Chapter 1 pt1: The Beginning Stages of Revenge pt 1

Note: If something is written [like this] then its telepathy now let’s start this story.

*?????*

Darkness surrounded me and I couldn’t hear a single sound until, a voice. Deep, smooth, one which seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. “Ah your finally awake boy, now listen and listen well for I will only say this once. The life you once knew is over, but I offer you a deal. A new life, a new body and the power to do whatever you want.”

“Why should I believe anything you say?” I ask.

“Simple. You don’t have a choice it’s either accept my offer or stay here, in this void. Where you will spend the rest of eternity neither living nor dead.”

“Who are you, some kind of demon?” I ask not trusting who ever this voice belonged to.

“Depends on your definition, I am a dweller of the Void. My offer has only one condition you must choose the form of a villain. I’ve been seeing far too many human’s becoming ‘hero’s’ in the multiverse lately and want to see some new ‘villains’. What you do with the power is your choice. But know this about the universe you left. Everything you know and love is forever lost. Now will you accept my offer or not, I grow impatient!”

“Fine! I want to become a Dungeon Keeper!” I yell.

A chuckling could be heard. “What an interesting choice. Very well boy, now go and enjoy your new life, oh and don’t worry if your dungeon heart is ever destroyed. You won’t die or be sent to the Void but you will feel unimaginable pain. So I hope you remember to have some fun.”

*?????, 5000 years later, Canterlot*

It was another beautiful day in Canterlot. Sunlight gleamed off windows as ponies went about their business while high above birds were flying without a care in the world, and in one corner of the Canterlot castle gardens hidden deep within the a hedge maze is a small circular clearing. The clearing had only one path that lead to it and the hedges have grown so much they made a solid dome of leaves and branches stood five statues. At first glance they looked like normal statues, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Each one was in fact a prison formed around living beings.

At the far end is a Draconequus. A creature whose body looked like it was made from various parts of different creatures. His name is Discord the self-proclaimed Spirit of Chaos. Next to Discord was a Changeling. Changelings are very similar to ponies except for their black exoskeleton, insect like wings, holes in their legs and jagged horns. The Changeling frozen in stone is the only leader the Changeling race had ever known. Her name is Queen Chrysalis.

Across of Chrysalis stood an armored unicorn with a curved horn, flowing mane and royal looking cape, his name is Sombra. On Sombra’s right stood a second unicorn with a neatly trimmed goatee, dressed in a cloak adorned with stars and large wizard hat with three bells tied to the brim atop his head and if it wasn’t for his skeleton legs it would have been easy to see him like any other unicorn. Why Starswirl insisted on having three bells tied to his hat was never known.

In the center of the clearing stood a bipedal figure who was almost a foot taller than Discord at seven and a half feet tall and someone you could argue is the most unique of the group. His arms were crossed over his broad chest and he wore an expression most would mistake for someone who was either incredibly bored or deep in thought if not for his furrowed brow showing his anger. His hair is tied into a pony tail that ends just past his shoulders, a six inch horn on his forehead, and is dressed in long robes that ended just above his feet which had simple straw sandals. His arms were crossed over his chest and he has a large bat on his back with small stubs near the end. No Pony outside the dome knew who or what he was, only that dark magic radiated off of him as if he was a bonfire sending out light, but to his friends he is Akuro. An Oni and Dungeon Keeper.

“Hello Darkness my old friend. I’ve come to speak with you again…” I sang before someone interrupted me.

“Urgh I’m so sick of that song!” Sombra said through the shared telepathy that the five of us shared.

“So am I, but that doesn’t stop the fact that part of the song fits our situation, considering how the hedges around us have grown over the last three hundred years and more importantly… I’m really freaking bored.” I replied.

“I swear when we get free I’m kicking your ass Akuro!” Sombra grumbled.

“Bring it Sombra! It’ll be a good chance to see your supposed ‘mastery’ over shadow magic.” I challenged.

“Are the two of you done? Seriously the two of you are acting like young grubs.” Chrysalis said.

“Yes let’s not fight among ourselves when we there are those who have wronged all of us.” Starswirl said his kind and fatherly voice hiding both the knowledge and power he wielded.

“I agree. Besides I almost have enough power to get us all out of here. So why don’t we go over the plan one last time.” Discord said.

“What plan? You mean the one where you get us out of here then remake the statues and the five of us crash at your place until we can come up with a real plan… which I may or may not already have? Is that the one you mean?” I deadpanned.

“You really should tell us if you have a plan but that about sums it up, yes. Speaking of which…” Discord replied before loud cracks could be heard in the dome.

“Well then we’ll need to work fast.” Starswirl said just before the stone that was Discord’s prison exploded off of him. Discord did a few quick stretches before snapping his fingers and the stone keeping the rest of us trapped flowed of us as if it was water.

“All right, Discord we need a portal to your place now. Before THEY notice your magic!” Sombra said.

“Wait before you do.” I said making everyone look at me confused. “Let’s bring the Elements with us. That way THEY won’t be able to use them.”

“That’s a wise idea Akuro. The Elements are one of their strongest weapons and without them it’ll be much harder for THEM to condemn anyone to what we went through. Unfortunately I don’t think we have time to do anything about the Tree.” Starswirl said as Discord snapped the white hair on his tail as if it was fingers and an ornate purple box with a gold lock appeared in his hands and a white portal with black and dark purple lighting ‘crawling’ over it appeared behind him directly opposed to the path out of the dome.

“Alright everyone in! I have a feeling THEY’LL be here soon, and don’t count me out to soon my friend. I placed a few surprises if they try to misuse the Tree again.” Discord said as he threw the box into the portal and snapped his fingers again fixing the statues so it looked like nothing happened. Everyone quickly made their way into the portal. Once the group was through they saw a two story house that looked like it had a paint ball fight with a tank armed with a high caliber gatling gun and has a straw thatched roof, but around it was something much more chaotic with stairs and pillars going everywhere and nowhere at the same time. “Welcome my friends to my humble abode. Please make your selves at home while you’re here. There’s fresh food in the kitchen and I even have a seventy inch plasma TV! Unfortunately I couldn’t get the Netflix package, but I do have over a thousand channels and unlimited Wi-Fi.”

“I have no idea what a TV or Wi-Fi is, and right now I don’t care. After all that time as a statue I just want some food and a freaking bath.” Chrysalis said as we entered the house to find the kind of living room you’d see in any other house. A large comfy looking couch, chairs, a rectangular table made from a dark red wood, an open door that showed a kitchen and stairs on the far right wall and across from the couch hanging from the wall was his TV with a book case on either side with various gaming consoles, games and DVDs. “This is a lot more ‘normal’ then I expected.”

“Just because I became the Spirit of Chaos doesn’t mean I can’t have a normal home to relax in, and the bathroom’s up the stairs, second door on your left but I suggest you wait for the shower, since I’m about to get started on lunch. Who’s in the mood for pizza?” Discord said as he went into the kitchen.

“So what do we do now?” Sombra asked as he sat on the couch. “Do we start to plan to invade or take some time to relax?”

“How can we invade when we have no forces?” I asked. “Besides Chryssie needs a new hive, I need to make my first Dungeon and considering how easy THEY found Chryssie’s hive I doubt we’ll be able to hide on Equess.”

“Why don’t we go to the world on the other side of that mirror I made?” Starswirl suggested. “Considering I destroyed all of my notes and books after I became undead, I find it highly unlikely that they can make a second one if we break the portal’s anchor on the other side.”

“That might work, but we don’t know where it leads or if the people of that world are allies with THEM.” Chrysalis said.

“If we destroy the portal before someone can go through it, then it won’t matter.” I said while leaning against a wall next to my weapon, as Discord walked back into the room with two large plates while his tail was holding onto paper plates, and wearing chain mail armor with the words *Long Live Good Food* woven onto it with dark yellow vines. Placing the Pizzas on the table in front of the couch we saw that one is a meat-lovers and the others a vegetarian. “But we’re still avoiding something that we need to discuss. Who’s going to lead this group?”

“You will.” Everyone said after they got themselves a slice with Discord and Starswirl going for the meat lovers while Sombra and Chryssie got vegetarians.

“From everything you’ve told us. Dungeon Keepers are meant to bring death and destruction. To destroy peace. Conquer any kingdom in your way with armies of demons, undead and mortals who walk the path of ‘evil’.” Starswirl explained.

“Not to mention you were the one who came up with our escape plan and you already seem to have a plan to get back at THEM.” Sombra pointed out.

“Not that the plan was all that complex all things considered but you do know that if you agree to let me lead this group then all of you will become my Minions since you’ll work for me. Correct?” I asked.

Discord smirked as he took a bite of the meat-lovers pizza he had made. “Better to fallow an honest fool then one blinded by their ego.”

Raising an eyebrow I asked. “So you think me a fool?”

“If you keep ignoring the pizzas Discord made, then yes I do.” Sombra smirked. Rolling my eyes I walked over and took a slice of each and sat on the couch next to Discord.

“Very well I shall lead this group to the best of my abilities. So with that out of the way, how are we going to get to that other world? Are you going to make a second mirror Starswirl?” I asked as I felt a new connection appear between me and my friends. One that would allow me to see their surroundings and summon them no matter where they were.

“That would be a very bad idea until the original portal is dealt with, because there would be a chance that anyone who goes through the one THEY have could lead here and then we would have nowhere to run.” He replied.

“I can get us there but I’ll have to rest for a while since making portals like this takes up a lot of my magic and that’s not even counting when I got the five of us out of our prisons and stole the Elements considering the amount of safeguards THEY placed.” Discord said after he finished eating his slice. “But I’ll get you as close to the mirror portal as I can.”

“Well I’m going to go get that bath.” Chrysalis said as she headed for the stairs.

“You do that I’m going to take a nap then we can head off to the world on the other side of the mirror portal.” I said after I finished my pizza I placed my empty plate on the table leaned back and closed my eyes.

*TWO HOURS LATER*

I was awoken from my nap by a loud roar and when I opened my eyes I saw that Sombra was playing God of War and had just killed the Hydra as Discord watched. Jerking my neck from side to side I heard two satisfying cracking sounds before I got off the couch and stretched. “Enjoy your nap?” Discord asked without looking away from the screen.

“I suppose but I would prefer not waking up to a Hydra’s death roar.” I replied.

“Akuro have you ever tried this? I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun!” Sombra exclaimed.

“If you’re talking about video games then yes I have played some. If you’re talking about God of War specifically? Then no I haven’t. It’s not that I’ve never had the chance to. It’s just that I’ve never wanted to. Personally I find Kratos to be unlikable to the point he killed any interest I had in the series. By the way where’s Chrysalis and Starswirl?” I asked.

“Starswirl’s in the basement library and Chrysalis’s is asleep in her room.” Discord answered as I grabbed my weapon and placed it on my back. “By the way there’s a question I keep forgetting to ask. What exactly IS your weapon?”

“It’s called a kanabō. It’s a weapon whose origin goes back to feudal Japan where the samurai used it to crush enemy’s armor, bones and cripple enemy warhorses. There were also many legends about Oni using them since both Oni and kanabō are extremely strong. To the point the saying, ‘Like giving a kanabō to an Oni’ was made. In other words you give someone who’s strong something which makes them stronger.” I replied.

“So… it’s a metal bat that you use to hit people really, REALLY hard?” Discord asked.

“That’s one way of putting it, yes.” I replied. “But considering it can stand up to the strength of an Oni who can shatter a boulder in a single punch then I’d say calling it a simple bat is underestimating its power.”

“You going to give it a name? I mean ALL great weapons have names.” Sombra said.

“Did yours have a name?” Discord asked.

“Of course it did! My old axe Darkness Breaker helped me defend the Crystal Empire before SHE broke it.” Sombra said before sighing as he remembered happier times.

“Kurai Seigi. It means ‘Dark Justice’ in Japanese.” I replied

“That’s very fitting.” Sombra said. “Hmmm… maybe we should find a way to get me a copy of the Blades of Chaos.”

“Wait until you see more of the game before wanting a copy of them.” I advised. “While I may not have played the game I do know of Kratos’s back-story and what those blades represent.” Sombra nodded understanding that there was more to the blades and Kratos then met the eye. Turning to Discord I said. “I think we’ve rested long enough. Let’s get to that other world and destroy the portal.”

“If you say so.” Discord said as he got to his feet and made another portal. After we walked through the portal we were horrified at the sight which welcomed us. The only notable thing to be seen was a single large stone about half a mile away. Other than that there was nothing but a flat barren wasteland. “What in the name of Chaos. It’s like all the life was sucked out of this world and I do mean that literally. I can also sense that the whole world is like this.”

“Where’s the portals anchor? Once we’ve dealt with that we can try to figure out what happened here.” I said.

“I think it’s that large stone in the distance but that’s only because it’s the only notable thing in that direction.” Discord said. “But I’ve never felt this much lingering chaos in one place! I’m already at my full power.”

“That’s both the best and worst news you could have given me. Let’s just smash that anchor then we can figure out what to do.” I said before dashing towards the anchor with Discord flying above me. When we arrived at the stone was tall enough that I could have Starswirl standing on my shoulders and the tip of his hat wouldn’t even touch the top of the portal and one part flat and polished smooth while the rest of it was jagged and rough. Lying in front of the stone is an orange unicorn mare whose mane and tail is red and yellow, her cutie mark is that of a yellow and red sun. We also noticed that she was covered in various wounds, cuts, bruises, burns and her breaths came in short ragged spurts.

“Discord tend to her wounds! She may know what happened here. I’m going to deal with this portal.” Discord who is now wearing a white hat with a red cross and had a large bag which also has a red cross in it saluted and rushed to the mare’s side. I moved so I was between Discord, the mare and the portal grabbed Kurai Seigi and swung it with all my might and smashed the stone into thousands of pebbles.

“She’s lucky we found here when we did. She’s not only heavily injured but she’s also suffering from dehydration.” Discord said as he was gently trickling water from a water bottle down her lips so only small amounts of water got into her mouth. “So what do we do now?”

“Now that we’ve escaped from our imprisonment, rested, and destroyed the portal. Phase one is over. Now it’s time to start phase two.” I said as I looked at Discord who was still tending to the injured mare wondering just what had happened.

“So how do we start phase two?” Discord asked.

“Phase two begins with me getting things set up. So first I’m going to get started on my Dungeon. Once I have the first floor done then I’ll make a few rooms and call it a day.” I replied. Raising a hand I closed my eyes and focused trying to figure out how to use my ‘Create Imp’ spell.

Silence filled the air as I stood there for ten minutes before I heard fifteen high pitched. “WEEE!” When I opened my eyes I saw fifteen small brown skinned imps wearing nothing but a loin cloth and a large woven bag on their backs. Each one is holding a brand new steel pick axe.

“…They’re not that impressive creatures are they?” Discord asked.

“They’re not fighters. These Imps are magic constructs that only good for digging the tunnels and rooms for my Dungeon and mining gems.” I replied turning my head to look at Discord as two of the Imps started yelling at me with their high pitch voices.

“ARE WE GOING TO START DIGGING OR WHAT? YOU NO GOOD DUNGEON MASTER!”

“… and apparently I need more practice because Imps aren’t meant to be this aggressive.” I said shaking my head with a sigh before pointing at the ground a behind the Imps. “Start with making stairs that go thirty feet down then level off. If you come across a Gem Seam while making the stairs then go around it. I want two of you reinforcing the walls while the others make the stairs. If you come across gold then drop the bags up here and return to digging. After you level off continue for five feet then I want you to split into two groups. Each group is to make a room that’s ten feet wide, ten feet tall and fifteen feet long, with the length of the room going parallel to the path.” As I spoke I drew a diagram with my kanabō to make sure they understood what I wanted, when I finished the Imps saluted and rushed to their task with fevered glee. As the two who had yelled at me muttering under their breath.

“How did you come up with that so quickly? And why did you tell them to go around gem seams?” Discord asked.

Turning to Discord I said. “I never did tell you and the others some most of the ‘mechanics’ that go into being a Dungeon Keeper did I? Well to give to a small preview, Imps can’t destroy Gem Seams. When they mine one it gives an unlimited amount of gems, but you’ll just have to wait for more info. Once we’re back at your place I’ll explain a little more about how I do my job. As for how I ordered the Imps to begin the Dungeon. I’ve been designing and redesigning it since I got petrified. Most of the floors are going to have the same basic designs but some of them are going to split off into much larger rooms.”

“We’re playing the long game with this war Discord. It’s going to take many years until we’re ready to let them know we’re free let alone the first attack, and the more efficient we can be with getting things started the better we’ll be.”

Discord looked at me surprised. “It’s hard to believe you planned this far ahead Akuro, but I have to ask. What are the rest of us going to be doing while you’re making an undead army?”

“You’ll be working on your own projects and making your own plans for when this war begins and make no mistake my friend. This WILL be a war, one we can’t afford to lose.” I replied.

“Where are we going to be doing our projects? Your Dungeon?” Discord asked.

“At first yes. The Dungeon is my base and where I’ll work on my projects. I may be in charge now but I’m not going to ignore what the rest of you have to offer. Besides, we have no idea how long it will be until we’re ready to launch the first attack. It might take years before then and I don’t want all of you sitting around doing nothing, but I have a special job for you that you can get started on once this mare is stable enough to travel and with the others.” I said.

“What is it?”

“I need you to work on healing this planet.”

“WHAT?! BUT THAT’S THE WORK OF A SPIRIT OF ORDER NOT CHAOS!”

“Look at it this way Discord, Chaos and Order are two sides of the same coin. Some would even say they are one in the same. Now look around you, this land is dead and we are going to have several different kinds of people and creatures working with us. My dungeon can only give an unlimited amount of chickens thanks to the Hatchery room. Who knows how many of them will prefer plants opposed to meat, and I don’t know about you but eating nothing but chicken sounds like it would get very boring, very fast. Don’t tell the others but now that I see the state of this world I’m planning on giving everyone enough land for their own kingdom.”

“Re…Really?” Discord gasped.

“Yup, so you’re going to get your own little kingdom of chaos.” I replied with the first smile I’ve had since I came to Equestria.

“But how do I fit into the plan to take THEM down?”

“Simple, creatures with elemental affinities. You know like a phoenix but with water or electricity for example and before you ask, no. They don’t have to be birds. They can be literally any kind of creature.” I explained.

“That makes sense and it gives me a lot of room to work with.” Discord said with a grin. After a few minutes of silence I asked.

“How’s she doing?”

“She’s almost stable and no longer dehydrated… hold that thought! She’s waking up. Hello young one. How are you feeling?” Discord asked.

“Like I’ve been in the Empresses dungeons and been tortured for the past two years.” She groaned. “Are you here to take me back?”

“Now why would we do that and why were you imprisoned?” He replied.

“Because I spoke against the Empresses on how to treat other races. Thanks to that I was banished to the dungeon and only managed to make my escape thanks to sheer luck. But if you’re not here to take me back, then what are their allies doing here?”

“We’re not her allies. We’re her enemies.” I said in a flat voice. “The Empresses have wrong not only Discord and I but also our friends and the five of us are planning to take the fight to them.”

“…When do we attack?” She asked causing Discord and I to look at each other in shock. This mare had just escaped from two years of hell and she was already willing to get right back up and fight. I had to admit I admired her spirit.

“Not for a long time. We’re still in the beginning phases right now, but that can wait. What’s your name, and do you know what happened here?” I asked as I kneeled down next to her.

“Sunset Shimmer and I have no idea what happened. I fainted right after I came through the portal, but who are your friends?”

“King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis and Starswirl.” Discord said.

“Starswirl? You mean the Heretic Starswirl?” Sunset asked.

“Is that how they remember their old teacher? By calling him a ‘Heretic’? Honestly I’m not surprised.” Discord said before spitting on the ground. “But you’ll meet him soon, so you can make your own opinion.”

“Discord I’m going to contact the others. I want you to get Sunset stable enough to travel.” I said.

“Can do.” Discord said giving me a thumbs up before returning to his work.

“How are you going to contact your friends?” Sunset asked.

“It’s just one of the perks of being a Dungeon Keeper.” I explained before focusing my thoughts.

[Starswirl are you there?]

[I’m here Akuro what do you need and how are you contacting me?] Starswirl asked.

[Discord and I found a unicorn mare from Equestria named Sunset Shimmer escaped from the Empresses dungeons and came through the portal. She’s heavily injured and was suffering from dehydration. Discord’s already administered first aid but she still needs to rest someplace safe and it’s going to be a while before my Dungeons ready. I’m going to have Discord make a new portal and when he does I want you to come pick her up. As for how I’m contacting you. I’m a Dungeon Keeper. That means I can talk to anyone who works for me no matter where they are.] I replied.

[Interesting. Are you sure we can trust her and do THEY have any allies in that world?] Starswirl inquired.

[Trust me when I say she’s trustworthy. In fact when I told her we’re going to take the fight to the Empresses her first words were, ‘when do we attack'. It’s also impossible for her to have allies here because the world is nothing more than a giant wasteland. Once Sunset’s there Discord is going to get started healing this world.] I explained.

[If you’re sure. Just give me a few moments to get ready and let the others know.] Starswirl replied.

[Of course I’m sure. Never forget that I’m the kind of Oni that can always tell when someone is lying and lying to an Oni is like poring Nitro Glycerin on an open flame. It never ends well. Which reminds me that I still need to teach Sombra a lesson for lying to me about what happened to him the first time we met.] I explained before opening my eyes and looking at Discord and Sunset.

“Starswirl is letting the others know what’s going on. Discord get ready to open the portal and once she’s with the others get started on healing this world. Start with the area around the Dungeon before moving on I also only want the normal tree’s, plants, and insects and animals for now, but before that I need you to gather every single corpse on the planet.”

“What do you need the corpses for?” Sunset asked.

“I’m going to practice my Necromancy, after all the basic skeletons and zombies make excellent cannon fodder, but there are a few designs I want to use for stronger undead.” I explained.

When I mentioned Necromancy Sunset didn’t look disgusted or appalled, she just shrugged. “Makes sense.”

[Akuro we’re ready, but Sombra and Chrysalis are still worried this might be some sort of trap.] Starswirl said.

[I doubt that but the three of you can keep an eye on her as long as there’s no unnecessary fighting.] I replied. [And if everything works out you might have a new apprentice on your hoofs my friend.]

[It would be good to teach young minds again, alright once she’s fully recovered I’ll offer to teach her.] Starswirl said.

[Thank you.]

Chapter 1 pt2: The Beginning Stages of Revenge pt 2

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Once Sunset had been moved to Discords house I looked out over the wastes in thought eventually I looked at Discord and said. “Discord it’s time to teleport the corpses here.”

“I’ll have to do it in a few bursts.” Discord said.

“That’s fine.” I said as Discord snapped his fingers and a few hundred skeletons corpses in various stages of decay appeared in several piles a few feet away.

“Thought you might like them organized.” Discord said as I walked over to examine them.

“I’m surprised you organized let alone let your house be as tidy as it was.” I said looking over the dead.

“I’m only ‘chaotic’ when I’m on the clock. I mean my mother was a Draconequus of Harmony after all so I know how to balance my life.” Discord said.

“You’ll have to tell me more about your race at some point…wait is that what I think it is?” I said as I walked over to a few giant skeletons ignoring the stench of death.

YOUR MINNIONS HAVE DISCOVERED A PORTAL

I heard a deep voice in my head I flinched a little but got a sinister grin on my face.

“What’s up?” Discord voice was slightly muffled due to him wearing a plague doctor’s mask.

Looking over to him I grinned. “Two things. First thanks for reminding me of those. I‘ll have to make a few squads who implement those in their armor but that’s for another time take a look at this.” I motioned to a large skull with a single large horn connected to the largest skeleton. “With a few small modifications this skeleton will be perfect for the first of my Dungeon Guardians. And second, my Imps just found a Portal. Now I can gain the kinds of Minions that Dungeon Keepers are known for.”

“What kind of modifications and what kind of Minions?” Discord asked.

“One words. Skullgreymon. As for the Minions you’ll just have to wait.” I smirked.

Discord’s eyes widened. “Skullgreymon? I’m a little terrified that you’re planning to make a small army of them let alone one.”

“That’s the point. Unless someone is as powerful as a Mega leveled Digimon, who in their right mind would fight one Skullgreymon, let alone an army of them?” I grinned. “I’ll also make them in various sizes so they can also work as corps collectors.”

Discord shivered. “Alright I’m… going to get started fixing the planet. Later!”

Discord vanished just as a couple Imps came running up the stairs. “WE FINISH DIGGIN!”

“Good. Now how many Gem Seams did you unearth?”

“FOUR!”

“All of you are to start digging at the Gem Seams. All of you are to bring me one bag full of gems each. I’ll use some of the gems to make the Dungeon Heart get create the first rooms.” I ordered. “I’ll be waiting in the room where I plan to make the Heart.” The Imps hurried off to fallow my orders as I slowly walked down the stairs and through the Dungeon. Due to the size of the Dungeon it took a while before I entered a large circular room with a hexagonal platform in the center. Standing in the center of the room I crossed my arms and waited for the Imps to arrive. As I waited I went over my plans on what kinds of bases to give to my allies. “Depending on when we go to that Universe we might have to lay siege to the first base, but then again I could wait until it’s flooded but that would damage not just the building but possibly what’s inside. For the Second I’ll have to do that one alone. Don’t want to risk it getting too damaged after all but I’ll have to train to learn how to fully control my strength.”

“As for the Third that one could prove the most annoying due to its internal defenses, but then again that particular Castle is just as iconic and could work just as well. Discord already knows about this and I doubt I could come up with a castle that would fit his personality so I guess he can make his own.”

[I had a feeling that you were talking about me Akuro. So you’re having trouble figuring out a castle for me huh?] Discord said.

[Correct. I can’t think of a single Castle or fortress that would fit your style.] I replied.

[It’s fine. I’ve already spotted a spot that would make a love spot for my home. Oh and I’m also making a world map for you.] Discord chuckled.

[Thank you Discord. That’ll help me decide how big everyone’s Areas will be.] I said before all the Imps ran into the room their bags so full they looked like they were about to burst.

Taking a few steps towards them I said. “Place the bags down, keep quiet and wait.” Leaning down I reached into one of the bags and started going through it. First I put a small ruby that looked like a rain drop in my pocket, after that I pulled out every single sapphire and placing them in a pile at the center of the platform. Putting them all in a pile on the platform I focused my thoughts, searching through the knowledge I had gained when being sent to Equestria for the spell to create a Dungeon Heart. Soon the sapphires began to bubble and melt together to form a dark blue sphere that began rising into the air the stone around in flowing up to fallow it creating an intricate alter that looked like a serpent like dragon that towered over us and was holding the now pulsing Heart in its mouth while it’s body curled up and three different stone creatures at the base which looked like they were holding the serpent up. The first is a large eagle like bird that was holding the dragon with its back. The second is a female Naga wearing a simple diadem and tribal looking armor. The last of the three was a human looking man with three faces and six arms.

“That’s an interesting design. Do all Dungeon Hearts look like that?” Discord said as he popped into existence next to me.

“No they don’t. In the first game they looked like a white crystal with gold ornaments that was being carried by four gold troll statues with a purple gem at the top. In the second it was a pit filled with some kind of beating liquid which I personally think is lava, with a stone arch covering it and three sets of stairs that extend over the pit. I decided to give my Heart a more personal touch but I didn’t expect it to end up quite like this.” I explained.

“What do the creatures represent?” Discord asked.

“For the Dragon, Roc and Naga absolutely nothing. It’s the six armed man who represents something.” I said. “He is Asura and while I don’t know as much as I’d like about him I do know a few things, but in this case what he represents is completely different. Here he represents me. See how the face that looks out is fierce while the one on the left is calm or the right one sad? The first face shows my inner rage that I feel towards the Empresses for hunting me down and that the being who sent me here KNEW what would most likely happen to me here. The calm one shows that through all the years in stone I’ve managed to find a semblance of inner peace with myself and my situation.”

“And the third?” Discord asked in a soft voice.

Turning away from Discord I knelt by the rest of the bags. “My sorrow.” Discord looked at me for a moment before disappearing. Placing a hand on the bags I focused on what rooms I wanted and where. First I made two Lairs for my Minions to make a place to rest and two Hatcheries to start getting some chickens to appear to feed my Minions. A Guard Room near the Dungeons entrance, a Barracks to get some Orcs and make platoons, a Workshop for Trolls, traps, and doors. A Library so I can attract a few Warlocks to research any new spells or rooms that weren’t in the games and finally a Training Room. I left a few rooms empty in case something came up.

A NEW CREATURE HAS ENTERED YOUR DUNGEON

As soon as I heard that I saw the Portal with in my mind and out of it walked a large number of Minions. Warlocks, Salamanders, Dark Elves, Goblins, Demon Spawn, Trolls, Orcs, Bile Demons. Warlocks are humans in purple and gold robes holding a wooden staff in one of their hands. Salamanders are small orange raptors, Dark Elves are tall elves with pale skin, yellow hair, an outfit that makes me think of Robin Hood minus the hat with a short sword strapped to their belt and a bow on their back. The Goblins are small lanky creatures wearing cloth armor and a Viking esk helmet. Most of the Goblins had short swords or daggers but a few had maces or axes in their hands.

The Bile Demons were so large that I couldn’t tell if they had feet, long arms and two horns sticking out of their heads with large black spiked bass hanging off the tips. Demon Spawns are green scaled creatures that are just a little smaller than the Salamanders. The Trolls are taller than the elves wore nothing but a loin cloth and had large hammers in their hands. The Orcs are dressed similarly to the Trolls but have a one handed hammer and shield instead of the Trolls two handed hammers and have purple skin.

Making my way to the Lair where all the Creatures were headed. When I reached the Lair all my new Minions looked up and bowed. Those who could speak said. “Greetings Master.”

“I want all of you to go train until that room will no longer aid you. After that I want two Bile Demons and two Dark Elves to go to the Guard Room and half of the Warlocks in the Library conducting research at all times. I want a total of twenty Trolls, Orcs and Bile Demons working in the Workshop creating new kinds of traps and doors. Everyone else is to constantly patrol the Dungeon and unless I give the order or we are under attack no one is allowed to head to the surface. Now there may be times where I leave the Dungeon, during such times you are to make your selves useful by researching or training until I call for you. Am I understood?” I ordered.

“Yes Master.”

“Good.”

As I walked down the corridor in the opposite direction that my Minions were going a female Dark Elf approached and bowed. “If I am permitted to ask a question Master there is something I would like to know.”

“Make it quick. I want all of you to get to the tasks I gave you as quickly as possible.”

“From the small report we got on the other side of the portal, this world has no Goodly Heroes. Why is that and who are we going to fight?”

I studied her for a moment and said. “This world had its very life force drained to the point it was a unlivable waste land. If my hunch is correct then the same people who did this are the same people who imprisoned me and my friends in stone just because I have Dark Magic and I’m a different race than them. They are who I’m planning to fight, but it will take many years before we are ready. You have impressed me with wanting to know more about our foe. What is your name.”

“I am Feroha Dobone Master.” She said with another bow.

“I will remember you Feroha. Now go train.”

“By your leave Master.” Feroha said and left to go train.

[Discord it’s time to head back. We need to talk to the others about how to proceed.]

“About time! Despite getting a constant recharge from all the Chaos lingering around the world I’m getting exhausted constantly teleporting and restoring large portions of the world. Heck in the few hours we’ve been here I’m almost half way done! That should say something about how much Chaos was covering the planet!” Discord said as he appeared next to me. “At least the balance between Chaos and Harmony will be restored by the time I’m done. Oh and before I forget the rest of the corpses are outside the dungeons with the others.”

“Do you have a map of the entire world or just what you’ve healed?” I asked as Discord opened the portal.

Discord passed two large folded up pieces of paper, one with a green lining one with brown. “The green one is the entire world and brown is what I’ve healed. Oh and I’ve taken the liberty of undoing all mines in the area’s I healed. That uses up more excess Chaos than healing the planet.”

“Good thinking. Now let’s head back”

Chapter 2: Getting the Army Together and a Little Training

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The next day I brought the rest of my friends with me and asked Discord to make a platform outside the Dungeon large enough for at least ten people to stand on comfortably. Sunset was surprised that I’d asked her to join my friends and I on the platform if Discord and Chrysalis thought she was well enough. Seriously those two are amazing doctors, Discord thanks to knowing what’s going on through his magic and Chrysalis due to all the training she did before becoming the first Queen.

[All Minions are to report to the surface for a meeting, with the exceptions of Imps who are to continue digging at Gem Seams and reinforcing the Dungeon’s walls.]

Once everyone was present I stepped forward and said, “It was brought to my attention yesterday that all of you should know a little about our enemies. Their names are Celestia and Luna, the Empresses of the land known as Equestria.”

As I said their names Starswirl lit up his horn and created images of the two Alicorns. Celestia golden crown had several white and yellow diamonds and she had the boots, chest plate, of her golden armor act as royal regalia. Luna’s crown was very similar to Celestia’s only it was made of silver and had black and white diamonds and her regalia is midnight blue armor.

[Before I continue have you asked Sunset about becoming your apprentice Starswirl?] I asked.

[I have, and she’s accepted.] Starswirl replied.

“These two have wronged my friends and I, through a torturous form of petrifaction," I continued, "We were trapped in stone but still aware of the world around us while Sunset here was banished to the dungeons just because she has a different opinion. Not only that but these two are the ones most likely responsible for sucking the life force of the planet dry to fuel their own twisted goals it’s only thanks to Discord being so attuned to Chaos that he could undo the damage," Here some of the minions cheered to which Discord gave a small bow.

"Thanks to Sunset we know much of what has happened since our petrifaction. We now know that while they appear to be the perfect kind rulers that many kingdoms wish for, they are in truth vicious tyrants. They treat all members of ANY race that aren’t their own like trash and they use some unknown threat to make sure none of them rise against them. Now onto their fighting styles. Celestia is a master of Fire and Wind magic while Luna wields Earth and Water magic. Celestia’s weapon of choice is a war-pick while Luna prefers to use a halberd.”

A Bile Demon held up a Warlock who yelled, “When do we attack Master?!”

“Not for many years,” I said, “Thanks to them, I never got the chance to learn about my powers once I became a Dungeon Keeper.” Growls and murmurs filled the air, I raised a hand for silence and continued, “Learning exactly what I can do and where my specialties are is one reason for the wait, another is that I’m not just going to attack them as if we are a hammer and they are a nail. When we attack I want them to feel powerless, to feel exactly what they’ve done to others. So we wait, we train, we gather information, and we plan. Now let me introduce you to my friends and generals. First Starswirl the Bearded and his apprentice Sunset Shimmer.”

Starswirl dismissed the images of the two sisters and took a step forward with Sunset right next to him, “From now on he is in command of all magical research, therefore, Warlocks will be under his command. Next we have King Sombra…”

In the crowd I heard a few murmurs, “Wow, Master already has a King working for him?”

Ignoring them I continued, “Queen Chrysalis…”

More murmurs, “And a Queen as well? This is a very strong start.”

Once again, I ignored them and said, “…and Discord, a Draconequus of Chaos. Depending on a few things, in the future, you might be transferred to work under them. Now one last thing before you return to the tasks I gave you, Feroha Dobone step forward.”

Slowly she walked towards the platform, “For showing you have the forethought to learn about your foes, I am promoting you to the position of Captain. Be warned, if I feel you’re not living up to my expectations then I will find someone else to do the job. Do you accept this position?”

Dropping to a knee, Feroha said, “Yes Master, I accept and will do everything in my power not to disappoint you.”

Discord held out a long box towards Feroha, as she took the box I said, “Then take this weapon as a sign of your new station. You also have a new set of armor I whipped up waiting for you next to your bed,” Feroha stood and opened the box.

From it, she pulled out a longbow, and as she held it in her hands she gasped, “Is this…?”

“A dragonbone bow,” I answered with a small nod, “We don’t have many materials to use at the moment so we use what we have. Now then, this meeting is over, return to your duties.”

“Yes Master!” was the response the crowd gave as it turned and headed back to the Dungeon.

Looking at Feroha, I said, “Feroha right now your job is making sure no one starts slacking off when you’re not improving your own skills. I also want you to keep an eye out for any you think would make a good captain.”

Feroha bowed and left.

“So what do we do?” Sombra asked.

I turned towards Sombra, “Well Discord is to return to his current job and the rest of you are free to explore the Dungeon and do as you see fit,” I said.

“So what are you going to do?” Chrysalis asked.

“I’m going to start my training on how to fight and use my magic before I get started on doing a little Necromancy,” I replied before jumping off the platform and making my way to the Dungeon.

After a few weeks had past I'd found much to my dissatisfaction that my Prison didn’t resurrect skeletons like it should have and for some reason whenever I try to cast the spell nothing happens.

After walking out of my personal Workshop which is where I was trying to make undead I saw that Chrysalis was waiting for me.

“I see you’re still having trouble with Necromancy Akuro.” Chrysalis said after seeing my sour expression.

I nodded, “I just don’t get it, Necromancy is one of the most basic tools in a Dungeon Keeper’s arsenal. The Prison is a great example of this and I still don’t understand why it’s not working properly.”

Chrysalis brought a hoof up in thought, “Maybe it’s because you’re magical strengths lie elsewhere. For example, I can learn and cast most combat spells almost perfectly within a week, but give me one designed to heal and it fizzles out seconds after I cast it. It's why I learned how to become a doctor, I had to find a way around that problem as best I could.”

“If that is the case then I’ll need to find a work around for this problem, maybe find a Lich who wouldn’t mind working for me,” I pondered before shaking my head, “But that will have to wait for later, for now, I need to find something else to train in now that Necromancy is out of the question.”

Chrysalis grinned, “Why don’t you start with asking Sombra to teach you Shadow Magic?"

"As good idea as any right now," I nodded, "Do you know where he is?"

"Last I checked he was in the training-library that you made for spellcasters," Chrysalis grunted in both anger and annoyance.

Raising an eyebrow, I smirked, "Still not having any luck courting him?"

Chrysalis rolled her eyes and sighed overdramatically, "Nope, it's almost like he's blind to my advances."

I chuckled and shook my head, “Well most men are dense when someone’s flirting with them.”

Parting ways I made my way through the Dungeon, taking note of those I passed. Most of them were Imps rushing around from place to place, but there were a couple Bile Demons just wondering around, yet as soon as they saw my glare they hurried back to one of the many training rooms. Shaking my head in annoyance, I continued on, but was soon stopped by Feroha.

“Master I found someone who might make a good captain,” she stated.

“Oh?” I asked raising an eyebrow, “Who?”

“A Troll who goes by the name of Zulkaz,” Feroha answered, “He’s a bit smarter than most of the Trolls in the Workshop but at the same time he can be a bit too stubborn for his own good, especially when it comes to working on some of his personal designs.”

Nodding, I said, “Thank you Feroha, I appreciate this news, but from the sounds of it, Zulkaz’s stubborness will do more harm than good if he was made captain. Is there anyone else you think would make the cut?”

“Hmm,” Feroha brought her hand to her chin as she thought, “There’s an Orc named Urakk who seems to have his head on straight and is at least decent when it comes to getting the others to do coordinated attacks.”

“Thank you Feroha, once I’m done talking to Sombra, I’ll find Urakk and talk to him,” I said with a small smile.

Feroha saluted before walking away. Returning to my walk I past an open door that lead to a library and saw Starswirl teaching Sunset how to improve her magical control by levitating several books in various patterns around her. Starswirl noticing me gave a small nod which I returned before he returned his attention back to Sunset who’d just dropped three of the books.

“Damn it!” Sunset cursed, “I thought I had it that time!”

“Don’t feel discouraged Sunset,” Starswirl said, “You’ve made amazing progress over the past few weeks. In fact, I’m beginning to think you might have a more innate talent for magic than even my old student, Clover.”

I didn’t hear Sunset’s reply however and soon I entered the training room that Sombra was in. Currently he was studying a book bound in dark brown leather. Hearing me enter Sombra looked up from his book.

“Oh, hello Akuro. I thought you were working on your Necromancy,” he said with a raised eyebrow.

“I was, until I called it quits, because nothing was happening,” I replied. “So after talking to Chrysalis I decided to ask if you could start teaching me what you know about Shadow Magic.”

Sombra nodded putting down the book, and began to speak, “Alright, so like with all forms of magic, the first thing you need to know are the rules of said magic. Now unlike other kinds of magic, the rules of ‘Dark’ magic isn’t as obvious as, say, Fire magic.”

As Sombra spoke, I sat down on one of the library couches and tried to memorize everything I could. “So, as you probably know, most magic can be fuelled by emotions, Dark magic is the same way, but mainly by the negative spectrum of emotions. Depending on who is using it, different negative emotions will affect how powerful the Dark magic is. For me, most of it is empowered by Rage, or Wrath whichever you prefer at the Empresses for what they did to me and my home. So being angered, even in the smallest of ways, would allow my Dark magic to grow more powerful, and therein lies the problem. It’s so easy to focus on such emotions to gain power easily, that one can lose themself in said emotion and power.”

“That is one of the main Rules of Dark Magic: don’t let your emotions rule you.” Sombra continued firmly, “This is one of the most basic, but most hidden rules, it’s also the one that most, if not all, Ponies, who’ve been Corrupted by their power, break.”

“I see,” I said, nodding. “So, one of the biggest challenges is training, not just the power, but also the mind. I wonder how that will affect me due to my magic naturally being Dark.”

“That’s true,” Sombra said rubbing his chin, “It took me many, MANY years to master, not only my magic, but also my emotions, but your magic is naturally Dark so the ‘corruptive nature’ of Dark Magic might not affect you. Tell you what, why don’t I teach you a basic, if a bit ancient, spell and we’ll see what happens?”

I couldn’t help myself and smirked, “Well, we ARE in a room made for training spellcasters, so what’s the spell?”

“It’s called ‘Shadow Flame’ and while it’s relatively simple it’s also very dangerous,” Sombra said, going over to a shelf and picking up one of the books with his magic, “It’s a slightly more complicated version of the normal Fireball spell that adds Darkness to the fire, however it can also damage the user if they haven’t used Dark Magic before or have no intention of using it. Now because we both have Dark Magic that’s not an issue, just know that the area where your gathering the magic to use it will get a bit warm.”

Sombra opened the book to what I assumed to be a page with the spell, then passed it to me. After reading over the spell and the mechanics on how it worked, I passed it back to him and turned my attention to one of the training dummies in the room. Holding up my right hand, I focused on what I learned in the book and a ball of fire, colored dark purple and red, appeared in my hand. As it formed, the area around me grew brighter, as if the fire was absorbing the nearby shadows. A few seconds after it was completely formed, I sent a burst of magic through my palm, making it fly out of my hands and hit the dummy square in the chest, igniting the entire thing in the purple and red flames.

I let the fire burn for ten seconds before retracting my hand to bring the fire back, revealing that the dummy had been turned to charcoal. As I extinguished the flames Sombra said, “Never… never in my life have I seen someone with such an innate talent for Darkness Magic!”

“As long as you don’t call me a ‘prodigy’ I’ll be fine, I’d rather be known for what I achieve through hard work then what I do by being a ‘prodigy’,” I said, turning back to him, “now let’s see if I can learn any more spells as easily shall we?” As we worked a thought flickered through my mind, “Looks like Chrissy was right, I did find my magical talent. I guess I’ll give it about thirty more minutes before going to talk to Urakk.”

Chapter 2: Base Hunting: The Invasion of Isengard

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It’s been six months since Sombra started teaching me magic and I was beginning to think it was time to enter the next part of my plan. It was time to get everyone their own base. Currently I was sitting in my study/office looking at two files. One was for Isengard from Lord of the Rings and the other was the Symphony of the Night version of Castlevania. For the past few weeks I’ve been thinking about which one to get first.

On one hand Isengard would allow me to test how strong my Minions have gotten on top of not only getting Starswirl a new wizards tower but also all of the books and knowledge Saruman had collected over the years. On the other hand Castlevania would be more of a personal test and if I found a world where the Crimson Stone was simply a way of controlling the castle instead of being the source of Dracula’s power all the better. Castlevania also came with monsters ready and willing to defend it and it’s owner. While I would like to get Death on my side I knew better then to take him out of his universe as that would wreck it’s natural order.

After a while I decided to go after Isengard first and ask Discord if he could find a version of the Castlevania universe where I could get Castlevania with relative ease. Nodding to myself I said. “Discord I’d like a word if you’re not busy,”

With a *pop* and a flash of light Discord appeared in a chair on the other side of my desk. “Hello Akuro, what can I do for you?”

“First I would like to make sure that the restoration of the planet has been completed?” I asked.

“Yup!” Discord smiled. “Finished just last month, and I’ve done a splendid job if I do say so myself.”

A small smile appeared on my face as I made a motion with my left hand and a large map placed itself on my desk. “Good, in which case there’s something I’d like to ask you.

“Oh? So soon?” Discord asked raising an eyebrow. “Although I suppose this helps me as well. You see that despite using up most of the excess Chaos energy there’s still a bit of an overflow as it we so anyway I can get rid of it would be welcome.”

“You see I need you to find a version of the Castlevania Universe where Dracula’s, Crimson Stone that at the very least only controls the castle Castlevania. While it would be a boon to get Death on our side it’s even more important that we don’t destroy that world’s natural order,” I explained. “And if we can get Castlevania while at the same time making it that Death goes back to his job of taking the souls of the dead to the afterlife and by doing so stop the threat of Dracula then all the better. I’d considering hiring him but let’s face it. If I did he’s the kind of power hungry fool that could throw a wrench into our plans if we let him.”

Discord nodded. “I see what you mean. Very well I’ll do what I can to find such a Universe. In fact this gives me a chance to visit my home to see the folks so it’s a win-win. I can go home and see if anyone knows of such a world. So what will you be doing while I’m finding the correct universe?”

Getting to my feet I grabbed Kurai Seigi which was leaning against the wall behind me a placed it on my back. “Seeing how far our troops have come by invading and claiming Isengard. Saruman the White is about to lose more than just his staff.”

After Discord left and I called for my friends and captains, we sat at a large table table with a map of Isengard and of our world on it. “As you might know Discord has finished restoring this world which means we can finally get started on acquiring bases for my generals. Discord will take care of his and I’ve thought long and hard on where to start before deciding that Starswirl’s will be the first one we take.”

“As I can see with this map,” Sombra smirked. “So why are we taking this place first?”

“For one the tower of Orthanc within Isengard is nearly indestructible and is the home of a powerful and ancient wizard named Saruman,” I explained, “However Saruman turned against his kin and those he was meant to protect in order to gain power by joining forces with a Dark Lord named Sauron. Taking Isengard will not only allow us to test how far our forces are coming with their but once the tower is purged of any and all of Sauron’s influence Starswirl will have a much better location to continue his research with the added bonus of gaining all of Saruman’s research.”

“Now there are a couple things to go over. First is that underneath Isengard are the Spawning Pits which create a race of orks known as the Uruk-hai. They are the strongest kind of orcs in Middle Earth for a few reasons, one of which is while the orcs of Mordor have a hard time in the light of the sun the Uruk-hai do not. They’re also better equipped due to the Industrial Complex in a the same cavers under Isengard. So we need to find out where the entrances to the caves are so we’ll be less likely to get ambushed by being too close to them.”

“Now before we put the final touches on our plan of attack there are a few more things that I need to go over. For one I want Starswirl to take out Saruman with Sombra as back up if possible,” I explained looking at Starswirl then Sombra.

“This Wizard won’t know what hit him,” Starswirl said calmly, “He will find that there are consequences to betraying those he is meant to aid and protect.”

Sombra cricked his neck and chuckled. “With how much we’ve been training to not only get our old skills back but to push past those limits? These guys won’t know what hit them!”

“Chrysalis I don’t know if this will work, but I’m giving you permission to access the same mental connections I have with those who work for me so that way you can help coordinate the attack,” I said now looking at Chrysalis.

Chrysalis smiles. “If this works it’ll be like I’m part of the Changeling Hive Mind again. That’ll be nice.”

“What about me?” Sunset asked. “What’s my role in this?”

“Before the fighting starts I’m going to let all the Uruk-hai know that if they throw down their weapons at any point then I’m taking it as a sign that they not only surrender the fight but will work for me from now on. I can’t really teleport them out mid fight yet so I’m mostly going to stay on the sidelines unless I’m needed. Your job will be to direct any of the Uruk-hai that join us to the Lair so they can make a bed,” I explained before looking at Starswirl, “That is unless Starswirl believes your ready for this kind of combat in which case someone else can stay in the Dungeon to direct any new forces we might acquire.”

“Considering the kind of combat we can expect I have to say she’s not ready yet.” Starswirl said making Sunset groan but what he said next perked her up a bit. “However perhaps afterwords you could let a smaller group find any Uruk-hai that weren’t as Isengard and let her join that force?”

I nodded. “A good idea and will not only take out and stranglers but will also help Rohan’s forces focus on assisting Gondor. As long as she keeps the Fire Magic to a minimum. Most of Rohan is a grassland after all.”

“What about afterwards?” Feroha asked having been content to listen up till now. “Will you make a Dungeon in that world?”

Urakk shook his head and looked down at his Dragonbone axe and shield that he’d placed on the table. “They’re in a war against one Being of Darkness who wants to conquer their land. They wouldn’t want a second even if the Boss doesn’t bother them. Eventually someone would get paranoid and attack us which will just start a new war.”

“I agree Urakk,” I said, “And that kind of war would just be a waste of resources, which would mean more time waiting to attack Equestria. While we are in no rush to attack as there is so much we need to do I’d rather not waste too much time if possible. Perhaps in the future I’ll make a Dungeon on one of the worlds we visit but for now let’s focus on making a plan of attack shall we?”

—Three hours later. Surface—

Once the everyone had arrived I spoke, “Today it is time to put your training to the test. I have chosen a location in a certain world that we will invade and conquer,” Excited murmurs spread throughout the army at this. “It is called Isengard and it is ruled by a Wizard named Saruman with an army of Uruk-hai to guard and defend it. Know that Uruk-hai are stronger and better armed than the normal orcs of that world so don’t let down your guard. Before the fight starts I will inform Isengard that any Uruk-hai that throws down their weapons would be seen as not only surrendering but swearing fealty to me.”

“You will be separated into groups each led by either a Captain or one of my generals, with the exception of Starswirl who’s tasked with defeating Saruman. While the invasion is going on I will be standing by to give an emergency evac to all injured fighters or any Uruk-hai who join or ranks. The reason for this is it’s a test of your training not mine, that will come later. Now while we’re there you might feel the ‘eyes’ of a powerful dark figure named Sauron. Just ignore him right now the only way he can directly affect others is with his minions or of someone is using an artifact he created or corrupted.”

As I spoke Chrysalis who much to our relief was able to use the ‘Dungeon Keepers Connection’ as we’d come to call it *at least until we came up with a better name* to inform the troops of the plan and their positions in it.

Once everyone was ready Sombra and I opened a Shadow Portal and we marched through it to arrive at the edge of the forest surrounding Isengard or rather what was left of it. Almost all of the tree’s had been chopped down leaving a relatively straight path to the Isengard’s gates. As we approached several Uruk-hai in half-plate armor and wielding crossbows. Once they were all in place one of them yelled, “I’d advise you to surrender or you’ll end up as fuel for the fire!”

Glancing at Starswirl he nodded and I said my voice now echoing over Isengard, “I am Akuro a Dungeon Keeper, Isengard is now under new management. I will take you throwing down your weapons as an oath of fealty. Any who resist shall be killed. This is your only warning.”

“Just try to take Isengard,” Yelled a deep voice, “You and your army shall fall before my power!”

“You have chosen your fate Saruman the Traitorous Wizard,” I replied and walked forward. Crossbow bolts rained down on me only for my shadow to form a protective shell blocking them. When I was standing before the gate I raised Kurai Seigi and with a single swing destroyed the gates and sent the Uruk-hai that were standing on it flying, “CHARGE!”

As my army charged past me turned and walked back to the forest and watched. I was surprised when Discord had popped in for a moment to get Starswirl to Saruman and flooded the caves with boiling applesauce to not only restrict the moments of any possible reinforcements but also killing a good number in the process. Shrinking the enemy’s ballista till he could stuff them in a bag and about half of their crossbow bolts into soggy french fries.

As the battle continued a small smile due not only to how well coordinated my forces were but at least 3 dozen Uruk-hai had thrown down their weapons which I quickly teleported to my Dungeon, I could sense they were surprised but as I told them any form of surrender would make them my minions. Soon I heard loud thundering steps coming from my left and when I turned my head to look I saw several walking trees. “So we arrived just before Treebeard and the Ents attacked. I should go talk to them and ask them to wait for a bit,” I muttered.

[Discord the Ents are on their way. Please make sure that all surrendering Uruk-hai are teleported out while I go talk to them] I told him.

[Got it Akuro. I’ll just put em all in a insect cage for now,] Discord replied with a snicker.

Turning I knelt down slightly before pushing off the ground and launching myself towards the oncoming Ents. Landing in front of the lead Ent who had two Halflings walking next to him I said, “Treebeard, I assume?”

“That is correct… Who are you? An ally of the Wizard?” Treebeard replied in a slow deep voice.

“No. My name is Akuro and my army is currently destroying his forces so I may take the tower for myself. I will not ask you to stay away as the Ents have just as much right to destroy what Saruman’s built up as I do. More so actually due to how many of your friends the Uruk-hai have chopped down. All I ask is that you wait to flood Isengard until we’ve acquired everything useful,” I said.

Treebeard looked at Isengard and gave out a low humming sound, “What exactly are you? And what is your goal here?”

“I am an Oni an Dungeon Keeper,” I replied, “and the Tower of Orthanc is my goal. I plan to take it with me when I leave. It will serve as a home and base for my friend Starswirl far better than Saruman.”

After a couple minutes of silence Treebeard said, “Very well. As long as the Filth of Isengard is cleansed we shall assist.”

“My thanks,” I said with a small bow of my head as the Ents around us started to move again and surged past me.

Turning I looked at Isengard and was about to turn my attention to the Uruk-hai who surrened when one of the Halflings said, “Umm… what’s a Dungeon Keeper?”

Looking over my shoulder I looked at the two, “Consider a Dungeon Keeper to be a more powerful version of Saron,” here the two stiffened in fear, “Just know that Isengard is the only place in Middle-Earth that I have an interest in, and once I have it my army and I will leave. We have other matters that require our attention,”

Ignoring any more comments from the two I saw that the Ents had made it about half way to Isengard by now. [Attention, the Ents are on their way to join the fight. Do not attack them as they will also be attacking Saruman’s army.]

[While them showing up was unexpected the help would be nice,] Feroha said, [While thanks to all our training we’re better fighters, these guys are swarming out of the tunnels like ants. Without the Ents this point it’ll just end up a stalemate.]

Urakk war cry echoed over the land moments before a man screamed as he fell from one of Orthank’s upper windows. [And that’s Wormtongue out of the way,] Discord chuckled, [You got lucky Sombra. I wanted to do that to him.]

[The worm was getting in the way of our fight,] Sombra said as if he just swatted a fly, [Now we’re able to focus on Saruman.]

[Make sure it ends as soon as possible. With the Ents arriving now Gandalf the White will be here sometime today at the earliest in a week at latest. I wish to have as much of the Refinery moved to the Dungeon as possible as we won’t take Orthanc until that’s finished. That will give us time to dispose of or purify anything that Sauron or Saruman has corrupted… though that Seeing-Stone of his will be destroyed in safe location by Discord.] Akuro said as he once more began teleporting Uruk-hai that surrendered to the Dungeon.

Once the Ents joined the fight Chrysalis ordered that at least one Warlock was to keep near an Ent at all times and make sure the Uruk-hai don’t set them on fire. Thanks to this order and the Ents assistance the battle was won after a half hour, with only a fourth of the Uruk-hai surrendering.

The corpses of Akuro’s Minions were put to the side for transport back to the Dungeon meanwhile there were several piles of burning Uruk-hai with more being tossed in after their armor and weapons were collected with the gear being sorted before being taken back to the Dungeon. Anything usable was going to be placed storage until an Armory was built while all the rest was set aside to be melted down. As this was happening the caves under Isengard was being searched for anything useful by two teams one led by , with Orcs and Trolls appearing at the different entrances every couple of minutes to place a crate or ore or refined steel bars in a pile. Starswirl and the Warlocks were scouring Orthanc for items that would need to be cleansed or destroyed and once that was done they’d begin prepping the tower for transport back to their world. Akuro and the rest of his friends along with Treebeard, Mary and Pippin, watched all this from the wall around Isengard.

“Your forces are certainly well organized Sir,” Pippin said not really sure what to say to these powerful figures, “I don’t see much arguing going on and it’s… odd to see so many different creatures working together.”

“I agree,” Mary said, “I mean you’ve got Orcs, Goblins, Trolls, and Humans in your army. Normally they’d try to kill each other yet here they’re working together…”

“This is how we run our army,” Discord said, “With as little bigotry as possible. Will we succeed? By the Misty Mountains no! But that doesn’t mean we won’t try.”

“Take the four of us and Starswirl as examples,” Sombra said, “Each of us has suffered greatly because of what we are, what kind of magic we possess, or what our beliefs are. All by those who fight for what is ‘right’ and ‘for the protection of their people’. Nobody's perfect and nobody’s immune to hatred.”

“It’s when that hatred becomes so large that it takes a permanent hold is when it’s a problem,” Chrysalis continued, “All of us hate what’s been done to us and the ones responsible. Do we want revenge? Yes. Is that our goal? Yes, but there is still much more to us then that.”

“And I hope that you never have to experience the kind of hate that has as grip on us however small it is,” Akuro finished.

“Well spoken,” Treebeard said.

“Now then,” Akuro said, “We still need to put search parties together to hunt down any remaining Uruk-hai. We know Sunset will be among them but I think she should have a couple bodyguards just to be on the safe side.”

“I agree,” Sombra said before a thought struck him, “Perhaps some of the Uruk-hai that joined us know the traveling routes,”

Discord nodded before saying, “Well it’s been fun but it’s time I head off for a while. Knowing my mother she’s going to be overjoyed to see me again before keeping me there for at least half a month to make sure I’m fine,” With that Discord snapped his talons and vanished.

The next couple of days pass by quickly. Akuro and Sombra combined their energies to create a large Shadow Portal or as Chrysalis liked to call it a ‘Corridor of Darkness’ after the Kingdom Heart version. Something which everyone quickly agreed upon. Orcs and Trolls used this portal to carry large crates full of the ore and refined steel through to the Dungeon before returning for a new crate while Goblins and Dark Elves carried the armor and weapons through, while the Warlocks were busy categorizing everything in Orthanc.

Once everything was finished being moved to the Dungeon, Akuro turned to Treebeard, “You have my thanks. That battle would have taken far longer and more of my troops would have been wounded or died if the Ents hadn't joined the fight.”

“You are welcome Keeper,” Treebeard replied, “Though in some ways I should be thanking you. Thanks to your Warlocks not a singer Ent died in that attack, which is something I’m very grateful for.”

Akuro nodded, “I suggest you take the Hobbits and the Ents outside the ring of the walls. I’ll be taking the tower to our world now. Once that’s done feel free to flood Isengard to cleanse it.”

Treebeard then yelled something in the Ent language and the Ents that were still in Isengard began moving for the walls. Once they all left I walked towards Orthanc and placed my hand on it. Soon black light filled Isengard and rose to the sky as a black pillar. As the pillar rose past the clouds they were scattered clearing the sky. This black pillar drew the attention of everyone on Middle-Earth and while many grew afraid of what it could mean, many more gained the desire to protect their home from any that would try to harm it and within the month hundreds were flocking to the nearby cities to join the army to fight Mordor and whatever had caused that pillar of black light should it decide to invade.

Once the light cleared Akuro, his friends and his minions found themselves standing near a cliff overlooking the crystal clear ocean where a volcanic island sat on the horizon. Orthanc had been placed far enough away from the clifface that a good amount of defences could still be built but not close enough that the cliff collapsing would endanger the tower or its occupants, “What do you think of this area for your home Starswirl?”

“It’s breathtaking, and with the volcano a good distance from us we have access to its lava while still being far enough away to raise shields to stop the ash from getting to us. You chose an amazing spot my friend,” Starswirl said, “I can easily see a city being built here. Perhaps not right on top of Orthanc but very near by.”

“Glad to hear it my friend,” Akuro said, “Now I want you and the army to take a few day’s to relax.”

“You’ve got something planned don’t you?” Sombra asked with a knowing smirk.

“Starswirl now has Orthanc has his base. It’s time for me to get yours,” Akuro replied with his own smirk, “All I need to do is wait for Discord to return or send word that he’s found the right world. How does being the master of Castlevania sound to you Sombra?”

The Oni of Darkness

by mattchilly

Chapter 1 pt1: The Beginning Stages of Revenge pt 1

Chapter 1 pt2: The Beginning Stages of Revenge pt 2

Chapter 2: Getting the Army Together and a Little Training

Chapter 2: Base Hunting: The Invasion of Isengard