> The Shadows We Inherit
>  by Trashmaniac
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Small Town Troubles
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert POV

"Run for your life!"

"Somepony save my foal!"

"Screw our kid! There's a demon sent to punish us for... something, something evil!"

Watching those ponies lose their minds and scream like banshees, I couldn't help but stand there, utterly dumbfounded by the chaos unfolding before me. I mean, sure, I might look a tad intimidating, but come on, not "leave-your-child-behind-and-save-your-own-skinned" kind of intimidating! Maybe I should make a run for it before they start throwing stones, but first, gotta figure out the era I'm stuck in.

I've narrowed it down to two possibilities. Option one: I'm in the oh-so-modern time of the show. That would be fantastic. Just avoid the stars of the show or risk getting a royal beatdown. Easy peasy. Worst-case scenario, I'll pack my bags and move to another country. Simple enough.

Option two: I've been flung into the past, and any moment now, Celestia and Luna will magically appear to rainbows-and-sunshine-blast me into a garden ornament for no apparent reason. Maybe I have the honor of being the inspiration behind Nightmare Moon's creation? If that's the case, might as well start thinking about cool poses to strike when I'm transformed into stone. And hey, if I'm lucky, maybe Discord won't bother with his annoying telepathic chatter.

"Oh, wow. Are you all still running?" I mumbled, my eyebrow twitching as I observed the ponies sprinting around in an endless loop, blindly following the one in front, never realizing they're going nowhere. It'd be hilarious if it weren't for the fact that they'll likely run to the princesses for help. Well, unless...

"Hey, my friendly shadow companion! Got something up your dark, gloomy sleeve to calm down these panicked ponies?" A blob of darkness extended, enveloping the ponies in a shrinking dome of doom.

"Oh, crap! I mean, no harm, no pain," I quickly clarified, not eager to give Celestia any more reason to despise me. Two sparkling white eyes appeared on the dome, giving me the deadpan stare of the century. I rolled my eyes in response and raised my hand to signal the darkness to retreat to its shadowy sanctuary.

"Now, my dear shadow pal, a gentle sleep spell should do the trick," I suggested, sensing the reluctant agreement from my inky companion. The feeling of numbness crept through my fingertips as strands of black magic slithered down my arm. The freezing touch of shadow magic sent a shiver down my spine.

Raising my hand, I channeled my inner Sith Lord and unleashed bolts of dark magic that rendered the ponies unconscious in the blink of an eye. I couldn't help but form a smug smirk on my face. Ah, magic... what a delightfully convenient cheat code in the game of life.



"Remember, keep it confined to the town. Let's not attract too much attention, my faithful friend," I cautioned.

With that directive in place, I made my way towards the shopping district, while the shadows slithered away to find more unsuspecting townsponies.





Skylight POV

Up in the sky just above the town of Timberlake, a pegasus with a white coat and green mane stared down onto the town, bug-eyed and mouth agape.

"I've clearly been huffing too much cloud vapor," he snorted with amusement. Just as he was about to get back to his aromatic indulgence, his attention was grabbed by two mysterious black figures.

One of them contorts like a spring, while the other hops on top of it. They bounce higher and higher, reaching a cloud that happened to be lower than the rest. And wouldn't you know it, suddenly, that cloud turns into a gloomy nightmare and spews forth a menacing bolt of dark energy. They proceed to repeat this process, moving closer and closer to the flustered pegasus, who was now teetering on the edge of a full-blown panic attack.

"What the hell? Have I stumbled upon a circus act from the underworld?" the pegasus bellowed in a mix of fear and disbelief, questioning the strange abilities of these shadowy creatures.

For a fleeting moment, the pegasus considers making a swift exit, but alas, before they could make their grand escape, a sinister bolt of energy takes aim at them. The pegasus frantically attempts to dodge but is met with a direct hit. A hauntingly shrill whistle accompanies their unplanned and utterly chaotic descent towards the unforgiving ground.

With a bone-jarring thud and a sickening snap, the pegasus crash-lands with a resounding impact. The world around them falls eerily silent. In a feeble attempt to seek help, the pegasus strains to lift their head, but the numbness and coldness overtaking their body render any cries for assistance futile.





Robert POV

I pulled out the map from the abyss engulfing my body and took a gander at the minuscule country of Equestria. Well, now I have a vague idea of the lay of the land.

Maybe the other species in this world will be more laid-back. That's usually how it goes in stories when ponies freak out this much from the get-go.

Glancing at a nearby shop window, I spotted a human version of the Pony of Shadows. Yeah, real creative naming there, guys. The only noticeable difference was the addition of two demonic horns in place of a unicorn's. Real edgy.

I also discovered that I have the power to feed off fear for energy or sustenance. So, I could just jump-scare a pony for a quick meal or power boost. I was half-tempted to wake them all up just to give them a good scare, but the fear from earlier should suffice for now. Maybe I'll steer clear of the Dragon Lands. I think they're resistant to magic. Zebras are too mysterious, and Griffons are just more obnoxious versions of ponies without magic. The Minotaur Lands sound enticing. Wouldn't mind getting buffed up a bit.

I tried flexing, but ended up looking like a poorly drawn stick figure. Eh, it's better than nothing. But hey, Equestria is probably the most likely place to have objects or spells that can transport me across dimensions. "Ah, got it! In the show, I think the Pony of Shadows had some evil lair that gave him more power or something. Hey, shadow buddy, can you show me where that lair is?"

...

"Oh, right. When he's busy casting spells, he tends to tunnel vision. It might take him a while. Well, I guess I can find a library or a bookstore. They might have a magic book or bestiary. Now that I think about it, the wildlife and diseases in this world are pretty bizarre. Like a disease that turns you into a tree or a random-effect flower in the Everfree Forest.

Who knows what else is out there? What if there's something that can cure or remove the shadow from me? *Gasp!* What if there's a plant that makes your you-know-what fall off?!"

With that horrifying thought lingering in my mind, I sprinted as fast as I could towards the nearest store that even remotely resembled a haven for books.





Puck and Bill POV

"Um, Boss, how did dis Pegasus kick da bucket like dis?" said the small Diamond Dog as he prodded the lifeless pony with a stick, causing dark sparks to fly off with each poke. "And why's it sparkin' like dat?"

Bill, a hulking Diamond Dog, glanced at the small crater caused by the fall. The pony's head was twisted at an unnatural angle, probably due to the impact. But it would take quite a fall for a Pegasus to meet its maker. Pegasi magic usually keeps them safe.

"I can't rightly say, but somethin's off 'bout dis place now. We should let da guards know."

Puck raised an eyebrow. "Why bother tellin' dem ponies? Dey'll just blame it on us, we know it."

"'Cause whatever's responsible for dis pony's demise ain't gonna stop there. It's comin' for us next, I reckon. Our den ain't too far from here."

With that, the two Diamond Dogs made their way to the nearest guard station.





Robert POV

Okay, here's the good news: most things won't mess with your private parts. Bad news: we're in the good ol' Equestria, post-King Sombra's defeat and pre-Nightmare Moon. Great, just great. After Luna's little mental breakdown, it should be smooth sailing from there. Nothing interesting should happen for the next thousand years, and by that time, I'll be long gone.

I reclined in my chair, eagerly anticipating the events yet to unfold. Oh, who knows, maybe Sombra left behind some dark magic. My little buddy here could absorb it and power up, hehe.

Taking a moment to relax, I suddenly realized that the room seemed darker than I remembered. What time was it anyway? Early afternoon?

I craned my neck towards the windows, only to witness the sun sinking below the horizon, casting a soft orange glow across the land. My eyes nearly popped out of my skull as I jumped out of my seat.



"Hold on a damn minute! Why the hell am I still here?! I already have everything I need. Unless... No, no, no, I'm just overthinking it. Time to get the hell out of here. Buddy, get your ass over here!" I commanded, hastily gathering a few books and useful items I had come across.

Within minutes, I had collected everything I wanted and made my way to the town square, where we had first arrived.

Ponies were still lying around, waiting for the spell to be lifted. I should probably undo that at some point. "Buddy, you done?"

"Hiss."

"I'll take that as a yes." I noticed a few wisps of shadow magic slithering from building to building, converging towards our extraction point.

There was a lingering sense of impending doom, as if unseen eyes were watching me from the shadows, not my own. The Night Princess? Nah, she's way too full of herself to lurk in the shadows and spy on me. Her sister, perhaps? Nah, she prefers making grand entrances. Maybe the guards?

I could feel my heightened senses kicking in as a flicker of movement captured my attention within one of the numerous alleyways surrounding the Town square. A mysterious figure, so small, yet with constant, concealed movements. They were breathing, their presence hidden in the veil of darkness.

The setting sun cast an eerie orange glow, creating an atmosphere of obscure shadows that enveloped the alleys. The darkness within those narrow passages felt different, almost unnatural. It seemed like a solid black wall, blocking any hints of what hid within. Whoever lurked behind it had to be connected to the princess. It didn't add up. The guards were usually more straightforward in their approach to dealing with crime.

As I glanced up, the sun finally sunk below the horizon, relinquishing its place to the ascending moon. The moonlight accentuated the sinister vibe, casting elongated shadows and revealing only fragments of the surrounding area. It was as if the night itself was aiding in keeping secrets hidden.
> Chapter 2: Veiled Shadows
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steelwing POV

In the dimly lit guard station, Steelwing furrowed her brow as she leaned against the counter. Her piercing gaze fell upon the two Diamond dogs before her, their expressions a mix of anxiety and urgency.

"So, if I understand correctly," Captain Steelwing began, her voice tinged with a touch of skepticism, "you're saying that a Pegasus was brutally murdered near the outskirts of Timberlake?"

Bill, the larger of the two Diamond dogs, nodded solemnly. "Yeah, this here ain't your run-of-the-mill crime. The wretched Pegasus was coated in some wicked dark magic, like a shadow devourin' his very soul. We stumbled upon his lifeless form in a deep crater, just beyond the unkempt edges of this here town."

Captain Steelwing raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with intrigue. "And your names, for the official records?"

Puck and Bill exchanged glances before introducing themselves. "I'm Puck, and this here is my pal, Bill."

"Understood, Puck and Bill," Captain Steelwing acknowledged, her tone steady. "So, if I'm piecing this together correctly, you believe that there's a sinister mage lurking in the vicinity of Timberlake?"

Both Diamond dogs nodded in agreement.

Slightly apprehensive, Captain Steelwing continued her inquiry. "During your time outside of the town, did you happen to witness any other individuals or overhear any peculiar sounds?"

Puck and Bill exchanged another glance before shaking their heads 'no' in unison, the concern evident in their eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Captain Steelwing pondered the situation. The weight of responsibility settled heavily upon her sturdy frame as she contemplated the implications of such a horrifying crime. She straightened her posture, her voice calm yet resolute.

"I appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention. I strongly advise your den to remain vigilant over the next few days. In the meantime, we will dispatch a team of guards who specialize in handling dark magic cases. They should arrive within the hour. Please, remain calm and stay safe."

A mixture of relief and trepidation washed over Puck and Bill as they departed from the guard station, their minds filled with haunting images.

Letting out a tired sigh, Steelwing knew that the situation was bound to escalate. She made plans to deploy a team of guards trained in dark magic protocol, anticipating potential backlash from the Day guard for letting such a significant task slip by. "It's better to face the challenge head-on now than later." She muttered.





Starrise, an elegant unicorn with a dark blue mane that partially covers her face and light gray fur, became engrossed in her magical theory textbook. With a focused gaze, she flipped through the pages, seeking knowledge and inspiration. Nightglider, a batpony with dark purple fur and a black mane highlighted with neon purple, sat nearby, sketching in her well-used pad of paper. Occasionally, she would glance up at Starrise, who remained mesmerized by her spellbook adorned with an illustration of the sun and moon.

In another corner of the room, Shadowstrike, a unicorn with a cotton candy blue mane, dark blue fur, and round glasses, stood surrounded by his work area, centered around a flag depicting Princess Luna's emblem. Immersed in an ancient tome, his keen eyes scanned the pages, murmuring softly to himself in search of hidden knowledge.

Frostbite, a large Earth pony with an ice blue mane and silver fur, had just finished polishing his armor. Leaning against the foot of his bed, his gaze wandered aimlessly out of the window, lost in contemplation.



Interrupting the peaceful silence, Nightglider cheerfully broke the concentration of her comrades. "Hey, Glider, what are you drawing there? It looks like some sort of bird," she remarked, her curiosity piqued.

Nightglider adjusted her dark purple wings and playfully flipped back her short mane. "Oh, it's just a doodle. You know me, always needing to keep my hooves busy," she chuckled in response.

Starrise furrowed her brow in frustration, grappling with a challenging spell. "I just can't seem to get this incantation right. It's been giving me so much trouble," she confessed, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Ever observant, Shadowstrike approached Starrise's bed, offering his assistance. He examined the intricate arcane symbols in her book and provided guidance. "Ah, I see where you're going wrong. The emphasis needs to be evenly distributed throughout the incantation, rather than solely on the second syllable," he advised.

Grateful, Starrise smiled appreciatively and sincerely thanked him for his help.

Breaking the momentary lull, Frostbite shared intriguing news he had gathered from the mess hall. "I overheard some rumors about upcoming missions. It appears that significant tasks await us in the near future," he revealed.

Intrigued, Nightglider leaned in with enthusiasm. "Really? Do we have any idea what these missions might entail?" she asked eagerly, her anticipation palpable.

Frostbite shrugged in response. "Not sure yet, but I believe they might involve Princess Luna and the increasing presence of Warlords in Equestria," he explained to the group.

Silence enveloped the room as each team member contemplated Fighting a warlord. Nightglider absentmindedly chewed on her pencil, her gaze fixated on a distant point. Shadowstrike carefully closed his ancient tome, fully absorbing the gravity of their united front. Starrise's determination filled her being, her mind buzzing with new spells and ideas in preparation for the upcoming challenges. Frostbite, still leaning against the window, remained lost in profound thought.

A knock on the door grabbed their attention, and a feminine voice inquired, "Excuse me, is this unit 401 of the Night Guard?"

Frostbite quickly reacted, stomping his hoof to signal his team to prepare. They jumped into formation while he made his way to answer the door.

In the meantime, Starrise swiftly utilized her magic to tidy up her bed and neatly stow away her books. Nightglider hovered in the air, sliding her hidden book beneath her bedcovers with a touch of speed. As she joined the formation, she shot Shadowstrike a perplexed look when he stopped and stared at her. She blinked in surprise as he plucked a number 2 pencil from her mane. She couldn't help but give him an embarrassed shrug before stashing it away.

With everyone in formation and ready, Frostbite turned the doorknob to reveal Miss Steelwing standing before them. She stood there in her work dress, her mane styled in a bun, as she scanned the group with a raised eyebrow. "Well, are you going to invite me in?" she asked, her voice expectant.

Frostbite's stoic expression shattered like glass, his eyes widening as he stumbled over his words. "Oh, yes, of course. Come in. Please forgive my lack of manners," he stammered.

Steelwing nodded, entering the room and clearing her throat. "I'll get straight to the point. I need a team of guards well-versed in Dark Magic Protocols for an urgent mission. But before I provide any details, I need to determine if you all are available and meet the basic requirements, such as studying and passing the D.M.P. test," She explained calmly and professionally, adjusting her collar where the red gem shimmered at its center.

Shadowstrike stepped forward, taking a moment to straighten his glasses before asserting, "Miss Steelwing, all members of Unit 401 have passed the D.M.P. test even before our deployment here. In fact, it is our unit's specialty. I was top of my class in research and decryption of dark arts, if I may say so myself."

Starrise's ears perked up, an excited grin spreading across her face as she chimed in, "And I achieved the best in class for casting and negating spells of the dark arts! Uh, I mean, not to brag or anything..."

Nightglider stood a bit taller, despite being the shortest pony in the room. Her voice filled with pride as she explained her achievements, "I, Nightglider, achieved the top position in my class for recon and air combat in the D.M.P. and guards training."

Frostbite took this as his cue to speak, maintaining an even tone as he introduced himself, "I'm Frostbite. I served over a year in the Crystal Wars and currently hold the position of senior overseer for Unit 401, Night Guard. I completed the D.M.P a few years ago when it was first introduced."

Steel nodded, pulling out a clipboard to check a few things before asking, "Good to know that you meet the necessary requirements. How long will it take for all of you to deploy?"

The unit exchanged confused looks before giving their replies.

"Only a few minutes," Shadowstrike answered matter-of-factly.

"Um, whenever you're ready?" Starrise replied uncertainly, tilting her head curiously.

"Right freaking now! I'm ready to kick some baddie butt!" Nightglider exclaimed with excitement, soaring up and punching the air.

"Immediately," Frostbite stated, standing at attention.

Steelwing gave them a once-over, raising her eyebrow as if contemplating something before saying, "I'll give you all 15 minutes to get ready and meet me in my office. I'll provide you with the rundown there." With that, she turned around and left. The moment she did, everyone deflated, feeling the stress of the unexpectedly intense visit from their superior dissipate like a weight lifted off their shoulders.

As Steelwing strode along, she noticed a slight disruption in her gait—a static shock emanated from the precious gem adorning her collar, indicating an incoming call. Eager for seclusion, she swiftly toggled it into telepathic mode before responding.

Maintaining her composure, Steelwing greeted the caller in an unwavering tone, skillfully masking her annoyance. "Greetings, this is Steelwing. How may I be of service to you?"

The gruff voice on the other end replied with a composed air, its familiarity enough to identify the individual. "Ah, Miss Steelwing, always a pleasure. Have you engaged in dialogue with the unit I endorse?"

Steelwing couldn't help but furrow her brow, her professional demeanor undisturbed as she responded with a tinge of apprehension. "Indeed, though I must confess that I believe a more seasoned unit would have been a suitable choice. They appear rather inexperienced for this particular mission."

She could almost envision the dismissive eyeroll in his reply, as he spoke with an undertone of calm self-assurance. "Do refrain from melodrama. Even conjurers of dark magic are seldom lethal. They possess a soldier from the Crystal Wars; they shall fare adequately. Moreover, it is merely a mission of reconnaissance. In the event of grave circumstances, I solemnly pledge to dispatch reinforcements. I swear upon my father's tomb," he reassured her with an eloquent, honeyed tone that sent shivers down Steelwing's spine.

Steelwing released a defeated exhale. "Very well. Should any harm befall them, you shall bear the responsibility," she declared, casting him a penetrating glare—albeit futile, as he remained unaware of her visual display.

"And my heart shall weep inconsolably for their misfortune, assuredly. Nevertheless, I have pressing matters to attend to—a prospective investor has expressed interest in one of my new creations for his expeditions. Farewell," he concluded, terminating the call. Steelwing stepped into her office, feeling more drained than ever before.

But as usual, she didn't get much time to rest as she heard hoofsteps approaching her door. She quickly composed herself, grabbing her compressor and sitting up in a professional manner. Using her magic, she opened the door, revealing Frostbite with a hoof outstretched, seemingly ready to knock. He had a confused expression on his face, followed by the rest of the team entering the office behind him.

Steelwing looked surprised. "I didn't expect you all to be here this early. Color me impressed," she said with a small smirk.

Shadowstrike raised an eyebrow and began to speak, but Nightglider swiftly covered his mouth and gave him a stern look.

"Nope, we're 100% on ti- early, yeah, early," Nightglider quickly interjected, glancing around as if expecting someone to challenge her statement.

Starrise cleared her throat to gather everyone's attention. "Well, now that we're all here, can you please tell us what's going on?" she politely asked.

Steelwing shifted her attention from Nightglider to Starrise and nodded. "Of course. A murder occurred in Timberlake about an hour ago. The body had some type of dark magic attached to it, possibly made of dark shadows or tar. Your job is to investigate the body, determine the type of magic used, and assess the state of the township. None of our letters have been returned, and witnesses haven't seen or heard anything from the town."

The unit grew more serious as Steelwing explained the mission. Murders were uncommon but not unheard of, usually having some sort of motive like revenge, power struggles, or involvement with cultists from the Crystal Wars.

Frostbite was the first to speak up, his tone barely hiding his frustration. "What type of user are we dealing with? Just a regular murderer or a cultist performing sacrifices?"

Steelwing shrugged and replied, "I don't know yet. We only have one confirmed death so far. The individual fell off a cloud, snapping their neck, but the body was left untouched. We're unsure about the rest of the town."

Frostbite nodded with disappointment. "I see. So we really are in the dark with this one."

"I'm afraid so. Here's a map with Timberlake marked in red. You are not to engage with the mage under any circumstances, understood?" Steelwing asked in a stern tone.

The unit hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded in agreement. Steelwing nodded back and motioned for them to proceed. "Remember, your objective is to gather information, nothing more or less. Now, get to it."

The unit left the office, ready to make their way to Timberlake and carry out their mission.
> Chapter 3: Nighttime Deal's
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Goldiethine and Evergore POV

The streets of Canterlot were softly illuminated by the glow of streetlights, accompanied by the gentle symphony of crickets. Most ponies were either fast asleep or toiling away at this late hour, creating a sense of cherished privacy and solace.

Strolling down the cobblestone pathway were two unicorns, one with alabaster fur and eyes gleaming like liquid gold, his ebony mane in stark contrast to his coat in the warm glow of the lamplight. He sported a slight stubble on his face, with a small chunk missing from his right ear, dressed regally in the captivating crimson robes befitting nobility. The other pony possessed a pale azure hue to his fur and a luxurious golden mane, donning a crisp white shirt accentuated by a brown waistcoat. His right eye concealed beneath a prophetic golden ocular device with a crimson optic, adorning his head a morion helmet adorned with a pristine white feather.



"Ah, the benevolent goddesses have graced us with yet another flawless nocturne, would you concur, Goldiethine?" The white unicorn uttered, his tone saturated with calm appreciation as he relished the tranquil evening air.

"Indeed, mi companion. But dere's no need to address me by name. Or, should we abandon formalities for dis casual rendezvous between de two of us?" Goldiethine replied, raising a quizzical eyebrow as he contemplated.

"I suppose you hold merit in your words. Please accept my sincerest apologies. However, I regret to inform you that the subject matter I wished to discuss exceeds the realms of business, as it ventures into something far more...personal," Evergore confessed, his voice tapering off into quiet anticipation as he awaited Goldiethine's reaction.

Goldiethine narrowed his eyes, his expression growing pensive as he processed Evergore's cryptic statement. "If you're referring to mi hunts, I regret to inform you dat I won't give dem up, not even for you, mi old friend," he declared, a tinge of firmness seeping into his voice as his narrowed gaze locked with Evergore's composed look.

A dismissive roll of the eyes accompanied Evergore's response to Goldiethine's adamant stance. "Oh, pardon me, but I pay no heed to your hunts, nor to the elements that might be deemed...barbaric. On the contrary, I am keen to support your endeavors on a hunt," he stated, his saccharine smile emitting an undertone of sickly sweetness.

Goldiethine's features contorted into a perplexed expression as he struggled to grasp de true intent behind Evergore's enigmatic words. "I apologize, but it's hard to believe dat you would associate yourself with me or join me on mi hunts. So, what's your game?" he inquired, suspicion lacing his voice.

Evergore merely shrugged, a gesture betraying surrender. "Well, at this very moment, naturally! However, if you wish to partake in this venture, I require two things that would prove mutually beneficial. Firstly, I beseech your aid in ridding a vexatious D.M.U. that plagues a nearby township. Secondly, I possess a collection of newly fashioned weaponry yearning for a true trial in combat to substantiate their efficacy," he explained, a mischievous smile stretching across his visage.

Goldiethine's organic eye widened, his pupil dilating as a smile of genuine excitement threatened to burst forth. "A D.M.U., you say? And when were you planning to inform me of dis?!" his voice quivered with palpable enthusiasm.

"Why, this very moment, of course! But should you choose to partake, all you need do is lead a team of my ponies in this endeavor. They will be entrusted to manage the weaponry, ensuring its resilience, and record valuable data. As for you, my dear friend, you shall be given free rein to unleash your exceptional skills upon the D.M.U., to indulge your heart's deepest desires, akin to our illustrious bygone days," Evergore elucidated, a wicked smile curling across his face.

Goldiethine not only mirrored Evergore's smile, but surpassed it, his own expression bordering on sheer madness. "Ah, just like de old days. Just like de old days indeed," he exclaimed.





Unit 401 POV

Shadowstrike adjusted his glasses, the pale purple robes he wore rustling softly as they made their way down the dirt trail. The evening air felt cold, and occasionally the chirping of birds and the scuttling of animals broke the silence. The trail was flanked by trees, creating a corridor-like atmosphere that made Shadowstrike feel a sense of claustrophobia. Glancing to his right, he saw Starrise, dressed in her purple robes with gold trim, engrossed in one of her spell books adorned with a symbol of the sun. Breaking his gaze, he turned to Frostbite, who wore heavy steel armor and seemed somewhat off ever since they received information about the D.U.M in Timberlake. Frostbite had been acting differently, detached and lost in thought. It unsettled Shadowstrike.

"Hey, uh, Frostbite, you seem a little... distracted. Is there something on your mind?" Shadowstrike asked nervously, adjusting his saddlebags as his batwings twitched.

Frostbite remained silent, offering no response or acknowledgement. Starrise, growing more concerned, spoke up. Frostbite's strange behavior was starting to worry her.

"Frostbite, you haven't been yourself since we left the guard's station. Are you sure you're up for this mission?" she inquired, her voice filled with worry for their most experienced member's ability to fight at his best.

Letting out a sigh, Frostbite nodded, his armor producing faint clanking sounds. "Yeah, it's just... I've encountered the D.M.U during the Crystal Wars. They were violent, insane, and driven by impulse. Powerful in magic, but weak in mind and will," Frostbite explained, his gaze distant.

Starrise furrowed her brow in confusion. "So why are you acting so strangely?"

"The most dangerous ones I've encountered were the ones who retained some semblance of sanity. And this D.M.U we're up against seems to possess enough rationality to avoid immediately slaying the town's ponies. I fear we may be in for some trouble," Frostbite responded, his gaze distant and troubled.

Before Shadowstrike could voice his idea, Nightglider swooped down in front of them, looking visibly tired yet composed.

"I've scouted the town and discovered the victim near the outskirts of Timberlake. However, it appears that most of the townsponies have congregated in the town center, covered in the same black darkness as the pegasus. They're motionless, sir," Nightglider reported, her voice tinged with fear.

Frostbite took a deep breath, his determination solidifying as he focused his gaze on the direction of the town. "We'll investigate the pegasus corpse first. Starrise, scan it for any body and mind-altering spells. Nightstrike, determine the type of dark magic involved. And Nightglider, keep watch over the townsponies in case anything happens."

The team nodded in agreement, resolving to carry out their assigned tasks. Setting off towards the town, they left a trail of dust in their wake, accompanied by the echoing sound of clanking armor and billowing robes. The shadows from the nearby woods seemed to grow darker.

It didn't take long for the trees to thin out, revealing stumps and cut-down trees along the way. Soon enough, all the trees they passed were felled, granting them a clear view of the town. Dark clouds covered the sky, with the lake serving as a creepy backdrop to the town filled with wooden houses and stone streets. The sawmill sat just on the outskirts of the town.

As they walked, the sound of hooves on dirt transformed into the sound of hooves hitting the stone path of the town. The wind grew stronger without the trees to block its path, causing them to squint their eyes, except for Nightglider. Passing a billboard that read "Welcome to the Township of Timberlake," they continued on.

Frostbite observed the gathering dark clouds, noticing a couple of spots where they were amassing. One was near the outskirts of the town, ahead of them. If they continued straight, they would run into it. Another gathering was somewhere around the middle of the town, he guessed. Not far away, there was another smaller cluster of dark clouds. Glancing back at Nightglider, who was dressed in her leather armor adorned with hoof blades, "Where did you say the body was?" Frostbite asked with caution

Nightglider looked back at him, then to the nearest gathering of clouds, and finally back at him. "Just under the nearest patch of clouds, sir, but I don't remember those clouds being there?" she replied with weariness in her voice.

Shadowstrike peered at the gathering clouds, pulling out an old tome as black as coal with a bone skull of a pony on its front cover. He flipped through its pages and then looked back at the clouds, finally stopping on a particular page and placing his hoof on it. "I believe this is a form of Skyward Tethering, similar to the ones used in the Battle for the Pegasus Pinnacle. Starrise, I assume you have more knowledge on how that spell works than I do."



Nodding her head, Starrise fixed her gaze on the darkened clouds, black thunderbolts shooting out of them while a tar-like magic swirled around, obscuring their whiteness. "Well, I believe it's Tempest Cloudbind, but the magic surrounding it is peculiar. It appears more like tar than traditional magic." She expressed her confusion about the anomaly but quickly dismissed it, continuing. "However, dark magic tends to bring about unusual phenomena. But don't worry, I have just the solution."

With flames emanating from her horn, Starrise conjured a ball of light that ascended into the cloud's dark depths before vanishing. The team stood there for a few moments, waiting for something to happen. Nightglider tilted her head, her ears flopping, and her half-lidded eyes expressing curiosity. Her tail swayed back and forth, as if keeping track of time. Noticing that her fellow teammates remained silent, she decided to speak up. "So, was that supposed to do something...?" Before Nightglider could finish her sentence, the cloud erupted in flames, bolts of lightning striking down, and the tar-like substance transforming into smoke, restoring the cloud to its pure white state.

"Well, it was supposed to work faster," Starrise explained, her voice tinged with disappointment as her gaze fell upon the spot where the black lightning had struck. "Seems like this dark magic is tougher to handle than we anticipated."

Frostbite nodded, his expression growing colder as he approached the crime scene, now that the dark magic had been temporarily neutralized. "Indeed, a spell from the princesses should have been more than sufficient... this D.M.U. character seems to have some experience," he muttered under his breath, his eyes hardened.

Nightglider zoomed past Starrise and Frostbite, her swift movements drawing their attention. She aimed straight for the motionless figure a few meters away, surrounded by dispersing black bolts that dissipated with faint hissing sounds. She quickly gestured towards the crater, then took off again, flying low to the ground to watch over the other ponies she had spotted. This precaution was taken in case more ominous clouds appeared.

They quickened their pace as Starrise began to charge up a detection spell and prepared a few dispelling spells in her mind. Shadowstrike had his tome out, flipping to the chapter on enchantment spells and charms, while Frostbite pulled out his war hammer, its steel shining in the light as the head of it glowed with a frosty aura. They wasted no time and immediately got to work.

Starrise cast her detection spell, searching for anything familiar. She sensed a spell that seemed familiar, like a sleep spell, but there was another one that she couldn't quite grasp. Meanwhile, Shadowstrike, using his keen perception, realized that this was a type of command spell, working semi-independently from the original caster, making it impossible to track through it. However, it seemed that the spell had already achieved part of its command, as it lay dormant, waiting. Shadowstrike retrieved a vial from his bag and carefully collected some of the tar that covered the pegasus, sealing it within the vial.

"So," Shadowstrike began, getting back on his feet and dusting off his cloak. "It seems that this is a type of command spell," he said, gazing at the tar momentarily before looking away as the pegasus's appearance deteriorated, tar leaking from its eyes and mouth, causing him to feel queasy for a moment. He quickly regained his composure.

"Indeed," Starrise replied, with closed eyes, trying not to make the same mistake as her friend. "Its command seems to be to spread a sleep spell over the town, and there's another spell, or at least I think it's a spell. I haven't been able to gather much information on it." She spoke with a hint of annoyance.

Shadowstrike nodded. "Yes, command spells can work independently from their host. I remember they were used a few times to heal groups of guards and civilians during the changeling raids. However, even with the spell's assistance, having your love drained and your home destroyed leaves one mentally drained."

Starrise's eyes widened as she pondered on it further. "Wait, how did this D.M.U even know about command spells? I thought they haven't been declassified to the public yet," she said, expressing her confusion.

Shadowstrike shrugged indifferently. "It was probably a disgruntled ex-guard, if I were to guess. They could have written down the spells they knew and sold them for some quick bits," he said, his tone filled with a hint of bitterness. Starrise frowned at the thought of a guard betraying their oath in such a way, causing her magic to momentarily flicker out in frustration.

The lightning bolts hissed as they attempted to escape, fading away a few feet from the body. The tar stayed in place, lazily swaying from side to side as it slowly consumed more of the pegasus. Witnessing the disturbing sight, Shadowstrike nodded at Starrise. "I believe we have gathered all the evidence we need," he said, gesturing towards the growing pit of tar.

Starrise grimly nodded in agreement. She conjured a ball of flame and threw it into the pit, but to her surprise, the celestial orange flames turned black upon contact with the tar. Undeterred, she continued to pour more flames into the pit until the tar dissolved completely, leaving only the scorched remains of the pegasus. Black smoke billowed into the sky, and Starrise let out a tired sigh.

Frostbite interjected, urging them to move away from the lingering smoke. "If you're finished, it's best to steer clear of that stuff now. We have other matters to attend to," he said, his tone brisk.

Starrise and Shadowstrike followed Frostbite as they made their way into the town, the sunset casting a beautiful orange glow over the horizon. The quaint wooden homes adorned with flowers and painted fences created a cozy atmosphere. Street lamps lined the streets, illuminating the path they walked. They headed towards the next cluster of clouds, searching for any sign of Nightglider in the sky, but found none. It wasn't until the moon reached its zenith, that they spotted Nightglider gliding towards the sawmill, knowing she would soon turn back to check on the civilians. Continuing on their path, they arrived at the town square, where dozens of ponies lay motionless. Occasional sparks of black bolts flickered in the air above them.

The town square revealed its surroundings, with houses forming a circle around the town hall at its center. Streets radiated from the square, intersecting to create an X-shaped pattern. Colorful flags hung between ropes, barely visible in the darkness of the night.

Frostbite, unconcerned with the details, made his way towards the civilians, followed closely by shadowstrike and Starrise, who felt a heightened sense of unease. The sounds of buildings settling filled the air, but they dismissed it as they focused on their mission. Despite the absence of tar, they found it more difficult than before to sense the magic. Shadowstrike searched through his tome, hoping to find any knowledge that could help, but to no avail. Frostbite kept his attention fixed on the civilians, missing the movement of the ropes above them.

Unbeknownst to them, the ropes slowly twisted and shifted into new positions, enclosing the group from above. One of the ropes descended slowly towards Frostbite, resembling a wriggling worm. As it reached his head level, a small segment broke off and entered his ear, while the rest of the rope quietly resumed its position among the others. When Frostbite turned around, another rope began its descent towards Starrise and shadowstrike, splitting into two as it neared the ground. Starrise shifted her position slightly, causing the rope entity to freeze momentarily before continuing its approach.

Shadowstrike, realizing their vulnerable position, closed his book and glanced into the red gems embedded in its skull. A slender, elongated shape descended between the images of himself and Starrise, pausing briefly when Starrise moved, but resuming its advance afterward. Observing this, shadowstrike softly chanted, summoning swords made of blue magic from the moonlight above. The blades swiftly severed the entity in half, causing it to fall to the ground with a resounding thud.

Startled by the noise, Starrise and Frostbite turned towards the source, only to find a writhing, shadow-like creature wriggling on the ground, emitting hissing sounds. They stared momentarily before the sound of creaking buildings echoed from all directions. Ropes descended from above, darkness cascading from rooftops, enveloping the group from all sides, prompting them to quickly assume battle formations.





Robert POV

I could hear the gentle sounds of flowing water and smell the fresh scent of cut wood in the night air. The moon, stars, and clouds tried to catch my attention, but I remained focused on devising a plan. The empty streets were filled with shadows, and even though I felt like someone or something was watching me, I couldn't see anything in the darkness.

I needed to leave the area quickly and quietly, not wanting to attract any attention. My faithful companion, who was small and brave, might be tempted to confront any potential danger. However, I wasn't willing to engage with whatever lurked in the shadows, be it a pony or a monster. I decided it would be best to escape without raising any suspicion.

Avoiding eye contact with the moon, which seemed to have halted its ascent, I proclaimed, "I'm going to the bathroom. Keep an eye out for me, buddy." I tried to sound serious as I spoke, hoping to maintain a sense of normalcy. Then, I swiftly turned the corner and made a beeline for the town's exit, which appeared to be located near the eerie and silent sawmill.

Despite the creepy and dark atmosphere surrounding the sawmill, I convinced myself that it was a safe bet to enter. After all, if it unnerved me, it was likely to deter any potential threats. It seemed like a foolish plan, but in my desperation, it was the best idea I had. So, I steeled myself, mustered my courage, and ventured into the unsettling and silent sawmill, hoping that my instincts were right.

Using the shadowy wings on my back, I ascended to the ceiling of the building and dug my claws into it for support. I waited patiently for the foreboding feeling to subside before making my move to leave the town for good. The town was quite exposed, as the surrounding trees had been cut down, offering clear visibility to anyone from afar. If there were ponies around, a pegasus would easily spot me.

Suddenly, I heard a soft thud coming from the roof just above me. My breath caught in my throat as I sensed approaching hoofsteps near the window on the second floor. A dark silhouette momentarily blocked the window before swiftly and silently opening it. It maneuvered into the shadows, but I could still make out its shape as a slightly lighter shade. It unfurled its bat-like wings and hovered, peering down onto the first floor. The sound of its wing beats was barely audible. 

I briefly contemplated wrapping my tail around its neck to incapacitate it, but then thought better of it. There could be other allies lurking about, hiding and waiting to strike. With that in mind, I slowly moved towards a corner of the sawmill, attempting to blend in with the shadows surrounding me. I squinted my eyes, disguising the whites, and retracted my tail and wings as much as possible, hoping to remain concealed and unnoticed.

Despite the darkness obscuring my vision, I could still make out the unmistakable shape of a pony, albeit one with bat-like wings. Could it be a changeling or some kind of intricate subspecies of pony? As it moved about, its yellow eyes scanned the darkness, searching for anything out of the ordinary, completely unaware of the dangers looming just above its head. With its ears perked up, it suddenly shot up into the air and swiftly exited through the window. The abrupt motion startled me, causing me to lose my grip on the ceiling and crash to the ground with a loud thud. The impact knocked the air out of my lungs and sent my already dim vision spinning into darkness.

After a few seconds, I managed to regain my bearings. Taking it as a signal to escape, I mimicked the strategy of the mysterious creature and swiftly flew out of the window, using the cover of the clouds to conceal my movements.





Unit 401, Nightglider POV

Nightglider soared above the darkened streets of Timberlake, following the devil-like creature as it swiftly made its way towards the town's outskirts. It moved with the speed of a Minotaur and possessed the agility of a griffin, effortlessly navigating through the streets, leaping over obstacles and making sharp turns.

She observed the creature with the keen eyes of a wyvern, biding her time, until it suddenly slowed down and fixated its gaze on the town's prominent sawmill. With a few eerie faces, it sprinted towards the building, disappearing from sight.

Acting swiftly, Nightglider landed on the mill's roof, treading cautiously to avoid making any noise. She approached a window, peering inside to find darkness, illuminated only by the faint glow of an open door, left ajar by the creature she had been tracking. Slipping through the window, she entered the mill, scanning the surroundings for any signs of the elusive being. Her ears twitched, attuned to the slightest disturbance, expecting a chilling gust of air that often accompanied dark magic. Yet, to her surprise, there was nothing.

Using her wings to glide silently above the first floor, she sought to gain the advantage over her quarry. But before she could explore any further, a subtle shock reverberated through her senses, a signal from her team to regroup. They would only send such a signal if something significant had occurred. Mustering her speed, Nightglider swiftly exited through the same window she had entered, intent on reuniting with her comrades.

Nightglider swiftly returned to her team, narrowly evading a menacing dark tentacle in the process. She maneuvered skillfully, dodging more incoming attacks, until one of them grazed her wing, causing her to land abruptly. Despite the impact, she quickly regained her balance and addressed her teammates.

"We should regroup and leave, Shadowstrike, you get Starrise, and I'll assist Frostbite," Nightglider instructed, her voice filled with determination. However, before Shadowstrike could respond, Frostbite interjected, voicing a different perspective. "No, cancel that plan. There are still civilians here; we must protect them from this creature."

The shadows seemed to respond to Frostbite's words, growing more aggressive and ferocious in their assault. Nightglider surveyed her teammates and saw the agreement in the eyes of Shadowstrike and Starrise, causing her to release a sigh.

"Alright, I'm the fastest among us, so I'll evacuate the civilians to a safer location. The rest of you hold your ground and keep these creatures distracted," Nightglider declared with conviction.

Shadowstrike raised an eyebrow, questioning her decision. "Shouldn't I assist you? I can fly and help carry some of the ponies."

Nightglider shook her head resolutely. "They'll need you here. If any of us go down, you'll be crucial in dealing with the bulk of these creatures. Stay focused and stay strong."

Nightglider turned to Starrise, her voice filled with determination. "Star, I'll need you to use your solar flame to give me a head start. Do you have enough energy for it?" she asked, her uncertainty evident.

Starrise's eyes hardened as she nodded, her horn glowing brightly as she turned towards the encircling mass of shadows. With a powerful shout, she exclaimed, "Let the light of Celestia burn the wicked!" Flames erupted from her horn, illuminating the entire town in a blinding blaze. The shadows recoiled, their forms wavering and hissing in pain as if the flames were searing their very essence.

Capitalizing on the moment, Nightglider wasted no time and soared towards her intended targets, her speed reaching an astonishing velocity.

Shadowstrike chanted rhythmically, causing ethereal swords to materialize from the moonlit air. With a swift motion, he launched them towards the dark horde, piercing through their ranks. The screeching of the injured shadows intensified, their very existence threatened by the empowering swords.

Meanwhile, Starrise manipulated her magic, molding the flames into fiery balls of destruction. The shadows that dared to step into the radiant light were met with searing flames, their forms consumed by the inferno.

Frostbite, agile and precise, darted in and out of the shadows' grasp, striking with his icy hammer and encasing the targeted spots with frost. The impact of his blows marked the enemy's vulnerable points, freezing their movements and weakening their darkened forms.



As the combined efforts of the team took hold, the shadows reluctantly retreated, their pride feeling the sting of defeat. They slinked away, their advantage diminishing... for now.

Shadowstrike's eyes held determination and focus. "Let's maintain the pressure and keep pushing them!"

Starrise's flames burned brighter, embodying her unwavering resolve. "We will not allow harm to befall the innocent. We stand strong!"

Frostbite's icy composure remained steadfast as he readied himself for the impending battle. "They will regret crossing our path. We shall ensure it!"





Robert POV

I lay on a cloud, my body ablaze with searing pain as a sudden burst of blinding light sent me hurtling out of the sky, my control over my own body lost in an instant. Crashing through the cloud, I plummeted to the unforgiving ground, creating a small crater upon impact. The air around me grew thick and hazy, obscuring my vision and further adding to my disorientation.

The excruciating pain mingled with a rising tide of anger, fueling my determination to push through the adversity. Miraculously, my bones remained intact despite the violent fall. "Ah, son of a bitch," I muttered, the pain slowly transforming into a mix of annoyance and fury.

Suddenly, the air was filled with agitated scratching sounds and a familiar hissing. Instinctively, my attention was drawn towards the source. It was him again, getting himself into trouble as always. I couldn't simply leave him to face the consequences alone, even though it would be so much easier for me. Reluctantly, I knew I had to intervene and save his ass. With the pain subsiding, I spread my wings and swiftly made my way towards the town, my shadowy form blurring in motion.
> Chapter 4: The Cavalry Has Arrived
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert POV

Lying on the straw roof of a house, I watched as my shadow buddy got his ass kicked by the pony guards as they pushed forward like a flood on a horde of ants. The town of Timberlake was in pretty bad shape, buildings were on fire, and the shadows were on a rampage. Only a few guards were left to deal with it. I almost felt insulted that they sent such a small force after me, as if I'm just a shadow demon thingy or whatever. I don't actually know what I am, but that's beside the point. Why the hell is it all going so smoothly? Eh, whatever. I better get down there and help out my pal. It looks like he's getting put into a corner.

I took a leap off the building I was on and landed behind the group of guards, using my wings to silently land. I quickly pointed a finger at the biggest pony I saw in heavy steel armor and charged up for a blast of magic, causing white light to appear as a small white ball of magic.

My thoughts were interrupted as a sword made out of blue magic pierced the magic ball I was charging, causing an explosion that blocked my vision. When the smoke cleared up, I saw a pony with dark blue fur and a pair of glasses staring at me with surprise and defiance.

I raised my hand back up to shoot a magic beam, only to see that my hand was gone. Well, more like blown to shreds, with some bone held together by flesh. The shadows covering me soon went back over my mangled hand, and with the sound of bone and flesh snapping into place, it was back to its dark, shadowy, claw-like state.

“Well... That's new,” I muttered as I gazed back at the pony who caused such damage. He had a dozen swords armed and ready, pointed at me.

“And what the hell are you supposed to be?” ordered the blue unicorn.

“Just a guy looking around, taking in the scenery and whatnot. What about you? Are you some type of guard, or are you and your bunch just some adventurers stopping by?” I questioned back, slowly raising my arms.

“I'll be the one asking questions here, monster. Are you the one who started all of this?”

“Well, yeah,” I replied as I channeled magic into my horns, “but it's not like you'll get to see the end of it. So let's end this little conversation, shall we?”

My horns lit up instantly as I nodded my head to the side, sending the unicorn flying off and through a window, breaking it. Turning around, I was quickly sucker-punched in the face by a purple Pegasus, sending me flying backwards, crashing through a stone water fountain and caving in a wooden door a few dozen meters away.

Groaning, I felt my jaw go slack, unhinged from the impact of the Pegasus. "Ugh...,” I muttered.

“Whoa, that's one point for the good guys!” Nightglider cheered.

"Is Shadowstrike okay?" Starrise asked.

"Yeah, he's wai- oh, uh...” Nightglider trailed off before she bolted towards where Shadowstrike was sent.

I could feel my jaw forced back into place, and my vision stopped spinning as I got up, dusting myself off. Those ponies hit a lot harder than I thought they could. Looking up, I saw the Pegasus fly into the building that I threw the other one into. With a snap of my fingers, I used my magic to collapse the house and turned my attention to the last two ponies.

"Okay, I'm going to give y'all one chance to give up-"

My words were cut off once again as a ball of fire was sent flying towards me, causing me to smirk as I held out my hand and caught it like a baseball. My smirk quickly died when the fire engulfed my arm and spread across my body, causing me to panic and drop to the ground, rolling around.

"OH WHAT THE HELL!"

"humph, that will teach you not to mess with Equestria guards, Demon," Starrise said as she charged another celestial fireball.

"S-star..." an old voice spoke before a metal hammer slammed onto her head, encasing it in ice, causing her to fall to the ground with a loud thud. Soon after, the fire that engulfed me faded away, allowing me to catch my breath and look around.

"What the hell happened?" I muttered.

The pony in the heavy suit of armor seemed to have tar leaking out of his visor as he stood there like a zombie. Looking behind him, I saw that my buddy was regrouping with the remaining shadows.

"Hey bud, what the hell happened with this one!?" I yelled over to him as the pony fell to the ground unconscious.

I received no response. Instead, he merged back into one and transformed into his original shadow snake form, slithering towards me.

"Uh-huh, whatever. We don't have time for this. We gotta get out of here before more guards arrive," I said with a sigh, not wanting to mess around with this mess anymore.

We both sprinted towards the north side of the village and into the forest, intending to stay out of sight under the cover of the night.





Goldiethine POV

In the outskirts of Canterlot, a group of ponies dressed in golden armor and red cloaks stood in a dimly lit warehouse. There were four of them, anxiously awaiting their new leader, who was supposed to command them. In the center of the group, a wooden crate held a weapon, ready to be used. The echoing sounds and dim lighting of the warehouse heightened their unease.



One of the younger guards looked around nervously, his forehead sweaty. Trying to distract himself, he voiced his thoughts. "Is it true that Goldiethine, The Goldiethine, will be leading us?" His voice wavered slightly.

An older guard, who seemed more composed, took a shaky breath before responding. "Yes... We're being deployed under his command."

The other two guards nodded silently, sharing the same thoughts, but remained quiet in their statuesque stance.

The young soldier furrowed his brow, contemplating the implications of their mission. "So, this trophy hunter is going to lead us on a D.M.U hunt with one of the Lord's experiments, huh? And here I thought I was moving up in life."

"Hey, kid, that's just how it works. The better you are at following orders and doing your job, the more difficult assignments you'll get," the older soldier stated with a knowing expression. "But remember, even if this guy is a little crazy, he's still a comrade-in-arms with the boss. Just act like a golem, do as you're told, and everything will be fine."

The younger soldier nodded, wiping the sweat off his brow as he tried to compose himself and return to his stoic state. Soon enough, the pony they were waiting for walked in. His smile seemed forced, just like the words that followed.

"It's good to see you all here... Quite fantastic, truly," he said, his smile still plastered on his face as his eyebrows furrowed with obvious disdain. He then made a sudden gesture with his hooves, causing the soldiers to jump in surprise. "Alright, first things first. Do not activate that weapon until I've had my chance at the D.M.U, got it? If anyone dares to activate it prematurely, I'll tear off your balls and send them to your families. Second, if anyone who isn't a D.M.U attempts to interfere, it's your duty to stop them. Oh, and I'll be teleporting us to Timberlake."

The soldiers had no time to respond as a blinding light engulfed their vision momentarily. When their sight returned, they found themselves in a town ravaged by destruction. Homes were in ruins, fires burned in the early morning, and the scene was one of devastation. The leader, Goldiethine, took a deep breath, inhaling the smoky air that assaulted his senses. The familiar scent brought him joy, reminding him of his mother's cooking.

"Ah, the smell of battle and failure," Goldiethine remarked casually, motioning for his companions to follow him as he strode into the town. Ponies scurried about, trying to extinguish the fires and help the injured. Some looked at them with relief, while others recognized Goldiethine and quickly fled.

Amidst the chaos, a family seemed to be engaged in a heated argument. A mare with light pink fur and a dark pink mane desperately covered her son's ears as she shouted at her sweating husband, who looked as if he had weathered a storm.



"How could you say such a thing about our son!?" she yelled, foam forming at her mouth.

"Are you saying you don't love us, Dad?" the boy chimed in, his mother's hooves partially blocking out the shouting. He wore a pout on his face, and his big, watery eyes stared up at his father.

"I do love you... both of you. Just not as much as I love myself, you know what I'm saying," the father replied, wearing a smug smirk and raising an eyebrow as if delivering a godly speech.

"Huh!?" the mother exclaimed, her anger momentarily fading as she was taken aback by her husband's statement.

"What the hell did you just say, Daddy!?" the boy shouted, jumping up and grabbing his father by the collar, bringing him down to eye level. His father's face initially showed fear but quickly turned pensive.

"You know, I used to call your mother 'Daddy'," he said, his eyes distant as memories flooded his mind.

Amidst the turmoil, a pony dressed in an official-looking outfit, with brown fur and a disheveled yellow mane, hurried over.

"Um, hi! Are you here to deal with the dark mage or the guards?" she urgently asked, her voice filled with tension.

Goldiethine's eyes darted between the mare and the family drama a few times before he replied, "My dear, we were sent to help deal with the Dark mage. Is he still here?"

The mare shook her head, causing a slight flicker of disappointment to cross Goldiethine's face. "Well, partially. We have the dark mage in jail, but its demon is still on the loose."

A momentary silence hung in the air before Goldiethine inquired further, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "A demon... Are ya sure?"

The mare nodded confidently. "Indeed. If you require more information, you'll need to speak with the guards who arrived here first. Just continue down the street towards the town square, and you'll find them. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an overwhelming amount of paperwork awaiting me." As she spoke, her voice grew weary, as she thought on the burden of the administrative tasks ahead.

Goldiethine furrowed his brow at the mare's sudden change in attitude, but quickly composed himself. "Before we part ways, I believe it's only right if we at least share names, yes?" he said with a slight smile.

The mare's eyes widened in realization, and she straightened up, extending her hoof for a shake. "Ah, you're right. Where are my manners? My name is Mayor Mist."

Goldiethine nodded, his smile growing wider as he shook her hoof. "Ah, what a lovely name, Mayor Mist. And my name is Sir Goldiethine," he introduced himself.

As Mayor Mist heard his name, she froze for a moment, her features slowly contorting into fear. Her ears flopped down, her eyes widened, and her pupils shrank to pinpricks. Her mouth formed a small 'o' shape as she managed to let out shaky words. "You're Goldiethine, Goldiethine The Butcher?" she said, fear barely contained as her whole body started to shake.

Goldiethine's smile persisted, but there was something unsettling in his eyes that she couldn't quite identify. It was a look she had never seen on a pony before, and it sent shivers down her spine.

"Well, that is one of the many nicknames given to me by the commoners... Though I can't say it isn't inaccurate, especially in my early days of the hunt... Hehehehe," Goldiethine trailed off, cackling.

Feeling uneasy, Mayor Mist pulled her hoof back and began to slowly walk away, hastily wiping her hoof on her shirt. She forced a fake smile that barely held, hoping to mask her discomfort. "W-well... You do what you need to do, and I'll attend to my duties," she managed to say before quickly sprinting off.

"Ah, the ladies love me, no?" Goldiethine mused to himself, casting a longing gaze after the mare who was now fleeing. The guards standing nearby exchanged nervous glances but ultimately shrugged, unwilling to challenge their leader's delusions and risk their own safety.

As they ventured deeper into the city, fewer ponies paid them any attention. Goldiethine couldn't help but notice that some of the flames were struggling against the encroaching shadows, as if they were suffocating under their weight. His focus, however, was abruptly shifted when a moaning pony caught his attention. The stallion had bandages wrapped tightly around his chest, revealing bruised skin peeking through his green fur. Nearby stood four night guards, one of which was a "Batpony." The very thought of them made Goldiethine's skin crawl, as he recalled their mass production during the Crystal Wars to combat Sombra's vampireponies. While different, both were abominations, a mockery of ponykind.

Shaking off these dark thoughts, he refocused on his mission and approached the group of guards.

"Ahem," Goldiethine cleared his throat in an attempt to capture their attention. The largest guard turned towards him, his expression unfocused and his chest covered in bandages from a visible slash.

"Uh, if you're looking for a... Oh, you're guards! No, wait, soldiers of a noble. I can tell by your attire," the big pony stated, his surprise dissipating and giving way to disinterest.

"Yes, señores, we are a hunting party in service of a nobleman, and I am Goldiethine. Our purpose here is to locate and apprehend the D.M.U. However, it seems that you have already successfully dealt with that situation. Could you kindly enlighten us about the whereabouts of the escaped demon, Mister...?" Goldiethine trailed off, awaiting the guard's response.

"Frostbite, overseer of Unit 401," he stated, his eyes momentarily focusing on Goldiethine before returning to their unfocused state.

"Hum... and I assume your team is responsible for the D.M.U capture?" Goldiethine asked with a straight face, locking eyes with Frostbite.

"Yes, they did! I saw it with my own eyes!" yelled a pony, causing the four guards accompanying Goldiethine to startle, almost dropping the wooden box they carried.

"Hmm?" Goldiethine glanced back and noticed the pony who was previously in pain had managed to sit up slightly, though his eyes appeared glossy, perhaps from the lingering pain.

"Well, I'll take your word then. But, getting back to the subject, where did the demon go?" Goldiethine inquired, catching a glimpse of a dark blue pony with a cloak and saddlebags, but what truly drew his attention was the dark, tar-like substance in the jar on him.

Frostbite's expression strained as if he were trying to recall something. "I-I think... No, he went North to the mountains. Sorry, but I'm going to have to take a rest. I think I've got a concussion from the fight."

Goldiethine nodded and began making his way towards the cloaked pony, who was currently being tended to by a nurse. Goldiethine lingered nearby, his prosthetic eye adjusting slightly, before finally walking off towards the mountains where the demon had been spotted.





Robert POV 

The moon's light was completely blocked by the trees, and the sounds of wildlife faded as Robert made his way through the woods. His buddy, followed behind him. Unfortunately, an unlucky raccoon, unaware of its impending danger, failed to move out of the way in time. Upon hearing the approaching footsteps, the raccoon took a moment to observe the source of the noise. It was then that it saw a Robert demonic form advancing towards it, his humanoid shape and glowing white eyes instilling so much fear in the little creature that it fainted, falling off its tree branch. Robert simply walked past the wild animal, while his shadowy buddy slithered over it, causing shadows to envelop the raccoon and giving it the appearance of a shadow, with glowing white eyes.

The man pretended to not notice and continued following the magic copies of the diamond dogs. They moved towards an unknown location, seemingly engaged in conversation. Although the spell had no audible noise, his knowledge of the show allowed him to make an educated guess regarding their destination. Caves and mineshafts—there were certain places in this world that he had no reason to enter. Nevertheless, Compelled by his buddy, he found himself stepping foot inside one of the three destinations. Tonight, his buddy for some reason casted this illusion spell and wanted him to follow and with no other options he just went with it.

"So, my little buddy, how do you suggest we proceed? Should we charge in with guns blazing, or take a stealthier approach, like a teenager stealthily using their parents' credit card?" Robert asked, a playful twinkle in his eye. The snake-like shadow writhed, its eyes widening with either bloodlust or fear – it was hard to tell which.

"Ah, I see. That's one vote for guns blazing, then," he stated, raising his hand. "Oh, wait! Make that two votes! We're going to kick some dog's ass. Wait, no, that doesn't sound right. We're going to kick the diamond dogs' ass. That's better. But why should I even care? I just beat the crap out of some ponies-" his words were abruptly cut off as a massive wolf, three-quarters their size, lunged out of the bushes and tried to bite off his head. To the wolf's credit, it managed to latch onto him, but its teeth failed to break through his skin. The man stood there, expressionless, while enduring the noxious odor of the wolf's breath and drool as it swung side to side, desperately trying to tear through the skin. After a brief pause, the man's horns emanated a white-colored magical glow, lifting the wolf into the air. However, the wolf stubbornly clung on. Calmly, the man raised a finger and flicked the wolf's nose, sending a shock of electricity coursing through its body. The wolf promptly let go and was flung past the nearby cover, soaring into the night sky with a yelp.



Turning to his shadowy companion, who stared at him wide-eyed, the man silently motioned for silence with a zip motion over his lips, shooting a piercing glare at the shadow. "This never happened," they declared before resuming his movement. His attention was suddenly captivated by the fading light of the magical copy of the diamond dogs in the distance, compelling him to sprint after them.
> Chapter 5: Tunal Of Madness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert POV

After half an hour of tracking the Diamond Dogs' illusions, I reached a clearing. Looking out at the wide fields with tall grass, scattered holes, and glimmering gemstones, I spotted a cave entrance in the side of a tall mountain. Two tough-looking Diamond Dogs in worn-out leather armor guarded it, keeping watch over the area. Engaging them directly could alert the rest of the pack inside the cave, so I needed to come up with a plan to sneak in unnoticed.

My shadowy companion checked the area for threats while I considered distracting the guards. Picking up a rock, I got an idea. If I could make them curious and draw their attention away, it might create an opening for me.

I focused my thoughts and channeled my magic through my horns, causing a faint white glow. With a touch, I made the rock levitate above the trees, hiding its origin from the guards below. Pleased with the diversion, I cautiously approached, blending into the shadows to stay hidden.

As I approached, the sound of the rock hitting the ground caught their attention, perplexing them. One guard scratched his head and uttered, "What's that noise, eh? Did ya see something?"

His companion nodded, eyes narrowing, and replied, "Yeah, seemed to come from over yonder. Should we check it out, hmmm?"

The first guard pondered for a moment before proposing, "How 'bout a little game, eh? Loser goes to investigate."

The second guard shrugged, "Sure thing, mate. Can't be too important anyway, right?"

The guards squared off, their fingers twitching in anticipation as they counted to three at a slow pace before revealing their choices. The first guard chose scissors, while the second guard went with rock. With a cocky grin, the second guard claimed victory. The first guard, wearing a sour expression, muttered under his breath, "Fine, I'll go. But if it's nothing, you owe me."

Seeing one of the guards walk off to check on it, I swiftly teleported behind the remaining guard, muffling any potential outcry. He tried to break free from my grip, elbowing my stomach with surprising strength, but it seemed ineffective against me as I kept my firm hold over his mouth. My shadowy form slithered into his eyes, mouth, and any available openings before I effortlessly melded into his shadow, freezing him in place with a blank expression and twitching ears.

"It must've been an animal 'cause I can't find anything! So, you owe me, mutt!" the second guard said, walking back in a huff.

Unaware of my presence, the second guard returned to his original spot and resumed his watch. I listened intently, waiting for the right moment. Quietly, I moved towards his shadow, making it seem like the first guard's shadow was moving on its own, creeping up his leg. Suddenly, the guard felt a cold sensation surrounding him. Confusion filled his mind as my shadows began affecting him. He grumbled, "Yeesh, it's getting colder by the minute! Need to talk to those underlings about warmer gear. Can't even feel the ground under our paws. Outsiders taking supplies that should be for the true pack, not these strays. If I had my way, they'd all be..."

Before he could finish his rant, chilling shadows erupted from the back of his head, snaking into his mouth and causing him to choke in surprise. Panicked, he reached out towards his companion, but his eyes now glowed with an eerie white light surrounded by swirling shadows resembling an intensified diamond-like gaze. Maintaining my grip, I ensured he couldn't raise an alarm or alert anyone within the depths of the cave.



As my manipulation of his shadow took full effect, the guard's body abruptly went limp. I melded deeper into his silhouette, becoming one with the darkness enveloping him.

With the remaining guard seemingly settled, I slipped out of his shadow, mentally commanding the illusion of normalcy. Like a wraith in the night, I crept further into the depths of the cave, my movements aligning with the unnatural grace of a diamond-steeped predator. As I traversed the gloom, the torches inexplicably faltered and extinguished, as if an invisible gust had whisked them away.

Moving past more guards, shadows quickly leaped off of me, shrouding the guards and giving them an almost zombie-like appearance. They stood still, slightly hunched over, with glowing white eyes and shadows leaking from their faces. I commanded them to keep watch in case anything tried to escape. I couldn't have a repeat of the Timberlake incident.

The cavern grew darker as I ventured deeper, the air thick with the scent of earth. My steps were silent, and the shadows clung to me like loyal companions. The Diamond Dogs scattered throughout the cave, some standing guard while others shuffled about their daily tasks.

Using my powers to manipulate the shadows, I disguised myself, taking on the appearance of a Diamond Dog named Crusher. In their minds, I was just another member of their pack, their thoughts and memories accessible to me. Delving into their recollections, I searched for any trace of Bill and Puck's visit to Timberlake.

As I focused, the world seemed to warp, the surroundings fading into a bluish-black mist. I could hear multiple voices whisper and laugh, growing louder as blue outlines of Diamond Dogs began to form amidst the mist. Among them, I identified four figures, two of which were the generic guards I had encountered before.

But the other two stood out with their unique fashion choices. The taller one donned a red vest and appeared to be some type of bulldog with light brownish fur. The other wore an old, worn steel helmet and a steel chest plate with a fur collar, the small dog resembled a poodle with pink fur. They exuded an aura of confidence, unlike the other Diamond Dogs around them.

I could hear the two begin to talk, their words clear and understandable as they drew closer. As they approached, I also noticed the two guard dogs discreetly trying to eavesdrop on the conversation, their ears subtly adjusting to catch every word.



"Got it, partner! When we walk our tails into the chief's throne room, we spill the kibble about that sneaky dark mage, but mum's the word on tipping off them guards. We'll just wag our tongues about warning him, no need to fetch trouble!" Puck said, wagging his finger at Bill, who continued to stare blankly ahead, nodding at Puck's words.

"Yup. What 'bout that dead pegasus? Gotta reckon what to do 'bout 'em 'fore we prance into chief's throne room." Bill inquired. 

Puck grimaced for a second, avoiding eye contact and looking around nervously as he whispered, "Eh, we... best keep quiet 'bout it. Mage clearly did it, ain't no worry 'bout it circling back to nip us anytime soon."

"Timberlake gonna be chock-full of D.M.P agents, maybe even some from them five Noble houses," Bill remarked.

"Yeah, fer sure, that whole area's a paws-off zone for a spell. Fingers crossed the boss don't leash us back to mine duty," Puck replied with a sigh of annoyance. Bill grimaced and nodded. "Yeah."

The two of them walked past the guards and took a left turn, disappearing from sight, causing my vision to fade back into the bluish-black void. Questions began to form in my head. A pegasus was found dead, but who killed it? I was reading books at the time, and my shadow friend—well, I'm pretty sure he can't kill something without me at least knowing about it. I am the one in control of it.

Ah, it doesn't matter anymore. I can't go back to that town now that they're on edge. It's too risky. Hmm, now where would those two be hiding? If those dogs' memories are worth anything, it would be the throne room. Since they were going to tell the chief about the mage. I think it's time to pay them a little visit. After all, no good deed goes unpunished.





Gorkjaw POV 

In a dimly lit cave, Gorkjaw, the colossal Diamond Dog Warlord, sat perched upon a rugged throne carved from solid rock. The cavern was a chaotic sight, filled with rail tracks snaking into the darkness and carts loaded with valuable gems being hauled into the throne room.

Gorkjaw's tawny gray fur and massive muscles commanded attention in the dimly lit space. Scars adorned his body, evidence of the countless battles he had won. His fiery eyes inspired both fear and respect in those who met his gaze.

Facing him were Puck, a small Diamond Dog with fluffy pink fur, visibly trembling in the presence of Gorkjaw, and Bill, a strong Diamond Dog who resembled a pitbull, emanating a fierce and stoic demeanor.

Leaning forward on his rocky throne, Gorkjaw spoke with authority. "Listen up, you two! We've got ourselves a proper rough situation brewing down in them treacherous southern caves. Them witless slaves of ours done gone and dug right into Crystallus domain! It's a disaster waiting to happen!"

Bill clenched his jaw, his muscles tense with readiness. "Boss, we can't venture into Crystallus territory for just a few slaves? That seems mighty risky, if you ask me."

Gorkjaw growled as he glared down at Bill. "Without them slaves, we've got no precious gems! Without them gems, our defenses crumble! And without slaves or a strong guard, what good are ya? Especially after your promotion? I reckon you don't fancy a return to the mines, now do you?"

Puck's eyes widened with fear as he quickly saluted. "N-No, Warlord Gorkjaw! We'll march in there, retrieve our slaves, and restore stability to them dangerous tunnels!"

As Puck turned to leave, Gorkjaw's formidable voice echoed through the cavern. "Never forget, we're conquering and killing all who dare stand in our path! We're taking the weak as slaves, while we ascend to the Great Dog! Though the Dark Empire may have driven our kind out of Saddle Arabia, we'll rebuild the Great Dog Pack better than ever. Those Crystal-kissing freaks and cowered Saddle Arabia ponies haven't done anything but delay our war path."

Puck and Bill nodded, their fear of angering their master evident. They swiftly moved away, intent on carrying out their assigned tasks.

Gorkjaw's stern gaze followed his mutts, his crimson eyes ablaze with satisfaction.

As Puck and Bill vanished from sight, Gorkjaw's eyes fixated on an old pickaxe resting near his throne. The worn tool, covered in rust and adorned with ancient symbols, held a significant place in his heart. It was more than just a mere instrument. 

It reminded him of the days when he used to work in the mines, retrieving gems and metals for the great pack. As we waged war in our homeland of Saddle Arabia, entire armies would be engulfed by the earth due to the interference of us, the Great Pack. Equestria feared the mighty pack. Gorkjaw felt a small smile creep onto his face as memories flooded back, recalling the tales his pack would tell of the battles, especially those of his brother who engaged in raids and ambushes. The sand in their homeland was like water to them; they could swim through it with ease.

Lost in a surge of emotions, Gorkjaw's grip tightened around the pickaxe, and memories flooded his mind. The shadows within the cave took on a life of their own, dancing and swirling, forming blurred visions of his siblings. Silhouettes of his brothers appeared before him, playfully frolicking together, their laughter resonating through his consciousness.

He saw himself as a young pup, chasing his siblings through the darkened tunnels, their tails wagging in excitement. The echoes of their voices filled his ears, and the whispers of their shared dreams gently caressed his soul. In these fleeting moments, the weight of his responsibilities as Warlord lifted, replaced by the carefree spirit he once knew.

But as all good things, it did not last. Soon, the Dark Empire sent their top General, the Great Dragon, the greatest conqueror in history, one of the last remaining elder dragons, Subicor. The name alone brought unbridled rage to Gorkjaw's mind as he remembered the battle, if it could even be called that. The dragon brought a platoon of airships full of war golems. They had some device that allowed them to see where the dogs were underground 'somehow' and bombard them. The tunnels collapsed, and within the great pack's weakest moment, Saddle Arabia, pushed on by their ally Equestria, fought off the Dark Empire. As Celestia struck a mighty blow, she sliced off one of Subicor's great horns. Within the chaos of battle, the great pack was divided and almost wiped out. With the Dark Empire and the Equestrians attacking the great pack, they were forced to retreat and splinter, as their great leader, the Great Dog, was slain in battle.

Amidst the haze of his reminiscence and anger, a glimmer caught his attention. His gaze drifted downward, drawn to the crystal-laden surface of his pickaxe. As his eyes met the reflection, a cold shiver ran down his spine. What he saw was not his own reflection but a distorted image of dark shadows descending from the ceiling, enveloping his upper body like suffocating tar.

Gorkjaw sprang to his feet, his previous sentimentality crushed beneath newfound rage. The pickaxe slipped from his grasp as he focused on the malevolent presence lurking within the dark magic that had ensnared him. A ferocious roar erupted from his chest, shaking the cavern walls, as some of the gems nearby shattered into dust, sending the tar that covered him flying off in all directions.

The thunderous sound echoed through the chamber, alerting the rest of Gorkjaw's pack to his distress. Their ears perked up, attuned to his call, as they quickly gathered around their enraged leader. Gorkjaw, now in a battle stance, stared into the shadows, ready to face the source of this dark magic.



In a voice booming with authority, Gorkjaw addressed the unseen foe, his words laced with anger and certainty.

"Dark mage! Your pitiful tricks won't escape the keen eyes of my loyal pack! They have told me about your foul deeds, your attack on Timberlake. But I didn't reckon you to be so crafty, underestimating the might of me Diamond Dogs!" Gorkjaw's voice echoed through the throne room, filled with fierce determination.

Robert's slender figure writhed and twisted in the shadows, his movements erratic and unsettling. "Your mutts, feeble and wavering, much like your own faltering resolve. But fret not, for even the most wayward soul can be redeemed under the proper guidance," he stammered, his voice trembling.

Gorkjaw bared his teeth in a wicked grin. "And you reckon yourself worthy of such power?"

"It's not about worthiness. It's about having the power to take and control," Robert replied, his voice gaining a predatory edge.

As Robert emerged from the shadows, his limbs twisted and extended unnaturally, his jaw unhinging with a snap and a hiss. Gorkjaw signaled for his pack to halt as he faced the mage alone.

"Leave this bloody abomination to me. Watch as I gut it like a pig," Gorkjaw proclaimed with a growl.

Robert retorted with a twisted smile, and white light radiated from his maw, resembling the fiery glow of a forge.

In a flash, Gorkjaw lunged at the mage, delivering a powerful blow that snapped Robert's neck with a sickening crack. But Robert twisted laughter filled the air as smaller arms emerged from the shadows, holding his broken neck in place.



"I love getting into fights. I always end up learning something new about myself," Robert chuckled gleefully, his voice filled with twisted glee. He continued to fiddle with his damaged neck, causing the bone and flesh to cry out in pain, even as they remained concealed within the shadows.

"Da only thin' you's gonna understand is da mess I make when I gut ya and spill your innards on da ground," Gorkjaw sneered.

"You know," Robert chuckled, a gurgled cough escaping his throat as his neck snapped back into place, "you're the first to say they wanted to kill me, but not the first to try." The guards winced at the sight. Seizing the opportunity, Robert spat out a glob of magic that soared through the air and landed amidst a group of guards. The fortunate ones were instantly killed, leaving only skeletons drenched in white plasma behind. The unfortunate few at the edge of the blast suffered devastating injuries, with melted flesh and bone covering their body parts. Chaos erupted as multiple arms sprouted from Robert's twisted form, ready to unleash a new wave of carnage. But before he could indulge in his newfound desire for violence, a blow struck his abdomen, sending him hurtling into a tunnel.

The shadows enveloping Robert began to dissolve and crack, slowly transforming him back into his original shadow form. He used one arm to push himself upright while covering his mouth with the other, succumbing to a fit of coughing. Once the fit subsided, he noticed something warm and wet on his arm. Looking down, he saw a dark red liquid coating his forearm, and terror gripped his heart as a chill ran down his spine.

"COWARD!" a voice boomed, snapping Robert's attention to an enraged figure. Gorkjaw, his pickaxe pointed menacingly at Robert, took steps forward with pure hatred radiating from his crimson eyes. "I gave ya da opportunity to meet death honorably, and ya slaughtered me mutts?! Now, ya gonna pay, vermin!"

Refusing to witness the gruesome fate Gorkjaw had in store for him, Robert hastily gathered all his remaining magical energy, charging up a blast. Gorkjaw only quickened his pace, using his pickaxe as a shield, its blue crystal glowing brighter as he closed in. Just before Robert released the blast, he aimed it towards the tunnel entrance, causing it to collapse and obstruct Gorkjaw's advance. This precious moment of respite allowed Robert to catch his breath.

Collapsing onto the ground, Robert clutched his head, shock and disbelief etched across his face. "Why the hell did I do that? I should have just ran when I failed to break his mind. Stupid, stupid," he berated himself, slamming his fist onto the ground, creating small cracks and a thunderous thud.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rocks and dirt being displaced, jolting him back to reality. A puzzled expression crossed his face as he remembered who he was up against – the Diamond Dogs. With renewed determination, Robert sprung to his feet and sprinted towards the western side of the cave, aiming to escape their clutches.

In the throne room, Gorkjaw settled back into his seat, watching intently as his loyal dogs tirelessly excavated through the cave-in. His mind raced, contemplating his next move. Guards needed to be dispatched to ensure the safety of the slaves. However, with the mage's escape route in mind, Gorkjaw couldn't shake the anticipation of the dark mage's impending demise. Perhaps he would find himself in Crystallus domain sooner than expected.

The dogs left behind to tend to the wounded continued their tasks with an eerie robotic demeanor. Their eyes momentarily glazed over, turning pure white before returning to normal, as if nothing extraordinary had transpired.





Goldiethine POV

Deep within the woods outside of Timberlake, Goldiethine and his guards set up camp, placing their weapons at a safe distance from the fire but within easy reach. Goldiethine and two of his guards, the youngest and the oldest, sat down to eat, while the other two guards stood watch in silence, never uttering a word.

They prepared some simple sandwiches and ate quietly, with only the chirping of crickets and the crackling of the fire breaking the silence. The youngest guard squirmed uncomfortably as the silence lingered, feeling the urge to say something to dispel the tension. Looking around at his companions, an idea struck him.

"Well, um, it seems I forgot to ask for your names. Mine's Stray Sentinel," he ventured, extending his hoof towards the older guard.

The older guard appeared momentarily surprised but quickly reciprocated the gesture with a smile. "Heh, you're right. Must've slipped my mind in my old age. Name's Brave Heart."

Their attention then turned to Goldiethine, who shrugged nonchalantly.

"Ah, well, you both already know my name, but I'll say it again my name is Goldiethine. And what about you, Disposable Guard 1 and 2?" he quipped, raising an eyebrow at the two silent guards.

For a moment, the two guards remained motionless, but eventually, they spoke in unison.

"John," stated the guard on the left.

"Bob," added the guard on the right.

Stray Sentinel and Brave Heart exchanged glances, sharing a shrug of bemusement. Goldiethine observed them with an impassive gaze as he continued to munch on his sandwich.

Stray Sentinel cleared his throat, redirecting Goldiethine's attention away from the fellow guards, hoping to lighten the mood among the workers.

"Lord Evergore must have a keen interest in this dark mage if he sent you along with us, huh?" Stray Sentinel remarked with a smirk as he took a bite of his sandwich.

Goldiethine nodded thoughtfully, swallowing his food before responding.

"Ah, indeed. Since de conclusion of de war with de Dark Empire, Lord Evergore has been preoccupied with handling de influx of migrants from de Crystal Empire loyalists, many of whom have become warlords and cultists spreading their influence across other kingdoms. He's even lent support to Princess Luna and Princess Cadance in their combined Crusade against de remaining demons within de empire. But dis assignment seems more of a personal pursuit for him than a mere duty,"

Brave Heart raised an eyebrow at the mention of demons, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"How does he assist the princess against demons? I've only heard of demons being defeated when the princesses themselves get involved," Brave Heart questioned.

Goldiethine shrugged, pondering the question.

"I'm not entirely sure, mi amigo. It seems to involve an artifact based on Star Swirl's Elements of Harmony, or at least a version of it. Star Swirl was a genius even Evergore struggles to comprehend. But as far as I understand, it harnesses the combined magic of multiple ponies to unleash a potent blast of arcane energy. I've witnessed it reduce castle towers to rubble. However, its primary function seems to weaken the demons, allowing the princess to deliver the final blow before they can wreak havoc," Goldiethine explained with a hint of pride.

Stray Sentinel, puzzled, voiced his query aloud as he continued eating.

"You really hold the boss in high regard. I've heard rumors that you two are war buddies, but if you don't mind my asking, what's the reason behind your deep respect for him?"

Goldiethine's eyes widened, akin to a stamp collector being asked their favorite stamp. He sat up straighter, focusing more intently on his audience.

"Of course, I respect him; he's de sole reason I still walk amongst de living," Goldiethine affirmed with a nod.

As he rubbed his chin with a hoof, Goldiethine grew pensive. "I first encountered Evergore during de Dark Empire expansion led by de dragon Subicor. I was part of a team tasked with eliminating high-priority targets within Subicor's Legion, and we were efficient. Countless slaves of sombras perished in dat campaign, and de knowledge I gained..." Goldiethine trailed off, a small smile playing on his lips as he gazed into the fire.

"Dey stored demonic magic in their crystal cores, de very ones dat powered de golems. Merely touching dem would render a pony nearly helpless. I remember mi fear, mi sorrow for those who fell victim to it, even though dey were our adversaries. How naive I was,"

Goldiethine shook his head, tossing a piece of wood onto the fire with his magic. His smile faded as he dwelled deeper on the remorse he once harbored for the enemy.

"It was during one of our routine missions when it happened. We scaled de walls, dispatched de guards, and planted de fire crystals around de crystal cores. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I hesitated while mi team awaited mi signal. Then, it occurred," Goldiethine recounted, his gaze distant as he held his hay sandwich in his magical grasp.

Stray Sentinel and Brave Heart, still eating their meal slowly, exchanged glances with slight concern, while Bob and John in the back remained motionless, each trying to distance themselves from the other's thoughts in case things took a turn for the worse. Goldiethine glanced up towards Stray Sentinel and Brave Heart, causing them to drop their food, wide-eyed with fear. He smiled briefly before adopting a serious expression.

"A crystal mimic, uno of Sombra's favored creations. A crystal statue resembling a pony, infused with dark magic. It could mimic a pony entirely, with all their memories and abilities. It felt like standing in the presence of King Sombra himself. I wish I could say we stood our ground, que we had a chance or even fought back, but no. He drove half of us mad with just a glance. It was as if they were trapped in their worst nightmare, yet invisible to the rest of us. Some writhed as if engulfed in flames, while others clawed at their own fur, battling imaginary spiders. Those who retained their senses attempted to retaliate, but a swift crystal shard put an end to that. I was the 'fortunate' one; the crystal only pierced my eye and grazed my skull."

"I was paralyzed, forced to witness as that fiend slaughtered my team, mocking them and me. He knew I was alive; he savored prolonging my torment. I don't know how long it lasted, pero by the time he approached me, I was too numb to speak. I could only watch as blood trickled down the crystal. The mimic remained silent, merely grinning, reveling in his own twisted art. Then, it happened—a bolt of celestial fire struck the mimic, sending it careening into the fire crystals, fulfilling my mission."

"I barely glimpsed a white-furred pony with a black mane, draped in a red robe, charging into the flames alongside his squad of guards. As my visión faded to black, I heard them chanting one name: Lord Evergore. That day, I aprendí dos things: the depths of evil and the weight of humility. My emotions and convictions led to the demise of my team, ponies who depended on me. I unleashed evil, and by chance, a hero intervened and rescued me, the undeserving. Henceforth, I can do naught but rid the world of such darkness, such as dark magic and its practitioners, and set an example, as they did with me."

Rising from his spot by the fire, Goldiethine approached Bob and John, who remained frozen like statues. They seemed almost devoid of breath. Goldiethine halted just behind them and posed a question.

"Have you ever pledged yourself to another, to bestow completo trust and loyalty? A duty that transcends all else, sí?"

The two guards hesitated before realizing there was no escape. Bob sighed.

"Just get it over with," he said.

"And stop wasting our time," John added.

Goldiethine nodded, and with a swift motion of his head to the side, he cleaved through the two guards with a slash of golden magic. Sparks flew as they collapsed to the ground, their legs twitching as if in mid-run.



Stray Sentinel and Brave Heart looked on in horrified shock, witnessing blood spurt from the gutted guardsman. Brave Heart rushed over and slid down beside them, his shock evident. He made gestures as if to help, but stopped short each time, realizing the futility of his efforts. Eventually, he sat there motionless, his head bowed in sorrowful shame, acknowledging his helplessness.

Observing Brave Heart with a discerning eye and a frown, Goldiethine turned to see Stray Sentinel still in shock, frozen with a mortified expression. It wasn't until Goldiethine approached that Stray Sentinel finally reacted, his face contorted with rage and fear. He lunged toward Goldiethine, striking him across the face with a hoof, splattering blood onto his own. Goldiethine retaliated with a swift punch to Stray Sentinel's face, sending him tumbling to the ground with a cry of pain. Dazed, Stray Sentinel struggled to rise, managing only to sit on his haunches, facing the impending threat.

Goldiethine stood motionless, observing Stray Sentinel as he had Brave Heart. After a few moments, he sighed and walked over to the fire, taking a seat. Stray Sentinel remained perplexed until he was jolted out of his confusion by Brave Heart's exclamation.

"What? What in Tartarus is this?! Why is it black?" Brave Heart shouted in fear, inching back with trembling steps.

Confusion gripped Stray Sentinel until Brave Heart stepped into the light, revealing his body smeared with a greasy black substance. Panic surged within him.

"It's the mage!" Stray Sentinel attempted to rise, but his trembling knees betrayed him. He halted his efforts when Goldiethine interjected.

"Stay down, tonto. It's not magic-related. Check the bodies," Goldiethine instructed with annoyance, his gaze fixed on the fire.

Stray Sentinel, still perplexed, crawled toward the bodies. He noticed sparks still emanating from them, albeit less intense. Pausing, he felt something warm and viscous on his hoof. Looking down, he saw he had dipped it into a dark puddle. Even holding it away, the stench of burning oil lingered. He tried to wipe it off but found it stubbornly sticky.

Pushing aside his irritation, he continued to examine the bodies. He observed sliced metal armor and fur coated with the black liquid. However, what baffled him most was the interior—tubes, wires, and crystals filled the space, along with other unidentified components.

"What in Equestria?"

That was all Stray Sentinel could muster as he stared blankly into the corpse—or whatever it was.

"One of Evergore's golems. I always knew he was a paranoid control freak, but I never thought he'd distrust me," Goldiethine muttered to himself with a pout, poking at the fire with a stick.

The woods fell into silence after the chaos. Stray Sentinel hovered over the fallen guard, while Brave Heart lingered by the fire, his expression a mix of uncertainty and pity as he heard Stray Sentinel's muffled sobs. He felt the urge to intervene but recognized that the young pony needed time to process and grieve amidst the chaos.

Turning his attention to Goldiethine, Brave Heart inquired, "How did you know they weren't real?"

Goldiethine shrugged, tilting his head before responding, "It was their behavior, their lack of normal actions like eating. And a bit of luck, to be honest. I even suspected you were one of them until you rushed over to help. The shock and confusion were beyond what a golem could mimic."

Horror flashed in Brave Heart's eyes, but he refrained from saying anything that might provoke the unstable pony before him. Instead, he simply stood vigil, awaiting the end of the night and the madness it brought.
> Chapter 6: A Christmas Trip
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert POV

I felt my bones shift and snap back into place as I lumbered my way through the cave system, the blood coming out of my mouth slowly dying down. I had barely made it out of the Diamond Dogs' den, and I knew they wouldn't let me go easily. I had to make it to the territory not controlled by the Dogs and fast. I don't know if it was the dark magic or just my own ego, but my increasingly confrontational approach is getting out of hand.

'Was I going insane? Would I even know? Uh, I can't even get some time to sort this shit out; it's just fight after fight for, well, I don't think it's even been a day since I got here. I-- ew, why is my foot wet?' 

Looking down, I saw a rainbow goo around my feet. I slowly lifted it up with a disgusted look on my face as I heard the wet, squeezing sound that came from it. It seemed to glow faintly, emitting a strange and pleasant aroma. Just as I moved off of it, a plume of multi-colored dust filled the cavern, causing me to pass out as the cavern's world with colors of Darkness and it's rainbow mixing together, causing me to see shapes and faces that I've never seen until the darkness went out and consumed the color.

Slowly, a chill crept through my body, different from the cold I usually summoned with my magic. Something soft and cold formed in my hands, morphing into a ball that slowly melted. Snow? Opening my eyes, I squinted against the brightness of the white sky meeting gray clouds, my vision adjusting painfully. As I struggled to sit up, an unfamiliar sensation washed over me, leaving me feeling disjointed. The surroundings seemed off, almost unnaturally so. Gingerbread houses with icing and gumdrops adorned the landscape, while candy canes lined the streets like streetlights. Music, devoid of vocals, began to play, a generic Christmas melody echoing through the bizarre scene.

Surveying the surreal environment, I realized why it felt so peculiar. Everything appeared staged, fake, like props on a theater set mimicking reality. The snow, the candy, the houses—nothing seemed genuine. With trembling hands, I pushed myself upright, studying my reflection in an ice pond nearby. To my relief, I appeared unchanged, my pale hands and familiar brown leather jacket confirming my identity. Even my short, messy brown hair and green eyes remained as they were before, unaffected by any magical alterations.

A sense of unease settled over me. Was this some sort of drug-induced hallucination, or perhaps a trick of the mind? I decided to wait it out, resisting the urge to delve too deeply into my mounting anxiety.

Suddenly, the area plunged into darkness, sending me into a panicked search until a spotlight illuminated one of the gingerbread houses, revealing a snowman adorned with a black top hat, ruby eyes, coal for a smile, a carrot nose, coal buttons, and stick arms. In the background, I spotted candy canes and pine trees adorned with Christmas decorations.



"Hey there, Robert! It's been ages!" the snowman exclaimed in a cartoonish voice, prompting me to stare at it in confusion and mild disturbance. Despite finding myself in a world of ponies and monsters, this encounter still managed to bewilder me, leaving me with only one response.

"Da fuck?" I blurted out.

"Is that any way to greet an old friend? Come on over and give your pal a warm welcome!" the snowman retorted with a hint of condescension.

I hesitated, studying the snowman until a flicker of recognition sparked within me. It resembled the snow creations my siblings and I used to make back home, albeit with some embellishments. But what was its name again? "Uh, mister... Frosty McChuckleflakes?"

I could almost hear the snowman mutter something under its breath before responding. "Yeah, that's me... McChuckleflakes. Yippee!" Its tone sounded slightly defeated as it uttered the name. "I'm here to help you, kid, by getting you to stop being a dumbas—dummy, because you're going to get yourself killed before you've paid off your due, kid."

Raising an eyebrow at McChuckleflakes, I couldn't shake off the absurdity of the situation. Was this truly something I would hallucinate about? I had half-expected to find myself turned to stone or facing off against monstrous creatures, not engaging in conversation with a sentient snowman. Nevertheless, with nothing better to do, I decided to play along.

"Alright, McChuckleflakes, what have you got? Going to tell me to better myself or use my new powers for good, like becoming a hero?" I quipped, my tone laced with a hint of skepticism.

"Man, screw them ponies!" McChuckleflakes retorted bluntly, his high-pitched voice cutting through the air and catching me off guard.

"Gasp, Mr. ChuckleFuck! I mean Frosted Flakes! I mean, uh, forget it. But seriously, what do you want? Because I'm kind of confused about what's happening here," I said, a smirk creeping onto my face as the absurdity of the situation began to amuse me.

"What I want is for you to start getting shit done! I know you've only been here for a day, but you're wasting time on lesser beings," McChuckleflakes said, his voice tinged with exasperation as he slumped slightly.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his bluntness. "What do you mean? I've just been getting my footing. Hell, I even did some research and spread fear in my name with the attack on the dogs and village."

McChuckleflakes shot me a deadpan look. "You mean you skimmed through some basic history and magic books and played around with some brutes. Truly, you deserve a medal. No, the only thing you've been doing is messing around with some random locals. You need to get your game plan on because you know the deal you made and what's at stake."

My smile quickly vanished at the snowman's words, replaced by a blank stare. "Well, I see no point in arguing with you. After all, it must be crazy to keep talking to a hallucination. So, unless you have anything else to say, I suggest you bugger off," I said, rolling my eyes.

McChuckleflakes fixed me with a serous look. "Robert, be serious for once in your lazy, cowardly life and do something of worth. You can't keep going on like this, or you'll end up in the clutches of the princesses. You know this as well as I. You are above that of a normal mage, but nothing extraordinary. If you run into any warrior or mage actually worth a damn, you will die or be in peril. Even with your regeneration and magic, a smart enough mage, a clever enough warrior, could easily best you. You can't rely on your buddy forever to carry you, and you know that. So, we need a plan, and luckily, I know of something that can help you."

"And what the hell could this great plan of yours be, oh great one?" I asked through gritted teeth, feeling rage rising within me at the disrespect emanating from this hallucination.

"There's a camp, a warlord within this mountain, the competing faction against the Diamond Dogs. If you somehow gain their trust, you can obtain the metal that's—" McChuckleflakes began, but then he seemed to lose control of himself for a moment, his words interrupted by a sudden distraction. "Oh, Frosty the Snowman was a—oh, fuck! I hate the mindscape, there's always so much garbage floating around!"

As he struggled to maintain coherence, an idea popped into my mind, and I couldn't resist the urge to sing.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," I started, a wicked grin spreading across my face.

McChuckleflakes gave me a confused look before he too began to sing. "Had a very shiny nose—no, wait, don't do it, Robert!"

But I couldn't resist. "And if you ever saw it," I continued gleefully.

"You would even say it glows! FUCK!" McChuckleflakes exclaimed, his frustration evident as he succumbed to the absurdity of the moment.





 

Buddy POV

Back in the north caves, Buddy was staring in horror as he saw Robert on his hands and knees, babbling on as his pupils dilated and rainbow magic flowed from his mouth. He was snapped out of his shock when Robert suddenly burst into song.

"Roo-doo, you red nosey

So bright shiny, whoa

Me look you, me see

Rainbow sky~"

Buddy looked around for something to help Robert sober up, but all he found were a few rocks and a stick. He glanced back at Robert and saw that he was drooling multi-colored magic. Having no other choice, Buddy grabbed the stick and slithered over to Robert. He poked him gently... in the eye. Robert blinked and then went rigid, starting a new verse.



"Other reindeers, man

Mean lame, yeah

No play you

No know name~"

Buddy kept poking Robert's eye, hoping for a miracle.

"But night, Santa

He say...~"

Robert paused for a moment, then collapsed on his stomach with a soft thud. He began to snore as Buddy continued to poke him.

And so, our story comes to an end. Robert the red-nosed reindeer was still high as a kite, and Buddy the snake was still poking him with a stick. Santa never came to pick them up, and they spent the night in the cold and dark north caves.

The moral of this story is: don't do drugs, kids. Especially not magic mushrooms that you find in a cave. They might make you see rainbows and sing songs. Christmas is a time of joy and peace, not of hallucinations and horror. So remember, kids, stay away from drugs, and have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!​
> Chapter 7: The Crystal prison
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Black SHARD POV

I trotted along the dark and damp corridors of the crystal caverns, my hooves clacking against the rocky floor. I wore black armor with gold accents, the emblem of my warlord, Lord Crystallus, emblazoned on my chest. My helmet had a visor that covered my eyes, giving me a sinister look.

I was patrolling the lower levels of the caverns, where the most valuable treasures were stored. Gems, crystals, gold, and other precious metals glittered in the dim light of the torches that lined the walls. I occasionally glanced at the shiny objects, but I knew better than to touch them. Lord Crystallus was very strict about his possessions, and anyone who dared to steal from him would face a harsh punishment.

Behind me, a ragged group of slaves followed, dragging heavy carts filled with more loot. The slaves were a mix of diamond dogs, ponies, and griffins, all captured from the nearby lands that Lord Crystallus had conquered. They wore iron collars around their necks, connected by chains to my saddle. They looked tired, hungry, and miserable, but they did not dare to complain or resist. I whipped them mercilessly if they slowed down or made a sound.

I did not pay much attention to the slaves, except to make sure they did not escape or cause trouble. I was more interested in having a small talk with my partner, to pass the time and relieve the boredom of my duty.

"So, how long have you been working for Lord Crystallus?" I asked him, breaking the silence.

"About two years, I guess. Why do you ask?" he replied.

"Just curious. I've been here for three years myself. I used to be a soldier in King Sombra's Inner circle, you know."

"Really? Me too. I was a sergeant in the crystal guard, before the king was overthrown by the princesses."

"Ha, what a coincidence. I was a lieutenant in the same guard. Maybe we met before, back then."

"Maybe. But I don't remember much of those days. It was a long time ago, and a lot has changed since then."

"Yeah, you're right. King Sombra is gone, and so is his empire. Now we serve Lord Crystallus, the new ruler of the north mountains."

"And a better one, if you ask me. He pays us well, gives us food and shelter, and lets us do whatever we want, as long as we obey his orders and protect his interests."

"Exactly. He's a good warlord, and a smart one too. He knows how to use the power of the crystals to his advantage. He's built a strong army, a loyal following, and a vast fortune. He's unstoppable, and no one can challenge him."

"Not even those pesky rebels, who still think they can restore the old order. They're nothing but a bunch of fools, living in the past. They don't stand a chance against Lord Crystallus and his forces."

"No, they don't. And neither do those diamond dogs, who keep wandering into our territory, looking for gems. They're nothing but vermin."

"Like those ones we caught yesterday, remember? They put up a fight, but we showed them who's boss."

"Yeah, I remember. That was fun. They squealed like pigs, and begged for mercy. Ha!"

As we and the slaves reached the end of the corridor, we turned left and entered a large chamber. The chamber was filled with more treasures, piled up in heaps and stacks. The walls were covered with glowing crystals of different colors, creating a dazzling spectacle. My eyes widened as I saw the sight, and I felt a surge of pride and greed.

I walked across the chamber with my partner, heading towards the exit on the other side. We ignored the slaves, who were struggling to keep up with us. They looked around the chamber, but they felt no awe or admiration. They only felt despair and resentment.

As we neared the exit, I noticed something odd on the ground. I stopped and pointed at it with my hoof.

"Hey, what's that?" I asked my partner.

He followed my gaze and saw a strange creature lying on the floor. It was bipedal, with two arms and two legs, but it had no fur or feathers. Its skin was dark and oily, like tar, and it had two horns on its head. It was snoring loudly, oblivious to us.

"I don't know. It looks like some kind of lesser demon. Maybe it came from the underworld, through one of the cracks in Tartarus? " he said.

"Should we kill it?" I asked.

"Nah, let's capture it. Lord Crystallus might be interested in it. He likes to collect rare and exotic things. Maybe he can use it for some experiment, or torture it for fun." he said.

"Good idea. Let's do it." I agreed.

We approached the creature cautiously, ready to attack if it woke up. We reached it and grabbed its arms and legs, lifting it off the ground. The creature stirred slightly, but did not open its eyes. It mumbled something unintelligible, and continued to snore.

We chuckled and dragged the creature to the exit. We attached it to the back of the line, behind the last slave. We whipped the slaves to make them move faster, and left the chamber.



 

Thunderhide POV

I felt my fur bristle as the demon was added to our line, its form larger than even my own. Even though I was above average height for a Minotaur, it was dragged along with us, laying unconscious, multicolor foam dripping from its mouth. I glanced over to one of my brothers, Ironhorn, who got me into this mess. It was supposed to be your average Minotaur coming-of-age ritual: raid a village or two with your brothers, bring back some trinkets, and based off the battles you did or the treasures you brought back, you'd earn respect. But now, we had to run into the damn Diamond Dogs and dark Empire remnants. 

"You know, brother," I whispered harshly at Ironhorn, sweat beginning to form on my forehead as I shot nervous glances around, "I think we would have been better off staying with those dim-witted gem suckers. At least they wouldn't have mixed us with a demon."

The metallic chains clanked as we moved, the sound echoing through the cavern. Ironhorn grunted in response to my question, indignantly shooting me an unamused glance.

"Wasn't it your idea to escape through the north side, deeper into the mountain, instead of going south like I suggested?"

I almost stopped in place for a moment, but the memory of the guards' whips threateningly hanging over us pushed me forward. Raising my eyebrow, I frowned at my brother and his stupid response.

"Of course I did, brother! That's because the Diamond Dogs are at the south side of the damn cave. So it made no sense to go south to get away from them!" I growled through gritted teeth.

Ironhorn let out a tired sigh and mumbled a few choice words before calmly replying, "Because we were closer to the outside of the cave. We were just a few dozen yards away from the exit. Sure, there were some Diamond Dogs, but on the north side is an entire bloody mountain. It would have been a fruitless effort, as I told you, brother."

"Ah, it's good to know that after we went through with your plan, you two," the older voice said from behind me with a hint of snark, but I didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"Mind your tune, you old bird, lest I pluck the few feathers remaining on your head," I replied to the griffin, not planning to indulge his grumpy attitude anymore.

"Oh, real tough, a bunch of wannabe mercenaries threatening an old bird like myself. Truly the pinnacle of Minotaur bravery," the old griffin, Grimbeak, shot back, his tone mocking me.

I felt my teeth clench as I readied to buck the griffin's head in. "No," the sound of my brother stopped me from going through with it. I looked up at him curiously.

"We already have to carry that demon. Don't add more dead weight to our walk," Ironhorn said simply. I grumbled a bit but complied as I shot the griffin a piercing look.

"We'll 'talk' later," I growled out, causing the griffin to sweat a bit, but he gave a look of defiance all the while. 

"Grimbeak, you need to calm down. You can't handle physical labor with your growing frustration added on top of it," a younger pony stallion said, trying to get the griffin to settle, which surprisingly worked.

"Ah, sorry. It's just between these two beef-brains and the damn dark Empire guards, I just... It's just a lot of bad memories for an old griffin like me. Doesn't help that that damn thing is flowing with enough dark magic to freeze this room," the griffin said, seemingly calming down before starting to get riled up again talking about the demon.

I couldn't help but let out a snort at the old bird's whining, which caused him to look at me with anger. "What the hell are you laughing at, you overgrown cow?"

"I find it funny how pathetic you are. That thing is too weak to even stand, and yet you've already lost your cool over it. That's just sad," I taunted with a sick smirk.

"You don't know what those things are capable of doing. They ran the damn Empire long after the King was dead and nearly brought all the damn kingdoms under their rule. I would think a Minotaur would know that, considering what they did to your kinds kingdom," the griffin spat with venom. I just continued the smirk and shook my head. "I hold no loyalty to that land, only my clan. Haha."

My laughter was cut short when the whip smacked the back of my head, causing a stinging sensation to run through me as I lost my vision for a moment and stumbled.

"This isn't a damn vacation. Get your shit moving or I'll break your legs and leave you for the damn Dogs as snack," the guard growled, before getting back to leading the line. 

I wanted to snark back but managed to hold my tongue. I was one of the folk who planned the escape from the Dogs, so it was best if I were not returned to them. Even if that meant staying with the likes of these two, at least the rest in the line were part of my clan, all out for the ritual. Even though things were a bit complicated, we would get through it. We just needed the right opportunity. 



 

Robert POV

I woke up with a cough and a taste of candy in my mouth. I spat out a rainbow-colored substance and raised a eyebrow. What happened and why did my head feel like it had a rock band playing inside it. I looked around the dim room and saw that everything was made of stone or crystal, except for the metal bars of my cell. Outside, I could see a large open area with cages full of different creatures: ponies, griffins, minotaurs, and others. I recognized them from the show. Looking around, I saw that the area I was in now was like a more edgey version of The Diamond Dogs' base, with purple crystals everywhere. I knew there were only two groups in this world that had such a fetish for crystals and slavery: the Diamond Dogs and Sombra's army. Seeing as I just escaped from the mutts, that left only one option.

"Rise and shine, buttercup! It's working time, haha!" A male pony from the cell across from me yelled. He wore tattered clothes and smelled as bad as he looked, with messy hair, fur, and some missing teeth. He sounded like a poor imitation of the Joker. I rolled my eyes and ignored him. I was not going to let some wannabe joker ruin my day. Again.

I could tell just by being in the presence of these beings that they were all bad people. To an extent, they all had a dark or vile presence about them. I could tell that they were lowlifes and desperate. 

I looked at the ground and played with the shadows and darkness as I lay on my side. They moved like clay as I touched them, but fell like sand when I let go. I was bored out of my mind, so I decided to experiment with some of my magic. I grabbed a chunk of shadows and packed it into a ball, then poured a little bit of magic into it. I slowly opened my palm and placed it on the ground, watching it with curiosity. To my surprise, it didn't fall apart, but it did start to move. It was like a living shadow. Maybe I should kill it? Nah, it'll be fine, I thought. And if it's not, then that's someone else's problem, bye bye Mr.ball. I quickly tossed it out of my cell. A pair of white glowing eyes formed on it as it scurried into the darkness, just as a guard walked by. He didn't notice it, since he was too busy being a mindless drone. I chuckled to myself, feeling a bit of satisfaction. Maybe this day wouldn't be so bad after all.

I casually picked up a small piece of shadow and flicked it at the guard, hitting his helmet and causing a dull tin sound to echo. The guard jumped and spun around, looking for the culprit. He was as clueless as a headless chicken.

I watched with an evil grin as the little bit of darkness slid down his helmet like a drop of water, before slithering into his eye guard and disappearing. After all, it never hurts to have a backup plan. Especially when you’re dealing with a bunch of crystal-loving morons.

I made myself comfortable, as much as one can in a cage within a damn cave. I sighed as I pondered my options. I couldn't go back to earth. It was even more of a mess than this place. I had no clue where the pony of shadows' base was, and I couldn't go to the crystal empire yet, seeing as I could barely handle Equestria. Speaking of which, I'm now on the radar of some guards. It's only a matter of time before this gets to the princesses. And after the fight with gorkjaw and the guards, I know for a fact that I'm outmatched, even with my tricks. I groaned deeply as my brain kept spitting out problems, but no solutions. Well, maybe I could try taking over a bunch of things and make an army, but I have a feeling that the people that I would actually need them against would be able to easily free them. No, I need power, influence, loyalty, a strong foundation to build upon. And that's just to survive. Shit.

I roll onto my back and gaze at the crystal-covered ceiling. The dim lights of the crystals fill up my cage with a soothing glow. I glance at the guard, who looks like he's seen better days. His armor is similar to Sombra's guards, but with black crystals growing in patches around it. The green glow is dimmer than I remember. Add that to the fact that Sombra stayed within the Crystal Empire in the show, and you get a recipe for altered Equestria bullshit.



How bad is it, really? Are they at war? Is it over and who won? Wait, Sombra couldn't have won, because the guards back in Timberlake praised the princesses almost religiously. Well, they could have been rebels, but I doubt they would have been the first responders. Plus, the town looked relatively normal, if not a bit Disneyfied. Ugh, where, or rather when, am I? The books and memories give me some familiar names and events, but most of it is just gibberish.

I let out a growl as my clawed hand digs into the stone ground, causing cracks to form. My eyes flash with white fire for a moment, before I calm myself and comb my smokey hair back with my hand.

It's fine, it's fine. The song may have changed, but the dance is the same. Find items of power, use that power to make a base and empower myself, then... Well, I'll have to improvise and play it loose.

I feel a sudden wave of memories pass through my mind, as it seems the little drop finally got into the pony's head. 

My vision slowly faded to a familiar bluish-black as white dots filled the void, resembling stars in the sky. I could see a path forming, made out of the same white energy, while monitors appeared on the sides of the path, constructed of the same energy, resembling TV screens.

This is different from the last time I was in somebody's mind. Maybe it's because I wasn't looking for anything specific like I was last time? Well, might as well check around, see if there's anything worthwhile, anything that could be useful in achieving my goals.

Suddenly, the screens lit up as if responding to my thoughts, causing me to jump back slightly at the sudden change, before my curiosity slowly overtook my weariness.



I looked at the monitor on my left and saw a warped version of the Crystal Empire. It appeared as if it was covered in a dome of pure blackness. Just outside the city walls, skeletons and undead wandered, while patrols of dark guards went up and down the paths leading to the city. I could feel the dark magic as if I were really there. The memories of this grunt were intoxicating. I managed to pull myself back, though, as I looked towards the other monitor on my right.

I saw a dragon atop a hoard of gold and metal. I reached out and touched the monitor, feeling drawn to it for some reason. As I touched it, I heard voices whispering about the metal and the dragon. It was hard to tell exactly what they were saying, as it seemed like all the memories that correlated with this were trying to talk to me all at once. But I did manage to figure out a few words that were murmured about the metal: invincible, strong, valuable. That's all I needed to hear.

I severed the mental connection I had with the guard as the void suddenly lit up, momentarily blinding me before I found myself back in the cage. A wave of greed washed over me as I looked up at the ceiling and muttered.

"Power, ughhh..."

The guard glances at me for a moment as I drool, before shaking his head and slowly moving away out of sight. 

I have to get my hands on that pie. It's not much, but it's a start. I can already picture it: an armor of immense power adorning my frame, an army of shadows at my command. Hehehe. How glorious!

I swiftly turn into a shadowy mist and try to phase through the bars, but as soon as I touch them, I feel a jolt of pain coursing through my body. I fly back to my physical form and hit the wall, cracking it. I rub my head and glare at the door, then stand up and dust myself off. I look around and see the guard on his patrol. I walk over as close as I can to the bars and yell.

"Hey, moron! What time is it?"

"Huh?" The guard freezes in shock for a moment, then looks at me in disbelief. He can't believe that a slave would be so bold or so stupid to insult him like that.

I smirk and yell again. "Yeah, you, lard face. I'm talking to you. Do you have cotton in your ears or something?"

The guard's confusion quickly turns to anger as he runs over, his horn glowing with magic.

"What the hell did you say to me, trash? Do you have a death wish or do you just enjoy getting your ass kicked?" He shouts as he stops by the entrance of my cage. I just look at my claws and flick a piece of dirt at him, making him shake with rage. I snap my fingers and watch as Mr.ball jumps from the shadows and wraps around the guard's neck, squeezing until a satisfying crack sounds out. The guard falls down, twitching a bit before going limp.

Mr.ball grabs the keys from the guard and opens the door. I walk out and feel the stares of the other captives on me. I can smell their fear like a juicy steak. I take a deep breath, savoring the aroma, knowing it won't last long. Shadows leap off me and make their way to the other cages, making the slaves cower in fear. All except the one who sounds like the joker, but he's crazy, so he doesn't count. After breaking open the other cages, I wait for them to gather their bearings and approach me.

I was mildly amused when I heard hoofsteps approaching me right away, but when I turned to face the source and saw the lunatic from earlier, my amusement turned into annoyance. He was a purple pony with a green mane and a jester's hat for a cutie mark. He wore ragged clothes and a smug grin, revealing his gaps of missing teeth. His eyes twinkled with a hint of insanity.

He sauntered over to me, acting like we were old pals, and greeted me with gusto.

"Hey, hey, hey! You're a demon, huh? One of those badass warriors from the crystal wars? The one who just slaughtered that guard and liberated us all? Man, you're amazing! I'm Jinx, by the way. Pleasure to make your acquaintance!" He said, offering his hoof for a handshake.

I gave him a skeptical look, wondering if he was delusional or just stupid. I decided to play along, and shook his hoof. He clamped it hard, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my arm. He cackled.

"Oops, my bad, I couldn't help myself. I love to prank ponies in this dump, That's how I earned this." He gestured to his cutie mark.

"I'm..." I faltered for a moment as I realized something. Robert was not a name that would gain me respect or fear from these creatures. I needed a title, a truly powerful name, to earn some respect right away. And if I had been turned into a demon, then saying my real name probably wasn't a good idea since I'm pretty sure if you know a demon's name, you can control them. Or is that just like a Warhammer 40K thing? Either way, I'm not taking any chances.

I'll go with something short and simple. And since I'm obviously going to be a pain in the ass to people around here, I might as well be called, "Vex, the Father of Shadows.' And I have a deal for you. All of you!" I proclaimed, catching the attention of the creatures around me.

Clearing my throat, I ascended a rock so high, Striking a pose that caught every eye.  

"I know your fears, your pain, your plight, But I bring a gift to turn the dark to light."

As the last note hung in the air so grand, a pony with skepticism came to stand.  

"Fools we are not, to trust in you, Demon's promises often ring untrue."

An older griffin, with eyes so stern, Echoed doubts that made the crowd churn.  

"Demon's wiles we've seen before, Why should we believe you, what's in store?"

Jinx, with mischief in his gaze, Stepped forth with a cunning craze.  

"Words are cheap, we need a sign, To know you're not of the usual demon kind."

Thinking fast, I reached with flair, Producing a contract, golden and rare.  

"A simple deal, nothing more, nothing less, Sign here, and freedom we shall possess."

Ironhide, with muscles taut and stance bold, Stepped forward, his voice like thunder rolled.  

"I may not be one for words or song, But I know a chance when it comes along. We Minotaurs, proud and strong of will, Once slaves to dogs, yet surviving still. I've seen the horrors, felt the pain, But I won't bow to fear again. So here I stand, with contract in hand, For freedom's price, I'll make my stand. To those who doubt, I say this true, You'll rue the day you said 'I'll pass' too soon."

With Ironhide's declaration, firm and clear, The crowd felt a surge of hope draw near. For in his words, they found their strength, To brave the darkness, whatever its length.

Jinx's shout, a leap to sign, sparked delight, His energy spread, igniting the night. From my form to his, shadows danced and swirled, Transforming him, as freedom unfurled.

"By the old makers, this is grand!" he cried, Laughing wildly, newfound power applied. The crowd, enthralled, drawn into his spell,Unaware of the darkness soon to swell.

Their clamor rose like a melody's swell, Caught in the chaos, they couldn't foretell. The griffin and pony, steadfast and true, Refused the deal, but their numbers grew. With each soul freed, a chorus did rise, Bound by my promise, under the skies. A devil's pact, with power entwined, In shadows deep, our destinies aligned.

"And thus, my friends, our tale begins to weave, With each signed contract, our spirits cleave. To realms unknown, where power reigns supreme, This, my comrades, is no mere dream."​



 

Location Canterlot

Evergore sat with his tea, enjoying a tranquil view amidst the grandeur of Canterlot mountain. His mansion, perched on the cliff's edge, offered a breathtaking vista of the sprawling land below. However, his serenity was interrupted by the presence of two esteemed guests: Honey Berry, a maven of the food industry, and Bronze Bull, a formidable minotaur known for his expertise in metals and ores. Together, they formed a triumvirate of influence and wealth within House Crystal Tech, one of the five most powerful and influential noble houses within Equestria, bound by both business and friendship.

"Pray tell, Evergore, how fare thy latest endeavor?" Honey Berry asked, breaking the silence.

"Oh, indeed, the Crystal Tower," Evergore replied with a charming smile. "It progresses splendidly, I assure you. Undoubtedly, you've heard of the myriad benefits it shall bestow upon the Crystal Empire and beyond. A marvel of magic and technology, akin to the crystal balls employed in wartime for communication with command. However, this tower shall grant families the ability to connect with friends or enterprises possessing my own communication device. Quite the innovation, if I do say so myself."

"Yes, indeed, I've heard of it," Honey Berry replied, her tone dripping with aristocratic charm as a smug smirk graced her lips. "And I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed by your vision and ambition. You seem to possess a remarkable knack for uncovering new opportunities and embracing challenges."

Her words carried an undercurrent of admiration, laced with a subtle hint of shrewdness. "As for House Goldleaf, I daresay they shall be positively clamoring for a piece of your new technology. Those merchants would go to great lengths for such a coveted asset. If you were to grant them access, they would undoubtedly find themselves indebted to you in no small measure, hmm?"

"Indeed, it will prove invaluable for the upcoming meeting between the five houses," Evergore remarked with a charming smile. "And thank you, Honey Berry. Your praise carries great weight, especially coming from one as esteemed as yourself. You are undeniably one of the most successful entrepreneurs in all of Equestria. Your culinary creations are renowned, sought after even by our competitors within the noble houses."

Honey Berry blushed delicately, her aristocratic demeanor momentarily faltering under the weight of Evergore's praise. "Oh, do cease, Evergore. Your flattery knows no bounds," she murmured with a soft chuckle. "But I am truly grateful for your kind words. It is not without merit that I attribute much of my success to your unwavering support."

Evergore nodded sagely. "Indeed, my dear friend, We share a bond of mutual respect and trust, a rarity in this tumultuous world. We serve the greater good of Equestria."

Bronze Bull cleared his throat, getting both of their attention. "Excuse me, Evergore, Honey Berry," he interjected, his words punctuated by a hint of urgency. "I don't mean to intrude upon your delightful conversation, but there's something I'd like to address as well."

"Of course, Bronze Bull. Please, do speak your mind," Evergore replied with a curt nod, his noble accent lending an air of respect to his words.

Bronze Bull grinned warmly. "Thanks a bunch, Honey Berry. And you too, Evergore," he said, his voice resonating with appreciation. "You two are seriously awesome. Your support and recognition mean the world to me. You've played a huge part in helping me reach my goals and dreams. With your backing, I've had the freedom to chase my passions and bring my vision to life. I couldn't ask for better friends and allies."

Evergore smiled warmly. "And you, dear Bronze Bull, are an invaluable ally to us. Your support and generous discounts for our projects have been instrumental in our endeavors. We are truly grateful for your partnership."

Evergore raised his cup with regal grace. "To friendship and business," he proclaimed, a smile adorning his features.

Honey Berry joined in the toast. "And to the future of Equestria," she chimed in, her tone filled with genuine enthusiasm.

Bronze Bull nodded, added his own hearty exclamation. "And to the glory of the Crystal Empire!" he proclaimed proudly, the sincerity in his voice echoing the sentiment of unity among friends.

They drank their tea and resumed their conversation.

"So, Honey Berry, how fares your farm?" Evergore inquired, as he took a delicate sip of his tea.

"Oh, it's flourishing splendidly, thank you for inquiring," Honey Berry replied, her smile radiating with pride. "The harvest yielded abundantly this year, and the market is thriving. I am contemplating the expansion of my enterprise, perhaps by hiring additional laborers. I've also entertained the idea of opening a bakery or even a jam factory. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

"That sounds splendid, Honey Berry, You have always been a diligent and ambitious individual. I have no doubt that you will excel in whatever endeavors you pursue. However, do remember to take some time for yourself and relish in life's joys, alright?" He nodded approvingly.

"Indeed, indeed. I always prioritize time for my loved ones," Honey Berry replied with a shy smile. "Speaking of which, how fares your wife, Bronze Bull? I have heard she is expecting once more. My heartfelt congratulations to you both!"

"Thanks, Honey Berry. Yeah, she's expecting our fourth foal," Bronze Bull replied, his voice tinged with excitement. "We're thrilled about it. We're keeping the gender under wraps for now, but we're secretly hoping for a colt this time around. Got three fillies already, bless 'em, but wouldn't mind a son to carry on the family name, you know?" He chuckled nervously, a hint of anticipation in his tone.

"I understand completely, Bronze Bull," Evergore remarked, his words laced with reassurance. "I have no doubt that you will cherish your foal regardless of gender. And rest assured, he or she will undoubtedly grow into a pony- Minotaur of strength and courage, much like yourself. Your prowess as both a father and a soldier is commendable, and your service to Equestria in times of war and peace alike is truly exemplary."

"Thanks, Evergore. I appreciate your kind words," Bronze Bull replied, his voice reflecting genuine gratitude. "You've been a stellar leader and a solid friend, no doubt about it. Your contributions have been instrumental in Equestria's growth and prosperity, be it in times of peace or war."

"Ah, the war. Those were indeed dark times," Evergore sighed deeply. "The horrors we witnessed, the lives we mourned, the sacrifices we bore. It was a harrowing ordeal, yet we endured, united as one."

"Indeed, those were indeed dark times," Honey Berry remarked softly, as she gazed at the crystal heart pendant adorning her neck. "We owe a great deal to the princesses, particularly Princess Celestia. Her unwavering presence, guidance, and support were our steadfast beacons throughout those trying days."

"Ah, but what of Princess Luna?" Evergore inquired, his tone shifting as he brought up the topic. "She leads the hunt for the remnants of King Sombra's cultists and generals, aiding in the purification of the empire. Do you reckon she's on the righteous path?"

Honey Berry and Bronze Bull looked at each other, then at Evergore. They knew this was a sensitive and controversial topic, but they also knew they could trust each other. They decided to share their honest opinions, even if they disagreed.

"I daresay, Evergore, I find Princess Luna's pursuits rather futile," Honey Berry remarked, her voice tinged with concern. "Chasing after mere remnants of a vanquished foe, hidden away in the mountains—hardly a threat to our realm. Why cannot she simply let them be?"

"I respectfully disagree, Honey Berry. I believe Princess Luna's actions are justified," Bronze Bull countered, his words punctuated by the sound of his hand hitting the table. "The remnants of King Sombra and his followers pose a persistent threat. They're not to be underestimated. Luna's resolve to pursue and eliminate them is commendable. She's a stalwart leader, guided by wisdom and strength."

"Bronze Bull, you're far too trusting," Honey Berry countered, carrying a tone of exasperation. "Princess Luna's impulsive actions not only endanger House Nocturna but also threaten the stability of Equestria itself. She neglects her broader responsibilities to the realm, fixating instead on fruitless endeavors in the Crystal Empire. It would be wiser for her to realign her focus towards more essential matters, rather than chasing elusive shadows."

"Honey Berry, take it easy," Bronze Bull replied, his eyebrow raised in response. "Princess Luna's got plenty of wisdom and experience. She's looking out for her subjects and Equestria's reputation. And, yeah, House Nocturna's been a bit sidelined since House Dawnbreaker took charge of the domestic scene since they left. But hey, maybe a return to Canterlot wouldn't hurt."

"Don't misunderstand me, dear friends," Evergore leaned forward. "I hold Princess Luna in high regard. Her contributions to Equestria, particularly post-War, are undeniable. However, it's evident she's still acclimating to the nuances of ruling in modern times—embracing new customs and diverse cultures. Her past experiences weigh heavily, leaving her somewhat tethered to a bygone era."

"Indeed, Evergore, you speak true," Honey Berry nodded in agreement. "Princess Luna, though noble in her intentions, finds it challenging to establish meaningful connections with her subjects. Her distant and enigmatic demeanor often leaves us feeling estranged. It appears her fixation on past conflicts and the Crystal Empire eclipses her understanding of our desires, necessities, and sentiments. Perhaps it is wisest to delegate the affairs of the day and the court to Princess Celestia, whose mastery in such domains is unquestionable."

"Sorry, Honey Berry, but I gotta respectfully disagree," Bronze Bull shook his head. "Princess Luna's a real gem, no question about it, but her style of communication can be a tad... direct. I reckon she's just wary of history repeating itself, especially after not being around much during the war. People might not have given her the respect she deserves as a ruler. I reckon that's why she's taken on this crusade—to prove her worth. As for the night and dreams? Yeah, they're her forte, no denying that. Sharing the day and court with Princess Celestia? Smart move. Celestia could use the backup, and let's face it, things got as good as they are 'cause of both of 'em."

Evergore smiled inwardly. "My dear friends, there's a thought that has long intrigued me. Why do we necessitate two princesses? Could we not thrive under the reign of just one? Imagine the simplicity, the unity of purpose—a solitary princess, a singular voice, a sole vision. No room for confusion, conflict, or compromise. Only harmony, peace, and prosperity. And who better suited for this role than Princess Celestia? She has consistently demonstrated her unrivaled capability, wisdom, and benevolence as Equestria's sovereign. From dawn to dusk, she has stood by our side, a beacon of guidance and hope. Celestia is the sun that illuminates our days, the beacon that leads our way. Luna, on the other hand, shines brightly as the star we yearn for, her place more fitting on the battlefield than within the court. Do you not find this reasoning compelling?"

"I wholeheartedly concur, Evergore," Honey Berry nodded eagerly, "You speak the absolute truth. Equestria requires only one princess, and that princess is none other than Princess Celestia. She embodies every quality you've articulated and surpasses them with grace. Truly, she stands as the epitome of all that is good and prosperous for our land."

"I hear you, Evergore, and your argument's solid," Bronze Bull responded, his frown reflecting his hesitation at his friend's words. "But I'm not entirely sold. We do need both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They each bring something valuable to the table. Both have proven their worth, haven't they?"

Evergore sighed inwardly, nodding before speaking in a conciliatory tone. "I understand, Bronze Bull. Your perspective is valid as well. However, it seems we must agree to disagree on this matter. Divergent opinions are part of what makes our friendships rich and enduring, wouldn't you say?"

Honey Berry and Bronze Bull looked at each other, then at Evergore. They smiled weakly, and said in unison, "Right."

Evergore smiled with pride as he saw Honey Berry nodding eagerly and Bronze Bull frowning hesitantly.

But then, he felt a static shock from his necklace. He looked at it and saw a red light flashing. It was a message from one of his contacts. It was urgent and important. He excused himself from the group and went inside his mansion, where it was more private.

He opened the message and read it. His eyes widened in shock and anger. It said that two of his golems were destroyed by the north side of the Timberlake woods. He realized that Goldiethine must have found out about the golems' disguise. Goldiethine was always a paranoid fellow.

He decided to activate the weapon, seeing as 2/4 of the ponies meant to hold the crate were gone. The crate was a wooden box that contained a powerful prototype that Evergore had created.

He grabbed his necklace and pressed a button. It sent a signal to the crate, activating the Weapon. He hoped that it would reach its destination before it ran out of magic, or at least gain enough data to justify the time and bits put into this operation.

He returned to his friends, and pretended to be calm and cheerful. He resumed the conversation, and waited for the weapon results.
> Chapter 8: Shadows of Allegiance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buddy POV

Waking up with a yawn and a stretch of my serpent body, I emerged from the shadows as if rising through water. Groggily, I looked around for my host, Robert. The tunnel was empty, with the only evidence of Robert’s presence being his outline on the dirt and stone floor, showing that he had been dragged away.

Lovely, With how much trouble he gets into, it was only a matter of time before he got himself beheaded. Well, I better get to him before something bad happens. Then again, he should be fine for a bit. I practically cast all his spells anyway, sparing him the tedious process of mathematical equations and incantations. Especially that electric magic he's so fond of—I had to deal with a few bloody spirits for those ones.

My thoughts were interrupted as dust fell on my nose. I shook my head to clear it and looked up, just in time to see a rock crash down, crushing me and sending dark shadows splattering across the walls. Two Diamond Dogs poked their heads out of the ceiling, looking around in confusion. White eyes appeared in the darkness that had been scattered when I was crushed, allowing me to get a good look at the two dogs. To my surprise, it was Puck and Bill.

"Aw, doggone it! We busted out too soon. Those slaves gotta be deeper down. Let's keep diggin'!" Puck whispered, annoyed, as he ducked back into the hole. The bigger dog, Bill, rolled his eyes before retreating, the sound of rocks being moved becoming more muffled as they dug deeper.

Seeing this as an easy way to bypass the crystal guards, I slithered up the wall and into the hole, following the newly made tunnel.



 

Vex POV

Seated upon a makeshift throne of stone, crystal, and shadows, my dark form towered over all but the Minotaurs, their new dark forms testing out their enhanced powers. Most of them showcased improvements to their natural abilities: stronger, faster, more agile, better flyers. However, none seemed to possess a special ability like Jinx; he appeared to be a unique case. Observing the griffin and old pony who had refused my offer, I resisted the temptation to simply eliminate them. Keeping them alive might serve as a gesture of goodwill; after all, if they felt they had no options, it could lead to rebellion, a scenario I preferred to avoid.

"Excuse me, sir, or uh, Mr. Vex," a male voice interrupted, drawing my attention. Looking down, I saw a Minotaur cloaked in darkness, his expression visible through the blank white eyes. He stood nervously, like a child about to ask for something they knew they wouldn't receive. Adjusting my posture, I addressed him.

"What do you need... Uh, What's your name?" I inquired, not bothering to remember the names of these lackeys.

"Thunderhide, sir. I just wanted to know what the plan is—" he began, but was abruptly cut off as Buddy tunneled his way out of the ceiling. Confusion washed over me as we exchanged glances, before Buddy's eyes glowed white, flooding my mind with memories without my consent.



"Uh, you son of a bitch! Don't do that without telling me, goddamn!" I exclaimed, falling back into my throne, clutching my head in pain. Thunderhide looked on in shock and confusion, while the rest of the group froze before moving to attack the intruder. Raising my hand, I commanded them to stop.

"Don't! He's with us. Uh, fu—my head... Just, uh, Buddy, you deal with this. Thunderhide, continue," I instructed.

Though uncertain, Thunderhide pressed on. "What's the plan of attack? We've scouted, and most of the guards are in the lunch hall, and no one has discovered our jailbreak yet. How should we proceed?"

"Hmm, well, how many are in the lunchroom?" I inquired.

Thunderhide squinted his eyes as he shook his hand in a so-so gesture.

"About 12."

"Okay, we'll just dispatch them then," I replied nonchalantly, the pain in my head slowly dissipating as the memories coalesced into coherent thoughts. Most of it seemed like me babbling on about Christmas carols or some such nonsense. However, what caught my eye was a pony guarding a group of slaves, with me attached to the end, as they talked of "tortured and experimented for fun." ON Me! It was bad enough that some ponies had captured me, but to think those losers would be able to hold onto me? Ha! It made me laugh and shake with rage for a moment, but I played it off as more pain from the headache when I saw Thunderhide cower.

"Ah yes, everyone! Get ready! We've got a lunch hall to raid! Jinx, you're in charge of the assault!" I commanded.

A chorus of groans echoed through the room as Jinx jumped up in joy with a "yahoo!" I rose from my throne and stretched.

"Now, we could make a super smart plan and all that jazz, but seeing as we're magically empowered and outnumber them two to one, we're just going to go in guns blazing and beat the shit out of them!" I yelled, getting into the bloodlust spirit.

With a roar of excitement, my minions sprang into action, their dark forms swirling with anticipation. Jinx led the charge, his manic laughter echoing through the chamber as he brandished his weapons more bombs. The others followed suit, their eyes gleaming with a fierce determination as they prepared to unleash their newfound powers upon the unsuspecting guards.



 

Black Shard POV

Within the cavern's embrace, bathed in the eerie glow of crystal light, my comrades and I convened around a rugged stone table, the whispers of shadows embracing our form, as we shared a modest repast. Clad in armor bearing patches of King Sombra's dark crystals, we bore the mark of our allegiance to Lord Crystallus, a testament to our unwavering loyalty.

As we savored the meager sustenance before us, the air crackled with the energy of camaraderie, yet beneath the surface, an undercurrent of concern lingered, brought forth by recent disturbances in the realm. The Diamond Dogs, those relentless scavengers of the underground, had begun to make more noise than usual, their ceaseless quest for riches driving them to bold new heights.

"It seems the Diamond Dogs grow restless," remarked Stonehoof, a burly earth pony whose mane seemed to absorb the very shadows around us, his tone grave with concern. "Their recent skirmishes speak of a newfound aggression, one that cannot be ignored."

I nodded in agreement, my gaze drifting to the patches of dark crystal that adorned our armor. "Their actions may prove troublesome if left unchecked," I replied, my voice laced with determination. "We must remain vigilant and prepared to act should their ambitions threaten our lord's domain."

A soft chuckle pierced the somber atmosphere, drawing our attention to Shadowmist, a sleek unicorn mare whose eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let them clash amongst themselves," she remarked, her voice tinged with amusement. "So long as their quarrels do not impede our progress, they are of little consequence to us."

Her words held a measure of truth, yet I could not shake the lingering unease that gripped my heart. The Diamond Dogs, though brutish in nature, were not to be underestimated. Their tenacity and cunning posed a threat that could not be dismissed lightly.

"We must tread carefully," I cautioned, my gaze flickering with concern. "The Diamond Dogs may be savage, but they are not without strategy. We must be prepared to respond swiftly should they encroach upon our lord's territories."

Stonehoof nodded in agreement, his expression growing grim. "Aye, you speak true, Black Shard. We cannot afford to underestimate our enemies, no matter how brutish they may seem."

Stonehoof's gruff voice echoed off the cavern walls as he began to rant, his words laced with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"I heard those slaves we received recently were owned by the Diamond Dogs before some rookie patrol stumbled upon them," Stonehoof remarked, his brow furrowing in consternation. "How they managed to evade detection for so long is beyond me."

I feigned ignorance, raising an eyebrow in feigned surprise. "Is that so?" I replied, masking my true involvement in the discovery. 

Shadowmist shook her head, her expression grave. "This will undoubtedly cause trouble for Lord Crystallus," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "The Diamond Dogs will not take kindly to having their property seized, and they will likely seek retribution."

A cold sweat broke out upon my brow as I contemplated the repercussions of my actions. If Lord Crystallus were to discover my involvement in the matter, the consequences would be dire indeed. I forced a nervous chuckle, attempting to divert attention from my growing unease.

"Yeah, that pony's gonna be in a whole lot of trouble," I remarked, my voice strained with forced levity. "Heh, he... Let's hope Lord Crystallus doesn't find out anytime soon."

My comrades exchanged knowing glances, their expressions a mixture of amusement and concern. It was clear that they shared my apprehension, yet they remained steadfast in their loyalty to our lord and master.

"Speaking of troubles," I began, my tone carefully measured, "have any of you heard news from the other warlord camps? I've heard rumors that Luna is on a hell-bent crusade to eliminate them all, while her sister handles affairs at court."

"Aye, I've heard whispers of her campaign," Stonehoof grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze narrowing thoughtfully. "It seems Luna is hell-bent on taking back the empire, though they already have a pony they want in charge of it. It makes you wonder why she, in particular, wants to do all the heavy lifting."

Shadowmist nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring Stonehoof's concern. "Indeed, the reports speak of relentless assaults and swift victories," she added, her voice tinged with unease. "It appears Luna will stop at nothing to prove herself."

I leaned forward, my interest piqued by their words. "And what of the other warlords?" I inquired, my voice edged with curiosity. "Have any of them managed to resist Luna's advances, or are they all destined to fall beneath her banner?"

Stonehoof shrugged, his expression grim. "It's hard to say," he replied, his voice heavy with uncertainty. "Some may attempt to resist, but Luna's Legions are formidable, especially since they brought a captain and a Legion of guards from Canterlot to help out their new princess. I fear the other lords' resistance may be futile. After all, if Subicor could not defeat her, then who can other than Sombra himself?"

I clenched my jaw, a surge of frustration coursing through me. Luna's relentless pursuit of glory and Justice threatened to destabilize our place in the world.

As Stonehoof's words hung heavy in the air, a sense of foreboding settled over our gathering like a shroud. Yet amidst the uncertainty, Shadowmist's voice cut through the tension like a blade, her tone laced with a hint of intrigue.

"You know, I've heard whispers that the Followers of the Great Meltdown have returned," she said, her voice carrying a mysterious weight.

Stonehoof and I exchanged puzzled glances, intrigued by her revelation. "The Followers of the Great Meltdown?" I echoed, my curiosity piqued.

Shadowmist nodded, her eyes alight with a strange fervor. "Yes, they're a peculiar bunch," she continued, her words drawing us in like moths to a flame. "They were the ones behind the demon summonings and the war golem project back in the war, and rumors have it that they've managed to hold back Luna's forces on more than one occasion."

A ripple of murmurs swept through our gathering, each of us processing the implications of her words. If such a group still existed, they could prove to be a formidable wildcard in the ongoing struggle for power.

"But where do their loyalties lie?" Stonehoof questioned, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "If they're capable of stalling Luna's advance, they could be a valuable asset to our cause."

Shadowmist shrugged, a mysterious smile playing at the corners of her lips. "From what I've heard, they're not exactly on anyone's side," she replied cryptically. "They march to the beat of their own drum, guided by their insatiable thirst for chaos and destruction."

I mulled over her words, the pieces of the puzzle slowly falling into place. The Followers of the Great Meltdown were an old friend of the empire, a force to be reckoned with in their own right. If we were to navigate the treacherous waters of war, we would need to tread carefully and consider every possible ally, no matter how unconventional they may be.

The tranquility of our lunchtime gathering was shattered by the frantic arrival of a guard, his face contorted in terror as he screamed, "Everypony get the BUCK up, we're being attacked!"

Before any of us could react, he erupted into a swirling mass of darkness, leaving nothing behind but echoes of his anguished cries. Our senses reeled as the cavern was engulfed in shadow, the air thick with the scent of fear and chaos.




In an instant, our sanctuary was overrun by a horde of creatures, their forms shrouded in shadows, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. Griffins, minotaurs, and ponies alike surged into the room like a tidal wave, their movements swift and merciless as they descended upon us.

The ground trembled beneath the thunderous advance of the Minotaurs, shattering any semblance of order that might have existed among us. Griffins swooped down from the shadowed heights, their talons poised to snatch up any unfortunate soul caught in the path of the charging beasts. Despite the valiant efforts of a few unicorn soldiers, their magical blasts seemed feeble against the relentless onslaught. To our dismay, even those struck directly found their wounds miraculously healing, fueling the enemy's ferocity.

As if the chaos wasn't enough, shadowy figures emerged from the darkness, their eerie forms adding to the nightmare of the battlefield. Pegasus warriors joined the fray, joining the griffins in mid-air skirmishes while earth ponies bolstered the Minotaurs' charge with their formidable strength. Meanwhile, a majority of the unicorns remained at the rear, casting protective spells and launching attacks from a safe distance, their focus on guarding the door at all costs. In the face of such overwhelming odds, our struggle seemed increasingly futile.

The pegasus flew around the room, trying to gain enough momentum to ram into the griffins. While griffins had better hand-to-hand combat abilities in mid-air due to their claws, their hollow bones made them susceptible to a well-placed hit from a pegasus. However, the room was too small for the pegasus to build up sufficient speed. The griffins easily subdued the pegasus, taking advantage of the confined space. 

Our scant contingent of pegasus soldiers fell swiftly to the enemy's overwhelming numbers. 

I watched as our comrades fought desperately to hold back the onslaught, but their efforts were in vain. The creatures, their forms wreathed in darkness, moved with an unnatural speed and precision, overwhelming our defenses with ease.

I drew my sword as a dark creature charged at me with its long claws. It appeared to be some type of diamond dog. Swiftly, I deflected its lunge and sliced off one of its large arms. But to my surprise, more tar-like tendrils shot out of the wound, wrapping around the arm as it swung it around like a makeshift club, knocking me back. The tendrils then pulled its arm back into place, the sound of flesh rearranging and fusion echoing in the room. 

As I tried to regain my bearings, the dark diamond dog loomed over me, its leg lifted and ready to crush my skull. But before it could bring its foot down, a mace struck the creature's head, sending it flying across the room. Tendrils of arcane energy wrapped around it, keeping it in place. 

Turning to see where the mace came from, I locked eyes with Stonehoof and Shadowmist. I gave them an unspoken thanks with a nod as we got into a defensive position. Together, we fought side by side, our movements fluid and coordinated as we sought to stem the tide of darkness.

With our backs pressed against one another, Stonehoof, Shadowmist, and I formed a formidable trio amidst the chaos. The cavern echoed with the clash of steel and the crackle of dark magic as we fended off the relentless onslaught of shadow-clad assailants.

Stonehoof, his mighty hooves pounding against the rocky ground, swung his heavy mace with a desperate ferocity. Each blow sent shockwaves through the darkness, scattering our foes like leaves in the wind. His dark crystal armor gleamed in the dim light, deflecting blows and lending an air of invincibility to his formidable form.

As several dark minotaurs charged at him, he swiftly smashed the head of one, causing it to collide with another that was charging alongside it. The force created a domino effect, entangling the entire group. They attempted to untangle themselves, but arcane tendrils wrapped around them, trapping them together.

Beside him, Shadowmist moved like a phantom, her magic crackling through the air like lightning. With a flick of her horn, she summoned tendrils of arcane energy to ensnare our enemies, binding them in magical chains that sapped their strength and left them vulnerable. Her movements were fluid and graceful, a deadly dance that left destruction in her wake.

I made sure to do my best to distract the creatures from Shadowmist. My sword strikes were like razors as I lashed out at our assailants with relentless fury. With each strike, magic swirled around me, coalescing into deadly tendrils that cut through the darkness like a blade through silk. My armor, marked by our lord’s symbol, hummed with dark energy, giving me strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

But no matter how many creatures we defeated, they always got back up. Looking around, I saw a serpent made of darkness slithering around the room, breaking the arcane tendrils that trapped some of the dark ones. It untied its allies as our own ranks dwindled, with only a handful of unicorn and earth pony guards left.

As the battle raged on, we found ourselves increasingly outnumbered and outmatched, our strength waning with each passing moment. It became clear that we needed to find a way to escape, to regroup and plan our next move before it was too late.

"Fall back!" I shouted above the din of battle, my voice raw with urgency. "We need to find a way out of here before we're overrun!"

Stonehoof and Shadowmist nodded in agreement, their expressions grim with determination. As we made our way towards the nearest exit, a figure emerged from the shadows, his form obscured by darkness yet unmistakably adorned in a jester's outfit.

He laughed gleefully as he juggled a pair of bombs made of pure darkness, their white glowing eyes blinking with an ominous light. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" he mused, his voice dripping with malice. "It seems our guests are trying to make a run for it. How delightful!"

I tensed, my muscles coiled with apprehension as I prepared for the worst. It was clear that our escape would not come easily, not with this mysterious figure standing in our way. But as long as we stood together, there was still hope.

We stood in a defensive posture, slowly backing up towards the exit. Looking past the jester, I could see that the other guards were already caught and tied up in tar-like vines. Suddenly, the jester jumped towards us and theatrically tossed the bombs into the air. A surge of dread gripped my heart as I anticipated their detonation.

The bombs exploded in a burst of shadows, swiftly morphing into sinuous tendrils of darkness. Before we could muster a response, these dark appendages entwined around us like living chains, ensnaring us in their malevolent grasp.

The jester's laughter echoed through the cavern, his smirk widening into a sinister grin as he sauntered over to join the other shadow creatures. "Oh, how delightful," he exclaimed, his voice dripping with malice. "It seems our guests are all tied up with nowhere to go. What a pity."

My heart sank as I struggled against the inky tendrils that held me captive, their grip unyielding and suffocating.

"We may be bound, but we are not defeated," I declared, my voice ringing with defiance. "We will find a way out of this, and you will pay!"

The jester's mocking laughter reverberated through the cavern, his words dripping with disdain as he dismissed us with a wave of his hoof. "Yes, yes, you're a big tough guy, we know, we know," he taunted, his tone dripping with condescension. "But right now, the big boys are talking, so just zip it."

With a theatrical flourish, he made a zipping motion over his mouth, a dark tentacle springing forth to wrap around my muzzle, cutting off my retort before it could escape. I gritted my teeth, frustration boiling within me as I struggled against the suffocating grip of the shadowy appendage.

Stonehoof and Shadowmist exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a mixture of anger and helplessness. We were at the mercy of our captors, their power overwhelming and insurmountable. But even in the face of adversity, I refused to surrender to this fool.

All attention shifted to the entrance of the cafeteria as a towering figure strode in. He had to bend down to pass through the door, sharp claws gripping the door frame for support. His horned head popped in, smoky hair flowing as if caught in a nonexistent breeze. Wings slithered out from his back, seeming to materialize from the darkness itself. Glowing white eyes scanned the room as he stood there, a smirk playing on his maw. With an air of superiority, he moved forward, hands clasped behind his back.

As he approached, all eyes followed him, tension thick in the air. He stopped in front of the Jester, uttering something that caused my blood to freeze as I finally recognized the creature.

"Where's Black Shard?"



 

Lord Crystallus POV

In the sanctum of my chambers, the air hangs heavy with the scent of incense, mingling with the soft glow of crystal light that suffuses the room. Adorned in my majestic armor, crystalline shards catching and refracting the subdued illumination, I sit upon my throne-like chair, the embodiment of serene authority. Before me rests my helmet, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its visor obscured by a cascade of shimmering crystals that curve upwards like a regal crown. A simple plastic mask covers my face, resembling that of a mannequin, with crystals poking out from the sides, cracking the mask.

With a languid motion, I bring a glass of wine to my lips, savoring its rich aroma as I gaze upon the golden staff held by the pony clad in resplendent gold armor and verdant green robes. Thorny vines of gold entwine the fabric, their intricate carvings pulsing with an ethereal energy that resonates through the chamber. Three crimson crystals adorn the mask-like visage of the pony's helmet, lending an air of enigmatic allure to his presence.

"Attend to the intruders," I intone calmly, my voice carrying the weight of quiet authority. "Ensure that they do not disturb my tranquility."

The pony in the golden armor inclines his head in silent acknowledgment before disintegrating into motes of golden light that dance through the air like celestial fireflies. With a fluid grace, the shimmering particles coalesce and flow towards the direction of the lunchroom, guided by my unspoken command.

Alone once more, I recline in my chair, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows upon the walls. A contented sigh escapes my lips as I allow myself to relax, my mind drifting amidst the currents of time and space. In the sanctum of my chambers, I am a king, and nothing shall disturb my reign of crystal and shadow.



 

Vex POV

I glanced around the cafeteria, its rocky crystal surroundings unchanged from before. Stone furniture and tables were scattered about, lending the place a Flintstones' vibe. As I made my way over to Jinx, a smirk played on my lips at the sight of the defeated guards, supposed elites brought down by a straightforward plan. With pride, I walked, hands clasped behind my back, wings unfurling to enhance my presence. Halting beside Jinx, I posed my question.

"Where's Black Shard?"

He saluted, replying, "In here!"

Raising an eyebrow, I rephrased my question, annoyance flashing across my face as my eyes glowed brighter. "No duh? Where exactly is he?" I asked, less professionally than intended. He scanned the room, then shrugged. I facepalmed, turning to my squad, but they avoided my gaze. An annoyed groan escaped me as I pivoted to face the tied-up guards, clapping my hands to grab their attention.

"Listen up, you good-for-nothing paperweights. I'm asking this once: where is Black Shard?" I commanded.

Silence met my demand, defiance brimming in their gazes. Shrugging, I extended my claws, sharpening them. "Fine, I'll just kill you all and read your minds," I said casually, striding toward the nearest group of guards. They attempted resistance, but the griffins guarding them intervened. Just as I was about to strike, one guard yelled out.

"No wait! He's in the group of three guards tied up, the younger stallion over there, the one gagged!" he shouted, flinching away from me.

I looked over to the indicated group, feeling the magic signature matching the one Buddy had shown me.

"So, you're the pony who tried to involve me in torture work and experiments, huh? Tsk tsk, how could you call yourself a slaver and end up like this, bound and gagged? It's pathetic," I said, crouching down in front of him, needing to look down to maintain eye contact.

Tracing my clawed finger on his helmet indifferently, I continued. "Normally, I'd give you some chance to escape, but you've angered my clients, and they want your head. I'll gladly give it to them," I said, motioning to the others shrouded in darkness. "Isn't that right, boys?"

The sound of raucous cheers and screeches filled the air as the mercenaries voiced their approval.

"I won't deny it; I'm going to miss you when you're gone," I said as my claw scratched his helmet, leaving behind a mark as I moved behind him. Placing my hands on the sides of his head, my claws dug into his helmet, the sound of straining metal filling the air. I could hear his breathing intensify, feel the fear breaking through the cracks of his stoic facade. A smile formed on my face.

"But I'm not the sentimental type of guy, so I'll just end this with a 'bye!'" I growled out.

Taking a small moment to savor the spike of fear emanating from him like a fine wine, I quickly jerked my arms up. The sound of flesh ripping and tearing filled the air, a small flash of white flame momentarily flashed across my eyes. The fear intensified, even from my guards; it was like I was on cloud nine.

"B-boss... Are you... Oh, Buck..." Thunderhide muttered out, his eyes still emotive even with the darkness covering his body, showing shock and horror. I smirked at him.

"What, have you never seen a pony get decapitated before?" I asked, looking at him. But my smirk faltered when he pointed to my chest. Looking down, I saw a golden thorny vine made out of arcane energy. The shadows on me recoiled from it, as if it revolted them. My blood fell onto the guard below me, his fear turning into confusion immediately, confirming that he wasn't the one behind this. I raised an eyebrow curiously. I didn't feel pain like the last time I was mangled by Gorkjaw or those ponies, so it probably wasn't life-threatening, which calmed my mind. Glancing behind myself, I saw that it erupted from the ground behind me, impaling me from my lower back and out my upper chest. I whipped my tail, cutting the vine and causing it to shatter like glass, leaving behind a hole in my chest that quickly filled with shadows. I was a little annoyed that my moment was interrupted, but now that they saw that I could be hurt, it was a necessary action to get rid of the witnesses. Looking over to Jinx, I nodded my head at the tied-up guards and made a crushing motion with my claw, causing Jinx to jump up and down excitedly with an evil grin.

"You got it, boss," he said with a salute, exaggerating his march over to the tied-up guards. However, his advance was halted as another golden vine burst from the ground, sending shards of rock flying. Jinx leaped back, swiftly dodged the fragments of rock sent his way.

Golden particles swarmed around the room before coalescing into the silhouette of a pony. It then took form, adorned in dark green robes, a golden mask, and accessories. In its grasp was a staff made of bone wood and gold, resembling a young tree with roots forming the head of the staff. The pony turned toward me, staring without movement, as some of my lackeys rushed toward it, only to be stopped as a tap of its staff rendered them unconscious.

Raising an eyebrow at the display of power, I began to walk around the mysterious figure as I spoke. "And who are you supposed to be? Some type of priest? The mage of this little dump in Paradise?"

"Such pride and lofty aspirations within thy spirit, a man of a race long forgotten, spared from the golden Maw. But wherefore? It matters not in this moment. Someone must humble thee, and let it be Malachi, the third apostle." the figure retorted. The staff began to flow with golden arcane energy, causing me to pause in my tracks before smirking.

"Oh, I get it. Your kind exists here too, huh? Doomsday cultists preaching about the end and all that stuff. Well, I can't say that I'm surprised, crazy like you always find a way to exist no matter the reality," I said with a smirk, standing casually. Suddenly, the air crackled with arcane energy, causing me to swiftly dash to the side as another golden vine shot forth into existence. Surprised, I clenched my claws as white electricity surrounded them, and I cast a serious glance towards the mage named Malachi.

"I'm going to enjoy beating your teeth in," I declared, punching my fist into my palm and rushing over to him, using my wings to give me a speed boost. But before I could reach him, Malachi waved his staff, stopping me mid-air and slamming me to the ground with a jolt of golden electricity.

"You will die like the rest of your kind, begging and screaming," Malachi said coldly, stabbing his staff into my back and creating another smaller hole. Despite the dull pain, I maintained a smile and looked up at him.

"Is that all you've got? Words of the past and some mediocre torture? I expected more, even from you," I taunted, feigning disappointment. Glancing behind him, I saw Buddy slithering around our fallen lackeys, causing the golden glow to disappear from them as they got up. Malachi seemed to sense that something was amiss as he looked back and saw it. Thinking fast, I unfurled my wings, sending his staff flying as I pounced on him, slashing and scratching as much as I could. He fell back, yelling out in pain, before a sudden flash of golden light rang out as a tree sprouted from his cloak, impaling me on its branches. He turned into golden particles that flew a few feet away.



"Your cowardice knows no bounds, yet even resorting to such lowly tricks, you still fail, as always." 

"Fuck you short ass." I spat out, the taste of copper filling my mouth as blood began to slide down the tree branches impaling me. Buddy attempted to take Malachi by surprise, sending multiple tendrils of darkness to try and impale him. However, with a swift wave of his staff, they were all deflected to the side, and he pulled Buddy in, striking him on the head and knocking him out, just as he did to me.

... 
... 

As I slowly regained consciousness, I found myself in a dimly lit room, bathed in the eerie glow of purple crystals. The air was thick with the scent of incense, mingled with a foul odor reminiscent of rotten meat. 

Groaning, I rubbed my head, muttering, "The incense isn't doing too good of a job."

To my surprise, a calm voice responded from the shadows, "It's a lot better than without."

Startled, I sat up quickly, scanning the room for the source of the voice. Across from me sat a figure, partially obscured by the darkness.

"Who are you?" I demanded, my voice tinged with suspicion.

The figure leaned forward, revealing a face partially hidden beneath a plastic mask resembling a ponies face. "I am Lord Crystallus," the voice replied calmly. "You and your companion are safe here, for now."

Lord Crystallus regarded me with a steady gaze, the dim light reflecting off the plastic mask that concealed his face.

"You seek power, do you not?" he continued, his voice smooth as silk. "The same power that courses through the veins of those you seek to control. I can grant you that power, and more."

I narrowed my eyes, suspicion still gnawing at the edges of my consciousness. "And what do you want in return?" I asked, my tone cautious.

Lord Crystallus leaned back, Dark magic pulsed from his milky white eye, casting an ominous glow across the room.

"I seek only to further my own ambitions," he replied cryptically. "But I am not without mercy. I will Spare you and your followers, and I will grant you the power you desire."

My interest piqued at the mention of the metal, but I remained wary. "Why would you offer such a deal?" I pressed, searching for any hint of deceit in his words.

Lord Crystallus sighed. "Because I understand the value of power," he admitted, his voice tinged with bitterness. "And because Malachi has been aiding me ever since he saved me from the brink of death."

At the mention of Malachi, my blood ran cold. I had underestimated the extent of his influence, and now it seemed that he had aligned himself with Lord Crystallus in pursuit of his own agenda.

"But what do you want from me?" I demanded, my voice rising with frustration. 

Lord Crystallus chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Because I know the true extent of your power," he replied, his voice dripping with malice. "And because you know that with my help, you could become unstoppable. I offer you a chance at immortality," he declared, his voice echoing with dark promise. "All you have to do is accept my offer."

I hesitated, torn between the allure of power and the fear of what it might cost me. But as I looked into Lord Crystallus's eyes, I saw a reflection of my own desires staring back at me.

"Fine," I muttered, my voice heavy with resignation. "But know this, Lord Crystallus. If you betray me, there will be consequences."

Lord Crystallus smiled, his milky white eye gleaming with anticipation. "Oh, I have no intention of betraying you, Vex," he replied, his voice dripping with malice. "After all, we are kindred spirits, you and I."