapping his claws. Time stopped. 

         “Good luck in whatever universe you find yourself in!” Discord called after them as a portal opened up, sucking the four inside.

÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷

        Teridax had not expected such a change in his plans, let alone that they would need changing at all.  Maybe it was due to his arrogant devaluing of the inhabitants of this world, had he truly assumed he could bully his way to the top with small schemes, a force of big scarier dragons, and throwing a few thunderstorms around?  Was Eris as powerful as he expected?  Yes, but she was far more capable than he had assumed.


The question was how many of others he had underestimated. Going through his notes on the Equestrian obstacles gave him second thoughts, causing him to revaluation his plans and further notes on them.  He’d been looking at them with contempt and disdain, letting his inner misanthrope takeover and see them not as ponies, but human beings.


This was unacceptable of him, that kind of attitude, and could lead to his defeat.  He would not become a cliche movie villain that loses do to petty revenge or miscalculated actions.  All of this time he saw himself as superior, and while that may be true...it did not mean that others were immediately inferior in every way.  Even the most brash of the Elements of Harmony could cause significant harm to him, both her loyalty acting as a tool to lead her into a trap could also become a tool of leadership and encouragement.


“Alterations are inevitable,” The Makuta sighed, looking around at the empty room.  Ember was suppose to arrive shortly, her presence was needed in his next steps.  His magical map filed through dozens of different events and locations, the machine glazing over each one.  “While I planned on going solo on this...I think I may have been taking too much of a direct approach.”


“You don’t say?” A familiar voice huffed, taking Teridax’s attention away from his research.  He tilted his head in both amusement and somewhat annoyance, getting told the negatives about yourself or your plans by your minions was degrading.  


“I’m surprised we don’t have the whole nation of Equestria coming down on us,” The pink dragoness snorted, still ruffled about being turned into a statue.  “With both the shady dragon popping up to make a deal with Equestria about weapons mere days after they were confronted by a new threat.”  The Makuta straightened up a little at her assessment of my blunders.


“You’re right--” Teridax tried to say, but was immediately interrupted by a shocked Ember.


“Are you saying that I’m right about something,” She questioned skeptically, unsure if she was talking to the egotistical machine she grew to somewhat like, or some kind of replacement sent to test her loyalty to the world.  “And that you were wrong?”  While the expression could not be displayed through normal facial features, The Makuta gave her the impression that he was peeved at her comments.


“I’ve been going at it all wrong,” He said, giving Ember Root a look that dared her to make anymore sarcastic comments before he finished.  When a second or two went by, and the dragoness remained silent, he continued.  “I’ve been up close and personal with some of my more major threats, it was probably the table incident that led to Eris pinpointing my location.  Here I am, in a world of magical and susceptible creatures just waiting to be misguided!”  He snapped his fingers, having the table behind him pop out various info-like cards of certain inhabitants of Equestria and beyond.


One that seemed to stand out was on Nightmare Moon, the failed usurper of Equestria.  While her plan to take over Equestria was poorly constructed, Teridax could not ignore the power or inner intellect that she could show if her silly goal was not in the way.  Even if her plan had succeeded, he was sure she had a way to preserve Equestria through eternal night.


        “So...I don’t know whether to talk that as an insult or not,” Ember Root sighed, giving up on her boss to admit some pros the inhabitants of her world had over him.  “But how do you plan on getting Nightmare Moon with Eris and who knows what is just waiting for you to step out of your bedroom--”


        “Evil Lair!” Teridax interrupted, slamming his fist on a nearby table.  He had not adorned the room with lava, black spikes, menacing statutes, and other evil stuff just for people to call it a bedroom!


“Whatever,” She huffed, giving the mechanical monster a tired look.  He had shut himself up since Eris came by uninvited, and when he had shown himself, it was only to give orders.  “What are you going to do!?  Hide and leave us in the dark until we too give up?”  Teridax remained silent, not moving as the dragoness began to pace around the room.


“So what, someone is able to step up to you and you’re just going to run and hide?”  Ember Root challenged, her spikes standing up to full display.  She had planned and rehearsed what she was going to say to Teridax, how he had left them all questioning their future.  The didn’t rely on him for happiness, nor did they rely on him for strength…


But they did rely on him for a plan.  Something to point them to a brighter future for them.  One where they would choose what would happen with their lives, not Celestia of Blackfang.


“I admit...I’ve been distant from all of you,” Teridax finally said, walking towards the door that exited his place of dwelling.  “But I assure you, it has been through my need for silence, not fear, that I have remained alone.”  Teridax stared at the door in front of him, somewhat unsure of what will lie beyond it.  He knew that he could still turn back, attempt to return home.


He could stop himself from being an abusive jerkass, taking his fantasies out on the innocent inhabitants of this world.  But he knew deep down that this was what he wanted...power, influence, and all of the other benefits that came with his arrival.


However, that didn’t mean that he couldn’t choose how he would go about it.  He didn’t need to kill thousands or torture the innocents of the world, he was in a position where only those who proved to be the greatest should meet that fate.  That he was certain of.


“I have found artifacts, Tokens if you will, that allow me to call upon powerful beings,” He said, catching the attention of the frustrated dragon.  He had informed her of the Displaced, what they were and both their faults and good deeds.  “As I said before, I have been going about this all wrong.  It’s time to stop pretending to be something I’m not, this malicious monster who sees only reason when bodies fall.  He failed, where I will succeed...through my own way of doing things.”


Opening the door, Teridax made his way to the right of the inner sanctum.  Her heard the door close behind him and Ember Root trailing close by.  “What do you plan on doing when you summon these ‘people’? She questioned, unsure of her leader’s actions.  “You said that some were...unstable and could prove unreliable.  How do we best determine that those you call will prove useful to our needs?”


“You said to me once that I need to ‘lighten up’ and have ‘fun’,” The Makuta chuckled, his memory of the dragon attempting to get out of work had always been annoying and yet funny.  “Those I plan on summoning will be useful to our cause, but I should atleast have some fun before we get down to business.  I think we should test out our little defense system, don’t you agree?”  She gave him a small smile as he asked about their project.


They had constructed a series of puzzles, defenses, traps, minions, and all kinds of obstacles that Teridax had come up with.  Even some of the dragons pitched in ideas...although not all of them were effective.  But they had managed to set up a dimension hole of sorts on the outside of the village and inside the volcano that would teleport the intruder to a series of rooms created by The Makuta himself.


“Should I also get the waivers as well?”  She questioned, a large grin emerging from her face.  “Wouldn’t want them to call some lawsuit on you.”  All participants in the testing of their defense systems had been briefed and required to sign legal documents that ensured that they were well informed and that they had personally agreed to participate despite the dangers.


“Yeah, that might be a good idea.” Teridax mused, taking out a golden staff.  It was a strange object, the two demonic like horns coming from the golden rod would make anyone second guess those who are called to it.  “Just prep the first room, our friends are about to have a fun time…” With his last order given, a small cloud of shadows consumed the massive machine and took him away.
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    The two Displaced, as well as Midnight and Rainborg, walked out of the portal, scanning the area. A well lit room, with a reddish earthy floor lay before them.  The walls glowed as lava trickled down the cavern.

    “Where is the one who summoned us?” Khârn asked, glancing around in slight confusion.  A small chuckle greeted the perplexed group.


        “While I would happily greet you in person…” The voice responded, a blurry image forming in front of the party.  It was a single floating mask.  Black in color with two slits with blazing red eyes, it seemed to distort itself every once in awhile.  “But I am unsure of your intentions, should we come face to face.  Although it would be rude not to introduce myself…”


        Shadows erupted from the hologram, pouring onto the ground and covering the floor.  “I am he who works in the shadows...a plotter and schemer, one who will bring a world under his iron fist.” The voice boasted, giving off a vibe of egotism.  “I am Makuta Teridax, and I have called you--”


        “Would you stop with the monologuing and tell these guys what we want before they blow the crap out of this place,” As second voice took over, the noise of frustrated yelling could be somewhat heard.  After about a minute of what seemed to be struggling, the original voice came back online.


        “Okay, you know what...I’m not restarting that,” The voice huffed, the mask slowly circling the group.  “How about you just introduce yourselves?”

             “I am Ahriman, Warmaster of the New Black Legion, Herald of Tzeentch, God God of Change, and current ruler of the territories once known as Equestria. I control my world's entire military. As for my compatriots…” Ahriman introduced, letting his allies finish off.

              “Midnight Sparkle, Daemon Princess of Tzeentch, Weaver of Fates, God of Sorcery.” Midnight followed up, producing her staff from the shadows. 

              “Khârn, known mostly as Khârn The Betrayer, Herald of Khorne, God of War, Hate, and a bunch of other titles.” Khârn shrugged. “I lead the dragon portion of the Black Legion. Also, don't let my title say anything about me, I rarely betray people.”

               “Rainborg Cydash, Head of The Factory, our portable cybernetic and weapons manufacturing facility. Commander of the Pegasus, Griffon, and Cyborg armies of the Black Legion.” The cyan cyborg declared proudly.


        “Tzeentch huh?  Warhammer, I presume,” Teridax guessed.  While he had not been too familiar with the game, some of its lore had come across him during his human days.  “And what do we have here?” He asked, his mask’s hologram floating around the cyborg pegasus.  “Rainbow Dash, is that you?  My oh my, Ahriman...you seem to have got your own little thing going for you.”


The shadows that crawled on the floor launched themselves towards one of the walls, creating a small door-like vortex.  “I apologize for any inconveniences, but I seem to have run into a slight...problem.  Such a problem that I seem to need your help.  As I said before, I would enjoy meeting you in person, but I need to put you through a little...test.” The Makuta said, his voice setting of a giddy tone.  It had been a long time since he ran into something new...that wasn’t trying to kill him that is.


“So, what do you say, pal?”  He seemed to goad his new ‘friends’.  “You feeling up to some good old fun?”  The lava flow in the room seemed to increase, but not becoming a thing of concern for the party.

“Well, I do need to test out the new arm….” Khârn muttered, turning to Ahriman. “What do you think?” He asked the Sorcerer.

“I suppose it would be worth it. Gaining a new ally is always worth the hassle. After all, if we were to ever meet an extremely powerful opponent, our allies could definitely be able to help. Add to the fact that he can use Shadow Magic, a very rare and extremely difficult to master type of magic. Alright, we will partake of your ‘test’.” Ahriman said, thinking out loud.


        “That is just perfect,” Teridax said cheerfully, a pile of papers dropping onto the four.  “But first, you’ll need to sign these binding contracts that you know the dangers that you will have to go through and that in the event that one of you dies or is maimed, you won’t sue me...legal reasons of course.”  

             “Didn't know there was a government system in the multiverse…” Ahriman muttered, levitating all of his papers. Pens appeared, writing his name on all of them. 


        “You know lawyers...they always find a way!” Teridax laughed, old memories of a certain car came to mind.
            
            “Then they will have many problems with us.” Ahriman stated. “Considering we started a World War, corrupted Princess Luna, twice, destroyed countless cities, killed Celestia, the list goes on.” Ahriman chuckled.


“That sounds like fun...but I’m more of a ‘behind the curtains’ kind of guy,” Teridax shrugged, but taking into account to ask about the way they went around trumping Celestia later.  “But at least I can keep my head down, no need for the multiverse to hate Makuta Teridax, right?”  He said genuinely, unaware of how bad a rep that his name actually carried across the vast universes.

            “Tzeentch says there was a Teridax before you, who died after starting a multiversal war. So technically, your rep is already bad.” Midnight replied, signing all her papers in a similar fashion to Ahriman.


        “Oh...so now I have to worry about other Displaced getting blood thirsty...great,” The machine huffed, collecting the signed papers with his shadows, sucking them into a dark pocket.  “By the way, I’ve gotta ask...what’s up with you and Dashie, if you are Ahriman’s Twilight Sparkle that is? I got the idea from the name.”

             “Before Ahriman took over, I had been receiving dream visions from Magnus The Red, the non-displaced Ahriman's Primarch. He taught me how to use the Warp, and when Luna found out, I was arrested for ‘Use of Forbidden Magic’, even though the Warp is used in every form of magic. Magnus took control of my body temporarily, broke me out of prison, and led me to Ahriman. After a while, I was ascended to Daemonhood. As for Dash….” Midnight explained, turning to the cyborg.

             “When Ahriman returned from his thousand year banishment to the Warp, he got the Griffon Kingdom to join him. Celestia used my friendship with a Griffon named Gilda to spy on the Griffons, and she returned, body broken and battered. When I confronted Celestia, she had me arrested for insulting royalty and some other bull. Afterwards Ahriman and Twilight convinced me to join them.” Rainborg finished. “As for the Cyborg stuff.. we met another Displaced, Rainbine Dasher, also a cyborg, who upgraded me. After a few years of upgrades, I'm now mostly mechanical. Oh, and Rainbine also hates me.” 


        “Well...my nonexistent heart goes out to you all then,” Teridax said, truly feeling a sense of pity for the Equestrians.  “We displaced bring many things to our Equestrias, good and bad, but it seems that this ‘Celestia’ did not deserve your loyalty.”  The dark vortex widened and it slowly drew those in the room towards it.  “But onto the games, or in this case...deadly challenges.  Don’t worry, I’ll give you hints along the way so you can get through.”


Just as the Marines and their Equine companions entered the portal, Teridax chose to let them know of one last thing before they encountered their first challenge.  “Oh, and try not to shoot the defenses...they’re not automated, but run by my dragon minions.  You have no idea how many villains get themselves or their employees killed by some automated turret.”  With that last remark, the four universal travelers entered the unknown void.



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        The four members of the Black Legion found themselves in a long hallway, with a long iron passway with small platforms, lava under them to punish anyone who failed to make it across the sea of molten fire.  The walls had small tubes, which seemed to be fixated at certain locations.  The length that was between them and the door on the other side seemed to be three or four football fields in length.

           “So this guy leads dragons too? I get the feeling me and him are gonna be good pals by the end of this.” Khârn chuckled, examining the hall.
     
           “Remember not to kill anything.” Ahriman warned. “Use either stun weapons, spells, or your fists, in Khârn's case.” 


“Okay, first level,” Teridax said, somewhat pumped to see how his new defenses worked.  “This one is pretty easy.  The panels, the ones that will keep you from taking a lava bath, are your only way to get across to the next door--and yes my winged friends, even you since I’ve got an electric field above--and those tubes you see, they're going to fire spiked bombs at you.”  The machine explained, using his telepathy to command his dragons manning the weapons to fire the cannons.


        They fired at the platforms they were aimed at, upon impact they exploded and shrapnel danced around the area in which they were set off.  “But here’s the catch, they can only fire at one location and they take a while to recharge...which is where my employees come in...Greg, you there?” The Makuta called out, getting a shout in response from this ‘Greg’.


        “Loud and clear!” The voice of Greg called out.  The simplicity of the name catching the four unawares.  It was not every day they got to get shot at by Greg the dragon...or for anyone to get shot by a dragon named Greg for that matter.

            “And here I thought the Equestrian Multiverse always had weird names… oh well.” Khârn shrugged. “I suppose Ahriman is first, since he is our leader.” 


        “Greg took some time away from his lovely family to be in charge of this first level for you,” Teridax beamed, his mask’s eyes glowing a bright yellow.  “How’s the family, Greg?”  The Makuta asked the diligent Dragon.


“Just fine, your Darkness, thanks for asking!”  Greg responded, giving a thumbs up to the hologram overlord.


“Good, that’s good,” Teridax said with glee.  “You know, it’s hard to find the special someone that fills that little gap in your---SHOOT THEM NOW GREG!” Teridax shouted, the Dragon firing his cannon at the party. 

Ahriman stepped forward, eyes forming the pattern of the Star of Chaos. “Shinra Tensei!” He yelled, and the cannon ball was repelled by an invisible force.


        “....” Teridax remained silent, somewhat confused on what had transpired.  “It seems you have countered my Greg...I assume that this ‘Madara’ is responsible for that nifty little trick?” Teridax sighed, somewhat disappointed that his surprise attack didn’t have any effect. 

           Ahriman pointed to his eyes. “The Rinnegan, yes. He gave it to me in return for a viral warhead capable of killing all life on a planet before the virus itself dies out in five minutes.” He explained. “He also gave me a list of all Chakra based abilities.”

“Sounds like a swell guy...although it does come into question on what he’ll use that bomb for,” Teridax mused, the platforms before the four moving horizontally and diagonally.  “Anyway, that’ll come in handy for you later.  As of now, the first level begins.  See you on level two.” The illusion seemed to distort and seemingly vanish from sight.  While Greg was still reloading, the other ten drakes prepared themselves for their opponents to make their move.

           “Rainborg, show them your abilities.” Ahriman ordered. The cyborg pegasus nodded, before her body expanded, panels flipping this way and that. After five seconds, her fur and skin was replaced with ceramite armor plating, with two chainswords in place of her wings. She morphed her front left leg into a gun before leaping towards the first platform.


        The dragons were shocked by the sudden transformation, reluctant to provoke the unknown.  That and Greg was still reloading, so only Jerry could fire upon her.  And so Jerry did, although his expectations on the cannonballs effectiveness waned as he saw the chainswords buzzing happily.  Rainborg flipped around, aiming her Eldar Shuriken Launcher at the incoming projectile. Six blue energy stars shot out, tearing through the cannonball and embedding the wall behind it, next to Jerry. Her arm switched again, forming a black gun, pulsing green as she hopped to the next platform.


Jerry, the ever cautious dragon he was, chose to distance himself from the cannon and the cannonball.  The other dragons gave skeptical looks towards the cyborg, unsure whether they should even bother at this point.  Finally, Blazing Torch chose to employ the plot twist His Awfulness employed should they run into heavy resistance.  Flipping the switch next to him, all of the cannons became free to aim at any location.


        With all cannons aimed at Rainborg, the dragons felt slightly more confident with their attack.  Of course they all fired at her, but forgot that they would not have enough time to reload should they do so.  But hey, they weren’t hired to think that far ahead. Seeing the mass wave of cannonballs flying at her, Rainborg cursed.

            “Firefly, activate subroutines four and five.” She ordered to seemingly no one, before her other limbs began morphing. Her front right leg was now a glowing Power Axe, with her hind legs forming into a Lascannon and Power Hoof. She aimed her left leg, the Necron Energy Cannon atomizing a cannonball before burning into the wall. Her Lascannon opened fire, the beam of energy tearing through the cannonballs behind her. Her Power Axe sliced any from the front. The Power Hoof demolished any that got too close. Within minutes Rainborg was at the end, body returned to normal.


Honestly, the dragons had come to the point where they knew that this was a waste of time for the four strangers.  With the thought of these poor guests losing precious time (and being scared shitless by Rainborg’s display of power) they chose to let up on them.  “Okay, we’ll let you four off easy, but remember that we’ll be waiting for a rematch!” Blazing Torch shouted, he and his compatriots scrambling out the room. Ahriman shrugged, tearing open a rift in reality  and walking through it, reappearing next to Rainborg. Khârn shrugged, leaping across the platforms. Midnight teleported.


        Entering the next door, they were greeted with instant darkness and being reunited with their good old pal Teridax.  “That was probably hard, wasn’t it?”  Teridax said, somewhat embarrassed by the first level.  He needed to remember to fix the reload time on those cannons.  “The next level is a bit of a dosey...I don’t even know if I should let you guys do this, just when I was starting to like you.  Oh well, good luck on this one...remember, no killing and a quick tip, what you’re about to face will have one serious lacking, exploit that and you’ll win!”


        With Teridax’s advice said, the party of four awaited what horrors that may await them.  What they were met with instead was both confusing and made them uneasy.  Before them was a room, with a comfy bed and fuzzy interior.  Sitting on a beanbag was a maroon metallic creature, lumpy spikes stick from his back.  And while they they couldn’t tell the exact expression due to its single look, they could sense an extreme lack of determination emanating from it.


        “Hey,” The tired sounding creature said, his voice filled with boredom.

            “So, you're the one we gotta fight?” Khârn asked, stepping forward.
        

“Oh mannnn,” The maroon machine whined, seeing his foe approach.  “I just want to go to bed...but I guess I have to do something.  My name is Drowsey, not that you probably care.”  Getting up, the machine stretched its mechanical limbs.  “I’m a Rahkshi...Dad, or as you know him as Teridax, said I had to fight or do something.  I was too busy napping to be listening.”

            “Well, let's fight then.” Khârn replied, getting into a combat stance.


        “Okay...I guess,” The Rahkshi sighed, taking out a staff that had two curved blades on each end.  “I’m the Rahkshi of Sleep by the way...so I can do this…”  Five astral like phantoms appeared, one being a familiar Draconequus.  “Dad said that you might be tough, so I guess I should at least try to put some effort into this…”  Each of the phantoms other than the draconequus were unicorns, and the four of them each targeted the group with bizarre spells.

The one attacking Rainborg unleashed a torrent of flaming chipmunks towards her, another summoned a hail of anvils down onto Khârn, and both Midnight and Ahriman were taken on by twin ponies who each fired some kind of green goo from their horns.  

            Rainborg snorted, reforming her armor. She charged the chipmunks, leaping over them. A net formed around them, trapping them. Khârn grinned, pulling out his chainaxe, Gorechild, and revved the blade, the teeth screeching in hunger. He swung the axe, the entire thing as long as a human is tall, at the anvil storm, the teeth splitting the anvils in two with ease. Ahriman activated a shield spell, while Midnight blasted her enemies attack away with a spell.


        “Ugh, you guys are just going to blast away any Equestrian force I send at you...aren’t you?” Drowsey groaned, looking at his defeated minions with little to no interest.
        
             “Actually, I'm immune to pretty much every type of magic.” Khârn said, before giving Drowsey a solid punch to the stomach region, badly denting the armor there while sending Drowsey flying.


        “Ugh,” The Rahkshi of Sleep groaned, landing on the cold hard ground.  Looking up at the powerful opponents, he gave a child like shrug and got back up.  “You say that...and yet you’ve already been entrapped by my powers...not that you likely care.” The unmotivated creature said, the dent reforming with a loud pop.  “But you know what they say about heroes, right?”


             “Did you honestly think we didn't notice?” Ahriman asked. “For one thing, space marines like me and Khârn  can willingly shut off portions of our mind, resulting in us not needing sleep. Midnight is part of the Warp, and is almost a god. And Rainborg is a cyborg.” With that, he tore apart the dreamscape. “And I am one of the Greatest Sorcerers in existence.” He forced himself awake, pulling out a bolter pistol while standing up, shooting the Rahkshi’s legs out from under him.


        “Oh...well then I’ve got nothing,” Drowsey laughed lightly, he then crawled over to the bed and laid down.  “Well, this was fun...I guess.  Good luck with the next level...because what’s on the other is something you will care about.”  And with that small warning, the machine fell into a deep trance. Ahriman shrugged, before the group walked through the door to the next level.

             “So, what do you think we will face next?” Rainborg asked the others. 

             “Well, so far we've faced an obstacle course that needs improvement via Heavy Bolter emplacements, possibly a Tyranid of some sort at the bottom instead of lava, and moving platforms. Then we faced a robot called a ‘Rahkshi’ that uses sleep spells. The pattern seems random….making us unable to guess the next level. This Teridax is indeed a pretty good planner.” Midnight commented.

             “Indeed. He would make a great asset for our current situation in our world. And this test could be useful in our universe…. Especially when it comes to dealing with those ‘hero’ Displaced. Perhaps we can set up a morality test before meeting them, and if they prove to be too ‘heroic’, we can send them back.” Ahriman muttered thoughtfully, glancing at his staff.


        “Heroic Displaced?  And here I thought we were a large collection of sociopaths...but I guess that depends on what one considers a ‘hero’.” The familiar robotic voiced butted in.  


“Nice job with the last challenge...it will prove helpful to not be susceptible to dream magic when we go and take care of a small task.”  Some fumbling was heard, as if the Makuta were talking through a microphone, and the group heard his muffled voice yelling in the background.  All was silent for a few seconds, then they heard the thumping of metal and Teridax was back.


        “I have no idea how these salesmen found this island,” Teridax grunted, somewhat agitated by the commercialism that seemed to hit the island after his small deals with Equestria.  “It’s that time of year again...Hearth's Warming Eve I think.  Kind of like Christmas or some other winter holiday.  But there I go ranting again…”


        “That being said, I guess I should inform you of your next challenge!” Teridax said cheerfully, a door to the next room starting to shimmer into existence.  “Two more of my Rahkshi and their experiments involving the manipulation and advancement of the environment lay before you...just don’t trust anything that Lehrak may give you,we already lost three drakes to his latest beverage.”


        With that warning given, the group of four found the surrounding darkness dissipate and before them lay an ocean of tropical trees.  A small wind swayed the trees’ branches back and forth and the noises of the local wildlife echoed throughout the forest.  A calmness taking over the mood of the area.

            Khârn chuckled. “I don't think that will be a problem.” The group walked forward in a tight formation, watching the forest around them. Ahriman lead the way, Lightning Claws cutting their way through the forest if it got in the way.

        Some the the dense forest growth hissed as it was removed from the traveler's’ path, and the faint noise of of growling seemed to come closer as more and more of the plant matter was demolished.  As they continued their way down a dirt road, the members of the Black Legion soon found themselves in a large clearing with a wooden picnic table standing proud in the middle of the path.


        “Greetings, friends!” A cheery and feminine voice cried out, a mechanical figure emerging from the other side of the clearing.  Her body was similar to her sibling Rahkshi, but her body was green unlike Drowsey’s and she had brown arms and legs, her metal body hunched over as she walked towards the group.

           “Greetings.” Rainborg replied, raising an eyebrow as her mechanical eye began scanning the Rahkshi. “So, what form of Rahkshi are you? My probability processor puts a 2% chance of Teridax using the same tactic, so I assume you have some other form of power?”


“You’ve been walking in it since you came here, actually,” The Rahkshi replied cheerfully, pointing her staff towards one of the destroyed plant life, replenishing the plant back to its natural state.  “Welcome to my little jungle...well, half of my jungle anyway.”

“Control over plant life. Noted.” Rainborg droned, before her eyes flashed. “Firefly, do not hijack my body! I didn't even know you could do that!” She growled to the invisible AI.

“Forgive our friend here.” Midnight said, glancing around the forest again. “I am Midnight. We were told about you and your brother. What form of test are we entering here?”


“Well...we may have run into a small problem when a certain Draconequus broke in,” The Rahkshi sighed, walking over to a recently blooming flower.  “Lerahk and I have been manipulating and growing all sorts of plant life from various parts of our Equus and others...unfortunately, my brother got a little too carried away when Teridax supplied him with draconequus blood...which is prone to cause random and sometimes volatile change.”


        Turning back around, the Rahkshi seemed to scan their surrounding as though she was in search for something.  “My name’s Nightshade by the way...but the main issue you’ll be facing now is the plant life that you’ve managed to annoy by trampling through the forest,” She then used her staff and opened up the pathway ahead.  “Lerahk may be nearby, so watch out for him.  Oh, and I suggest you hurry up...because by the time we’ve been talking, those hungry little fellas may already be close, sorry!” 

        With her warning delivered, Nightshade used her staffs power one more time and cocooned herself in a flower yet to bloom.  The plant then took both of them down into the ground.

            “Little fellas, huh…” Khârn muttered. “Well, we can take care of it! We got our abilities! I'd like to see some tiny little animal or plant beat us!” He boasted. 

            Ahriman sighed, before hitting Khârn's helmeted head. “You probably just jinxed us to suffer a bunch of giant daemon-plants. Keep your helmets on in case of Poison Joke.” He ordered, switching out into his normal armor. Pulling out his enchanted bolter pistol, the group walked down the path. Rainborg quickly swapped into her armored mode before following.

        “That's them!” A squeaky voice shouted, the group turning to face their sudden guest.  What their eyes met was not some horrifying daemon, but a small venus flytrap-like plant with small leaves growing on its side and a large mouth with small, beady red eyes popping out the sides of its flat head.  “They're the mean ones I was telling you about!” it sniffed, giving off a small hiss towards Ahriman.

           “So that's what she meant by little fellas…” Ahriman sighed, before examining the plant. “But looks can be deceiving…” He added, turning off the safety on his pistol.

        “You think you can just come here, cut us to bits, and walk away like it’s no one’s business!?!” The strange plant questioned, purple liquid spraying from its mouth and melting away anything that it came in contact with.  


Going underground, the creature then popped up in front of Ahriman and glared daggers at him.  “Who do ya think you are!?!” The multiple fanged creature squeaked, attempting to gnaw on Ahriman’s leg, but to no avail.  “You ain’t getting past me, ya hear!?!” it challenged.

        Ahriman stared down at the plant trying to eat his leg. “I could burn you to ashes with a look, little bug.” He took off his helmet to reveal his eyes, which had changed into Mangekyo Sharingan. “Would you like me to prove it?” 

        “Matters little!” It screeched, now head butting the Sorcerer with its small head.  “We always adapted, always evolve!  We are change, never stopping, never ending!  Your puny fire would merely build our resistance, or path to perfection!”

        “Never ending perfection!” More voices cried in chorus from beyond the trees.  “Non will stop it, non can stop it!” 

            “You are change?”Ahriman asked, his voice empty of emotion. “I have met the God of Change. You are pathetic, weak, and pointless little insects compared to him, and compared to me.” A dark wave of invisible energy pulsed from Ahriman's body, sending shivers down the spine and stem of anything that lived. “You remind me of another group I, or rather, the one I became, had met. They wanted nothing more than a perfection that didn't exist. And they were quite an annoying group.” The grass around his feet burst into black and blue flame, the essence of Change and his own personal Chakra stored within. “You would be wise to choose your next words carefully, plant.”

          Khârn chuckled. “He’s right. These guys do sound like the Emperor’s Children Legion.”


        “Per---fection impossible!?!” The planet cried in dismay, multiple voices giving off noises of despair at Ahriman’s words.  Looking around, the small plant seemed ready to move by and retreat and mourn for its lost goal.


        “...but we are Chaos...Change,” It mumbled to itself, a small smile forming on its face.  “You are right!  We are Chaos, we are Change!  We cannot become perfect, for to do so would mean no change…”


        “But then how does Chaos win?” It asked the four before it, sounds of trees breaking and leaves rustling could be heard all around the clearing.  “What is the point of Change, but to further elevate the world?”  Behind the small plant grew a creature of the small appearance, but its size was greater than the small mouthed plant, and it didn’t look like its growth was stopping.


        “God of Change...does he always change?” It asked, humming to itself as it thought of its new goals.  “Can he win, or does his nature always lead to defeat...does our nature always lead to defeat?” 

          “He appears in many forms.” Ahriman replied, and Khârn rolled his eyes. “He Changes, he schemes, simply to do so. Chaos has no goal except to cause even greater chaos. His schemes counteract themselves, and he pulls at the strings behind us all. He is the puppet master, controlling all lives in the universe. To change is the goal of all creatures, and through it he will grow stronger. Even his defeats are parts of his plan.” The dark Warmaster concluded his rant, before glancing at the plant. “I am Ahriman, Herald of Tzeentch, God of Change, and the Weaver of Fate. I request that you allow me and my allies to pass.” 


        The plant simply gave Ahriman a toothy grin, tilting his head to one side in mock pondering.  More maws could be seen from all around the clearing now, multiple necks stretching out ever so slightly as they made their way towards the group.


        “You seem like a great guy, you really do,” The fanged creature chortled, his size increasing as he spoke.  “But you’ve gotta understand that we want out of this place as much as you do...but that damn Lerahk and his poisons constantly counteract against out adaption ability!”


Several of the heads hissed at the mention of the Rahkshi’s name, purplish liquid drooling from their mouth’s and burning through the ground below them like acid.


        “However, if we were to say…adapt to your attacks,” the plant chuckled malevolently, thorns erupting from sections of his body and the voices of his fellow ‘friends’ seemed to increase dramatically.  “We could get past that pest, and after him we can deal with that god-wannabe!”


The room was filled with the cackling of the sentient plants as their new idea came to life, but it was cut short by a familiar, if not unsettling voice.


“For the love of all that is me!” The shimmering image of the Great Kraahkan came to life and appeared before the group and their latest advisary.  “Could you monologue any more than you already have!?!”


The mask then turned to face Ahriman.  “I do apologize for this entire ordeal,” The Makuta groaned as he looked around at the snapping mouths of the hungry plants.  “Carnivorous plants weren’t exactly what I asked Lerahk and Nightshade to cook up here, but what can you do?”


Giving a small chuckle at the anger he was gaining from the plants, Teridax chose to stir the pot a little more.  “While they can’t exactly be killed due to their rapid adaption to attacks, they do have a weakness just incase they chose to work against me!”


“You will not interfere--” The lead plant was ready to interject the dark lord, but was quickly silenced when Teridax’s eyes glowed an unsettling red and the monstrous plant started to melt.  

              “Good old heat vision.” Khârn said, examining the burnt plant. “Though we could have handled it. I mean, after dealing with a very….heroic taste, and just happened to be able to turn into an immortal and eternally adapting lizard, we developed a virus made out of the Warp itself, capable of nullification of the targets strongest abilities. Plus, Midnight has control of gravity.” He boasted, earning a hit on the head from Rainborg.


        “Heat vision is best for toast...if I could have toast that is,” Teridax said, the sickening sound of the plant he had fried reconstructing could be heard in the background.  “And while I commend you on your, uh...confidence, I’m afraid that I may have made a dosey on this one…”

            “Elaborate.” Ahriman ordered, erecting a shield around him and his allies in case of attack. It also went under their feet.


        “One of the reasons I summoned you was so I could get my hands on something to deal with these weeds,” The Makuta informed, looking around at his traitorous experiments.  “So when you were teleported, I also copied your equipment...and tried to use it on the plants.  They ate the virus, one gulp and all...same with the bullets.  But since your friend just offered to perform some weeding for me, I suggest you get to Lerahk’s lab south and help him out.”

             We don't carry any vials of it on us, so you probably got a piece of our medical supplies.” Ahriman stated, walking in the direction of the lab, followed by the others. “Midnight can produce the virus from herself, though slightly tiring in a universe without the Warp. As for the copying of our equipment, I would highly suggest you ask before doing so. For one thing, I doubt you had the actual materials to produce our weapons, especially not the armor, and sometimes our weapons have special enchantments. They were most likely of a failed batch.” 


        “Eh, the Map of Harmony is kinda iffy when it comes to doing things,” The bionicle replied as he watched his angry experiments attempt to eat through the constantly repairing shield.  “It’s able to perform certain task and alter reality through its connection with the Tree, but it really doesn’t like to do what it’s told to do.”


        “LET US DEVOUR YOU!” The familiar voice of a certain annoying plant screeched as it bashed its head against the shield.  “YOUR RUINING THE PLAN!”

            “Unfortunately, plant, my plans far outweigh yours. For example, I have to run an entire planet’s worth of soldiers, destroy the enemies attacking my planet, possibly turn a few to Chaos, and then destroy an entire space faring empire. And plus, even though you believe yourself to be of the same stuff Chaos is made of, you are not. You are only a plant with the slightly unique ability of adaptation. Of course, we could easily nullify that power and then burn the forest to the ground. So I have one warning for you. Get. Lost.” The Warmaster turned, brandishing the Mangekyo Sharingan and using it's illusion powers to show the little plant what would happen if it continued it's futile attempts at eating him.


“Oh come on,” The plant chuckled nervously, giving the warrior another toothy grin.  “surely we can work something out, you don’t need that bucket of bolts after all.  I mean, look at him-” the plant then created a picture of Teridax by warping its body.  “he can’t even be a proper villain!  He had the chance to kill those meddlesome ponies and even those guards, but you know what he did instead?” 

“Let me guess.” Rainborg rolled her eyes. “He let them go.”


        “Yeah, and he even faked those two guard’s deaths as well because he thought they were useful,” The create spat out more acid as he tried to stomach his own words.  “But do you want to know why he spared them, why he called you out here trying to throw these insane challenges at you and act all evil?”

               “To test us so that he can tell if we can deal with his problem?” Khârn shrugged.

               “Honestly, we couldn't care less if he acted all evil.” Ahriman raised an eyebrow at the plant. “But please, do continue.”


        “Poor little Ahriman,” It cried in fake sorrow, giving a crazed laugh at the Warmaster’s words.  “You’ll always be the puppet, but you’ve accepted that.  Teridax can’t, and in order to break away from his strings he has to attack the puppetmaster.  But in order to do so, he has to shed blood, he has to kill!  And yet no matter how hard he tries, he never can!” 

            “Eh, he is just a rookie on being all evil. He will get the stomach for it. Eventually.” Khârn shrugged. “As for you, little plant, why exactly are you still following us? Didn't we already tell you to get lost?”


“I’ll have you know, good sir, that I am a skilled villain!” Teridax interrupted, the shuffling of papers could be heard in the background.  “I even had Ember Root write a list of all of my evil deeds, alphabetical I might add!”


“The most evil thing you ever did was trick Celestia to give you those bits by pretending to be some charity,” The plant deadpanned, giving the projection of The Makuta’s mask an unimpressed look.

“And all you’ve done is waste my time and resources, you homicidal weed!” The robotic overlord retorted, electricity sparking from the mask.  “My plans simply take time and calculation, you simply want to eat stuff!”

“Both of you, please.” Khârn chuckled darkly. “I have the memories, and portions of the personality, of the guy who killed most of his legion because they didn't want to fight in a deadly storm, has slaughtered thousands of innocents across a galaxy for the simple reasoning of ‘Blood for the Blood God!’ and who is so murder-happy he implanted a fucking kill counter to mark how many people he has killed! And right now it says over 18 trillion! And that was from my hands!”


“Hmmm, you think if I make a religion around myself, people will commit whatever crimes I command?” Teridax questioned, already coming up with a couple of religious schemes.


“But then you’ve got to organize it and then there’s paperwork…” The vegetated evil added in, bring up the downside to organized religion.  “Then you’ll have a dozen ‘priests’ attempt to kill you and act as your ‘voice.”


        “True...but maybe if we put in certain regulations--BURN THE PLANT NOW WHILE IT’S DISTRACTED!!!!” The bionicle shouted, lasers launching out of his eyes and towards the many vines that were in front of the shield.

             “Please.” Ahriman rolled his eyes, before black flames began burning away the foliage. And then began burning the rest of the forest. And didn't stop. “You don't announce your plan of attack. And the Amaterasu can deal with most of the forest.”


        “AH, I’M ON FIRE!!!” The malicious plant screamed as it withered in pain as the flames burned away at its many heads.  “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?!  DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH DAMAGE YOU’VE DONE TO THIS ECOSYSTEM!?!”


        “Smokey the Bear will never know…” Teridax said, his eyes shifting to the side as he watched the wonderful carnage around him.

 “Worm, I would consider destroying the forest with a bomb capable of wiping out a planet in five minutes or less, and then kill itself, just to get rid of an extremely tough weed such as yourself. This is a mercy compared to that pain. And I know how to make living, walking, immortal versions of it.” Ahriman glared at the smoldering plant.


        “You win this time you eco-terrorist!” The planted growled as it started to burn away into ash.  “But this isn’t the last you’ve heard of Larry the Plant!  When I break free from this idiot’s pocket dimension--”


        “--Which you won’t!”


        “--I’ll come over for a friendly visit!” It pronounced, giving one last chuckle as his body burned away.  “Which will not be friendly at all...just incase you don’t understand threats!”

             “Ah, but there won't be a next time.” Ahriman chuckled. “For the Amaterasu isn't a normal fire. It can only be stopped by me, and will burn everything it touches, even other fires, until everything is nothing but ash. It can burn for seven days and seven nights, so have a nice week.” Ahriman turned from the destruction, a cold smile plastered on his lips.


        “I give it a week at most before the bugger finds out how to get out of it,” Another voice said and a green Rahkshi leapt down from the trees.  “but A for effort!”

           “So I should bring out the Plague Marine?” Ahriman asked, getting ready to contact his ship.


        “I think Lerahk can handle cleanup here, but thanks for the offer…” Teridax answered quickly, not comfortable with the idea of more multiversers coming by so quickly.


        “Do you guys want a drink?” Lerahk questioned, pulling out a coconut with a strange purple liquid spilling from the brim.  “I’ve got the Kooooool aid!”

            “Ah, fuck it.” Khârn took a drink, not caring about the possibilities of poisoning. Good old Astartes biology.


        “Finally, someone who can actually stomach my masterpiece!” The Rahkshi shouted with joy.


        “With that being said...I guess it’s time we finally met,” Teridax said, one last door appearing before the group.  “I’ll explain what I have planned once we meet up, until then enjoy the ride!”

             “What does he mean by ‘ride’? And boy, that stuff is good!” Khârn asked, patting Lehrak on the back. “You would give the Space Wolves a run for their money!”


“I’ll be sure to send you more later...as for the ride,” Lerahk looked around for any remaining energy of Teridax.  “Well, he made some kind of rollercoaster based off some ride he went on in Disney Land...I swear, the boss is always going from an evil nature to one of a child.  He calls it ‘humanity’, whatever humanity is anyway.” 

“Sounds like a typical human.” Ahriman said, stepping into the doorway with the others. “And Astartes have enhanced hearing.” Khârn quickly followed, leaping into the doorway while shouting in an Italian accent, “Let's a go!”






        After leaving the vomit inducing ride behind them, the four members of the New Black Legion soon found themselves in a earthy cavern with lava dripping from the walls and pipes filled with magma that was being redirected all over the volcano.  Various pits of the hot lava could be found along the floor of the cavern as well, save the silvery liquid pit that sat next to a luxurious forge.

            “So, this is where Teridax lives, eh?” Khârn examined the area. “Yeah, it looks like the kind of place he would live in.”


“Technically, it’s where we used to hold our town meetings,” A voice said as a pink dragoness walked out of the entrance of another section of the volcano.  “But with all of his projects along with his ‘need for evil secrets’ he made it his personal room.” 

“Okay, so where is old Dark and Spooky?” Rainborg asked, glancing around.


“Well hello to you too,” The drake retorted, giving a wave for the four to come towards her.  “He’s busy setting up his presentation, so I’m going to give you a tour around the base.  Ember Root by the way.”

“Name cataloged.” Rainborg stated in a robotic tone, before switching back to normal. “So, Ms. Root, why are you following Teridax?” She asked.


        “At first I tried to kill him, which I failed if you couldn’t tell,” She replied, walking over to Teridax’s forge.  “In my defense, he was acting like a total dick, which he still kind of is...but he let me live and promised our little colony a better life.”


        Looking over her leader’s latest work, she examined some new techniques he had employed into a long barrel shaped weapon.  “He’s great at smithing and I respect that, so having him as a personal teacher will go a long way for me...but I guess when a magical robot walks into a bar and offers the world to you, it tends to draw attention.”

            “Well, a giant armored soldier with an axe almost as long as he is tall that has indestructible teeth and can function as a chainsaw tends to draw more attention.” Khârn shrugged, examining the weapon. “That looks like a gun or something.”


        “He’s taken an interest in the four of you,” She shrugged, putting the new weapon back where she took it.  “Your weapons, past, plans, all of it.  It’s good for him to see his own kind, or whatever he can consider his own kind anyway...especially after she made her little entrance into his life.” Her last words filled with venom.

            “Oh, so he is interested in our weapons?” Rainborg asked, pulling out a cube. “Well, lucky for him we had this in transit mode!” Pressing a few buttons, she placed placed it down, watching as it unfolded into a metal door. “Presenting the New Black Legion’s transportable forge, The Factory!” She opened the door, before stepping inside, being sure to mute the doors with the ‘secret’ products.


        “Well...that’s awfully nice of you to do for us,” Ember Root said, blinking in surprise at the sudden forge.  “But what does it do?”

           “Well, let's see. Here, we have our cybernetic production line.” The enthusiastic Cybermare pointed to the side, where pieces of robotic limbs moved slowly on the assembly line. “Over to your left is our Bolter assembly line.” She pointed a hoof to the left, revealing a long line of mostly complete bolters, with mechanical limbs putting in the missing parts. “Up ahead is the ammunition production, and beyond that is my ‘special’ Robotic Testing Facility.” She concluded, pressing a few buttons. “There is more stuff here, but these should suffice for now.”


        “Teridax will like this, I can see him spending hours working with this and his protodermis,” The dragoness said, turning back towards the entrance to the next room.  “But I feel like I should show you around the place, maybe get something to eat.”  With that said, she took off from Teridax’s workplace. 

            “Very well, perhaps we can discuss it with Teridax later.” Rainborg said, returning the pocket dimension to its cube mode. “I also have a template for the Bolter, albeit a previous version.” Rainborg followed after the dragoness, in turn followed by the others. “Perhaps we can make a deal with him?” She asked Ahriman.

             “Perhaps….” Ahriman replied, examining the Protodermis Pool. “I would love to study the metals of this universe.”


        “I’m sure Teridax would love to tell you about his ‘miracle metal’,” She replied, the group now walking outside the volcano entrance and over a well constructed walkway down the rocky side of the lair.  “He’s crazy about the stuff since he found it.  He also tested some strange glowing swords on them and said that the metal was, ‘tougher than he thought’” 


        “Interesting….” The Warmaster’s gaze lingered on the pool for a moment, mumbling something about metals, before returning to what was happening now. “Anyway, let us continue the tour. I will be certain to ask Teridax about the metal later.”


        “Sure,” Ember Root shrugged, continuing down the rocky path.  “We have a great place to eat, if you four are hungry that is?”
 
            “Generous as the offer is, I must decline.”Ahriman answered, “Me and Khârn do not require food or water to survive, Rainborg is mostly machine, and Midnight is a living, breathing Warp Entity.”


        “Eh, I guess that’s a good reason not to eat,” The dragoness replied, slightly looking over one of the railings to see what was going on in the town.  “Everyone’s been a bit jumpy lately anyway, with our latest problem causing some massive panic to the town…”

             “From the latent Chaos Magic in the terrain, I can only assume that a Draconequus is the source of your problem?” Midnight guessed, examining the town below with her Tenseigan.


        “The mother of all Draconequui to be precise,” The drake said bitterly, shaking somewhat as she remembered their last encounter with the queen.  “Eris is like Discord, Teridax said you would know him, but on steroids powered by the sun.  She recently stopped by and turned us all into gold statues...which is her humor in irony.”

           “Our Discord is a Greater Daemon of Tzeentch, known as a Lord of Change. If he wanted, he could probably wipe the floor with any of us.” Khârn muttered. “Not me though, because I'm immune to magic!”
  
            “As our ally suggests, our Discord could easily destroy us. Lords of Change are the equivalent of a Minor God.” Ahriman added, eyes wandering across the sky.

        “Eris basically created the Draconequui here,” Ember responded as she lead them over a less than safe looking bridge.  “She drags your kind--” she motioned a wing towards Ahriman and Khârn, “--from their world and reconstructs them into her own kind and wields magic said to be gifted by the creator herself...at least that’s what Teridax has gathered.”

             “Still think one of the Dark Gods could mop the floor with her.” Khârn shrugged. “I mean, Tzeentch is a God of Sorcery, Schemes, etc, Khorne is immune to sorcery, Nurgle could probably make a disease to kill her, and Slaanesh… is Slaanesh.” He stated those last words with disgust.


        “WHAT THE BLAZES DID I JUST SAY!” A clearly angry voice shouted as the group departed from the rickety bridge, finding themselves in a camp of some kind.


        “Oh no…” The dragoness groaned as she heard the voice, knowing the source of the shouting.


        “HOW COULD I HAVE NOT BEEN MORE CLEAR THAT NO ONE CROSSES THE BRIDGE WITHOUT BEING PROCESSED!” The same voice screamed as a white and grey Rahkshi leaped from one of the nearby boulders.  “WHO THE IN THE NAME OF ALL THINGS DARK ARE YOU FOUR SUPPOSE TO BE, THE MARCHING BAND!?!”

            “Oh?” Khârn turned to the Rahkshi. “Well, I'm a Khornate. Khârn The Betrayer, Herald of the Chaos God of War Khorne, at your service. And who are you, the gate guard?” He replied, examining the Rahkshi.


        “CHAOS GOD!?!” The Rahkshi yelled, a couple of drakes that seemed to be training wandered over to the scene.  Turning to Ember Root, the red eyes of the creature blazed with fury.  “WHAT DID WE SAY ABOUT RELIGIOUS MISSIONARIES AND PRIESTS!?!  YOU CAN’T JUST GIVE THEM A SKIP OVER ALL THE OTHERS, WE RUN A EQUAL SYSTEM OF ACCEPTANCE AND DON’T JUST LET ANYONE BYPASS THE REST!”


        Turning back to the four visitors, the Rahkshi stamped his foot in unbridled rage and pointed his staff towards them.  “IF YOU WISH TO PASS THIS POINT, YOU WILL NEED THE PROPER PAPERS IN ORDER TO PROVE YOU ARE WHO YOU SAY YOU ARE AND THAT YOUR RELIGION IS NOT ONE OF THOSE MINDWASHING CULTS!?!

            “Firstly, Rahkshi, I am neither a missionary or a priest. My title as ‘Herald’ means that I am the greatest Champion of one of the four Dark Gods. I am a warrior, and Khorne's ‘church’ is the battlefield. My main business is war, blood, fighting, killing, and destruction of my enemies. We don't use magic, relying only on our weapons. If anything, Khorne hates brainwashing. And as for proof of who I am, I will gladly show you my fighting ability.” Khârn explained, casually pulling out Gorechild, the massive axe burying its head in the ground.

            Rainborg chuckled, before whispering “Ooh, this is gonna be good.” 

        “Okay, let’s calm down here!” Ember Root said nervously, stepping in the way of the two aggressive warriors.  “Kurahk...you’re yelling again, so please stop.  And our visitors are not priests--”


        “THAT IS NOW CLEAR!” The now named Kurahk interrupted, giving off a small hiss when one of the other dragons gave a worried pat on the Rahkshi’s shoulder.  “THEY’RE CLEARLY WAR CRIMINALS, HERE TO OPPRESS US WITH THEIR IDEALS AND PROMISES OF GLORY ON THE BATTLEFIELD!”


        Jumping back on the boulder, the creature stabbed his staff into the rock and growled at the warrior.  “YOU YELLOWBELLIED COWARDS PROBABLY ARM WRESTLE INFANT DRAKES TO PROVE YOUR WORTH!  I’VE SEEN FLYSWATTERS THAT COULD DOWN LEGIONS OF YOU MOUSEHEARTED FELINES!  I BET YOUR AXE IS THAT SIZE TO SIMPLY COMPENSATE FOR THE SMALL SIZE OF YOUR ****!”

                  An extremely loud noise erupted from the group as Khârn's chainaxe swung up faster than the blink of an eye, and a second later one of Kurahk’s arms fell to the ground. “You were right about the War Criminal thing, and wrong on all other accounts.” Khârn growled, a dark and dangerous voice erupting from his vox grill, amplified by the one on his chest. “I have laid waste to countless armies for over ten thousand years, and have seen horrors such that a worm like you couldn't dream up in your worst nightmare.” His weapon came down again, removing the other arm. “My legion, the World Eaters, refused to fight our enemies due to a deadly Warpstorm. And you know what I did? I killed them. I slaughtered every soldier who didn't fight, and then went to fight our enemy. I am Khârn The Betrayer, and you would live longer to respect me.”


        The Rahkshi remained silent, looking down at his severed arms and back up at the terrifying warrior repeatedly before halting.  “TIS A SCRATCH YOU HEARTLESS DOG!  YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT WASTING ONE’S ENEMIES!?!  MY DOG HAS A HIGHER KILL COUNT THAN YOU!  YOUR HORRORS ARE ABOUT AS TERRIFYING AS CARL’S COOKING!”  A faint groan of anger came from one of the drakes, who happened to be named Carl, “YOUR WARPSTORM SOUNDS LIKE A CHEAP ICE CREAM FLAVOR THAT YOU CAN FIND ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!  I FEAR YOU NOT, WARRIOR OF CHAINSAWS! KURAHK OF ANGER IS INVINCIBLE TO YOUR THREATS!  I also want to point out that I’m single and have great communication skills--” he nodded towards Rainborg, “--SO HAVE AT THEE!”  


The Rahkshi then proceeded to headbutt the chest of Khârn and kick his shins. A few slices from Gorechild and Kurahk was suddenly missing his legs and spikes, with the massive axe looming inches from his head, the whirling blades nicking his armored head. “You are a pitiful soldier, though I do give you credit for your tenacity. I'll allow you to live, for now.” Khârn growled, returning Gorechild to his back before continuing forward.


        Kurahk turned his body from side to side as he attempted to turn around and face the departing Khârn.  Unfortunately for the Rahkshi, it was difficult to do much of anything when your limbs were hacked off.  Ember Root watched the scene with an unimpressed expression as she watched the Rahkshi of anger once again manage to piss off the dangerous ones.


        “For the love of...you know what, I don’t care!” She mumbled, continuing on while the other dragons parted from the path of Khârn.


        “YOU SEE YOU COWARDLY WHELPS!” The Rahkshi shouted towards the terrified group of drakes.  “THAT IS HOW ONE ANGERS THEIR ENEMY!  I NOW HAVE HIM ON THE ROPES....actually, we’ll call it a tie.  One of you put me back together please.  And also get me the number of that pegasus!”

            “You know, I have never seen Khârn like that. Think it could be a problem?” Midnight asked Ahriman, using magic to quickly rebuilt Kurahk, with a small note  with some numbers on it tucked on its hand.

            “Possibly. Then again, having Khârn The Betrayer, the original one, even  if just his memories affecting him, would be a great boon.” Ahriman replied.


        “That guy needs fifty chill pills and twenty buckets of ice,” The now reassembled Rahkshi said, wobbling as he got back on his feet.  “I mean, I’ve never gotten someone that mad...but being the Rahkshi that practically emanates anger can do that to a guy.  Can I suggest some breathing exercises?”

            “Khornate Berserkers are easy to anger, and if that Khârn was the full on Khârn, him being mad would end up being the death of a planet’s population.” Ahriman replied, forcing Khârn to calm down via the Warp.

        “Sounds like a tough guy to deal with...but I guess I should let you guys pass,” The Rahkshi said, giving a small chuckle as he lead the three off the bridge.  “Drowsy was not joking when he said not to mess with you guys, but I had some fun...dismemberment aside!  We’ll have to do this again sometime, but I think you should head to the Temple south of here, that’s where Teridax is chilling.”

            “I can teleport us there. Better than letting Khârn walk through the town.” Midnight stated, preparing her staff. “As a side note, Ahriman can create a meteor big enough to crush the area for a thousand meters, I can cut the moon in half, and Rainborg is a walking weapon. Just in case you thought to challenge any of us. And that's barely scratching our powers.” She added, glancing at Kurahk, before teleporting away, along with the others.

> Chapter 7 - A New Nightmare Approaches
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	When the four Warriors reappeared, along with Ember Root, they found themselves in a small wooden building, an altar standing proudly before the bleachers and the single door.  On the wall was picture depicting a serpent-like dragon, the ocean around it swirling violently as it coiled its long body.  While a silence had taken the room, yellow beady eyes blinked in the darkened corners of the room as they sense new arrivals.  Off to the side, however, a dim light could be seen leaking out of a closed door, humming along with the moving of items could faintly reach the ears of those who were in the building.

       “Well this looks homely.” Rainborg stated, examining their surroundings. “Is Teridax in that room over there?” She pointed to the door.


        “Probably,” Ember Root said, looking around the building and in particular the shadowy figures that hid in the corners.  “He chose to move the map here, for safekeeping.  I’d suggest you go and see, I’ll see you four around.”


With her answer given, the pink dragoness made her way to the exit and opened the somewhat heavy door which exceeded the height of any of the other four with her.  But before departing the guests, she turned one more time and scanned them hesitantly.


“Just do me a favor and prove me wrong and Teridax right...while I hate losing a bet, I think that this may be one I hope to never have victory over,”  With those words said, she have a small wave with the back of her hand and took off.  “Good luck…”  

“Wonder what they bet on….” Rainborg muttered.

“Probably whether or not we are nothing more than destructive savages.” Khârn shrugged, him having returned to normal.

“Well, let's go meet the one behind the curtains.” Ahriman said, finishing the conversation as he walked towards the door and opened it. No one noticed him slip a small card into his left arm’s gauntlet.


        Behind the door was a massive mechanical being who shifted about the room, making it more open and roomy for the large crystal table and multiple sheets of parchment with words in an unreadable language written upon it along with familiar pictures of certain ponies the four had met before.  

             Ahriman coughed loudly.


        “Company, and just on time!” The machine proclaimed, using metal spikes to stick the remaining documents onto the wall near him.


        Turning around, the group were met with the dark gray and red bionicle himself.  He opened up his arms in a welcoming posture and while his long, somewhat animalistic, mask had no smile, the air about him was one of joy.


        “Greetings, my dear friends,” The Makuta clapped, using his magnetism to close the door behind them and somewhat drag the four to a nearby couch.  “It’s a pleasure to meet all four of you in person.  I do apologize for the mess--” he motioned to the somewhat chaotic state of the workplace, “--but I decided to move my wonderful planning room somewhere else, at least until we fix that hole in the wall.”

              “It is fine.” Ahriman replied, examining the room. “It's quite the setup you have here.”


        “Why thank you, I do try to ensure that I have as much resources to work with as possible,” Teridax said, putting a hand on the crystal table and tapping his metallic claws on the surface.  “Like this wonderful piece of work over here, although I can’t take credit for its creation.”


        “Another man’s garbage is another man’s treasure, and those six puffballs were basically treating it like some magic trash can!” A voice deadpanned in Teridax’s mind, earning a mental chuckle from the dark overlord.


        “Luckily it will be put to better use, and maybe our dear Twilight will finally decide to explore its potential!” Teridax mentally replied to his mask’s voice, although he acted in person that such a thing didn't exist.  Being used to it and the lack of expressions helped hide his trusted advisor...well, somewhat trusted.

              “Am I interrupting?” Another voice slipped in. On the other side of the room, a small grin was plastered on Ahriman’s face.


        “Considering what I’ve been digging out of the mind of yours, I would call us even...although, those pesky black flames of yours really hurt…”

              “Heh….I see you encountered a few of my mental blocks. Most of the information you've gathered is mostly incoherent thoughts I occasionally have.” Ahriman's eyes switched to the Rinnegan. “Though, I would suggest not delving further. I am one of the greatest Sorcerers of my universe, and my forgiveness only goes so far.”


        “Some are incoherent, but I’m afraid to say that Mata Nui’s mental prowess far exceeded your own,”  The voice whispered back, his tone somewhat cloudy as more whispers appeared and then vanished without a second thought.  “I spoke more along the lines of our little encounter in the garden...I do apologize for such a rude meeting, but I decided to take precautions and test your loyalty to your fellow Displaced.  But I shall leave your memories, even if I do find them interesting.”

      “I must say, I only half expected a possible mental probing, Teridax. Congratulations for catching me off guard.” Ahriman shrugged, his eyes returning to normal.


        “With that said, I would like to show you a former possibility that your future held,” Teridax said, gesturing towards Midnight and Rainborg.  Snapping his metal fingers, the shadows of the four broke free from the wall and floor and leapt into the table.  This in turn caused a great light to appear before it dimmed and became a map of Equus.  “With this table supplied by her majesty Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am able to view the current and past happenings of my world.  History itself is now viewable, something that should be used well.”

         “One of my alternate selves…” Midnight murmured. “But what exactly is the point of showing us this?”


        “Well you see my dear guest,” The Makuta said, his somewhat cheerful tone immediately turning darker and more serious.  “I’m afraid this world’s chaperone, a draconequus by the name of Eris, has what some may say ‘don goofed’ and has allowed the revival of a powerful force soon to come upon my world.”  


        The map made a rewinding motion through Equus’ history until it reached a time where a blue alicorn with stars in her mane sat lonely upon an empty balcony.  She gazed upon the stars mournfully, a bitter expression plastered upon her muzzle.  Her wings ever fidgeting as she watched all her subjects ignore what she had created.

            “So, this is either the time before the war, or an alternate way she became Nightmare Moon.” Ahriman noted. “Interesting…..”


        “I’m afraid my Equus’ history was almost as dark as your own,” Teridax sighed, his eyes switching to a more yellowish color as he gave the alicorn a look of sympathy.  “Some universes have simple, if not uninspired, scripts for our dear Luna...but this one is much more dramatic and worth grieving for.”


        The projection started to speed up, with the mare rarely moving as she waited alone for the night to pass and the day to return once again.  But in the background a bluish and black claw-like hand moved to pat the Princess of the Night on her shoulder.  Barely earning any recognition as it seemed to comfort the distressed pony.


        “Tell me...Ahriman, do you fear those who exist out of one’s time and space,” Teridax asked, giving an analytic stare as he watched another of these hands move about the princess’s room, searching for some hidden object.  “Someone you can’t touch, you can’t hurt.  Intangible and immortal, but always moving in the shadows and pulling off feats that some may deem impossible, even to the eyes of Discord himself.”  

               “I deal with such creatures every second, Teridax. And I can control them with nothing more than my psychic presence alone. I see the Immaterium every day, sitting just under my own fragile reality.” Ahriman replied. “So no, I do not fear such creatures.”


        “Fear is more powerful than you know, my friend,” Teridax merely murmured, turning around to stare out the single window in the room as rain began to hit it with one of the island’s the frequent thunderstorms.  “I would know, I feed on it, manipulate it...but most importantly is the fact that know why one fears, and with that comes my own fears.  One’s best looked upon.”


        Looking over his shoulder and towards the two equines of the group, The Makuta’s blazing eyes scanned each of them intently as he readied his next question.


        “Tell me...do either of you ponies know of the creature who stole Tambelon, the one whom holds a bell that tolls for the death of his enemies?” He questioned, giving them a curious look, but avoiding all together the name of who he spoke of...such things were best unsaid, at least from his words.

           “No, we do not. It would appear that this creature you speak of only exists in your universe.” Midnight answered in a bored voice.



        “I admire him for his sheer endurance and prowess when it comes to the manipulation of others,” Teridax said calmly, still looking at the group.


        However, the fours’ eyes were directed back towards the table, which had finally come to the most important piece of the tragedy.  The alicorn of dreams screamed in both fear and surprise and a nightmarish and draconic creature leapt from the very shadows around her, flames spewing about the room as she was grabbed by it’s demonic hand.


        “Some have the gift of waking up from a nightmare,” Teridax continued, paying no heed to the screams of one of his most challenging opponents. 


        A sickening laughter could be heard echoing from the monster as shadow clouds soon enveloped the pony in his grasp.  As Luna tried desperately to hold onto her sanity, her very personality was being stripped away into nothing.


        “Others do not have such leisures---” Another laughter soon howled along with the monster as Teridax spoke, this one somewhat familiar to the ears of the others in the room.  As it soon came from a much more dark and sinister alicorn, one whose rage could swallow many other evils that existed.  “Luna never had a choice between good or evil...none of us really do when it comes down to what is happening around us.  We are made sinister, we are made malevolent.  It is part of the play, the script that drives us to work within its boundaries.  Tzeentch, God, Lucifer, whatever you want to call the thing that pulls the strings, that writes what we do...they make us evil.  Grogar is just one of these beings, someone who due to his own banishment from this realm wields unfathomable power.”

         “And what, you want us to try to kill him?” Rainborg asked.


        “Oh no, I have a far more interesting task for us to accomplish,” Teridax said jovially, walking back over to the table as the last scenes of Luna’s transformation played out.  “Let’s think of this as a race...you do like races still, right Rainbow?” With that said, he waved his hand over the table to produce four small projections: a blue goat, Celestia, a draconequus, and himself.

                “My name is Rainborg now, and yeah, I still like racing.” The Cyberpegasus replied. 


        “Of course, I apologize,” The Makuta said, giving a small wave of his hand before causing a projection of Nightmare Moon to appear on the table in some unknown piece of territory.  “Nightmare Moon, believe or not, is the prize of this little race.  You see, as I mentioned before, I think the world and my life as a script or a story.  So do four others.  And all of us need certain pieces for this story...Nightmare Moon being one of them.”
  
“Continue.” Ahriman said, slightly interested.


        “Nightmare Moon has the ability to bring the thoughts of the dreamscape into reality, thus making her a powerful target,” The malevolent bionicle continued, the three other pieces beside his own moving closer to the alicorn’s projection.  “Grogar needs her in order to come back to this plane of existence with his knowledge of the void intact,  Eris needs her in order to stop Grogar from ever coming back, Celestia just wants to make sure no one gets their hands on her, and I...well as I said before, there is a story at work, and would I not fail in playing my role if I ignore this opportunity?” 
 

        “None of them have all the pieces needed to actually accomplish their goals,” Teridax said smugly, hovering a familiar blue helmet in front of the group.  “But I, well I have the key.”

             “Her helmet? What’s that got to do with anything?” Khârn asked, confused along with Rainborg.


        “This world’s villains are somewhat pathetic, but some credit is even due to them once and awhile,” Teridax said, putting the helmet down.  “Nightmare Moon chose to go full Sauron and infuse her darker essence into her armor.  While the chest plate is to be displayed at Halfmoon Island, Grogar thinks Eris has the helmet, Eris thinks Grogar has it...and Celestia thinks both of them have it and are working together.”


        “Princess Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash are to make an appearance along with the rest of their friends and Princess Luna to give a speech about friendship,” He snorted, thinking the travel expenses to be a waste of money.  “The plan itself will be the two of you--” Teridax pointed at Midnight and Rainborg, “--to impersonate your universal counterparts, with help from my illusion, and switch the false armor with a fake piece I have created.  Ahriman and Khârn will pose as two guards and assist you.  When that is done, we shall meet at the temple north of the exhibit and revive Nightmare Moon...which is when I will absorb her!”  

              “Hmm…. Quite the interesting plan.” Ahriman mused, considering the possible flaws and multiple possibilities before coming to a conclusion. “Very well, Teridax. We shall assist you in this plan. Also, after this is done, I would like to propose a trade deal.”


        Floating two files over to Midnight and Rainborg on the information regarding their counterparts, Teridax gave Ahriman a somewhat surprised look.


        “I’ve been wondering what exactly you may want from this encounter,” The Makuta mused, snapping his finger to stop the current projection being played from the table.  “You spoke of your own personal army, so maybe it’s weapons.  A heroic Displaced issue was also on the table...you must tell me about that one though, it interests me to know that someone was able to give the likes of you any trouble.”

             “Perhaps later.” Ahriman shrugged, pulling out his Bolter Pistol and checking it's ammunition. “Also, I should ask, but what should we do if something goes wrong?” 


        “We have two significant enemies that we will most likely face on this quest,” He mused, recalling the information his spies had reported to him.  “Nightmare Moon is of course one of them, she won’t go down willingly.  And then there’s Eris’s Draconequui, in particular is Diversal.  He manipulates space and time, often using these to his advantage in battle.  If he should give you trouble, kill him.  The other ponies are off limits...they are still useful.”

               “If it comes to it, I can cast a Genjutsu to render them unconscious. Though, what should we do if our covers are blown?” Ahriman stated.


        “I will be using my powers to change your forms into ponies, temporarily of course, while on this mission,” Teridax stated, looking at Ahriman and Khârn to think on what types of the race would best suit them.  “And then there is the second reason why I chose you over doing this myself.  For as I mentioned before, there is a script to this endeavor, one that I, Grogar, Eris, and Celestia can glimpse at.  We can...figure out certain future events here and there, know what others will do or say...but you four are outside this script, so your existence is completely invisible.”

        “I suppose.” Ahriman nodded. “But there is one small problem. Is it possible they can sense magical energy?”


        “It’s a possibility, but with the energy coming from the Nightmare artifacts, it will most likely be ignored...with that being said, I’d suggest Midnight and Rainborg read up on their covers,” He said, taking a seat on one of the ridiculously large chairs.  “While this little show starts in three days time, I have a way to move around this.  When you are ready, let me know and I’ll take care of all travel issues.”

           “I do not bet my plans under maybes, Teridax. Which is why I have come up with a way to make the fake armor identical in power to its counterpart.” Ahriman sat down as well, pulling out his staff. “You see, in my universe, Nightmare Moon was an ancient Daemon Prince. With my guidance, it took hold of Luna, turning her into the Nightmare. I can seal a Daemon within the armor, allowing the armor to give off the same form of energy as the original.”


        “My original plan was to actually take shape of the armor itself, but this way may allow us more maneuverability...summon one of these Daemons and we shall follow with your idea,” Teridax replied, although his eye glowed green as he ready to scan the exact nature of this magic firsthand.  “Just try not to get this place too messy with this creature.” His last words ended with a deep chuckle.

             “I will need the armor. Just summoning a Daemon won't work. Plus, there is a possibility of it taking a temporary physical form and running rampant. Considering the type of Daemon I am planning on imprisoning in the armor can cut through the armor of Space Marines as easily as flesh, it would be best not to take that approach.” Ahriman explained.


        “Alright then, here you go,” The Makuta replied, conjuring the mask into existence before tossing it over to the marine.  “Although, I must add the protodermis makes some of the most indestructible armor and sharpest weapons you’ll ever see.”

             “Most weapons that bind a Daemon to them tend to be able to rip apart the fabric of reality, shoot powerful bolts of psychic energy, grant their wielder extraordinary physical attributes, and perform other unnatural feats.” Ahriman deadpanned, before turning to Rainborg. “Do you still have a prisoner within the Factory?” He asked the mare.

              She looked up. “Yeah, I got a few left. Want me to get one?” She answered, pulling out the small cube again. 

              “Yes, if you can.” Ahriman got out of the chair, before walking to a random spot in the room. Kneeling, he activated the Mangekyo Sharingan, before one of his eyes started to cry blood. Black flames burst into existence, carving strange symbols that hurt to look at. After a few seconds of this, the flames vanished, and from where they had burned, a complete circle of the strange symbols now existed. A star with eight points adorned the center, with many smaller symbols filling up the area around it.

               Meanwhile, Rainborg had activated the cube, watching as the door slowly built itself, before stepping inside. A few minutes later, she returned, with a binded and gagged unicorn stallion held by her metal wings. She deposited the stallion in the center of the circle, before deactivating the door and allowing it to return to its previous form. A sacrificial knife appeared in Ahriman's hand. He placed the armor next to the stallion, before beginning  his work. After a few very bloody minutes, the stallion was dead, his blood leaking out, sticking to the path of the symbols until the entire circle was a dark red. Ahriman began muttering in a low voice, the few sounds heard hurt the heads of everyone. 

                    In a flash, a bright purple portal burst into existence above the circle, and a blood red creature slowly emerged, angry eyes the color of burning coal staring hungrily at each being in the room. Needle-like teeth dotted it's mouth, while a serpentine tongue whipped around the air.


Teridax gave the whole ceremony and unfazed stare, watching intently as he jotted down major key factors that it took to use it.  He was even more interested in the creature that sprung from this ritual, although he had hoped that the blood and flames wouldn’t cause any damage to the carpeting. 

Suddenly, the armor glowed a deep purple, and a chain sprung out, wrapping around the daemon’s neck before dragging it out of the portal. The Daemon screeched angrily, a massive and jagged sword flailing wildly in it's grip. The chain continued to drag it closer to the armor, before the armor defied the laws of physics and a mouth formed, devouring the Daemon quickly. The sword was tossed to a corner, impaling itself in the wall. And suddenly, the armor returned to normal, though everyone could sense a dark energy coming from the piece. The burn marks and blood vanished, while Ahriman pulled the blade out of the wall.

“Interesting… normally the Hellblade is taken with the Daemon… oh well, I don't need it. Here.” He tossed the blade to Teridax. “The Hellblade, as sharp as the Blood God’s hatred. Use it how you will, but know that this blade was forged from the Warp within Khorne's forge.”


        “Heh, interesting...I’ll add it to my collection,” Teridax said, taking the blade and carrying it over to a plain wooden wall.  Waving his hand over the wall, it cracked and revealed shelves of various items that surely didn’t exist in this universe.  Some were vials of strange liquids, others were weapons of many sizes and shapes.  One in particular was a sith lightsaber, stolen from a fellow ally of Ahriman.

            “So, you've met Folteren?” Ahriman asked, pointing to the lightsaber.
        

        “Stole from him really, he never felt my presence,” The Makuta said offhandedly, placing the sword next to the saber.  “I wanted to see how far I could go into another universe without alerting them, that and I wished to test how effective the lightsaber would be on my armor.  It failed...although I did learn some interesting things about the glowing blade.”

            “I see…..” Ahriman shrugged. “As for the armor, it should never be worn by any living thing. The Daemon could possess them, and could probably kill most of Equestria, unless Celestia intervenes.”


        “I’ll do well to remember that...although the armor will probably be stored somewhere far from any living soul after this is all over,” Teridax replied, looking back towards the two equines in the room.  “I’d suggest you all get some rest and prepare yourselves for the mission, and then let me know when you are ready.  I shall be in my chambers back in the volcano.” 

            “Midnight is a Daemon, which requires no sleep, and I am a cyborg that can shut down parts of my brain for a replacement of sleep. I got the idea from the Space Marine’s biology.” Rainborg replied, getting up off the couch. “So yeah, we are ready.”


             “Actually, we have a slight problem.” Khârn interrupted. “Y’see, I'm Khorne's favorite mortal warrior, and he kinda gave me a blessing that makes me immune to all forms of magic. As in, this spell of yours won't work on me.”


“Oh...well that makes stealth on your part nearly impossible,” Teridax hummed, thinking of a solution to this predicament.  “I’m afraid that if I’m going to solve this I’ll need more to go on then ‘I’m just immune to all magic’.  Is it a certain type of ‘magic’?  What does the immunity consider ‘magic’?”

“Well, pretty much all forms of sorcery. Though  I could just stay here….I could train your dragons a bit, or maybe the Rahkshi.” Khârn replied.


“Well if that doesn’t bother you,” The Makuta shrugged, but then gave the warrior a skeptical look.  “But are you sure there won’t be any...complications?” 

“Oh please, I trained the Dragon Corps of our Legion. I know a thing or two about getting them ready for combat.” Khârn boasted. “And I'm pretty certain I can keep my anger under control. I rarely burst out in anger, anyways!”
        

        Teridax snapped his claw-like fingers and played a recent recording of Khârn brutally dismembering one of his Rahkshi mere moments upon arrival, his eyes turning green as it signified him raising an eyebrow.  He then proceeded to replay the recording again while adding in the statement  Khârn just made.

           “.....Did I do that?” Khârn asked, confused. “Funny, I don't remember it….But even so, that was probably a special case, where the thing in question directly insulted me multiple times!” 


        “Eh, as long as you can keep yourself under control I have no objections,” The bionicle shrugged, although he was still somewhat skeptical on the exact...stability of Khârn’s mental health.  “But remember, no decapitations”

              “Jeez, fine! Though, if there ends up being a broken bone or two, it was probably an accident. Probably.” Khârn agreed. “I mean, I am a superhuman warrior. Sometimes I don't know my strength.”


        “That’s fine, you already signed waivers stating that neither party will be responsible for any damage caused!” Teridax shrugged.

           “Ahem.” Ahriman interrupted. “I believe we have a mission to complete?” 

           “Oh yeah, I almost forgot!” Rainborg suddenly exclaimed. “Alright, Firefly, activate the RFBO Program.” As soon as that was said, Rainborg’s body shifted, her cybernetic parts seeming to vanish, replaced by blue fur. In moments, Rainborg’s body seemingly returned to how it was before she became a cyborg. “Looks like I won't be needing a spell to look like the other me.” She stated proudly.

        “That is impressive my dear,” Teridax praised, looking at the complete identical  to the daredevil of his world. “With that being said...I guess we’re off!” 


        He slammed his staff onto the group before the four vanished from the room to their destination. Papers flew about at the sudden burst of energy came from the long-distance teleportation and the shadows in the room seemed to become eased by the departure of their master. Leaving  Khârn to his own devices as they made their way.





        The group soon found themselves in a small stone waiting room. A bat-like equine sat at a wooden desk with a blazing fire on the far right of the room. There was another door behind the clerk that was wide open, and showed a small assembly room with various creatures sitting patiently and looking at the ancient and strange objects on the stands near the ends of the assembly room.


        Midnight found herself on four soft hooves, purple plush fur keeping her warm from the chill coming from the open door in the front. Two avian wings somewhat opened flapped in surprise and she looked at a mirror nearest to her.

            “Impressive…” She muttered, examining her reflection.


        “Was there any doubt?” Teridax chuckled with a draconic form, looking at an ponified Ahriman, who shifted in uncomfortable armor. “How you hanging in there, Ahriman?”

       “I can adjust to this.” He said, testing out walking on four hooves. In seconds he got the hang of it.


        “Excellent!” Teridax said, his voice catching the attention of the clerk who gave the group a raised eyebrow.


        “You must be Princess Twilight Sparkle and Lady Rainbow Dash,” The bat pony said cheerfully, although he gave Ahriman and Teridax an odd look. “But who are your two companions?”


        “Makuta is a guest of mine,” A voice intervened, and a white alicorn stepped in from behind, giving the four a bright smile. “I believe he and his friend…” she gave Ahriman an interested stare.


        “Ah, Princess Celestia,” Teridax purred, giving a small bow to the Solar Princess and turning his voice into a bubbly childish tone. “It is wonderful to see you once again, and I thank you for allowing me to partake in this wonderful event. This is my friend, Ahriman! Ahriman, this is Princess Celestia!”

            “Greetings, Princess. It is an honor to meet you.” Ahriman said, while inside he was cursing every word he had said.


        “The same to you, Sir Ahriman!” Celestia gave him a soft smile, before looking to see the nearly packed room. “Come join us, my sister will be arriving shortly. As for your armor, well why don’t you come with me to put it away. Such things are not needed on such formal occasions!”

           “Very well.” Ahriman nodded.


        “I agree!” The Makuta added in, giving Ahriman and Rainborg a small shove to follow the Princess. “While you’re wandering about, why don’t you check out the ‘armor piece’. Hey, let Rainbow go along as well!”

            “Sure, I'd love to!” Ahriman replied, giving a deceivingly cheery tone, before following the princess.

        They three equines walked down the hallway to the left and continued to cross paths with some of the latest artifacts that the museum would be showing that night. The red carpeting denied any noise to come from the solar princess’s boots as she walked merrily down the hallway, leading the ponies to the changing room. Humming to herself, she looked over to the two ponies before tilting her head in interest.

        “How long have you two known Makuta?” She asked inquisitively, her face still happy as she wondered how Rainbow had met the drake before and who this warrior was.

            “I only just met him. He seems awesome though!” Rainborg replied. “Though, I'm still even awesomer!”

            “Makuta and I have known each other for a small while.” Ahriman answered. “He is a good friend of mine.”

        “Well I’m happy for him then,” She said happily, considering the somewhat odd nature of the creature, it was good to see that some ponies could be found interacting with him positively. “He doesn’t get many visitors on that dreary island of his, it only opened up the coasts and the town a few weeks ago. But he is quite the odd fellow, isn’t he?”

          “Yes, he certainly is.” Ahriman chuckled.

        “He’s easy to excite, often going into rants about this or that when you can get his attention,” She laughed, thinking back to Blueblood’s take on the intelligent being. “He’s also a little bit arrogant if I say so myself, constantly making bold decisions. Like opening his island to Equestria before speaking to the Dragon King, or bringing a fully armored warrior to a museum opening.”

          “He definitely is arrogant, but most dragons are. As for the armored warrior thing, he just was a bit paranoid. He is like that sometimes.” Ahriman replied.

        “He is many things, but a dragon...hardly,” Celestia snorted, giving Ahriman a skeptical look. “No, he’s far too welcoming to be one of them. I tried for five centuries to get that town to even speak to me, and then he shows up.”

           “Perhaps. But there is always a possibility that he somehow grew up as a friendly dragon, ridiculous as that sounds.” Ahriman suggested.

        “Most likely Eris’s work,” She shrugged, turning back and looking ahead. “My best bet is that he’s here for the same reason one of her kind will be, and you’re just here to back him up. But it matters little, I’d rather he get the Nightmare than Eris...or Grogar.”

        Stopping suddenly, she used her magic to open one of the side doors that went into the deeper parts of the museum. 

        “Well, I guess this is where we departe...try not to cause too much strife while you’re here,” Celestia sighed, making her way back to the assembly room. “I just hope that Makuta finds what he’s looking for...I’ve seen many lost souls, and his continues to only grow.”

            “Of course, though I don't know who this ‘Grogar’ is.” Ahriman lied, trying to keep up the act.

            “Princess, who are Eris and Grogar?” Rainborg asked, confused.

        “Ugh, you multiversal travelers are always so coy,” Celestia snorted, giving a wave with her wing and disappearing in a flash of light. “Don’t take me for your own Celestia, we are much different from each other.”

             “Indeed you are, Celestia. Indeed you are….” Ahriman replied, before activating his Kamui and teleporting him and Rainborg to where Teridax was.


        Teridax, in his full robotic glory stood near the armor piece of Nightmare Moon, Midnight next to him. Seeing the distortion in space and time, he looked around one last time to make sure no one else would surprise him.

        “Greetings, Ahriman, Rainborg,” Teridax said, giving them a small wave. “You have arrived just in time.”

            “I see. I also should warn you,” Ahriman started, “Celestia knows you're here for the armor. She says she would rather you take it than Eris or Grogar. Also, she mentioned that one of Eris’s kind is here for the same reason we are. I suggest we hurry.”

        “Agreed...although this part will take time and something I must do alone,” The Makuta sighed before pulling out the helmet and grabbing the armor. “This needs to be done in this place due to the magical energy that comes from the moon...it seems to only truly affect this area. I will be incapacitated, so expect company.”

        Teridax’s entire body shook and both the helmet and chestpiece glowed a black aura. The shadows around the room wrapped around the mechanical being and the two armor pieces, soon closing into a small ball of pure darkness. The moon itself seemed to shudder for only a moment, glowing brighter than usual.


        “Well isn’t he a dramatic one?” A new voice asked, the sound of feet hitting the floor could be heard and the main door to the room swung open.

        A odd being walked into the room, gazing upon the decor. It had the legs of a lizard and camel, arms of a labrador and a goose, along its serpentine body. The head was of a equine mare, and its hair was black as night, so really more of a midnight blue. Its two wings were that of bats, stars seeming to twinkled from them.

        “What an odd lot you are,” She said, her head nodding off the one side as she looked at Midnight and Ahriman. “Who are you supposed to be?”

            “I am Ahriman.” Ahriman introduced himself. “Rainborg, return to the party and put the copy of the armor in.” The Pegasus nodded, before taking off.

        “Hmm, I’ll have to go back for her later then…” The draconequus mused, watching the pegasus make her departure.


        “As for you two,” She said cheerfully, turning to look at the two standing before her. Snapping her fingers, the illusions placed on them disappeared and revealed their true forms. “Ah...that Ahriman. I really picked a crappy day to be on collecting duty.”

            “So you've heard of me? Interesting…” Ahriman chuckled, his armor crackling crackling to life. Mainly the Lightning Claws.

        “Well you’ve made a name for yourself,” The draconequus shrugged, giving a somewhat tired look to those electric claws. “The multiverse grapevine for void dwellers talk an awful lot about some of the more...violent and ambitious Displaced out there. You happen to be one of them, with that little war you have going on.”

           “You mean the War of Shadows?” Ahriman asked, wondering what these ‘Void Dwellers’ had been saying about him.

        “That’s what they’re calling it?” She snorted, clutching her gut at the name. “Man, you Displaced really know how to pick names. I would understand if it got the name cause of good old Adam over there, but that probably isn’t why.” 

            “I don't know why either.” Ahriman shrugged. “So, are we actually going to fight, or are we both just going to keep stalling?” 

        “Buddy…” She said, somewhat shaking due to the magical energy in the room. “I’ve been trying that all night. You’re just really tough, okay?”

            “Oh? How so?” Ahriman asked, tilting his head slightly.

        “Where do I even start,” The draconequus groaned, giving the Marine a cautious look. “Maybe it’s your magic, or those freaky things you can do with your eyes. As for fighting me...well I decided that I should leave that up to someone else.”

        With a snap of her fingers, the room began to become distorted and turn white. Time barely passed for a second before another snap came and both Ahriman and Midnight found themselves falling from the sky at a rapid rate.

           “Midnight, defend Teridax. I'll deal with whatever the Draconequus has planned.” Ahriman ordered, and the Daemon Princess nodded, unfurling her wings.

        A bolt of lightning from one of the dark storm clouds soon struck out and sent the pony back down into the ground. The area around them was similar to that colorful town called Ponyville, but things had taken a...chaotic turn. Trees grew wild, storm clouds sent random bolts of lightning, and the building floated up in the air. Overall, it was something Discord would be proud of.

            “Great. Looks like Teridax is on his own for now…” Ahriman sighed.

             “So it seems.” Midnight agreed, making hand signs while her eyes changed into the Tenseigan. “Tenseigan Chakra Mode!” a blue aura cloak completely covered the Daemon, and nine orbs floated around her.

        As the chaos continued to unfold in the two, a familiar purple mare, a purple dragon, and four grayed out friends rushed past them without a second's notice and into a tree building. The chaotic state of the four mares and the town could probably be the responsibility of one creature...but as to what time they were in was the real kicker, but all things seemed to suggest the past due to a unicorn Twilight running about.

           “Great. More Time Magic.” Ahriman sighed, examining the area with a keen eye. “So, who are we supposed to be fighting?”

        Another flash happened and an armored Khârn fell right next to them, confusion and annoyance spread across his face.

            “We are fighting Khârn? Or is he just here to aid us?” Ahriman asked.

            “What the hell! I was just at that place Teridax was, and now where am I?!” The Khornate Berserker growled, glancing around.

        “You are currently in the second year since the Mane Six managed to recover the Elements of Harmony,” A familiar chuckle from the time traveling draconequus. “This is Lady Eris’ favorite time to see this century, such riveting chaos!”

           “So why did you bring us here?” Ahriman asked.

        “Well, I thought to myself, ‘Diversal, if anyone can outwit these ruffians, it must be the Spirit of Chaos when he was at the height of his power!” the now named ‘Diversal’ replied, feeling proud of her deduction.


           “Perhaps. But if we do defeat him, it might break the time-stream. Are you certain you want to risk that?” Ahriman pointed out, having delved a bit into time magic studies in the past.

        “I can fix that real easy...but this time matters little,” Diversal said smugly, remembering she brought some popcorn for this event. “This is a separate timeline from the main one you’ve been in. I doubt Teridax will mind if we play here...oh, but here comes the Lord of Chaos now!”

        On cue, various parts from the ruined buildings flew into the air and started to make a serpentine shape. Gears soon spun and the debris soon gained flesh...if anyone could call it flesh that is. Dark greenish gray metal soon started to form a regular draconequus body, but the arms themselves were thinner and the hands had razor sharp claws. The tail had some form of a drill on the tip that spun with glee and the feet carried raptor-like traits while the wings were more draconic in nature. However, it was the head that was the real shocker.


        The long mask of a familiar Kanohi Kraahkan with two blazing red eyes jutted out of the hunched neck of the creature. Looking around in interest, his narrow eyes soon changed to yellow as he saw Ahriman and his two friends.

        "Now what do we have here!?!"The draconequus-like Teridax cried out in excitement. 

            “Oh Gods….a Makuta Discord…” Ahriman sighed, shaking his head. “The Multiverse never stops coming up with ridiculous creations, it seems…”

        “Ridiculous!?!” Teridax snarked, getting up close to the marine and lifting up his arms and examining him. “What about you!?! You look like one of them Spartans from Halo gone wrong.”

        He then flapped his metallic wings over the Midnight. “And you!” He cried out with mock drama. “You remind me of an OC I once made when I was a kid. Ridiculous indeed!”

         “And you remind me of a pest I recently removed from my universe.” Ahriman replied, raising an eyebrow. “And those Spartans you spoke about dream about being a Space Marine from Warhammer.” 

“Don’t get so angry...how do you know my name anyway?” The draconequus Teridax asked, giving a surprised look at Ahriman.        
 
            “Because I've met multiple Discords. Though you're the first to be a Makuta.” Ahriman shrugged.

        “Well I do pride myself on being unique!” Teridax replied happily, snapping his fingers and holding a glass of purple...liquid? “Though this Discord sounds interesting, I’ve never met him. Say...hold on a minute!”

        He then snapped his fingers again and Twilight Sparkle appeared in a tight grip under his left arm. He then patted the mare while looking at Midnight, then back at Twilight, then back at Midnight while humming to himself.

        “Teridax, let me go now or else!” Twilight snarled as she tried to shake out of the machine’s grip. “You just wait till we turn you back to stone!”

        “Not now Twilight, doesn’t that one look familiar?” He asked the mare, pointing to Midnight.

        “It looks like me with wings and that makeup I would put on when I was a teenager,” Twilight growled and teleported out of Teridax’s arm. “Now fix my friends and let Princess Luna go!”

        Teridax simply snapped his metal claws and sent her away before giving a shrug. “Any way...who are you lot suppose to be? Did Moon Butt send you instead of Nightmare Flame or whatever she called herself way back?”

            “I am Ahriman, and we were sent here by a Draconequus called ‘Diversal’.” The Warmaster stated, observing the Makuta. “We were assisting another Makuta Teridax when she pulled us here.”

        “Ah, so I assume that this draconequus wants me to do her dirty work for her then?” Teridax mused, ready to just teleport the group back to their universe so that they would leave him alone, but then Diversal cut in.

        “My patron is a powerful being, and she knows what you want. If you eradicate these Displaced, she’ll give you the exact location to your brother and your other friends.”

Teridax’s eyes dimmed somewhat at the offer, taking in all that had been brought to the table. He tapped an metallic finger on the very edge of his mask as he thought it over. Being trapped for a thousand years had not helped him on his quest and had made him somewhat...tortured at the thought of not seeing those close to him again. Finally deciding, his eyes resumed their blood red glow and looked back at the group before him.

“You must understand that none of this is personal, and would probably take the same opportunity should you be in my place,” Teridax hesitated, looking back up at the sky to whoever had been speaking to him. “However, eradication will not do. Not my style kid...no, I’ll send them back to their universe after incapacitating them though!” 

           “Oh, I should mention that your Twilight will probably use a memory spell to return her friends to normal. I would make sure she doesn't get the chance.” Midnight told him.

        “Ahriman...you know, I’ve only been free for a little while,” Teridax snarled, his eyes shifting to a fiery orange. “But thanks to that tree, I managed to pick up on some events that took place in the multiverse. You are quite the troublemaker...as for Twilight, well I know what comes this day, but Moon Butt won’t give up and try to ‘reform’ me later.”

         “What do you mean by ‘troublemaker’?” Ahriman asked, raising an eyebrow.

        “A little war with a spartan and his warhammer friend left you in quite the position of power,” Teridax shrugged, a sickly red aura glowing from his hand. “After your sudden metamorphosis...well you got real violent. Hunting down others like you and that jazz. I feel like I might be doing your Teridax a favor.”

        The moon behind raised in the air and covered the sun. Beams of darkness decending down to aid the odd being. 

        “Let’s get this over with…” 




      Meanwhile…..
 
   Rainborg landed back at the museum, glancing around before hiding in a small niche and becoming organic again. She then trotted back out, before slipping in through a window and into one of the hallways near the assembly room.

    “Okay, just need to find the case for this thing….” She muttered, glancing around. “Probably at the assembly room by now. Don't have much time.” She sprinted down the hallway, looking for a way in.

        A sudden blast in the wall with a giant astral Timber Wolf crashed through and snarled at the fast pegasus. It stalked forward and readied itself to spring upon her.

           “Great.” Rainborg sighed, rolling her eyes as she reverted into her cyborg form, and pulling out her Sound Barrier shotgun.

        More explosions could be heard as the Royal Guard found themselves trapped in one part of the building, holding off more astral creatures who had appeared from the night. Two beings in particular flew past Rainborg and clashed with each other. Teridax himself and the alicorn of nightmares clashed, pointed sticks bashing relentlessly against one another.

        The Makuta grabbed Nightmare Moon by one of her wings, tossing her into the Slumberworg or whatever one would call the creature. He fired blasts of plasma at the head and a loud boom followed by melting wood filled the room.

        “Ah Rainborg!” Teridax said, looking back at the cyborg behind him. “it seems that Nightmare Moon has brought a small portion of the dream world to the physical one...I can assume you will be fine while I take care of her?”

           “Yeah, I'll be fine.” She replied, blasting the Astral Timberwolf and flying towards the assembly room. “Just need to put the duplicate in the case!” As she flew, she reverted once again to her organic form.


        “That’s great,” Teridax grumbled as the midnight alicorn rammed herself into his body. While she fell on the ground in pain due to the foolish headbutt, it made the machine stumble. “Would you quit it with the horn ramming, it won’t work!”


        “Please, I have far more things that shall destroy the likes of you!” Nightmare Moon cackled, causing Teridax to sigh at the evil laugh.

        “What, should I work on that some more?” Nightmare asked when she heard the robot’s response at her evil laughter. “Because I haven’t had much practice, so it’s a little on the rough side.”

        “No, it was fine I guess...it’s just a little corny now,” He shrugged, giving Nightmare Moon a convincing...well attempted to give her a convincing look. “You could use a few pointers though.”


        “Like what, should I amplify my voice?” She asked with worry, not wanting to ‘lose her touch’.

        “Yeah, it has to be along the lines of this,” Teridax said, a giant shadowy hand shooting out of his chest quickly and towards the alicorn. “Mwahahahaha!”

        “That’s okay I guess---oh crap!” Nightmare Moon shouted and teleported out of the way, barely dodging the attack. “You arrogant--”

        Another hand shot towards her followed with red beams of energy, the beams hitting her directly and sending her flying. The hand wrapped around her and pulled her back to Teridax’s ‘open arms’. She screamed in terror as she slammed into his body and was enveloped by his shadows.

        Teridax’s eyes went dim and he quickly went to continue his mental battle with Nightmare. Which was easier said than done, considering her slippery nature. By the time he reached her in the Mindscape, she had fired a multitude of magical beams of energy towards him.

        “Your attacks are predictable, if not rash,” Teridax commented, earning a growl from the alicorn. “But considering you were the one stuck on the moon for centuries, I’m not surprised that Celestia still outclasses you.”

        “That Sun-Loving foal’s time will come after I deal with you, interloper!” Nightmare Moon Snarled, summoning magical spears and launching them in every direction possible. “Then everypony will see the glory of the Night!”

        “No, they’ll fear you for a couple of years before overthrowing you,” Teridax chuckled, causing Nightmare to flatten her ears momentarily. “You’re not even part of Luna anymore, so your claim to the throne is completely invalid. Face it, you’re nothing without someone with actual power being your ally.”


        “Silence!” Nightmare Moon stuttered, attempting to hit the now intangible Makuta. “You know nothing of this world or who is in control. You are merely a blip on the radar of a larger game at work.”

        “I am not only aware of said game, but I am now a player...unlike you or your trapped master,” Teridax laughed mirthlessly, his voice and words echoing in the mind of the alicorn. “However...I can make you something far more than what your master would. Your physical body will eventually die, and then you would be helplessly traveling in the dream world.”

        Nightmare Moon stopped at his words, shaking with anger and sadness at the poor lot she had in life. Her mere existence was unwanted from the very person whom she came from. Her plan was a short term happy ending at best, and even then the ponies would still praise her sister.

        “Stop hiding in the shadows, Nightmare Moon,” Teridax said softly, his voice barely a whisper as he stood right in front of the emotionally wrecked alicorn. “it’s time you became them! Join me, become part of me...and we will accomplish things you could never imagine.”

        “Hah, you have no chance against your foes!” Nightmare shot back, her eyes somewhat watering as she started at the cold metallic hand stretched out for her to take. “They will tear you apart…”

        “Little shadow...my plans calculate all risks, all possibilities...even if one scheme were to fail, another will take its place!” He chuckled and cupped the alicorn’s chin, his eyes glowing yellow. “All of those who oppose me can’t see the big picture like I can, and they will fall flat on their faces once I pull that rug of ignorance from under them. You can be apart of that…”

        “I...what do I get out of it!?!” She barked, trembling in fear as she felt the machines calculative mind started to assume control over the mindscape. If he continued this...she would lose completely.

        “When I am done and have gained all the power I can from this world...I can give you anything. A body, a castle, a planet!” Teridax replied, both desire for these things and the fear of not accepting the deal slowly pushed Nightmare to the inevitable. “What do you say...partner?”

        Nightmare Moon stood silent, the shadows slowly closing in around her and she closed her eyes. Time was running out and she had finally made her choice.



Meanwhile 

        The other Teridax was having a somewhat frustrated experience as he fired more blasts of plasma at the three troublesome foes that he was tasked with dealing with. He had first hoped that some lightning bolts would have paralyzed Ahriman and his friends, but they had proven useless to the marines and demonic princess. The one with an anger issue in particular seemed immune to spells, so it would have to be a physical fight with that one.

        “You know, giving up would probably be the best thing you could do to save our time right now,” Chaosdax deadpanned as he dodged some gunfire. “You lot have got spunk, but this is honestly getting ridiculous!” 

            “You attacked us! No way will we back down!” Khârn growled, launching a ball of plasma from his pistol. As it flew, it was suddenly shrouded in black flames that seemed to appear from nowhere.

        “Fire, do you honestly think that’s going to--” The eternal flames collided with the ranting mechanical creature, setting him alight with the odd and painful flames. “Agggh! What is this!?!”

             “Amaterasu.” Ahriman answered, black liquid leaking from his left eye. “It is a special flame that eternally burns for seven days and seven nights. And burns whatever it touches to ash, even other flames. And can only be put out by me.”

        “You. Little. Shit!” Teridax roared, a red glow taking over his body and the flames became erased. “I’m going to disassemble your molecules, rip your magic-immune friends head off, and gut your little mare-friend with your stupid staff!”

        “I think not.” Ahriman replied, putting his hands together. A purple figure rose up around him, four arms making similar hand signs. “Tengai Shinsei!” 

            High above, the clouds parted as a massive meteor slowly descended towards the group.

        “That’s just ąd҉or̸ab̕le̡!” The chaos machine growled, firing a beam of red energy at the incoming rock, causing it to become a rain of dust. “Now let’s play a little game of mine called ‘Who Goes first!’! Here, let me show you how to play--”

        The enraged machine suddenly stopped his sentence as two dark greenish gray claws of metal stuck through his chest.

        “That’s my favorite!” A not so familiar Makuta commented coldly, two scarlet wings flapped effortlessly from his back. His body was somewhat more of a shell, his armor a grayish green with specks of red on it. His mask’s narrow eyes seemed to glow with delight.

        “Let me show them though,” Prime Teridax chuckled coldly, ripping his odd half apart and disintegrating the remains. “I do apologize for the delay, Ahriman, I’ve just been having a wonderful time! Both Nightmare Moon’s mental presence and these new...features are exquisite!” 

        “Oh? What do you mean?” Ahriman asked as Midnight exited her Chakra Mode.


        Shadows leaked from out of the tear in reality he had come from, pouring throughout the town. The mechanical being walked over to them with the sense of pure delight on the usually devoid mask. The cursing of a familiar draconequus could be heard as the shadows soon reached to her hiding place.

        “Ever since I came to be The Makuta, I have felt nothing,” Teridax hummed as he looked at his razor sharp claws, his wings shuffling with glee. “The voices I heard in my mind were of steel...but now I can feel her desires, her hopes, her determination course through me. There is so much to do now, and so much I have yet to gain...and yet for the first time in a long time, I feel so A̋́̆̀͑̚̕ĺ̷̌͑̚iͧ̓́̇̓vͣͣeͥ̐̅̃ͩ̿͋͢!”

        His hand swirled with starlike energy and purple and blue mist filled with the beauty of galaxies formed at his metal palm. 

        “I can see them, feel them!” Teridax said calmly, images of various universes rolling like a film through the odd projection. “I can navigate the stars, travel to places that were closed to me...even my own Earth is now accessible!”

           “I see. Congratulations, Teridax.” Ahriman nodded. “So now what?”

        Looking around at the chaotic area with disdain, soured by the sheer pointlessness of such a creation, Teridax shook his head and lifted his hand in the air before swinging it back down. Diversal came plummeting down and onto the ground right before the Makuta, groaning as she struggled to get up from the fall, shadows latched onto her wings and arms.

        “Eris’s brood I suspect,” Teridax said gleefully, kneeling down and cupping the chin of the restrained draconequus. He then looked up at his allies. “What do you think we should do with her? Let her go, imprison her, kill her?”

          “I'll leave that decision to you. She is from your universe, after all.” Ahriman replied. “Speaking of which, we should probably return to your universe. We don't want this Universe’s Mane Six to try to seal you in stone.” 

        “Of course. My best bet is that this universe will reset once we’re gone, repairing it back to normal,” Teridax mused, the shadows throwing the bound draconequus into some sort of portal. “We’ll need to pick up Rainborg...Nightmare Moon was somewhat resistant at first, so Celestia is most likely fuming mad. Although I believe she delights in unpredicted events every now and again.”

        The world around them suddenly grew darker, lights from various starts lighting their way as a tube-like slide seemed to take them through space. Teridax held onto the three with his large arms, muttering to himself as he debated the best and fastest courses to take back to his universe.

        “Still getting a hang of this,” Teridax mumbled, until he stopped and made a right. “Andddd here we are!”

He then dropped them back onto the ground of the inner part of the museum. Closing the small rift behind him and looking around intently to see that no one else had been here. His metal wings ruffled and he set himself on the ground.


“Oh hey guys. What took you so long?” Rainborg asked, slipping the fake armor in the case.

“Well, we fought a Teridax Discord, and….hide.” Ahriman slipped through a wall. Midnight teleported away, Teridax used his chameleon ability to blend in with the background. The curtains rose to reveal a crowd waiting to see the armor.

The crowd looked at her with shock, some obviously confused that someone was messing with the thousand year old armor. Others were jealous that she got to see the armor while they waited around the party the noble snobs had before the revealing. Celestia facehooved at the sight, Luna looked at Rainborg with a look of interest.

“Lady Dash, why are you playing with the armor of my evil ego?” Luna asked innocently, tilting her head in curiosity.

             “Uh...uh…” Rainborg muttered, trying to think of a way out of this. Her panicked state could not find a way, so she mentally sighed. “Guess I've got to make a scene….” She thought to herself and to Firefly. 
            
 Lowering her head, she chuckled darkly, shifting through her programs and starting both a song and to return to her cyborg form. “Unfortunately, Miss Luna, I am not your little Miss Dash.” She said in a dark tone. “I am Teridax!” She fully reverted to her cyborg form, revealing metal wings, am a cold, lifeless robot eye. Her body itself had metal bit sticking out, much like scars as she floated up on her wings. “And while my plan is now foiled due to some unfortunate circumstances, I will return! And with my spies in your ranks, I'll know when the time is right!” She flew out a nearby window, breaking it with her hoof.

“I warned you of future cyborg invaders dear sister!” Luna cried out, her theory of the griffons creating a future robot army seemingly come true. “We must prepare the guard with the magnet guns, fortify the towns with metal repulsion systems! Come citizens, we must flee back to Canterlot!”

        Luna then filed the terrified visitors of the museum  with her guards at her side. Getting them to the chariots and causing a general panic. Shouting could be heard while Celestia stared at the broken window and the curtains with annoyance. The damage alone would cost her hundreds, plus whatever had been damaged.

        “You are literally the worst Teridax,” Celestia groaned, flipping off the invisible machine with her wing before taking off. “You so owe me for this, now Luna will never stop telling me about how right she was about evil robots invading!”


        As she left the room to help ‘evacuate’ the visitors, Teridax dispelled the camouflage. He carried a smug aura about him as he thought of the inconveniences he had caused the princess. Making her time difficult was one of the many perks to being her villainous adversary, no wonder Discord had such fun with her.

        “Hehe, all according to plan!” Teridax chuckled, giving a tug on the curtains for Ahriman and Khârn. “You two can come out, I must say that your little friend put on an amusing act.”

            “She has her moments.” Khârn chuckled, dropping from the ceiling. “Plus, now that she used your name, whenever someone hears it, they will think of her, and not you!”

        “I was going to use some dog I found and make it look like my pony version, but this was much more fun!” Teridax said, looking around to see that Celestia and Luna had gotten everyone off the island. “Isn’t that Celestia an interesting character? She’ll probably want me to meet her later to discuss how to deal with Grogar and Eris.”

           “Or to rant at you for making her sister paranoid.” Khârn chuckled.

“Her motives are pretty predictable,” Teridax mused as he thought of what the Sun Princess was probably thinking right now. She probably saw him as the least dangerous of her other opponents, or she just really disliked the goat and the snarky Draconequus. “I think it’s time we went back to my island, I still have a reward that needs to be given to you.” 

           “Oh yeah, I forgot to  mention, but your dragon warrior guys have a….few broken bones. Nothing serious though. They'll be back up in a week or so.” Khârn chuckled nervously as Ahriman phased back through the wall.

        “Ugh, there goes my vacation...all well those scaly lards need to man up!” Teridax sighed, grabbing Khârn and flapping his wings.

            “No kidding! I've seen equines with better combat ability than them! Tell you what, I'll send you a few of my dragon soldiers to guard and train your guys.” Khârn agreed.

        “That should be good for them,” Teridax agreed, flying back into his spacial pathway before dropping back onto the island with Ahriman, Rainborg, and Midnight. “Their main defense for the past century has been their scary looks.”

              “Lazy gits. My guys will make proper guards outta them.” Khârn replied. “So, what's the big reward thing?”

        Leading them near the pool of protodermis, Teridax looked at them and tapped his foot as he thought over something. He examined each one of the members, trying to think what would best suit them as a team. Finally, he spoke up.

        “How are your parenting skills?” Teridax questioned, smirking as he thought of the perfect reward. 

            “Ehhhh say what now?” Khârn asked, greatly confused by the question.

        “You know, raising a child,” The Makuta replied happily, looking at the somewhat caught off guard expressions on his allies. “Boy, girl. Lazers, poison, I’m asking how good you are at raising someone or something?”

            “Ummmm, I guess our parenting skills are Ok? I mean, we do lead an army. That's sorta like parenting, right? Just need to be a bit more….softer, or something?” Khârn replied.

        “Precisely my friend!” Teridax agreed, now ready to ask his next of a series of questions. “Now what would you rather have, a daughter or son?”

           “Umm, son?” Khârn answered.

           “I'll go with a daughter, I guess.”  Rainborg shrugged.
  
           “Hmm, I'd go with…..son.” Midnight replied.

          “Daughter.” Ahriman stated.

        “And what powers would you want them to have off?” Teridax asked, creating a projection of various powers to choose from for their ‘children’.

          “Disintegration.” Rainborg shrugged.

         “Uh, Adaptation?” Khârn guessed.

         “Shapeshifting.” Midnight replied.

        “Hunger.” Ahriman answered.

        “Then sit back and watch me work my magic!” Teridax said pridefully, suddenly sticking his hand into his chest much to the surprise of his allies. 

Red eyes glowed all around them as the room suddenly darkened. Humming rung throughout the room as the nearly unseeable Makuta Ripped out an eel like creature from his chest. A dark glow came from the living creature as more of its kind soon slithered from under the feet of Ahriman and his group.

        From the pool the silvery liquid seemed to come to life and a dark mist swirled with glee. Hissing came from the pool before armor shells soon rose from the ground. The eel like creatures made their way up into the armor as they slunk into their rightful place and the lifeless metal shells sprung to life.

        The mist soon cleared itself and four confused Rahkshi stumbled as the light of the lava hit their eyes. The looked around the room, giving everything and everyone looks of interest as they saw for the first time.

        “I would like you to meet your new children,” Teridax said happily, clapping his hands and the new Rahkshi stood in attention. “Would you like to say hello?”

        “Uh...hi?” Khârn  waved. Everyone else did as well.

        A black and purple Rahkshi eyed the warrior with interest before taking a step forward. It circled him as it tried to understand what exactly was happening. Realizing that he had forgotten to give them a brief idea on who the four were and what exactly was going on, Teridax quickly sent a packet of information into the minds of the Rahkshi.

        “Greeting...father?” The creature asked, tilting its head as it addressed Khârn.

            “Hi? Um, how are you?” The Khornate Berserker replied, slightly unsure as to what to do.

        “Confused, but fine...are we going home?” It asked, the other Rahkshi soon greeting their new leaders. “Are we going to do something fun?”

            “Probably…” Khârn shrugged. 

        “Well, with that introduction out of the way,” Teridax said, snapping his fingers and teleporting the Rahkshi back to Ahriman’s universe. “Now there’s one last thing...you wanted to talk to me about something else, Ahriman?”

              “Ah, yes. I almost forgot. Rainborg, please open up The Factory.” Ahriman turned to the cyan mare, who nodded before pulling out the cube again. Moments later, said cube became a door. “Please, follow me.” Ahriman stepped through the door.

        “Alright then!” Teridax shrugged, walking in behind Ahriman.

           When he stepped through, he found himself in a massive factory, with assembly lines producing various pieces for weapons and cybernetic parts. Mechanical arms picked at the items, either putting new parts on, or to remove bits that were faulty.

           “This Factory is our main source of weapons, ammunition, and armor.” Ahriman explained, walking along one of the assembly lines. “We have templates for special weapons, allowing us to mass produce them. Perhaps we can  trade a few of these templates. It would certainly assist in defences.”

        “Interesting,” Teridax mused as he watched the factory at work. “What would you want in return for these templates?”

            “Well, for the templates, plus the materials or equipment required to harvest the materials, I would like to experiment with protodermis. Perhaps even create a protosteel weapon.” Ahriman suggested.

        “Ah, so you’ve taken an interest in the protodermis?” Teridax asked, although he wasn’t surprised that such a rare metal would gather the interest of others. “I’d be more then happy to work with you in such a trade, although I do warn you that protodermis is extremely dangerous to work with, and the metal is hard to craft.”

           “I understand.” Ahriman nodded. “I have dealt with many dangerous materials before, and this might prove to be a good challenge.”

        “Then we are at an agreement,” Teridax nodded, though he carried a mournful tone in his voice. “This has been quite the experience for me, you being the first Displaced I’ve ever met. Do call on me should you need assistance!” 

            “Sure. And don't  be afraid to call upon us should you need our help once again.” Ahriman replied, holding his hand out.

        “Well then I guess this goodbye, Ahriman,” Teridax said as they walked out of the factory and then addressing the others. “It was a pleasure to meet all of you, do stay safe in the multiverse. There are many out there that are rather rash when meeting others apparently, although you have already encountered such beings.”

           “Unfortunately.” Ahriman  sighed, following the Makuta out.

        “The shadows do not judge actions, they only hide those who need aid,” Teridax said, giving them a nod. “Good, Evil, Neutral, all will be protected by my shadows. Our contract is complete, Ahriman, good luck and may whatever you worship give you the strength you need.”

            “Thanks.” Ahriman said as  him and his group vanished.

        Letting out a sigh, Teridax walked over to his throne and took a seat. Absorbing Nightmare Moon had been strenuous, even with her willingness. He tapped his foot as the gears in his head turned, his magic table and a piano spring up from the ground via his shadows.

        As he walked over to play the keys of his musical instrument, his shadows had the table project a violent war taking far off in the multiverse. Humming to himself, he sat down and played the wooden piano as he intently watched the scenes of the battle play out. Nightmare’s know how of the stars had allowed him to have access to a mental map of his universe, and being able to navigate through other universes as well...he was unsure what could have happened should the chaotic version of himself had continued the dangerous spell, but Ahriman and his group were tough.

“We’ll meet again, eventually…” Teridax hummed as he played an old song he had learned a while ago from Ember Root, turns out she was skilled with the instrument and wanted him to pick up where he left off when learning on Earth. The room darkened as the shadowy being continued his song, the night continued and the entire island was asleep. 
	

> Chapter 8 - Assessing the Multiverse and Visiting a Queen (edited by SnapDrakeGames)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        I had to have replayed the recorded events at least thirty times, trying to comprehend exactly what had happened the day before. Tapping a metallic claw on my throne, whatever sanity I had left felt defeated and demoralized as I watched the sheer cluster of random and near impossible occurrences that had taken place on what should have been a simple day for a simple wedding. In all honesty, such chaotic events should no longer affect the populace at this point. If I walked in there right now...well I would probably get some looks and then be on my way.

        
Maybe part of this was my fault, as the Bug Bear being released was my doing. Waving my hand, I watched intently as the six colorful mares who posed the greatest threat to me wrestled with the odd creature. My intentions had been to simple observe their tactics and fighting styles as they fought a threat that didn’t require the power of harmony to accomplish. And yet my attention was wrenched from them as I saw the pure mayhem that had erupted in the towns people's’ lives as the six defacto leaders were too busy to aid them.


        It was more than just an unorganized mess, it was an affront to all laws of this universe and the normality that these ponies were suppose to follow. It’s like a higher power had come along and thought along the lines, ‘Hey, let’s see if we inject everyone with enough LSD that they start riding Bass Canon karts!’.


        “I swear, this world and its inhabitants get stranger every month,” I sighed, getting up from my throne and walking over to the table, resting both my hands on the edges of the crystal furniture. “Although I do respect their seemingly impossible acts. And yet they are like sheep; once you take away the shepherd, they’ll get eaten by the wolves.”


        “And yet this is our greatest advantage over them, is it not?” a feminine voice responded, taking delight in the wacky events that had taken place. 


        “Yes, but it also makes it more difficult to get them to perform the simplest of tasks without any frustration,” I groaned, my cold mask getting closer to the projection as I watched the interactions of the townsfolk. “At least their docile personalities aren’t as excruciatingly annoying as the greed those griffons seem to possess.”


        “It makes one wonder exactly how every other villain hasn’t managed to outplay them with their own clear weaknesses is beyond me. You just sick one nation on the other and everything else comes tumbling down!” the Kanohi Kraahkan added in, pondering to itself on the exact reasons that so many others had fallen to such easily manipulative creatures.


        “Because they all seek to start their little conquest in Equestria,” I responded with interest, realizing the true folly of my peers and why I had been so successful. “Some say go straight for the throat. I, on the other, say get your revolver first.”


        “So that’s what all of this has been?” the other voiced commented. “You’re building yourself one of these ‘revolvers’ first, then your going for the kill.”


        “I’m happy I decided to choose you to help further our victory.” I said cooly, happy to see that she was starting to catch on. While I was unsure of her exact usefulness when it came to planning, since she was but a fragment of the Lunar Alicorn’s personality, she had soon proven to be far more than just an idea.


        “You are correct with your analogy.” I gave a nod as I began to play with my latest sword, looking at the weapon’s sheer sharpness as I dragged an metallic finger across the blade. “Yes, I have been slowly gathering resources and moving pieces in play before I make any serious moves. Forming a draconic fighting force, building the Rahkshi, making contact with other Displaced and getting my hands on their resources, all of this has been planned and accounted for. Even bringing about your own merge with me was according to one of my many plans.”


        I let the table turn into a gameboard of sorts, crystallized figurines popping onto the table with an vast and expansive world that took the place of the usual Equus map. The map was littered with a large variety of...interesting characters. All of them were on two sides, plotting. playing, and sometimes fighting.


        But mainly goofing off.


        “Now this isn’t something I’ve seen,” Nightmare mused, looking through my eyes as she examined the map and the glowing figures on it. “What exactly is this?”


        “Due to your power to interact and map solar systems, galaxies, and even universes, we have been able to find the exact location of ‘The War of Shadows’,” my mask bragged, clearly prideful of my achievement. The mask itself did deserve some of the credit, though; it was the reason I had become so proficient in the workings of the void and the multiverse itself.


        “A wasteful endeavor if you ask me,” I said coldly, a shadow causing the board to flicker as it enlarged two specific Displaced who were leading the war. “Darth Folteren, sith master and figurehead of the Empire, one of the factions fighting in this war.”


        I picked up the small glowing replica of the sith warlord and examined it thoroughly, dragging a clawed finger over the pristine figurines face. “His obsession with power and little comprehension of what he is exactly walking into will surely be his undoing.”


        I almost smirked at my comment, realizing how hypocritical that would have been regarding my own personality before my absorption of Nightmare. It was more than her memory, knowledge, and power that had changed me, but the revelations I had once she had become part of my mind. With her arrival, something within the depths of my screwy mind had clicked, and I immediately recollected locked memories of my brief time traveling in the void as I was sent to Equus and the original Makuta’s more darker machinations regarding his attempt to rule his own universe.


  “I do not suspect he will make out well in this war,” I commented, as I set the piece down. “His psychopathic tendencies and unbridled rage will be his downfall; how many lives he takes with him, however, is yet to be decided.”


        “A shame, he would have been far more useful had he not dragged so much attention and hate to himself,” the Mask of Shadows mused. Its attitude had changed as well, being more respectful towards me, as it should. Even it had sensed a greater change in my personality, fearing me more than it had originally deemed necessary.


        “His war proves useful still,” I said, regarding the nature of the conflict with a calm expression. “Whether he wins or loses, it will provided a good distraction to the goings of my universe as well as allow me to analyze and assess other Displaced. That and his sheer tenacity has lead him to being in control of a vast empire, one that I will exploit should his death come to pass.”


        My red eyes scanned over the board and I caught a glimpse of Lee Connor’s piece, I gave the figure a look of disinterest. I had seen too much of his kind already, misunderstood and yet still selflessly heroic until the end. It was no surprise that Folteren despised him; he was either jealous of Lee’s outlook on life or was enraged that someone like him could ever be happy.


        And yet I gave the symbiote credit for his bravery. It was admirable to see him stand up to someone like Folteren and even have the charisma to call upon others to aid him in a full scale war. All in all, they were both childish stooges who were risking everything they had achieved thus far to battle each other, and both were obviously being played by a more powerful force, but they had spirit and I respected that.


        What I didn’t respect was the Displacer who ran the whole event. I despised everything he stood for. His lack of subtlety, his sporadic personality, even his ascine plots made me cringe with disgust. But the biggest factor was his manipulation of my fellow Displaced; that was something that led me to hate most Displacers and Void Dwellers. I manipulated my peers in order to create a better future for all; Displacers did it to tickle that funny bone that had gone dormant due to them wasting their powers on other trivial things.


        They. Were all. Irresponsible. Fools.


        Some were alright and actually made use of their powers, but most were unwanted static in the multiverse. When I met or saw a Void Dweller that was reasonable...well then I would immediately have a wonderful chat with them. They would be one worthy of my respect; but Time Spinner would not be that Void Dweller.


        The servos and gears in my body whirled as I stalked around the table, waving a large metallic had and changing the image of the map back to Equus. This one was not my own, however, but of my recent guests world. Immediately, I felt the questions that Nighty was just eager to ask burst into my mind, earning a chuckle from me as I finished creating the map.


        “Now who lives in this universe?” Moon questioned, excited to be seeing the multiverse unfold to her. Her curiosity wasn’t surprising considering she was first confined to the moon and then to a piece of armor.


        “This is Ahriman and his little party’s universe,” I commented, giving the warriors of chaos a look of remorse. His war had not gone as well as he would have hoped, and he had lost his ally, Midnight, in the conflict. Even my own assistance, no matter how much I provided, was not enough to end the feud. “He currently rules over the former kingdom of Equestria. Like Folteren, he has amassed an army on his planet and poses a dangerous military power. Fortunately for us, he is an ally.”


        “Of course, we have also found weaknesses in both the ‘Warp’ and his Ninja techniques. Should he prove himself out of control and attempt to betray us...we will have no choice but to neutralize him until he can be reasoned with.”


        Nightmare Moon was silent at the mask’s words while I simply gave a small nod. What my displaced object had brought up was probably a slim possibility, but one that Ahriman would understand me preparing for should it ever happen. “Ahriman not only controls a plethora of powers and items, but he is a cunning sociopath who is a dangerous military leader and tactician. He truly is one of a kind, and I commend him for feats he has been able to accomplish.”


        The map once again broke down its current projection and reconstructed itself as it projected a clip of a dragon-like turtle along with a smaller turtle in robes on a broom with Discord himself talking. The large fire-breathing turtle stomped his foot in frustration as the draconequus explained to him just how much had changed while he was gone. Just when the creature had looked like he was about to calm down, he turned away from his friends and let out a torrent of flames, displaying both his temper and power.


        I froze the clip and enlarged it so that I could get a good look at the angry and confused Displaced. I ran my metal fingers across his shell, wondering exactly how durable the seemingly impenetrable fortress that one would think it would be. Rewinding the clip, I watched his battle with his universe’s Tirek unfold as the supersized Koopa worked with the Elements of Harmony to defeat the greedy centaur.


        “That’s pretty cool,” Nightmare mumbled, eating from a bag of popcorn she constructed in my mind. “It’s like those old movies that old steely in here showed me, the ones with the big lizard smashing stuff!”


        “The reptile’s got spunk, and he seems like the kind of person you would get along with,” the usually sinister voice chuckled and earned a giggle with Nightmare Moon. “He could improve your dark and scheming mood, give you a friend who would have a good influence over you!”


        I simply groaned at its choice of wording, making me seem like some sort of child who needs a friend. Even worse was that his attitude where he found innocent ways of mocking me had become a way to entertain Nightmare, whom he had grown fond of apparently. 


“That ‘reptile’ is Prince Bowser of Equestria,”  I deadpanned at the antics of my fellow mind roommates before going on to inform them of this Displaced. “Unlike most Displaced, this Koopa came as a mere egg and was raised by Princess Celestia herself.”


I shrunk down the image of Bowser and his witch, Kammy, and cupped the figures in my hand. “Unfortunately for the young and somewhat brash Koopa,” I said, tossing the two replicas of the Koopas above the map as the landscape and kingdoms that existed on it rapidly changed at an alarming rate, “Bowser performed a time spell that sent them centuries into the future!” The figurines landed back on the table as I finished my words, the map now in the current time for his Equus.


        The Koopa Prince had potential and a promising future if he could keep his head on his shoulders and stick to his instincts while also listening to the wisdom of Celestia. He was also the perfect candidate to become my apprentice, as his ferocity and intuitive behavior to dangerous situations were perfect for one such as himself. He reminded me of Ember Root in many ways, as my draconic pupil was both eager and rash when it came to learning. Bowser would prove to be an interesting ally once we make acquaintances.


“He is one filled with untapped potential, and that is something I will rectify once I make contact with him!” I decided confidently, for with my knowledge and intellect I could bring out the best in the Koopa Prince.


The board disassembled itself as it moved onto the next Displaced that I needed to go over with myself and my mental companions. While I was unsure of why I was talking aloud, as I could easily convey such messages through my mind, it was probably due to my desire to converse with myself. Ember Root had been busy these past few days as the dragon village was hosting a grand festival for the founding of their home. 


 My train of thought was interrupted when the sound of the table finally creating the next set for me to see. I watched as a cat-like creature with white fur came to life as it waddled around aimlessly, wreaking havoc on its own story. I felt the minds of the Kraahkan and Nightmare Moon shudder and cower in fear at the pure madness that had overtaken the map, the soulless eyes of the demonic cat could tear reality itself to smithereens. I could feel my own mind twitch, despite the physical impossibility of it.


“For the love of me!” I cried in both frustration at the sheer insanity that was this creature's actions and the mishap the map had when I asked it to take us to the next Displaced. “Stop the recording, stop it now!” I demanded. For a moment, the entire lair shook as the uncontrolled energy of this creature seemed to leak into my universe.


        The table did as I instructed and stopped projecting the monster’s universe, leaving two other minds in my head shaking with fear at what they had just witnessed.


        “Never in all my years have I met a monster so depraved, so horrid, so…so evil as what I just witnessed!” Nightmare Moon cried...I kid you not, she was actually crying.


        Let’s just hope that her tears don’t rust my head.


        “Mother of all that is the darkness, what kind of monster was that! The Void itself could be disassembled if you left that malevolent creature in there for a week!” the usually arrogant voice of my mask choked, trying to purge such a beast from its mind.


        “That was...Temmie,” I growled. The mere existence of such a being surely spelt doom for us all. “Let us never speak of her again. If we ever meet him, play it cool and hopefully we bribe her not to devour the multiverse.”


        I heard a mutter of agreement from my mask and a whimper from Moon, and then waved my hand  for the table to set up the next candidate for me the meet. The world itself was somewhat normal, although the badlands had been turned into the equivalent of a party city. Changelings ran about in pure bliss and animatronic beings of certain animals seemed to be having a dandy time. One in particular, however, caught my attention.


        I enlarged the picture of him and the map honed in on this special individual. A metal endoskeleton soon assembled from the magical energy of the table, golden fabric crawling over the metal bones and wires along with his black bowtie and top hat. His empty black eyes only contained two white dots to signify any sentience that the being had. His body was an interesting work of art; not as perfect as mine...but it was impressive enough.

        I dragged one of my metallic fingers over the golden fabric of the animatronics face, my eyes scanning his body as I marveled over his character. He and I were unique compared to our other metal brothers and sisters, retaining our memories and complete mental states where others had either become lost creatures or forced to follow simple programming. Our bones, or in my case metallic shell, were strong, unbreakable. Powers… he had accumulated large amounts of energy, so much that it could tear him apart, and had become a powerful reality warper, where I had gained both the power to command shadows and warp reality with them as well as use my other Rahi abilities. Even our followers were created by our own power, carrying with them a part of us that others just wouldn’t be able to understand.


        “Even in intellect, Calvin Banks, far outmatches those who have become machines,” I hummed, my clawed hand patting him on the head as I praised him. “We were both subject to the idea of being controlled, both by Draconequui no less. No, it is no mere accident that ones such as us exist.”


        “What’s up with Teridax?” Nightmare Moon questioned, although her voice was barely a whisper over the sound of the gears in my head whirling as I watched the table play out the events of Calvin’s life.


        “I thought you knew...something has been off since he absorbed you. He seems act less like a child and more like...well like a Makuta!” my mask said gleefully, happy at my change in personality. I would need to remind it later that its influence over me was still non-existent.


        “My arrival in his mind may have shattered any barriers that may have kept the memories of his ‘change’ and his journey from the void to Equus…” Nightmare said with worry, reviewing the terrifying experiences that I had now full access to.


        “And yet I now fully remember what happened to me,” I mused as I ignored the gossiping of my two allies. With a single thought, my form changed to that of my old human body. I had dusty brown hair and black-framed glasses, blue jeans and a black hoodie. “Every. Single. Gear. Becoming part of me. Every. Single. Organ dissipating into mist. Everything!”


        My human and flesh body soon replayed the changes in my body, protosteel plates replacing flesh and gears coming to existence throughout my body. I chuckled as I watched my organic material disappear into mist. Maybe my mental state had already been shattered, or maybe I had grown so use to this body that it no longer bothered me.


Probably the latter of the two. In all honesty, I still retained memories of what had made me human. All my previous goals were still the same, and while I didn’t feel many emotions that would hinder my productivity...I still had certain feelings that could never be killed. The mere existence of Calvin, or Golden Freddy as he calls himself, only strengthened my resolve. For I admired him and what he had achieved… happiness.


        Ah yes, the lord of shadows wants to be happy. Shocker...well, not really. My intentions all along were not evil, nor were the completely selfish. I believed that I could make a better world with both my intellect and power, and that belief holds true. Calvin and I shared much in common and we were both in somewhat similar circumstances… and he was able to achieve happiness.


        “You have succeeded and won much, Mr. Fazbear,” I hummed, a list other ‘villains’ that were on my earth appeared next to him. “But where you were simply content with being left alone, I have no intention for this world to be run by any other but myself!”


        I enlarged a clip of Chrysalis sitting defeated in one of the prisons of the Changeling capital. My body rumbled and creaked as it shrunk and morphed in a more insectoid form. As I took the image of Carapace, father to this imprisoned queen and emperor of the Changeling Empire, I teleported to his chambers. After I had killed off the foolish and docile ruler, I immediately had one of my Rahkshi take his place...after all, no one expects someone to be a disguised as the king of disguisers. Walking out of the room, I made my way to the dungeon... and to Chrysalis’s cell.






        My regal body moved down the steps and into the dark prison where the empty cells howled due to the powerful wind outside. I hid a dark smile as my presence was immediately recognized by the daughter of the one I was impersonating. The former queen scrambled up from the ground, her hair more messy than usual and her body lightly matted with dirt.


        I frowned somewhat at this, as it was a sign that in my ‘absence’ that one of Carapace’s other daughters had taken the liberty to relocate Chrysalis. I snorted in annoyance, happy that they would soon be dealt with, for their use had diminished significantly.


        “Father!” Chrysalis said proudly, her chest puffed out as she kept her face in a queenly expression. “What have I done to earn such a visit?”


        “Because, my dear, your time has come…” I simply replied; a brief flash of fear came on her face at my words.


        My magic light up and the door was thrown open, but instead of begging or cowering in fear, the Changeling Queen simply kept a brave face and walked out of the cell, ready to meet her end. “I am ready,” she said bravely, keeping a posture of pride on her. “All I ask is that you remember that what I did...was what I thought was best for our people.”


        “I know,” I replied simply, giving her a small warm smile. While her foolish and poorly executed plans had enraged me, I was also aware that out of all the ‘villains’ in this world, Chrysalis was by far the least selfish and did what she did for good reason. “And you still have so much to do for them.”


        She gave me a look of confusion before my horn lit up and blasted a hole in the side of the dungeon, revealing a large drop with countless trees covering the land of the changelings like an ocean. Chrysalis jumped back in shock as I made such an action before giving me a look of both surprise and sadness. My smile remained kind and I waved my hoof towards the hole in the wall.


        “You should go now, my daughter,” I chuckled, turning my back and making my way back out of the prison. “You have a long journey ahead of you!”


        “Whe--where!?!” she pleaded, confused by this sudden turn in events. She knew that her father had loved her, even after her reckless invasion of Equestria. But he was bound to his alliance with Celestia to ensure that she would remain imprisoned.


        “Head to the outside of the town known as Antville, east from here,” I said, not turning my back as I made my way out of the dark place. “You will find a map and coordinates telling you where you must go. Once you reach the Dark Isle...seek the refuge of the one known as Makuta Teridax. He will aid you in bringing our people from the dark.”


        “It will be done, my emperor!” she cried out, joyful that she could still do something for the hive, the kingdom. Her wings buzzed and she took off, leaving me to myself as I recollected my thoughts. I would need Chrysalis for one of my many backup plans, should everything go south.


        “Nightmare Moon, Absorbed,” I smirked, as I brought up a mental image of my hitlist. “Queen Chrysalis, now loyal to my goals. Sombra, still with Grogar in the north until I unleash my trap upon both of them. Tirek and Discord, working side by side until I turn them on one another...Eris and Celestia, both at eachother’s throats and me acting as an ‘asset’ of the Solar Monarch.”


        Shadows engulfed the room, placing illusions left and right, causing more of the dungeon to be destroyed, a false corpse of Chrysalis being placed to signify her death. I let out a maniacal laugh and dissipated into dark mist, leaving the place where I once stood empty and devoid of any traces of life.





        
        


        
        

        
        
        


        

        

> A Shadowy Interlude!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Dark mist filled the room, choking off any natural light that could come from the outside of the room. Pillars of glass stuck up from the ground and into the ceiling, carrying within it lava that came from the volcanic core of the rocky moutain that proudly took the center of the island. Sound itself seemed to die off as the nearly complete void of darkness took its place as master of this place.

        Besides the small light that came from the lava that flowed through the pipes, the only other source of light that pierced the veil of shadows that had taken hold of the deprived place where the narrow red eyes of a metallic creature who sat on a throne of a dark steel material. His body stayed motionless as he kept himself accompanied by the shadows and shadows alone, the gears in his head turning as he thought over his decision. The sound of creaking interrupted this patient silence as the floor before his throne sunk into the ground, causing the metal being to snort with frustration as a table of crystal rose up from the ground.

        It sparkled in the dark and constantly shifted the projections it played as it ran through the world that he desired to see. As it ran its way across the countless stars and planets to find its target, the dark being got up from his throne and made his way to the table. Servos and gears whirring as his draconic wings flapped effortlessly, for he had remained still for many hours as he plotted and weighed his options.

        As he stalked over to the table, the crystal furniture finally displayed the place he desired to observe. It was one that he frequently watched in the dark, analyzing each and every living being that made their actions on this world littered with war. At first it seemed too insignificant to pay much attention to, but as his worked it out through his mechanical head, it became clear that there were benefits to be made if he were to grace his fellow kin with his presence.

        He looked to his left as a tear in the reality formed, breaking into a dark portal. Giving a satisfied growl at his feats regarding the breaching of another universe, the Lord of Shadows made his way through the swirling vortex of green and dark mist.


“Let us pay this Displacer a visit,” The creature concluded, entering the rift to an unknown location. “this may finally satisfy my need for knowledge on our people.”


        As he fully disappeared into the rift, the table continued to show projections of an oddity of creatures, each assuming some form of warlike aggression. The world itself shook as they continued their fray, leaving the thought of who would be victorious up to speculation. And yet this being choose it would be best to take the side of neither party, to observe and watch, calculating their every move and decision.


        Makuta Teridax had breached the War of Shadows, and his intentions were as clouded as the darkness that he kept as company.






“Well, I don’t care what you think Smexy, I’m having a couple days to myself.” Time Spinner said, before slamming the door. “I hate my life…”

The pale Displacer sat in a recliner, sighing deeply.

“When did self loathing get everyone anywhere?” A voice asked as the shadows writhed in pain. They shifted and groaned until they became a three dimensional object, which in turn formed into a metallic being of dark green and gray.

        His draconic wings nearly reached the ceiling and his head, or mask if you will, contained only two red eyes. His metal shell was somewhat thin, but still held a sigh of great durability. His claws were currently covered with feathers as he held a torn pillow in his hands. He gave Time Spinner a look of amusement as he watched him come in.

        “I’m a glass half empty guy… I just want some peace. Who are you anyway, the grim reaper?” Time Spinner asked, summoning a drink of unknown substance. “Sorry to disappoint if you are, but I’ve still got a year.”

        “Witty,” The metal being sighed, giving the pale creature a bored look. “If only your scheming could be as effective. I am no reaper, Lord Spinner.”

        The dark creature looked around at the decor, coming to the conclusion that such a place was far too comfy for his liking. With his change came the loss of desires such a comfortable beds or soft chairs, but who was he to judge those who had yet to reach his level of evolution.

        “I am much more terrifying than that charlatan you call death,” He sighed, running one of his metal claws onto the furniture, causing it to bleed fluff. He really needed to work on watching what his sharp claws touched. “My name is Makuta Teridax. As for my reason being here...well I want to partake in this little show you have going on.”

        “Everyone does…” Time said, taking a sip of his drink. “Make yourself at home, I just keep things calm because of my heart. Just don’t stick me with anything.”

        “You should be careful with who you let in this theatrical fight,” Teridax warned as he fell down on a nearby couch. “One of the participants might decide that they want to...well you know, kill you for hosting this whole game.”

        “Already happening. I don’t care, it’s not like I’ll live forever.” Time said, downing the rest of his drink. “I’ve already got what I want where I want it...”

        “Ah yes,” Teridax mused, creating figurines of a sith warlord and a symbiote. “The little pawns are in place, the blood spills, and all the little psychopaths that I have to share the Multiverse with are having fun.”

        He crushed the pieces in his hand and gave the shards a look of contempt. He then brought up his head so that his mask glared into Time Spinner’s eyes, fear resonating from the metal object.

        “Even with all of your power you continue to waste it on such trivial matters,” Teridax sighed, tapping one of his claws on the arm of the couch he sat on. “And yet you roll the die, eagerly waiting to see who will gain Lady Luck’s favor. But I doubt you're in the mood for my lectures, so why don’t you tell me what you exactly hope to get out of this in the end… I have theories, but Void Dwellers are hard to predicate and Displacers even more so.”

        “Revenge…” Time stated darkly. “There’s someone in this universe who has torn my innocence to dust. I’m using my pawns to draw her out so I can finish her.” Time’s eye socket grew a new eye, which glowed green.

        “Revenge: Driven by emotions such as hatred, sadness, occurs through loss of one’s the avenger holds dear,” The Makuta pondered, the gears in his metal head turning as he scanned the Displacer. “Who have you lost that would drive you to throw away everything and jeopardize the happiness of others. Child, sibling...spouse?”

        “Everything… And myself…” Time said, smiling. “My own sister turned me into this, took me away from my friends and family, and is trying to kill them.”

        “While I can perfectly see why you harbor such feelings,” Teridax said, his eyes boring into Time Spinners, for eyes were the gateway to the soul. “Emotions cloud one's judgement, it makes you sloppy. Functions in such a state and narrowing one’s perspectives is dangerous, and is beneath you. Why simply die in order to gain revenge when you could achieve so much more after such an accomplishment. You are thinking too small and applying your plans to only linger for a short amount of time.”

        “My fate was sealed when I became a Displacer. I only have a year to live if I use my powers wisely. This is my gift to those I care about… Protection. I’m perfectly fine, and I’ve created many contingencies.” Time Spinner said, then yawned. “Already my heart is giving out, and there’s nothing anyone or anything can do about it.”

        “My mere existence defies fate, Time Spinner,” Teridax sighed, giving the tired Displacer a look of interest. “I challenge and subvert destiny at my own choosing...but I will not attempt to change the mind of a determined individual. One piece of advice to you, however…”

        The room shook and became pitch black as the shadows screamed in agony. The Makuta’s two red eyes illuminating everything around him.

        “When you have you foe in your sights, when victory is so close that you can taste it…Do not. Waste. The shot,” Teridax growled, for he knew the mind of those driven to act in rage. They made mistakes, this was why he would never be clouded by such emotions. “No mercy, no monologuing. Just kill them, it will be a glorious finally without such things interfering in your plot.”

        “Shouldn’t be hard, I’m not the type for mercy.” Time said, smirking. He created a pink locket and opened it. “Mercy’s a weakness for the foolish…”

        “Agreed...although I assume now would be the time for me to ask some question regarding my role in this war,” Teridax said, conjuring a list that he had prepared before hand for such an occasion. “I will remain neutral in this conflict. Although I would be more than happy to trade and sell my wares that I’ve borrowed throughout the Multiverse to those who partake in this battle. Protosteel is one of the strongest metals you will encounter and has been tested on many weapons such as: Plasma guns, Lightsabers, Eldritch Abomination blood...don’t ask about the last part, it is a particularly frustrating tale.”

        “Okay… You’re in.” Time said calmly. “Just be nice with the boys, they’re a bit out there.”

        “Excellent,” Teridax clapped as he put away the scroll and pulled out another one and handed it over to Time Spinner. “While we are still here, I have decided that you should probably hand you this.” 

        The Scroll read as such:
                                        Will of Makuta Teridax
If I am somehow killed in this war, because let us face the fact that with the sheer number of random characters partaking in this that we should assume every possibility, I wish to leave all of my possessions in the hands of the man, animal, or strange creature who kills me.

On the bottom of the message were symbols unreadable to Time Spinner, the language completely foreign to many save a few.

“Okay… But it might be hard seeing all those who die return home instead of being killed.” Time stated. “Is that it? Anything else?”

        “Ah, well keep the will incase something odd happens,” Teridax waved, tilting his head in curiosity. “I guess all I can ask is where do I go now...as for the writing on the will...the man who kills me shall understand what it means.”

        “I’ll have Esper Girl contact you. She’ll explain everything you’ll do that day. Now, will that be all, or are you going to kill my room?”

        “No, that will be all!” The Makuta said cheerfully, ignoring Time’s last comment. “See you around, try not to die on us before you get to finish what you started.” He then walked over to the door and opened it, giving one last look at the Displacer before closing the door, his wings flapping eagerly as he left.

        The door slammed open. “Dad! What’s this about you hurting Smexy’s feelings!?”

        Time grumbled. “I can’t wait to get this over with…”

> Chapter 9 - Villainous Smackdown
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Lights flashed in the sky and puff of smoke filled the air as explosions shook the earth itself. The snowy and barren place was used to nothing but darkness and silence, both of which were interrupted by the loud blasts and clangs as three unknown forces collided with one another. Such a cold wasteland was not used to such powers coming together and battling with abilities that could annihilate miles of land and armies of creatures.


Shadows stretched and screamed as they acted against each other; the simple sight their malevolent intents would cause any sane mortal to fear their masters. While the silhouettes of anything that could cast darkness on this full-mooned night raged against each other, those who commanded them slammed steel against steel, the hissing of metal cracking and breaking urged the shadows to continue their assault on one another. Both physical and intangible bodies were participating in the seemingly endless war between creatures beyond mortal comprehension.   


White snow was illuminated as flashes of red and yellow bounced around and exploded upon impact with anything it touched. The air was filled with death and ash, screams howling in the night, accompanying the terrifying battle as it raged on, seemingly without end.Through the swirling snow and flaring darkness, one could glimpse the sight of two beings attempting to tackle one larger foe. An equine with a horn as red as blood swung his scythe with great precision, catching and delivering blow after blow as he and his ally attempted to take down this powerful foe.


        The other, nowhere near as proficient with physical attacks as his partner, instead used his magic to attack their foe. His two ram’s horn lit up and the sound of a single bell rung in the night as those who passed long ago rose to assist their master. While most were decapitated by the sole fighter’s shadows, which were on the verge of outplaying the other two’s combined might, some of the zombified creatures joined in the assault.


        A metallic hand reached out and shot red blasts of energy at the incoming shards of dark crystals, while in the other hand he swung his staff to eliminate multiple zombies and counter the magical blasts of his foes. Two red eyes peered through the dark night as the coldly observed and calculated each and every move his opponents made or would make. His wings flapped in delight at the challenge presented to him, while his foes bore grim expressions as they faced off again this metal terror that had presented itself to triumph over both previous lords of fear and darkness.


        While they had shifted and sprung about to dodge his blows, the dark machine had remained still and fired off a variety of attacks, although they stuck to around six specific abilities which seemed to be his limit. The pure aura of fear that resonated from these three beings could drive even the most powerful of immortals to near insanity. These three completed one another in strength, power, and dark machinations that exceeded the comprehension of any power other than their own.


        Not even the eyes of the Void Dweller, Eris the Draconequus, who was an odd hodgepodge of many animals, or Celestia, the solar monarch of ponies, whose comprehension of both dark and light had aided her with dealing against two of those that fought, could fully grasp what was taking place. Both awe and horror riddled their faces as they watched their allies collided against one another, sitting off in the sidelines to prevent one another from interfering. Not that they could do much to change the tide of the battle; they would only aid in the continuation of it.


        “I don’t know whether I should be giddy at such an exciting dual, or be terrified of who comes out on top...such fun!” Eris pondered. She wasn’t feeling too threatened by the outcome of this fight, for she was sure of her allies victory. 


        “I will go with the latter,” Celestia grimaced, watching the battle continue on as her metallic ally effortlessly fought the goat and dark unicorn. She hoped for his victory so that the playing field would be evened, but even he had limits. “Whoever is victorious will be on par with us; all I hope is that Grogar remains dead.”


        The draconequus snorted at such a ridiculous statement, not sure whether to be offended that Celestia assumed her to not prepare the two before-hand or that she honestly thought her metal pet stood a chance to begin with. “Don’t sound so confident, Celly. Teridax hardly has a chance against both of them- especially since I informed them of his weakness and powers!”


“You underestimate him too much,” the princess of the sun retorted, knowing full well of the danger the Makuta presented to both of them. “I know when to play my cards right, and making Teridax an enemy with little to no way to predicate what he will do next or what plans he has in store would be incompetent at best.”


“I made him,” Eris growled at her counterpart’s comment, her eyes flashing somewhat red. She was not pleased with her little ‘Displaced experiment’ becoming such a danger to what she had put centuries into building. “And that means I can break him. I know all of his powers, weaknesses, what his original was able to conjure up through his intellect. I have predicted every move he would make and have the best solution to defeating him!”


        More lights flashed in front of them as they sat on warm cushions with a fire roaring next to them. Teridax had started unleashing the full potential of some of his powers as the fight roared on, the darkness that Sombra was so used to commanding now betraying him and instead directing their assault upon the magical goat. With Grogar distracted, Teridax turned and brought his protosteel staff onto the crystallized scythe of the unicorn tyrant, breaking it in two and leaving nothing but rubble for the dark king to use.


        “Another one!” Sombra grumbled as he conjured another crystal weapon to use, this being his fifth item.


        “I don’t know whether you assumed that this brawl would end in any other way besides your defeat,” Teridax said coldly, his voice echoing across the cold valley as the shadows whispered his words, “or if you have some other plot afoot… some ace that you have yet to reveal?”


        “Heh, and you’re suppose to be the smart one?” Sombra chuckled, his horning giving off a sickly red glow as he fired a magic missile at the Makuta.


        As a cloud of dust overtook the view of Teridax, Sombra was quick enough to use his full power to assume control back over the machine’s shadows. His crystal sword cut through what were suppose to be intangible darkness with ease and caused the shadows around them to tremble in surprise. Grogar himself was fuming with anger when he realized Teridax’s metallic shell had negated almost all of his magical attacks.


        “I’ll keep up a barrage of magic projectiles to keep him on the defense,” the blue ram growled, charging up a set of magic spells that would weaken the robot. “You go in and see if you can find any parts of his body which are weaker. Arms, legs, even his head, find something to dismember!”


        Sombra gave a nod before getting ready to charge forward, but as the dust cloud settled the Makuta was nowhere to be seen. Grogar, taking this as a warning, quickly made himself intangible, while the unicorn turned his body into dark mist. Teridax’s clawed hand phased through Grogar’s chest, instead hitting the shadowy tyrant. What occurred next was something none of them had expected. Teridax delivering a sickening punch to the cloud of darkness, using his own shadow powers to nullify and bring Sombra back to his physical form.


        “Urk!” Sombra coughed as blood flew from his mouth. His chest compressed as the metal hand made contact with the force of a freight train. The unicorn was sent flying back and crumpled on the ground due to the pain he was experiencing.


        Grogar leapt back to make distance from the Makuta, but the machine simply fired lasers from his eyes onto the ground under the airborne goat. As he crashed into the newly made crater, Grogar recovered quickly, and formed a shield of black and blue aura which stopped the large staff of Teridax from crushing him. “Dammit!” Grogar hissed as Teridax slammed onto the shield and nearly crushed it.


        “I’m afraid we’ve reached the finale of this little show, Grogar,” Teridax gloated, his brilliant red eyes lighting up the darkness around him. He would enjoy defeating the goat, who relied on fear to win his battles, as the irony of such powers betraying their master delighted the Bionicle. “It is time that you give our audience your glorious final ploy; what shall this act be that will cause your name to be sung through the ages?” 


        Grogar became irritated at the snark that Teridax’s tone irradiated with, growling at the Makuta’s mocking behavior. And yet a smile crept on his face as his ally and loyal servant got up behind the unsuspecting machine and soon performed his part of their two-way spell. His magic flared up and he teleported outside of the shield, much to the supposed confusion of Teridax.


        “Well..since you asked so nicely!” Grogar spat, casting his part of the spell and summoning ten orbs of blue and black, which surrounded the Makuta.


        “What ever are you planning?” Teridax mused, taking a step forward to walk up to the now-confident necromancer. But as he tried to make his way past the orbs, he was suddenly warped back into the middle of the circle.


        “...Time entrapment,” Teridax sighed. By the look of things, all of his projectiles as well as his shadows would be trapped. And yet they both need to hold up the spell in order for it to stay in effect. “So, what’s the plan here fellas?”

        
        “Send you through space and time to be lost forever,” Sombra replied, wheezing as each rise and fall of his chest sparked pain throughout his body. “It’ll either scatter your molecules throughout time, or send you in some random point of existence.”

        
“As I said already, Celestia,” Eris commented as the two watched the entrapped Makuta try and think his way out of this situation. “You played your cards wrong, which is a shame for you.”


        Celestia looked at Eris and then back at the two former tyrants, seeing an obvious flaw in their plan. It was mononymously horrid that surely even Teridax, egomaniac that he is, would be able to see past this sheer arrogant play. Of course, she wasn’t wrong about him seeing the problem.


        “Right...I’ll pass!” Teridax said, holding a hand up to Sombra and using his Magnetism to crush the armor that the unicorn wore. The metal impaled the dark tyranny and effectively cutting off his part of the spell.


        A magic eruption came into play as all the feedback of the large source of energy that was being used to entrap Teridax came back and blasted Grogar. The blue goat went flying and crashing into one of the nearby rocky surfaces of the ruins around them. Unfortunately for Grogar, shadowy spikes erupted from the ground and impaled him. 


        With Grogar incapacitated, Teridax chose to finally ensure that Sombra, the stubborn villain that he was, would never make a comeback. He raised his hand and let loose a furious bolt of energy at the wobbling tyrant. The Laser of Disintegration caught Sombra in the chest, and with a grin, Teridax vaporized all matter that composed Sombra, ensuring his eternal death. With the annoying unicorn now out of the way, darkness swirled around his chest and a shadowy hand shot out to grab the body of Grogar.


        The two disappeared for only a moment, both Eris and Celestia watching with dropped jaws at the sheer brutal attack that had incapacitated and killed the two formidable foes. When the dark mist cleared, Teridax proudly walked out stronger than ever, although he seemed strained. This was something that Celestia would take in account later, seeing that the energy expended meant he was possibly weak from absorbing Grogar.


        “You two seem cozy,” Teridax chuckled, his voice echoing as his laughter rang through the silent place. Eris jumped in surprise by his sudden teleportation while Celestia remained silent, hoping not to express any sign of weakness. “Mind if I stay and have a chat with the both of you?”


        “Uh...no, feel free!” Celestia said, regaining her warm composer and summoning a cushion for Teridax to sit on by the fire.


        “Oh no, I won’t be staying long.  I have a little trip I have to make!” Teridax said civilly, giving a wave of thanks to Celestia with one of his hands.


        Eris gave a false sigh of sadness while looking at her watch. “You know, I actually have somewhere to be too...well see ya later---”


        Before the Draconequus could make her escape, however, the metal terror grabbed her by the tail and sat her down right under him. Giving the shocked patchwork creature a pat on the head, the Makuta took a fancy wine glass, filled with an unknown liquid, and poured it on his cold mask. As the purple liquid spilt on the ground, Eris flinch as Teridax tried to sip the drink with his none-existent mouth.


        “While eating and drinking are no longer need with this form...well, I do miss it sometimes,” he sighed, as he tapped the draconequus shoulder with one of his claws. “Did Eris here ever tell you her little plan, or anything else about me, Celestia?”


        “Wait...what does Eris have to do with you?” Celestia asked in general confusion, for her theories on the strange robot had many considerations… but the draconequus was not one of them.


        “Well, she had this swell idea to bring me here in a state of insanity,” Teridax mused, somewhat angry concerning the plans that the Draconequus had for him. “And go on a rampage, causing mass panic and eliminating you and any others who could prove to be… troublesome. Not really the best plan considering that none of this happened and that she is at the end of her ropes.”


        Eris fully vanished from view as she teleported away right before a fireball from Celestia hit the place the draconequus sat. Pure rage over took the alicorn of the sun at the sheer recklessness and thoughtlessness that she had learned was a part of Eris’s plan. She could understand the desire of control that Eris had sought, the need to be in charge. Maybe Celestia even understood the reasoning behind the draconequus’s decision to erase her from the equation… but to endanger everyone by creating some insane-driven killing machine was beyond stupid.


        “Calm yourself, Princess,” Teridax soothed, his voice somewhat calming to the alicorn. “It’s clear that Eris’s intentions are less than noble- not that it would shock you that much. No, her methods are what seems to have crossed the line.”


        “Oh shove it!” Celestia snorted angrily at the Makuta, waving her horn threateningly at him. “I don’t what you’re playing at, but you’re just as bad as her. If anything, you’re worse.”


“Oh ,definitely,” Teridax nodded in agreement, being completely truthful with his words. “I’m a ruthless sociopath who’s bent on world domination and will eliminate any obstacle--”


“Gee, you sure are a sweet talker,” the monarch of Equestria snarked, turning her back to leave the cold machine to his own devices. “The only reason that I’ve cooperated with you is because I know that I have a chance against you…” She had prepared a spell that would take care of Teridax while he was still weakened from absorbing Grogar... but to take his life no matter his actions or his mechanical form still felt wrong to Celestia and left a dark pit in her stomach.  


        “--but I’m also not an idiot,” Teridax commented, momentarily catching Celestia off guard. “My schemes are complex, tailored to encounter every challenge and setback and taking them into account. I have planned my victory in many forms and the mere elaborateness of them would drive you insane.”


Teridax walked around the solar monarch until he stood in front of her; his metal armor dwarfed even her. While she refused to be intimidated by Teridax, she was no fool as to assume that he was merely some large bully. He was complex and intelligent, not giving up one inch of territory when it came to the battle for the very fate of her world. They had constantly outmaneuvered each other countless times, each avoiding battle until they felt ready to do so.


        “So please Celestia. While my methods may seem ruthless to you, my intentions for this world are far from malevolent,” Teridax growled somewhat as he read the princesses thoughts, attempting to unlock the door she had set up long ago and only finding that her attempts to understand him were lacking key factors. “I seek to preserve this world according to my own designs. The time of those who consider themselves ‘villains’ on this planet has come to an end, those whose goals are driven only through emotions and diluted perspectives. Even those who could consider themselves similar to me lack the foresight and planning to pull off anything even comparable to what I have planned.”


        “And in your quest for victory, your lust to control and become better than all others...you have become a being with little to no care for those around you,” Celestia said mournfully. A bitter taste flooded her mouth, for had she met Teridax sooner… well he may be far different that what he is now. “How do you suppose that either of us will be able to come together once Eris is dealt with? We are two materials that should never touch, for if we did then both of us would implode.”


        “And in your desire to keep your people and the greater good of this world safe, you have locked yourself away from those you value most,” Teridax replied coldly, knowing full to well the bridges Celestia had burned and would still burn. “It is interesting however, when a Displaced has such a relationship with their version of Celestia. Most simply bow to their will or die, or act as some form of tyrant… it does the Multiverse good to see some noble characteristics exist.”


        “Well then… what do you want to do now?” Celestia sighed, realizing that at this point… their relationship would remain as two forces working towards a common goal, only to betray each other in the end.


        Teridax looked around the area and at the small pastries that the alicorn and draconequus had enjoyed during his battle with the unicorn and goat. As the gears in that mechanical head of his turned, Celestia was mentally berating herself for asking such a question and insisting on spending time with the Makuta.


        “Oh… Idea!” Teridax said suddenly, grabbing Celestia by the hoof and earning a surprised blush from her. “Let me show you the ropes, kid! It’s time you learned first hand how to be a villain!”


        “Why would I want to be a villain!?!” Celestia cried, questioning the unfathomably strange logic that her ally seemed to posses.


        “It’ll be a promising career once I overthrow the rulers of this universe,” Teridax laughed playfully, causing a rift to open up with his shadows. “And this will be funnnnn!” his last words echoed as he pulled her into the vortex and sent the spiraling to an unknown location.