> The Dragons in the Mountains > by DracoTitan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Awakening > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike's eyes widen in wonder as he, Twilight, and Princess Celestia look at the large cavern around them. Amethyst stalagmites, opal crevices, and topaz stalactites dot the place while the floor had a strange feel to it almost as if- "Spike!" the young purple dragon turn his green eyes to his friend with a smile, "how did you ever find this place?! It's so amazing!" Twilight Sparkle has a oval face structure, a pair of glowing violet eyes and a small horn, showing her status as a unicorn. Standing on two hooved legs at five foot six, has a pear body shape, light orchid skin and blue mane with violet and rose streaks, the sixteen year old seem to bounce from one corner to the other in excitement. Shrugging his shoulder, Spike adopts a quadrupedal gait before walking over to a hole in the floor, "Well, one day I had felt upset about...somethings and just started ranting." "Eventually, I felt drawn to walk past the castle towards the back roads where I found a cave systems," reaching in the hole, he pulls out a sapphire before crunching on it, "I kept looking around, all the while talking about the day." "What do you mean by that?" the alicorn princess with an hourglass form, white skin, four maned and magenta eyed goddess spoke up, her wings drawn close on her back as she tilts her head. Unknown to the trio, a soft rumbling pass through before a shape moved in the lower cavern pushing through stones. "Well nearly everyday, I would head over here and just...talk," the young dragon dart his eyes to a rising column, "about my hopes for the future, the bad things that happened and sometime I would find myself talking about court." The pair of ponies blink when Spike sigh and lay on the ground, "A few times I would ask about what other dragons are like but when I spoke of my trip to Ponyville...I felt as though I had to show you two this place." "I would feel a pull sometime that lead me to other places here," the dragon blinks as he gaze around in sadness, getting frowns from the two girls, "this is the first time I actually been in this room." "Are you sure about that Spike?" as the dragon nods, Princess Celestia blinks as she hears a cracking noise, "does anypony else hear that noise?" As the two nods, the noise echoes louder before a patch of floor broke before them. Slowly, the trio look around before gazing at the hole in the ground. Before they could speak, a voice seem to come from the area, "Come closer children." The voice sounds raspy, as though under used. As the two ponies began to walk away, Spike crept closer before disappearing down the hole. "SPIKE!" "SPIKE!" The two pair ran after him, with horns glowing with magic. As they move down, they see cave paintings decorating the walls. Drawings of dragons flying around even large ones, of the dragons fighting and warring against one another in which the two large ones dueling, of one of the large dragons standing over the dead loser eating a crystal. As the approach Spike, who looks forward, a drawing of several groups of dragons was shown going in a cave. Twilight frowns at the dragon and marches up to him, "What the hey were you thinking run off like that, you could've gotten hurt!" "Don't blame...the young dragonspawn," the trio look around as the voice, sounding stronger than earlier, echoes out again, "it's has been...too long since I have seen...members of your race." Before any of them could move, light blue fire burst into being as a large shape uncoil itself. As the trio look up, Spike eyes widen in curiosity, awe and a little fear, "You're a-a dragon." The dragon before them seem to be hunch over as its great size impedes on his stance. A row of dark brown spikes curve down the dragon's back, carapace decorate the shoulders, back, underbelly and knees, and large wings were close on his back. As it looks down with ivory scales and glowing blue eyes filled with magic, the voice sounds again, gaining a distinct male undertone, "I am Everblight, called Ethrunbal to the caribous when they had tried to hunt us in the old days, who are you, young dragonspawn?" "What do you mean dragonspawn?!" the dragon look questioningly at the young unicorn with slight mirth in his eyes, "wait, how is there a DRAGON in the mountain this close to Canterlot?!" The dragon raise an eyeridge while a frown grace gigantic lips, "So there is a town above me hm...what happen to make my dragonspawns leave here, I wonder." "This young one," the large dragon points at Spike as he gaze upwards, "is a dragonspawn, dragon's blood give a physical form to move, hunt and if need be fight for the dragon that sire them." Everblight looks down at Spike with curious eyes, "Where are the rest of your brethren young one?" As Spike looks down, the older alicorn clears her throat and gains the dragon's attention, "Lord Everblight-" "Please no lord!" "Very well Everblight," smiling at the dragon amuse filled eyes, she continues, "we found Spike's egg years ago in a nest alone on this mountain." Noticing a frown crossing the dragon's lips, she tilts her head in curiosity, "What do you think happened?" "I can feel the blight of one of my siblings clear as day," Everblight voice was low but the very earth tremble in his low anger. As the dragon rose on his four trunk like legs, the ceiling above cracks and draws in sunlight, "I have not heard from any of my children in so long...until Spike reach for me." "Young Spike, I remember that you are due for this Ponyville," the trio blink at him before their jaw drops low, "I wish to accompany you and your friend here." Twilight looks caught between wanting to hide and wanting to jump on the old dragon's back, "Um Mister Everblight, are you sure that is wise?" Seeing the dragon raise an eyeridge before bringing his head down, she almost flinch back, "It's just that, we don't know how they'll react to a dragon landing in town." "As long as they don't throw spears and war spells at me," Everblight grins at her gently, making her feel slightly at ease, "I don't mind if they poke and prod at me." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "I wonder when Miss Twilight will get here," Mayor Mare taps her chin before a large shadow cast over her, "what on ea-" As her eyes draws up, she and everypony in town see a large white dragon with two large pairs of wings glide towards the outskirts, "...Oh dear." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I think that they know we're here," the dragon and dragonspawn chuckle as Twilight slide off the dragon, "thanks again for dropping us off but I do have a question." "Go ahead, I'll answer if I can." Twilight cross her arms under her chest, "How is it that you can speak so well, I mean the difference between now compare to back then was...a lot." As the two smaller form walk beneath him, Everblight smile, "It's mostly thanks to Spike." "As he spoke, I could tell the differences as well as the similarities thus I could understand and speak the current language," as they enter town, a few ponies tremble at the sight of the tall dragon. As Twilight clears her throat, Everblight looks down at Spike, "You've a lot of questions." "What was time like when you were above ground last?" as Spike look up at the ancient dragon, a pink pony's eyes widen in surprise before dashing around the dragon and poking his tail, "there was a lot of cave drawings and I was curious." Scratching his chin, the dragon pokes the pony gently and smirk as she laughs, "To better explain, I would have to give a history lesson." Laying down, he clears his throat while ignoring the various ponies gathering to hear, "Before most things were born, there was two beings that shape the world as we know it." "The first was a pony that created the most of the sentient and beast that created the sun and moon," the dragon's smile slowly turn into a frown, "the second was a dragon that use the power of his athanc to form hydras, most reptiles, mountains, volcanos, monsters, lava and, of course, dragons." "The dragon's name...was Toruk." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Toruk had tried many time to create the prefect dragon," a large black dragon with tint of a sickly green flew about, "spreading his blight across the land wildly, corrupting the very land itself." The pony walks forward with flames and stars in her mane while dress in hide and scales, "The other prepared to war against him and his creation...but not alone, never alone," an army of ponies, minotaurs, and griffins, all with wooden or bone weapons gather behind her. The army charge at the black and green dragon as he breath a column of green fire, "The war between the two side began soon afterwards, for Toruk wanted the very world as his for no other reason than he could." The scene change to Toruk fleeing with spears sticking from his body. As the other races cheer, the goddess glare after the dragon, "Although they manage to push him back after a week long battle, SHE knew he would return soon." Meanwhile, Toruk lands on a series of islands and begins to release a cloud of green particles, "Toruk use a chain of islands to experiment on creating his progeny." "The first failure was when he manipulated his blight on the large reptiles that dwelled on the islands," stones begins to grow on the backs of several crocodiles while a specie of snakes grew thick legs, "soon afterwards, he blighted a specie of venomous snakes into what are now hydras." A large sea snake with clawed arms leap from the water surrounding the island while in the volcanos, a group of lion size lizards snarl at anything flying above them before flinging boulders, "Soon he would go on to create the sea serpents and slingtails before in desperation he did the unthinkable." With a roar, Toruk pulls out a black stone from his chest before shattering it in many shards that slowly develop their own bodies, "Pulling his athanc from him, he shattered it and from the other shards me and the others were born." "For a time we were fine with serving him faithfully," dragons of various colors fly through the air, burning villages and tribes while blighting the world, "eventually, the world's warriors try to raise an army to face us." "However, there was unrest amongst us for we thought like him," dragons snarl at Toruk as he flew past all the while the armies of the other races watch in confusion. Soon, a small red and purple dragon roar at Toruk before diving at the older dragon. As the small dragon was ripped apart and its athanc was eaten, the others roar at Toruk before swarming him, "My ilk and myself turn on him with claws, fangs and flames battling each other." "After years of fighting, every dragon flew away from the stalemate as none were able to land a killing blow on the old dragon god," dragons began to take wing, dispersing throughout the world. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So what happens after that?" Twilight leans forward as various other ponies and Spike nod their head. Everblight chuckles before pointing at the pair, "Don't you have to check something for the princess?" As the unicorn gasp and rush off, he sees Spike linger, "I'll continue once you finish youngling, now go on." As the young dragonspawn sprint off, Everblight heads towards the library, 'This is just getting more and more...interesting.' > Days of Sleeping, Interrupted > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everblight yawns widely as he feels a nudge on his psyche, the familiar tug of a dragonspawn in dire need. Stiffly rising, he gaze at Twilight with a smile, "Hello tiny one, what do you need?" "WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO WAKE YOU UP FOR WEEKS," looking down, he see a group of five ponies with the cerulean pegasus glaring at him. Shifting through the things that Spike told him, he blinks before smiling at her, "Sorry about that Rainbow Dash, how can I help you girls?" "How do ya know' her name sugar cube?" the orange earth pony tilting her head up to meet his eyes. Leaning down with bones crackling causing Twilight and Fluttershy to flinch, he smile gently, "Even in the deepest of slumber, we true dragons aren't truly asleep Applejack. Spike told me much about you." "Speaking of the little one, where is he?" before any of the girls could speak up, a house was thrown into his face. Looking over, he see a tall purple and green wingless dragonspawn with a pale gray unicorn in his coil. "Nevermind, I can tell why you woke me from my nap," ignoring the five jaw dropped faces, he slink behind the young dragonspawn without a noise. Rarity couldn't believe her little Spikey-Wikey would become such a brute. Tears gather in her eyes as she opens her mouth to talk him down when she hears a deep voice behind the young dragon, "Alright, enough playing around." The pair turn to see that the white and brown dragon awake with a deep frown...and a broken house on his face, "Put the damsel in distress down kid." As Spike roar in the dragon face, the various ponies edge slightly away as the older dragon sighs. Slowly rising on two legs, every eye pinprick as Everblight cover the very town, its outskirts and parts of the Everfree in his shadow. As Spike takes a step back, the old dragon drew his head down and roar with an open mouth. As everypony cover their ears, Rarity and Spike realize that Everblight could eat the pair alive with how wide his mouth open. As the echoing roar ends, Spike's ear frills droop as he places the fashionista before whimpering. As soon as the young dragonspawn looks up, Everblight's expression shift to a slightly comforting one as he place a huge claw on Spike's shoulder, "First greed growth huh...alright. Return what you stolen so we can talk kid." Roughly two hours later, a much smaller Spike traced circles into the ground. Feeling the ground shake next to him, he gaze up to the old dragon in sadness, "Sorry about the mess I made." "Don't worry about it kid, it ain't the first time a building was thrown at me," as the young draconic being smile up at him, Everblight click his foreclaws together as most of the town gather around, "that reminds me." Pressing the tip of his index claw to Spike's muzzle, the last thing Spike see and hear before he drifts to sleep is Everblight smiling down at him, "Happy Hatching Day son." The Mane Six and the townsfolk gasp as Spike's body ripple like water and his form shifts quickly. Now equaling nine feet in height and twelve feet tall, his body gains thick muscles while his green scales darken and his purple ones pales. Three spikes grow on each of his shoulders, elbows and knees and his tail change from a blunt spade to a sharp stinger. A pair of wings grew out from above his arms and a third pair of limbs grows just below his arms. As the last of his metamorphosis settles, his green scales gain a small glow to them. Twilight looks up at the dragon before walking over to him with a raise eyebrow, "So...what did you really do?" "The first thing I did is take away the greed growth," as the dragon lays down, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, "it is more detrimental to his aging than helpful." "The next thing is develop a true fire breathing sack although he can still send messages," seeing them sigh in relief he chuckles. A frown cross his face, making the others back up in worry, "I have begun to help him with his draconic nature...but eventually he will want to meet other dragonspawns." "So what, you expect us to just forget about him," Rainbow Dash hover in his face as the others shook their head, "cause that ain't happening." "Good, good," the townsponies sigh in relief as the giant dragon chuckles, "but he must attend his own journey." "I sense a migration due soon," looking to the south, Everblight huffs in annoyance, "he'll accompany them...maybe he'll bring back a fellow student or two." Curling into himself, a small grin cross his face. Spike wakes and realizes that he's half out of his bed, he clumsily rise taking note of the extra weight on his back. Glancing around, he crawls over to the mirror and see the changes that occur. Meanwhile, the Solar Court is interrupted by a loud roar that causes the nobles to flee over one another much to the satisfaction of Princess Celestia. While the princess writes up a thank you letter, Twilight walks in to see Spike bouncing around, "I take it you like your last gift." Giving a big hug that makes the pony squeak, Spike quickly runs out the door only to be grabbed by Everblight, "Calm down Spike, this is your now and forever." Glancing up to the gigantic dragon, Spike rubs against him, "This is the most awesome day ever!" "So what we gonna do?" the dragonspawn jumps back with tail lashing about, to the amusement of the girls and Everblight, "am I going to learn to fly, oh what about a secret dragon fighting style." "Or, or I could be learning-" "I'm going to teach you how to breath fire," seeing the slightly disappointed frown, he chuckles before nudging Spike, "and I mean your true flames, not the messenger flames." Rising, he moves forward with Spike and the six girls heading towards the quarry. As soon as the girls are at an acceptable distance, Everblight stomps on the ground and a group of quarry eels bites at Spike. Hearing Everblight inhale deeply, the seven smaller beings gape as he let loose a twister of flames with a diameter of thirty yards across. Seeing him shake his head with a mumble of getting rusty, he looks down at Spike, "Go on, take it slow if you want but I believe in you." Twilight walks over to the quarry to see Spike trying to combat breath. Seeing Everblight look at her, she walks over as Spike continues to try, "I wonder why he hasn't done it yet." "Maybe he's too use to a pony's lifestyle," looking up at the ancient with a curious face, she see he's more focus on his own words then her, "if he can't combat breath for himself-" "I got it!" Everblight turns to see Twilight run a ways away before purposely falling into the quarry. Spike turns towards his friend as a quarry eel twist around her and she shields herself in a raspberry color field, "SPIKE HELP ME, PLEASE!" Everblight face turn to surprise as Spike jumps down into the quarry. As Spike lands, he immediately bites into the flank of the quarry eel gaining its attention. As the eel snaps at him, he opens his mouth to roar and flickers of fire dance. As Twilight felt her being carried out, Spike loose a pillar of red and green fire. As he let loose another torrent, the giant eel weakly cry out before stilling. As he fell to sleep, mentally cheering that he combat breath, a large wave of fire force the other eels back in their caves. Everblight scoops up the dragonspawn and dead quarry eel with a smile along with Twilight, "Good job son...you did great." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The whole town watch as Spike flew under the tentative eyes of Everblight and Rainbow Dash. It had been a few months since he breath combat fire and he's been absorbing lessons after lessons to prepare himself. As the dragonspawn and pegasus lands, a great shadow drew the peoples attention as a thunder of dragonspawns flew high above. Turning to Everblight, Spike see a grin as the ancient dragon motion towards the others, "Get going kid...and good luck." "Thanks...dad," pumping his wings, Spike catch up to the thunder in minutes. As the they flew west, Spike hears the snarls of other dragons. As he pumps his wings, he notice a group of six dragonspawns bullying a green and black dragoness with deer like antlers. Swooping down, he growls at them making them flee. "Stick with me alright," getting a nervous nod, Spike and the smaller female flew closer to the group. Meanwhile on the ground, Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow Dash watch this happen. "That a boy Spike, swooping in and saving the ladies," Twilight and Rarity giggle as Rainbow Dash shadow box. As the trio watch Spike and the smaller dragonspawn fly off, Rainbow Dash looks over to Twilight with an arch eyebrow, "So, what did Everblight give you?" As Twilight shift nervously, the awkward feeling increase as Rarity also look over with a pout, "...A sliver of his athanc." Seeing the two crunch their face in remembrance, she sighs before pulling out a blue crystalline sliver, "A small fragment of his heartstone, with emphasis on heart." "Why under Celestia's sun and Luna's moon would he pull out a part of his heart," Rarity flinch back in horror before a thoughtful look cross her face, "then again, that also sounds wonderfully romantic." "Don't read to much into it," the three ponies blink as the athanc sliver blinks on and off, "it's just so I can see and hear what you three are doing." "And what part of 'he needs to do this on his own' did you not understand," the three girls shift nervously, with guilty faces on. Before they could apologize, a snort and a slight chuckle told them that he more amuse than anything, "Just to let you know, that my athanc is what prevented you from being spotted and eaten by them." "Until next," as the athanc dims down as the trio walk forward. "Wait a moment," Rainbow stops the two unicorns by spreading her wings, "doesn't that mean he's seen us naked?!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spike hovers while the small dragoness lands. As he lands, he realize that she barely reaches up to his elbow, "Hey there." The female looks down nervously as he lays down on the heated rocks. After a few minutes pass, she looks at his extra arms with a questioning gaze, "I went through my metamorphosis a couple of months ago." "I'm Spike," seeing her relax a little, he smile softly and see a small one grow on his face, "and you are?" As she opens her mouth, an arrogant voice crackle behind him that makes her step back, "Oh would you look, the runt found a friend." As Spike turns, a group of male dragonspawns stalk forward with the red one smirking at the pair, "Move it Chute before I-" "Before you what," Spike rose, finding the others between his elbow and shoulder in height. Before the males could say anything, a ball of blue fire knocks the red back into the brown fat dragonspawn. "Wha' hav I said about messin with my sista Garble?" the eight turn to see a dragoness with green and silver scales. As she lands next to Spike, she snarls at the group of males while nodding to Spike, "Imma gonna break yer jaws, ya bunch of winged newts." "There's just one of you and six of us," Garble snarls at her before a deep huffs sound behind him. Turning, he's thrown back as Spike lash out with the end of his tail, "I'm not the best at math but I only count five baby seals and two dragons." As the others look between the two taller dragonspawns and their knocked out leader, they whimper before darting away. As Chute runs up to the taller dragoness, Spike approach them slowly, "Sorry all of that, I'm-" "Spike, I heard ya," the dragoness smirk at him as Chute climbs up her back, "name's Amber an thanks for watchin my lil' sis." As Spike turns to head towards a lava pool, Chute hugs his forearm, "Tank yu Spike!" "How yus ge so stron?" unknown to the trio, a pair of white dragoness and a gold dragonspawn edge listen in from a cliff. Smiling at the younger female, he lays down as Chute curls next to him, "Have you ever heard of Everblight?" Seeing the pair shake their heads, he frowns, "It all started when Toruk the Dragonfather was pushed out of current day Equestria..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Garble growls as he shoves Fume off of the cluster of jewels, "That. Uptight. BITCH!" "So what if I was messing with the runt," as he paces around, Garble kick Vex in his muzzle, "it's the nature of dragons to prey on the weak." "And that freak, he'll pay dearly for embarrassing me," unknown to the sextet, part of the volcano crumble showing a single red scaled eyelid. "FUCK!" infuriated, Garble roars and grabs a boulder before throwing it behind him. Opening his mouth to rant, he and the others shudder as part of the volcano breaks apart, "What the...oh shit." Spike, Ember, Chute, the three ponies and the other dragons look up as a loud roar echo across the area. As Spike rose, he see the sextet speed past him, "By Toruk's maw, why the Tartarus are they running?" Here a loud crack, the various dragonspawns look to see the volcano break apart. Reaching down and grabbing Chute, Spike and the others draconic beings took to the sky. "EARTHQUAKE!" "No," the many dragonspawns look at Spike in disbelief, before looking where he's pointing, "like Everblight said-" "-every mountain has their story," Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow Dash gap as a large red dragon burst from the volcano as if hatching from an egg. Black spines ran down his back as lava drips from his mouth. Glowing orange eyes leer down at the land as he roars his awakening loudly and a cloud of ash spread. As the various dragonspawns hover high above and phoenixes swarm below, Chute whimpers before looking at Spike, "Ho-Ho is he? Wat is he?" "An ancient true dragon, a direct son of Toruk," the others look at Spike in shock before looking in awe at the mountain size dragon, "and his name is-" "Pyromalfic," Rarity whimper as Rainbow points on a brave face, Twilight looking up at the freshly awake dragon as it gaze around itself, "he who chased the sirens' ancestors deep underwater and who once commanded an army of diamond dogs." "The Mountain's Flame/The Mountain's Flame," if a living soul would turn to look at the ponies, they would see the athanc sliver glow a deep red color. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Everblight felt a shift he hadn't felt in many millennia that called him to rise. The subtle change in the wind, the tremble of the very ground and the rise in temperature. As he extends himself out to the sliver of his heartstone, it told him of the most obvious thing he could think of. A sibling has awoken and has challenge the very world order. Feeling the others drifting awake, he snarl as he feels the fear of his only brood member. "Father! Pyromalfic is-" "I know my son, I know," great wings opens with a snap as townponies alike turn from the glowing red of the west to Everblight as he rose to his full height. With a single leap, he took of at great speed towards the dragon migration, "I'm on my way." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As Spike blinks back to reality, Pyromalfic grins darkly before pointing at the mass of dragonspawns, "Bow." As the single word comes from his mouth, several drops from the sky as their will shatter like a glass struck by stone. Frowning, the great red dragon glare at the others before asserting his will on them. Soon, only Spike, Garble, Amber and Chute refuse to bow while visibly shaking. "How can such weak dragonspawns resist my thrall," flames licking at his maw, he strides forward and grabs Chute in his hand. As the others cry out in terror, Pyromalfic squeeze the young dragonet with sadistic glee, "What force on this pitiful world has allowed you to refuse my command?" As if answering his question, a far away roar broke through the heavy silence. As his thrall was broken and the dragonspawns and phoenixes flew under the canopy, he and every living thing turn towards the east. At first, only a mass of blue energy could be seen. As the mass came closer, Spike and the ponies' expression turn to happiness as the shape of another monstrous size dragon with white scales and brown carapace loose another roar. As the dragon circle around, Ember look over to Garble before looking to Spike, "Um...why does it look like you want to cheer?" "Because he helps me become what I am," as the white dragon lands with a snarl on his muzzle, Spike grins proudly as several other dragonspawns turn towards him in shock, "I have called him Teach, Councilor...Father." "But my alpha, his name, is-" "Everblight," Pyromalfic chuckles as the other dragon close his wings and stalks down, tearing chunks of earth off with each step, "so good to see you...brother." "Pyromalfic...ya got a lot of nerve trying what ya did," blue fire flicker from his maw as Pyromalfic grins at him, "the dragonspawns are mine." The pair glare at one another before each took a deep breath and roar. Pyromalfic swung his tail, equipped with deadly thagomizers, at Everblight. Deflecting with his tail blade, he lunge forward and claws the face of Pyromalfic. As the great red roar in rage, the dragonspawns watch the fight of two titan size dragons. The two dragons then rose on their hind legs and grapple, trying to push the other down. As Pyromalfic grins and push down, Amber look over to an unconcern Spike, "We've gotta-" "Do nothing," the others and the discovered ponies look surprise at a grinning Spike. Before any of them could speak, they watch as Everblight smirk before dropping backwards and putting a claw against his red brother's groin. As the red dragon is thrown, Everblight rolls before pouncing on his downed brother. "Everblight was the weakest of Toruk's children, so in order to defeat his bigger siblings-" "-he used strategy and tricks to win," as Twilight finish, Everblight dug his talons into his brother's back. As Pyromalfic still, Everblight pulls out a boulder size ruby with orange cracks that pulse with light. As the dragonspawns and ponies look at the athanc of the loser, Everblight winks at them before eating it. As they flinch back in surprise, the ancient dragon's body is cover in a beam of light. > Gatherings > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike sighs again before turning to the still form of Everblight. As the dragon migration had left, only he and twenty six dragonspawns remains. In addition to Chute and Amber, Garble and his crew of five stuck around with the excuse of needing to get stronger. Seeing Fumes and Shakes wrestling, he rose up and look over to the other eighteen young dragonspawns. Twin albino dragoness Frost and Gale curl under the shade of the Library and the golden Thrasher could be seen playing with young Chute. Soon, Amber and Garble trot over, "When is the 'true dragon' gonna wake up?" "When he fully wins," the pair raise an eyeridge while Spike frowns, "when a dragon eats another's heartstone, it becomes a battle of will." Looking over, they could see Everblight's pupil move behind the eyelid, "This means a weak dragon can gain an all powerful body by having a strong will." "So then," Amber looks at Spike with a gentler face, "who's winning, Papa Everblight or Pyromalfic?" "Who do you think," turning, the trio see Everblight opens his eyes glowing blue, "now who are these youngsters here?" As he rose, Spike flew up and lands on his shoulder as the twenty six dragonspawns crept before the pair. Hearing Spike call each one by name and committing them with appearance, Everblight nods before accessing his athanc. Feeling the amount of magic radiating of the old dragon, the young drew closer subconsciously. As flakes of blue energy rose from his body, the few ponies in the area step into the nearby building, "You have come to me by your own power. Allow me to show you my appreciation." As the dragonspawns drift to sleep, their bodies began to change. They increase in size and muscle tone, their scales harden and shift color, and they grow a second pair of arms. Horns and spike becomes longer and sharper. Those that had spades and arrow tips on their tail gain wickedly sharp tail blades while those with bone clubs gain spikes on them and those with thagomizers became jagged. As the transformation ends, the young dragonspawns blink before standing. Spike couldn't help noticing that Amber and Garble were roughly the same height as him. While the others did gain in size and girth, they still didn't reach his size. As he glide down, Garble began chuckling while flexing his arms, "Oh yeah, now that's what I'm talking bout!" "I feel so much stronger than before," the now lightish red scaled dragon turns towards Spike with a grin, "if what I feel is so much, how strong are you really?" "I won't have to teach you a lot," the group look over to the ancient as he brings his head down to give them a reassuring smile, "but I think I'll teach you something that all of my children can do that other dragonspawns couldn't." "I'm gonna teach how to use spells," seeing the surprise and excited glances, he smirk pridefully. Rising, he and the others began to head for the nearby quarry, "Now this first spell is vilzriquath or freeze and it's mostly use to stop enemies on the war field." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the girls, Spike and Amber boarded the train to Canterlot for the wedding, Garble shrug before glancing at the tall ancient being, "Hey pops, I've got a question." Seeing Everblight turn his head towards him, Garble once again feel a sense of awe at the thought that a true dragon would be such a size, "Why don't you attack the ponies...like back in the old days." "Mostly cause I don't need to," as he spoke, the various ponies and dragonspawns gather around him, "the other reason is that I feel...nostalgic." "I use to reign where the Crystal Empire once stood," seeing the questioning gaze, Everblight smile at them. The smile turns into a frown, catching many beings off guard, "I was foolishly arrogant, brutally tyrannical and overly paranoid." "It had gotten to the point where several of my kinsman were force to raise an army to either remove me peacefully or kill my form," the dragonspawns and ponies shudder at the thought of Everblight dying. As the old dragon look down, he snort at the comforting glances, "They only destroy my body, not my athanc...I got better." "Wait, so you died?" getting a nod from him, Amber look curiously at him, "but you seem so-" "Wise?" at her nod, Everblight chuckles before looking towards Canterlot, "that came with age...and the lost of my precious servants." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Meanwhile in the Everfree Forest, tall huts decorate the clearing as a group of a hundred fifty, seven foot tall anthromorphic reindeer pack up supplies. Each of them dress in dark hide that hides their modesty with breastplates and pauldrons of steel protects their upper body. Each of them carry pre-Crystal Empire glaidus made from steel, a bow made of black ironwood and arrows tipped with broadheads. As the leader of this all female group turns to her head towards the north, a young doe that barely came from fawnhood rush up towards her, "Mother, the last of the tribes have arrived." Smiling, she drag her daughter into an one arm hug, "Soon we'll meet our true lord, Miir." As the pair look over in the direction of Ponyville, the leader grasp a small splinter that glow a brighter blue. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike and Amber dive to the side and dodge a green beam. As soon as they Twilight began to speak out against Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, they been secretly searching for clues. Upon the imposter reveal, the pair have been going through their way to keep the changeling queen distracted while calling for help. As Shining Armor and Princess Cadance weaken the cluster of changelings, the roars of sixteen dragonspawns cause the invaders to scatter. As five changelings circle around Chute, she opens her mouth and spins incinerating them. As the queen flee, Spike looks over to Amber as she bites through the torso of a drone while bisecting another with her tail, "Amber! Bound and Gag!" Seeing her nod, the pair briefly dives forward before swooping in front of the fleeing queen and corralling her in a ring of fire. As she flinch back in fear, the pair begin to form an orb of flames. Soon the other changelings were either killed or capture and the other dragonspawns added their fire to the sphere. Vex nods towards the others and pounces on Queen Chrysalis as soon as the orb is dropped. Stunned by the one ton dragon knocking her down, anguish runs through her body as her horn snaps leaving her forehead bloody. As she goes limp, Spike frowns at the bulky Vex who simply looks down, "We didn't need to break her horn." "What do you plan on doing to her?" Celestia looks sorrowful at the young changeling. Feeling pity at the woman's powers being severed, she open her mouth only to hear wings and a sickly stench. As various changelings and ponies cough in disgust, Spike and the dragonspawns turn to see an older one drop down. The dragonspawn lack legs but made up for it with a streamline form and two pairs of wings. Black scales cover his body with orange underscales and wing webbing. Slowly, he walks over with head held high, "I'm looking for Spike, head spawn for Everblight." As he walks forward, the dragonspawn nods respectfully at him, "I am Solnar...and my leader has called the broods." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scootaloo's jaw drops as several hundred bipedal reindeers walk out from the Everfree forest. While a few are dress in full plate armor, the mass majority don hide clothing with steel breastplate. Many carry bows and gladius however, those in full plate carry large one edge longsword that curves like a Neighponese katana. Slowing down, the newcomer gaze at the town in curiosity. Eventually, a young doe in hide armor look over to the preteen with a smile, "Excuse me, but have you seen a giant white dragon?" As the orange and purple pony points further in town, Miir nods before they swiftly dash into the town with beaming smiles. Jumping over and sliding under obstacles, they gaze at a pair of small dragonspawns flying above them. Soon they're greeted by the sight of Everblight laying on his stomach, talking to an elderly mare with grayish amber coat and a gray mane, "And that is why father will never be able to leave his island." "Well that's comforting," Mayor Mare sigh in relief before glancing to her left, "oh my...um Welcome to Ponyville. How may I help you?" "I believe they're here for me," Everblight rose slowly, bones cracking and a glow under his scales, "it's been a long time since I've seen any sign of my old legion." "...We thought you were dead," an elderly buck gaze up at the dragon, tears spilling from near blinded eyes. As more dragonspawns landed on the buildings, the reindeers slowly walk closer. At first, only a few would touch the rough scales fearing that it was a trick of the eyes. Soon however, more and more of them would brush a hand against scale with one or two of them going as far as to hug a digit. While they felt a great burden lift from them, the old buck simply smile before laying down and closing his eyes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As Twilight and the others board the train, Amber, Vex and Puff flew the broken changeling queen into the Everfree. Dropping her in a cavern, Amber looks over to the pair, "So gentledrakes, ya'll aware of the plan right?" Seeing the two nod, she sighs before trotting out, "Good, I'll make sure the ground is properly protected and hidden." "Ya'll make sure tha the runes preventing her from calling the hive works," as they nod, Amber walks fully out and marks the way to the cavern with a wing and dragon head carving. Once outside, she slinks around the area making sure that no creature living or not would come close. Once done and looking around carefully, she walks over to a sapling and dig out a hollow under its root, 'Never thought we would get such a chance so soon.' 'Sorry little ponies,' after placing a sliver of Everblight's athanc between the roots, she fully cover them before heading back towards the cave, 'but it's for yer own safety.' Walking in the cave and seeing the two nod their head, she walks over to the waking changeling before taking out a vial and tilting Chrysalis's head back, "Drink up, ya littl monster." "We're gonna make ya work off those yer brood ended up killin." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Meanwhile, Spike and the others return to Ponyville to see tall reindeer beings walking through the streets. "What the hey is going on," Rainbow Dash look over as a pair of does, one with a long bow and the other with a sword longer than most ponies are tall, walk out from Sugarcube Corner, "where did they come from?" "We came from everywhere," the six ponies and light purple dragonspawn turn to see a doe dress in hides and steel armor, a small blue crystal dangling from her neck, approach them and Spike, "from the Frozen North to the Hayseed Swamp, we came from everywhere." "Once our liege awoken thanks to you," turning to Spike, she hugs him fully with a smile, "I am Vayl, the elected leader of the Reindeer Nomads and descendant of the first Vayl." Soon enough, the group of eight move towards the center of town and see Everblight wide awake, "Spike! How was the wedding?!" "I help stop an invasion," the pair of draconic beings laugh loudly as the others shake their head amused, "there were royal guards, changeling savages and proclamations of love!" "So you finally told Amber that you love her?" chuckling as a blushing Spike shake his head, he waits for Spike to land on his shoulder, "eh don't worry kid, you'll woo her soon enough!" Seeing the perturb glance around, he frowns, "What's the matter my child?" Ignoring the shock faces of the reindeers at how he's address as, Spike looks over at the ancient, "Bl-Blighterghast has called all true dragons to him." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The pair flew to Gondwana, homeland to the zebra along with Garble, Amber and Vayl. Once the dragoness approach with a simple remark of tasks done, Everblight turn to Miir and gave her command of the striders and archers while Tryiss took control of the legionnaires and swordsarms before telling Vayl to climb his back. They've flown over the large ocean for days with the dragonspawns resting on his back to sleep. Soon, they cross over land and began their long trek to the large indomitable volcano. Several dragons and dragonspawns liter the volcano that could host a even greater number than what were. Feeling Vayl tap his shoulder, he looks at where she's pointing before spiraling to land. As they land, a feminine voice chime from behind them, "My, my is that you Ethrunbal?" Turning, they see a spiny dragon that reaches Everblight's chest and can't decide to be silver or black, "My spawns haven't seen you in over a millennium...you use to be shorter than me." "Halfang, beloved sister," ignoring the playful pout and deadly spikes, he pulls her into a hug that she gleefully return, "you look more and more enchanting with each turn." "What about us?/Where's my death grip?" Chuckling, he turns to see a black dragon and an oil covered dragon before greeting them, "Charsang, Ashnephos, you two actually come to these things?" "That's what I said," turning, the group watch a dragon with one arm towards them with a smirk, "and who are these little whelps?" "This Vayl, leader of my servants descendants and no," rolling his eyes, the white and brown dragon slide into a lava pool as the other narrow their eyes, "I'm not going to try to conquer the world again." "That's good," every pair of eyes turn to Blighterghast lands in the largest lake of lava with a serious face, "I would hate to fight you and Father at the same time." > Preparation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight watch as Everblight shout out orders. No pony has been able to speak to him since he and the others return from the zebra homeland of Gondwana. Finally, Spike stalk over to her scales and claws brittle from lack of sleep, "Spike, what's going on?" "Sorry Twi," the purple dragonspawn sigh as he sits beside her, head drooping low and eyes barely staying open, "we've just gotten bad news." "The bad is that all dragons are in a state of war," seeing several ponies shiver, Spike nods somberly, "Everblight is in a fragile alliance with five other true dragons against who knows how many other dragons." "There can't be that many," Fluttershy begin to hyperventilate, eyes wide in fear and wings lock to her back, "there's not that many mountains on the planet, Twilight look at a map." Spike cringe knowing the next words would be her undoing, "I hate to tell you this...but most of the true dragons had gone to ground in the most literal sense." As she faints in fear, Rainbow Dash glare at the drake, "Ya had to say it like THAT?!" "She still trying to get use to all these dragons!" before she could get into his face, Applejack pulled on her arm. Twilight looks over as a group of reindeers led by Miir walk over with grim face, "Um, Spike?" As he turns to them, they talk in soft whispers causing the girls to frown. Watching him nod and the reindeer head towards the Everfree, Twilight sighs before looking at him, "I'm not going to ask what that was, I understand military secrets." "We'll just let you know that we're heading out," as Spike head twist to them, they flinch as his vertebrates crack, "Princess Celestia ask me to head to the Crystal Empire to help Cadance and my brother." "Not without Spike, you're not," seven heads turn to Everblight as he turn to them, "last time I was there, there was still dark magic and necromancy in the area." Ignoring Twilight mention of a test, he look over to the young dragonspawn, "Son, you and four other dragonspawns go with them." "If anything without a pulse come close to them, light 'em up," as Spike took of, Everblight looks down at the six frowning, "what is wrong with you, you're the Elements of Harmony!" "If something happens to you, then ponykind will be doom until new ones can be found," sighing as the young women look down guiltily, he motion for a reindeer to give each of them a dagger. While the others shift nervously, Twilight and Fluttershy check the weight before sheathing the blade. As Everblight nods and turns to issue orders to a group of reindeer hex hunters, Spike returns with Amber, Chute, Clump and Thrasher, "Let's go Twi...it's been sometime since we've been on a journey together." With a soft smile and a nod, the group of eleven boarded the train heading North. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vex and Puff move into the cave system as a long drawn out scream tore through the area. The purple drake snort before moving into the room as Chrysalis drops limp in her chains. The dragonspawn look around, seeing the many eggs before he and Puff began the long task of moving them to a separate area. Ignoring the begging of the disgrace queen, they gather six eggs each at a time before walking out the room as a group of reindeers enter to gather the eggs. The eggs are place in two separate chambers, one with a glowing blue pool and the other with a lake of blood. Within minutes the eggs in the blue chamber begins hatching while the others, more numerous eggs, in the blood room will take over a day before they're all hatch. Vex look over as the newly hatch stumbles across the floor with a smirk. A parody of dragon and changeling, it will stands on its hind legs while using its tail as a counter balance. It and its fellow will have dragon like wings, clawed hands and dragon like heads. As the small creature looks up, Vex feels the mind of Everblight touch over him, "Good, the first generation of nephilims are developing well." "Now, I need you, Puff and Shakes to continue to provide more genetic materials for the changeling," nodding his head, Vex notice that the nephilims already beginning to stand, "let me know of any complications you discover." Feeling him leave his mind, Vex sigh before looking down at the white scaled dragonspawn, "Ya came at a bad time kid...but I'll do my best to help ya." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Meanwhile in the blood room, Puff glance at the being before him. Thanks to the blight, the child look like a hybrid of reindeer and dragon instead of changeling. Pale brown fur covers his body as he try to stand on cloven hooves before tumbling. Wet wings flap uselessly before one of his brothers push him back to his hands. Mostly looking like a reindeer, the elegant antlers of a deer are replace with savage multipoint lances. The gentle face becoming disfigure in a sharp tooth grimace. "The Grotesques seem to be developing well," simply nodding, he smirk as two of the blighted creature began to fight each other. They feel a pulse of blighted energy before it seem to trail off. Minutes pass before any being would move and they feel the rage emitting off of Everblight as he broke off the connection. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Garble moves forward with a purpose as he, six dragonspawns, five groups of hex hunters and three groups of strider blightblades move through the underground tunnels. It had taken sometime to find the entrance to the diamond dog city and they've begun hunting for the alpha. Garble smirk as he jumps over two guards and slams two of his hands down, blood flowing from the gaping hole in their chest. The team continues to rush forward as civilians jump out of their way and guards try to stop them. Soon they come across the alpha as he steps out with an entourage of warrior. The black furred canine growl at the reindeers and holds up a great axe in one hand, "Why you here? Reindeers no need us." "Your right," Garble walk over to the dog with a smile while the others grip their weapons tighter, "we want to ensure that you and your pack remain out of this upcoming war." "How?" "By giving you three choices," Garble glare at the diamond dog before turning to the masses, "you can leave this place and go deeper in hiding where you may meet a true dragon that'll enslave you, you can work with us and have lands all to yourself." "Or you can fight us here in now...and we will kill all those who fight us before taking the survivors," the diamond dogs look around, muttering amongst themselves, "so what...is your choice?" The silence blanket the area before with a great roar, the alpha lifts his great axe and swung. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the girls and dragonspawns travel to the Crystal Empire, Spike began to truly look at the ponies. Twilight still looks the same since leaving for Ponyville although she gain three inches and her bra size grew from C to D cup. The others remain mostly the same with Applejack standing at five foot ten with broader shoulders, flat hips and E cup breasts. Rainbow is lean in form with little curvature standing at five foot five with B cups, which is average for such an active flyer. Both Pinkie Pie and Rarity stands at five foot three, although Pinkie Pie has an apple body type with DD cup breasts and Rarity has an hourglass figure with E cup breasts. Finally, Fluttershy defies everything known about pegasi. She stands at six foot flat making her the tallest recorded pegasus, has a full hourglass figure that makes her a slow flyer and uses F cup bras. He blinks before smiling as Everblight chuckles echo into his mind, "Fluttershy must have some of the old blood in her. Pegasi used to be much taller back some three to four thousand years ago." 'Is this a cheek up or are you just saying hi,' tearing his eyes away from his friends, he notice Amber nestle close to him with a smile. Feeling his amusement through the link, Spike blushes before turning away, 'So what's up.' "Everything is going as expected, the grotesques and nephilims will be ready by the time you return," Spike could feel the teasing smile on the dragon's face, "but if you feel the need to take your time for some...excursion, we'll understand." Spike begin to choke on his breath to the amusement of Everblight and the curiosity of the girls, "That being said, I need you to look for a sliver of my athanc while your there and either retrieve it or destroy." "It is most likely the reason behind its disappearance," blinking, he frowns with understanding, "aye, it is a good way to do many things, enslave the living, extend one's lifespan...increase fertility." "What was that about?" Twilight look over to a blushing Spike with a raise eyebrow. As he opens his mouth, Amber snuggle deeper to his side with a soft moan, making his blush deepen, "Never mind, I think I have an inkling." The group turn as one as a conductor step into their car, "Terribly sorry but we can't go further." "Well why ever not, surely you're not going to make us go on hoof." "Sorry but the train literally can't go any further," at the raise eyebrow and frowns, he starts to sweat, "we've been trailing forward on ice cover rails and it's starting to get worse up ahead." "I'm sorry but you'll have to move forward on your own." The group of eleven watch as the train slowly back away, the ponies shivering at the subarctic temperature. Spike covers Twilight with a wing earning him a smile as she moves closer to his warmth. As Amber use her to cover Rarity and Chute and Thrasher covers Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, Twilight looks at her friends with a serious face, "Alright everypony, lets hurry and hope to Celestia that we make it their safely." The group nods before beginning their trek, unaware of the armored pony behind them watching them intently. The stallion stood at six foot five and had an athletic build. His two tone shade of scarlet eyes glow a sickly green and his mane a black that devour any and all light. His skin, when there was any, a dark gray and to his side a ebony scythe with a glowing blue crystal attach to the other end. As he glare at the group, his eyes lock on Twilight as dark thoughts cross his mind, "...Kill the dragons if you want but I want the purple unicorn alive." Clicking sounded from behind him as several skeletal ponies in heavy armor and wielding strange great axe rose from a kneeling position. Grinning to himself, he look over to the group as the undead warriors strides forward before handing a dart filled with unknown substance to an undead reindeer and walking away, "Should they fail, you know what to do." Clump stops, feeling as if some creature was just watching him. Before the others could say anything, he took to the air and see a group of three skeletons in heavy armor and wielding axes came from the frozen forest, "Bane Knights!" As Spike curse before pushing Twilight away with a comment to hide, the others took to wing before diving at the group of undead. Spike charge forward, his mouth open in a roar as he jumps at one of the bane knights. It only had enough time to look in his direction before he crush its neck between serrated teeth. Dropping the headless corspe, he swing his bladed tail to deflect the axes that bared down at his head. A his rumble from his chest as he launch a gout of fire at the pair, armor melting over the bones before those burst into flames. As he finish, he gaze at his fellow to see how their fight was going Chute and Thrasher bites into the last of their foes and pull, tearing the undead apart in a surprising affection display before licking each others' wounds. Clump was beating one of the undead back to death with two of his comrades, all the while singing a new day draconic war hymn that got the others pumped. Turning to Amber, he notice one of the bane knights rising and charge forward. As the bane knight bore its axe down, it cleave into Spike's front right claw. Pushing back, he force the undead pony on its back before crushing the skull underclaw. With a shrill roar, Amber stab her tail blade through the skull and out its pelvis. As she look over curiously, Spikes steps forward with slitted eyes, "Wha are ya-HMPH!?" The dragonspawns look on in amusement as Spike pulls the shock dragonspawn deeper into the kiss. As the pair pull away, a scream broke between them, "TWILIGHT!!" While the dragons were fighting, the girls hid behind a group of trees. Each flinching while waiting for the dragonspawns to return, they hope that none of them are hurt. Unnoticed to them, the undead doe stalks through the forest with a blowgun in one hand and a sword in the other. Locking onto the purple unicorn, she sneaks to the right of her and brings the blowgun up to her lips before firing. "What the hey?" Twilight flinch as she feels something pierce her stomach. The others turn to face her as she reach down and pulls out a dart. As the others open their mouth to speak, she feels a burning feeling as if somepony was trying to melt her from the inside out before kneeling. While the others began panicking, Fluttershy notice a reindeer with exceptionally pale lips before glaring and grabbing her and Twilight's dagger, "How-How dare you HURT MY FRIEND?!" Leaping forward, she stabs at the undead reindeer only to be deflected by the sword. The siren swung at the tall pegasus but Fluttershy ducks under the swing and slash at the doe's arm, severing it. The pair broke off before the usually timid threw her dagger forward making the deer duck down. As the doe rise, Fluttershy kick the sword out of opponents hand before drilling the dagger in between the reindeer's antler. The others jaw drop before Pinkie Pie look over, "Well that's a thing." They flinch back as Twilight scream in pain, beads of sweat trickling from her head as she drifts into unconsciousness. In a flap of wings, Spike and the other dragonspawns landed with snarls across their muzzles. Looking over the knocked out unicorns, Spike begins to growl only to be interrupted by Amber, "Stop Spike, you can get angrier or you can get her help." Looking over to Clump, she motion over to the purple unicorn, "Can you carry her until we get to the city?" As he nods, Spike look over to Fluttershy with a relieve expression and a nod. As they began moving again, Fluttershy notice a emerald that wasn't there minutes ago before reaching for it as Spike enter conversation with Everblight. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Everblight frowns at Spike's report before sighing, "There wasn't much you could do son, it was a lose lose situation." "Say you did go to them," interrupting Spike before the young dragonspawn could think of an argument, "then Amber would have died from the attack." "In this case, you did the best you could in the situation," sighing, Everblight notice Princesses Celestia and Luna walk into Ponyville frowning, "just make sure that she's alright and complete your task as soon as possible, even if you have to eat the damn thing, don't let any of the undead get that athanc sliver or we'll lose the North." Disconnecting from the mind link, he brace himself against an angry alicorn, "WHAT THE BUCK IS THIS ABOUT TWILIGHT BEING INJURIED?!" "YOU SAID THAT SHE WOULD BE SAFE AWAY UP THERE AN-" "SILENCE!" the alicorn held her ears to stop the ringing before glaring at the dragon, "she is still alive, like I said she would be." "As soon as you sent up North, I couldn't promise her safety and I told you so," Everblight watches her swell up before she slouch with tears in her eyes. Uncaring of watching eyes, he wrap her in a winged hug as she took a shuddering breath, "Y-You're right...I'm sorry about that." "Don't mention it," letting her remain curled in his wings, he look to the Crystal Empire with a glare, "although I wonder what 'King' Sombra injected into little Twilight." "Ye-I mean, you believe us?" Luna look up at the mountainous dragon with curious eyes. This has been the first time she meet the dragon as herself and not as Nightmare Moon. Looking over the formerly sleeping dragon, she truly believe the tale of him being so ancient. Everblight scoff before looking to the West for some reason, "My father would never let one of his generals die so easily." He seem to ignore the shock eyes of the two alicorn princesses, "If I was a Sombra made immortal through necromancy and fashion myself a king...then I would make sure that my lineage could continue." "But he has no children." "There are more ways to ensure that your genes carry over to the next age," Everblight nods at her, while Princess Celestia felt a shiver creep up her spine, "one is rape, which he can't do as an undead, and the other is artificial insemination." The two princesses look panicky at each other before flinching at the dragon, "Don't even think about it. Even when I was a mass murderer...I would not attack an unborn child." "Who knows, the kid may do great and honorable things in the future," blinking, he smile as Garble flew over, "welcome back son." "Mission accomplish pops," the small lightish red drake smile before laying on his large back, "we won't have to worry about the diamond dogs." Before he could congratulate him, he felt Spike over the mental link, "Um dad...we may have a problem." Seeing what he see, Everblight first flinch before smiling widely, "Perfect! When you're done up there, bring him here." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On a chain of island in the middle of nowhere, an undead raven flew into the keep. Dodging under bannisters and around rotted pillars, it swoop down the stairs before landing on a large mass. Twin jets of green fire roast the creature, as the mass move revealing a black scaled dragon with glowing green eyes rising briefly from its slumber. "The time...is not yet nigh," the dragon's decidedly male voice echo through the keep as undead servants attend to his great body. Briefly considering waking fully, he decides to close his eyes again in rest, "Soon my children, Sombra...you will know why one does not mess...with a GOD!" With that, Toruk the dragonfather went back to his slumber. Meanwhile on mountain range far from civilization, a tall mare turn to the South with a frown, "Brother...Thou shalt not prosper." "I will rather strike thee down...then allow ye harm mine children," a wind blew at her cloak, revealing armor underneath. Tilting her head back reveals goldish gray skin, glowing artic blue eyes, amaranth mane and the long horn, her face coiling into a sneer, "And not only I but thine children, my nieces and nephews will gladly assist me in this endeavor." "So go back to rest, abomination," large wings open wide as a sword of pure life force glow on her hip, "and know that ye wilt never threaten this world." Turning in the rough direction of Ponyville, she smile, 'Perhaps...I shalt be greedy and see to mine offspring.' With a soft chuckle, she drew the cloak over her again before beginning her long walk. > A Wild Lich Appears > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once Spike and the others reach the crystal empire, Fluttershy took the time to look at the strange gem. That when she heard a voice from it. “I am Asphyxious. The Iron Lich. If you need my aid, just take this token and call my name.” Looking at the others to see if they heard the voice, she frowns as they argue about the merit of continuing before deeply into the gem, “Um excuse me Mr. Asphyxious could you come over here...if you don’t mind that is?” A large portal opened up and gave everyone scare, that when Asphyxious and his warjack Seether and Bone jack Cankerworm walked out of the portal looking around. Asphyxious took the time to look around before staring at Spike. “What the, how and when did you get blighted?!” He asked. Spike turns a questioning gaze to the Lich before slowly taking a fighting stance, “There are two different types of dragons here, those that are born of Toruk...and those that are made from his children.” A proud smile cross the dragonspawns face as he thinks of his father figure, “My father Everblight has help me grow into the proud and strong drake I am.” “Back up… Everblight and Toruk are HERE!” Asphyxious roared as his body coat fire. His form changed and grow larger as a Large dark took his place. “I’LL EAT THAT BASTARD TORUK IF IT THE LAST THING I DO!” Asphyxious growled as smoke poured out of his maw. As the ponies took a few steps back, Spike and the other dragonspawns blink before Amber snorts in amusement, “Yea, ya gotta wait yer turn there.” “I mean, first off where the Tartarus did ya come from,” looking up at the figure, she contemplates the consequences of a free will thinking undead do who knows what in the world. “Right sorry, let me change into something less likely to eat you.” The dragon before them changed forms again, this time into a Human with white hair a tail and was ate feet tall. “Much better so, witch one of you was displaced? I know Flutter called me with my Token. Let me guess, you're the displaced right Spike?” He asked them only getting looks of confusion. “Umm, what do you mean by displace,” Spike look questioningly at the others before sighing as they shrug, “let me call dad, if anything either dragon or pony knows, it’ll be him.” Closing his eyes, Spike trust his friends to watch his back before linking minds with Everblight, ‘Hey umm dad...we may have a problem.’ Feeling the ancient dragon stir and look through his memories, he blinks in surprise when the old dragon told him to bring the Lich when he returns. Looking at the being, Spike smile nervously, “Sorry about that but dad said that the mission Twilight is on is too important.” “That fine with me kido, let me help after all. Now I’m here might as well help out. Come on Seether and Cankerworm we got work to do!” Asphyxious calls the two jacks to his side as he smiled at everyone. “My name Asphyxious Hellbringer, King of the diamond dogs and devour of Everblight.” He then bowed to the group. Clump chuckle while shaking his head, “Yeah, the old man is gonna have a great laugh with ya.” “Or try to see if you can truly be called a dragon,” holding out his fist to the undead, he waits patiently while the others roll their eyes in amusement, “names Clump, one of many dragonspawns that is adopted...by Everblight.” “Hmmm, interesting. Never meet a dragonspawn that could talk. But it nice to meet you.” Asphyxious replied giving Clump a fist bump. “So what this mission you all was on about?” Spike sighs before looking at their recently made ally, “For Twilight and the girls, they have to ensure that the Crystal Empire is in perfect condition as well as help out Shining Armor and Cadance with an inventory.” “Meanwhile, we drakes and dragoness have to both protect them and...either retrieve or destroy one of Everblight’s athanc.” “Right… Better keep that away from me then. I may try and eat it.” Asphyxious added as he rubs the back of his neck. “I’ve already found one by Pinkie Rock farm back home and that was… Interesting…” “Just asking as our father would, Bow Chicka Bow Wow?” the younger dragoness tilts her head like a puppy before smiling widely while pointing at herself and the gold dragons, “OH YEAH, I’m Chute and this is my mate Thrasher.” “...Okay now I have to meet this Everblight after this, because it sounds like he's the displaced of this world. Huh, didn’t think I’d meet a displaced of Everblight before.” Asphyxious said rubbing his chin in thought. “Also nice to meet you two.” “Right then, let’s hurry up inside those gates,” Rarity pace past the group with a frown on her face, “a lady shouldn’t have to deal with this much cold weather and we still need to find out what hit Twilight!” “Twilight got hurt?” Asphyxious asked looking her over. “Hmmm, where did she get hit and with what?” “Around her lower stomach area although it seem to be pointed more to her pelvis,” Fluttershy pulls out the dart, “and an undead reindeer use this on her.” Asphyxious took the dart and looked it over as he started to think. “And Fluttershy just SNAPS,” Pinkie Pie grab onto the Lich’s shoulder with wide eyes, “she was all like WACHA, HIIYAH AND ORA!!!” “To be fair miss Pie, I would have done the same thing only eaten them.” Asphyxious replied as he slowly had a realization on what the dart was for, but kept it to himself. There was no need to worry them over something that may not happen. “So what do you bring to this party,” Thrasher spoke, his voice much quieter than most other dragons, “I mean we’re mostly single combat or can fight up to ten bipedal opponents each with a few draconic spells, while Fluttershy and Rarity have some experience with taking care of wounds...but that’s pretty much it.” “Guys, we really should hurry,” Clump looks up as the purple unicorn shiver with a groan, “I want to get her somewhere safe before we have three alicorns, a unicorn, our alpha dragonspawn as well as Everblight get ticked at us for not making sure she’s healing.” “Right, let go.” Asphyxious added as his warjacks followed him. As the group trek on, several mindless undead, from ponies to reindeers and diamond dogs, would cross their way before seemingly going away. “Why in the world, are they not attacking us now?! They seem to want nothing more than to chew the flesh from our bones when we got here,” Rainbow Dash growls before nuzzling closer to Chute to warm up. Asphyxious saw this and just smiled at them. “It might have to do with me, I am the only warcaster here. So there master must want to know why two Cryxean warjacks are under my control.” Asphyxious said as he looked at the undead as they moved away even more from his gase. Spike look over to Amber before the pair smirk, Spike opening his mouth, “I’m liking you more and more.” “Once the other dragons fight Toruk, I’m putting you forward to have your own brood here,” tapping his chin with a talon before looking over at Amber, “we’ll probably have to destroy pop’s athanc so the real question is...who’s going to eat the damn thing?” “One thing at a time, one thing at a time.” Asphyxious added as they walked. “Let’s find it, then worry about who going to eat it.” As the dragonspawns nod, they turn their gaze to the gates before them and the pair of guards standing at attention. The two took a glance at Spike before saluting, “SIR, welcome to the Empire...we’ve been expecting you since Garble and four other dragonspawns arrived.” As the pair of guards open the gate, Amber looks between the Lich and one of the crystal ponies, “The Lich is with us, he’s vital to operations.” “That things a Lich?” Asked the other guard looking at Asphyxious and his human like form. “Huh, he still looks alive to me.” “Just call me a dragolich if it helps.” Asphyxious replied as he walked past the guards with his warjack, Cankerworm hissed at the guards before following it master. The dragonspawns could hear the hush whisper of the first guard as the pair glance at each other, “For a Lich, he seems alright...better than Sombra and his weird as Tartarus scythe.” “I know, the damn thing could bring back the dead,” the other cut his eyes as though the mad king would return, “there’s also that weird way he spoke to his ‘master’ as if it was some form of god.” “I’m just glad he ain’t here anymore, he can keep that scythe, his undead slaves and those weird crystals.” “What crystals?” Asphyxious asked as he stopped walking, then looked back at the guards. “They're supposedly the hearts of dragons if ya believe such a rumor,” the first guard snorts in amusement while looking at his partner, “he had stolen a large blue sliver of gem to use for a hidden blade in the end of his scythe and has a collection of other gems in various sizes.” As the guards took their places, Amber look over to Spike before he shook his head, “I sent what we heard to dad but he’s busy.” “With what,” as soon as the words flew from her mouth, a loud roar echoes through the landscape as two mountain size dragons one black and orange with the other white and brown glide over the city. As they flew further North, cries of anger erupts as one of the old mountains broke apart as a pair of dragons of equaling size fly to meet them in battle, “...oh, well shit.” “Oh this is going to be fun.” Asphyxious commented as he called on his Bane Knights, who were a mix of pony, griffon and Diamond dog. “There a collision of athanc stones in this city. Find them and show us the way.” The Bane Knights scattered as they went off to look for the stones. Groaning, Twilight blearly rose up and rub her eyes. Looking down at Clump, she smile softly, “Thanks Clump, you’re a great friend and any dragoness would be happy to have you.” Ignoring the blush, she turns and looks up at the bipedal figure before her, “...Okay I give, what are you?” “Well, I guess I could say I used to be human, then thanks to Toruk I was turned into a Iron Lich before being sent to equestria. Then got hit by the elements as my daughter was with me. So now I’m a mix between dragon, Lich and changeling. But I’m more dragon than the other two.” Asphyxious replied with a smile. “Wow that is interesting...but now my other question is where are you from,” tilting her head back, she grimace as her head felt spilt, “and does anypony have a tylenol?” While the dragonspawns shook their head, Pinkie Pie reach into her mane before pulling out a bottle. With a smile, she places one in her hand, “So what happen while I was...incapacitated?” “Fluttershy went ripper on the undead that hit you with the dart,” Rainbow Dash smile playfully at a blushing Fluttershy, “she cuts off the arm of the reindeer before stabbing through her skull with your dagger.” “I’ll save that for when we meet Everblight.” Asphyxious replied. As he looked off to one side as if someone was talking to him. Spike feels before he hears the sound of a heavy object hitting the ground at high speed before, with the heavy flap of wings, Everblight and Blighterghast headed for Ponyville, “Well dad and Uncle Blighterghast seem done on their end so let’s get to work.” “But first we need to meet up with Garble and the others,” looking at the ponies, he seem to hesitate, “Chute, you and Thrasher go grab the others while Amber, Garble and I will help Asphyxious find and take care of the athancs.” As the three dragonspawns and six mares left, Spike look to the Iron Lich with a smirk while singing, “Do you want to kill a tyrant?” “Been there done that, don’t mind doing it again.” Asphyxious replied pulling out his cutlass. “Let do this.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Garble turn as he see the ponies walk in with his old friend Clump, the runt and her boytoy, “Where’s Spike and ya big, sis runt?” “Wouldn’t ya like to know brute?” the pair smile at each other before Chute points behind her, “he wants you to go to him and help him, sis and a new friend retrieve some athanc.” “Don’t you mean destroy?” seeing her shake her head, he sighs before looking at Puff, Shakes, Vex and Fumes, “alright, if they strong enough, we might have some allies in this war, Guys, she’s in charge until I get back or the missions are done whichever comes first.” As he took off into the air, he keeps an eye open for his rival, “How fucking hard is it to find two dragonspawns and a...that’s not a pony. What the fuck is that?” Shrugging his shoulder, he close his wings before diving at the trio with the wind whistling behind him. “Well, my Bane Knights found nothing but I think I know where the stones could be.” Said Asphyxious as he started to walk to the castle. “Keep up please, I don’t want to eat them all by mistake.” As Spike and Amber walks forward, they hear the wind whistling before ducking with a sigh as a red mass swoop from behind the group, “Hey Garble/Sup Garb.” “Yo Spike, Amb, tall biped guy,” smirking at the trio, the lightish red dragonspawn lands beside them before walking at the set pace, “heard ya needed me.” “Eyup...for meat shield duty,” Spike and Garble glare at each before chuckling at each other. Asphyxious said nothing as they walked, he seemed to be thinking about something. “Ya sense somethin big guy?” Amber turn to the Lich with a worried glance. “Hmm? Oh, nothing just… Thinking.” Asphyxious replied before looking annoyedly at the doors to the castle. Before whispering. “Shut up.” “Let me guess,” Garble grumble with his tailblade lashing at the ground, “you feel Toruk wake before drifting back to sleep.” “If that what that feeling was then yes, also talking to Sombra who living inside my head… Yes I felt they did need to know that.” Asphyxious replied to Sombra as he opened the doors. Leaving the dragonspawn to look at each other. “Do you have a rough idea where the athancs are,” Spike glare around him as shuffling and groans are heard. A large group of undead ponies and reindeers walk out in heavy armor wielding axes or dual curve swords. “Look at that Bane Knights, I could use something like them.” Asphyxious said as he cast Hellfire on one of them as they caught fire. “Remind me to bind some of their souls after this.” “Sure, we’re not going to use them,” Garble grins before jumping into a group and bisecting several with his tail blade. As one, the three dragonspawns unleash a torrent of fire catching several more on fire before they split off. “Well, Seether, Cankerworm go back and keep the girls safe. I’m going to have some fun.” Asphyxious ordered as he walked up to the undead, as he changed into his Lich form. “Look at me and despair.” He roared swing his large sword into the undead. Slowly, Spike climbs up the rafters before grabbing one of the bane knights by the ankle and throwing it into Garble who slice it half without glancing back. One of Asphyxious Bane knights cuts another down before yelling. “For Lord Asphyxious” “Gotta love the enthusiasm...can’t wait for the other projects to be ready,” Amber smile before jumping over to the Lich, “we’re not gettin anywhere with this, we gotta head to the inner sanctum...he’s probably waiting for us there.” “OUT OF MY WAY!” Asphyxious roared as he cuting down undead and casting spells like crazy. One undead landed on Spike's head as it was cut in half. “By Everblight’s Fangs, IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BURN THAN GET UNDER COVER,” rising above the crowd, Spike engulfs his body in blue, green and red fire before slamming down and making a wave of flames wash away from him. Once it was over Asphyxious was nowhere to be seen until he poked his head out of a wall. “Little close there.” He said as Asphyxious came out of the wall like a ghost. As Spike sheepishly chuckle, a dark presence covers the room as the Lich formerly known as Sombra walks into the room ‘with a sneer, “Should have known you can’t trust anypony to do the work but yourself.” “I should have killed you reptiles myself instead-” “Somebrareo! I have someone who love to meet you.” Asphyxious said as he stabs his sword into the ground and opened a dark portal. That when something came out dressed in armor, wielding a large mace with crystal spikes on it. “Meet Bane Lord Sombra.” The dragonspawns look between the two Sombras before Spike nods his head, ”Oh yes, I’m bringing you to dad as soon as we can.” “What I want to know is where is Princess Cadance?” Garble blinks at the two dragonspawns and the Lich, “Well I don’t want to kill our friends toy so I’ll go and look for the athancs.” The Bane Lord roared before swing his mace into the floor as black spikes of crystal shot out of the floor. Heading for the Lich Sombra. Slashing his scythe before him, the Lich disperse of the spikes before thrusting out his fist and black lightning erupts at his undead foe. Asphyxious however swings his sword into the lightning as he stands in the way. “You really didn’t think this would be a fair fight?” Asphyxious asked as he casted a spell along with the Bane Lord. “Once this is over, I’ll enjoy taking your magic and then I’ll take over Asphyxious body!” roared the Bane lord as Asphyxious rolls his eyes at this. “Who says I’m fighting alone,” as Sombra smirk, a dead dragonspawn rose from below Asphyxious and threw him into the sky before breathing fire at the Bane lord, “Lord Toruk would never let his best general ever be without a trump card or two.” As he says this, a second dragonspawn rose up only for Spike to latch onto its neck with fangs and claws. “HA, you. Don’t make me laugh.” Asphyxious said after landing. “You don’t even fall into the ranks of a Lich Lord. You're not even a Iron Lich…” The Bane Lord Sombra rized up from Asphyxious shadow with a smirk of his own. “Let me ask you this, if you’re his best where the Deathjack?” As Sombra stammer at the twist of words, Spike drags the undead dragonspawn up by its neck glaring down at the abomination, “Die and return to the leylines!” Taking a deep breath, Spike breathes a large beam of fire that slowly decapitates the undead drake. Snarling at the angering Lich, Spike dove to the Lich’s scythe wielding hand, ‘Hope dad will forgive me.’ As Sombra glare at his counterpart, he doesn’t notice the drake flying towards him, “You insolent worm. I have conquer in his name, killed in his name and drove my people INSANE in his name...and you believe me expandable!?” “And unlike you, I commanded an army!” Asphyxious replied as his Bane knights came out of the floor and drove their weapons into the undead dragon. “Unlike you, I’ve taken the Deathjack for myself! And unlike you, I know true suffering!” Asphyxious roared as he and the Bane Lord charged forward and cut and smash into the undead dragon body. As the mad king rose his scythe, he feels a sharp pull on his arm as it’s bitten clean off from the shoulder while Spike flew up and swallow the athanc. Slowly, the many undead that dwell in the castile turn towards him, rage filled in their eyes before slowly closing around him, “Wh-What are you doing?! I am your MASTER!” “You didn’t bind their souls properly, you left them with their minds intact. And their hate for you, what you have done and made them do.” Asphyxious replied smugly. “Now, they want you to die.” The tide of undead grab onto Sombra’s form as he kick at them, demanding they release him. Slowly a reindeer warwitch siren walk over with a smile and nods at a bane knight that gives her his axe, “This for my children, my husband and for forcing me away from my liege.” With one swing, the screaming lich’s roll from his body as the group of undead cheer. Vengeance was their. Asphyxious and the Bane Lord Sombra look over the body of the lich. Asphyxious reached down and pulled the chest open and pulled out his core. The thing that holds the Lich soul. “What do you think? Want a roommate?” “No.” The Bane Lord replied coldly. Before returning to Asphyxious shadow, the Lich Lord shrugs before crushing the soul cage in his hand and watched as the soul left the cage. The undead, from ponies to diamond and a lone dragonspawn, look over at the Iron Lich before each of them nods and took a knee, “My Lord and Liege, we serve until the world rots beneath you.” “Ummm, what?” Asphyxious ask confusion. As he looks at everyone, before looking to Spike. “Don’t look at me,” the smirk on his face was echo by Garble and Amber laughter, “we don’t own the undead...besides can you really turn down volunteers.” A pair of mostly intact reindeer sisters looks up at the lich with sad puppy dog eyes and slightly trembling lips. “Sigh, I guess I have to take them. Looks like Ava going to get more business from me.” Asphyxious replied as he looked up. “Ok, let's meet Everblight.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the group disembark from the train, they see the winged form of Nephilims and Grotesques dot the sky while reindeers and a few diamond dogs patrol the ground. Heading towards the center of town, the towering form of Everblight could be seen talking to the reindeer leader, “We need to amp up the patrols and gather more full fledge dragonspawns.” “I want this country more locked up and safe than Celestia hidden cake pantry,” the female reindeer look up with a delicate eyebrow raise, “...yes I did break in but she didn’t have to throw a sword into my eye.” “I think we have company,” the dragon blinks at the reindeer before looking down at the dragonspawns, ponies and the Lich with his army. “Son it’s good to see you,” leaning his head down, he raise an eyeridge at the being before him, “I’ve been on this world since I was born as Toruk son, I have fought, conquered, and blighted many beings...but I have not seen a human in a long time.” “Where did you come from?” curiosity dance across his eyes before smiling friendly at the Lich. “My friend, we have much to talk about.” Asphyxious replied as he walked up to Everblight. “But just to be clear, you used to be human to right?” Everblight close his eyes with a small smile, “It has been...many eons since I had been human.” “The worse thing about being a near immortal dragon is that nothing seem to fit your...genre let’s call it,” frowning, he shakes his head, “but I have never seen a human on this world before, has Faust finally made your race?” “Not that I know of, But we my friend are called displaced. Humans sent into a equestria after buying something from a displacer called the merchant.” Asphyxious replied. “Well that what happened to me anyway, I was called here by Fluttershy with my token.” “A Token,” looking down at Fluttershy, he see the emerald in her hand, “I see...fascinating.” “What is the purpose behind our...displacement?” looking down at Asphyxious, he holds up a hand to have a closer look. “No idea, I think he's doing it for giggles.” Asphyxious replied as he looked at the warwitch hugging him. “Also They want to come home with me.” Nodding his head, Everblight smile, “Ah I remember back when I was young...I actually had a crush on my Auntie Faust.” “Eventually though, I realize as a mountain size dragon, you’re less likely to find the one for you,” sighing deeply he shrugs his shoulder, “live and learn as the saying go.” “Ah but I’m rambling again, go on I don’t mind plus,” smirking at the lich, Everblight snorts in amusement as the warwitch hugs him tighter, “who am I to stop a brother from getting some.” “I Already have a hoard back home, the last thing I need is more. Sadly I can’t say no.” Asphyxious sighed as he said that. “Come talk to me when you can’t breed with anything, speaking of which,” Everblight narrows his eyes at the small crystal, “how do you make a Token?” “Well you empower a item, then leave a message and drop it into the void. Don’t know how it works it just does.” Asphyxious said with a shrug. “Hmmm,” looking over himself, he blinks before reaching for his mouth and pulling out a large fang that could be use as a great sword by a giant. Focusing his power, he doesn’t notice the dragonspawns’ pupils slitting and their complete focus on the fang, “I am Everblight the Redeemed. If you require my assistances whether to defend your realm or to seek advice, call upon my name and I shall arrive with my brood for war...or to simply talk.” Bringing a claw to the air before him, he pulls down opening the void, “Never thought Father’s paranoia would ever help me.” Looking down at the Lich, he smile, “Like that?” Snapping his talon together, Everblight looks around, “Which reminds me, Toruk was paranoid before my siblings and I fought him the first time.” “I remember him going on a monologue of how he’ll stop himself from dying at our claws,” shaking his head, Everblight frowns, “can’t remember what he did for the life of me...something about caches for him to reawaken if he were to fall here.” “Should you meet him, I’ll assist you in any way possible,” holding out his claw for a handshake. Asphyxious then shake it. “Thanks, Miss shy be a dear and send me home, Just say our contract is complete and I’ll be on my way.” Asphyxious replied. “Oh right...sorry, our contract is complete,” Fluttershy smile warmly at the Lich before he leaves, “come back for a visit sometime ok?” Asphyxious waved as he left with his warjacks and small army of undead. Everyone looked at Fluttershy with a smile, making said mare look at everyone confused. > Calm After and Before the Storm > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the girls walk off. Everblight looks towards the north with a deep frown as he recalls the battle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Everblight growls as the two larger dragons flew away, leaving the thousands of small, hundreds of medium and dozen of large dragonspawns to cover their retreat. The dragonspawns' eyes twitching in rage and rebellion, he notice Blighterghast shaking his head in sorrow. As his brother seem prepare to incinerate the enslaved ones, Everblight dove through the wall of claws and fangs. As he continues forward with dragonspawns clawing at him, he opens his mouth and loose a ball of fire towards siblings. The larger of the pair feels the fire burn through the wing membrane and roars in pain and rage. Swooping after his falling kinsman, Everblight latch onto the dragon's back before sinking his fangs into the foe's neck. As the dragon flail about, Blighterghast duel the smaller enemy. As the pair circle higher and attempt to burn the others wings off, Everblight flings his foe towards the ground. As the large dragon crash into the frozen earth, the biting and clawing of the dragonspawns broke before they left in a thunder of wings. Looking down at the struggling dragon, Everblight sneer at his foe's croons of mercy, "Why should I show you mercy?" "If it was I on the ground you would take your time while feasting on me, you cowardly piece of shit." Irritation grew before Everblight slams his foot on his sibling's jaw, earning an agonized screech as the bones splinters with fragments flying through the air. Hearing a mighty roar, the victor turns to see the other rogue dragon plummet to the ground as Blighterghast held its athanc in a strong grip. Seeing the panic increase in the eyes of his opponent, Everblight smile before thrusting his hand into the dragon's chest. Ignoring the drawn out roar of pain, Everblight rips out his foe's heartstone before tossing it to his brother, "So big bro, what now?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Looking over with a smile, he taps his tail against the ground, "Kids, gather around." "I know we haven't spent a lot of time together," seeing the nervous nods, he smile kindly at the dragonspawns, "so we dragons, the six girls and the two princesses are going to Horseshoe Bay." "WHAT?!" looking down, Everblight chuckle as Rarity's eyes glimmers, "WE'RE GOING TO HORSESHOE BAY?! WHEN?!" "How soon can you prepare for a two week long vacation?" seeing her form shimmer, he hears her squeal as she shuts the door to her boutique. Looking over to the others, he shrug his shoulders, "Tell your folks if you must, we leave when the princesses arrive." As the ponies rush home and the dragonspawns cheer among themselves, no one notice Spike's chest glow a slight green color before dimming down. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fluttershy yawns before sitting up from where she slept on Everblight's back. It had taken a week for the two princesses to arrive along with Twilight Velvet and Night Light and everypony climb onto the true dragon's back. Looking over the side, she watches as the forest breaks away to scattered buildings and a beautiful beach. Turning around to her fellow beach, she heads over to Rarity as the large dragon glides down, "Rarity, wake up we're finally here." Yawning behind her hand, she smile kindly at the shy pegasus before rising, "Thank you Fluttershy, we should wake...the...others." Following Rarity's stare, she notice Spike and Amber curled around each other in sleep. Quietly, the two woke the other ponies to see making several smile. As the dragon lands, he look over his shoulder before rumbling in amusement, "I know they look adorable but you need to jump off." "Why?" Twilight look up as the Everblight looks towards the ocean. As he travels forward, the ponies slide down his back and watch as he took a running dive into the water. Minutes later, the twenty something dragonspawns surface before spitting out sea water and coughing. The water vibrate as Everblight rose from under Chute and Thrasher, getting glares from the younger ones, "Sorry but not sorry, it was just perfect." As he laughs, the dragonspawns smirk as an orb of water the sixe of a large boulder drops on top of his head. As the dragonspawns and ponies laugh, Everblight leers playfully at a whistling Celestia, "That's for me stealing the last Klondike bar...I deserve that." Princess Luna points a foam spear at him while Celestia grips a rubber Zweihänder in both hands while smirking, "We shalt defeat ye and yon brood, dragon." Seeing the ponies equip with various beach toys, including Pinkie Pie with a water cannon, he glance at his children and winks before they rise around him, "Neigh for it shalt be ye whose shalt be bowing in defeat." "Have at ye!/Have at thee!" the group of dragonspawns dive at the ponies, spitting water while the Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie fired foam arrows and water balloons as the other ponies charge forward with foam and rubber weapons. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "That...was just what we needed Lulu," Celestia leans back on the towel while watching the girls play volleyball with a smirk. Looking over at her sister in a black monokini that push up her high F cup breast winking at passing stallions, "Luna, must you?" "If ye got, flaunt it," smirk at her older sister, she points at Celestia bandeau that strains on her own bust, "tis be a kindness on your mammary." "LULU!" blushing before looking nervously around, Celestia smile as the stallions depart swiftly once Everblight grins at them, "you can't say such personal things." "Well the beach is just our now, so why don't ye let loose," the older princess wonders if her sister is already drunk before sighing and nervously removing her top. As she does this, the Elements and the other two adults ponies look over. One by one, they disrobe. Rarity face reddens before looking around, "Why would you-" "Come on Rare," Applejack slings an arm over Rarity as Rainbow Dash playfully pokes Rarity's side, "it's just us, the princesses and Twi's parents here." "Well what about our draconic friends," smiling nervously, she motion over to the Everblight and his spawns. As the dragonspawns and dragon shrug before saying every dragon was with another dragon, she sighs before unstrapping her bikini, "No one asking Fluttershy to do this." "...Where is Flutter," as soon as the words left Pinkie Pie's mouth, a fully naked Fluttershy whoop as she dove into the ocean. As she surface with a large grin, she freeze as the ponies gape at her. Sheepishly scratching her mane, she hides her face behind her pink mane, "Um, I'm kind of...well I...practice naturism." As the dragonspawns join in the shock, Everblight and Luna laugh before he looks down at the nocturnal princess, "It's always the quiet ones, ain't it!" As the others join in the laughter, no one notice a strange cloud coming from the Frozen North. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ember watch as her father Torch flew towards the beach, determination and exhaustion in his eyes. Most of the spawns had gone their separate ways once they learn that the dragonlord could no longer command them. As more and more of them left, those that remain realize that they have become directionless. Eventually, there came the cold hard fact that her father didn't have much longer before he dies. Only bonding with a true dragon could help him and the one he was bond to had been killed by the white dragon. They were happy when Lordaing had 'died' at the hand of an obvious kinder dragon. Ember knew that most other dragons would have killed them along with their master...but not him. As former dragonlord Torch breath out a labored breath, he look to his daughter one last time, "E-Ember, once the last drake, dragoness and fledgling has bond with him...eat the scepter." "But you said to ne-" seeing the pain filled look in his eyes, she smile before hugging his neck for the last time, "I-I will...I love you papa." "I...love you..mor-," the light in his eyes dim before his body began plummeting to the group of dragonspawns and ponies. Taking a deep breath, she look her fellows with sad but focus eyes, "Le-Let's meet our new lord." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The still naked group gather under the great dragon's wing, roasting marshmallows for s'mores under the cover of night. Laughter erupts as the girls and the princesses heard about one of Garble's story, "-so my foot's totally stuck in there right. I'm freaking out, the timberwolf's having a seizure and I still got half a diamond left." Rolling her eyes, Amber cuddles closer to Spike as he chuffs in amusement, "He's been telling that story since three years ago...and it has yet to change a bit." "So he's telling the truth, shocking," as Garble flick Spike off, the others laugh even harder. Before any of them could continue, Everblight turns to his right which draws attention, "Dad, what's wr-" The sound of wind whistling catch them off guard before a large teal scaled dragon almost crash close beside Everblight. Holding the dead dragon's corpse gently, he look up along with the others and see a large group of dragonspawns gliding towards them. As they land, the ponies hid behind the wall of Everblight's brood as the old dragon approach the tired youngsters, "How can I help you?" "We want to...serve you my lord," as the dragoness kneels before him, Everblight could see the exhaustion in the groups' eyes, "we don't have much-" "Don't worry about that, come so I can help however I can," as dragonspawns move forward, he notice their scales lack a luster and a few look familiar. As soon as the ponies step away in their beach clothes, his children move forward to greet their kin. As Everblight adjust the blight in a large dragonspawn with only one left, he felt the the leylines shake before the young blue dragoness cringe in pain. As a ruby glow emanates from her chest, Spike and Ember begin glowing a deep emerald color as well before a pulse of magic push everyone back. Looking over, the group gaze at the trio of eighty meter diameter eggs. One of them was cyan with red scale like growth along one side long ways. Another was green with silver scales encircling the egg and the final one was purple with green scales covering the bottom of it. As the group look at the trio, the eggs pulse magic like a large heart before Everblight blinks in surprise, "Huh well, that's a thing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spike's eyes are close but he still see his father worrying over him and the two other containers. He feels as Everblight breathe flames over them, ensuring they stay warm. If not him, then Garble or Chute or any of the other dragonspawns would swoop over to make sure they haven't perish. Opening his mind to Amber, he see that she has once more left Ember mind to meet him. The connection and warmth of their love fills the pair of eggs with a strong glow before they rest again. The time is nigh. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yawning widely, Everblight looks up when he hears another powerful roar before Nidoboros lands in his awkward three limb position. He could still remember when Nidoboros set out to prove that the dragons could fight against Toruk and how close he came to being eaten and return to the dragonfather. As Nidoboros walks over with a respectful nod, the pair turn to Blighterghast as he clears his gullet, "Now that we're all here, how long have these three been in this state Everblight?" "Four months," looking to Halfang as she grips his shoulder, he smile for the small comfort, "from what I can tell, they're close to awakening." "I want to know what will happen to Amber and Spike," as the other true dragons turn to Ashnephos in shock, causing him to snort in contempt, "think about it, they were dragonspawns that are becoming true dragons due to the magic of an athanc." "You think...that could still be like a dragonspawn," Halfang eyes widen as did several other dragons, "they might not need to eat or sleep...but they might-" "Breed and sire new dragons," the others turn swiftly to Everblight who look at the trio with calm eyes. It only took a few seconds before Blighterghast roar loudly and slams the smaller dragon down. As the others crouch, prepare to attack Blighterghast, they blink in surprise as Everblight waves them off, "Is this really necessary brother." "When...were you going to tell us about your plan," slowly, the others comprehend why Blighterghast look prepare to commit fratricide. Everblight has been manipulating the other dragons' blight. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As Everblight glance between his allied sibling, the members of Ponyville and the reindeers stood nervously. As the tense stand off continues, Pinkie Pie turns to Twilight, "Why are they mad at Evey?" "He mess with his family's blight," turning to Vayl, she sighs tiredly, "he change how his siblings are to a atomic level." "A dragons blight tells how they affect the world, how they act, limits of what is possible for them to do," as Twilight gasp, Vayl nods at the unicorn, "so you see the problem." "They're not sure if they can trust somepony who can change how they think," Twilight over her friends with worried eyes, "it would be like how pegasi and earth ponies couldn't trust unicorns to not mind control them in the old times." As the ponies mutter amongst themselves, Everblight sighs deeply, "Are you done, ya big drama queen?" Hearing Blighterghast deep growl, Everblight snorts before breaking his brother's grip on his neck. As he brush of the dust from his hide, he see the begging glance of Halfang and three paranoid gaze of the smaller trio. Sighing, Everblight looks over to a glowering Blighterghast in exasperation, "Why are you crying over things that I've done more than two thousand years ago?" "Because you're acting just like Toruk," Blighterghast growls but immediately wince once the words left his maw. Nidoboros and Halfang glares at him while Charsang and Ashnephos gap stupidly at him. The worse reaction though belong to his 'younger' brother Everblight though. Everblight stiffens before a deep savage growl cause the ground rumble. His athanc glows with blue fire and his eyes ignites before he turns around with visible tears of magma dripping from his eyes, "Of all the things, I expected you to say...you would say I'm aCTING LIKE HIM!?" "THE ONE WHO CONDEMNED ME TO BEING LEFT BEHIND," stepping forward, his wings still open as rage clouded his eyes, "THE ONE WHO WOULD GLADLY HAVE SCARIFICED EVERYTHING JUST SO WE HAD SEEN HIM AS A GOD AND NOT A MONSTER!?" "THE ONE WHO WAS SUPPOSE TO GUIDE US, STRENGTHS US, LOVE US AND YOU BELIEVE I.AM.JUST.LIKE.HIM," the acidity of his voice froze Blighterghast as Everblight got face to face with him. "Who was it that went against his word to tell you how to come back from a raid alive," uncaring of any response, Everblight turns away while tears drips from his eyes, "who was it that help you heal when father wanted to devour anydrakes' athanc when you return and were almost dead?" "Who was it...that told you how to make dragonspawns, so you wouldn't feel the need that I can still feel to this day...to conquer, to raze to the ground, to pollute," rising to his full height, Everblight looks down at Blighterghast for the first time with hurt in his eyes, "who has given you everything he knows...without asking for anything?" "...you," looking away in shame, Blighterghast hears and feels Everblight lands on all fours again. As Everblight looks over the Everfree, he shake his head as the others move closer, "...and you dare...to say I am like Toruk." A mirthless chuckles that sounds more like a sob escapes his maw. As the others mover over to him, Everblight opens his wings wide without looking at them, "Go, just...go." "I'll let you know when they're awake," unwilling to look at them, Everblight heads into the forest. Slowly, each dragon took to the sky until all that remains was a distraught Everblight and a guilty Blighterghast. Heaving a shuddering breathe, he took off with only a parting stare back. And thus, the day when the alliance had been shaken. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Meanwhile in Tartarus, a frail centaur smirk into a communication crystal, "How much longer...until your Deathjack is ready Ahuizotl?" "I'll have it ready soon," the dog like muzzle of his fellow cryxian Lich grins at him, "soon you won't be the only one of us that Lord Toruk favors." Chuckling at the being before him, Tirek waves him off, "Come talk to me when you have enough Deathjacks to attack three continents...at the same time." "Just how many Deathjacks do you have," the allied Lich shake his head in amusement before the crystal flickers off. Looking through another gem, Tirek smiles as hundreds of the exact same warjack stood line up ten across and seventeen down in endless numbers, "Oh...just enough my old friend." Meanwhile, Luna slumps over her hand while sitting on her throne. As she sleeps, a figure fades into existence without a sound. Smiling softly, she leans down gently before kissing the younger alicorn to the right of her horn. As Luna smile, she feels the bright presence of her other daughter, "Tis been too long." Turning, she notice Celestia holding a Zweihänder with the guard looking like a sun hand guard one handed. As her eldest daughter points her blade at her, she smile softly before dropping her hood, "Come now dear Celey, let us not do this." As the elder sister drops her sword, it woke Luna up swiftly before she to long up in surprise, "M-MOTHER!?/MAMA!?" Hearing the hoofsteps of the night guards, Faust sighs overdramatically, "And thus the surprise has failed." > Dragons Reborn > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight shifts nervously, chewing her lip before tears trickle from her eyes. Her friends holds onto her tightly while her mother fans her fainted father. The trio of princesses and her brother gape openly at Nurse Redheart looks on with worry, "Miss Sparkle-" "But I-I can't be," hands balling up, Twilight stare off into the distance with wide eyes. Standing up, she rushes towards the door as the girls stands up to follow, "No, I'm not-" "Twilight, sit down," stopping at her teacher's voice, Twilight's shoulders slump before a heart wrenching sob escapes her lips. As she slides down, Princess Celestia walks over before gathering her student and hugging tightly, "It'll be alright. Hush now, we'll always be here for you." As the others join the hug, Twilight lips twitch upwards before her hand drifts to cup the small bump. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everblight blinks slowly as another group of reindeer walks off. Raising his head, he stretch his jaws in a yawn before gazing at the trio of forming dragons. Not for the last time does he think back to his brother's words. Even now, he scowl at the comparison and curse Blighterghast for seeding doubt in his eyes. 'And yet,' sighing deeply before walking to them and nudging the "eggs" around, 'I can't hate him for his fears.' Taking several steps back, he hears a sound like breaking glass before seeing pieces come falling off. Cracks spider web across the surface as the first of three, deep olive green and silver in color, hatch. Amber's new form stands up to Everblight's chest with a single pair of wings and a second pair of arms. Her scales dulls into a dark olive color and she develops a new rack of redwood size antlers. Her form has become more stream line and a mane of silver hair run between her mane. As she spread her wings, the cyan and red container burst open revealing its prize. The now navy blue with teal underscales dragoness is also stream line in appearance with her horns curling further like those of a great horn sheep. A smaller pair of wings extends above her hips and she grew to reach the older drake's chin. As the two dragoness adjust to their new forms, Everblight shifts slightly as his gaze drifts towards the navy blue dragoness before Spike breaks out with a roar. Spike's new form is a deep plum color with his emerald underscales and reach his shoulders. He grows a pair of scythe like claws that replace his hands on his second pair of arms along with his great wings that shimmer in shades of green. Looking at them with a small smile, Everblight walks forward softly. Nuzzling Spike and Amber gently, he breathes easily for weeks, "It's good to have you back my children." Separating from them, he hears the sound of heavy wing beats. Slowly, the dragonspawns descend upon the quartet with curious eyes. As Chute reunites with her sister, the draconic beings trumpet in joy at the reunion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Everblight drifts awake with his noise flaring open. Looking up, he watch as Spike and Amber flew away towards the badlands. Shaking his head, Everblight notice Ember sadly gazing to the empty sky. Ember looks up as she hears Everblight growl deeply from his chest, a bag of amethysts and pearls dangling from his jaw. Smiling politely with a blush, she reach forward slowly before taking the offered treats. The Mane Six, the ponies and the reindeers all watch from a far. "Wat in Equestria sake are they doin over there," looking over at the pair, Applejack turn to a giggling Rarity with a raise eyebrow, "wat the hey are-" "Quiet down you two," the pair turn to see Twilight jotting down notes while munching on a rare cheeseburger, to the disgust of some. Because ponies, reindeers and minotaurs evolve from herbivores, some ponies tend to frown on the consumption of meals that consists of meat. As Twilight writes down another line, they hear her hum and talk to herself, "I can't believe this is happening." "What's happening?" "Huh, oh sorry, it's just...Everblight is showing signs of trying to court Ember," seeing them look over curiously, Twilight blushes before ringing her hands together, "well it's something that Spike and Amber did before they left." "First, the male would present himself with jewels that represents himself and wait for the female to eat them." Meanwhile with the dragons, Ember scrapes Everblight's side with her spines. "The female would then rub affectionately to show her willingness to settle down with eggs." "Then what?" "They sky dance." "Well, where the hey ar-" The group goes quiet as the pair of dragons pump their wings as Garble begin to sing while Vex plays on a piano, Puff brought out his violin, and Clump on the drums. Ember loose a roar before heading towards the mountain, outpacing the older drake. A deeper bellow echoes in return make her dip as Everblight swoops playfully. Circling around each other, their voices escalates before they broke apart. In Canterlot, several nobles look in the sky to see the two dragons fly past the city before the wind picks up. As they fly on after swinging around the mountain, Faust smile at the pair go off. The pair race forward, twirling around each other before ascending and breaking into the thermosphere. Meanwhile in Appleloosa, ponies and buffalo look up as the two dragons circle around each one last time before locking claws and talons. Spiraling down until the last moment, the pair breaks apart before coating a patch of desert land with blue and ruby color flames. As they rise again into the lower stratosphere, Braeburn look over to the old bison, "What the hey was THAT for?!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Twilight yawns widely before looking outside the library. It's been a few weeks since Everblight had shock the other dragons by flying Ember. Spike and Amber had briefly mention assisting the older dragon in his fights before they disappear. Looking outside again, Twilight sighs before finally rising from her desk, "Spike, where are you...I miss you." "Who." "Please Owlowiscous, not today," as she turns from the raptor, she makes her way to the bathroom. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Deep underground, Spike nudge the sixteen carriage size eggs into the large fire pit. Hearing Amber shifting, he backs off as she begins stacking stones to form a kiln. As she does so, he hears the sound of claws clicking across the rocks before Everblight walks in, "Spike, how are you doing?" "Going well, Amber is just getting ready now," the pair of drakes turn as Amber breathe a small amount of fire over the eggs. Walking out as she partially seals herself in, Spike smirk at the old dragon, "How's her ladyship?" "I swear if I hear her say that again, I'll spank her tail until her flanks are as red as her fire," the serious façade breaks as he thinks of the blue dragoness guarding his next generation. The pair walks forward while being mindful of the diamond dogs underclaw. Jaws widening, the pair dive into the underground magma pool before sighing in relief, "You spoken to Twilight yet?" "Since Amber and our eggs are secure, I was hoping to meet up with her soon," the purple dragon stretch his wings slightly before hearing Everblight sigh, "what's up now?" "Hm...oh it's nothing just...need to go and speak to the others," a deep rumble escape from his chest before he raise himself up, "been putting it off for long enough and the diamond dogs know not to try to starve them." Rubbing his chin, Spike nods before rising up, "I'll send some nephilims over while I'm at Ponyville. Heard that Queeny has completely broken." Once the pair of dragons travel through the tunnel circuit, they took off in separate direction. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike lands on the outskirts of Ponyville, a whimsical smile on his muzzle before he plods into town. Smelling her and the unborn colt before he could see her, he crouch down as a five month pregnant Twilight rush over to him, "Sorry it's been so long." "It's good to have you back for a little while," hugging a finger, the young unicorn beams up at her long time friend and assistant, "so how's Amber doing?" "Just finish laying her eggs...I was afraid she would melt the cave with her fire," the dragon laughs before feeling Twilight poke and prod and simply raise an eyeridge. "Should I tell Princess Celestia that she's a grandma~?" "TWILIGHT!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blighterghast struggles as a bulky blue dragon slowly force him to bend a knee. As the dragon brings his tail around for another bone shattering strike, blue fire dance down the enemy's back before a sonic boom can be heard. "Nelmarix, you really don't want any of this," the pair turn as Everblight descends with cross arms and narrow eyes, "if you keep this up then it'll only be easier for Toruk to hunt you down." "You really belie-" "I sensed his slight awakening clearer than any other," raising an eyeridge, his voice takes on a drawl, "do you really WANT to take the chance?" The two dragons stand off until the bulkier of the pair seem to sag in exhaustion and takes flight. Looking over to Blighterghast, Everblight holds a hand out for the older of the pair to take, "I'm gone for a few months and ya can't even take on Nelmarix?" "You saw him, he got swole," grasping his brother's talon, Blighterghast eases himself into a standing position. Silence trails on between the two as they continue to look at the ground. The sound of dragonspawns flying over made the pair sigh tiredly. "I apologize/ Sorry bro," the pair look at each other in shock before they each burst out laughing. Everblight manage to stop first before scratching the back of his head nervously, "I should have told you guys my plans back when I introduce the dragonspawns." "Yeah well," clearing his throat, Blighterghast gains a guilty expression, "it doesn't change the fact that I compare you to Him." Before a more comfortable silence could pass by, Everblight sighs deeply, "Who do you THINK first came up with the idea?" "I mean it wouldn't have worked back then," he spoke quickly once he see the look on his brother's muzzle, "we were, at best, living machines." "But when I first introduce the concept of dragonspawns," shaking his head and taking the common quadruped stance, Everblight moves forward knowing Blighterghast is following, "the plan was for them to eventually replace us." "A dragon specie that would adapt to any type of change," slowly nodding his head, he glance at his brother out of the corner of his eyes, "you thought that we would die out, killed off by the ponies and minotaurs." Nodding his head, Everblight turns to Blighterghast with a smile, "While I'm glad I am wrong, this posed a new problem." "While we true dragons don't need to eat, when we have hatchlings or when the dragonspawns get hungry," seeing the flinch from his brother, Everblight smile begins to widen, "hence, my final plan." "Ah yes, the Star Drake plan. How does it go," seeing Everblight grumble under his breath, Blighterghast chuckles deeply before looking at his kin, "so what do you need for this to work?" "I planned for eighteen true dragons and dragonesses to be sent to near by planets but...that's when the corruption overcame me," a tired sigh escapes from his maw before he turn to Blighterghast, "as more of us are sent out, the more we can expand before we become a galactic nation." "But then I began to include ponies in the plan so now, I have to find planets with enough of an atmosphere that they can live in." Seeing his brother pinch his bridge, Blighterghast places a talon on his brother's shoulder, "We'll come up with something." As the pair smirk at each other, Blighterghast points behind him, "Now say hi to our allies." As Everblight turns, he see Ashnephos and Nidoboros standing next to Halfang and Charsang who look annoy. A few dozen dragons circle above while more of them lands out of the valley. A nervous smile cross his face as Halfang stalks up to him, "Hey beloved sis-" "Do you have...any idea what it's like to have several carriage size object go through an opening that is about the diameter of a gazelle?" as the dragoness glares at him, Everblight slowly backs away only to be block by Charsang who grins savagely at him before he whimpers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ember chuckles as a partially singe Everblight stumbles into their cave, "Had fun, milord?" "Ember...now's not the time," even as he crumples into himself and his life-mate laughs loudly at his pain, a smile edge its way onto his muzzle before he snuggles into her side. A bright flash of light cause the pair to crouch protectively over the 'nest' until a trio of ponies are revealed. Standing behind the two princesses is a tall goldish gray alicorn with amaranth mane and glowing arctic blue eyes smile at the pair, "Tis joyous to see ye again nephew!" The ancient dragon first response would cause his life-mate to laugh loudly, but he was to busy drifting unconscious to care. > Contingencies > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nelmarix look at Everblight, shifting uneasily between the white dragon and Spike, "Why have you come here, to my domain?" "Drop the act Nel," Everblight rise up on his hind legs, causing the squatter dragon to step back, "I'm not here to take your athanc." Seeing the younger dragon ease, Everblight motion to the night sky with a smile, "Tell me, have you ever thought of leaving this planet behind and...have a planet where your blight can change the world?" "What do you mean...other worlds?" Nelmarix narrows his eyes before he hears Blighterghast lands not to far away. As Nelmarix tense, Blighterghast stands besides Everblight, "What our genius of a brother is saying is that we all know that father is awakening." "Thus why I plan to activate the Star Dra-" "Star Drake Plan," scratching his chin, Nelmarix's narrow eyes lock onto a plain face Everblight, with suspicion, "a plan that would send each and every pair of dragon to their own life bearing planet." "Last I remember, you said the plan would fail...so what changed?" "We did," as Nelmarix cross his four arms, Everblight steps closer to the younger, "back then, we would have destroyed the planets within a week." Seeing Spike and Blighterghast narrow their eyes at him, Everblight scoffs at them, "Nelmarix and I both now that back then we weren't in control of our blight." "Thus many species born now those descended from beings that were blighted," nodding at Everblight, Nelmarix looks at Spike with curious eyes, "but after the introduction of dragonspawns, we no longer release large amount of blight unless we truly focus on doing such," Spike look between the two dragons before looking at a facetaloning Blighterghast than back to Everblight, "So how do we know that Toruk won't find out where we are?" "Cause Toruk doesn't know that this guy," Nelmarix juts a thumb at a whistling Everblight while he himself smile smugly, "has done something no other draconic being can brag about." "Just like how I can change a true dragon's body," holding his arms out wide, Everblight smiles a smile that is all teeth, "I can remove one topic from anydrag's mind and prevent them from remembering such." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Halfang smiles as seven new pairs of true dragons descends upon the area. Turning her head slowly, she briefly nods at Ember as the young blue dragoness settles down, "How are the eggs?" "Due to hatch any day now," smiling at her sister, Ember waves a wing at silver dragoness, "do you have any clue about what this meeting is about?" "Not a clue," hearing a loud roar, everydrag's head turn as four drake dives into the caldera, "but I doubt we have much time to wait." Spike and Nelmarix lands first before they take to the right most side, then Everblight lands and stand between the pair of drakes. When Blighterghast lands, all the commentary ends as each of the gather nod their head respectfully to the organizer. Clearing his throat, Blighterghast stands up tall with his scales shining in the sunlight, "Brethrens, sistrens, on the day that Queen Faust has bestow upon us, I now call this meeting to order" "The floor is open to any of the previous topics discuss last meeting," a dark brown and grey dam rise from her seat, earning a nod from Blighterghast, "the floor recognizes Esthanlas." "Thank you Lord Blighterghast," Esthanlas voice sounds like boulders grinding against each other while a metal plate is slowly torn apart. She has three pairs of wings with the foremost pair also acting as her hands, "I wish to call upon the Rite of the Alpha." "The Rite of the Alpha, dearest sister," all eyes, including the 'unseeing' pairs, turn to Everblight as he speaks, "can only be called at the end of a meeting." "While he has spoken out of turn," seeing Everblight slightly bow to him, Blighterghast focus once more on Esthanlas, "Lord Everblight is correct." "If there is nothing else," waiting for any latecomers to speak, Blighterghast slams his tail on the ground causing an echo effect to ring around, "than let us begin the reports." Nidoboros stands up tall besides Halfang, drawing everydrag's attention with his frown, "I regret to inform this body...that no other true dragon is willing to agree to assist us." "Some claim that we are not dragons," speaking over the roars of outrage, Nidoboros looks at the others with a frown, "while others have, once more, sworn their loyalties to Toruk." "Is there anyway we can change their minds," as everydrag look at Everblight, they watch as the genius shake his head sadly, "then soon, we will be in a three way war." A green and orange dragonspawn nods at his progenitor before rising, he speaks as soon as Blighterghast gestures to him, "My mother wishes to know if the use of blighted sentients is still forbidden." "Since Everblight has his blighted reindeer," while most dragons roll their eyes, a few nod at the smirking white dragon, "if any of your blighted beings wish to assist you in the coming conflict, they may do so." "Anything else," seeing Nelmarix step forward, Blighterghast nods at the true dragon. "My brothers and sisters...we all know how small this planet is," waiting for the mutters to drop, Nelmarix continues while motioning to Spike, "and thanks to Everblight, there will always be numerous dragons because of the dragonspawns." "Me and Everblight are the last two beings...who know what the Star Drake Plan consists of," the dragons focus on him more before he stands up straighter in pride, "the Star Drake Plan...is our contingency for when dragons would have wars with each other." As yells of disbelief and roars of rage echo through the caldera, Blighterghast still roars the loudest among the gather, "ORDER, THERE WILL BE ORDER IN THIS AREA!!" "Now you said this is in case of a dragon war," turning back to the two dragons, he ignore the few mutters in the far back. Before Nelmarix can speak, Everblight steps forward with a grim face, "I have always plan to war against Toruk as most of you will confirm." "But what the Star Drake Plan truly focus on," knowing his kin may hate the pair, Everblight takes the hatred onto himself with a tired smile, "is me sending every.single.sentient being to a different planet." Ignoring the silence, Everblight carries on, "As of now, there are several BILLION members of the sentient races." "I have several ships ready to take them off world...and the dragonspawns are the key to their safety." "The dragonspawns can breath in outer space just like us," watching as Everblight nod, Blighterghast notice many dragons calming down while others seem to just hear him out, "so what will happen once they're off world." Swallowing hard, Everblight prepares himself for the next wave, "Me and my blighted reindeer will go to war with weapons design to kill a dragon...permanently." Before any of the dragon can yell, Ember lunges at her life mate. Pin under her, Everblight cringe as she slaps his face, "You bastard! You're planning to have the reindeer kill at the end of this, aren't you?!" Seeing Everblight turn away in guilt, Blighterghast notice as Vayl's face shift into shock, "You didn't know?" "No I did not, Lord Blighterghast," turning her antler head to Everblight, she smile softly to the old drake, "although, that plan will never work now." Ignoring the hush that cover the area, Vayl places a hand on one of Everblight's claw, "Back then, we would have followed any order you had given us." "But now, we can choose which order we will obey," looking the dragon in his eye, the reindeer's face harden with determination, "so you and your allies are stuck with us...Lord Ethrubnal." As the dragon nods his head, Blighterghast sweep a gaze over the gather dragons. As none of them speaks up, he clears his throat, "Once more, the Rite of the Alpha is offered." "Whom among us will claim the title," minutes pass by as each of the original dragons vote for themselves. Finally, the votes moves once more to Blighterghast, "And I vote for myself as I have brought our people together once more." "Thus, this vote is a- "Hey, wait a minute," Esthanlas rise up, to the annoyance of a few, "Everblight still has yet to vote." As silence blanket the gathering and Everblight's eyes narrow, Charsang rolls her eyes, "We all know who he i-" "I vote for Blighterghast," every pair of eyes snap to Everblight as he motion to an equally shocked Blighterghast with a smile, "for he has always lead us with grace and honor." Turning away, Everblight flies out with Spike and Ember following close by. As the three dragons and one reindeer leaves, Halfang snaps her jaw shut, "Well that's a thing." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkle lays in the hospital, a small smile crossing her face as she looks at the pair of fillies feeding off of her. The first has her violet eyes while having a dark grayish mulberry coat. Her mane is mostly black but a single sapphire blue streak runs through the center. The other girl has grayish sap green right eye and violet left eye. While she also has the same coat as her sister, her mane is sapphire blue with streaks of brilliant green. Hearing a knock, Twilight looks up as Shining Armor and Cadance peak in with Twilight Velvet bringing up the rear, "How's my favorite little sister doing?" "Shining, I'm your only little sister," feeling him hug her close, she smile at the two women behind him, "hi Cadance, hi mom. Where is dad?" "He's on his way up," seeing Shining Armor and Cadance hovering over the foals, Twilight Velvet smirk at the pair, "that said, when are you two going to make me a grandchild of my own." As the royal couple blush a bright red, Night Light walks while the two Twilight burst out laughing, "What I miss?" While the pair of grandparents talk to each other, Cadance look back the pair of fillies, "So have you come up with any names?" "Since I found out I was having twin girls," holding her first daughter, Twilight lets her father hold the newly born, "her name is going to be Bright Dusk." "As for this little bundle, her name is Dawn Star," holding the heterochromia girl, Twilight nuzzles her younger daughter before the sound of knocking can be heard. Looking up, the purple unicorn smile as her friends rush. As they make a beeline to her, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and a mare wearing a cloak walks in, "How are you doing Twilight?" "I am well Princess Celestia," feeling as the older of the two Diarchs hug her close, Twilight smiles at Princess Luna, "how is court treating you, Princess Luna?" "Tis the same as it was back before I was Nightmare Moon," shrugging her shoulder, the lunar diarch smirk smugly as her wings opens partially, "so I simply smile at them while separating the good ideas from the stupid ones." As the cloaked figure walk over, Twilight Sparkle looks at her questionably, "I'm sorry, I'm-" "Twilight Sparkle, prodigy when it comes to the arcane," removing her cloak, the others look on in shock as the older alicorn runs her fingers through her mane, “Tis nice to meet thee, I am Faust creator of all and mother to Luna and Celestia.” As the lavender unicorn faints, Faust looks at her two daughters, “T'was it something I said?” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nelmaphic glides down, his gnarly wings trailing ash and blight behind himself. A furious snarl crosses the dragon’s muzzle as he lands next to a pair of creatures. At one time, they may have been griffins but now they barely resemble their ancestors. No longer do they have feathers, a pair of horns grow from the back of their head. Along with the lost of their feathers, the large wings that allow them to fly has also disappear. Sneering down at the creatures, Nelmaphic waves them forward, “Go forth and gather my army. We attack Equestria within the month.” Watching as the blighted griffins rush off, he grins darkly in the direction, “This war was a long time coming Blighterghast.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everblight locks eyes with a thin dragoness with three tails, her scales a deep forest green color and her horns orange, “Lady Eleniz, I have come to see about combining our forces.” “Truly a wise idea no,” curling around herself, she smile at the more plain looking drake, “tell me, how shall we do this.” “You still blight gemsbok yes,” seeing her nod, he continues on, “while my reindeer do have melee fighters, they prefer to fire their bows and crossbows from afar.” “So mine will be the melee fighters,” at his nod, the dragoness grins savagely, “good, they were starting to get bored of fighting the ruby hyenas.” “Though, I am getting a number of them to blight when I win.” “Same with me and the diamond dogs I have. I can give you advice on how they can be used,” seeing her smile in thanks, Everblight bows slightly to her, “until next we meet. Best of luck with the eggs.” “To you as well,” watching the drake fly off, Eleniz motions for a very bulky gemsbok, “Thagrosh, have some of the ruby hyenas sent to the chamber.” “Of course, my lady,” walking by, he is follow by seventeen more gemsboks. As Eleniz walks out, the sound of battle cries echoes forward as hundred of thousands of the anthromorphic antelope ready themselves for war. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile on an island in the middle of a dead sea, the dragonfather Toruk blearily looks up as several of his progeny descends on him. Watching as the younger dragons set up, his eyes shine with malevolence before he drifts asleep once more. Meanwhile, the dragons look among themselves before a dark green dragoness with two heads fly off to an unknown location. Flying for hours, she dives towards a cave. Before the cerebus can bark, the dragoness grasp the three headed dog before crushing the canine's rightmost head in her talon. Waltzing forward as the hound runs, she enters the cave system while several skeletal dragonspawns took up post. Down she travels, passing by countless criminals until she stops in front of one cell, "Lord Tirek, tis good to see you." "So you come crawling back to your father's side," the sound of hooves clacking on stone can be heard before a frail looking centaur steps from the shadows, "your fate shall be noted." Slamming her tail down, the dragoness walks as the centaur steps away from his cell, "Everblight has shown where his loyalty lies...I'm just responding to Father's great plan." "Now come along, we have death to spread," as the centaur latch onto the dragoness's back, he siphons some of her life force as the pair leaves Tartarus. > Conflicts Abound > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A company of one hundred and fifty blighted gemsbok and fifty blighted reindeer patrols the border between Equestria and The Wilds. While only a small fraction of the corps that is in place, they carry themselves with a great deal of determination. One of the gemsbok that is wearing the red tinted armour of his battalion looks over to one of the reindeer, "Hey Alcyr." The crossbow wielding deer look up with his blood red leather mouth mask look over, "Yeah, what up Borok?" "You ever wonder...why we here," seeing the pensive look on the others' face, he interjects before any of them gets philosophical, "and I mean, Why are we patrolling this part of the region?" "Cause let's face it...no sane beings would live here," just as the gemsbok says this, the sound of squawking battle cries cut through as a small horde of creatures rush towards them. Looking like wingless bipedal griffins that have been plucked, the creatures rush forward with spears and axes at the ready. As the gemsbok draw out their axes and swords, Borok snorts in annoyance, "Nevermind...I see the insane idiots that live here now." "Bet ya that I'll get more kills than ya," nocking a bolt, Alcyr grins while the others fit arrows into their bows. "You're on," holding his blade at ready, he smiles savagely as the horde rushes forward with bloodlust, "loser pays for mead?" "If ya gotta ask," sending a bolt into the skull of one of the blighted griffins, Alcyr laugh at Borok who swing his sword and cleave through a pair with one swing, "then yer paying!" "Was worth a shot," ducking down, he lets another bolt blow the head off a griffin before he rushes forward, "lopes and deer, today is a good day for the enemy to die!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile in the Sparkling Sea, the Equestrian fleet can be seen firing their cannons at a host of ships bearing black flags with a lime green dragon skull and spinal cord that curls into itself. On one of the galleon, Prince Shining Armor glares at the flagship belonging to Toruk and his followers, "Captain Flash Dagger, ready the Absolute Reclamation Cannons." "Aye, Aye yer majesty," leaning over, the pegasus mare focus on her crew, "ye heard our glorious leader! READY ALL ARCS!!" Watching as the order is spread to the rest of the fleet, Shining Armour's ear twitch as the crackle of lightning signify the readying of the ARCs. Arcane magic shine before several beams crash into the opposing ships. While a few enemy ships quickly sinks, others manage to survive the first wave before the others cannons tear them apart. A frown cross his face as several of the opposing ships crawl away, "Report of the fleet Captain." Nodding her head, she grimace at the scene, "We have lost three of our seven galleon, nineteen of our thirty two barque, thirty six and forty two of our ninety five frigates and corvette respectfully sir." "And the crew?" "We manage to retrieve almost everypony except the captains and a few stallions and mares working the cannons," even with her head down, Flash Dagger can feel the rage in her Prince's form. Taking a deep breath to calm him, Shining Armour nods before offering the mare a salute, "We push them back but we must remain vigilant." "I will ensure that the Sixtieth are sent to re-inforce you...as well as let the families know of the demise of their love ones when I receive the list," seeing her nod, Shining turns around before teleporting back to the Crystal Empire with a heavy heart. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the Everfree, Garble and Clump stalk into the area where Queen Chrysalis rest. Removing the changeling from her chains, the dragonspawns wait for her to awaken before they continue their purpose, "Queen Chrysalis as of this point, we have no reason to keep you." "In fact," watching her look at him, Clump nods respectfully to the monarch, "the Legion of Everblight is ensuring that you are united with the remainder of your hive that live in the Badlands." "...what do you want," the small amount of caution in her voice makes the pair of dragons smile. They figure she has been biding her time before she attempts to break free. They made certain to be upfront with her, even getting some advice on espionage. Garble snorts before sitting back, an easygoing smile on his muzzle, "We need you to send any of your hive that you can spare to spy on the blighted griffins that resides in the Wilds." "Of course, we will ensure that you changelings get enough love to be as healthy as possible," nodding to the pair of Grotesques, he waits for them to guide a figure in, "Queen Chrysalis, Everblight has done many experiments in his lifetime...she is one of them." The royal changeling gaze at the pony before her with a raise eyebrow. A dark pink mane flows in a similar hairstyle to the queen while her body is cover with thick light pink fur coat. A pair of large teal eyes shine at the monarch with curiosity. Blinking in surprise, she look at the pair of dragonspawns, "What is-" "This is a fluffy pony, they...seem only to just love things," slowly walking over to the mare, Clump pokes her nose, "Fluffle Puff, this is Queen Chrysalis." A slight gasp release from the mare's mouth before Fluffle Puff glomps the surprise changeling. As the four males walk out, Clump look over to Garble, "I think that went well." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While Everblight's dragonspawns are delivering several thousand fluffy ponies, a group of seven nephilims stands guard as Princess Luna, Princess Celestia and Queen Faust. Normally, they would only be seen if a pony has been trying to find them. However, now they kneel before the eldest alicorn as she frowns at them, "Why did ye kill these ponies?" Pulling back one of the hoods of the ponies reveals that the pony in question was mostly rotten flesh with its skull being completely bare. As the two princesses turn green and a few nobles faint, Queen Faust hums to herself, "Very well...ye may return to thine post." Four of the nephilim nod and move beside the two princesses before jumping into the bannisters. The other three however stands around the Queen. Before she can tell them otherwise, a courier burst through the door, "Your Majest-" When one of the nephilim growls deeply at the stallion, the pony tense before seeming to remember where he is. Bowing to the queen, he holds out a letter that one of nephilim takes, "A report from Prince Shining Armour has just arrived." Reading the report, Faust frowns before looking at the nobles, "Why art thine not sending our allies reinforcements?!" "Why would we need to worry about-" feeling a heavy pressure shove him down, Prince Blueblood and several others turn to a scowling alicorn, "-y-your majesty?" "I remember a time when all nobles must have at least one member of their family actively serving this country's needs," rising from her throne, Faust looks over to the royal guards, "take them for mine sight, they are here by strip of their status until they can prove their worth." As the former nobles try to speak against the ruling, they are force out of the court room. Turning to the scribe, Faust motions for the young unicorn mare to dismiss herself. As she runs her fingers through her mane, she smile as Luna hugs her tightly, "Whilst I do not miss the court, tis always good to be home." "True but now we must ensure that the disgraced nobles don't start anything," groaning from her seat, Celestia place her face in her hands while her mother and sister smile kindly at her, "then we must reinforce our barriers, see about raising new nobles that will do their tasks-" "Celey, everything will be alright," walking over, Faust draws her eldest daughter into a hug that ease the tension in Celestia's shoulders, "tis for the good of everypony that they are remove." "Now my daughters," heading towards the map, the three alicorns place a fleet of ships at the Sparkling Sea, "what needs fortification?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A blighted griffin squawk just as a bane knight cuts it down. As the dead sentient falls to the ground, the undead only had enough time to look up as a crossbow bolt tore its torso off. The two armies have been pushing against one another for a week now and the conflict remains strong. The ground shook, making the fighters stop in wonder, as two figures spring from underneath. The first is a teal dragoness with four bird wings and a mane of spikes. Meanwhile the other is a skeletal dragon with black tinted metal covering its skull, torso and claws. Flying around one another, the pair of equaling size dragons clash in a flurry of claws and fangs. Thrusting her claw to one of the bat like wings, the dragoness tears it off just when the dracolich stabs its tail blade into her stomach. Bellowing in pain and rage, she kicks the undead to the ground before spitting a continuous wave of yellow fire. As the metal of the dracolich peals off, a female griffin throw her spear at the partially reveal athanc with enough force to knock it out. As the dragoness dives at the heartstone and devours it, the griffins begin to sweep up. Meanwhile, the female griffin looks at her talons before slowly tightening them into fist. While the majority of the blighted griffin army continues on their campaign, one manages to use one of the cryxian dinghy and begin a long and difficult journey, 'Gotta warn Griffonia...gotta warn Rainbow.' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkles look in her mirror with a tilted head as she unfurls her new wings once more. Hearing the giggle of her daughters, she walk over to the crib and pick the pair up with a smile, "I do look funny with wings, huh." Feeling the pair of fillies nuzzle into her, Twilight opens the door with her magic only to pause at the sight before her. Standing seven feet tall, the only thing distinguishing the cloak figure is the griffin beak and the female curves. Placing her children down, Twilight's horn glow as she narrows her eyes at the intruder, "Who...are you?" Slowly raising her talon to her hood, the figure grins nervously at the youngest alicorn, "Hey there...can you help me send a letter to king Gryphdor?" "Sure I can," not taking her eyes of the blighted griffin, Twilight brings a note pad to her, "so who should I-" "By the way, have you seen Rainbow Dash...I kind of want to let her know I'm in town," feeling a body crash into her back, the griffin squawks as she and the pegasus in question fall onto the floor, "da-darn it Rainbow Dash, haven't you heard of breaking?!" As the griffin flinch at Twilight's glare, the cyan pegasus shakes her head before gaping at the blighted griffin, "Gilda! when the hey did you get back?!" Before either of the pair can respond, they are both pick up by a fuming alicorn, "Stop screaming...and curse one more time Rainbow and see what I do?" As the pair nod quickly, Twilight looks back at the griffin, "So what do you want to send Gilda?" "Tell them to stop sending patrols into the Wilds," a grim line cross her face before Gilda motions to her, "there's a group of dragons blighting anything that approach the area." The sound of a clearing throat makes the trio turn to see Vayl standing there with a raise eyebrow along with a pair of nephilims. Walking to the griffin, the reindeer lay a hand on her shoulder with a gentle gaze, "Tell us everything." > At the Homefront > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight yawns widely, stretching out her arms and wings as she finish studying the blood sample given to her by Gilda. In the month that the blighted griffin has been here, Gilda has been doing everything in her power to help out the war effort. Providing lists of important leaders and some of the staging grounds, Everblight's faction has managed to not only won several skirmishes but have even manage to free some of the griffins. Hearing babbling behind her, Twilight smile as Bright Dusk reach for her. "You have a nice nap sweetie," seeing the filly clap her hands with a smile, Twilight hugs Bright Dusk softly, "that's good." Feeling some of her mane getting grabbed, Twilight ease it out of Dawn Star's grip when the filly pulls on it, "Now, now if you're hungry use your words." A few minutes after breastfeeding and changing the two infants, Twilight place the pair in a stroller while using her magic to bring over a folder. Stepping out of the library, she waves back at a couple on the other side of the road. Heading in the direction of Rarity's Boutique, she meets with Fluttershy and Applejack as they walk down the road, "Hey girls, how are you doing?" "Jus' fine Sugercube," hugging the alicorn, the farm mare looks down at the pair of infants, "and how our favorite little fillies?" "Impatient when they're hungry," as the pegasus and earth pony laugh, Twilight smiles at the pair of yawning fillies. Walking to the door, she beams at her other friends and Gilda, "Good to see everypony." "You said that you have something important to show me," crossing her arms across her chest, the lone griffin in the building frowns as Twilight pulls out the folder. Flipping the folder open, Twilight clears her throat, "First off, the princesses and Queen Faust thanks you for providing information of the various staging areas and people of importance." Ignoring the preening griffin, she turns to the next page, "Unfortunately, none of the scientists back in Canterlot have been able to find a way to cure the blight." "WHAT?!" as Gilda screech out, the pair of infants sniffle quietly, "I CAN'T BE STUCK LIKE THIS! I CAN'T!'" As a sad expression cross over her face, Fluttershy wraps her arms around the blighted griffin's neck, "Don't worry Gilda, we'll help you adjust." Feeling the griffin grip her tightly, the pale pegasus nuzzle into her side as she cries. Lifting her beaked head up, Gilda notice the pair of fillies holding their arms out for her before she lifts them into a hug, "T-Thanks, you can continue Twilight." "Right then," looking back to her folder, she shake her head before nodding, "the dragons can possibly unblight you but they're currently to busy trying to fight each other." "Everblight has promise to assist in this once the war is over, although he believes you won't want to," seeing the griffin frown, the alicorn scratches the back of her head. Minutes pass by before Gilda sighs in annoyance, "Why does he think that I would want to remain like this?" Seeing Twilight hold out a piece of paper, Gilda reads the form before looking up, "What are a group of ponies doing dissecting a creature?" "Hey just cause we were made to be herbivores, doesn't mean we have to stay like that," even though she says it as a jest, Rainbow notice Gilda shuffling nervously. Feeling a pat on her shoulder, the griffin locks eyes with Pinkie Pie, "Hey, you don't have to worry. We aren't offended by your words." As the griffin's shoulder ease, Twilight gaze at the list, "Common traits of blighted sentients are increase strength, durability, speed, lifespan, intelligence and size." "You're also," coughing slightly, a faint blush cross over Twilight's face at the next part, "extremely coordinated and *ahem* fertile." Seeing the other five mares blush, Gilda shrugs her shoulders while tickling Dawn Star's belly, "Why do you blush at such a thing, there's nothing to be embarrass about." As the griffin thinks about what she's been told, Rarity looks at Twilight, "If this was all darling, then why did you ask for us all to be here?" seeing her shift nervously, the fashionista rolls her eyes playfully, "What do you need?" "Well...you see, I'm kind of heading to where Everblight's faction is housing their eggs," seeing them gape in surprise, Twilight holds herself a little taller before frowning a little, "however-" "You can't go with the girls because of how dangerous it would be," seeing her nod, Rarity and Pinkie Pie nod at each other before the pair grin at Twilight, "just leave it to us!" "Yup, Aunty Pinkie and Aunty Rarity will make sure they're well taken care of," the pair push the young mother towards the door, Pinkie Pie holding a suitcase full of the alicorn's clothing. Rolling her eyes in disbelief, Twilight looks over to Fluttershy's direction, "Fluttershy, could you and Gilda make sure to check on my daughters?" "Um, certainly Twilight," blinking in surprise, Fluttershy barely notice as Gilda catches a pair of keys that are thrown by Twilight, "is there anything we should know about?" As the pair of ponies try to push her through the door, she turns back with barely concealed amusement, "There's a list of what they will eat in the kitchen. Okay girls, behave your Aunties." As the pair take Twilight to the train station, Rainbow Dash looks with a puzzle face, "Was that truly necessary?" Seeing the two fillies nod their heads, the others can't help but laugh as a pair of infants sold out their mother. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ After a two day train ride, Twilight and the group of researchers exit onto the dragons' territory. The group of ponies and griffins, with the sparse changeling or minotaur, look around as thousands of dragons move around the various mounds. Hearing a loud roar, the group watch as Blighterghast lands with a resounding thrash, "Welcome to the home of the Equis Draconian Army." As the dragon says this, several thousand diamond dogs rush out. The diamond dogs show obvious signs of blight, scales decorate their arms and legs and their tails are more reptilian. As the canines move over to the mounds, Twilight notice a few of the eggs glowing. Before any of the group can mention such, Ember begins to hum deeply. Slowly, other dragons and dragonspawns echoes the hum as more and more of the eggs glow. One of the griffins had pulled out a video camera when the glowing had begun and record as one by one the eggs shifts in awareness. The sound of loud crackling can be heard before the first egg breaks open. The hatchling that stumbles from the egg, cover in fluids and broken eggshells, is cyan with brown spines run down its body. Opening its red eyes for the first time, the hatchling gaze up as Everblight leans his massive head to the newly hatch. Watching as the elder and the younger sniff each other, every being watch as the hatchling climbs onto the dragon's back, "This is my daughter." As though drawn from his voice, more of the eggs begin to shift and glow before cracking open. As the hatching continues, Twilight pays close attention to the freshly hatched dragons. The smallest of them easily reach eight feet in height and twelve in length. While some may look different, the most common attribute seem to be one head with one pair of wings and a single tail. Some dragons would have a club on the end of the tail, others a curved blade with only three having nothing on the tail. As the newly hatch stumble around on uneasy legs, Twilight looks over as the diamond dogs would edge dangerously close to the families. To her and the researchers' surprise, they aren't growled at but instead are welcome. As the diamond dogs clean of the gunk, Twilight and the others jot down notes, 'This is most fascinating.' "I wonder how the girls are doing?" looking to the sky, she begins to think of Ponyville. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, the sound of crying can be heard as Rarity rocks Bright Dusk with frayed hair, "Oh Dusky, don't worry. Mama will be back soon...I hope." Looking up, she locks eyes with a wide eyed Pinkie Pie as the earth pony walks down, "Pinkie dear, are you-" "So much poop," placing Dawn Star back in the crib, Pinkie gaze at the wall, "she so small, how can she have so much..." Looking at a frowning pair of fillies, Rarity laughs nervously until Fluttershy walks in with Applejack and Gilda, "Um Fluttershy, could you be a dear and-" With an amused expression, the pegasus grabs a sniffling Dawn Star with a soft smile, "There, there, no more tears little one." "Yeah, Mama will be back soon enough," taking Bright Dusk from Rarity, Gilda pokes the filly's belly as the infants look up at her. "Eeyup," nodding her head, Applejack smiles at the two which makes them smile back, "she'll hav' stories of dragons and other stuff." Once the two fillies are place in the crib, Applejack smirk at her fellow earth pony, "Aye thought yer coul handle 'em." "Hey, those two are out to get me," as the six girls focus on each other, none notice as the twins high five each other, "I tells ya, they doing this on purpose!" As they turn back to the pair of fillies, five of the six aw at their innocent face while Pinkie pouts with her arms cross under her breast. As the sextuplets heads towards the kitchen, the heterochromia opens their twin bonds, 'Sho we ma em cry s'mo?' 'No,' smiling at her younger sister, Bright Dusk giggles alongside Dawn Star, 'we alrea do wa Mama sai to do.' As the six older beings walk back in, the twins smile at them with as much innocence as they can manage. It was super effective. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shaking her head, Twilight looks up just in time to see Spike waving her over. Walking over, she smile at Amber and their sixteen hatchlings before looking up at Spike, "They look so lovely." "I know, they get that from their mother," nuzzling into his mate's side, Spike notice Twilight's shifting from side to side, "you want to ask something." "Well...I was wondering why the diamond dogs were cleaning off the hatchlings," looking up at Spike, Twilight is surprised when Amber answers her question instead. "It's all part for Operation Star Drake," shrugging her shoulders, Amber purrs as Spike brush her side with the flat of his arm blades, "the oil they will produce for the first three years is going to be used." "The First use will be for the starships for ponies and the other races," speaking up himself, he smiles as Twilight jots down some notes, "the other use is to help crops grow on the other worlds." "Does anypony know what planet we'll be sent to?" looking curiously at the pair, she watch as the pair simply said classified. Nodding her head with a sigh, Twilight turns around only to notice as Everblight motions for her to accompany him. Moving through the sea of limbs and diamond dogs, she stops in front of the old dragon, "Is there something you want to speak about?" "Yes...Twilight Sparkle, I need to tell you something that I hope will never see the light of day," seeing her open her mouth, he holds out a hand, "no, it must be said...you will also be told everything about the Star Drake program." "Why me?" "You are the most trust worthy one here," closing his wings, he close his eyes before sending images directly into Twilight's mind. As her face twist in rage, then disbelief before finally settling in sadness, Everblight sighs deeply, "You know what this will mean?" A silence blanket over the pair before Twilight looks up to the dragon with a sad face, "Isn't there another way?" "If any being can find one," placing a talon tip on her shoulder, he smile sadly at the mare,"than perhaps you can." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Twilight steps back onto Ponyville, she smile briefly at her friends, "Hey everypony, I hope they weren't a hassle." "Nah Sugercube," ignoring the glare of Pinkie Pie and Rarity, Applejack lets Twilight grabs the stroller with a smile, "they're jus a tad bit cranky tha' yer weren't here." "Well I back and I plan to bee here for a while," waving them goodbye, Twilight walks back to their tree house. As soon as she close the door, Twilight smirk mischievously at the twins, "So...did you enjoy making them sweat." Seeing the twins giggle madly, she laugh herself before she and many others across Equestria look up as the sound of sirens cut through the sky. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lord Tirek sneer at the collection of reindeer and gemsbok that use to guard the pass. Looking behind himself, he points at Appleloosa with disdain, "Wipe them out." At first a single row of undead begin to march to the town. Then slowly, more and more reanimated corpses surge forward until a wave of undead ponies, griffins, dragonspawns and other avalanche towards the town. As the ponies turn their rifles, crossbow and bows towards the hoard of undead and the bison prepare to charge, a feeling of despair descends onto them as thirty metal constructs erupts from behind the charging undead. Even after eons have passed, every being tense before they hear the roar of the cryxian warmachines. Knowing that they will probably die, the warriors prepare to fight. The Deathjacks are here. The reaping has begun. > The Wave Rush Forward > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Growling in anger, Braeburn stomps on the squirming hand that belongs to one of the undead changelings. Lashing out with a kick, he manages to decapitate bane knight before looking a gemsbok wearing blood red armor, “How are things lookin’ on yer side Sarge?” “Well...the first line is down, undead changelings and diamond dogs are chewing at my boots and Zorok forgot to bring any rifle ammo.” Looking at the younger pony, the old gemsbok can help the bloodthirsty smile that cross his face, “So all and all...this has been pretty damn good.” Turning back to the large opening in the ground, they and several others defenders ready themselves as a horde of bile thralls stream from the opening. Arrows, bolts, blasts of magic and bullets cut through the horde while the bison gore through those trying to tear down the wall. Chief Thunderhooves bellows out a warcry before he flings several bane knights off his body. As a large brute thrall prepares to rush him, a loud gunshot echoes through the battleground before it tumbles down. Nodding his head at Sheriff Silverstar, Thunderhooves snorts at the incoming wave, “MY WARRIORS! WE CANNOT LET THESE SACK OF BONES PASS!” “THA’S RIGH EV’RYPONY! WE ARE THE ONLY ONE BETWEEN THESE HERE CORPSES AND THOSE WHO CAN’T FIGHT,” raise his pistols in a fire position, Silverstar frowns deeply at the incoming wave, “SO AYE SAY IT NOW, WHO HERE WANNA LIVE FOREVER?!” Before the defenders can cheer, the sound of machinery twisting and soul screaming force them to watch as two of the Deathjacks sweep friends and foes out of their way. With a loud bellow, Chief Thunderhooves rush forward at the same time that one of them charge down the line. Bullets and arrows flying ahead, the pair of titans crash into one another in a loud thunder clap. As the machine reach to grab his forelimbs, two other bisons rush forward and manage to knock it down. As the three bisons go to town on the first, the second finally reach the sheriff and throws a punch that would have splatter the pony if he hadn’t jump out the way. Jumping onto a nearby roof, he rains bullet after bullet on the warjack. Leaping back as the death machine destroy the rooftop, he grimace when a reindeer was grabbed and eaten by it, “Ya’ll best fall back, git the folks up an runnin'." Speeding forward, the sheriff jump onto the back of the deathjack. Firing continuously into the machine, he nods as townsponies and bison rush to their homes. Grabbing the warjack by the horn, he glares as the other lifts two of the bison up by their neck while Chief Thunderhooves holds back its feet. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prince Shining Armor kicks a bane thrall of his blade as he summons a cyclone of arcane energy. Expelling outwards, he push back his undead attackers before dashing forward. Meanwhile, Princess Cadance soar above while throwing spear made of ice, magic and crystals into undead and machines. The still form of a single deathjack is thrown away as two more rush forward. Taking a leaping jump forward, Shining Armor jams his claymore through the lanterns on its shoulders before tossing the sword away as it melts, "Damnit to Tartarus and back. They're not so hard to destroy but-" "Tirek made the first Deathjack eons ago," swooping down to the other necromachine, Cadance rips both arms from the machine before using them to scrap it, "it was the reason behind why he was imprison and why there aren't anymore centaurs." As a bullet ricochets of a nearby rock, the royal pair move their head out the way as the round goes into a brute thrall's head, "NICE SHOOTING CHAPEL!" "I WAS AIMING FOR THE UNDEAD DRAGON!!" a scowl cross over a reindeer buck in cobalt armor as he slams the but of his rifle at a dragonspawn's throat. Kicking the undead beast off, he lets out a sigh of relief as a hole punch through both of its eyes, "Thanks Diamond Apple, you're the best." "I know sugar...also, duck," the blue wearing crystal earth pony with silver mane and dark grey coat steps aside as orb of unstable magic flies past the pair into a crowd of bane knights, "buckin' Tartarus, WATCH WHERE YA THROWIN' YER SHIT MOOSE!!" "Don't bother, he's a great warrior," rising from his crouch, Chapel draws out his two short swords before tossing one in the air where Diamond Apple catch it without looking, "but he's kinda of a-" "Buckin' Sociopath, BLIND TO HIS ALLIES?! "-mind damage and unstable retard, yes," glaring up as the trumpets echo through the Empire, he locks eyes with the crystal pony, "that's the queue!" Nodding her head, she focus on those left as Chapel throws a few orbs of magic at a building, "LAST OF THE CIVIES ARE OUT, FALL BACK TO THE PORTALS!!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow Dash swoop through ranks of undead as three undead dragonspawns follow close behind. Rolling into a bane knight, she throws the undead stallion into a gaping maw after placing a yellow orb of magic. Drawing her one edge sword, she stabs through an undead minotaur's mouth as the orb explodes from inside the dragonspawn and catch its wing mates in the blast, "If your epic enough, all the good fights come to you!" "You can say that again," a turquoise mare stomps on a undead griffon's head, earning a loud crack as it shatters, "ya better hurry up if ya want to catch up." "Buck you," before a smirk cross her face, Rainbow' eyes widen as Spit fire scream in pain. As the blade continues in its downward arc, the mare collapse as her left wing flops to the ground. Lashing out with a kick, Rainbow spins in a full circle while bringing her sword to block a bane knight. As the undead diamond dog opens its mouth to bite off her face, the tip of a throwing knife punch through as it falls over. In the distance, Fluttershy spins in a dance of death. Limbs and knives fly through the air as the yellow pegasus use a strange weapon that has a sword on each end. Lunging forward, she dodge under both swings before decapitating a undead pegasus. Tucking her wings in, Fluttershy deflects the two swords before kicking the attackers. As the two thralls fly off with shattered skulls, Fluttershy approach with a worried expression, "Rainbow, Spitfire, we got to leave!!" Pushing back against a griffin thrall, the rainbow haired mare nods rapidly, "Okay yeah, grab Spitfire. I'll defend-" The pair look up as a large undead dragonspawn dove at them. Pushing the pair of pegasi back, Rainbow rush forward as the draconic beast lunge to swallow her whole. Ducking almost to close, the mare lets out a cry of rage as her sword cuts through hide and scales. As the corpse fly by the each side, Rainbow Dash look over with a smug grin, "Yeah, that really jus-AAARGGH!!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everblight swoops down onto the army of the dead, fire engulfing multiple undead in his path. As he pass, Ember pulls from her dive. Hovering in place, she breathes a inferno of red onto a collection of deathjacks, "Are you sure these are deathjacks?" "Yes Em," shaking his head, he fires a large orb of nearly black fire into the another crowd, "although these are vastly weaken version of the original, these are deathjacks." Flapping his wings harder, the older dragon begins to push the army down the mountain before a flash of light appear between the pair. Faust glare down at the army of the dead before turning to the pair of dragons, "The last of the ponies have retreated to Ponyville, art thou certain ye plan shall succeed?" "There are two, maybe three, things that Tirek fears," lashing out with his tail, Everblight digs deep furrows into the earth, "Toruk is the first and the Elements of Harmony is the second." "What's the third?" as Ember looks over, she and the immortal queen flinch as the eon old dragon shines. Scales grows harder and cracks as arcane energy makes him look as though he was a volcano. Spines and spikes sharpen as a blue undertone covers the tip while the tail blade grows in width. Opening his mouth, streams of mana, fire and lightning form into an orb that he swallows whole. Steam rising from his maw, he plummets to the ground as the army charge forward. Even as his mouth barely cracks open, raw power can be felt before he fully opens his mouth and a large black beam blinds every creature with eyes. As the two turn back to see the very land, where a never ending army once charge, replace with a grove with trees of crystals and grass of glass. Looking up with tired eyes, he smirk before slowly rising into the air, "I think that should answer such a question." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tirek roars in rage as he rips off his old arm. Gazing at the crystalized appendage, he snorts loudly as one of the dracolich walks over to him, "You fools could have got me back sooner!" "You worry too much Lord Tirek," as the dragoness walks over to him, she ignores the feeling of trepidation that covers her. Placing a talon on him, she smile sickly at him, "Until you have you original Deathjack again, there's not much you can do." "After all, only a dragon can permanently kil-" eyes widening open, the dragoness tries to pull her arm back while staring at the centaur, "WHAT TH TARTARUS ARE YOU-" "Taking your advice," as four of the undead dragons break apart, Tirek pats her head like one would to a dog. Bones, hide and scales fashion themselves onto him as Tirek's body breaks apart. In a flash of black light, Tirek stands in his new form. Two giant wings grow from his back, each with a rotted appearance. Four heavy arms grow from his torso, each one equip with four claws and a long spike growing from the wrist. On the tip of his tail is a large pincer with a mouth like opening. Rubbing his crocodilian like muzzle with eight bull horns and four pairs of eyes blink in unison, he grins before looking at the dragoness as her eyes dilates, "Oh no, my dear...you're not going to die like they did." "After all," smiling as the dragoness is forcibly shrunken before her body snaps and breaks into a new form, "I have to properly reward you." Hearing a throat being cleared as he laughs maniacally, the newly formed dragon look down at a cloaked figure with a smirk, "Have you found it my child?" "Yes your lordship," motioning behind him, the figure waits for the large number of bane knights and blood witches to bring in a larger dust covered Deathjack. As the Lich Lord and Lich exit the room, Tirek barely looks back before the door closes, "Wake it up." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As daylight shines onto Ponyville, tall battlements can be seen as warriors mill about. Reindeer and gemsbok ready their weapons on the edge of the Everfree, bison and changelings sharpen their horns while diamond dogs and ponies repair the last of the armor and weapons. Twilight Sparkle adjust her armor once more before turning to her mother, "I really don't think it needs to be so tight." "Trust me my dear," grabbing her daughter by the shoulder, Twilight Velvet pulls on a loose strap, "better to have it tight than to have it fall off in the mist of battle. Now, lets knock them dead." The pair step out from the room, the pair stop in front of their friends and family. Violet color chainmail gleaming in the sun, the young alicorn adjust the helm under her arm. As her mom pats her shoulder in matching color armor, the alicorn takes a deep breath, "Sorry I'm late everypony." "Ain't nothin' to be sorry fer," Applejack walks over in a heavy orange and gold plate, a mallet made of steel resting beside her, "none of us were ready fer this." "It's sad that we must lose our innocence," Rarity brings a delicate hand to her face, clutching tight to her sword-staff as her silver splint mail shifts uncomfortably, "but it we don't how can we expect others to respect us as the Elements." The three look over to a grim face Pinkie Pie wearing dark pink plated mail and a shotgun in her lap, "I made a promise to the Cakes that I'll look over their kids, I can't fail...not now." Feeling a comforting hand on her face, Pinkie Pie look up to Twilight just as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash walk in. Both of the pegasi wear lamellar armor with Fluttershy's being a dark gold and Rainbow's a deep cerulean. As Rainbow leans against a beam, Rarity rush over, "RAINBOW, YOUR ARM!" "Don't worry about it," waving off the unicorn's concern, the cyan pegasus rubs at the nub where her left arm use to be, "I'm still good to go." A loud slap echoes through the library as Fluttershy glares at her long time friend with redden eyes. As Rainbow Dash looks away, the tear marks seem more pronounce on Fluttershy, "Don't you dare...act like nothing happened." Grimacing, Fluttershy prepares to apologize when a soft knock could be heard. Opening the door, the mane six and Twilight's parents rise as the queen, three princesses, and Shining Armor walk in, "Please, there's no need for formality." "Indeed for soon war will be upon us and we shalt be family by battlefield," turning to Rainbow Dash, Queen Faust frowns in concern, "how art thou wound?" "It's nothing your maje-" "Do," tensing as the deity look through, Rainbow stays perfectly still as Faust holds the pegasus shoulder, "not.lie to me." Head facing the ground, the cyan mare seems to want to melt into the floor, "I'm...still trying to get use to not having another hand." "I'm certain that Everblight is willing to shape a new appendage for you," walking to his sister's friend, Shining Armor and Rainbow Dash exits the library. As the pair walk out, a strange trio walk in. The dark grey mare has blue plate on with a rifle equip with revolver's cylinder and a pair of trench knives. The first reindeer wearing cobalt armor has two short swords on his hip and a sniper rifle on his back. The last is also a reindeer although he is wearing blue armor and carrying a normal rifle on his shoulder. The mare looks around with a confuse expression on her face as the two reindeer snaps to attention, "Oh sorry your majesties, I was looking for m-" "DIAMOND APPLE!" as Applejack race forward, the pair of mares embrace with wide smile, "it's been too long sin' aye las' seen ya." "You too little cuz," pulling away, Diamond Apple motions to the two reindeer, "the buck in blue is Moose while the one in cobalt is my coltfriend Chapel." Looking at the taller mare, Applejack gains an amused expression, "Ya always wer' inta 'em strange ones." "Like you're one to talk Madam Fluffleskirt." "HEY!" Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie looks at a smiling Moose as he takes a seat next to the party, "Hello! I'm Moose, it's great to meet you!" "I'm Pinkie Pie," tilting her head to the side, she can't help but notice his two tone eyes, "I can't wait for this war to be over." Hearing him take a breath, she blinks in surprise, "Me too! That way, my big bro and I can celebrate my first birthday here in Ponyville!" As a smile creep up on the earth pony's face, neither of the pair notice as their finger tip brush against the other. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everblight lowers his head before looking at Rainbow's stub. Scratching his chin, he lets out a groan before jabbing into his thumb. As the drop of blood falls into a cauldron, he holds his hand over it as blue glyphs surround his claw, "Iejir di sini, adon vi jira di dastudr!" The cauldron bubbles for a few minutes before Everblight knocks it over, draining the liquid. As he turns to focus on another, Rainbow takes in her new arm appearance. Looking a lot like her old arm, she notice the claws on her hand as well as the near unnoticeable scales. Taking the arm from the cauldron, she inspects it before looking up at a familiar face, "Ya gonna put it on or are ya gonna mope some more." "Shut it Gils," smirking at the blighted griffin, Rainbow's eyes flash in surprise as a pair of draconic wings sprout from Gilda's back, "and I thought you wanted to be normal again?" "Normal...is over rated," nudging the pegasus, Gilda leer at the cyan pony, "go on and put.it.on...unless you're chicken." Rolling her eyes, Rainbow holds the arm close to her nub. As it snaps into place, Gilda raise an eyebrow before humming, "Damn, that's soo freaky." "Ya telling me!" as the pair of friends laugh, a throat clearing makes the two turn to see Spitfire standing with a hand on her hip. Where her nub use to be, a new wing that mostly looks like a bat but with a bird's covert. As the trio of fliers head out, Everblight looks as a large ash cloud slowly approach. Looking down at Vayl, he hands over Asphyxious' Emerald of souls to her, "Summon Asphyxious, let him know I have a present for him." "It's not even Hearth's Warming," a smirk cross the doe's face as Everblight locks eyes with a red and black dragon. Flapping his wings, Everblight heads towards the enemy just as a single deathjack stomps towards the town. "Fuck," noticing the energy radiating from the real deathjack, he looks to his foe in the sky, "I don't know who you are...but I'm going to enjoy picking my teeth with your bones." "You'll wish," surprise cross Everblight's face as Tirek's voice escapes from the dragon's body, an army of undeath falling from his frame, "that I had killed you after this is said and done." As the two dragons hover in the air, a crack of lightning descends from the ash cloud, "WE SHALL SEE!/HAVE AT THEE!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stirring from his slumber, Toruk gaze into a pool. Seeing the pair of dragons charge at each other, his eyes flash in rage, "Tirek...you had better hope you die...I won't take such an atrocity lightly." As the Deathjack marches forward, the Dragonfather fails to notice as a cloaked figure hops onto one of the many boats. As part of the hood falls back, a green human like face could barely be seen before the hood covers it up again. > And the Stone Forces It Back > --------------------------------------------------------------------------         As the two dragons above clash, Vayl and the mane six alongside Moose, Diamond Apple and Chapel rush forward. Flinging her hand forward, the elderly reindeer barely resist the urge to roll her eyes as a number of bane knights and warriors scatter like a hard wind blow away leaves.         The pair of pegasi rush forward to cut down a half blind dragonspawn before Twilight glance around, “So how much do you know about Asphyxious?”         “Probably more than you,” as the group walks forward, the two bucks and the sole diamond pony check around the corner before motion clear, “but what do you know?”         Chewing on her lip, Twilight looks away before shrugging her shoulders, “Just that he’s a displaced and a few important things.”         “I have to ask, why are you so curious?” opening the door, Vayl nods respectfully to a duo of gemsbok and a reindeer, “It’s good to finally meet you old man Sarge.”         “...damn,” rising from his seat, he bows his head respectfully before kissing her knuckles, “you look just like your great, great, great grandmother back when I was serving under Ethrunbal in the old days.”         “Holy shit...I knew you were old,” walking over with shock, the reindeer in blood red leather bows deeply to Vayk as well, “but at that age...you’ve gotta be at least a millennium.”         “Yup, I served back when Everblight had conquered parts of Gondwana and the mass majority of the current day Crystal Empire,” shaking his head, a smile cross Sarge face in remembrance, “those were the days.”         “Okay, enough history lessons,” slamming her hand on the table, Rainbow Dash points at the token with determined eyes, “we got a call to make!”         “Lord Asphyxious, we require your assistance,” as she finish, Twilight waits for the dracolich to respond. Meanwhile, a curious Vayl looks over to Twilight Sparkle with a bemused expression, “So...you want him to be your daughters’ godfather?” Before the alicorn princess can reply, she look over to a tear that slowly open, “Asphyxious, are you there?” “I’m here what do you need and who is this?” Asphyxious asked on the other end. “It’s Twilight, we need your help with fighting an undead army lead by Tirek,” looking over her shoulder, Twilight grimace as the beginning of cannon fire echoes in the back ground, “there may also be an army of lesser deathjacks being led by one of the original ones.” A portal opened as Asphyxious walked out and gave the girls a surprise. “So what going on?” He asks, the girls were to busy getting over the shock that Asphyxious was now a dragon. He only stands a head or two taller then them but he was still a dragon. But what shocked them more was the large rune covered Deathjack by his side. Jaw dropped, elderly reindeer doe prepare to speak but the old gemsbok walk over with a raised eyebrow, “What the Tartarus, I didn’t think you would be back here!”            “I’m sorry have we met before?” Asphyxious asked looking at the antelope.          “Have we met?! Fuck yeah!,” placing his shotgun on his shoulder, he grabs the dracolich’s hand for a hand shake, “I was there when your flank was kicked off this world in the first place.” Tilting his head back, he taps his chin with scrunched eyes, “It must of been...three, no wait two millennia ago!”             “Wait… How long ago or are you just pulling my leg here?” Asphyxious asked looking at everyone.         “Definitely two millennia ago,” snapping his finger, he shake his head before rubbing his finger on a scar going across his face, “I had just joined under Everblight’s Army and my first assignment was helping take back the base when you were there guarding one of Toruk’s shards.”            “Please tell me his making this up or I’m going back home.” Asphyxious asked with annoyed look on his face. “By the way who is this guy? Some kind of dragon spawn gone wrong?”         “Sarge is literally the second oldest gemsbok to ever exist,” a second gemsbok walks over with an easygoing smile, “name’s Borok by the way.”           “Asphyxious Hellbringer, Now why was I called here?” Asphyxious asked again. As the Deathjack did nothing but stare at everyone.         Twilight rolls her eyes before flicking the tall Displace in the back of his head, “Did you NOT hear me say we need you to help fight a BUCKING ARMY OF UNDEAD AND DEATHJACKS?!”            “I heard that, I need details miss Sparkle.” Asphyxious replied before crossing his arms. “What are their numbers, where are they attacking from, do they have just undead or warjacks too?”         “There’s about several thousand Bane knights and Faust knows how many thralls,” Asphyxious rubs his face after hearing that and groans.            “Something tell me Mum would have been a big help here.” Asphyxious said to himself.         “Well why didn’t you invite her,” rolling her eyes, Rainbow Dash cross her arms across her chest, “whatever, I need to break in the new arm so let's go!”            “Not without a plan and a army.” Asphyxious snapped. “My god she as bad as some displace I know.”         “We hav’ an army of changelings, bison, reindeer, gemsbok and ponies,” Applejack pats the handle of her mallet before looking at the dragon, “but we really gonna need help with the deathjack and the lesser ones.” Asphyxious raised a brow at what Applejack just said.           “What do you mean lesser ones?” He asked looking at everyone else.         “We’re fighting Tirek,” a frown cross Pinkie pie’s face as she fingers the stock of her shotgun, “everypony knows that he, with the guidance of Toruk, made the first two Deathjacks.”         “We don’t know how but he manage to...replicate the energy found in the skulls in order to make these,” looking around, Fluttershy grimace before sighing deeply to herself, “deathcrawls. On the plus side, it’s a little easier to defeat them.”            “Oh mum going to be pissed.” Asphyxious said with a smile, before turning to his echo. “Just going to call my wives and let them know to send my dogs and warjacks over. Also need to bring Rocksteady.”         “You my dear,” patting the side of the dragon, Rarity lets out a small laugh, “are, what do they say, so whipped.”            “Nothing wrong with that. And you make it sound like I don’t enjoy it.” Asphyxious replied with a smile before going back to his call.                   “You know,” a bemused expression cross over Twilight’s as she pinched the bridge of her nose, “you can probably ask Everblight to help you with your...hoarding issue.”              “Been there, done that grown out of it.” Asphyxious replied as he got a reply from his call. “They’ll be over in a bit, so… Anything else you need of me?”         “Let’s wait until after we win,” an amused smile cross the alicorn’s face as she watch the gemsbok walk outside, “then we’ll see what Everblight has to say...as well as get you to meet your goddaughters.”            Asphyxious face fell as he stared at her with his good eye. The only words that left his mouth were the only thing he could think to say. “What…?”         “Oh yes. They’ve been waiting to meet their, as Rainbow would say,” a slightly savage smile cross her face as Twilight thinks of the mischief, “totary and epic godpapa.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         High above, Everblight grapples with a draconic Tirek. Slashing at his muzzle, the older dragon growls deeply as his eyes flash with rage, “How the Tartarus did you transform into a dragon?!”         “Took the blight right out from those that didn’t need it,” slamming his second pair of arms into Everblight’s chest, Tirek grins savagely as black sparks dance from his maw, “but know that at least you won’t have to worry about anything trying to kill you...CAUSE I’LL DO IT FOR THEM!!” Flipping the younger dragon around, Everblight slams Tirek into the ground. As the former centaur rise again, Everblight glance towards Ponyville and the approaching Deathjack, ‘Hurry the Tartarus up Asphyxious. I need you to deal with the Deathjack.’ Just then a bolt of magic hit Tirek in the rump.           “Hello! Did you miss me?” Called out a voice on the ground. It was Asphyxious and he was smiling. “Wow, I get to fight Tirek again who has an army of undead again? Talk about small world huh?”         “Well, I was hoping that it wouldn’t be until a few more years,” shrugging his shoulders, he look at the smaller dragon, “so what up?”            “Dude you deer buddy said it was a millennia or two!” Asphyxious yelled back, as the undead just stared at Asphyxious.         “So you’ve turn against our master,” a deep scowl cross the former centaur muzzle as black fire dance from his maw, “he’ll thank me for ending your soul!”           “Master? Ha! Don’t make me laugh, I’d sooner die than be under that things control. But on the plus side, I get to eat you!” Asphyxious called out as cannon fire soon rang out. “And here come the dogs of war. Hehe I made a pun, dogs of war. Get it?”         “Please don’t!/What the fucking Tartarus!” both of the dragons look at Asphyxious with a deadpan before glaring at each other.            “Anyway let's get ready to rumble!” Asphyxious roared, as the sound of his army of diamond dogs was running to meet the cryxians in battle.         Letting out a roar, Everblight slams into Tirek. Chomping on the red and black dragon’s neck, he let out a grunt as Tirek stabs one of his wrist claw into his gut. “Hey Everblight, mind moving that fight deeper to the cryx side. I have a spell you’re going to love!” Asphyxious called out. As his Deathjack was busy punching a smaller helljack.         Pulling the claw from his stomach, Everblight rolls in the air before releasing Tirek. As Tirek crash into the rear of his army, Everblight begins to summon fire, lightning and raw mana to form a sphere.           Asphyxious held out his hands as his body is covered in a green aura. “[The earth that rot in the end of days. The dead will walk from their resting place. The stars in space fade away, crushed by the hand of god himself. Sink into the void of nothingness and despair.”] As he spoke a large sphere of darkness had engulfed a part of the cryx army and Tirek and Everblight who were still fighting over the skies.           Swallowing the sphere with steam rising his from mouth, Everblight’s form glow a deep cerulean before directing a large deep blue beam at enemy dragon.            “Move out of the way! Pull back!” Called the Diamond dogs who all left the sphere of darkness. “Anyone left inside is as good as dead!” Everblight wasn’t sure what spell Asphyxious was using. But if his own Diamond dogs were this worried about it, it maybe a good idea to get out of the spell range. [“Let your death be forever eternal in the void of darkness! Maximize Magic: E.N.D!”] With that sphere of darkness expanded to the point where they were standing before vanishing into thin air. Once the dust cleared there was nothing sand where half of the cryx army was. Then a large body drops out of the sky missing a wing. It was Tirek and he was still alive.           “Well then…that was interesting,” looking at Asphyxious from the corner of his eye, Everblight glides over to the injured dragon.           “Bugger....” Asphyxious said before coughing up blood and falling over. His Diamond Dogs quickly move over to protect their king.         “Aww...is wittle Tirek hurt,” slamming down on top of the fallen dragon, Everblight grins widely at him, “and I thought you were going to end me."         “W-W-Wait a moment,”feeling as his head is lifted up, Tirek tries to pull his head back, “I’m certain this is just a-” “Misunderstanding...you’re absolutely right,” dragging the tired dracolich in the direction of Asphyxious, Everblight smile turns savage, “I should stop playing with you...I doubt Asphyxious likes his meal too soft.”]           Asphyxious let out a laugh as his army back away and stand tall, the dragonlich then changed into his dragon lord form. He let out a beastel snarl before roaring and lunged for Tirek. The Diamond dogs didn’t look away from there king who was feasting. All that could be heard was the sound of bone braking and flesh being torn.         “You know...there’s still the matter of the massive group fighting on the other side,” looking at the feasting Asphyxious with amusement, Everblight let out a brief chuckle.            “Let us handle this.” Said a Diamond Dog in armor, wielding a large sword sparking with lightning. “We need the practice.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         Little Strongheart lets out a scream of pain as her left forelimb is thrown out of place. Rising up, she slams her head against the undead diamond dog before spinning around, “Braeburn! You best hurry up, the first row of those deathcrawls are almost here!”         “I’m hurryin’, I’m hurryin’!” rushing forward, the gold stallion fires a few rounds that catch some of the thralls and warriors. As the pair load up the cannon, the first of the smaller version of the deathjack lumber into the kill area. Pulling the rope, the cannons fire on the cryxian warmachines. While a few fell to the onslaught, a few manage to break through before the legs sinks into the ground.         Even as the first group go deeper underground, more step out in mid charge. While some are caught in the first trap or the kill zone, a good amount of the others manage to pass. As the machines pound away at the wall, the undead swarm forward before using the deathcrawls as stepping stones. As the first undead peak over, swords and axes would cut them down unless the bullets reach their mark first.         It isn’t until an unearthly roar echo through the clearing that the defenders brace as one of the only two true Deathjacks burst from the treeline, scratches and dents covering the monstrosity. One moment it was by the treeline before there was a large gaping hole going through the first wall. Scrambling around, defenders try to stall the cryxian super weapon while fighting the undead. Hearing rumbling coming from behind them, the defenders watch as a wave of Diamond dogs rush forward. Blinking in surprise, Braeburn looks over before shooting a undead minotaur as it tries to charge at one of the newcomers, “Aye thought that only the blighted diamon’ dogs were on ou’ side?” A Warwitch jumps over their heads soon join the Diamond dogs in battle. It was kind of confusing seeing a member of cryx fighting the other cryx. But there was one difference between them, the warwitch was wearing dark blue. Just like the diamond dogs. Shaking her head, Little Strongheart and Braeburn rush over. As the small bison crush a bane knight that was sneaking up on the warwitch, Braeburn slides next to her before unloading his pistols into an undead dragonspawn, “Ya come her’ of’en?” The Warwitch simply smiled at him, before metal wings spread from her back and fly up before driving her sword into a slayer head. It wasn’t long before more Warwitch’s joined her sister in battle. As the earth pony let out a whistle, he flinch when the bison smacks his flank, “Wha’ the buck, Strongs?!”         “Less flirting,” tossing a kick, she leers at Braeburn as she tears the head off a mechanithrall, “you can try to convince them to join us for hanky panky after the fight.”         “Yer no fun when ya get lik’ this,” smiling kindly at the bison, the two hear a low groaning roar. As the pair turn, the giant Deathjack lumbers closer while smacking the lesser ones out of its way. Then a salvo of cannon fire was heard, that light up the area the Deathjack was in as well as destroying or damaging the others.           “Yeah! Take that, the Wolves of Cryx will turn you ta scrap!” Yelled a Diamond Dog in odd armor who was standing next to two warjacks.         The sound of metal squealing could be heard as the Deathjack grabs one of the deathcrawls and the face plate slow opens as though it was a mouth. Letting out a shrill roar that force many to cover their ears, it chomps into the deathcrawl. As the armor of the Deathjack manages to repair itself, Braeburn looks at the Diamond dog that spoke up, “Should...Should that have been possible?”            “Yes, but our Deffey didn’t have a mouth… Asphyxious will want to know about dat.” It was now after his ears stopped ringing that Braeburn could hear the Diamond Dog voice, it was female. “Alright you know da plan guys! Keep hitting it till it dead but don’t get close!” She yelled at the other diamond dogs, some even pulled out rifles. “Bob and Kibbles, get him!” She yelled and the two warjacks roared to life to attack the Deathjack.         “Ya’ll heard her,” pistols spinning, Braeburn points in the direction of the Deathjack, “NOW, LET’S GET THIS DON’ N OVE’! GRANNY SMITH IS MAKIN’ HER FAMOUS ZAP APPLE PIES FOR US FIGHTERS!”             “JUST SHUT UP AND SHOOT IT!” Yelled the Diamond Dog as she held out her staff, then a bullet explodes from the end of it. The round explodes on the Deathjack armor.         As rifles, pistols, shotguns, crossbows and bows rain down onto the Deathjack, the strange sound of yak music begin to fill the air. As they continue to fire, a pair of reindeer and a crystal mare wearing blue armor let out a sigh, “Oh Faust, not again.”            “What is that?” Asked a Diamond dog who was wielding an axe and a shield cannon. “It kind of catchy.”         From behind the line, a carriage with heavy frontal armor and a giant cannon with six barrels burst out as the music grows louder. Two gemsbok in red armor, a reindeer in a red cloak and the Mane Six screech to a halt next to the group. Sarge looks over to the Diamond dog in command before clicking the song off, “Sorry we’re late. Had to get the old girl up and ready.”         “We’ll take any help we can get. Give covering fire for the infantry and fire everything else on the deathjack!” Yelled the Diamond Dog Warcaster. As one of her jacks drives it axe into the deathjack back, before being thrown off to the side by the larger helljack.         “Sure thing, Borok,” as the younger gemsbok look at Sarge, the old warrior smile at him, “would you like to give the Deathjack our retort?”         “Yes sir,” clearing his throat, Borok turns in the direction of the cryxian deathjack, “HEY YOU!” As the Deathjack turns, the cannon rotates as round after round fire out at an extremely fast pace, “SUCK IT ZAM-ZAM!!”         As the mass amount of cannon fire blinds the Deathjack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sped forward. Sliding under the warmachine’s legs, Rainbow climbs onto its back before rapidly slashing up the machine. As the helljack moves an arm to swat the cyan pegasus, it’s pinned as Fluttershy slams her weapon into the hand. Dodging out the way of a kick, she watches as Rainbow grabs the leg and slowly pulls.           “Get out of the way!” Yelled a Diamond Dog in armor as it lines up with other dogs who were wielding shield cannons.         As the pair of pegasus dart away, the helljack tries to follow but collapse as the gears in the leg pop out of place. Looking at her left arm, Rainbow grins before fist pumping, “Oh BUCK YEAH! THIS ARM IS AWESOME!!” That’s when the line of Dogs fired, the shield cannons gave a deafening roar. As the rounds explodes on the helljack armor.         Twilight focus a large sphere of raw magic in her hand that grows to the size of a pony’s head. Wounding her fist back, she punch forward as a beam of purifying energy slams into the jack.            “Okay, don’t drop your guard just because you think it dead!” Yelled the warcaster as she reloads her staff. Many other diamond dogs start to reload their weapons to.         As the cloud disperse, the Deathjack limps out with right arm missing and half of the right leg dragging behind it. Letting out a roar of pure unadulterated rage, it flings arm out as its chest piece cracks open. Thousands upon thousands of centaur souls claw out in rage, trying to escape.         As the jack tries to pin the spirits back, Twilight turns to the warcaster, “If you hurry, we can end this! What’s your strongest spell?!”           “Spell? I’m a diamond dog what make you think I know magic?” Asked the warcaster. As she yelled at her warjack to get up and attack the deathjack again.         “For crying out loud,” facepalming, the alicorn takes a deep breath as her eyes glow an ethereal purple. The Diamond dogs may not know much about magic, their armor and weapons on the other hand were a different story.         Rising into the air, Twilight surrounds herself with glyphs while Rarity and the surrounding unicorns, changeling, a few of the bison, gemsbok reindeer and one or two of the blighted Diamond Dogs begin to glow, “Sin of the fallen, tears of the risen. By the first soul all are born, By the first plague all are rested! Come forth as traitors are gather! Cleanse the land of the Damned and Guide the Lost!”                Pointing a hand the Deathjack, Twilight focus each spell being charge, “PURGATORY!”         “DAYBREAK!” “HOLY ANGELUS!” “ASCENSION!” As each spell flies forward, parts of the Deathjack are blasted off as the crack widens and the spirit of the centaurs escape into the air. It helped the diamond dogs didn’t stop shooting at the deathjack.         As the spirits glare at the cryxian warmachine, the earth around the jack rumble as roots dig into the armor. Pulling it into the ground, the Deathjack lets out one last roar before the sound of shattering could be heard.         Slowly, Twilight look over to the warcaster before watching as some of the centaur trot forward, “Is that the last of the Deathjack?”         “We believe so,” the soul of an elderly centaur woman nod as some of the spirits descends onto the deathcrawls. Looking at the Diamond Dog warcaster, the centaur smile kindly, “It warms my heart to see your people remain staunch and just warriors young one.”               “Ummm, Thanks? I’m just a jackmarshal.” The warcaster said rubbing the back of her neck. As the other diamond dogs keep an eye on the remains of the deathjack but not getting close to it.         Letting out an airy laugh, the old matron shakes her head with amusement before motioning to the Deathjack, “Still modest I see. You need not worry about the creation my child made, it has lost the Skull that we were sealed inside.” Patting the warcaster’s shoulder, she briefly glows before smiling.            “Wait, Skull? Asphyxious said this thing has two of them.” Said the warcaster as she looks to the others. “My name Kat by the way.”         “Kat...hmm, I knew a Diamond Dog named Kat once,” a smile cross her face before she shakes her head, “she was a very successful spell weaver...able to create spells that gave Starswirl a run for his money. I think you will do well with such.” Placing her palm on the Diamond Dog, the pair flash a sickly green color before the centaur step back and wave for Kat to focus.            “What just happened?” Asked Kat, as her two warjacks walk up to her.         Twilight chew on her lip before looking at Kat, “Centaurs were the first truly magical race...it’s said that centaurs can make it so others with dormant mana pools can use magic.”         “These include minotaur and yak shaman, reindeer hex dancers and diamond dogs witch doctors,” Rarity motion to a pair of Diamond dogs in bone like armor.            “That last one sounds a bit like the gatormen Asphyxious talks about.” Said Kat as she felt her warjacks boredom. She slowly looked at them confused as if feeling their bond for the first time. “Ummm, is it normal to know what my jacks are… thinking?” It wasn’t truly thought but something like it. It was hard for Kat to put into words.         “Back when we had used warbeast, it was common that a truly powerful warlock could make it so that their beast partner could speak,” as Twilight and Rarity look at Pinkie Pie, the pink mare shrug her shoulders, “what, my family has at least four different warlocks in our family.”         “Then why weren’t you born in Canterlot?”         “Cause my family believe in stick with nature,” smiling, the pink pony slung an arm around Kat’s shoulder, “Don’t worry...though now I can through you your very first magic awaken PARTY!!”            “Sounds like Baldur.” Said Asphyxious who made everyone jump. “And congratulations Kat. You’re a warcaster now.”          “Yes, it warms my heartstone to see a Diamond Dog earn their spark of magic,” smiling at the warcaster, Everblight shifts before glancing at the spirit of the centaurs, “if you want, I’m certain that there is a place for your people.”           “Wait a minute… Shouldn’t Twilight and her friends be dead if a millennia has past, since the last time I was here?” Asphyxious asked giving Everblight a look. “Your friend tricked me didn’t he…”         “I has only been a few years since you’ve last been here,” the look of bemusement was apparent on Everblight’s face before a small bit of fear enter his face, “who is the guy you’re talking about?”            “That it.” Asphyxious said as eh pulls out a token. “Mum come here and talk to a Twilight who want me to be her granddad for her kids. I have words with a git to deal with for tricking me!”         “Wait, WHAT WAS THE GUY’S NAME?!” a look of fear cross over Everblight’s face as he leans down to Asphyxious’ level. Asphyxious had teleported away as a hole broke open in the ground revealing a black pit with no visible bottom with four crystals raising up around it.         “Did I hear that I’m getting great grandchildren?” A female voice asked as a black furred fox with a white fox mask poked her head out and looked around.            A look of complete shock cross the dragon’s face before he blinks slowly, “Well...hello there madame.” Bowing slightly, Everblight holds out his hand, “I welcome you to my humble home.” At those words the fox looked up at Everblight and grew until she was the same size as him.         “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Rin.” The fox said as she took his claw and shook it with Pinkie levels of speed.         “I am Everblight the Redeemed, son of Toruk the Dragonfather and member of a collection of dragons who want the betterment of all of Equis...speaking of which,” looking to the distance, the old dragon scratch the back of his neck with a heavy sigh, “I need to tell our mutual friend that I need him to attend a meeting.”         “Oh, okay. But if we’re doing titles I’m Rin, goddess of darkness, pranks, games, undeath, forbidden knowledge, lost knowledge, monsters and dark heroes. Now seeing as you need to go, where is this Twilight that’s giving me great grandchildren.?”         “Here I am,” smiling at the fox masked goddess, Twilight flies up to her shoulder, “although I told him that he is the GODfather of my daughters...would you still like to meet them?”         “Yes I would! I’m still going to give them presents.” Rin said in a tone of finality as she shrank down to Twilight’s height.         As the two head towards Ponyville, Everblight looks over when an old gemsbok walk over, “...Sarge is that you...you got old as Tartarus!”           “Attack!” Asphyxious yelled as he jumped on Sarge back and bites his horns…. Asphyxious growls as he chowing on one of Sarge horns on his head. It looks really silly.         As a sweatdrop fall from Everblight’s head, the dragon look down, “I never thought the two of you would get in a fight with each other after so long.”         “Me neither,” pulling on Asphyxious’ tail, Sarge lets out an annoyed huff, “sure we fought back when he use to be all melodramatic and evil but now he’s...well, he’s still melodramatic but at least he ain’t evil!”            “I’m a displaced you old git!” Asphyxious growled but stopped. “Where Rin?” He asked looking around.         “She went with Twilight to see your godkids but,” holding the youngish dragon back, a serious expression cross Everblight’s face, “I’m...going to need you to attend a meeting with my allies.”            Asphyxious sighed at this. “As long as they don’t try and eat me we’re good.” He said looking up at Everblight and crossed his arms.         Face drooping in exhaustion, the old dragon lays down, “There’s...something I need to tell you.” “Remember how I said I’ve never seen a human since I was one?”           “What about it?” Asphyxious asked.         Sighing deeply, Everblight lock eyes with Asphyxious, “That was a lie. The last time I seen a human...was when I had to use a banishment spell on you while you were guarding one of Toruk’s contingency plans.”            “...Dude I think you’re mixing me up with someone else. I am Displaced as Asphyxious. I was then locked away by Celestia, for over 900 years. I’m not whoever this other Asphyxious is you think I am.”         “It’s...how can I best phrase this,” tapping the ground, Everblight motions for Sarge to leave, “it was some millennia ago and I had just ensure that Tirek was imprisoned. I was also in my phase where I wanted the entirety of Equis under my rule. Then some portal opened over my head and out drops a humanoid figure. Spending the next two centuries, I had Thagrosh, Sarge and the original Vayl assist me in banishing the being going around with the name of Asphyxious along with my father’s contingency plan.”           “Wait… Are you saying there another displaced called Asphyxious. Okay this will get confusion.” Asphyxious said as he rubbed his face.         Sighing, Everblight pulls out a green orb that seems to swallow the very light and happiness, “Since I didn’t feel dread from you, I went searching...may I present to you, all of Asphyxious rage and intent to kill everything.” Placing the sphere down, Everblight waits with a slightly worried face.           “Cool, I’m going to stick this in a warjack.” Asphyxious said with a smile. “Now how to handle it…”         “The fact that you just said that brings me some hope,” rolling his eyes, Everblight rise up, “hopefully, Blighterghast won’t chew my tail out for bringing you.”           “Worst come to worst I’m sure Mum can fix things.” Asphyxious replied using magic to put a note on the ball saying ‘Evil do not touch or it will take over your body… Maybe I don’t know?’ Before putting it inside his echo. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         Twilight waves at the library with a big smile before turning to Rin, “I hope you don’t mind but my mom, dad, sister and BBBF are also here.”         “So long as they don’t go all it’s dark that means it’s evil kill it with fire I’m good.” Rin said jokingly.         As the alicorn opens the door, she lets out a smile laugh, “Well, seeing how mom archives and use some pretty dark spells...oh, I’m sure you’ll fit right in.” As she opens the door, Twilight watch as her mother glomps the mask wearing goddess, “OH SWEETIE, ARE YOU OKAY?! ARE YOU HURT, HOW MANY OF THE BITCHES DID YOU MAKE SQUEAL, ARE YOU HUNGRY?!” “Mom, in order; I’m fine, I’m not hurt, a ripped a guy’s spine out through his anus and I could use some food.” Tapping her mother on the shoulder, she pulls her mom off of Rin, “Everypony, this is Rin the mother of the twins’ godfather.” “That was the fifth friendliest spontaneous greeting I’ve gotten from a total stranger.” Rin said as she got up. “I have come for your babies! Show me the way that I might spoil them rotten!” As the room look at the goddess, Cadance smile widens as the other break out in laughter, “Oh, I’m going to enjoy having you around!” “Follow me,” shaking her head, Twilight leads the group up stairs into Spike’s former bedroom. The room is decorated with blue walls with clouds all around while two purple unicorn fillies sat on the floor playing with blocks. The first one with two different eye color look up at the mask wearing woman before looking at her older sister, ‘Sis, mor tal folk to inslav!’ ‘Quicky,’ as the other one turns to the group, she crawl over to Twilight, ‘we mus judg’ em propary!' Grabbing the two fillies, Twilight turns to Rin, “Rin, these two little trouble makers are Bright Dusk and Dawn Star. Bright Dusk is the oldest and Dawn Star is the heterochromic.” Rin just stared at them for a moment before snorting. “Who are the wittle puppeteers? You two are! Yes you are!” Rin said as she rubbed her nose to theirs. The two fillies look at each other before grin widely and throwing their arms around the goddess neck. Bright Dusk look at Dawn Star as they continue ‘talking’ with their twin bond, ‘I lik tis one!’ ‘Me to, les ge mama to le her stay,’ nodding her head, Dawn Star look at Twilight with big puppy eyes. As Bright Dusk joins in, Twilight laughs loudly before turn to Rin, “Can you watch these two with my mom? I need some to supervise these three or the street will be filled with zombies doing who knows what.” “Oh I wouldn’t worry too much about that. Any zombie that gets too close to me becomes my slave by default. One of the perks of being a goddess of undeath.” Rin said as one of her tails moved over her mask changing it into a smile. “But I’ll be happy to.” As Twilight walks out, the three unicorn mares wait until they watch her go around the corner. Looking at Rin, Twilight Velvet smile widely before bringing out a photo album, “Who wants to see Twilight when she was practicing ~necromancy~?!” As the two fillies shot their arm up with happy squeals, the three look at the Goddess of Undeath. “Oh this I got to see. Mind if I get some copies to show my world’s Celestia? It would give her a heart attack!” Rin said with barely controlled laughter. The three unicorns look over with similar confused expression before Velvet clears her throat, “Your Celestia never made a fire zombie army...not even a pyrewyrm?” “Alas no. As far as I know most Celestias in the multiverse would never touch necromancy and tend to make it illegal in their worlds. I’m an exception in my world because I’m their aunt.” Rin said with a shrug. Shrugging, Velvet flips open to a page where a young Twilight sits with Princess Celestia as a partially rotten snake the size of cow and blue flames dance across its head, “This is Twilight when she and Celestia first started, Twilight was allergic to most things and she really wanted a pet. Princess Celestia taught Twilight the re-animation spell before she brought the soul of the snake back.” Flipping the page, the group watch as Twilight rode the snake around while an undead owl lands on her shoulder, “This is Twilight doing both steps on her own.” “Oh, I have a video of when Twilight and the Princess made a parade with undead creation,” standing up, the older mare rummage through the closet before pulling out an old cassette tape, “FOUND IT!” “Woot!” Rin cried out as she conjured up some comfy cushions for the group to sit on. “Just curious, seeing as necromancy isn’t condemned here how far has it gone? What’s the most advanced necromancy spell in this world?” Tapping her chin, Velvet scrunch her eyes in thought before snapping her finger, “For mortals, the highest we can use is a spell that allow for us to pacify wraiths and poltergeist.” Rin just looked disappointed at that. “If you’re a deity or have a god like being’s help, you can do anything from bring some back fully or even creating new life,” smiling, Velvet fist pump which the twins copy, “and me, Twilight and Shining Armor can do such!” “I see, I was hoping for something new but I have worshipers in so many worlds that it’s getting hard to find new things in the field.” Rin said. “Well...those are if you just use necromancy,” patting the goddess on the shoulder, Velvet gains a shine in her eyes as a small blush cross her face, “me and Night Light, a paladin of purificating light can use a ceremony that would create a planet with the beginning of life.” “Shining Armor can do this too although his wouldn’t last long if he doesn’t have somepony to help with the ceremony,” a look of complete mirth cross the mare’s face as Shining blush before slowly backing out the room. “I’m aware of combos like that. It’s how I made the life clock. An artifact that produces an infinite supply of free lifeforce. Though I must admit worlds were paladins and necromancer collaborate are very rare.” Rin said thoughtfully. Shaking her head, Velvet place the cassette in the VCR before sitting down, “Well here, a paladin’s job is ensuring that all thinking beings can find prayer or comfort.” “Meanwhile,” Night Light walks in before kissing his wife deeply and placing one on his granddaughters’ forehead, “necromancers are here in case some folk are either murder without just cause.” “Said murdered are allow to bring the matter to court and find peace or are allow to become necromancers in order to have a semblance of a family,” looking as the video begin, a proud smile cross the stallion’s face, “ah I remember that day...she looked so proud.” “She is quite adorable. Say, does this world have a god or goddess of undeath? I’ve been branching out to other worlds and I would like some temples in this one. I like the attitude here.” Rin said as she watched the video. “That depends,” watching as the army of both skeletal and mostly together solider march on, Twilight Velvet taps her chin, “while we have many lesser gods and goddesses of death and undeath, we don’t have a Head Undeath/Death Deity...I’m sure that Queen Faust would let you do such.” “Hmmmm.... I’ve never been a goddess of death. My aspects are darkness, pranks, games, undeath, forbidden knowledge, lost knowledge, monsters and dark heroes. Not death itself. Then again I’ve already helped the ghosts of two entire dead worlds move on.” Rin said thoughtfully. As Twilight flare her magic and a pair of burning hydras walk forward with heads held high, Night Light smiles encouragingly, “See, you’ve done it once, you can do it again easily!” “Let’s wait until the movie is over,” watching as Celestia walks forward, Velvet nudge the goddess with a smile, “then I’ll call Queen Faust and she’ll see how well you’ll fit the position.” “Alright. Wow more fire. I take it Twilight never cared for the cold?” Rin asked as she watched even more burning undead on the screen. “Oh just wait and,” from the other side of town, an army of ice golems wielding swords and shields march forward, “this is where it got good.” The two army charge at each other, ice pillars rising and rings of fire circling. Two skeletal dragon, one of ice while the other was of liquid flames, flying high in the sky. As they crash into one another, sparks of lightning shoot into the sky before the dragons fused into one. The dragon has four wings of fire, a body and head of ice, neck and tail of water while its arms, legs and claws was a fine mist. Circling around three times, the dragon lands as the two armies broke from the fighting and salute the Princess as the crowd cheers. Looking at the goddess, Velvet smile with a good amount of pride, “And that is why Princess Celestia never lets anypony else do a show for her Birthday...any question?” “No, not really. It was a great show, and at such a young age, most impressive.” Rin said approvingly. “Well, I’ll make that call to Queen Faust,” standing up, Night Light lets out a chuckle as he head to the next room, “she should be free.” “You and I both know Queen Faust got tired of those ‘nobles’ who weren’t fighting and kicked them from attending court,” a satisfied smile cross the mare before she look down at the sleeping twins, “now she would do almost anything to get out and ‘experience the culture that Equis now has’.”         “Oh, they fell asleep before I could give them their presents.” Rin pouted. “Hmmmm… what would two little manipulators like them like?” Rin asked as she looked at the two napping on her stomach.         Looking over with a smirk, Velvet rolls her eyes with a laugh, “They’re trying to pull one on you so you don’t leave. Trust me, they do this to everypony.” Rin just hummed at this. Lifting a paw a large amount of gold materialized in the room while a massive amount a life force gathered in Rin’s paw before she shot it into the gold which changed it into two foxes with baskets on their backs and pickaxes which Rin magiced away.         The two fillies snap their eyes open before crawling to the foxes. As they pat the two on the head softly, they look up as a flash of light appear outside the library. Humming to herself, Twilight Velvet look at Rin with an easygoing smile, “That must be the Queen...or Luna or Celestia.” Moving to the stair, she smile at the immortal queen and creator of most races.         “I’ve heard that ye have a goddess here,” looking around, Queen Faust smile kindly at the mare, “doth thou mind if we meet her?”         “Over here.” Rin called out as she watched the twins enjoy their new minions.         Walking over to the goddess, a light blush crossed over Faust’s face before she glares at a smirking Night Light, “Ye fell to informed us about how...exquisite she looks!” Rin’s head shot up with an exclamation point over her head.         “You didn’t ask,” bowing his head, a look of amusement cross his face, “your Majesty.”         “Why doth we let ye get away with such?”         “Because you enjoy the fact I treat you like a woman first instead of our immortal ruler,” rising from his bow, he pats the goddess’ shoulder, “that...and I’m your favorite paladin.”         “We can’t confirm nor deny thy response,” as the unicorn walks to the twins, Queen Faust bows respectfully with a light blush, “we are sorry ye heard that.”         “Oh, so am I. Though I have roots in many worlds in my home dimension you and I are sisters.” Rin said uncomfortably. “Anyways I’m Rin. Goddess of darkness, pranks, games, undeath, forbidden knowledge, lost knowledge, monsters and dark heroes. It’s nice to meet you.” Rin said as she lifted a paw to shake.         Taking the paw in hand, Faust actually kiss the knuckle before rising, “Tis nice to make thine acquaintance. I am Queen Faust, Mother of all mammals, avians and fish, head of the Life Tree, Elder sister to Toruk the Dragonfather, and the Grand Equalizer of Chaos and Harmony.” “We will need to test how much aura ye have in thine form,” motioning for Rin to follow, Queen Faust heads to the door, “thus we must head to the testing ground of the death/undeath branch.”         “K” Rin said simply as she followed with a bounce in her paws. “Just don’t try and teleport me. That… never end well. I always just use portals.”         “Very well,” thrusting a fist, Faust pulls open a door. On the other side, is a desolate land. Trees partially dead and water incredibly brackish, skeletons of many creatures seem to stack over each other. The two largest skeleton are those of two dragons. The first has seven horns and two pairs of arms, three pair of eye sockets deeply engraved into its skull. The second dragon has one pair of arms but two head, the legs of the dragon replaced by ten tails that were of great length.         Turning to Rin, Queen Faust motions to the area around her, “Thine first test is to reach out and awaken the being that whilst serve thee in thine time as a deity of undeath.” Rin just looked around before shrugging.         “Alright but I already have a factory creating endless streams of undead around the clock on this one dead world I took over.” Rin said as she let out a wave of dark magic without charging any magic up or making any preparations. With a loud sound of clattering and the ground rumbling every dead thing in the area began to climb out of the piles and look to Rin with their glowing eyes before bowing to her. “That good?”         “Whilst we would have prefered you focus your energy on reaching to the one that called loudest to thee,” looking around, Faust smile as the very dimension rumble as a few figures duck in with open curiosity, “tis most acceptable...and amusing.” “The next test wil-”         “If you would pardon me,” a tall gaunt reindeer without skin on his head and dragon like claws walk over before giving a low bow to the pair, “but I believe that I speak for many of us that we wish to see...if she can bring healing to this realm.”         Looking over to Rin, Queen Faust tries to show that it’s her choice with just her eyes.         “Sure, healing is a big part of necromancy in many worlds and I’m very good at it.” Rin said with a shrug. Rin just sniffed the ground a bit before nodding. She began charging up a massive amount of magic before pushing it into the ground where it moved like a wave in all directions. At first nothing happened until a blob of darkness started oozing out of the ground which Rin began to slurp endlessly. About twenty minutes later the ooze ran out and with a final gulp she let out a sigh. “That was tasty. Hmmm this is going to drain all of my life clocks.” She grumbled as she created many portals in the ground around her and started pulling out life force by the boatloads into one massive ball which she tossed into the air and let it explode showering life force onto the land which soaked it up like a dry sponge. And like a dry sponge the plant life swelled and grew out from the added life energy.         As the land heals, the reindeer place a gentle hand on an apple tree as whispers can be heard among the others, “Interesting...unique and they are more lively, pardon the pun, than when I had done my test here.” “Altox, come here quickly,” a large chimeric creature with the body of a bipedal elephant, the horns of a minotaur and the head of a bear walk forward before reaching the reindeer, “tell me...how is her abilities? Is she-”         “You stick with Death, Armaddonis,” grabbing the apple, the being’s face scrunch in exertion before part of the apple begin to rot. As he stops and the apple returns back to its new form, he lets out a bark of laughter before slapping the smaller aspect on the back, “Perhaps you’re right...yes most definitely! Queen Faust...I believe that this Lady does not require the other tests! She is simply too good for them!”         “Oh? Thank you!” Rin said with cheer.         “Doth any of thee have a problem with her position as Head of all Death/Undeath,” seeing some mutters amongst themselves, Faust gains a bloodthirsty smile, “if ye do, we are certain that thine new leader is more than willing to demonstrate her combative necromancy.”         As those who spoke silence while looking away, Armaddonis and Altox walk over before bowing lowly, “We greet thee Dark Lady. Our plague are your plague, our dream are your Ascension and our reapers are you messengers.”         “Thank you, and I shan't disappoint.” Rin said with a nod as she gestured for them to rise.         Rising first, Altox gives a salute while a smug smile cross his muzzle, “I am Altox, Patron to Death Knights and Paladin alike. Ask of me whatever you wish, just as long as I have an honorable brawl!”         “You contradict yourself, an honorable brawl?” chuckling at the hybrid’s fake outrage, the reindeer brings a wilted rose that continuously blink between dead and alive, “I am Armaddonis, Patron to Assassins, Necromancers and Witch Doctors. I’m also in charge of those who are the branches of Death like Altox is to Undeath.”         “I see, so you two will be second in command for death and undeath?” the two nod with a form of respect to the goddess. “Very good. Tell me, is there a place in these lands were business is done? If not I can just make one.” Rin stated.         “As of now, this entire dimensional plane is your to command,” waving his hand, Altox let out a wide yawn showing off his carnivorous teeth, “all you must do is will the plane to change and it shall.”         “Just as we would be summoned by your call,” Armaddonis dips his head while motioning to the others, “even without being called by our name, we’ll come if we hear our titles.” Rin just looked to the sky as a necropolis from the warcraft games materialized in the sky.         “Nice, first I’m going to want to see how you’ve all been doing things and a list of anything important I should know about this job or anything that interacts with it. Then once I’ve settled I’ll get some temples set up in the mortal world.” Rin said with a nod.         “You have no need to worry about the templesss,” a mare with the lower body of a snake slithers over with a meek bow, “thisss one hasss already sssent her worssshipersss to build them for you.”         “That is Leiphalis,” Amaddonis nods at the goddess as she nervously slithers back, “she’s a young one, just past her first century of being an undeath goddess.”         “She is Patron to spies and builders,” Altox lets out a snort while rolling his eyes, “as well as the go to goddess of the sirens and merponies.” “As for how things work,” shrugging his shoulder, Altox look at Rin with narrow eyes, “it’s mostly one mandatory meeting every other decade while those who are in charge of undeath try not to offend the death pantheon.”         “Hmmm, Most laid back pantheon I’ve ever seen. I’m glad, most I’ve seen out there have regular meetings with those in higher power constantly trying to exert dominance all the time. I don’t want that.” Rin said with a head shake before turning to the young snake goddess. “Be sure to give your worshipers a warning. My temples change themselves so no matter what they use to make it, the walls will turn to black crystal and the idol into obsidian. And to watch out for the sacrificial pit that will appear in the floor around said idol. Once it’s done they should just stay away till that thing shows up then put up safety fences so that there are no accidents. Also they tend to attract a monster guardian to protect it and its surroundings.”         As the young goddess nods her head with tail wagging behind, Armaddonis lets out a chuckle, “Don’t worry, her worshipers tend to gain the ability to levitate after awhile...she just likes to spoil her ‘babies’.”         “B-B-But they’re ssstill mortalsss,” the goddess curl her tail around while wringing her hands, “what if they are hurt?!”         “Most of your followers are undead,” the deadpan on Altox cause Leiphalis grimace and look at the ground, “they can easily fix themselves.”         “Oh, they couldn’t fix themselves if they fell into the pit.” Rin said matter of factly. Hearing this, Leiphalis begins to panic slightly as her coiled tail grab onto a half dead looking changeling. “Calm down, the pit isn’t going to jump out and grab them. Just have them stay floating above the ground as they work and they’ll be fine.”         “Yesss ma’am,” easing up on the changeling, Leiphalis shift nervously, “sssorry Hephaisss.”         “If you keep panicking like this, you’ll be the first death/undeath deity to give themselves a heart attack,” patting the young goddess on the shoulder, Hephais walks over before bowing though not as low as Altox and Armaddonis, “I am Hephais, as I’m sure you heard. I’m the Death god Patron of Healer, Scribes and lore tellers.” Shrugging his shoulder, loud cracking can be heard as he motion to the others, “I’m also one of the only four Elder Gods who give advice to Queen Faust, so if you can’t summon me, that is why.”         “Good to know.” Rin said with a nod as she glanced over to the Queen who has simply been sitting there watching with a smile as she munched on an apple.         “Thou art enjoying thineselves,” rising up, she briefly focus on something before turning back, “tis good to have a being back in charge of this branch.”         “Back? What happened to the one who was in charge before?” Rin asked her.         Clearing her throat, Faust look at the group of sadden deities, “He...betrayed our trust. Toruk wasn’t always evil, he use to be charismatic and just.” “Now, well,” making a face, the first immortal look off in a random direction, “look no further then his children, filled with rage and bitterness.”         Slapping her hands together, the alicorn goddess turns to Rin with a smile, “No time to mope, ye are the head of thine own branch. Doth thou know what we must do?”         “No, I believe that was part of the is there anything important I need to know question that was never answered.” Rin replies.         “Ye worry too much,” place an arm around the fox’s shoulder, a wide smile cross Faust’s lips before she opens a portal, “now that thine ceremonial welcoming to the Pantheon is done, WE can go and enjoy ourselves!” “Won’t thou join us?” turning around, Faust’s face twist to look as though to say no would be as if some evil being kicked a defenseless and blind puppy.         “Alright, but you should know if food is involved I eat like a black hole...literally. It’s not safe for anything in the area not bolted to the floor.” Rin said as she made to follow.         “Ye need not worry for there wilt be many a thing,” as Faust walk to the other side, she motion to a large temple filled with life that seem to hover even the heavens, “if we can not keep thee entertained then no being shall!” “Now come, we have a most wonderful water slide…there are drinks with tiny umbrellas at the bottom too,” throwing off her clothes revealing a tight bikini with her cutie mark stamp on her hips, she lunge down one of many slides made of stars.         “...Tiny umbrellas?” Rin asked herself before sliding down the slide next to the one Faust took. Once she landed in the water she turned to her host. “I think you underestimate what I mean when I say I eat like a black hole. Without divine intervention protecting it I could eat this temple while trying to eat a meal.”         “Tis not a temple,” slinging an arm around the fox before bringing the Undeath Goddess into a bone crunching hug, she laughs not knowing that her top had fallen off in the slide, “tis our domain, everything here is safe!” “Now, no more protest,” bringing out some martini with tiny umbrellas, Faust hands one over to Rin, “just.have.fun!”         “Alright, maybe later I can take you to a game zone for some fun.” Rin said as she passed a tail over her face changing it to have an open mouth. Faust brought her drink up for a sip when a powerful wind whipped her hair about and she looked over to see that Rin had already consumed her drink glass and all.         “Oh, doth thou think ye can out drink us,” finishing up her martini, Faust reach over to the side before coming back with two beer glass filled with golden liquid while lightning dance off the top. Handing one to Rin, Faust downs the beer before slamming it down.         “Oh, I think I have a pretty good shot.” Rin said as she tossed her mug into the air and sucked it all in right out of the sky.         A wide smile crosses Faust’s face as she pulls out six mugs before giving three over to Rin, “Oh joyous day! We finally have a being not afraid to drink with us! We hope ye won’t go out like the last being who tried to keep up with us.”         “Before I ascended I was able to down an entire dwarven sized keg of dwarven ale by myself in one setting and still party with them. Now that I’m a goddess that ability is considerably stronger.” Rin said with a shrug before sucking her three mugs down her gullet.         “We don’t know what these dwarves are,” pulling out a pair of kegs, Faust toss one to Rin before chugging down her own, “but they sound like, what do the mortals say, awesome folks!” “We should make a race like them, but first,” grabbing another pair of kegs, Faust place on the edge of the pool, “to the rise of a new beginning!”         “Here here!” Rin shouted out before taking her kegs and tossing them into the air with her magic, breaking them open and sucking them down. “I’m winning.” Rin said in a singsong voice.         “We art sorry,” Faust looks over as she leans out from a large building size barrel with a straw in hand and a smirk on her face, “were thou saying something?”         “Hey! Where's mine!?” Faust points at an equal size barrel with the top still on it. “You waited for me to ask before making that just so you could do that joke didn’t you?” Rin asked.         Shrugging her shoulder, Faust sticks her tongue out at Rin, “We have no idea what thou art talking about! Tis Discord’s fault for making thee deaf when we said we were going to ‘up the ante’.”         “Mhm,” Rin then blasted the giant container with her dark magic before inhaling the contents as it came gushing out followed closely by barrel.         Before she can open her mouth, Faust look to the entrance as Luna and Celestia walk over, “Our daughters, have thou come to join in the merry making?!”         “That depends,” looking over with squinted eyes, Celestia waves kindly at the fox before focusing on her mother, “will you be drinking?”         “Of cour-” “Then no,” speed walking out, Celestia’s voice carried on as Luna slowly backs away, “we remember the last time you drank too much!”         “THOU ART COWARDS,” hearing the door slam shut, Faust look over to Rin with reddening cheek, “just cause we may have groped the pool boy once or twice…”         “Hey, I doubt you can be worse than me. There was a law passed in my world that said I’m not aloud to get drunk there.” Rin said with a shrug before turning to the olympic sized swimming pool now filled with beer next to the pool they were in before inhaling its entire contents in seconds.         “That is truly a gift,” nodding her head, Faust stumbles out her container before walking over to Rin, “doth thou want to go into town...we heard there would be gambling!”         “Oh I should exercise my lesser aspect of games to give their casinos some fun upgrades and we can show them a night they’ll never forget!” Rin agreed.         “Most excellent,” opening a portal, the alicorn walks forward without even putting on clothes, “Los Pegasus bi annual Naturalist week is today and we haven’t enjoyed it in soo long.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         Queen Faust shakes her head with a groan before looking up from where she laid, “What buck just happened...and why doth our flank hurt so much?”         “That would probably have something to do with the decree that you made that all who participated in the naturalist week in Los Pegasus must spank everyone they pass when they go anywhere.” Rin said as she came out of the bathroom still wet from her shower.         “Ah...we see,” looking around the torn up room, Faust couldn’t take her eyes of the fox as a memory flash by, “whatever happened at the um...orgy, was that what it was called?”         “I tried to avoid that. I feel sorry for whoever has to clean up downstairs. It took me two and a half hours to find you in that pile. And when I carried you up to our room after you passed out, when we were about to get to the top floor...you peed on me. There was so much of it everywhere. I think you flooded the floors beneath us. I was in the shower all night.” Rin said with a shudder.         Barely blinking, Faust sheds off what was left of her bikini with a shrug, “Thou can’t blame us for drunk Faust, tis the law...at least it should still be in the law book. Need to reread that part.” Looking over shoulder, Faust smile at Rin, “Doth thou wish to join us or art thou clean thoroughly?” Laughing to herself Faust goes into the bathroom and turn on the shower…..         “If you’re waiting for the water to come on I’ve used it all.” Rin called into the bathroom.         “MOTHER BUCKER!!” as Faust yells out, a small pool worth of boiling water hovers over the fox before descending rapidly. Unfortunately for Faust, Rin was facing the bathroom when she did this.         “AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” The raw force of the scream broke down the door, slammed into Faust, pushed her through the wall and sent her hurtling into a dumpster filled with the rotting remains of the all you can eat buffet it was behind. Creating an eruption of rotting food that then fell on top of the goddess burying her.         Teleporting out of the dumpster and vanishing the garbage and smell, Faust reach into a part in space before bringing out her flaming sword with a savage smirk before trying to track the fox down, “Oh Riiin, come out and play!”         As a slightly derange laugh escape the queen, Celestia and Luna facepalm before heading back inside, “Tia...why is our mother-”         “This is why I try to have those stupid drunken laws repealed,” crossing her arm over her bust, Celestia stomps with a pout, “but I keep getting told it’s not possible!”         “Wow she must be serious about drinks if even you can’t get through her red tape about it.” Rin said making Celestia look around in confusion.         “Where are you?” Celestia asked getting a confused look from Luna.         “I shrank myself and am hiding inside your head. You do a good job cleaning out your earwax by the way.” Rin replied.         Fuming, Celestia shake her head rapidly trying to dislodge the goddess, “Out of there! I already have one too many voice in there and I don’t need another!”         “Who! Easy, you just had to ask! You don’t want me losing my lunch in here do you!?” Rin’s nauseated voice cried out. Stopping, Celestia holds a hand up for the goddess to jump on. Rin stumbled out before falling face first into the hand. “Had to ruin the perfect hiding place where no one would ever look.” Rin grumbled.         A snort escaped from Luna before she shakes her head at the miniature goddess, “Neigh, first mother is going to her domain to get her sombering potion...then she’ll look into mine and then Tia’s head before searching elsewhere.” Shrugging her shoulder, the Lunar Princess looks at her pocketwatch and then the sun, “Thou has one full hour to hide somewhere else. Try the land of the zebra, you’ll probably meet your son and Everblight there.”         “So others have tried hiding inside your heads before. I guess that explains all the graffiti all over the walls of her ear canal.” Rin said before floating off Celestia’s palm and down to the floor where she disappeared into a tiny hole that closed up behind her.         Before the crack complete close, Celestia flips Rin double birds before the two princesses walk away. As the two younger alicorns walk out, they are greeted by their mother who has a twitchy eye and a magnifying glass, “Okay girls, help mommy find Rin. We don’t want another Discord incident like when he read so many pages of smut in your ear behind my back.”         Ignoring her daughters’ protests, Faust drags the pair while staring ahead, ‘Oh when I find the fox, she’ll wish that I use some chains and whips on her!’ > Politics and Games > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letting out a yawn, Everblight shake his head before looking at Asphyxious, “Damn, I use to be able to do this trip in a single hour.” Blinking slowly, the old dragon look in the direction of the cathedral before going into a dive, “There’s not much to worry about, you look more like a dragon than a Lich so you should be fine.” “That not what I’m worried about, I still don’t know how to fly.” Asphyxious replied digging his claws into Everblight back.         “Bah, don’t worry about it,” as he pulls up for a landing, several other dragons look at the pair as Everblight lands next to an equal size Spike, “I’ll help you get that done and you’ll be flying like an ace in no time.”             “Right…” Asphyxious replies as he jumps off Everblight back.         Spike blinks at the smaller dragon before taking a few sniff in the air. Grinning widely, the younger dragon lets out a laugh before nudging a dragoness with antler, “Yo Amber, you remember this guy, right?”         “Didn’t he use to be like...mostly armored,” as the dragoness look at Asphyxious, a snort escapes her as she poke at him, “what the Tartarus happened to you...you almost look like a respectable dragon.”             Asphyxious crossed his arms and gave her annoyed look. “A Goddess had her way with me. Also ate a couple of heartstones too.” He replied bluntly.         “Well I hope it wasn’t anydrake I know,” a large dragon descend to the group before turning a glare to Everblight, “I can’t believe that you’re letting a-”         “Relax Blighterghast,” tapping the bigger dragon on the shoulder, Everblight lets out a nervous chuckle while waving at Asphyxious, “he’s not here to fight and wish to kill Toruk just like the rest of us.”         A few moments pass before Blighterghast nods and glance at Asphyxious, “Before this meeting fully begin, you’ll have to properly introduce yourself to the group whelpling.” With those final words, the dark scaled dragon stalks to the highest perch.             “Wow, Toruk kids are assholes…” Asphyxious said before shaking his head. “My name is Asphyxious Hellbringer, Displaced and you’re?”         “Don’t mind Blighterghast,” a blue dragoness with ram horns lay down next to Everblight, an uneasy smile across her face, “he’s under a lot of stress since he became the Alpha. The name’s Ember by the way.”              “That I can understand, I kind of feel the same way around Ava. She the Alpha as far as I see it.” Asphyxious replied rubbing the back of his neck. “But there are others who’re apart of my hoard who’re the alpha too.”         “And how often do they get into fights,” shaking his head, Everblight look over as Blighterghast slam his tail against a metal boulder, “nevermind, the meeting is starting.”         “My fellow dragons and loyal dragonspawns, I call the thirteenth meeting of the Equis Draconian Army to order,” glaring at a few dragons who refused to stop talking, Blighterghast motions towards the group, “today, we welcome a newcomer to our meeting.”         “What land i-” “Do.Not...Interrupt,” glaring down at a dark red dragoness, Blighterghast motions for Asphyxious to stand before the group.             “Yo…” He said giving them a short wave. Uncaring eyes glance at him Asphyxious just stare back with his good eye. “Soooo, what are we talking about?”         “Did you find this spawn with his head stuck under a boulder?” receiving several sparse laughter, the dragoness smirk at the rage filled glare of Everblight.              “What did Everblight not tell you guys about Displaced?” Asphyxious asked looking back at the displaced dragon. “Oh my god you didn’t tell them…”         “Telling hilarious stories of strange beings from other universes,” a dark green dragon let out a laugh before he scrap his claw against the volcano’s wall, “we only believe in solid proof, not some make believe story.”             “My Mum a nine tailed fox goddess who play with undead.” Asphyxious said bluntly. “Also I know a number of displaced. Some of them god’s, not sure how that happened myself?”         “And I’m the queen of Maretropolis and I wear a ballerina tutu,” the snark from the dragon could be felt by an emotionless rock as several other dragons chuckle under their breath. Asphyxious rolled his eye before looking back at Everblight.         Shrugging his shoulder, Everblight has a small face of amusement on his face, “Hey, he’s insulting you. That means it’s your fight.”             “Yeah, I’m not stupid. Also my wives will kick my tail if I get into any big fights.” Asphyxious added scratching his cheek.         “Wives...so you’re a young whelpling as well,” a snort escapes from the drake’s maw before he shake his head in disbelief, “and just when I can’t think any less of you, Everblight...you prove me wrong again.”         “And you disgust me with your little operation,” seeing the slight fear in the green dragon’s eyes, Everblight smile darkly before leaning over, “how much sucking on Pop’s dick did you have to do before he let you run away like a.little.bitch?”         Slamming his tail again, Blighterghast glare the two coiled dragons into submission before waving at Asphyxious, “Your tale of Displace have been noted and will be discus at a later time. Please, continue.”             “Umm, What else do you want to know?” Asphyxious asked looking at everyone confused.         “Why should we even take you seriously,” a small dragoness with tusks growing from her head while open curiosity on her face, “what can you bring to this war that the ponies and others aren’t able to?”             “I can make warjacks, also blight things when I want to. And this.” Asphyxious changed into his dragon lord form and smiles at everyone. “Boo.”         “Hmm,” rising from her seat, the red dragoness inspect every part of Asphyxious before walking away, “I guess there might be something to this...Displace thing you mention.”         “If we need more blighted soldiers, we would have already conscript the less-”         Before the green dragon could finish, Blighterghast grabs him by the back of his neck with a snarl, “We.do.not.CONSCRIPT!” Throwing the cowering dragon down, Blighterghast punch through the ground and pulls out a glob of magma, “Try that shit again and I WILL dunk you head first into the planet’s core!”             “Hmmm roasted dragon meat.” Asphyxious said to himself wishfully. As several of the other dragons burst into laughter. “Oh, quick question and important. Does Toruk have a brother?”         Shaking his head Everblight looks at Asphyxious with a deadpan, “No, he only has a sister...who if you try to hoard, WE will kick your tail from this realm to the next.”             ”TORUK HAS A SISTER?!?” Asphyxious yelled in surprise. Several dragons facetalon while a few even gaze at Everblight as though they can’t believe what the dark dragon just said. “Oh this could be bad for my world…”         “Don’t worry...Aunt Faust would never side with Father,” a whimsical smile cross a pale yellow dragoness’ face before she looks at Asphyxious with slightly clouded eyes, “by the way, you should be careful what you say to Revan.” Asphyxious looks at her with wide eyes.            “How do you know Revan name?” Asphyxious was staring so hard it almost look like his eyeball was going to pop out.         As her smile sticks to her face, she tilts her head while several of the smaller dragons shake their heads, “The Jabberwockies told me.”             “Cheese?” Asphyxious asked tilting his head to one side. As he remembers about a game called skyrim.         Pointing her talon at Asphyxious, she lets out a laugh that sounds similar to church bells, “You’re a funny one! Uncle Everblight, can we keep him?”         “Twanou...never change,” shaking his head, Everblight look over to Asphyxious with a held smile, “as you can see, you at least have my niece’s honest opinion.”             “Lovely…” Asphyxious said as he looks around. “So what the plan here? Wait for Toruk to show up or find him and cut his head off?”         As soon as the words leave Asphyxious’ mouth, a loud groan escapes from Everblight as he facetalon while the other dragons begin to burst out in laughter, “Asphyxious...you know I practically see you like a brother...right?”             “Not really, we kind of only meet once.” Asphyxious replied back slowly.         “And we just spilt the blood of our enemy together. You think I do that with anydrake?” Shaking his head, Everblight gives Asphyxious a slight deadpan before sighing, “anyways, the point is one does not simply enter the den of Toruk.”             ”Without a really big gun.”” Asphyxious added with a smile.         “Well that too,” Blighterghast lets out a chuckle as Everblight slumps lower to the ground, “but what Everblight means is that unless you have chosen to serve Toruk completely and utterly, you cannot enter.”              “Oh I’ll find a way to kill that dragon, The other Toruk made me into a lich in the first place. I want nothing more than to pull his still beating heart out of his chest...” Asphyxious growled softly digging his claws into the ground.         “Yeah...while that may be true,” waving the comment off, Blighterghast let out a sigh, “I highly doubt that you’ll want his mind trying to subjugate you.”         “As of now, we know that we have to kill his last few Lich,” shrugging his shoulder, Everblight lets out a huff, “we just know where the bitch is...then we can finish the other part of this war.”           Asphyxious lay down and thinks as Twanou played with his tail blade. “Well, you could all tell me more about this world, seeing as I know nothing about it.” He asked.         “The evil cat beast has managed to find the other true Deathjack,” Twanou airily remark before tapping the tip of the blade, “tall trees protect him from sight while he dwell between loyalty and pride.”             “There only one true Deathjack, and I blighted it until it was under my control.” Asphyxious replied before thinking about what she said. “Between loyalty and pride?”         “Hope wans as his search continue,” Twanou rise up before patting Asphyxious on the shoulder, “that being said, you’ll be getting a few unexpected presents soon!”            Asphyxious just tilt his head to one side as he listens to her. “Why are you so cute?” He asked taking the time to face her.         “Because I eat all the world’s happiness and joy to maintain my beautiful scales,” a slightly disturbing smile cross her face before it vanish. Asphyxious just smiles and boops her on the nose, with one claw.             “I like her, she reminds me of Sonata.” Asphyxious said smiling at that.         “Yeeah...she tends to have,” looking at the skipping dragoness, Everblight lets out a huff, “yeah. So back to topic, the reason why I need you here is so that I can show you off to the others.” Asphyxious looks at Everblight then to the other dragons, before looking back at him.         “As you can see, we are an organization who look out for a the better of Equis,” scratching his chin, Everblight chuckle nervously before motioning to Asphyxious, “the most obvious danger is Toruk.”         “However, there are two other faction,” ticking off his claw, Blighterghast gains an annoyed exspression, “the first are the New Cryxian Army, a collection of true dragons that has gone back to serving Toruk.”         “And then there’s a group of dragons that are very intent on making this world a barren ball filled with nothing but them,” shrugging his shoulders, Everblight look at Asphyxious with tired eyes, “so do you see what we have to deal with...also Twanou, stop making that face young lady!”         “I ain’t a lady, I’m a fuck mothering dragoness,” as the dragoness take a proud stance, several dragons look to a facetaloning Blighterghast. Asphyxious just laughed at this.               “Well, regardless of what you do you’ll need to remove one side in order to deal with the other.” Asphyxious added taking the time to look at his wings.         Looking at Blighterghast with a smirk, Everblight crack his claws loudly before several dragonspawns flinch from the noise, “We can’t go into one of the possible area where we think the last of the Lich is.             “I can find them, and I’m sure mum would love to get her paws on them.” Said Asphyxious as he changed out of his dragon lord form. Back to his normal dragon form, the down side was Twanou was taller then him now.         “Sure, last I remember this guy prefer having some living people worshiping him.” shrugging his shoulders, Everblight look at Blighterghast as several other dragons look to the sky, “for now, we have some dragons to kill before we head in the direction of where Pop’s has Cryxia.” “And with that, this meeting is adjourned due to the need to fight off the warmongers,” as Spike says this, a pair of dragons can be seen grappling in the sky. Twanou smile turns savage before she looks down at Asphyxious, “If you want to find the Lich’s domain, you should start studying the foes you’ve fought.” “Easier said than done. Most of the time I’m fighting other displaced or some other crazy crap. But on the other hand….” Asphyxious said to himself rubbing his chin. In order to find the Lich’s he needed to think like a cryx. “Perhaps, you should see one of your friends here,” looking up, she clear her throat as Everblight slams a pair of dragons into each other, “though probably not Uncle.” “Have anyone in mind?” Asphyxious asked crossing his arms. Looking to Asphyxious, she smiles as a half dead dragon dives at the pair, “Perhaps NOW is the time to meet your godchildren.” “If you’ll excuse me,” lunging at the dracolich, Twanou bites into its throat, “GIVE ME YOUR SOUL FOR THINE ANUS BELONGS TO ME!!” “Okay... Stay safe and have fun.” He replied as he walks off. “Finally found someone more crazy than me.” “That’s debatable,” Garble lands besides Asphyxious with a raised eyeridge, “I take it you need a ride some place?” “To Twilight’s please. I have to meet her kids after all.” Asphyxious answers. Waiting for the smaller dragon to jump on him, Garble broke off into a running jump before flying at his fastest speed. Rolling out the way of a stray fireball, Garble look at his passenger, “So what’s new?” “Not much, got a ball of this worlds Asphyxious rage to play with. I’m thinking of putting it into a warjack. Or give it to Ava as a gift, not sure yet.” Asphyxious replied. “Cool,” as a pair of mountain size dragons hover in front of him, Garble swerve between clashing talons and tail blades, “the most fun I’d had is...apparently this.” “Just not a lot of need for dragonspawns on the battle ground anymore,” flipping under the wings of Spike as the dragon rips the head off a dracolich, he lets out a sigh, “I can’t wait for the Star Drake Project to be ready.” “Sounds like something out of Star Wars.” Asphyxious replied, before casting hellfire on the back of a undead dragon head. “Think we can speed this up?” “Sure man,” extending his wings to the fullest, Garble shoots forward as a cone of air form in front of him, “you seen one of these fight up close, you’ve seen them all!” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You sure this is where she lives?” Asphyxious asked looking up at the tree shaped crystal with a large palace at the top. “It doesn't look like the one back home.” “Yeah this is it,” Garble flap his wings a few time before stretching, “Twilight’s little sprogs kept on almost burning down the old tree so she made a new one made from the strongest crystal in this universe.” “Not what I was talking about but okay.” Asphyxious replied before walking up to the door and knocks on it. The sound of hooves rushing could be heard before the door is kicked open, “How many times must I say it, WE DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT BUCKING CTHULHU!” “Don’t let my friend hear that or you’ll hurt his feelings.” Asphyxious said with a smile. Twilight’s head snap in the dragon’s direction before she lets out a sigh, “Oh thank Faust you’re here, I need you to watch your godkids while I stop mom from trying to revive a hydra...again.” “Let me guess, mum talked her into it?” Asphyxious asked as he walked inside. “Oh no, mom just said she has an inch that only mass carnage will satisfy,” leading Asphyxious up stairs, Twilight pats the dragon on the shoulders, “your mom and Queen Faust ended up in Los Pegasus sometime yesterday...there was copious amount of alcohol drunk by the two.” “Yesterday? I’ve only been gone what, five, six hours at the most?” Asphyxious rubs his eye as he followed her. “No it’s been a day...you can blame it on Faust, she’s was incredibly smash by the time they went to the Naturalist celebration,” shrugging her shoulders, Twilight place twin girls into Asphyxious arms, “she declared that it would henceforth be a full twenty four since your mother took her on the second wildest night of her life.” “I  would not be surprised if Rin get married to her, by the way. Anything I should know about these two?” Asphyxious asked looking at the twins in his arms. “Just don’t let them eat anything that’s glowing,” a shudder cross the alicorn’s body as she thinks back, “the last time they did...let’s just say it’s best not knowing.” Asphyxious nods his head as he looks Twilight up and down. “That armor fit you well.” He added, not minding one of the twins pulling on his coat collar. “Oh this,” giving a small twirl, Twilight gives a smile before shaking her head, “it’s a couple year old so I need to get this updated.” “Anyway, I should be back soon...but if I’m not, there’s only one thing you should know,” stepping outside, Twilight grabs Asphyxious by the collar with a demented smile as a dark aura surround her, “DON’T...feed them between six and eight in the evening.” “My god you’re hot…” Asphyxious replied before blinking and blushes. “I mean, SURE! Right I won’t do t-that.” Rolling her eyes, Twilight push the dragon back before running towards the Everfree with a slight sway in her hips. Asphyxious let out a deep sigh as he stare after her. “And I thought I had my hoarding under control…” He looks down at the twins and smiles. “Come on, let find something fun for you two to do until your mum get back.” Smiling to one another, the twins flash a burst of magic as two skeleton of snakes the size of a German Shepard slither into the room. A garbled scream of war escape the twin’s mouth as they make the re-animated creature rush at Asphyxious. “You two are going to be more of a hand full then Yanna and Abigail.” Asphyxious said as he turned around with the twins in hand and ran from the snakes with a smile on his face. “This could be fun.” The sound of creaking bone can be heard before a pair of bat like wings burst from the snake's’ body. As the two undead creature examine themselves, the older twin taps her chin with eyes that show more wisdom than they should. The younger twin babble to her sister before receiving a smiling nod, making her eyes glow while pointing at Asphyxious. “You two take after Twilight alright.” Asphyxious said as he used his wings like arms and turns sharply around the corner. Around the corner, Cadance steps out before giving the dragon an appreciated glance over, “The twins are using you to practice necromancy?” “More like target practice my lady.” Asphyxious replied, seeing the snakes and smiles. “Hold these two for just a second.” He asked handing them over as one snake tackles him. A smile cross the alicorn of love face as she burst out laughing, “Please, just Cadance. You’re practically family anyways.” “That what my Cadance back home say too!” Asphyxious called out as he opens the snakes mouth and jumps out. “Have at thee beast!” He yelled pulling out his cutlass. “I be the king of the diamond dogs, have at thee!” The two snakes look at each before glancing at the twins. As one the four glow a deep purple color before the two snakes fuse together. Fire runs across the snake’s back as it dual heads let out a hissing roar. “Oh this will be fun.” Asphyxious get ready as the two headed snake charged at him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight Sparkle walks in, dragging her mother behind her with an amused smile, “I can’t believe you...that has to be the biggest re enactment of the dueling hydras I ever seen.” “I loved how the paladins were alright with playing the role of the Knights of the Old Stars,” looking at her daughter, Velvet gives a smile before nudging the young alicorn, “so why are you here instead of with your little master minds?” “I’m letting them spend time with their godfather,” as the pair exit the undergrowth, they look up as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash lands next to them. “Girls, Asphyxious is back and-” “Bet you ten bits that he needs help for an incredibly awesome trip,” glancing at Fluttershy, Rainbow frowns as her fellow pegasus shakes her head, “why the buck not?” “Cause...I don’t take sucker bets,” as the two burst out laughing, Twilight look at Fluttershy with a bemused exspression. “I asked Everblight to help me with my...assertiveness,” a smile cross the yellow mares face as she hugs Twilight’s head into her breast, “so will we be going on a trip?” “Probably, he did show up on Garble and the meeting of the EDA normally can take a day before anything is said and done,” walking down the road, Twilight begins to hurry when a light beam shines. “Oh relax Egghead, the two kids of your are fine,” a smile begin to stretch across her face, Rainbow leans over to smack the alicorn’s flank, “or are you trying to make some alone time with our third favorite dragon?” As a blush cross Twilight’s face, Rainbow prepares to say more before Fluttershy sweeps the blue mare and loom over her with a seductive smile, “Rainbow...do you want to sleep alone tonight?” “...I’ll be good,” still looking at Twilight, Rainbow Dash smirk before pointing at Twilight, “but I don’t think Twilight will!” Tossing her mane back, Twilight smile while her blush fades away, “Unlike somepony, I don’t need sex to make me feel like a supermodel.” As the two stare at each, they break out into a laugh before heading to the town proper. As they look at the crystal tree, they quartet jaw drop as they watch as Asphyxious break through the window on the back of a two headed undead flying snake the size of a shire horse. With the Twins on his shoulders. “Hi ho silver away!” He yells with the twins laughing with him. As the quartet look on, Velvet looks at a blushing Twilight with a smirk, “Should I prepare a ritual room so you two can ‘practice’ the world making spell?” “Don’t tempt me woman,” glaring at her mother, Twilight flash a bit of magic and levitates the four towards her. Asphyxious blinks as his upside down and looks back at Twilight. “Oh, welcome back.” He said before looking at the twins. “They made the snake.” “I know...they were hoping that you show up for their gift to you,” letting the undead snake back on the ground, Twilight spins Asphyxious so that he was right side up with a smirk, “did you like it?” “The snake thing? Yes it really cool.” Asphyxious replied with a smile. He was not expecting to get any kind of gift. Unknown to him, the twins high five each other with a smug like smile. “They were no trouble at all.” “Oh really,” looking at the twins, they could practically make out a pair of halos hovering over them. Shaking her head, Twilight lets out a bark of laughter, “I thought you two were going to make him work for his gift?” Seeing the pair of fillies shrug, Twilight look back at the pony size dragon, “So what do you need help with?” “Right now? Ummm, can’t think of much really. I won’t mind staying a day or two longer here to get to know the twins.” Asphyxious replied smiling at them and Twilight. “Maybe find out some cool spells.” “Well, lets...on second thought,” as Twilight turns to her mom, a nervous smile cross the alicorn’s face, “let’s not head to Canterlot...I think Queen Faust is still searching for Rin.” At that moment there was a flash of light and Faust, Celestia and Luna were standing there covered in green slime. “What are you-” Twilight began to say before Luna lifted a hand. “We don’t know.” She said as they used their magic to banish the slime. “That’s thirty seven traps now that we’ve walked into. I think we’re getting close.” Celestia deadpanned. Asphyxious try to hold in his laughter. Twilight looks over the three older alicorns with a hidden grin, “So...I take it that you’re still searching?” “Mum is a master of pranks.” Asphyxious added trying to hide his smile. “I would not be shocked if she trapped all of ponyville.” Queen Faust looks at the pony size dragon with full curiosity, “We doth not remember forming thine life force.” Grabbing the dragon by the back of his neck, Faust picks him up before examining Asphyxious, “Where art thou from?” “Would you believe another equestria?” Asphyxious asked smiling at her. He just hoped she could not smell his hoard mates sent on him. “Aye, tis been awhile since we’ve seen a world traveler,” setting the dragon down, Faust taps her chin while still in the same state of dress that she was when enjoying the time with Rin. “at least back before the new Head of the Death/Undeath Pantheon showed up.”             Asphyxious took this time to back away and stand next to Twilight. “Want to sneak away before she try and get me to help find Rin?” He whispered to Twilight.         “Ye have nothing to worry about,” showing that her hearing has not faded in the least, Faust waves off the Displace’s concern, “we art having a joyous time searching for thine mother.” “In fact,” as she continue to speak, a safari hat materialize on her head as a whip also curls around her hip, “THE FUN HAFTH BEEN DOUBLE!!”         As Faust teleports away with whispers of chains and whips, the two older princesses let out a relieved breath, “Oh thank Cthulhu that’s over with!”         “We are heading home,” Luna walks away with frazzled mane and bloodshot eyes.             “Well, shall we go inside?” Asphyxious asked Twilight and her friends.         “Yes, I think we can head inside...and watch another clip of Twilight’s necromancy phase!” skipping into the house, Velvet lets out a slightly creepy laugh.         After the group left that spot Rin walked out of the spa building that Faust was literally standing in front of before she left. “Thanks girls that felt great.” Rin called into the establishment before creating another portal to move on as she begins to sing to herself. “Oh where in the world is Riiiin fluflton Ri-i-i-in fluflton oh where in the world can she be, where in the world, can she beeeee!”              Asphyxious follows the group but soon notices Twilight was walking next to him. “Yes?” he asked looking at the alicorn princess.         “Oh nothing,” brushing her hand against Asphyxious side, Twilight smiles before tapping the dragon’s face, “just...admiring the view.”              “Umm, thank you.” Asphyxious replied blushing a little himself. “You act very different from my Twilight back home. By now she would have tried to tie me down and find out how my inside worked.”         As a snort escape her, she bust out laughing while shaking her head. “Well I was in my Lich form at the time,” He added laughing a little too.         “And is she a necromancer who is also trained as a paladin?” looking at Asphyxious with a raise eyebrow and an amused smirk.             “Well no, but she does have a neck for warcaster training. But she more into finding out how things work then using them. On the other hand she loves to find out about new things.” Asphyxious replied before noticing they lost the group they were following. “Ummm, I think we’re lost.”         “Hmmm,” glancing around, Twilight let out a laugh and turns him to a close door, “nope, they just think that I’m going to take you for the ride of your life!”             “Oh…” Asphyxious replied before blushing deeply. “Well, not the first time I was manhandled by a mare. Some of my hoard mates back home have been known to catch me by surprise.”         “Even if I was going to,” brushing a bang out the way, Twilight leans onto the dragon’s chest with a smile, “it’s going to be when the girls want their godfather to be their daddy.” Asphyxious was blushing even harder at how close Twilight was, she could even feel the heat from his body.            “T-then  I g-guess it’s up to them then.” Asphyxious replied before gulping not taking his eye off her.         “Yup,” pushing off Asphyxious, Twilight walks to the room with a satisfied smile, “so calm down or do you want me to take care of your...problem.” Letting out a small laugh, Twilight watch as Velvet waves a cassette with the number 72 on it, “Is that when I was ten and was doing the school’s talent show?”         “Eeyup,” Velvet looks over to the fluster dragon with a smile, “or would you rather see last year’s swimsuit competition Mister Hellbringer?” Asphyxious seemed to snap out of whatever he was just thinking about and blinks at Velvet before realizing her question.              “Umm, s-sure?”Asphyxious replied awkwardly.         Pulling out a different cassette, Velvet slides it in the VCR. The first scene on the tape is Twilight posing, wearing a see through mermaid leggings and a thin strip of cloth over her breasts. Asphyxious looked like he was about to faint or the color of his scales would permanently turn red.         “Oh, Asphy,” leaning over with half closed eyes, Twilight lets a seductive smile cross her face, “this is only the beginning...we haven’t even got to the best part of the video!” Asphyxious just looked on as his body froze and his mind was going a mile a minute. “The best part...was the all natural swimmer and Fluttershy was the winner of that portion!”             After about five more videos in Asphyxious asked if he could use the bathroom. Once he found it, he fill the tub with cold water and sticks his head in it. ‘Okay calm down Asphyxious, control yourself and do now hoard them!’ He thinks as he pulls his head out and pants.         From outside, the sound of wings could be heard before a loud echoing roar broke through the silence. “What the fuck now!” Asphyxious growled before taking a towel and drying his head off.         As Twilight and the girls look out, Spike lands with a few more scars covering his form. Letting out a large yawn, the purple dragon blinks slowly at them, “Hey girls...can I stay the night? Amber kicked me out because I ‘stole her kill’.”             “Huh, and here I thought those were mating scars.” Asphyxious said out loud like it was no big deal.         “Hmm, Oh yeah they are,” nodding his head, Spike let out a droopy smile before taking a shuddering breath, “of course it wasn’t a full mating flight but man oh man was that good...until she got mad about me killing the dragoness that was sneaking up behind her.”              “Here some advice from one dragon to another. They will at some point get angry at you, but they still love you.” Asphyxious said to Spike and pat his side. “Come on little man let get some food in you.”         “You forget, true dragons here don’t need to eat,” shaking his head, Spike takes a couple of sniffs before looking at Asphyxious with a raised eyeridge, “let me guess, the girls pull out the swimsuit video?”             “Am I that easy to read?” Asphyxious asked rubbing the back of his head.         “Only to dragons here,” shrugging his shoulder, Spike waves at a pair of dragonspawns with similar colors as Everblight, “there’s a debate going on that all dragons are descended from a group of god dragons.” “We have no proof,” pointing at Asphyxious, Spike let out a smirk, “but we think some dragons came here before Faust and Toruk existed.”              “I know two or three lores about stuff like that, most of it from video games though.” Asphyxious said as he walks back to stick his head in cold water again.         “Dude seriously,” patting the dark scaled dragon on the back, Spike waits for Asphyxious to raise his head, “let Pops do something about your rampaging blight level. It will curve almost, if not all, of your...sexual gorging.”             Asphyxious pulls his head out and growls at Spike. “Firstly I can control my own blight thank you, B You try having a Goddess of fertility give you blue balls for a year and see how well you do. Lastly I’m fine… I’m just weak willed, I need to discipline myself more that all.” He let out a sigh before sticking his head back in the water.         “So what you’re saying is,” bringing his talon up, Spike begins to count off his claw, “you’re being stubborn about getting help, you enjoy not having any say in what happens to you...and that you’re too stubborn to ask your friends and or allies to help you.” Shaking his head, Spike look at Asphyxious with a deadpan, “I’m almost afraid that you might hurt Twilight at this rate!”              Asphyxious pulls his head out and sighs. “Spike, there nothing wrong with my body… It my mind, I’m emotionally unstable… I’m insane, I also have a large number of hoard mates, I feel if I add any more I’ll stop caring about them.” Asphyxious let out a deep sigh as he let the water drip off his head. “I like to deal with my own problems, but maybe what I need is to talk… My mind and soul are damaged in away no one can fix. Hell, I’ve forgotten what it is to be human any more.”         Laying down on the floor, Spike lets out a sigh before rubbing the bridge of his snout, “Dude I get it...well, that’s false, but I do understand what you’re talking about. The main problem I’m seeing is that you refuse to acknowledge one important thing about the blight.” Raising his head, Spike glance at his friend with tired eyes, “The blight isn’t just a physical change! Reindeers were not naturally inclined to worship or letting women fight battles, they use to be known as the Caribou.”             “What all this got to do with me and my blight?” Asphyxious asked looking annoyed at Spike.         “Let me ask you this, where you born a dragon or dragonspawn who has an understanding about how to manipulate your blight since you first existed?” Spike look at Asphyxious with a raised eyeridge while crossing his arm. Asphyxious looked at Spike then to his hand, as a ball of blight forms into soft blue flames.               “No… But my instincts guide me, it like another voice in my head. Another soul, and it apart of me. We’re not the same but we have the same form, the same mind. We just see things differently.” Asphyxious looks back at Spike. “I want to rule my mind with Logic, it want to rule with emotion.”         “When you devour a dragon’s anthanc, you must completely destroy all evidence of individuality,” rising up, Spike holds a claw out for Asphyxious to grab, “if there is a hint of something left...it will wear you down until you become nothing more than a beast, going from place to place, killing, mating and blighting.”              “I get it…” Asphyxious replied before getting up. “Looks like I’ll need to talk to Revan and Luna once I get back home.”         “If your Luna is like mine, she can easily help guide you to where the last bit of the dragons you ate are,” a friendly smirk cross Spike face before he nudge Asphyxious’ side, “and you already feel a few degrees brighter."              Asphyxious smiles as he walks back into Twilight home. “First things first, asking Twilight out to dinner with the girls.” He said as he left Spike behind to think on that.         “Huh, Twilight Sparkle, Consort to Asphyxious the Dread Drake,” nodding his head, Spike smile widely, “Garble sooo owes me twenty bits and a gem of my choosing.”              Asphyxious had returned to the room everyone was watching videos and take his set next to Twilight. “Did I miss anything?” He asked looking at the TV.         Velvet looks over with at Asphyxious with a slightly concern face, “Are you alright? You’ve been gone for awhile.”             “I’m good, just talked with Spike for a bit.” He replied.         “Oh thank Faust,” as the older mare’s face lightens up, she gains a very large smile, “although you missed Twilight’s best part.”         “Yeah man,” Rainbow let out a laugh while Fluttershy rolls her eyes, “it involved the egghead summoning some weird creature!” Looking at Twilight, Rainbow Dash raise an eyebrow at the alicorn, “What did you call it again?”         “Rainbow Dash, I can’t-wait what am I saying,” laughing a the mock outrage on the blue pegasus face, Twilight look at the ceiling with a smile, “it was a shoggoth Rainbow Dash.”             “A what?” Asphyxious asked looking at Twilight.         “A Shoggoth, you know a mass of formless matter,” tapping her chin, Twilight snaps her fingers with a smile, “OH and tentacles...can’t forget the tentacles.”              “Sounds like the Time Ava turned into a mass of stuff  slime, then used me and Bunnie to rebuild her body. That was fun.” Asphyxious has a wistful look on his face.         “That’s sound like a trip...but does Ava have a mass of complete and utterly derange unbelievable otherworldly creature on their roof that keeps out those annoying Filly Scouts,” crossing her arms, Twilight glares darkly as a large black tentacle lash out at a Diamond Tiara in a girl scout uniform, “I don’t need any damn cookies.”             “...You’ll need to talk to Ava about that one, I have no idea. I could give you a copy of her token?” Asphyxious replied before looking back at the TV.         The room seems to grow colder as one of the twins crawled in with an annoyed face. Twilight looks down before scooping the filly into her arm, “Bright Dusk, what are you doing here...and up? You’re usually asleep at this time.”         Bright Dusk simple shakes her head before glaring at Asphyxious before angrily pointing between the pony size dragon and back to Twilight. “Oh, do you not like me sitting next to your mummy?” Asphyxious asked looking at Dusk. Facepalming, Bright Dusk levitates a pair of sock puppets up before point at Asphyxious and at one of the puppets. After slamming the two puppets together, she points at the other puppet and a blushing Twilight before throwing them down.              “Oh…” Asphyxious replied with a light blush. He looks at Twilight and then back at Dusk. “Umm, That will be up to Twilight okay?”         “Oh for the love,” shaking her head, Twilight grabs Asphyxious by the back of his head and dips him before giving him a full blown french kiss. Asphyxious eye went wide before returning the kiss back.         The sound of a throat clearing makes Twilight look over to a smug looking audience. Before any of the mares could say anything, Twilight glares at them while scent of something burn begins to rise, “Say anything and I guarantee you, I will use your spleen as a beach ball.”             “Twilight be nice.” Asphyxious asked giving her a hug.         “Trust us, that is her being nice,” as Bright Dusk teleports to her crib, Velvet lets out a small chuckle, “her mean is simply teleporting beings into a room with untameable undead and making it so you can’t die while they eat you.”              “That sucks.” He replied before scratching the back of Twilight ear.         Leaning her head back, which makes her breast bounce, Twilight let out an airy moan, “Hmm, keep that up or you’re not aloud to leave.” Asphyxious chuckles as he keeps rubbing her ear.         “Oh dear, did I walk in on something I shouldn't?” Rin’s voice rang from the shadows in the corner of the room. “I can go if I did. I can’t stay still long anyways. Faust is following a trail of clues and puzzles leading her all over the world but I’m not sure how long it will take her to get through the ones I have set.”         “Oh no...you’re just in time for a gift,” tapping her knuckle on the wall, Twilight cracks open the window as a large black mass with a number of tentacles flailing around.”         “Stan? Is that you?” Rin asked when she saw the mass.         “I have no idea what his name is,” watching as the shoggoth rush over to Rin, Twilight and the other ponies sweatdrop as the mass let out a purr like noise, “but he seems well trained...even keeps the Filly Scouts off the lawn!”              “How that look anything like that displaced that lives on the dead world?” Asphyxious asked Rin confused.         “Not him. Stan is the name of this one eldritch being I met one time. It’s a surprisingly common Eldritch name.” Rin said as she scratched the thing. “Oh by the way son guess what? I’m now leading the death/undeath pantheon in this world.” Rin said proudly.             “Cool.” Asphyxious replied as Twilight leaned on him as he massarged her ears.         “THAT’S IT!” grabbing Asphyxious by the back of his neck, Twilight rush out the room, “YOU.ME.DATE...NOW!!” All Asphyxious could do was follow, as he was being pulled out of the room by Twilight.         Before the two can fully leave, Fluttershy look over with an amused smirk, “Don’t forget, Pinkie Pie is throwing a party for Moose! His birthday is tomorrow!”         “Yeah, yeah, I remember,” rolling her eyes, Twilight gives Fluttershy a impatient look, “can I go now mom?”           “So where are we going?” Asphyxious asked Twilight as she still had hold of him.         Looking the dragon up and down, Twilight let out a wide smile before engulfing the pair in a teleportation spell. As she lands, the pair could she a large number of beast and feral zombies before she summons her claymore, “I thought about this...and what better why to get to know each then through killing some unwanted pests?”             “I am going to enjoy this.” Asphyxious replied before pulling out his cutlass. “Let the wars began!” Before he can take a step, a piece of clothing covers his face as Twilight can be seen wearing only a loincloth and a strap barely covering her chest. Asphyxious was dumbfounded at this. But shrugs before joining her in battle.         Twilight starts by taking a leaping jump before stomping through a mindless zombie’s skull. Twisting around, she throws the freshly re-killed body into a bull like creature with the claws of a bear and the wings of an eagle.             Asphyxious had charged at it slashing at it body, before ducking under it claws. He then take one last slash before hitting the guard of his sword with his left hand, the blade and beast ignite in blue flames. Asphyxious smiled as he looked back to Twilight. “I made it myself.” He said before giving her a bow.         “Oh that’s so beautiful,” giving him a joy filled smile, Twilight absent mindedly grabs a sneaking snake like creature by its neck when it tried to bite her, “give me a moment to return the favor.” Filling the creature with dark energy, she kicks the snake into a group of five zombies. Exploding out, tendrils of flesh grabs the zombies before it twist into a morbid statue of the dragon in a heroic stance with two diamond dogs on each side with bared teeth.             “Okay that cool.” Asphyxious added as he stabs a zombie before kicking it away. “Where are we anyway?” He asked casting arcane bolt on another zombie as it head explosions.         “We are currently in between,” pulling out a map of Equestria, Twilight hums before kicking a charging boar with three pairs of legs through the head, “the badlands where the changelings live and Applelosa.”              “Huh, wonder what the Chrysalis of this worlds like?” He asked before cutting another zombie head off. “Hope she not evil.”         “I can tell you that the Changeling Collective have gotten better,” a frown cross her face before Twilight grabs a zombie by the head and crush it without any sign of hesitance, “but only after Everblight did...nevermind.”              “Alright, just be happy you don’t have Farrows making trouble now and again.” Asphyxious replied. Before head butting a Zombie that ran at him. “Good bacon thou.”         “What are the Farrows like,” Stabbing through a moose like creature, Twilight lets out a grunt as she flare her magic and burns a pair of zombie ponies rushing at her.             “Depends on what tribe you run into, some are nice. Others are stupid and some are just a pain in the tail.” Asphyxious replied, as he left out a breath of fire on a hoard of zombies. “I try not to run into them mostly. Can’t say the same for everyone else.”         “How bad can the Farrows be,” curbstomping a zombie as it rise from the ground, Twilight hip checks a zombified mare before ripping her head off.              “Well, they tried to raid my den one time. Almost got eaten by a farrow warbeast. They also love firearms and cannons.” Asphyxious replied before looking around. “I think we got them all.”         “Huh...I could of sworn there was a-” shaking could be felt as a massive worm with thick carapace erupts from the ground. Turning to the pair, it lets out a roar as its lower jaw split in two, “Oh, there it is.”              “That thing almost looks like a graboid?” Asphyxious said turning his head to one side to look at it.         “That...is Nebzrullos,” putting on a pair of glasses, Twilight pulls out a diagram from between her breast, “it’s a hybrid that Blighterghast made to defend the changeling back when they were under his command.”              “Why do you keep a poster there? That almost as bad as a displaced I know.” Asphyxious asked staring at Twilight.         “I like being prepared,” as Twilight says this, a warhorn could be heard as the hybrid glares at them, “...oh buck.”              “Let me guess it want to eat us?” Asphyxious asked holding up Twilight armor.         As he does so, movement could be heard before an army of changelings being trailed by several more of the hybrid warbeast arrive, “I wished.”         “Who the fuck mothering Tartarus dares enters our training grounds?!” ordered an extremely tall changeling with an eye missing from his skull.             “Sorry we didn’t know, we was out on a date.” Asphyxious call back putting his cutlass away.         Looking over the pair, the changeling gains a deadpan before turning to a smaller male and grunts. Before the pair can blink, a pair of handcuffs clamp onto their wrist with Asphyxious having a pair that slowly sap at his strength. “Well, that interesting.” Asphyxious said looking at his cuffs.         “Huh, haven’t seen a pair of drake bane cuff before,” Twilight looks at the cuff before the pair are thrown on the back of the changeling warbeast. Asphyxious helps Twilight sit up and wraps his tail around her. “Let me guess, you have a question.”              “Few, but I’m sure you can explain it all to me once we get a room for ourselves. But my main question is what did we do to make them angry?”  Asphyxious asked wrapping one of his wings around her. Seeing as she didn’t get the chance to put her armor back on.         “Aw, it’s sweet that you think I’m cold....or are you just trying to sneak a grope on me,” Twilight gains a seductive grin before she leans into the dragon. Laughing a little bit, Twilight waves her hand without concern, “Trust me, they’re not angry...if they were, they would have feed us to the Nebzrullos.”             “I see, also I would not do that to a lady. I’m just keeping you safe, after all we’re still on our date yes?” Asphyxious replied smiling down at Twilight.         “OI, KEEP YOUR PANTS ON BACK THERE,” slapping the back of the warbeast, a female changeling with blood red markings on her chitin glares at the two with a fang filled smile, “WE DON’T NEED YOU TWO DOING THE TWO HUMPED CAMEL, DON’T YA KNOW!”            “Why are you yelling?” Asphyxious asked as he gave Twilight a questioning look. “Humped camel?”         “She means sex,” the deadpan running across Twilight’s face is only made worse as a few of the other changeling begin to bust out in laughter.              “Huh, odd way of saying sex.” Asphyxious replied taking the time to look at the other changelings as he and Twilight riad the warbeast.         “Don’t mind Thread none,” a male changeling with blue facial markings spoke up as he look at the two, “also...she kind of can’t hear anything like she use to.”         “Yeah, now a day, she just has sex on the mind,” a near identical changeling only with yellow markings lets out a chuckle. Asphyxious said nothing as he held Twilight closer.         As the group approach a tall gate made from metal, wood and old dragon bones, the giant changeling jumps off the head of the Nebzrullos before bringing an arm up. Runes that glow a sickly green swirl around the changeling before the gates slowly open while a dragon skull on the top glow a similar color.            “I don’t like this place.” Asphyxious let out a growl as he looks at the dragon bones.         “I’d be surprised if you did,” a sad frown cross Twilight’s face as they travel to another gate that was slowly opening, “this used to be where Toruk took his children before torturing and killing them. Eventually, it’s been cleansed of most of the angry souls...most of them.”             “I can feel them, and there rage.” Asphyxious said as his eye started to glow a soft blue.         Thread looks back with slightly concerned eyes before looking at the giant, “OI CRACKED BLADE, HOW LONG UNTIL WE GET IN?! THE DRAGON LOOKING EDGY!”         “Last gate’s coming up,” glancing at the glowing dragon, Cracked Blade let’s out a huff, “then we won’t have to feel the horror of this place.”             “The rage run deep in this place, and not just the rage of the dead.” Asphyxious spoke out as he looks around. “He left his mark on this place, and nothing will remove it. I can feel him… Lord Toruk.”         As the last gate swing open, the very air seems to lighten as the group walk in. Tall spires of metal, wood and crystals dot the city while the roads glisten with the noon high sun. Many changeling walk or flew about while a few diamond dogs with obvious blight took to the road. All over the place were ponies that have long furry coats on their body that seems oblivious to the terror outside the wall.             Asphyxious seemed to relax now once they were inside. He also now notice just how close he was hugging Twilight to himself. “Oh, sorry.”         “No please,” her smile widen as Twilight pulls him down for a kiss on the cheek, “don’t stop on my account.” Asphyxious blushed before smiling at her, and held her close again. “You know, you can ask me the question now...then we can focus on convincing our host to let us continue our date.”             “What is this place.” He asked as Asphyxious rest his chin on her shoulder.         “This is Coragsatmolas...or simply put the Hive of Drak,” motioning around, Twilight lets out a giggle before patting the dragon’s arm, “it’s the new capital of the Changeling Collective. This city actually spans about half of the badlands.”             “Interesting, reminds me of the diamond dog clans. Only less diamond dogs.” Asphyxious replied looking at the furry ponies. “Who are they?”         “Those are fluffy ponies,” turning to look at one of the furry ponies, Twilight pats one of their head as the small mare glomps her, “they’re a race completely devoid of negative thoughts that Everblight helped create.”          Asphyxious looks at one that was now hugging him. “I do not know how to feel about this.” He said blinking at the fluffy pony in confusion. “How do I get it to stop?” As Asphyxious says this, the pony looks up with wide watery eyes and a trembling lip.           “Fine, you can stay.” Asphyxious said as he can’t say no to the puppy eye look.           “I hate to see how you try and discipline the girls,” looking over to the side, Twilight barely manages to hide her smile, “Hey Asphyxious...don’t clench.”            “What?” Asphyxious asked before turning his head as a group of five fluffy ponies glomp him at once and knocks him off the Nebzrullos. With Twilight still in his arms. “Okay… What do we do now?”         “Well seeing as the fluffy ponies seem to like you,” Broken Blade says while keeping a smile off his face as he pulls one of the fluffy ponies off of the dragon, “you’re free to go about the city....as long as you see Queen Chrysalis first.”             “Okay, where can we find her?” Asphyxious asked as they’re removing the fluffy ponies off of him and Twilight. Every being within hearing distant points to a tall building with a neon sign stating ‘Meet the hot Changeling Queen today’ “...That… I have no words.”         Standing up, Twilight laughs as one of the fluffy ponies look over with a slightly sad face, “Come on Asphy...before you get glomped again.”             “To be honest I don’t mind it too much.” Asphyxious replied as he walked with Twilight.         At the entrance, a pair of diamond dogs look at the dark scaled dragon before one of them hold up a scale, “Hey, you’re the Dread Drake right?”             “Who?” Asphyxious asked looking confused at them.         “You know, the Dread Drake...newest dragon on the EDA,” the same diamond dog said as his fellow let a smile cover his face, “listen dawg, my sis heard about how you helped Everblight fight Tirek and wants your autograph...she’s a huge fan of the true dragons.”             “Okay?” Asphyxious replied looking at them awkwardly. “Got a pin and paper?”         “Here.” Asphyxious took it and decides to put his full title on the paper before giving it back. It reads ‘Asphyxious Hellbringer, Lich Lord of Equestria, King of the diamond dogs and Altha of the Clan Wolves Of Cryx. Also this Dread Drake thing.’                            Twilight rolls her eyes before the dragon further in. As the pair continue to an elevator, she sends a smug smile at Asphyxious, “Just to let you know...you’re very over dress.”             “I am?” Asphyxious asked, looking at his coat. As the door slides open, loud rave music can be heard as Twilight walks through the door. Changelings, Diamond Dogs and Fluffy Ponies in either half naked or fully naked state dancing wildly or at the bar.              “...I am so out of my element right now.” Asphyxious said out loud.         Twilight gives off a mirth filled laugh before pulling the dragon towards a pair of naked women. Dipping her head to the changeling, Twilight hides a small smile, “Your majes-”         “Don’t,” a blushing Chrysalis glare at Twilight while a taller then normal fluffy pony pats the changeling’s lap, “even start with me Sparkle. That last prank was truly unneeded!”              “Something I should know?” Asphyxious asked as he tried not to stare.         As the two turn to look at Ashpyxious, Twilight with a grin and Chrysalis with a death glare, the sum it up with one word, “Tentacles.” Asphyxious just nods his head as he found the lights very interesting.         “So who is this? Finally going to give your daughters a papa,” seeing the surprise on the alicorn’s face, Chrysalis lets a smirk cross her face, “have you forgotten who is in charge of the EDA’s spy network?”         “Oh...right,” clearing her throat, Twilight motions to Asphyxious with a practiced mask, “presenting, Lord Asphyxious Hellbringer of the EDA known as the Dread Drake. Slayer of the lesser lich King Sombra and Dracolich Tirek.”         “And my kid. Give this clue to Faust when she comes looking.” Rin said as she tossed a golden zebra statue with old writing on it before vanishing into her hole which closes up.              “That was Rin, as you just heard my mother.” Asphyxious added as he looked the statue over. “And it is lovely to meet you again my Queen.”         “Asphy remember, different world,” shaking her head, Twilight locks eyes with an amused Chrysalis, “sorry, do you-”         “Know about the multiverse theory, yes,” rolling her eyes, Chrysalis rubs the head of the fluffy pony on her lap, “anyling worth their degree knows about it.”              “So why a nightclub?” Asphyxious asked as he saw two changelings dancing.         “Do you know what all species here on Equis love,” not waiting for either of the guest to respond, Chrysalis throws out her arms which makes her bountiful breast bounce, “liquor and communication! I’m just making it easier for them to do both!” “But you probably are here for a different reason,” leaning forward, the changeling queen ignores the fluffy pony batting her breasts with a smile, “what can I do for you two?”              Asphyxious was looking away as he tried to think of something to say. But it was kind of hard to concentrate with everything going on around him.         “We kind of were on a date...but we got dragged here against our will,” laughing nervously, Twilight glares at the dragon not speaking, “so...can we continue the date here?”         “Sure you can,” the smile on Chrysalis’ face widens savagely before she leans back in her throne with a mike in her hand, “AFTER you say it.”         “That’s bullshit and you know it,” a smug smile cross Chrysalis’ face as Twilight snatch the mike from the changeling’s hand. Clearing her throat, Twilight waits for the silence of the club, “I would just like to let everypony know...I suck.”                Asphyxious smiles at this as if he heard this somewhere before. “And?” He asked wrapping a arm around her.         Glaring at him, Twilight elbow’s the Displace diamond dog king harder then usual, “...and that I’m a colt.” Asphyxious rubs his side before looking back at Twilight again. “And I like wearing board shorts...and I want to kiss all the girls.”              “I think you’d look nice in shorts.” Asphyxious added as he looks back to the queen. “Can we get back to our date now please?”         “Sure...but first,” looking at Twilight with an expectant face, Chrysalis smiles as Twilight lets the fluffy pony on her lap licks her cheek, “now you can go!”             Asphyxious wasn’t sure what that was about, but just leaves it as he leaves with Twilight. “So what the plan now? Sneak into Chrysalis room?” He asked in a joking manner.         “The club is her room,” a bland look was planted on the alicorn’s face before she hip checks Asphyxious, “and I will get you back for that!”             “Sorry, how about I make it up to you?” Asphyxious asked as he softly bite the end of her ear.         “Before we touch on that interesting proposal, do you have any more questions about this place?” rubbing Asphyxious on the arm, she leans into the embrace.             “Not right now, but I’m sure I’ll think of something later.” Asphyxious replied as he held her close. “Want to find somewhere we can be alone or is that going too fast my lady?”         “Not until the third date,” smiling at the dragon, Twilight pats his shoulder, “although that could change if you’re convincing enough.”              “I’ll work on that my lady.” Asphyxious then licked Twilight ear softly as they walked around the hive.         “I still in complete awe about how fast the changeling build this city though,” letting out a sigh, Twilight look at the spiraling structures, “did you know that this place is only three to four months old?”              “I had no idea.” Asphyxious replied in surprise as he looks around, Twilight could also feel his tail wrap around her’s.         Giving Asphyxious a grin, she watch as a pair of diamond dogs begin arguing about the best way to sharpen a shortsword, “Oh yes. Apparently when the changeling took Everblight’s offer to have their own piece of land, this place didn’t even have those mountains either. Those came when the blighted diamond dogs arrive in large numbers.”              “How did they get blighted in the first place? Did they eat someone who was blighted or a dead dragon?” Asphyxious asked as he saw just how beautiful Twilight was in the light of this hive.         Tapping a finger to her chin, Twilight spent a few moments pondering before she begins to remember, “Well, diamond dogs have always had bits of the blight in them. It’s why they like being underground, close to the true dragons.”         A pack of fluffy ponies briefly stops and circle the pair before trailing on their path, “It wouldn’t be until Everblight realized that a more malevolent dragon would try to force them into servitude that he directly chose to either get the diamond dogs under him for the betterment of Equis.”             Asphyxious ponders this as he rubs his chin. “It could have been passed down the blood lines, one Diamond dog or a pack get blighted. But don’t let the dragons know about it, the other dogs at the time could have just seen it as them being different then being blighted.”         Shaking her head, Twilight gives Asphyxious a smile, “Oh no, the diamond dogs have been partially blighted since before the first recording of history.” “The first recording of history was when Toruk began to make his brood,” shrugging her shoulders, Twilight glance at an elderly diamond dog being helped to her house by a changeling, “it’s hypothesis that they may have been created blighted.”             “Well there a number of ways that could happen. If this world’s history is anything like the iron kingdoms. A dragon or someone else could have blighted dogs, wolves or even skinwalkers into turning them into Diamond dogs that we know of today.” Asphyxious explained trying to think how that would turn out.         “The most known theory is that whoever created the diamond dogs,” pointing at a diamond dog and a changeling walking side by side, Twilight let her face turn to one of pondering, “also created the changeling due to the similarity of their lifestyles.” Asphyxious smiled at her as he softly bumped his hip into her’s.             “How about we find a inn and spend the night there?” Asphyxious asked smiling warmly at her.         “Certainly,” turning down a road, Twilight’s hip had a slight sway to them as her face gains a slightly predatory smile, “just one last question for you.”             “Yes?” Asphyxious asked as he looks back at her.         Her eyes gains a glint before Twilight turns back around, “Did you know that, under all the fur, fluffy ponies are a monogender specie?”             “Huh, interesting.” Asphyxious replied thinking about that. “Something tell me Ava would like them.”         “Only if Ava is a full blown, hot blooded and easily aroused lesbian,” walking to a building with a mug and dragon skull, Twilight doesn’t look back as she kicks open the door, “fluffy ponies are in a constant state of heat and as you know by the glomps Very feminine.”              “Well, I guess it a good thing Ava not here then. Or you’d get an explosion of fluffy ponies by the end of the day.” Asphyxious laughed at that. A fluffy pony walks out the inn. Turning both ways, it lets out a gasp before it seems to duplicate and head in two opposite direction.               “...Okay what did I just see?” Asphyxious asked as he follows Twilight into the inn.         A comforting smile cross her face as Twilight pats the dragon on the shoulder, “I reacted the same way. Fluffy ponies can reproduce either through mating...or simply splitting themselves into multiples, from two to hundreds.”             “Well, I know a good prank to send Dox when I go to his wedding now.” Asphyxious said with a big smile on his face. “Oh or even better, send a fluffy pony to Ava. Then just set back and watch the madness.”         “Well good luck...cause fluffy ponies can be very difficult to catch,” Twilight walks to the counter where an old diamond dog that look like it’s been living in the Everfree for half his life was cleaning a mug, “a room for two please.”         “HEY, CAN’T YA SEE I WAS HERE FIRST!” Twilight looks over to see a diamond dog with a bulldog face and missing part of his face glare at her before she turns back to the innkeep, “OI, I SAI-”         Taking the diamond dog by the back of his head, she slams him head first into the counter. As some beer, at least she thinks it was beer, flows onto the dog, she let’s out a nervous laugh, “Um...sorry?”             Asphyxious sigh as he picked Twilight up and looks back at the inkeeper. “Room for two please.” He asked.         The old dog just lets out a deep laugh before he slides a key to the pair, “Take ‘is room! Been tryin’ to ge’ ‘im outta here fo’ weeks now!..on house!”             “Thank you and good night.” Asphyxious thanked the old dog as he took the key and walked off to their room with Twilight in his arms.         Looking at the dragon, Twilight smiles widely before she gives him a kiss on the mouth, “I.regret.nothing!” Asphyxious laughs with her as he returns the kiss before going into their room and locks the door.         Looking around the, admittedly, very decorated room, Twilight looks at Asphyxious with a pondering face, “I’m surprised that you haven’t ask any of the changelings what their warbeasts are a hybrid of?”              “I was wondering that but something tell me I might know.” Asphyxious replied as he sat on the bed. “Are they part dragon?”         “Actually no, they aren’t part dragonspawn,” rummaging through the draws, Twilight pulls out a full bottle of some type of drink with old diamond dog writing, “they’re actually a hybrid of a razor worm, a pale tatzylwurm and something Everblight calls a thresher maw.”            “I remember reading some old books about something called a Razor worm. They’re meant to be huge.” Asphyxious replied as he found two glasses then held one out to her. “Don’t know how he got that last one, unless he got it from a displaced.”         “Apparently, they live in the next solar system over,” a giddy smile cross her face as Twilight pours some of the drink into the glasses and sips, “now stop distracting me and hug me ya lug.” Asphyxious drinks his how glass before hugging her and laughs with her. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         Faust looks through the underbrush, her hat barely poking above the tall grass. After Twilight sent her the statue, Faust soon teleported to Gondwana. “Where haft thou went our fluffy friend,” dipping her head back down, she begins to pull out her binocular. Besides a few rhinoceros and a bipedal pachyderm with four arms, she fails to catch a glimpse of Rin. She did however spot several foxes running around on their hind legs with baskets on their backs and pickaxes in their forepaws. They were running in and out of what looked like the entrance to an ancient dungeon. A grin on her face, Faust readies to step towards it when she blinks and slowly looks to the side where one of the four armed pachyderm munch away on a tree branch, “Hmmm...we think we have a need to...requisition from the wild life.”         Faust lets out a shrill battle cry as she charge at the dungeon on the back of the beast. As the two approach the foxes, Faust yells at them to move as the pachyderm bull rushes forward. Turning their heads they squeaked in surprise as they teleported out of the way. When Faust rode into the area she saw that it was still under construction as they toppled over an unfinished puzzle and barged into the next room with a surprised looking Rin wearing a hardhat and holding blueprints.         Looking around, Faust gains an awe and teary expression, “Did...Did thou do this for us?” Rin blinked a few times before throwing the schematics to the floor.         “I call BS! Even if you knew what each clue meant the moment you saw it and all the puzzles were solved when you got to them there is no way you could have gotten here this fast...Twilight sent you the last clue allowing you to skip the rest didn’t she?” Rin asked in a deadpan.         “In the young one’s defense, we were halting her from spending some personal time,” a blush overtook the goddess face before clearing her throat, “and we did ‘technically’ cheated by using our fine titan friend here.” As the bipedal pachyderm let out a whimper as an apology, Faust grabs Rin in a hug with some tears in her eyes, “WE ARE SO SORRY! WE DIDN’T MEAN FOR THE HUNT TO END SO SOON!”         “I- ag!-” Rin began as she spasmed in Faust’s grip. “I need a moment to rampage. I’ll be back.” Rin said as she slipped through Faust’s arms and left through a portal. And there Faust waited for about ten minutes before Rin came back. “Sorry, one of my aspects is games so when someone cheats in one I’m making it grinds against that aspect. I’m sure you understand.” Rin said with a pant.         “Aye...and we are truly sorry,” a small tear falls from Faust eyes as the pachyderm lets out another whimper, “but we were worried that thou thought us enraged at ye for thine response.” Tapping her finger against her side, Faust looks at Rin with a nervous expression, “Haft thou ever played Titan Charge before?” Rin’s head twitched for a moment before creating a portal that sucked the two in. When Faust was able to see again she saw that she was sitting on top of a giant gorilla in the middle of a city and across the way Rin was sitting on top of a giant lizard.         Looking at the giant gorilla then back at Rin and the giant lizard, Faust’s face split into a wide smile, “THOU HAFT TRULY OUT DONE THINE SELF!”         “This is a game zone which I create for myself and the colosseum in my city back home. There are no consequences here. Nothing we do can harm anyone in this place. Which means we don’t need to hold back!” Rin shouted back as a challenging smile appeared on her mask.         “DOTH THOU BELIEVE THAT YE CAN DEFEAT US IN SUCH A DUEL?!” holding out a fist in mock fury, Faust shake it while lightning play in the background, “WE HAVE REIGN SUPREME IN THE GLORIOUS ARENA...EVEN WITHOUT OUR GODLY WE PROVEN TO MALES, FEMALE AND IN BETWEEN THAT WE WERE CHAMPIONS!”         “In the game zone it is always a fair fight. I am a literal goddess of games and this is my world. I think you’ll find that any victory here will be hard won, tooth and nail. Now, enough talk.” Rin said as a blimp floated between the two giants with a giant TV screen on each side counting down to the start of the fight.         “Thou speak the truth,” playfully glaring at Rin, Faust locks eyes with the gorilla, “Art thou ready my partner?” The gorilla let out a loud roar before pounding the ground a few times.         “Show that over grown chimp who the real king of the monsters is Godzilla!” Rin shouted getting a mighty roar of agreement from her ride. At that moment the blimp beeped and Godzilla opened up with its nuclear breath attack destroying the blimp as it flew towards King Kong.         King Kong rolls out the way seeing what he thinks is blue fire. Coming up next to a house, he picks it ups and throws it at the mutated dinosaur’s head before bounding to the side. Grabbing a few more buildings, he keeps on throwing them while using the taller ones to hide behind. Managing to duck under the first one Godzilla roared and the next one hit his left shoulder. Trying to dodge was hit and miss as he wasn’t built for dexterity like Kong was but his hard scales reduced the damage of the blows.         “Aim low buddy!” Rin said as she pointed to an area and another nuclear blast sweeps across the streets cutting towers low and making then fall around Kong from all sides taking his cover and raining skyscrapers down on him and Faust.         Looking around with wide eyes, Faust pulls on Kong’s fur while pointing rapidly, “Use the buildings to dodge!..Don’t look at me like that, trust me!” Letting out a huff of annoyance, Kong kicks off one of the falling scrapers and use the momentum to propel him forward. Grabbing a eighteen wheeler, Kong shifts into a standing position before slapping Godzilla across the snout and kicking at the dinosaur’s feet.         “Jump and stomp down!” Rin shouted in fast and Godzilla jumped into the air as Kong’s leg flew under and the lizard king shot its legs downs as fast and hard as it could in an attempt to damage the leg. Seeing what the bigger creature was planning, Kong tries to pulls back but couldn’t fully as Godzilla stomps onto his ankle. Roaring in pain, Kong use the close proximity to punch Godzilla in the throat and swings behind the dinosaur while raining punches to the back of the head.         “Woh!” Rin shouted as her beast took damage but looked down. “Shake that tail!” Rin shouted. Being so close Kong couldn't dodge as Kongs tail swept under him knocking him onto his back. “Now sit!”         “Don’t just take that, ROLL LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!” as Faust yells this out, Kong lash out with a kick using his good foot at the crotch of the monster king. The area grows silent as the two giant monster look at each other.         “You bastard! We had the opportunity to do that to you and let it pass!” Rin shouted as Godzilla let out a roar of pain. “Don’t cry alone!” Rin shouted as she pointed at Kong’s privates and Godzilla took advantage of the fact Kong was prone, practically point blank range while Godzilla was already facing him and fired the nuclear breath. Right between the legs.         “FOUL! HE ONLY GOT KICKED, YE CAN’T JUST BURN OFF THIS MALE’S GENITALS OFF LIKE THAT!” as Kong lets out a scream of pain and rage, Faust swings an angry fist, “MAKE HIM BLEED!” Kong agrees with the alicorn before stabbing into Godzilla’s nose with a telephone pole. Keeping the monster king’s mouth shut with one hand, the king of skull island rapid punch at Godzilla’s throat, nose and ears.         “Body slam!” Rin shouted causing Godzilla to push over with as much of his strength. Unable to avoid it without letting go of Godzilla’s mouth Kong was pushed into the buildings as Godzilla let himself fall onto the great ape. Pinning Kong under his large body.         Looking to around, Kong blinks before looking at Faust with wild and panicking eyes. Looking at the giant ape, she blinks before looking between him and Rin. A wide smirk cross her face as she whisper to the ape, “Throw us.” Stopping momentarily, Kong reach for Faust with a simian smile and reached up to grab her. ‘Tug...tug...tug tug tug!’         “Nice try but that would be cheating. We can advise but we can’t directly intervene!” Rin shouted over. “And it’s literally impossible to cheat in here! Now use those claws and start scratching like crazy!” Looking between a smushed Kong and Godzilla getting repeatedly punched in the face while trying to claw Kong, Faust looks over with a raised eyebrow, “...Doth thou realize how long this will take?” At her words two life bars appeared in the sky, going down. “Not long. It will be a close call. Kong’s attacks are doing more damage but his health was lower than Godzilla’s after that body slam.” Rin replied. Just then there was an explosion of light as Godzilla shattered like glass and dissolved while Kong panted with only a tiny sliver of health left and the word ‘Winner!’ floating over his head. With another swirling portal the two were back in the wrecked construction site they started in. Looking over, Faust locks eyes with a snoring titan that had a tiny hard hat on its head, “Aw...it seems that our titan friend wanted to help fix this place.” “Well we don’t really need it for much anymore. Hey there big guy? Want to live here? Any dungeon needs a good guardian.” Rin asked him. Blinking his eyes, the titan stumbles up before thumping his chest which makes the hard hat moves slightly as he bellows out in happiness. Blinking at that, Faust give Rin a small smile before throwing an arm around her fellow goddess neck, “And that is how thou got a loyal servant for the rest of thine days.” “Trust me, if there is one thing I’m good at it’s attracting quality minions.” Rin said as she picks up her blueprints. “Okay going to have to add a lair to sleep in… there, a training room… there, storage room for food and a garden room to grow it.” Rin then looked up to the Titan. “The fox imps are the workers, they’ll do the farming and maintenance so take care of them. They’re not fighters.” The titan nods his head before walking through the hole in the wall. Letting out a deep rumble, a herd take defensive position before grabbing some of the heavier objects for the fox imp while a few lean down so the foxes can jump on. As the titans does this, Faust looks over with a smile, “Doth thou wish for this land to be link to thee?” “No worries there. I’m going to add in a dungeon heart to give this place all the power it needs to function. With that here my imps can easily claim the land for me.” Rin told her. Nodding her head, Faust forms a portal in front of the pair, “Very well.Word of advise, don’t be afraid to summon a Titan. They are truly loyal and they can get bigger than this.” “Oh I do not doubt it.” Rin said before looking through the portal. “Are those the twins? Are we going to spoil them?” “Rotten to the core, race thee to them,” the smile that dance across the alicorn’s face widens as she push Rin back, “LOSER HAS TO MASSAGE THE WINNER’S HOOVES!” Before she gets too far, Faust stumbles as one of the Titans throw a stick at her hooves, “SON OF A WHORESON!” Quickly jumping up she flew through the portal only to see Rin on the floor with the laughing Twins climbing all over her. “For the record, I don’t have feet.” Rin said with a laugh. Looking at Rin for a few minutes, Faust blinks before grinning, “Clever girl.” Hearing a throat being cleared, Faust turns to see Twilight Velvet and Cadence with amused smile, “What?” “Loving the fashion statement, your majesty,” as the words escape Velvet’s mouth, the twins laugh as Faust looks down to see that she managed to lose the last of her clothes. “...Twas feeling a tad breezy,” turning to Rin, Faust gives the goddess a twirl, “how doth we look?” “Oh with a look like that you’ll turn everyone’s heads.” Rin replied with mirth. Walking over to Rin, Faust leans in almost looking like she was going to give Rin a hug when she scooped up one of the twins, “MINE!” Rushing out the room, Faust looks down at the girl with two color eyes, “Let’s go forth and conquer!” “You wish to best a Dungeon Keeper in conquest! Come my partner! Today the playground! Tomorrow the world!” Rin cried out from outside. The sound of a child’s giggling accompanying her. Twilight Velvet let out a sigh as the two goddesses seem to abduct her charges, “Twilight’s never going to let me babysit again, is she?” “Not likely but maybe,” patting his wife’s shoulder, Night Light walks out with a deep sigh, “let’s just hope they get back before Twilight does.” Looking out the window they looked up at the magically transformed playground that now looks like a play fortress with giant slides, ball pits, pod swings, merry go rounds and bubble cannons. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asphyxious was sleeping soundly, next to something warm and soft. He felt like he could sleep forever, it wasn’t until a dull pain hammered inside his skull that he started to wake up. “Ouch…. Huh, whatever that stuff was I want a bottle to take home.” He said before noticing Twilight next to him sleeping soundly in his arms. Asphyxious smiled before softly nibbling her ear.            “Don’t start what you can’t finish,” opening one eye, Twilight yawns while stretching her arms, “that was the most sleep I’ve gotten in awhile.” “So we did what I like to do,” grinning at Asphyxious, Twilight stands up before grabbing her clothes, “what do you want to do?”             “I was thinking we stay in bed and cuddled.” Asphyxious replied wrapping his arms around her, before remembering something. “Did Faust walk in on us while we was playing magic poker?”         “Oh yes...I think that I gave her every clue that Rin told me to,” shaking her head, Twilight look at the dragon before sitting by Asphyxious, “anyway, how did you feel about the changeling’s warbeast?”              “Mostly interested. Kind of seem them like big puppies really.” Asphyxious replied letting out a yawn. “Maybe it has to do with my Chrysalis being my wife now. Well, I did marry all my hoard mates so.”         Pushing the dragon onto his back, Twilight digs her finger into his back, “I’m sure that if you ask nicely, Chrysalis will let you try and tame one.” Asphyxious purred at her as he felt her fingers run down his back.             “Maybe, For now I’m just happy to lay here with you.” He replied playfully batting at her with his tail lazily. “By the way what did we drink last night?”         Picking up the mostly empty bottle, Twilight blinks before letting out a brief snicker, “Oh...my goddess. I’m glad the only thing we did was cuddling.” Asphyxious blinked at this before looking at the bottle. On one side, it had a strange written language but on the side Asphyxious looks at it reads, ‘Heat Burst, Ensured to increase both Fertility and Vitality.’             “Why do I feel like one of Ava followers made this.” Asphyxious asked before letting out a laugh. “Ever that or I’m over thinking things.”         “This was actually made by the ancestors of the diamond dogs,” pressing harder in a very tight area, Twilight doesn’t notice as her breasts touch around where Asphyxious wings connect to his back, “they were said to stand taller than a minotaur, were more ferocious than a griffin and more cunning than a changeling. They also had two different heads and were the best spell casters after the centaurs.”             Asphyxious moved his tail to wrap around Twilight leg as he relaxed then thought of something. “Wait, was this two headed being part bird? That could have been Ava brother, one of the gods of chaos from 40k..”         Reaching between her breast, Twilight pulls out a thick book the size of an infant. Flipping through the pages, she lets out a chuckle, “There were few with bird like features...but most of them only had two dog like heads.” Asphyxious rubbed his chin as he thought about this.             “I’ll give you her token so you can ask her later.” Asphyxious said as he kissed Twilight on the nose. “So should we go or stay, I do remember that you was going to a party today.”         “...oh dear Faust on this beautiful Equis.” looking at Asphyxious, one could see the fear in her eyes, “I almost forgot a Pinkie Promise.”             “Don’t worry, I’m sure I can teleport us back in time.” Asphyxious added as he get up to get dressed.         “In that case, let’s stop by Chrysalis and see if we can get you a...OH MY GODDESS, YOU DON’T HAVE A WARBEAST!” grabbing Asphyxious by the back of his neck, Twilight throws open the door and drags him outside, “SHIT, GOTTA HURRY!”               “What?” Asphyxious asked confused, he was just lucky he was fully dressed and had all his things before Twilight fly out with him, being pulled along by her magic.         “Warbeast are a symbol of power, grace and rulership,” rushing through a diving crowd of changelings and diamond dogs, Twilight slides to a halt in front of Chrysalis’ club, “it’s a must to have a warbeast!”             “I know what a warbeast is, I mean what do you mean I have one?” Asphyxious asked still looking at her confused.         Glaring at the dragon, she slams him against a wall while her hair begin to catch fire, “DO YOU REALLY WANT TO BE A LAUGHING STOCK OF A KING?!”             “I didn’t really agree to be king in the first place, and Twilight you need to breath. You know what happens when you get like this.” Asphyxious explained as he remember one time his Twilight back home lost it. “I’ll get a warbeast if it’ll make you happy okay?”         Nodding her head, Twilight waltz up stairs as the two diamond dogs from before letting them pass with an amused and slightly terrified smile. As the pair enter, they see Chrysalis waiting with a raised eyebrow and a pink fluffy pony wearing a shirt that says ‘I like Tacos’, “Hello you two, I could hear you from halfway across town.” “So you’re here to get your own warbeast,” a smiling Chrysalis grabs Asphyxious into a hug, pulling him in between her breast, “the Collective is very glad that you choose us!” Before Asphyxious can reply, he is lifted by the fluffy pony and thrown off Chrysalis with a glare...or as close to one can get with a fluffy pony.            “Okay…” Asphyxious said from his place on the floor, before getting up and rubbing his face to remove the blush he had. “Just a heads up, I know how to control warjacks not warbeasts.”         Nodding her head, Chrysalis pats the fluffy pony on the head before motioning for them to follow, “First off, sorry about Fluffle Puff. She can be a little...possessive.”         “I heard rumors that she once beat a diamond dog alpha king to death when he tried to force himself on you,” looking at the pony, Twilight smiles uneasily, “is it true that she killed him with-”         “A pillow...oh yes, that was incredibly hot to see,” a blush appear on Chrysalis face before she clears her throat. “Anyways, warbeast require a little something extra then with a machine.”             “Well, good thing I never meet this dog. I would have pulled his spine out and used him as a mana battery.” Asphyxious said before paying attention to what she was saying.         “Well Fluffle Puff has yet to release his soul from service,” looking back with a fond smile, Chrysalis look at Asphyxious, “Everblight once mention your soul is from where he used to be, yes?”             “That right, but I am unsure if it the same earth as his. As I have found out there more than one earth that all displaced come from.” Asphyxious replied as he walked next to Twilight. “But I guess you can say Toruk had the…. Time to turn me into a lich himself, before arriving in Equestria. Luckily my mind at the time blocked most of my time with him out… And what they did to me.” He rubs his head as his wings shudder.         “Everblight told me that there was going to be a horrible calamity that struck his home,” pushing open a door, the group can hear the various cries of animals, “he called it...the presidential election.”         As the group came to a large pit, Chrysalis points at a group of creatures, “These are the warbeast that we can spare for you. The Everfree Mauler, Swamp Horror and most the most important of all…Nebzrullos.” Motioning to a quadrepedal beast with a black shell and bear like head, a octopus with a wide fang filled mouth and the creature from before respectfully.             “Cool, is that worm full grown?” Asphyxious looking at the large worm in another pin. A really big one.         Looking over, Chrysalis lets out a nervous chuckle, “While we do have some that are fully grown...they are too big to fit into any buildings.”         “In all actuality,” the group turn to see a diamond dog with bark like skin and missing part of his face, “the Collective only has three fully grown Nebzrullos...we’re currently on top of one.”             “Wait, then what about this one?” Asphyxious asked pointing at the Nebzrullos in the pin.         The diamond dog let out a laugh, “Oh, Maia? She hatch out about three months ago!”             “THAT THINGS A BABY!?” Asphyxious yelled out in surprise.         “Aye, she’s also kind of...a runt,” shaking his head, the diamond dog let’s out a sigh, “she’s only thirty five feet long. The average length of a Nebzrullos is fifty feet at three months old.” “But where are my manners,” bowing with a hand on his back, the diamond dog gives a smile that made his face crinkle nastily, “the name’s Tibereon, one of the few diamond dog/Timber wolf hybrid that you’ll ever see.”           “I’m not even going to ask how that even possible, so Maia was it? Is there anything I need to know like what to feed her?” Asphyxious asked as he looks back at the large worm.         “If you tame Maia, she’ll eat the same thing any large reptile like all Nebzrullos eat,” bringing a paw up, Tibereon begins to list off things, “she’s an apex predator, born deadly with a venomous bite. If you want a really good bond with her...you’re gonna have to do something you’ll see a few warlocks do.”             “And that is?” Asphyxious asked looking back at the wooden dog.         A deadpan cross his face before Tibereon look judgingly at the dragon, “If she accepts you, just pet her but if she growls at you...punch her.”             “Won’t that just piss her off?” Asphyxious asked looking back at the large worm. “And how am I going to pet that?”         “Ya see that horn of her?” waiting for the dragon to nod, the diamond dog let’s out a laugh, “That area is rather sensitive for her. Since she’s a hatchling, it’s not as armored as it will be when she’s older.”         “Even with the older fully armored ones, they back down if you threaten to hit that area,” patting the taller male on the back, Tibereon let’s out a chuckle, “tell ya what, if you manage to tame her...I’ll head with ya. I’ll take her out hunting ifin you’re too busy.”              “Thanks.” Asphyxious replied, before looking into the pin. Then at Twilight and Chrysalis before jumping into the pin. Maia looks at the dragon, four forest green eyes blinking in curiosity. Asphyxious slowly stands up as he looks back at it with his one good icy blue eye. Before slowly walking up to it. Leaning down and giving the dragon a good sniff, Maia let’s out a huff before rising up. Asphyxious did nothing but stare at it, there was a battle of wills going on that no one could see. IF only they knew what the dragon was thinking.               ‘Crap that big….’ Asphyxious thought as he stared at it, he knew he had a plan but as soon as he got inside. He lost what he was going to do, so he thought he’d try and take a step forward. It worked so he did it again, and again. Until he was face to face with it. Maia locks eyes with the dragon, her face twist into one of annoyance. Unlike wood dog, this one does not command her. A deep vibrating growl escapes her mouth, baring fangs the size of spears and smaller teeth the size of swords.               Asphyxious stomps a foot and let out a loud roar at Maia catching it by surprise. Head drawn back as if struck, the Nebzrullos blinks before a deep scowl cross her face. Snapping her jaws shut in front of the dragon, Maia glares down at the smaller being with a certainty that it’ll flee from her like the others. Asphyxious held out his hand and waited. Seeing the hand in place, Maia let’s out another growl before her eyes flash a deep blood red color and her tail slams into the ground.               The dragon didn’t move, he just took another step forward still holding his hand out to Maia. Then waited. Annoyed at the smaller being, Maia lean closer with barely any room so that the dragon can see the rage storming across the surface of her eyes at his very presence.         On the side, Tibereon shake his head while muttering something about lack of respect and needing a firm discipline hand. But Twilight noticed the way Asphyxious was acting, he even tilts his head to one side looking at the larger worm. It was like two animals meeting for the first time.             Asphyxious saw the kind of power it could have, he was sure Maia could eat him right now. The question was why didn’t she? “You must really like to go outside huh?” He asked looking over the teeth. “It too bad you’re shut in here. I know the feeling.”         Blinking, Maia brings her head back slightly. Eyes flashing between calm green and furious red, the large reptile worm lets out a gruff sounding hiss. “I was locked away to once, But you’re lucky. You had someone to care for you and your well being.” Asphyxious said as he sat down looking up at Maia. Head tilting to the side, Maia slinks her body down. Thinking about what the being was saying, she looked at scarred one with a soft croon.             “You like him don’t you? You see him as your friend right? Well, I want to be your friend too.” Asphyxious added as he looks around. “One say you’re going to get to big to live here. So would you like to go some place new? You can even live in the badlands and eat farrow. Oddly there a lot of them there...” The words that the small being said appeal to her greatly, a new place to roam. She has no clue what a farrow is but she wonder if there would be bear boars, those were her favorite. Licking her lips, Maia looks at the being with openness. Leaning her head down, Maia stops just shy of the dark scaled one before glancing at scarred one.             Asphyxious smiled, then softly and slowly placed his hand on her horn. And then, he felt their minds meet. It happened like lightning, so fast and so new. For some reason it felt right to him, like there was no walls or misunderstandings between him and Maia. But just as he saw what she remembered, she could also see his… Asphyxious slowly pulled his hand away.              “Well,” looking at the pair, Tibereon lets a smile cross his face before looking at Asphyxious, “never seen a Nebzrullos be tame through talking.” “I mean sure folks have tried it,” looking up at Maia, the dog let’s out a chuckle as she leans down, “but the last idiot that tried that ended up losing most of his body...only his left arm, torso and head remained. Still alive just can’t go anywhere.”              Asphyxious keeps looking up at Maia as she nudged him with her head. Asphyxious smiles and pet her. “I’m okay… Just sorry I had to share some bad memories with you. Hope I didn’t upset you.”         Maia shakes her head as she looks through the memories. Heartaches and suffering fly pass but she, like other Nebzrullos, can glance at their ancestral memories if they felt the need. Looking at Asphyxious she swears to protect him, even from himself if need be. Coiling around the dragon, she nudged him again in her version of a hug...she remembers the last time she tried to hug scarred one.             Asphyxious just laughed. “Okay I get it, I’m fine now. You can put me down.” He called out still laughing.         “Normally...I would say to feed her,” waiting for the dragon to look at him, Tibereon let’s out a chuckle when Maia licks Asphyxious, “in order finish the bond but…”              “Stop licking me!” Asphyxious yells as he laughs even harder. Tibereon holds out a human size slab of meat for Asphyxious to grab in order to feed the young Nebzrullos. Asphyxious grabs it as soon as Maia stop licking him and held it out to her.              Maia’s eyes light up in delight, wood dog rarely brings out bear boar meat and that one looks even juicier than the last one. Carefully taking the meat from her new friend, she flips it in the air before taking a large bite from it while throwing what’s left up again. With the second bite, it was gone as she let’s out a deep hiss of content.             “My kids are going to love you when they see you.” Asphyxious said as he pet Maia on the tail.         Looking at the pair Twilight couldn’t help the chuckle that escapes her as she looks at the diamond dog hybrid, “How long will it take you to pack?”         “I’m already to go,” pointing to a small area of Maia’s pen, they can see a large bag sitting, “since I’m the only one Maia let near her, I’ve taking to moving in with her.” Looking at Asphyxious, Tibereon let’s out a bellowing laugh, “I heard ya one of them Displace. Well, I hope your place ain’t too different from here! Wherever Maia goes, I go....practically raised her from her egg.”            “It’ll surprise you!” Asphyxious calls back. “No bad Maia! My Cutlass is not a chew toy!” He yelled running after her, As Maia held the sword in her jaws and moving away whenever the dragon got close.         Letting out another laugh, Tibereon waves off the comment as Twilight forms a portal, “I’m the result of a diamond dog matron and an alpha timber wolf breeding...I doubt that much can surprise me!”         “Speaking of which,” looking at the trio, Twilight can’t help the curiosity on her face, “how does that work?”         “We diamond dogs and timber wolves share a common ancestor,” walking to the portal with his bag, Tibereon smiles in no small amount of pride, “diamond dogs are descended from the moonhound argus clan while timber wolves are of the common argus clan.”             Asphyxious managed to get hold of his sword, but Maia still had hold of his cutlass and wouldn’t let go. Asphyxious was even faking being angry at her. In truth he was enjoying it, they stop once they see the portal and Maia let the dragon down. “Come on girl, I want you to meet my mum. She going to be so jelly.” Asphyxious said as he walks with Maia to the portal. “You sure you can move her to Twilight?”         “Don’t worry,” watching as Maia examines the portal, Twilight smiles as the warbeast slinks through, “this particular portal is specially design for the transportation of warbeast...I’ll teach it to you later.”             “I love it when you talk like a scientist.” Asphyxious said as he walked into the portal.         Shaking his head, Tibereon walks in after Twilight with a chuckle, “Can ya both just mate already? Maia is probably curious why ya two are flirting so much!” In all actuality, Maia understood that Asphyxious was trying to impress Twilight without being all strong. Maia likes that about her new friend.         As the group exits the portal to Ponyville, Twilight took a deep breath as her eyebrow twitch, “What the buck is going on here?”         Around town, chaos can be seen as the townsponies and reindeers wore two different colors. On the side of town that includes the playground, they wore red clothes and were waving a flag with a white fox head with nine tails coming out from behind it as an emblem. Meanwhile on the other side which includes the library they wore blue clothes and wave a flag with a pair of swords crossed with a dragon head above and a unicorn’s on the bottom.            “If I had to guess, we may have walked into one of my mums games. I’ve heard about this, but this is my first time seeing it.” Asphyxious explained as he then heard a trumpet.         Faust stands with head held high and still as naked as the day she was formed with a young Dawn Star the size of a rhino holding a foam cutlass, “Forward my little blues, FOR GLORY!!” As they let out a whoop of excitement and a battle cry, the sound of paintballs being loaded echoes through.             “I feel like I’ve seen this before…” Asphyxious said to himself rubbing his head. “Where do I remember something like this happening…”         “March forth my fellow reds and show the blue team our might!” Rin cried out from the back of Bright Dusk who has been grown to the size of an elephant and wielding a giant, inflatable, squeaky hammer.              “Yeap, we’re in one of mums games.” Asphyxious confirmed nodding his head. “Maia, hide behind Twilight tree house.” Maia blinks before a shudder shakes her body as she quickly darts there, she remembers watching one of those memories and wants no part in this.              “Stop fighting, stop fighting, Everyone stop fight!” Call out a diamond dog in red waving a blue flag. Everyone stop to look at the diamond dog in red “Look at me, I have the blue flag!”              “It’s so beautiful.” Said a deer in red.                “I am the king of the diamond dogs, and you will bow to me as if I were a god!” He get shot at by all the blues as the Diamond Dog in red falls back from all the paint. “I regret nothing! I lived as few dogs dared to dream!”         A few seconds pass before the two teams begin to fire at each other. Meanwhile, the twins rush at each other with clashing toys. Dawn Star slash at Bright Dusk with her cutlass, aiming for Dusk’s belly. Meanwhile, Bright Dusk brings her squeaky hammer around for a golf swing. Zecora wearing a blue tunic looks up before gasping as the enlarged toys crashed into her with a mighty squeak, picking her up and pinning her against the real target as the hammer hit Dawn Star’s neck. Zecora squirmed indignantly trying to get free till the toy moved away and she clung the the now giant child’s neck as the twins jumped around in there battle so not to fall off.             “So what do we do? Leave them to their fun?” asked Asphyxious. Giving Twilight an amused smile.         Twilight looks at Asphyxious with a deadpan before clearing her throat, “If everypony can kindly and calmly PUT THE TOYS DOWN?!” As every pony, reindeer, gemsbok, and diamond dog look at a slightly flaming hair Twilight, they broke like the Red Sea and point at Faust and Rin.         “THEY STARTED IT!” Asphyxious laughed at this before waving Maia over, letting her know it was safe now.         “Snitches! Tattletales!” Rin shouted as she pointed to all of them accusingly.         Looking at Twilight with a nervous smile, Faust clears her throat, “Now we know what thou art thinking...and the answer may surprise thee.” A loud battle cry escapes Twilight’s mouth as she jumps at the Queen Goddess of Equestria. Feeling Twilight grabbing her by the hips, Faust grabs Rin by a tail, “WE REGRET NOTHING!!”         “OWOWOWOW! Let go!” Rin shouted as she grabbed at her mounts diaper and hug on for dear life. Not wanting to be dragged down to face one of the most dangerous creatures imaginable. An angry mommy. A hand reach for her mask as Twilight pries Rin off of Bright Dusk and into the cartoon like dust cloud. “NOOOOO! Save me babies! Save the fun god granma!”             “Come on kids let leave Mum to sort things out!” Asphyxious called to the twins. “I have a new friend I want you to meet.” Maia takes a close look at the two fillies, feeling the magic radiating off of them. Tapping their foreheads, she cause the remaining magic of the spell to fade since the casters are...preoccupied.            Asphyxious picked up the twins and show them to Maia. “Star, Dusk meet Maia, Maia meet Twilight baby's.” Letting out a croon, Maia brings her head down. Meanwhile, the two infants stare at the hybrid with full on curiosity before touching everywhere they can touch.         Dragging the two goddesses, Twilight grabs the twins with a pleasant smile, “Do we have an understanding ladies?..I hope we don’t have to have this discussion again.” As Faust nods rapidly while hovering over Rin protectively, Twilight looks at the crowd with a slightly savage smile, “I hope none of you forgot that you swore a Pinkie Promise today.”         As the crowd look at one another, a diamond dog that showed up with Asphyxious jumps up with panicked eyes, “OH FUCK! CHEESE IT!” Asphyxious diamond dogs quickly ran and get cleaned up on the way.             “Say, where my deathjack?” Asphyxious asked looking around for his war machine.         “Your Deathjack is currently at Sugarcube Corner,” the group turns as the spirit of the elderly centaur woman floats up next to Asphyxious, “he seems rather pleasant...the souls inside him are at peace.”              “Odd, I thought I fixed that whole collecting souls thing.” Asphyxious said as he rubs his chin. “I’ll look at him at the party.”         Shaking her head, the centaur pats his shoulder with a slightly surprised face, “There is no need. The souls in him seem to have willingly gone into him. For what reason, I do not know.”              “I’ll look into this.” Asphyxious replied as he heads off to sugarcube corner. Maia waves bye to Twilight before following Asphyxious while Tibereon shrug his shoulders and does the same.         Meanwhile at Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie smiles as Moose tries to sneak in, “Nice try Moose but you can’t come in yet!”         The young reindeer stops and slowly looks up, “But how did you find me? I was super.extra.quiet.” Seeing the amusement in the pink mare’s face, Moose fakes a pout before heading back outside. The Deathjack was helping putting decorations up.         Looking to her right, Pinkie Pie pats the Deathjack on the shoulder with a beaming smile, “Thanks for letting me know what he was doing Deffy! You get extra cake for this!” The jack let out a rumble in thanks, even if it had no need for cake. However it did feel the bond of it new master, not the diamond dog Kat. Who bond was not that strong, but Asphyxious.             “Hey Pinkie seen Deffy?” Asphyxious asked as he walked in. He stop when he noticed something on the Deathjack head. “Is that a party hat?” Pinkie rapidly nods her head as she pats the Cryxian helljack on the head. “Right, I need to look at him. You’re not using him for anything right?”         “Nope, he was just helping with decoration but it’s almost done,” giving the helljack a hug, Pinkie pie bounce off to the kitchen to finish the cake.             “Why do I fall for the crazy ones.” Asphyxious asked himself, before reattaching his bond to the Deathjack and bring it outside. “Alright let's see where all these souls are going.” The back of the deathjack back opens up like a flower, as Asphyxious get to work looking inside.         Tibereon looks at the Deathjack with a slight feeling of unease before swiftly stomping it down. He’s been dealing with beast that could probably take it on...and that’s not including the warbeast of the Changeling Collective. Looking at Maia, Tibereon clears his throat and looks at Asphyxious, “Do you have any questions for me about Maia?”             “Hmmm, how much does she need to eat?” Asphyxious asked as he was looking at an odd glowing tank. He taps it a few times before moving on to the next thing.         Letting out a chuckle, Tibereon leans back, “Well as Maia gets older, she won’t need a lot to eat. Since she’s young now...ya seen an Everfree Mauler. That’s how much she needs to eat, either that or a bear boar.”              “I saw a few things but not sure about that bear boar thing. So I’ll assume a lot then.” Asphyxious replied as he sticks his head inside the working of the jack.         Slapping his head, Tibereon shakes his head, “Right, different Equis! Um...I think ya might call them Giant Hog or something like that.”              “Brute boars?” Asphyxious asked as he pulled his head out. “Sounds like you’re talking about the farrows warbeasts.”         “No clue what the farrow is,” shrugging his shoulders, Tibereon stretch as his bones pop in place, “but if they use the giant swines, then they seem like the ancient griffins.”              “Think pig men who have a love of guns and meat.” Asphyxious added as he looked at something else inside of Deathjack. “Also big cleaves.”         “Definitely sounds like the old griffins before they became more civilized,” nodding his head, Tibereon stops momentarily, “except being hog men...those were killed off long ago!”               “Interesting, they’re still around in my Equestria. Sadly they don’t record history much, so asking how they're still around would be pointless. But if you don’t want to piss them off eat their dead, they do the same for there own. As the farrow say, don’t let good meat go to waste.”         “That’s why we had to killed them off,” shaking his head, Tibereon pats Maia on the side as she lets out a furious hiss, “it wounded up offending too many beings! Eventually, the griffins used their own belief to wipe the hogs off the map...though some folks say that Blighterghast, wanting to give them a second chance, used some spell that banish them from Equis to some other world.”         “I didn’t believe but...well,” waving his hands at Asphyxious, Tibereon gives an uneasy smile.              “They're not all bad, at least I like to think so. The only farrow I’ve meet are ever under the control of someone else or a warbeast. Maybe I should try and contact a tribe somewhere.” Asphyxious replied as he sighed and get out of the Deathjack before letting it close up.               “So why do ya have one of them weird as Tartarus war berserkers that them Minotaurs build,” waving his paw, Tibereon begins throwing his dagger into the air before catching it by the blade, “Ya seem plenty strong without one.”              “I like building things, I enjoy making jacks. Some may look like what you’re used to seeing. But the cortex is my own design. I make my jacks to learn from their warcaster and help them.”  Asphyxious sigh as he rubs his face. “As for Deffy, nothing wrong with him.”         “I could have told ya that much,” letting out a laugh, Tibereon slaps the helljack on the side, “ya forget, we diamond dogs and timber wolves are able to see souls. Only souls in this guy are those that want to be around ya...no idea why though.”               “That the problem, his not meant to collect souls anymore. I made sure of that when I broke Toruk hold on it. There’s nothing keeping those souls in the deathjack. I just can’t understand it.” Asphyxious explains rubbing his face.         Looking up at a moaning Maia, Tibereon lets out a string of guttural growls and snarls that if asked to translate Twilight might blush, “Hey now, I hate to be that guy but have ya...lost anyone special to ya?”             Asphyxious gave Tibereon a death glare. “They’re not in the deathjack.” He growled deeply.         Letting out a savage growl of his own, Tibereon lets a large amount of blighted energy escape him which cause windows to shake around him, “DON’T YA FUCKING BITE MY HEAD OFF JUST CAUSE YA CHOOSE NOT TO DO A RITUAL!” “Now if ya done snapping like a freshly born pup I would explain, if not I’ll leave ya to mope like yer the only one that lost somedog,” without waiting for a response, Tibereon stalks off as he pulls back his own blighted energy.              “I’m… Sorry, I get touchy about stuff like that. It’s bad enough I lost them, I don’t like the idea of them being trapped inside of the Deathjack. Also one of them died on another world, the other was one of my daughters who tried to kill me. And was killed by my wife Revan.” Asphyxious explained as the Deathjack looked at him. “I also didn’t get the deathjack until after they died and that was a long time ago.”         Letting out a sigh, Tibereon turn back around and walk over to Asphyxious. Motion him to sit, the diamond dog hybrid groans as he takes a seat, “We’re going to need to get ya some help some day...and I probably need to talk about this to.” “About three years ago, me and my mate, I know shocking right, where enjoy a day with the pups,” a smile cross his face as Tibereon stares at the sun, “day just like this and we thought it would be a great day for a picnic...til a flight of griffins came up and killed them.” Shrugging his shoulders, Tibereon let’s out a yawn before laying back, “Came to find out my friend in the Minotaur kingdom had them somewhere for me to meet them.”          “You were lucky.” Asphyxious replied as he looks at the sky. “Not everyone get a happy ending.”         “Just do what I did and take too long to try and speak to their souls,” patting the dragon’s side, Tibereon let out a wheezing laugh, “I spent seven years killing griffins and hippogriffs before I talked to them...the lady was not happy about that! Anyways, just tried to speak to their spirits, they may surprise you by hanging around your moody tail!” Walking off, Tibereon leaves Asphyxious alone with his thoughts and bonded partners. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         Faust looks at her friend and pokes Rin in the head. “Rin...Rin....Rin...art thou awake?..Rin.”         “Ohhhhh… My head… and what is that smell?” Rin groaned as the flames she used for eyes flickered back to life.         “That would be the potion we had to force thee to take,” scratching her head, Faust pulls out a shard from her head, “we had to use the air formula lest we end up missing a large portion of the Everfree.”         “Wa, oh.” Rin said before she lit up like Tinkerbell before getting up on her paws. “It smelt like it was made from vomit and swamp water. And my ear felt like someone was trying to drag me somewhere by it.” Rin said. A warm smile cross Faust face before she wince, “It taste better than it smells and Princess Twilight may have thrown thee into me...several times.” Pulling out a list, Faust place a pair of reading glasses on, “We had used the last of our potions to cure thee of all of thou injuries, though thou may still feel a tad bit sore.” “Not anymore, healed myself and flushing my system now. Does this mean she’s not going to let those kids play with me anymore?” Rin asked sadly. “Nonsense, if all it took for some not to see the twins was a little enlarging spell, than no being would be allowed to play,” wincing again as she stands up, Faust hugs Rin gently, “if the twins wish to play with thee then they will play with thee.” “Thou need not worry,” patting the fox goddess on the shoulder, Faust turns around where one can see her back covered in glass, burns on part of her flank and that she was walking with a slight limp. “Wait, hold still.” Rin ordered as she tapped Faust with a tail while summoning a jar which slowly filled with a glowing red liquid as Rin started pulling the glass out. Once it was all out Rin reset some bones and cast a healing spell making Faust glow as Rin had shortly before. Once the light faded the skin was dirty but unharmed. “There. All better.” “We thank thee,” stretching, Faust grins at Rin before walking away, “we would have had to spend a few days healing those...we promised ourselves sometime ago to try and do things in a more...mortal way some millennia ago.” “Unfortunately, we can’t let thee heal everything or else how would we learn,” hugging the fox goddess, Faust summons some clothes onto herself, “for examples, we must heal rupture organs and exhaustion on our.” “And of course some brain damage,” waving to Rin, Faust let out a laugh, “but this simple tells us not to mess with a determined mother no?” “Yes, they over react. Though I can’t exactly point paws there.” Rin said sheepishly. “Anyways I guess I should head home. After I connect a portal to my new domain that is.” “Until next time then,” walking away, Faust couldn’t help the slight frown that cross her face, “now where art we going to find a perky and enthusiastic fox goddess with a beautiful body?” “Again, other sister from my world. Saying those things is really gross and creepy.” Rin called out before disappearing into one of her portals. As the goddesses left, the sound of scraping claws can be heard as a pair of timber wolves and a diamond dog with some leaves for his head fur and branches for arm walks out. Looking at each other, the three canines agreed that they didn’t hear a damn thing before heading in the direction of Ponyville. > The War Continues > --------------------------------------------------------------------------         Starlight Glimmer ducks under a beam of arcane energy before engulfing her hands in necromantic energy, “THIS WASN’T HOW IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE!”         “Too mutherbucking bad,” Twilight Sparkle snarls at the stronger than usual unicorn as several dragons twist and turn over the remains of Our Town. The alicorn had just managed to prevent Glimmer from changing the past. Even as they fought through time, the sight of dragons and dragonspawns could always be seen.         Turning her body, Twilight stomps on the ground before skeletal hands grabs the unicorn in their grasps, “And to think...I truly believed you when you killed Ahuizotl. Or was that in the plan too!”         Breaking free from the blast, Starlight screams in pain as Twilight launches a beam of fire magic into stomach. Bouncing several times, the unicorn lets her tear stream down her eyes. Feeling as she’s pulled up by her mane, Starlight throws a fist only for it to be grabbed in Twilight’s and slowly crushed.         “MAYBE IT WAS THE THOUGHT OF YOUR MASTER’S MEMBER IN YOU THAT MADE YOU ATTACK MY FAMILY!” throwing the unicorn to the ground, Twilight kicks Starlight through three trees as her mane burst into flames, “so please...give me ONE REASON why I shouldn’t kill you.”         Coughing up blood, Starlight holds her shattered arm close to chest before looking at the enraged alicorn, “Because I am doing everything that I can to fix this. Because I didn’t kill your children, I fix almost everything that I changed-”         Dragging the unicorn to her now six year old fillies, Twilight slams the unicorn’s head into the ground, “EVERYTHING HUH?! MY CHILDREN AND THE CAKE TWINS ARE STUCK THIS WAY, YOU SHALLOW BITCH!” Throwing the unicorn back, Twilight fires another beam of pyroclasmic magic into Starlight.         Bouncing of the boulder with a sickening crack, Starlight is forced through through the boulder with a shuddering gasp. Rolling over herself, Starlight curls into a ball as Twilight looks at her daughters. Blinking through tears, Starlight looks up as Twilight looms over her with a straight face, “I know that I don’t deserve mercy...but I ask that you don’t become the evil that th-that I have seen in one of many futures.”         Minutes pass as Everblight finishes off Pyromalfic in the background before Twilight stabs a hand into Starlight’s stomach. A gasp escapes Glimmer as she is picked up by Twilight. Walking close to the four children, Twilight covers them in her magic before they vanish.         Starlight Glimmer whimpers as she is thrown into a chair, blood streaming from the hole in her stomach as Twilight hands a relieved Pinkie Pie the now six year old Pound and Pumpkin Cake, “Stop crying. I’ll come up with a good punishment for you in a little bit.”         Hugging her two twins, Twilight gives a shuddering sigh as they hug her back. Pulling back slightly, Twilight notices Dawn Star’s frown. As the youngest unicorn glares at Starlight, Dawn Star holds Bright Dusk’s hand, “Mama, I think you should help out Chrysalis and Fluffle Puff out. Didn’t you say that they wanted to try for kids?”         “You’re right...but first,” throwing a ball of pure mana at Starlight, Twilight focuses on the screaming villain, “she needs a little...tuning.” ---------------         Giving a sigh, Everblight looks over the battlefield alongside Spike, “Are you sure you want to take charge? You’ll could be losing your life in this endeavor.”         “Come on pops, you worry too much,” spreading his wings, Spike descends on the battlefield with a thunderous roar. Ponies and reindeer cheer as green-blue fire burns the undead and the New Cryxian horde howl in rage. Before he can circle around for another pass, Spike could barely hold back a pain filled roar as explosions rakes his back.         Even as the sky fills with airships, Everblight swiftly jumps into the air with his own roar. Dodging out the way of countless mana spheres, he grabs two of the airships before throwing them to the harsh ground. Spinning around, Everblight evades another barrage even as two dracolich dives towards him.         A deep growl escapes from his maw as Everblight speeds past them both and crash through the largest of the airships. As the ship plummets, Everblight gives an annoyed grunt as the smaller of the two dracolich bites into his shoulder. Ignoring the fire of the larger of the two, Everblight throws the dracolich into an airship that had gotten too close for the crew to flee.         Turning around, Everblight launches spheres of plasma infused fireballs at the larger dracolich and several of the other airships. Even as the dracolich and the airships plummets to the ground, Everblight was turning as blighted griffons were dropped off from the back of dragonspawns while a large dark blue dragoness race towards him. ‘Two dracolich down,’ grappling the equal sized dragon, Everblight bites into her wing joint with a flaming jaw, “one idiot bitch to go!” -----------------          Giving a brief sigh, Queen Faust examines her two ruffled daughters and the stoic nephilims. They had just finished slaying the last of the nobles after it was revealed that they had taken to serving Toruk.         Hearing hoofsteps, she glance at a slightly out of breath Prince Blueblood as he flicks ectoplasmic blood off his short sword, “Blueblood, thou seem to be better at thine craft then we haft last seen.”         “Yes your majesty, I had taken a looking to my path and found it...lacking,” barely glancing over, the prince flicks a throwing knife into the head of a noble that Princess Luna has at her hoof, “you miss one Auntie.”         “Neigh, he was already dead,” glaring at the unicorn, only Faust and Celestia notice as a nephilim bloodseer passed a fire ruby to a grinning nephilim protector.         “Than why, my wonderful Lunar Aunt, was he still twitching?”         “Because, dearest nephew, our scythe is lodged into his spinal column!” ripping the scythe from the corpse, Princess Luna growls as Blueblood throws another knife into the corpse, “wilt thou stop that?!”         “Nope!” smirking at his Aunt, Blueblood frowns as a horde of undead race towards them, “Of course they made thralls. Guess we’ll just have to re raise them properly.”         “Aye/Indeed/Agreed!” as the four ponies ready their weapons, they couldn’t help giving each other a small smirk before lunging at horde with nephilims trailing behind. ------------------         Twilight Sparkle smiles as Pound Cake wrestles with Scootaloo while Sweetie Belle studies alongside Dawn Star and Bright Dusk and Applebloom stare down each other. Flipping through her tome, Twilight jots down several lines of spells before looking to her right as a portal opens, “How was your trip, Glimmer?”         “It was...informative,” stumbling from the portal, a purple fluffle pony walks over with a wince, “I apologize, I...I didn’t mean for everything to get out of hand like it did.”         “Just don’t buck up again and I won’t buck you up again,” even as she focus on the foals, Twilight feels as wind breeze over her as Everblight lands. As she turns to greet the elder dragon, she gasp at the state that Spike was in. One of his scythe like clawed arms was harshly torn from its place, his right wing was snapped and bloody and his lower jaw was split in two while his deep plum scale had become covered in blood.         As the other ponies all rush at the injured drake, Twilight watch as Everblight sags before heading towards the Everfree. Following the dragon with a scowl, she fails to care as her mane burst into flames. As soon as the older dragon stops, he gives Twilight a bland look, “You’re honestly going to blame me for his injuries? I gave him a chance to back out and he-”         Firing a necromantic beam from her hands, Twilight growls as Everblight forms a mana shield that sends the beam into the sky, “BULLSHIT! THERE’S NO WAY THAT SPIKE WOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING SO UNBELIEVABLY RETARDED!” Slamming a fist into a tree, Twilight picks it up before throwing it at him before firing three beams of fire.         Letting the tree shatter against his scales, Everblight slaps the fire beams into the ground with a frown, “Oh really? Like how you didn’t think that Glimmer was lying when she said that Ahuizotl was going to attack?” Sending a column of magma at the alicorn, the dragon’s face twist into one of rage as Twilight freezes his attack and creates an ice dragon, “or how about when she FUCKING TRICKED YOU TO KILL THREE HUNDRED MINOTAURS?! YOU THINK I DIDN’T KNOW WHEN YOU TWO BEGAN TO MESS WITH THE TIMELINE?! YOU ALMOST CAUSED THE DEATH OF THE MINOTAURS’ ROYAL FAMILY!” Watching her flinch as he rips the spinal cord of the ice construct, Everblight slams it into her chest lightly. As Twilight flies into the air with a gasp, the dragon grabs the alicorn while glaring at her, “I had given him a choice to help take down the New Cryxian airships. It was his choice to accept the damn mission and he would not want anybeing questioning his choices...he’s a full grown drake, SO START TREATING HIM LIKE ONE INSTEAD OF A WEAK HATCHLING!”         Even as Twilight was let go, she gives the dragon a dark glare before she heads back to the library. With a deep huff, Everblight turns away and heads towards an opening. ------------------------         Discord glances at the armored being before him with barely held disgust, twelve swords circling around the chaos spirit, “So...Sombra’s little plan. To be honest, I don’t know whether to be insulted or pleased.”         “Why not both, the figure gives him a dark smirk, green flames for eyes giving the chaos spirit a sense of dread, “after all, imitation is the best form of flattery. But then again-” Before Discord could snap a finger, the swords around him shatter as a spear like weapon pierce through his chest. Looking down with a shock expression, Discord is dragged into a glass bottle as the figure looks as each shattered sword turns into a satyr shaped golem, “-that implies that you’re the best version.”         As the figure walks forward, the light shows that the being has the same horns as Discord while his left wing is those of a crow and the right was close to being fully skeletal. Swinging his spear around, the undead clone gives the golems a smug smirk, “So then....who wants daddy’s belt?” > Shared Interest > --------------------------------------------------------------------------         Everblight looks up at the Soul Emerald of Asphyxious with a brief hum, “Wonder how Asphyxious is doing...it would be a real shame if he got hurt.” Watching as Twilight stomps into the room, Everblight couldn’t help the raised eyeridge, “Umm...is everything alri-”         “Oh! So you’re finally back now huh!” flames flicker from the mare’s mane as Twilight glares at the dragon, “When was the last bucking time you actually considered talking to another dragon instead of manipulating?!”         “Hey now, Spike was perfectly alright with the plan and-,” flinching as Twilight throws a ballista arrow between his legs, Everblight swallows the lump in his throat, “...you want to talk to Asphy?! That normally makes you happy!..right?”         “Oh yes, I want you to summon him,” tapping a hand on her hip, she gains a savage smirk, “and you’re going to tell him why you want him to eat Toruk’s anthanc so badly.”         The pair look at each other before the dragon gives a weary sigh, “I...was going to tell him after we dealt with the last Lich. But very well, he should know.” Grabbing the Soul Emerald, Everblight pinch the bridge of his muzzle, “Asphyxious...do you have a moment? There’s something I should tell you…something I should have already told you.” “Okay you’re in luck, I was about to be dragged away by Luna and Twilight.” Asphyxious replied.         Watching as Asphyxious arrives, Everblight nervously paces back and forth. Before the dragolich could say anything, Everblight motion to Twilight, “How have you been?! You look healthy and your blight feels more controlled. Have you been eating alri-” “Everblight, you’re stalling,” giving the dragon a deadpan, the mare spins another ballista bolt with her magic before giving the dragolich a kind smile, “how have you been though Asphyxious?” Asphyxious looked between them a little confused but shrugs it off. “I’ve been good, apart from my kids driving me crazy. Met some dragons who didn’t want to kill me, and a dragon who did. Flurry was almost kidnaped by cryx but apart from that I've been good.”         “I’ve could have told you about crazy kids,” giving the dragolich a hug and a kiss on the cheek, Twilight walks from the room after glaring at Everblight, “when he’s done, come see me. We can go fighting or tease Pinkie Pie over her new coltfriend.” Asphyxious watched as Twilight left before crossing his arms and looks back at Everblight. “Okay what did you do to make her mad?” He asked giving the larger dragon a look.         “Spike got a little hurt when we were fighting the other dragon groups. Don’t worry, he’s fine but...you best sit down for this,” laying on the ground, Everblight sighs before looking over at Asphyxious, “have you ever wonder why I seem so fixated with you being the one to eat Toruk heartstone?” “I didn’t before, but I do now.” Asphyxious replied giving Everblight a glare. “What were you up to?”         Squinting briefly before shaking his head, Everblight digs his claws into the ground, “I figure you already have an inkling of what’s going on. Beings here knowing who you are, the similarities between some of the species. But like someone said before ‘It’s best to just rip it off like a band-aid.”         “Asphyxious, when I got Displaced it wasn’t as Everblight,” nodding to his body, Everblight ready for Asphyxious’s reaction, “I was Displaced as Toruk.” Asphyxious stared at him for a moment, he blinked at this before looking off to one side. Before turning back to him. “Okay, one why call yourself Everblight? Two why didn’t you tell me?” He asked, the dragolich was oddly calm about hearing this news.         “Because I am Everblight!” gnashing his fangs together, Everblight takes a deep breath before letting it out, “Okay, short story or long version?” “Long, I want to know all the details.” Asphyxious asked setting down and looking up at Everblight.         “When I first arrived here, I or rather my soul was Toruk. Everything was fine until me and Faust, my incredibly hot alicorn sister wanted to create life,” motion around, Everblight let’s an annoyed expression cross his face, Asphyxious was smiling at him. “I was all for it...but the part that I had to continuously suppress didn’t like that fact! So me and the true personality of Toruk fought once more...but this time I lost.”           “I get it now, two minds one body. I meet a displaced like that. So let me guess, Toruk being Toruk wanted to make more dragons?” Asphyxious asked.         “Not at first. At first he wanted to kill everything that existed before forcing himself on Faust,” not even looking at Asphyxious, Everblight nods his head, “and yes, I was disgusted with that too. It was only after she and her creations fought him to current day cryx, that he tried to make his own army. Made every reptilian creature until he split his anthanc to make us.” “Everblight, after hearing this. I have one thing to say.” Asphyxious said as he get up and walks over to the larger dragon. “You just gave me even more reason to kill this bastard.” He added with a evil smile.         “...good to know,” giving a tired sigh, Everblight flares his wings out to get rid of the brief dull pain, “anyways, back to the story. So once Toruk began splitting himself apart, I bid my time until I latched onto the developing Everblight. Eventually turn my siblings against Toruk and then we and all others sealed Toruk onto his island.” Waving his claw around, Everblight waits for Asphyxious’s reaction, “Eventually, I had an...idea to destroy Toruk once and for all. I thought it would never work until you literally fell on my head some millennia ago...and that is when you met Sarge and I those you through the still open wormhole.” “I have no idea what you’re talking about?” Asphyxious replied looking confused. “But whatever, what happened next?”         “I actually talked to Twilight about how you wouldn’t have been able to remember going to another plane,” rising up, Everblight waves his claw around, “but you as you are don’t act like how you did which leads to two possibility.” Sighing, Everblight clears his throat, “At first I truly did think that it was a second Asphyxious but since your blight signature is exactly the same, this could only mean that it was during a time when you were being controlled by the original Asphyxious.” Asphyxious stared at Everblight like he was crazy. “Dude, I was displaced as Asphyxious. I was never controlled by anyone, and if what you’re saying is true. Shouldn’t I be living here not in my Equestria?” He asked.         “Remember, I threw Asphyxious back into the wormhole,” looking Asphyxious in the eye, Everblight shrugs his shoulders, “and although some beings can copy another’s blight to a lesser degree, none have the exact same.”           “But I didn’t get my blight until a shard of everblight was in my body while the elements was used on me.” Asphyxious explained rubbing his eye. “Wait, you said he came through a wormhole right?”         Rolling his eyes, Everblight flicks Asphyxious across the back of his head, “Idiot. Listen closely to what I’m about to say, Everything has a blight signature. It’s not just dragonspawns and dragons that do. Most other creatures don’t realize this. Why do you think that some members of the same species don’t look blighted while others are?” “I ask that question everyday I live with my diamond dogs.” Asphyxious replied thinking about that. “By all rights they should be blighted by me being there, but they don’t look it.”         “Diamond dogs and Timberwolves are the result of the Argus splitting into two separate races. As Argus already are creatures of the blight, they can’t be affected,” Everblight shrugs at the smaller dragolich.         “Well whatever, you done with your story or is there more?” Asphyxious asked crossing his arms.         “Just one thing,” placing a hand on Asphyxious’s shoulder, Everblight gives him a grave face, “if  any other dragon besides you eat Toruk’s anthanc, then all dragons will fuse back to form a new and more powerful Toruk...but no pressure!”          Asphyxious just stare at him before faceclaw. “It one thing after another. Anything else or can I go?” Asphyxious asked as he get up.         “Hurry up and go, Twilight wants to go on her date while me and Ember are um….rekindling some of our favorite foreplay.”         “Kinky.” Asphyxious said before laughing as he walked out. “Don’t forget the wipe!”         “Is Everblight talking about sex again,” Twilight looks up as Asphyxious walks out, a newspaper in her hands, One page read new Dragon god cult. “I wonder how they can have that much sex and not get bored?” “It a dragon thing, but to be fair I was given paramount blue balls by a goddess so I can’t really say.” Asphyxious replied as he held out his hand to Twilight. “Shall we?”         “Sure, Pinkie Pie wants to join us on our date,” taking the hand and letting the dragolich pull her up, Twilight tilts her head making her reading glasses slide down her nose, “do you remember Moose?” “Maybe a little... Not really.” Asphyxious said before giving Twilight a kiss on the lips. “And those glasses make you look cute.”         “Moose is the reindeer in blue armor that had the talking bow,” smirking at Asphyxious, Twilight shakes her head at the memory, “I still can’t believe that his brother is married to one of Applejack’s cousins.” “The world is a big place.” Asphyxious added, as he lead her down the hall. “So where is Pinkie and her boyfriend? That sounds so strange for me to say.”         Suddenly, two pairs of hands grabs Twilight around her arms, “ZUUL, MUTHERBUCKER! ZUUL!” As Twilight gives a yelp, Pinkie Pie and a reindeer standing at seven feet in height collapsed in laughter.         “By the pits, you two!*hiccup* You almost gave me a heart*hiccup*attack!” shaking her head as the two continue laughing, Twilight gives Asphyxious a deadpan, “do you*hiccup* see what I have to deal*hiccup* with all the damn time!” “Well, My Pinkie not that bad.” Asphyxious said as he smiled at Twilight then hugs her. “Now calm down and relax.” He purred into Twilight ear before softly biting the end of her ear.         An arrow clips Asphyxious on the ear as a dull masculine voice sounds out, “Unless you wish to propose to her sooner and go against all courtship laws, teeth and hands away from Miss Sparkle’s face.” Asphyxious blinked at this before looking to who said that, a bow with blue flashing runes all over it. “Friends of yours?” He asked Twilight. “Well you know Pinkie Pie but this is Moose,” motioning to the tall reindeer, she motions to the bow that has a small avatar next to it, “and his bow...Whiskers.”         “Little rude aren’t they?” Asphyxious asked as he let Twilight go.         “Moose is unable to fire his bow. The bow is able to auto fire and has it’s own,” looking at the pair, Twilight gives a confused expression towards Pinkie, “A.I?”         “Yepperoni,” even as she says such, Pinkie Pie face scrunch into one of confusion before looking at the bow, “but...I kind of forgot what the A stan-”         “Artificial,” the bow gives a deadpan, somehow, towards the two ponies and the reindeer.         Moose looks at the bow before briefly giving it a nervous chuckle, “Umm, Whiskers. I know that you hate it when I do it but...what does the I stands fo-”           “Inteligenes.” Asphyxious added without a second thought. Everyone looked  at him. “What? I’ve meet A.I. before, hell one of my wives is a robot dragon.”         The avatar looks at Asphyxious with a raised eyebrow before crossing its arms, “Acceptable. This A.I. of the United Ungulated Confederacy of Equestria is designated as W-842...also known as Whiskers.” “Cool, say if you need any upgrades I know a guy.” Asphyxious asked with a smile. “I’m sure you’ll find his token at some point, can’t miss it falling from the sky.”         “Regulation 34 of the UUCE states all upgrades must be from an accredited company,” briefly the beezie avatar gives the dragolich a shy smile before going back to a serious face, “but it will be greatly...appreciated.”         “Yeah, Whiskers been wanting to get an upgrade since his old body was destroyed,” Moose smiles at Asphyxious before holding a hand out, “it’s nice to see you again. My brother said that you ate the really, really mean dragon.” “Maybe? I’ve ran into a lot of dragons.” Asphyxious replied shaking his hand. “So where are we going now?”         “Well, we’re*hiccup*going to the Crystal Empire,” Twilight said with a pout as Pinkie Pie giggle behind her hand, Asphyxious meanwhile was rubbing Twilight back to try and help. “there’s suppose to be a new restaurant that sells authentic old style Diamond Dog food there.” “Cool, if they’re anything like my clan back home. We’re in for a good meal.” Asphyxious said with a smile.         “Come on *hiccup*then, we finally got enough money to have portals set up in Ponyville,” taking a step forward, Twilight stops before looking at Whiskers, “and Whiskers, code 5233154.”         “Code acknowledged. This unit will not shoot Miss Twilight’s date if she wishes to kiss, hold or forni-”         “OKAY! That’s enough Whiskers,” an atomic blush burns its way onto Twilight’s face as she heads to a room filled with five turquoise colored portals. Looking at Asphyxious, Twilight gives a nervous laugh, “Is this your first time going through a portal that atomizes and fling you through space and time so that you arrive at your designation in mere milliseconds?” “Yeah, but I made teleporter crystals back home to help get around. Want me to hold your hand?” Asphyxious asked holding his hand out to her.         “Oh, I didn’t know that you had teleporters...how painful are yours?” deciding to place her hand on his, she glares at Pinkie Pie and Moose as they dive head first into the center most portal. “First times are more dizzy then painful. But you get used to it, like riding a ship. Once you get used to it you don’t get sea sick anymore.” Asphyxious replied before his tail wrapped around her and held her hand a little tighter. “First step always the hardest. Ready?”         “...just so you know, your portals seem to be much safer than ours,” squeezing her eyes shut, she walks into the portal.            “Bloody hell!” Asphyxious yelled as soon as they walked out of the portal. “What the hell is wrong with this thing!? I feel like someone stuck wasps in my insides!”         “Yeah, give it a moment,” magic radiates around her as Twilight fires a dampening spells at Asphyxious, “these portals have a bad habit of affecting magic users like that...but that what you’ll get when a earth pony makes something magical.” “They need to stick a warning on this thing. I spent weeks testing my crystals before putting them in use.” Asphyxious said rubbing his head. “I’m okay now, so where is this place?” Feeling Twilight moves his head slightly to the right, he sees a huge restaurant with the image of an Argus standing next to a griffin. “Oh, it’s big.” Asphyxious said with his tail still around Twilight making her blush a little.         “From what I felt the last time we were somewhere together, that’s not the only big thing around here,” watching as several crystal ponies trip over their hooves, she smirks at Asphyxious, “now that the eavesdroppers are thoroughly embarrassed, shall we? It looks like Pinkie Pie and Moose are getting impatient.” “You just wanted to make me blush didn’t you?” Asphyxious asked as they walked over. “I love that about you.”         Leaning onto him, Twilight makes certain that Asphyxious could feel her breast brush on his arm, “Is that the only thing you love about me?” Asphyxious blushed a little and smiled down at her. “Not at all, I love your knowledge, your ability to fight and that cute little thing you do when reading a book.” He replied smiling warmly at her.         As Twilight blushes, Pinkie Pie rolls her eyes before giving a stage whisper to Moose, “Why do unicorns have to be sooo prude when it comes to courtship?”         “I think it’s something in the ‘water’ they drink,” giving Pinkie Pie a smirk, Moose shakes his head at the pair, “why can’t they just go on a hunt together and get married?” “I’ll ask her that once I know she ready for it.” Asphyxious replied so both Pinkie and Mosse can hear him. “I’ll also need to inform the others about Twilight here so they know about her. So we going inside or waiting out here?”         Looking over, Twilight smiles as Cadance and Shining Armor waves them over, “Oh there’s our seats! I wonder how they’ve been?” “Want me to give you a spoiler?” Asphyxious asked with a big smile. “Or do you want to wait for the surprise?”         “If the surprise is anything like that bitch!..I will gladly want the spoiler,” blinking before smiling, Twilight looks over at Asphyxious, “or I’ll just guess it has something to do with the rather large baby bump.” Asphyxious laughed at this before grinning. “Awww you beat me to it.” He said playfully patting her leg with his tail.         “Yeah I gu-” stopping mid sentence, Twilight looks over at Moose, “what do you mean going on a hunt?”         Blinking as Twilight looks in his direction, Moose crouches behind Pinkie Pie, “Yeah, whenever two reindeer want to get married, they will go out and hunt a great animal. If they succeed they’re married. If not, then they stay apart.” Asphyxious gave Moose a huge grin. “So you’ve been hunting with Pinkie for how long now?” He asked with a evil glint in his eye. As they walked over to there table.         “He’s not allowed to take me hunting yet,” a pout crosses over Pinkie’s lips as she curls her hand around Moose’s, “he has to finish the Earth Pony’s courtship first.” “Huh interesting.” Asphyxious replied before looking at Twi as he pulled out her chair for her. “So what the unicorn courtship like?”         “We unicorns’ have to know that our future spouse are actually compatible with us,” Shining Armor smirks at Asphyxious while Cadance smiles at him, “thus you must at the very least be able to defeat a level ten beast without using our magic.”         “Yes. For instance,” standing out with a puffed out chest, she ignores many males’ wandering glances, “I had defeated and killed a Griffonian Thrashclaw!” Looking at Asphyxious, her face slowly turns into one of awkward before she clears her throat, “You...have no clue what that is, do you.” “Nope, took on a War Hog once that had Fire powers. I mean it mane was on fire and all. Also talked about bbqs.” Asphyxious replied smiling at that. “I also took on Dragonspawns, Farrows, mutant zombies. Took over the deathjack itself, and became king of the diamond dogs. But hey no big deal, not my idea to be there king anyway.” Asphyxious said like this was a weekly thing for him. “Also killed a dragon. So what on the menu?”         “I heard that the Swine haggis is good,” Twilight says while looking through the menu, “then there’s the Slingtail roast and Ponyville Umpire Specialty.” Asphyxious slowly looks at her. “I… Think I’ll try something else.” He said looking at the menu. “Oh this looks interesting, reminds me of the stuff my cook makes. What the gem star special?”         “The Gem Star Special is...actually it’s best not to think about what is in it,” shuddering to herself, Cadance focuses back on her menu, “it’s best to simply eat what you know will taste good.”         “She’s mad because of the slingtail in it,” shaking his head, Shining looks over at the diamond dog walking to their table, “Waiter, can I have the Slingtail roast with a cup of hard cider?”         “Certainly, how cooked?”         “Medium rare,” watching as the diamond dog turns towards Asphyxious, Shining Armor smiles at Cadance. “I’ll try this, Bull Bear Pork steak. How does something with a name like that have pork in it?” Asphyxious asked reading more things off the menu.         “We get big bear pig from Changeling’s territory,” the diamond dog smiles at Asphyxious before going back to its notepad, “anything to drink? How do you want it cooked?” “Well done and water for me please.” Asphyxious replied, before nodding his head to the diamond dog. “It’s the same type of animal that Tiberion told you to feed to your warbeast remember,” looking up as the diamond dog, Twilight taps the table, “I’ll like Swine chops as well as a helping of Undertown fries. Also, can you bring some mead? Cause I’ve been meaning to try some of the diamond dog’s brew since your people makes the best.”         “Certainly and thank you, how do you want your swine chops?” the diamond dog smiles at the unicorn.         “Well done,” tapping her side, Twilight smile lessens a little, “ever since I had kids, I can’t have meat the same way anymore.”         “That’s so sad,” look at Moose, Pinkie Pie nods before looking at the diamond dog, “In torka mulda. Foou tork grind?”         The diamond dog blinks as several others look over with surprised looks, “Inpad?”         “Lokts,” smiling at the diamond dog, Pinkie looks at her gaping fellows, “what? Do I have something on my face?” Asphyxious shrugs before reading more of the menu.         “Pinkie Pie, since when could you speak old diamond dog,” giving the Earth pony mare suspicious eyes, Twilight looks over at Moose, “how are you able to understand a single word?!” Moose shrugs his shoulders, “Yeah, all species who use to be under Everblight understand each of the old languages...didn’t you know that?” “THAT DOESN’T EXPLAIN HOW PINKIE PIE KNOWS OLD DIAMOND DOG?!” covering her mouth, Twilight gives a nervous laugh, “sorry about that.” “It Pinkie Pie don’t question it.” Asphyxious replied before giving Twilight a hug. “Trust me on this.” Giving the grinning mare a glare, Twilight sinks into her chair, “What did you order?” “The Argus Special,” not paying any of the others any attention, Pinkie Pie leans back in her chair, “it’s the best thing that every diamond dog knows how to cook at birth.” Asphyxious just slowly looks at Twilight when Pinkie said this. “She knows what a Argus is right?” He asked bluntly.         “Everyone knows what an argus is,” Twilight smile at the dragolich before motioning to the diamond dog, “remember, they're the ancestors of diamond dogs and timberwolves.” “Right sorry I keep forgetting.” Asphyxious said before looking at Twilight tail from where his setting. “And what the princess like?” the diamond dog smile at Cadance as she brings down the menu. “Swine haggis with water,” watching as the diamond dog walks off, Cadance turns to Moose, “you didn't order.” “Pinkie Pie ordered for me,” watching as the holographic breezie jumps on the table, Moose frowns slightly, “sorry Whiskers, I still have no clue how to help you eat food.” “Regrettable but acknowledged,” sitting in an empty teapot, the A.I. hums to himself. Asphyxious reaches out and try to pet Whiskers on the head. Before his claw got to close, the bow levitates with an arrow pointing at Asphyxious, “Please desist from such attempts.” “But you looked so cute.” Asphyxious said before pulling his hand away. “I just want to pet you, your little, cute and cuddly.” The A.I. gives the dragolich a deadpan before crossing his arms, “I am not my sister C-26689.” Asphyxious roll his eye before moving his tail to Twilight's tail. Giving a near quiet squeak, Twilight looks at Cadance with a smirk, “So Cadance, how many kids are you going to have?” Asphyxious smiles with Twilight as he slowly wraps his tail around her’s. “I bet it's going to be two,” Pinkie tilts her head towards Shining Armor, “every creature knows that their family has a large amount of children.” Moose shakes his head, “I'm going with her...with both of them being unicorns.” “Well I say three with one unicorn and two pegasi,” crossing her arms, Twilight leans into Asphyxious with a shy smile. “I like to be surprised.” Asphyxious said before returning the smile back at Twilight. The way they was looking at each other they could almost kiss. The sound of a throat being clear makes the others look at Whiskers as his eyes flash purple before going back to light blue, “They are having twins. One looks to be an unicorn, the other is an alicorn.” As the others stare with dropped jaws, Cadance gives Shining Armor a smile, “Told you that this would happen.” “Welp, looks like I’m paying,” letting his head touch down, Shining Armor frowns at his laughing wife and sister. Asphyxious just said nothing as a Diamond dog came over with their order. Each order is placed carefully in front of each of them. Before anyone could move, the lights are dimmed as four diamond dogs walk over with a giant platter with everything from a slingtail to a bugbear on it. Almost reverently, it was placed before Pinkie Pie and Moose before an old diamond dog with a second head walks out, “Your order...IS SERVED!” With a final ring of the gong, the lights flicker revealing only their waiter, “Will there be anything else?” “Ummm, I think I’ll try some of that mead Twilight ordered.” Asphyxious asked staring at all the food. Giving the dragolich a understanding smile, the diamond dog nods before placing the bottle down, “I'll just leave this here ok?” Asphyxious nods his head in thanks. Before everyone began their meal. “I feel so full.” Asphyxious said as he drank some mead. He looked at everyone before he needed to get up. “I’ll be back just going to use the bathroom.” He said before walking off. Once Asphyxious was done with nature calling. He let out a loud burp. “Never thought I could eat so much.” He said to himself after washing his hands. Asphyxious was about to leave until something covers his eye. Asphyxious didn’t say anything as he slowly reached up and moved the hand away, he turned around to find it was Twilight. “Hey Asphyxious,” leaning into the dragolich, she kisses him deeply while brushing a hand against his arm, “you enjoyed the meal?” “Yes I did.” Asphyxious replied as he returned her kisses and rests his hands on her hips. He let out a moan as they kissed. “What did you have in mind?” “Usually, this would be where I warn you that you'd have to get my parents’ permission to declare the courtship over,” wrapping her arms around the dragolich’s neck, Twilight smiles seductively at him, “but they seem to think that we already know their answer.” Asphyxious hands fondled Twilight flank as he stared into her eyes. “I see, so the question is do you want to do it here?” He asked giving her a love bite on the neck. Twilight gasps as the feeling of his lips on her neck. Pinkie Pie slams the door open with a spray bottle a sprites the two, “NONE OF THAT! This is still rated T you two! Now go home so we can get back to the story!” Asphyxious blinked as his covered in silly string, before looking at Twilight. “So… We go home then?” He asked like nothing happened. “I rather that than getting Pinkie mad,” enveloping them in her magic, she teleports them into her room while simultaneously changing her clothes into those of a sexy doctor, “now, let's see what is wrong mister.” Asphyxious was laying on the bed and smiled at Twilight. “My heart racing and I feel hot.” He replied purring softly at Twilight. “Oh dear, then there's not much time to lose,” pushing the dragolich back, Twilight gives him a hungry smile, “you just lay back and let Doctor Sparkle take care of you.” “Yes Doctor Sparkle.” Asphyxious replied as his hands fundle her flank again. Twilight could feel the heat coming from his body. “I’m all yours.” He said before she lent down and kissed him deeply. [Next day]         Twilight blinks her eyes slowly before a smile dance over her face as she recalls last night. Asphyxious let out deep rumbles as he sleeps next to her. Hearing the door to her room, Twilight looks as her mother looks into the room, “Twilight dear, what was with all that noise last night? It almost sound like you were fighting a dragon.” Asphyxious at this point slowly lift his head and yawns, before blinking slowly. He looks around the room before laying his head back down on Twilight lap. Looking at her mother, Twilight runs a hand over the dragolich’s neck, “That’s one word for it. Did the kids do anything wrong last night?”         “Oh nothing illegal,” smiling to herself, Velvet turns away from the door, “best of luck my dear and if he tries to hurt you-”         “I know, I know,” rolling her eyes, Twilight throws one of Spike’s old pillows at the older mare, “cut his member off and make a sandwich out of it.” As the door swing close gently, Twilight looks at Asphyxious, “Are you even really asleep?” Asphyxious let out a purr before licking his lips. “Tenderloin sandwich…” He said in his sleep. Before rolling on his back like a dog.         “Lo and behold, the great and powerful Asphyxious. King of the diamond dogs and ruiner of days,” smirking as the sound of hooves, Twilight brings up her left hand while counting down, “and his one weakness?” The door burst open as two small unicorns fillies jump onto the bed. Bouncing up and down on the dragolich, Asphyxious let out a yell as he fell out of bed, they begin chanting, “We got a daddy~We got a daddy~” “Okay… Okay, I’m up. I’m up, give me a moment to wake up and eat something?” Asphyxious asked still half asleep trying to find his cloths. Before tripping over something and landing on the floor. As the two girls burst out laughing, Twilight rolls her eyes and grabbed them both with her magic, “Okay you two. Go tell Gran-Gran to get breakfast ready.” As the two rush out the room, Twilight helps Asphyxious off the floor before brushing imaginary dust off of him, “Come on. You don’t need clothes when you’re at the house.” “I still like wearing clothes.” Asphyxious complained only managing to put on some underwear. He was still half asleep so it wasn’t hard to lead him around. “Prude,” leading Asphyxious downstairs, Twilight smiles at Night Light while he reads the newspaper, “morning dad! What’s new?” “There’s an increase in childbirth recently,” looking up, Night Light raise an eyebrow at the two, “so what do you want for breakfast?” “Rice pudding…” Asphyxious mumbled still wiping the sleep from his eye. “Haven’t had it for ages…” Rolling his eyes, Night Light gives an amused snort, “Maybe what you really want is some more cream p-” “MOM, DAD IS TEASING MY MAN!” “NIGHT LIGHT STOP TEASING TWILIGHT’S MAN!” “YES DEAR! I’LL STOP TEASING SPARKLES’S MAN!” giving Twilight a mock glare, he almost fails to hold back a laugh, “I never taught you to snitch.” “Nope, mom did,” walking out the room, Sparkle smiles at Velvet, “thanks mom.” “No problem but I have to ask, didn’t he have enough cream pie last night?” laughing as her daughter’s face turns scarlet, Velvet looks over to Asphyxious, “Well young man?” “Hungry…” Asphyxious groans as he rested his chin on the table. “Tired…” “Well you two were at it until three hours ago,” walking, Night Light gives Velvet a kiss on the cheek before setting the table, “so what did you make?” “I’ve made hash brown, several different eggs, sausages, bacon, pancakes, waffles and yes,” sliding a bowl in front of the dragolich, Velvet gives him a warm smile, “rice pudding.” Asphyxious slowly reached out with a spoon before putting it in the bowl and stucking it in his mouth. His eye went wide as he froze in place.         “Sweety, are you alright,” as Twilight waves a hand in front of his face, Night Light begins counting down to the amusement of the twins. “I just remember something… My mum used to make this when I was a small child when I was sick… Oh god, how could I forget something like that?” Asphyxious asked as tears ran down his face. He put a hand over his face as he shudders. As he shakes, Twilight and the twins squeeze him in comfort while projecting positive emotions to Asphyxious. He looked down at them and smiled. “I’m okay… Just, didn’t expect to remember something from my past like that. I thought I forgot everything.” Asphyxious explained as he took the bowl and started eating more. “It’s really good.” He said with a smile and teary eye.         “Old family recipe,” smiling kindly at the dragolich, Velvet brings over a second bowl while everyone makes their plates, “yup, it was worth every single soul.” Asphyxious blinked as he had the spoon in his mouth and had the other bowl in his hand. He stare at them for a moment before shrugging and go back to eating.         Twilight places a plate with a lot of meat and eggs in front of the dragolich before taking the rest of the rice pudding away, “You need to eat normal food as well. So eat or no more rice pudding for you.” “You’re evil.” Asphyxious replied before poking his tongue out at her, the twins laughed as he eats the other food on the table.         “I’m an Element of Harmony,” crossing her arms under her chest, she smiles as her breast bounce up and down, “that doesn’t exactly means I have to be good...just against disorder.” “This is why I love you.” Asphyxious said with a smile as he pulls her into a hug.         “Aw~thank you...but you’re not getting the rest of the pudding until you finish. I can see those sausage links,” keeping the pudding out of reach with her magic, Twilight smirks at the dragolich. “I can not see them, there for they’re not there.” Asphyxious replied playfully turning his head away with his eye closed. Grinning to herself, Twilight takes one of the three remaining sausages before slowly and sensually eating one with lots of moaning, “Are you sure? Cause they taste sooo good~!” Asphyxious noticed this and watched as she eats one. “You’re so bad.” He said before eating one of the sausages. “Now the question is what do we do with the last one?”         Raising an eyebrow, Twilight picks up the last one before putting it between her teeth. Poking Asphyxious with the other end, she waits for him to take his portion. Asphyxious smiled as he opened his mouth and took the other end, his teeth easily slicing into it. As the pair got closer, Twilight wraps her tongue around Asphyxious’s before bringing him in for a kiss. Asphyxious purred into the kiss as they stayed like that for a while.         Feeling as something taps his side, Asphyxious looks down as Twilight places the rice pudding down on the table, “Now you can finish.” “Thank you.” He replied smiling as he drinks what left. “You know, maybe you should come to my Equestria some time. I’m sure Pupa will love to know she has two more sisters.”         “But then I would feel bad about Everblight being here,” sighing more to herself, Twilight leans into Asphyxious as she feels the heat radiate off of him, “now that everything is said and done, I feel more sad for him than actual anger. Think what it must have felt like to be constantly watching as his body is forced to obey some strange power, never able to even ask for help from your loved ones as they think you become slowly more and more evil...and then seeing your body sealed away or dead.” “I think I can understand. I was sealed away for nine hundred years. In the dark, alone no light, just me. I went all but insane and forgot who I was, all I could do was hold on to who I was pretending to be. But I tried to not forgot who I was, just my name my past and my memories. All so I could survive in that hell…Being locked away like that damages the mind in away no one can fully understand.” Asphyxious explained as he hugs Twilight. “But you never had to watch as your body ruined everything that you and your sibling have made,” shaking her head, Twilight nuzzle into Asphyxious as tears stream down her eyes, “you both have lost your memories, but Everblight doesn’t even know who he was before this happened...the sad part is that even now that he doesn’t have to try and commit suicide, he has no idea what to do.” Asphyxious held her closer and thought about that. “I’ll see what I can do, I maybe able to help. I got a friend or two who can look into this.” Asphyxious said wiping her eyes. “Now come on, we’ve had a cry and got all our sad feelings out. Let just get up and help that big goon.”         “...Yeah,” rising up from her position, Twilight glance between Asphyxious and the clock, “...do you think he’ll be mad if we were a little late? I mean, we do need to shower...and it’s so hard getting certain places.” “He didn’t tell me we had to meet up anytime soon.” Asphyxious replied with a smile and picks her up. Before taking her to the bathroom. [One “shower” later] “You could have just said you wanted to be alone with me.” Asphyxious purred into Twilight ear as he helped dry off her tail. “Hey now, you were just as into that as I was,” giving the dragolich a mock glare, Twilight gives him a kiss on the cheek, “so...what’s your Equestria like?” “It… Well the best way I can say it is lively. Most of the time things are okay, but you get the odd crazy week now and then. Also I may have weddin plans, if you’d like to join in.” Asphyxious replied smiling at Twilight.         Looking at Asphyxious, Twilight blinks twice before tilting her head in curiosity, “So your Equestria still has legalise herds too?” “As far as I know yes, but let say I kind of want out of control with my hoarding. Then once things calmed down, well I wanted to settle down.” Asphyxious answered as he hugs her.         Giving Asphyxious a deadpan, Twilight begins placing her clothes on, “Oh sweet Faust’s tits! Not even young dragonspawns seems to be as horny as you!” “Like I keep saying, you can thank Ava for that.” He replied before getting dressed to. “On the bright side, my hoards not as big as it used to be.” “Hmm...before we head out, I’m getting my armor on. Nothing against you, I’m just...being careful,” walking back to her room, Twilight gives Asphyxious a smile while looking back, “you mind grabbing Bright Dusk and Dawn Star?” “Not at all, I’d be happy to.” Asphyxious replied as he went off to get the twins.         Bright Dusk looks deeply into her younger sister’s two color eyes while pulling the sundress over her, “Dawn Star, we really need to talk to mama about getting our first set of full armor.”         “Bright Dusk, we are not going to war,” pushing her older sister off with a smirk, Dawn Star turns to their closet before putting on her favorite black shoes, “we’re just going to another dimension...that still sounds weird.” “No, what’s weird is the fact that we and the Cake twins are physically as old as the Cutie Mark Crusaders,” Bright Dusk pulls out two daggers before handing the blue hilted one to Dawn Star and straping her yellow hilted one on the side of her blue jean short, “I mean...how did that happened?”         “Remember sis, Miss Glimmer used to be a complete and utter bitch,” Dawn Star gives Bright Dusk a deadpan that looks just like the one Twilight gives people when they’re being stupid, “Miss Glimmer was trying to age us to the point where we would be as old as Granny Smith!”         Just then Asphyxious swing the door open and steps in. “She did what!” He roared making the twins jump.         Looking between themselves, Dawn Star gives Bright Dusk a glare, “You know that I blame you. NOPE, don’t care if I said it!..your fault.” Looking at her new dad, Dawn Star throws a pillow at the dragolich’s head, “And Papa Drag, relax...mama already rearranged her DNA structure and Starlight Glimmer is already turning over a new leaf.” “Yeah Daddy, just think about the benefit of what she did,” waving at the pair, Bright Dusk gives the dragolich a beaming smile, “for one, you can understand us now. And two, no more changing diapers!” “Well okay, anyway get ready your mum told me to make sure you was ready to go. Also what did Twilight do to Starlight?” Asphyxious asked after the pillow fell off his face.         “Oh not much,” Dawn Star throws a bunch of clothes around before rising up with two dark purple breastplates and passing one to her sister, “just transform her into the only known male fluffy pony before throwing her into the Badlands...the sound of that orgy could be heard for day!”         “Oh before we forget,” opening their closet, Bright Dusk pulls out a teal furred fluffy pony, “mama told us that you wanted to send one of these to Ava...I only have one question.” “Why?” Asphyxious said as if that was Dusk question. “One I wanted to see the look on her face, Two because it would be funny.”         “Oh no, I just wanted to know how funny it will be when this Ava realizes that she has a specie that can populate faster than even deities could kill them off,” handing the taller pony to her dad, she gives a heartwarming smile. “Oh this is too good, Maybe I should send her to Ava as a gift and see what happens.” Asphyxious asked as he held the fluffy pony then started to laugh malicay.         “I see that you three are getting along well,” as Twilight walks into the room with her armor gleaming, she gives the two fillies a smirk, “still trying to drive deities to tears?”         “Like you wouldn’t believe,” as the pair give each other a high five, Dawn Star gives Asphyxious a nervous smile, “but um...dad, can you help tie the back of my breastplate on?” “Sure, can’t be that hard.” Asphyxious replied putting the fluffle pony down and helps Dawn. “Alright, so the girls are ready and mom, dad and Spike are going to watch the castle,” tapping her chin, Twilight looks at Asphyxious with a smile, “is there anything else that we need? I already have suitcase prepared and waiting at Everblight’s cavern...hopefully he and Ember aren’t still mating.” “If they are I can always just make them jump and walk in first.” Asphyxious said with a smile as he sent the Fluffle Pony off to another world. “Don’t worry, mum will be looking after her on the dead world until I’m ready to send her to Ava.” “The last dragon that interrupted their private time died mere milliseconds upon arrival,” Twilight gives Asphyxious a deadpan before opening a portal, “I rather that your anthanc remains in you then used as flashlight for them.” “Okay, point taken.” Asphyxious said before picking up the twins. “Ready to go where no mare has gone before?” he asked them before they jumped down. “No, we’re ready to go where apparently all the single mares love to go,” giving a maniacal laugh, Dawn Star rush through the portal.         “I truly hope that they’re ready for the madness that is my sister,” sarcasm drip off of Bright Dusk’s tongue as she walks calmly through the portal. “Doctors first~” Asphyxious said in a teasing tone at Twilight.         Giving the dragolich a deadpan, Twilight pushes Asphyxious through the portal, “Sorry, have to be the last one~” Asphyxious found himself on top of something big, and it was breathing. Two things came to his mind as he did not move. One was Ava and the other was dragon. “Please don’t wake up…” He asked hoping nothing bad would happen.         “Too late for that,” shaking her head, Ember smirk as Asphyxious falls off of her head as Everblight gives a brief chuckle, “those two helions have a bad habit of being able to wake up the dead without necromancy.” “I’d say they get it from me but, well you know.” Asphyxious said and smiled at the twins as they ran up to him. “What have you two been doing hmm?”         “Oh you know, the usual,” flaring his wings, Everblight sighs as they give several loud crack before he nips Ember’s head crest, “sex, sleep, sex, eat, more sex...you know the usual that a dragon in control of his body would do to his mate/mates.” Looking down, Everblight gives Asphyxious a grin, “And I see somedrake got lucky~” “Say no more, my kids are here.” Asphyxious asked before seeing Twilight walk out of a portal.         “They’ve heard worst things from when Rarity met up with Prince Blueblood,” shaking her head, Twilight looks up at Everblight, “can you get Asphyxious’s token?”         “Do I have to worry about you throwing ballista bolts at me,” grabbing the Soul Emerald, Everblight places on the ground before looking at Asphyxious, “so what are you doing this time?” “Just making things easier for Twilight to get in contact with me. And maybe show them my Equestria at some point.” Asphyxious replied before seeing the twins hugging his legs. “Why are you doing that?” “Take us with you!” as both twins give Asphyxious large puppy dog’s eyes, they keep chanting the words please. Asphyxious looks at Twilight as they do this. “They’ll keep doing that until you say yes,” giving a laugh, Twilight grabs the suitcase from behind a boulder, “besides, I already packed just in case we’re force into another dimension.” “Oh okay, everyone hold on tight. Everblight you know what to do.” Asphyxious said as he put one arm around Twilight. He then wraps his tail around the twins.         “Alright,” grabbing the token, Everblight forces a portal to open as it pulls the quartet through slowly, “when they’re ready just give me a call. I need to get out more if what Ember said is true.” “I’ll invite you to the bachelor party!” Asphyxious yelled before being pulled in.         “Well that’s nice,” a few seconds pass before Everblight blinks and looks at where the portal was with a dropped jaw, “WAIT A DAMN MINUTE! WHAT DOES HE MEANS BACHELOR PARTY!?”