Grey. That was the first color that popped into view. The grey steel of a small metal cauldron, with smooth curves, four legs, and a wide open top. A white mist was pouring out from the cauldron's top, pooling up over the sides and running down the sleek curves, pouring down onto the floor and bathing it in a thick layer of white freezing cloud. The icy white room was filled with the freezing white mist, and the air was obscured with a heavy fog, wisps of white curling around pillars of pure ice, stretching from ceiling to floor... In the cauldron proper, an icy blue liquid sloshed and churned lightly, leaking out the mist that pooled over the edges and filled the room, the substance far colder than water could be while remaining liquid.

In this cauldron of freezing liquid rested a familiar colt. Cryon, devoid of cloak, was sitting in the middle of the freezing liquid bath, his small body submerged in the down to just below his shoulders, sitting on his hind quarters in a cauldron that he treated like a tub. His eyes were closed, and his head was bowed, as a steel-grey ladle dipped into the liquid at his left...

Pyrus, his fur was black once more, and his eyes back to reptilian red, was holding the end of the steel-grey ladle in sharp fanged teeth. The ladle, like the cauldron, was not icing over, despite practically everything else in the room doing so. The black alicorn was bundled up in a heavy red cloak with a black fur lining, clasped beneath his chin with a crude black iron circle. It obscured most of his form, hiding everything but his face and the black iron ends of his hooves from view.

Pyrus shifted a bit underneath the cloak, shivering a little, then lifted the ladle out of the blue mix, bringing it over above Cryon, and gently tilting it so that the blue liquid poured over the alicorn colt's head... Cryon let the sides of his mouth curl up as the substance poured over his mane and fur, wetting his small body thoroughly, and he let out a small sigh of contentment as white mist rose up from him for a few moments, before dissipating in the air... And then, as one, the ears of both brothers twitched.

Pyrus snapped his eyes up to you, narrowing them viciously.

"Seriouphly!? Im de midle of my bwother's bwath!?" He asked loudly, lips moving around the ladle as Cryon sighed out heavily, relaxing smile gone.

"It is fine. They have no control over when they connect to us in this timeline. Let them make their inquiries." Stated Cryon simply, before opening his eyes again and looking up to you.

(Hello again brothers. I apologize for "calling you stupid" I did, in fact, not intend that in any way shape or form. I was stating how well thought it was to create an object, while still in power I might add, with the ability to use the combined knowledge of one of the most evil, chaotic and manipulative species. With that said I must ask you a question about the extent of the power of the star. For one, if He archives physical contact with a pony with little to no knowledge about you or your power, would we have the ability to influence them as well?)

The Chessmaster

Cryon let the right side of his mouth curl up for a moment, as Pyrus let out an audible "Humph!" and turned his head down and to the left, resolutely looking away from you. Cryon spoke up, with a calm voice that had a very slight hint of amusement edging around it.

"Do not fear Chessmaster. My brother is quick to take offense at the slightest hint of a slight, intended or otherwise. It is his nature. Now, a matter of clarification. We did not create the Star of Woe. We simply... distributed it."

Pyrus snorted as his brother finished, then looked back to you with aggravated eyes.

"Amd" He started, before his eyes moved down to the ladle in his mouth. He growled lowly in annoyance, before spitting out the ladle, onto the icy floor nearby, and looking back up to you.

"And you're mistaking sources. WE tied you into the Star of Woe to influence the Host. To get you to "influence" another pony would require for US to connect you with them, regardless of whether or not the Star or any part of it spread to them! As for whether or not it can..." Pyrus turned his gaze to the lower left for a moment, narrowing his eyes.

"The Star is an infectious entity in and of itself. An affliction of ancient power. For the Host to develop a mutation that would allow it to spread is... very feasible." Spoke Pyrus, before shooting you a look.

"But don't get bucking greedy! It took a LOT of damn energy to infect one limp-dick pony with it. Inflicting the Star on somepony's no trot in the park, and even if you do aim for that, don't neglect the bucking host! Dividing attention's a good way to miss the important details and lose hold of the original!"

Cryon sighed lightly, bringing his right forehoof up out of the blue to his face, rubbing it in slight vexation as the liquid dripped down his fur.

"Brother, you're giving them too much instruction again." Spoke Cryon simply, and Pyrus lowered his head grumpily, before letting out a muttered-

"Sorry..."

Dear Lord Pyrus,

I ask out of curiosity, do you have a throne as well? We know that your brother does, yet we have heard nothing about yours.

*SEASON 4 SPOILERS*

Through our scrying, we have discovered recently that the mortals that Celestia gave the Elements of Harmony have given, or are soon to give, the Elements back to the Tree of Harmony, which grows within the Everfree Forest. I'm not sure which, peering across space can sometimes have the side effect of peering across time as well. I also learned that this very tree keeps the Everfree at bay so that it doesn't expand. Would it be safe to try and disrupt the trees magic? Or would getting too near the tree disrupt the powers of the Star of Woe? Your advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

-/XX/\

Pyrus's head snapped up to glare at you, as Cryon lowered his hoof and opened his eyes again, looking up to you with his right eyebrow raised in interest. Pyrus growled low, then closed his eyes, took a deep breath in... And opened them again, his normal glare replaced with a more subdued glower.

"I HAD a throne. HAD. In Tartarus... I had to abandon it when the royal cunt-sisters laid siege to the place. Couldn't even stand and fight with my Legion... Killed my inner circle to keep my identity secret and let the rest of the Legion fight to their deaths. The single most ferocious army this world has ever seen, my baby, my pride, my whole damn Kingdom, gone in a flash... ... Only the Dragons had been kept back in reserve, for a counter-attack that I could never mount... The Hatcheries were in Tartarus though... So the Dragons had to start their Migration... and the sisters got every damn egg that was in there..." Spoke Pyrus, lowering his head as he finished, breathing out a long exhalation of black smoke in a heavy sigh...

Cryon turned is gaze to Pyrus for a moment, and he looked... sad. Sympathetic... And then he looked back to you, and his eyes were calm and cold as he began to speak in a steady tone.

"We have lost much to the Princesses. However this... Tree of Harmony? Is unknown to us. I will... examine the situation with a closer eye. If it is in the Everfree, then I should be able to find it and determine it's true nature. In the meantime, I do not recommend you act on this information until I know what it is and what effect it may have on the Host. If you are unsure of the timeline, I suggest you err on the side of caution and assume that the Elements still have their bearers. I will inform you of my findings during our next messaging session."

(To Pyrus)

(You once mentioned the forges in Tartarus. Would it be possible to guide Blank to them? Being able to access the forges from which the darkest of weapons have been spawned over the ages is a tempting prospect indeed.)

(On an un-related note, I recently stumbled across a minor tear in reality. It seems to emerge somewhere near Appleoosa, if the pie eating Bison are any indication. I have in my possession a particularly fine aged mead that I wish to send to you as thanks for listening to, and answering, my questions.)

Nomad

Pyrus gritted his teeth together and started grinding them, flames starting to lick out of his mouth.

"Tartarus, Tartarus, Tartarus. Why the buck is everypony talking about Tartarus!? Do they WANT to remind me of my failures!?" He shouted, gritting his teeth hard as he brought a fiery glare up to look to you, molten black iron collecting at the edges of his eyes, and starting to roll down his fur...

"Brother..." Cryon's voice was gentle, soothing, and as he looked at his brother with a concerned expression on his face, Pyrus met Cryon's eyes, and blinked... Pyrus closed his eyes and sighed out heavily once more, letting another outpouring of acrid smoke escape his mouth, floating up and dissipating in the colder white mist... Then he raised his head and looked up to you with a dull, drained expression, before speaking.

"Is it possible yeah, easy, buck no. Tartarus was my Kingdom of the Damned once, but now it's a bucking prison, where Celestia and Luna shoved all the incurably evil refuse of Equestria, servants of darkness and bloody terror, locking them away cuz she didn't have the guts to off em. It's guarded over by ancient protectors, like that bucking Cerberus mutt, and a branch military regiment of the Royal Guard. The 'Wardens' they're called or some shit like that. Assuming you can SOMEHOW get that pansy-ass impotent Host to fight through the Princesses cage keepers, you'd still have to 'rekindle' the forge. That involves gears, and gas, and fire... lots and lots of bucking fire. But if you could do that, you'd have the best damn forges of darkness that ever spat out weapons of bloody murder to work with. And while normally I'd cut your hooves off for even thinking of touching my forges, given the circumstances, I'd allow it. But that's a long way off still, if ever..."

"And what was that about-" Started Cryon, before a

POP!

Sound filled the air, and two cider mugs appeared, filled with a frothy brimming golden-brown liquid. The mugs began to fall, and Pyrus, eyes wide, lit up his horn with red. The mugs stopped in the air, caught in a red aura, and slowly floated down to the brothers. Pyrus blinked, floated one over to his lips, leaned forward, and slowly stuck out a long red tongue to like the foam... He moved his eyes up and to the left, smacked his lips together... And then looked to Cryon.

"It ain't poisoned." He stated simply, and then levitated the unlicked one over to his brother. Cryon's horn lit up and took possession of the mug, covering it in his aura as Pyrus kept the mead near his own lips, and sipped it lightly, tentatively. Cryon levitated the mug, rather big for him at his current size, down half-way into the liquid. Almost instantly the mug frosted over and the liquid inside froze. Cryon brought both his little hooves to the sides of the mug, holding it up as he leaned forward, and licked the ice mead top of the mug. Then, he looked back up to you, and smiled lightly.

"Thank you very much for the gift Nomad." Stated Cryon simply, before looking over to Pyrus with a nod and a meaningful gaze. Pyrus met his brother's gaze... then sighed, nodding his head.

"Yeah, thanks, it's nice..." He muttered, then sipped his again, still caught in his aura and not freezing like the other.

To the Brothers... This is going to have a few questions, feel free to give a snarky response then give me an actual one. Snark amuses me.

Question A) Can you control any actions of the Host?

Question B) Do you want everything dead, or an evil empire?

Question C) If empire, how long do you want it to last?

Question D) If, throughout the quest, we provide you evil things to use, could you manipulate them to help us?

Question E) Is Discord on our side? He is very chaotic and i don't want any variables.

Question F) How is the mead?

Question G) Can the Star become infectious?

Question H) Can someone "cleanse" the Star of it's evil properties?

Question I) If we become sufficiently powerful, both the Host and whatever we have to do in this plane, can we give him things? More importantly, can he summon things?

Question J) What is the most recent, important event regarding Twilight Sparkle and her friends?

Question K) If necessary, can we directly communicate with the Host? Without him talking back of course, his opinion doesn't matter, but the pure value of a incorporeal being talking to him, telling him all these fascinating things... The things we could make him do are almost infinite. Also, could we show up for other ponies? For example Trixie, where as we could say "He is going to be great! He shall have all the power in existence! Follow him." (Note: Not saying that.)

Pyrus and Cryon both looked up as the questions rolled on, and as one blinked. Pyrus's right eye twitched, and his eyes began to glow red again, a bit of fire escaping his nostrils, as Cryon sighed... Cryon shook his head, let the right sides of his mouth curl up into an accepting smile, before letting his lips fall to a calm neutral once more. He and Pyrus turned their gazes to one another, meeting each other's eyes, before Cryon spoke calmly.

"One at a time. I'll start."

Cryon looked back up to you with a simple expression, holding the mug in his ears as he met you with a calm steady gaze.

"No, we cannot control the host. The Host's actions are the product of the Star's influence and yours. Under normal circumstances we would be connected with the Host, however I replaced my brother and I's connection with the one you are using. To attempt to link to him now would cause his head to explode. We will not be attempting the link." Stated the colt simply, before leaning forward, and licking the top of his meadcicle again.

Pyrus rolled his eyes at the next question, and huffed out a tiny fireball.

"Ugh! If everypony is DEAD, then there is no such thing as EVIL, because the concept of EVIL, exists only in the mind of PONIES! And cows, and mules, and other sentient beings, whatever, the bucking point is that this is about preserving evil in Equestria! At least some ponies have got to be alive for that!" Stated Pyrus irritably, before floating the mug forward to take another sip, and continue.

"And an empire is fine. But don't mistake purposes. That's just a means to an end. Our goal is to preserve evil in Equestria, stop it from dying out! Do whatever the buck it takes to make bad ponies stay around, to threaten the world, to make ponies hurt, to make ponies go astray, to rip good from their lives and replace it with ash and terror! THAT'S the goal, don't forget it!" Pyrus proclaimed, and then sipped the mead once more.

"Buck. This shit kicks stronger than hard cider!"

"Ahem." Cryon interrupted, clearing his throat and then looking up to you again.

"As long as it needs to. Celestia's reign of Harmony has lasted for long over 1,000 years. Even the Nightmare Moon Rebellions, while somewhat misleadingly named, did not adequately interrupt the peaceful and harmonious state of affairs. This is not about an everlasting darkness, but about making sure evil rises in a harmonious land. In truth, a long-lasting empire of wickedness is not required. What is required, is that evil take grip and last... Or do enough damage for significant pockets of evil to form. Evil must survive. Whatever form it takes."

Pyrus's lowered his mug from his lips and his ears twitched slightly, as though listening for the question again, and then he growled, levying another glare up at you.

"Depends on the bucking things. Look, don't rely on us for any kind of direct intervention, all right? My brother and I didn't last this long by being stupid. As much of a cockblock as it is, the only way we can keep shit straight right now is by hiding away in this damn freezing locker and directing what we can when we can. So any help we give you is going to be pretty damn indirect. With that said, Cryon's got his Windigos and he MIGHT send them to help the Host out of a tricky spot if it doesn't look like he's going to get out on his own. And if the Host gets a real army of darkness going who knows, I just MIGHT ask the Dragon Migration to change direction and take a scenic route over Canterlot. But those are damn big MIGHTs. In most any circumstance, the help we give besides pleasant conversation and good advice is going to be in desperate times or way down the line. Don't bucking rely on it."

Cryon took another lick of his frozen mead, and then looked up and seemed to listen for a few moments, before closing his eyes and shaking his head.

"No. Discord is on his own side. Selfishness is one of the most fundamental motivators of evil, so his self focus has never before been a problem. However, he has recently come to see himself as benefitting from 'Friendship' which causes him to perform actions that further this friendship, acting comparatively 'good' as opposed to his earlier violent and chaotic behavior. So now his selfishness has begun to lead to service to another, which may lead him down the path to good. He is currently an opponent, and an extremely dangerous one. However, he is a fickle creature, still only beginning to consider bringing aid to others. He will never be on our side, however he may be convinced yet to aid it. It is highly unlikely he will ever be anything but chaotic, however."

Cryon looked down to his meadcicle, and gave it another lick.

"And it is very good, thank you for asking." He stated calmly, as Pyrus rolled his eyes.

"Yeah yeah, it's bucking delicious. Got a good kick anyway, bet it'd light up great, make a nice fireball... Anyways, what's this next one... Oh, pft, a repeat. Look, the star already IS infectious. It's infected the Host and is trying to cement it's presence with the mutations, as I think I JUST covered. But yeah, it CAN infect other ponies. It can infect plants, animals, rocks, and the dirt beneath your hooves to. Whether or not it WILL depends partly on how you help it mutate. And whether it'll share shit with you is, also, it's own damn prerogative. Once again, probably need us to connect you to shit and I ain't sure if we can be bothered." Stated the alicorn sorely, before lifting the mug up for another sip.

Cryon looked up as his brother sipped, and gave a simple nod.

"Yes. Currently both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna possess the power to do so. Princess Twilight Sparkle, and Princess Cadence as well. Powerful unicorns who are aware of the infliction, and wise Zebras who are intimately aware of the healing arts, and know what to cure. In it's current stage, the Star's grip on the Host is still weak. There is actually a very great danger of it being removed if it is discovered. Only time and further mutations will help the Star protect itself from potential removal."

Pyrus sighed out deeply, and lowered the mug, leveling a half-lidded gaze up at you.

"That depends on the Star. IF it starts to really listen to you, it MIGHT extend it's power to influence the plane of existence to allow for dimensional warping that lets you do more than just talk in the back of the Host's head. Does that shit take a lot of power? Yes it does. Is it possible you'll be able to make some freaky shit happen? Yeah it is. Does the Star have the power to let you leave your pathetic meat-shells and rip into the dimension to play like school foals? Buck no. As I think I've stated, breaching dimensional walls would take more damn energy than this universe possesses. You may be able to bend shit, but you'll never be able to break it, if that makes any kind of sense. And if it doesn't, buck off, advanced dimensional physics and multi-world theory ain't exactly normal bath-time conversation..." He muttered, taking a more aggressive sip of the mead.

Cryon sighed, and gave his meadcicle a few more licks, before smiling a little... And then shaking his head, and looking back up to you.

"I am not certain. Timelines flux and dimensions change with regard to our communication with you. And our vision is not constant, many times we avoid watching areas that are potentially dangerous. However, after the earlier suggestion I will be... taking a closer look at the situation. I will report suitable event and pattern changes at our next communication session." He stated calmly, before taking another lick of his frozen mead, and suppressing a giggle.

"I doubt it. ... Maybe, but probably not. Star works best subtle, doubt it'll decide direct voices are a better option." Stated Pyrus plainly, before chugging back the mead, and licking his lips, levitating an empty mug away.

( to brothers you do know Pinkie Pie can and has broken the wall on mutipule times right so does that mean she has more power than the princesses)

"No." Spoke the icy alicorn colt, leveling his eyes at you.

"Miss Pinkamena Diane Pie is not more powerful than the Princesses. She possesses a different kind of power, related to a fundamental understanding of the harmonic structure of the universe which manifests itself in her physical attributes as well as certain unusual abilities. These are representative of a certain level of connection with the universe that few possess, a rare mutation in her biology. They do have benefits and abilities, and as an Element Bearer she was not chosen randomly, but has true potential for threat. On her own however she is nowhere near the threat the Princesses are. With the other Bearers, on the other hoof..."

The following is to the Brothers)

My lords, I have a question. Out of curiosity, what is your favorite and least favorite of the Seven Cardinal Sins (Them being Sloth, Gluttony, Envy, Greed, Wrath, Lust, or Pride)? How about which "Horseman of the Apocalypse", as we refer to them as, would be a greatest servant, Conquest, War, Famine, or Death (another depiction of them that I have seen being Destruction, Plague, Famine, or Death)?

"Ah Tartarus! I'm a fan of all several!" Proclaimed Pyrus, breaking out into a sharp toothed grin. Cryon rolled his eyes.

"Sin is irrelevant. Simply flaws that lead to evil, not evil in and of themselves."

"Pft! Come on brother! Just pick one for the buckers!" Spoke Pyrus with a laugh, kneeing the side of the cauldron with his right foreleg, and giving Cryon a wink. Cryon sighed, and rolled is eyes once more.

"Very well. Wrath. It's cumulative nature encourages an ever-increasing negative environment that promises further damage that very nearly insures the creation of evil."

"Hah, that's the spirit! And if I had to pick just one, it'd be pride. Every sin'll eat a pony up inside and bring the great to their knees, but pride'll make sure they never see it happening! Hahahahahaha! A tricky bucker that keeps em blind until they're over the damn cliff! And let's see... Your War would be the bastard I'd get behind. Conquest has got a goal and you can get it without killing ponies, but War? War's all about destruction, blood, and suffering! Brutality and viciousness reach their peak, and when you're waging true war NOTHING survives! And nopony is spared either! As you destroy, you to are destroyed! Hahahahahaha! IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!"

Shouted Pyrus, eyes gleaming red as fire poured from his mouth, and black smoke escaped his nostrils in his excitement. Cryon arched his right eyebrow, looking at his brother, before looking back to you.

"And I would choose Famine. The simple desperation brought about by the inability to gain sustenance is a perfect breeding ground for the justifications that lead to evil. It is the simplest, most basic and fundamental of needs stripped away. Nopony is more vulnerable to the allure of evil than the hungry."

Actually, one more question for the Brothers... Who is you're favorite "voice" out of all of us?

The Chessmaster

"Pffft. You kidding? I hate you all!" Stated Pyrus cheerfully, apparently in a good mood after talking about sin and War.

"Brother, attempt to be polite." Stated Cryon pointedly, half-lidding his eyes at his brother.

"Oh alright! I like the fiery one that talks about killing ponies for the sake of killing bucking ponies. He's fun. Buck the rest of you."

"Brother..." Spoke Cryon wearily, as Pyrus looked up and brought his right foreleg up from under the cloak, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

"Then again one of you bastards sent me that mead shit... Okay, yeah, that one's my favorite, buck the fire guy."

"As for myself..."

Spoke Cryon, turning his gaze back to you.

"I have difficulty differentiating from effect and personality. I judge your worth on the effects that have been had on the Host, and such effects have been made with multiple voices acting as a group. I value the group and to pick one above all others would not only be counter to my nature, however folly to the very endeavor we are undertaking. As such, I believe voicing an opinion on which of you is "Best" would be destructive on my part. Group interaction has been the medium by which the Host has developed. Group interaction is best for such development to continue."

(Pyrus your anger and hate is supreme also dragons are boss nice job on them. So in short even though I like our brother more because he is more what I like in a villain great job you are BOSS.)

"Buck what I said before, whoever that one is that's my new favorite. The rest of you buck off!"

"IN ANY CASE." Interjected Cryon, a bit louder than was strictly necessary.

"Your continued support and aid in this endeavor is appreciated. Regardless of my brother playing favorites based upon whims, we value all of your efforts to bring true evil back to Equestria, and mold the Host into an agent of darkness. So on behalf of my brother and I, I thank you. Now, I'm going to reconnect you, so that I may finish my bath, and my mead." Stated Cryon calmly, before leaning down, and licking the frozen mead once more. He raised his front right forehoof out of the blue liquid as he licked again, gave it a little wave, and your vision cut to black.

Author's Notes:

(Hello! Now don't panic please, I know I've been away for a while, but I didn't forget your instructions to the Host. I'm trying to reorganize this to make my tracking of the Host's progress and the information that's been shared by the Brothers easier. Part of this is because I noticed that there was a request for a Mutation list in the comments. And you know what, that seems like EXACTLY the sort of thing that would be useful for people to have handy. And also, a general sheet of choices made, ponies met, places been, and appearance changes, seems like it might be in order as well.

Now I have a secret page where I keep track of things, however I figure that I both need a refresher, considering how long even this little part has taken me, and it just plain couldn't hurt to see what was involved and where. So, part of my goals now, is that after I get the next chapter, back to the actual Host and his actions, I put together a character sheet for easy reference. Hopefully that'll go well.

Now for THIS one, I'm going to be doing the question and answer sessions as entirely separate chapters from now on. SO, I ask that you put any further questions to the Brothers in THIS chapter, and that way they'll all be in one easy place for me to pull from for the next sleep session. Please forgive me for how long this is all taking, and I hope this provides at least some entertainment. Be well please!