The Summoner

by Phantaphetamine

First published 23rd of April, 2014

Surrendering will only lead to me dying, no doubt. An armistice or truce can only be reached through daydreaming. Fleeing? That will only delay the inevitable. My only option is to fight. And fight I shall; it's better than giving up.

Perhaps the greatest thing about the universe is that it's not alone--as I have personally discovered via accidental dimensional travel.

Unfortunately, the fact that the indigenous populace considered me a threat and are all out to reave my body of its head; all for the sake of claiming whatever bounty they marked on me.

Perhaps I should begin from where this unfathomable mess originated from, aye?

Back in the halcyon days of where I followed a set routine, it was relatively boring... and peaceful. What I miss the most is the peace.

Wake up, don't bother going outside the house, waste away Summer like it was just another day, and of course sit in front of the computer for hours on end--that was my routine.

One day, I found a book. It was dubbed by some entity that is beyond my knowledge as the 'Summoning Grimoire'.

I, being the sucker for ominous names, was allured to it like a moth to a candle's wick engulfed in flourishing flame. Unfortunately, like the moth, I was burned.

Soon after I opened the pages of the book, I was appalled to see that the pages were merely blank. White as a blank canvas, as dull as bones.

Dismissing it as some sort of peculiar attempt at a joke, I strode of to oblige to my schedule.

Or at least I tried.

There was some sort of gravitating force emanating from the bounds of the book, paralyzing me to where I stood.

Suddenly, everything flashed red, blurring my vision.

Waking up from what I thought to be some sort of disconcerting, lucid dream, I sighed to myself in relief that I was on my bed...

Except that I wasn't on my bed nor was I in my house. I was in some sort of whole new dimension altogether.

Due to some grievous mishaps and other irredeemable actions, I was coerced into fighting my way out of the myriad of armies sent at my path. I was deemed most dangerous being on the planet for my doings, and I regret heralding such a title.

But what was I supposed to do? Let them kill me? My will to live override such things.

---

While this is of course a cross-over story, I shall not specify the universes that were cross-over'd.

For you see, the Summoner can bring forth armies or lone characters from any given dimension. Of course, the Summoner has no control of what he gets for it is random. This makes a technicality of it being plausible for this to be a cross-over of every single thing in the world.

Revised Chapter 1. Into the Madness. The Colorful, Colorful Madness

The afternoon sun pierced through the glass panes of the clear windows, bathing the entire room in an orange pigment of warmth. Centered in the middle of the room was me, lazily slouching on the couch. A yawn of boredom escaped my lips as I rose to my feet.

I shot a glare at a quaint, old wooden clock hanging by the vanilla-colored wall. It was just past four o'clock. 'Great. I spent the entire morning doing nothing on this couch.' I folded my arms as I scrunched my face. 'Needless to say, things are quite boring during a weekend afternoon.'

My eyes darted throughout the room, desperately in search for something entertaining. A faint whirring sound is emanated as the blades of the old fan hanging by the ceiling cast a rotating shadow around the room.

The television briefly flashed white as I turned it off. Flicking the remote onto the coffee table in front of the couch, I muttered silently to myself, "I'd rather prefer the dullness of silence than watch the even more dull programs on TV."

A stray thought clung to my mind, 'Why not read then?'

I glanced towards the window. The daylight was still considerably fresh. What would I be if I just spent the entire day just reading an old book like some sort of recluse? On the other hand, there's nothing better to do.

My thoughts conflicted for several seconds before I cursed, "Oh. To hell with it! I can't decide like this! I need..." My glare strays towards a particular, half-opened door. An appealing aroma permeates from the door, catching my attention. "Yeah. I'm kinda starving. I need something to eat."

As I trudged my way into the kitchen, I was greeted with the sight of the remains of food resting on a white plate on the middle of the table. I shook my head. "Gah. My sis didn't wash up again."

I walked towards the plate and promptly dumped it onto the sink. "I'll deal with this later, or more accurately, I'll let her deal with this later."

The refrigerator standing in the corner of the room piqued my attention. I turned my head to stare at it. Its door was begging me to be opened as it promised to sate my hunger.

Approaching it with a predatory mien, I opened it. Despair slammed into my face as the fridge had little to no content stored within it. I desperately searched the fridge's interior as I spoke to myself, "Carrots? Some milk--spoiled, of course. Some eggs. A cup containing some sort of meaty monstrosity- Gah! There's nothing to be eaten here."

Storming off to my room, I huffed out in disgruntlement. "Did she really have to go on an eating-spree before she left?"

Sighing, I dove onto my bed. Turning and shifting into a much more comfortable position, I grasped the blanket, mantling my lower body in its velvety touch.

I shut my eyes as I attempted to sleep. All I could see was darkness as seconds passed. Seconds turned into minutes. Minutes turned into several minutes. "Sleep won't come to me," I stated coldly as I raised myself from my bed. "This day is infuriating me."

I stared at the ceiling idly. It was devoid of inspiration. It was slightly depressing to behold such a monotonously-designed ceiling. Shadows invaded portions of its surface as the night neared in.

I could always go out. That's what normal people would do in a similar situation like this, I mentally noted to myself, but all consideration of that was lost when I concluded that I was too fatigued to even step out the door. Weariness basically coils around my body right now. I can barely move a finger.

Alright. Alright. In sincerity, I am just lazy.

After wracking my brain for any ideas, I finally gave up. So that leaves with me with my previous option then; read something. Rising up from my uncomfortable, plain bed, I stepped outside my room.

Walking through the halls of my rather spacious home, I took a note of something in the distance. It was a broken toaster. I always had to walk by the kitchen in order to get to my personal library, thus I am frequently reminded to find a substitute for that broken thing. Yet, I have yet to get a replacement.

A personal library for someone such as I? Yes. I inherited it through my family. It's quite grandiose and impeccable in all departments of what a library should have. Its array of books? Enough to rival a few of the local libraries around here. Its appeal and structure? Some architects would even swoon to its level of finely crafted bookshelves and wooden ornaments.

Though, despite all of this, I am not much of an avid reader. Quite a loss, isn't it?

A couple of minutes walking later, I was faced with a grand, wooden door. "No going back now..." I spoke to myself in defeat as I turned the knob.

The floor was mildly clean, or mildly dirty, depending on your perspective. To me, it was permissive enough. There were a few dusts accumulating in the corners of the room, but it wasn't anything too worrying. That can always be dealt with later.

The library was not a place I would regularly visit, after all, I already read the majority of these books to completion. The books that I had left out were either too dull, or they simply didn't catch my interest.

I looked around, the left, right, and middle corners of the room were filled with bookshelves, filled with, obvious enough, books. There was a couch on the middle of the room, as well as a red carpet below the couch. A simple table was placed just beside the couch.

The lighting of the room was provided by a simple lamp set on the aforementioned table. Before I could begin browsing through the wide selection of volumes, a particular book caught my eye. It had a light-brown color to its hardcover. There was a red insignia of some sorts featured on the center of its surface, other than that, it had no discernible features.

The sole reason why this book caught my eye is the fact that it was placed on the couch, and I have no recollection whatsoever of placing it there. Other than my sister, I was the only one that remains in this old mansion.

My brain became baffled as I slowly descended into suspicion. In all seriousness, this book was making me paranoid.

'Could an intruder have done this?' I tensed up at that assumption, but I quickly regained my composure when I reasoned with myself, "That wouldn't make sense. There's not a single sign of forced entry, and I bet that a thief wouldn't just randomly place this book here."

So if that's not the case, why is this book here? Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever beheld such a book in my life. It looked ancient, that's for certain, but as I opened it, the pages were white, not indicating long aging. But the leather bounding the book said otherwise. The title was displayed on the book.

The title is "Summoner's Grimoire" curiously enough. This is a peculiar tome indeed.

I sat on a nearby chair as I proceeded to progress through the book. The first page boldly stated, "Whoever possesses this book shall wield the strength to call forth a myriad of unspeakable, but loyal, minions from the vast Rift. One can hold this power for either good, or ruination."

Gradually, the probability of this being a prank of some sort by my friends is becoming more likely. But then, I doubt that they would be able to infiltrate my house with me still in it. Of course, they could have done this prior to my boredom.

Suddenly, I became groggy. "That's odd..." I muttered just before yawning. I assumed that I had ample sleep last night. It appears that I was wrong, however. I finished my sentence mentally.

Yawning once more, I struggled to maintain the spryness of my eyes. I stood up as I shook my body, jolting my blood a bit. Hopefully that will keep my body awake a bit more.

Shortly exiting my personal repository of books with the book in my hand. I intend on reading it, or at the very least, some of it before I succumb to slumber.

I made my way around in the house, nimbly making it to my room in seconds. Taking a dive onto my bed, I opened the book once more. For whatever reason, I did not read it on the way to my suddenly more comfortable bed.

I flipped to the next page. Suddenly, I was confounded as I was met with nothing but blankness. I flipped to the next, but it too was unwritten. I skipped all the way to the end of the book, this tome had no words scribbled on to it at all, apart from the first pages! Groaning in annoyance, I let myself fall into sleep.

Just before my eyelids closed, I saw a brief glimpse of the book radiating a red glow. 'What the-' I tried to wake myself up, but I could not. I was paralyzed. Not a single limb of my body was responding.

The bed that I was sleeping on felt cold and its softness was morphed into that of a stone. Then came the realization that I actually was laid flat on a stony floor!

A few surges of adrenaline went bolting through my body as my beating heart fastened. Opening my eyes as quick as possible, I looked around frantically.

Oh hell, did I get kidnapped? I said to myself in my mind as I continued to look around. Several seconds of searching later, I set my gaze on a nearby windowsill.

Said window only furthered my panic.

Through the window, I could see lush, thick foliage decorating the dirt below. Tall trees, and grass alike swayed as the breeze passed by. A cold zephyr rushing into my face as I approached the window.

Despite the zephyr somewhat soothing, it did not even alleviate my panic in the slightest. Nope. Not even by the slightest.

"I'm in a goddamn forest?!" I yelled out a remarkable volume. An echo returned those words to me, causing both of my eyebrows to arch upwards. I was frankly impressed. As my echoes resonated throughout the forest, birds roosted upon branches soared off in a startled manner.

"Oh. Oops." I sheepishly scratched the back of my head. "Sorry," I apologized to the fleeting birds. Of course, my words fell to nobody's ears due to distance.

Calmly, I said to myself, "Alright! Alright. I will refuse to let the dread overtake me... Things will only get worse if I panic." Taking heavy breaths, I eventually reverted my heartbeat to its regular rhythm

Then I noticed something, I seemed to be wearing something on my head. Reaching out for it, I touched it with my hands. No. It definitely doesn't feel like a hat. I looked down onto my body. I appeared to be donning some sort of black robe? "Just what am I wearing?" I asked to no one in particular.

Much to my convenience, there was a mirror albeit an old one suspended on the wall of the room. Dust covered its frame.

Taking a glance at my reflection, I was stunned and also impressed by what I was wearing. Just I previously mentioned, I was wearing some sort of black robe, complete with a fitting dark cloak. I resembled that of one of those shady, wizard guys from the many RPG's I've played.

I almost looked intimidating... I could get used to this. Especially since I was previously wearing a red shirt. This apparel is much, much more favorable than a red shirt, if not infinitely better than a red shirt.

But what caused my jaw to go agape, was the fact that my right eye emitted a dim, smoky red aura. It perplexed me, though, the light was not obscuring my vision in the slightest, so, I'm not that concerned that my eye is glowing. But, I am still worried, I mean, who wouldn't?

Slowly, I backed off from the mirror, still unsure what to say. The glowing red eye thing... It was alarming, obviously. But, I feel that isn't my primary concern as of the time being.

I felt something tucked in my robes. Mostly out of curiosity, I reached for it. Retrieving it from my clothes, the mystery item was revealed to be that mostly blank book. The only reason that I can't say it was completely blank was due to the fact that the first page actually contained words.

Without warning, a faint, red light began seeping out of its pages. Its aura began magnifying itself to a ridiculous degree, causing me to wince. The light was almost unbearable. I almost had to shield my eyes due to the intensity of the sudden flare.

What the hell? I thought. Bewildered, I stared at the book for an excessive amount of time. Shrugging, I opened the book. Surprisingly enough, words were added to the next page, which was previously blank, mind you.

It read: "Surprised? You have been now bestowed the title of Summoner. Along with that title, you've received the mark of one." I paused to mutter to myself, "I suppose its referring to this mysterious red light glowing in my right eye..."

I resumed reading, "Due to this book's previously owner-less state, this book will singe the hands of everyone, with the exception of you, the owner. Not only that, you are now able to utilize the power of summoning an army from a randomly selected universe. Simply flip to one of the many blank pages of this book, and chant a random word three times. To un-summon, likewise, flip to the page detailing the army you wish to un-summon, and chant three times."

And that's about it, the words end just there. I had a skeptical look adorning my face as I finished reading it. Yeah right, as if this book would actually work...

Okay, so maybe it might function, considering that it basically drugged me and subsequently transported me to a random place and somehow changed my clothes. Not that I am complaining on the latter--these apparels are a major improvement.

The chance of this being some sort of complex prank was no longer still probable. If it was not for that sudden appearance of words on this book and of course my right eye emitting a soft, dim red glow, I would still be in the assumption of me being messed with.

Alright, maybe this book will work... But, I am definitely not summoning an army in this confined place. It's best for me to simply save it for later, should the necessity of an army arise. Oh. Who am I kidding? I want to bring forth an army right now!

Sighing, I left the room in search for an exit to this castle. "Hopefully this place isn't too large."

The corridors were massive, and judging by the moss growing on the several walls of this structure, as well as the several dust overwhelming the many portraits and miscellaneous things scattered throughout the castle, it was safe to assume that this castle has long since been abandoned.

"This place is too large."

What made me worry was the fact that the portraits' theme were all similar; always about the sun and the moon. Some of the portraits even displayed what appears a white horse of some sort?

The horse had a white coat, a horn, and wings. Along with the illustration of the sun on its flank. The portrait perturbs me just as much as it does to you. "Why a horse of all things?"

I accidentally bumped into something as I was walking, thanks to the poorly lit conditions of this place. Whatever I bumped into, it was some sort of pedestal... Or something. Clouds of dust enveloped the place the pedestal, or something, landed.

Without even acknowledging it, I coughed and quickly recuperated from my rather clumsy display. The fact that I just committed genocide on a colony of dust mites not heeded in my mind.

"Dammit. I should have looked more closely to where I am going..." I muttered, walking further into the castle before dusting my robes off.

A bright, light shimmered in the distance. This light looks extremely similar to sunlight. My eyes lighten up in hope. "Could it be?" I squinted as I narrowed my vision. It was in fact sunlight.

I sprinted, my rapid footsteps echoing throughout the dim halls of this place. However, my joy was promptly crushed when I saw that a large, rusty gate with still-durable bars were blocking my escape out of this place.

I suppose I could always... parkour myself out of here. I thought to myself, while I am neither a parkour-artist, nor a person of physical aptitude. I still think that I am capable of-

"Oh wait!" I exclaimed, as if a light-bulb suddenly appeared over my head, making that trademark ding sound. "The book! I can bring down that stupid gate with it! Well, implying that it functions like it claims to be..."

Retrieving the book, I opened to the first blank page. Shrugging, I said to myself, "I can't believe I'm doing this." Soon enough, I began to chant a word, "Insanity. Insanity. Insanity."

Why that word in particular? Because Really, because insanity is what I can accurately describe my current situation.

I expected nothing to happen, really. All doubts on the capability of the book was shattered completely when a red, vortex-esque rift opened a few feet just above the area in front of me.

Shortly enough, familiar, grotesque, morbid figures began dropping from the portal. They resembled decaying corpses that went under a number of twisted mutations-

Wait! I know these reanimated corpses! They're the necromorphs from the Dead Space franchise! I- I've experienced a lot, and I place much emphasis on a lot, of horrifying things by playing that game.

Things that I would rather not mention, lest I rekindle traumatizing memories.

The portal closed itself as it simply vanished, but not before unloading a sizable legion of the undead abominations. They all turned and looked at me. Needless to say, I was completely gripped in fear's grasp when their eyes turned to me. Well, the majority of them had eyes, anyways.

I hesitated, should I run? That's what Dead Space taught me, anyways. When there's a traumatizing, fearsome predator whose physical form consisted of rotting flesh and bone running at you, the best thing you can possibly do is run while praying you have some ammo left.

"Um," I blurted out, they don't appear to be attacking me just yet... So perhaps they'll be willing to listen to my orders? They are, after all, my servants.

"Demolish the gate," I said, pointing at the large gate in front of them. They collectively bellowed a war-cry before they all rushed at the gate almost in perfect synchronization.

Bony fists impacted the gate, denting metal. Sharpened, toxic barbs pierce through the iron bars, leaving the gate mangled and torn. Acidic torrents splashes the gate, dissolving its metallic texture with ease.. The brutes, seem to be doing the most damage.

I should probably give you details on what Brutes are, assuming that you don't know the slightest about Dead Space.

They are large, armored Necromorphs that boasts two, colossal fists. They use their fists in order to support themselves as they walk, much like what a gorilla would do. Capable of snapping a man into two halves, they can easily pummel a living being into a bloodied mess.

They battered the gates with tremor-causing punches. I am surprised that the gate didn't falter just yet. What is that gate made of? Titanium or something?

The lurkers, human infants who were unfortunate enough to be morphed into... well, Necromorphs. They shot out acidic barbs out of the three tentacles protruding from their backs. They are nimble, and are able to scale walls. These bastards are also, like every other necromorph, creepy as all hell.

Some time later after strenuous amounts of barrages, the gate was completely annihilated. The remnants of the once proud gate were simply metallic shrapnel and acidic saliva.

They all triumphantly roared in unison as they claimed to be the victors over their enemy, the gate.

"Well done, I guess." I commended. "I- Uh. To the forest!" I blurted out with an uncertain tone. I haven't exactly grew accustomed to their excessively menacing appearances.

And so began my first venture into the ominous woods that apparently increase in creepiness-factor every time I progress further into the deeper region of this creepy forest.

Although, I did not show the slightest hint of fear. My army of necromorphs effectively removed my doubts.

I was giddy. Of course, who could possibly resist to even just smirk due to the overwhelming fact that you possess a sizable team of necromorphs?

Just think of all the things I could achieve. I could subject cities into chaotic ruination, cause the river to flow red with blood. Decorate the streets with mangled corpses.

Make everything whole.

Nah, I wouldn't even consider doing that. I'm not some sort of psychopathic person who relish in genocide.

A stray zephyr found its way into my face as I sighed. The wind was cooling, it was refreshing, I appreciated that. I looked around the forest to see if I can catch a glimpse of anything interesting.

The foliage was dense, I couldn't perceive anything past through the overgrowth of plants, shrubbery, and the myriad of vines. There are trees as far as I could see. Occasionally, I could see a number of wildlife, thankfully enough, my necromorphs refrained from eviscerating them.

Then something emerged my necromorphs and I continued to walk down the dirt path of this forest, it was a chicken! That's good news, I suppose. That may possibly indicate that civilization is relatively near!

And that also means I can have something to eat.

Without ushering a single warning, the chicken fled into the shrubs once more. Becoming undetectable by my sight. I sighed in disappointment, No chicken dinner for me, I guess.

I continued examining my environment, seeing nothing but trees, trees, more trees and-- surprise, surprise-- green eyes peering out of the many bushes surrounding me.

Wait, that actually is a surprise.

One by one, the eyes increased in numbers. I halted, what could possibly possess eerily glowing eyes like that? I am quite sure that nothing is capable of doing that. Well, other than me, of course.

Then it finally appeared out of the bush, a large creature resembling the form of a wolf.. Although, contrary to the wolf's usual furry appearance, this wolf's physical body appears to be completely made out of wood.

The wooden wolf stood there, not even budging as it continues to glare at me hungrily.

I uttered the only response I could think of to such a situation like this, "What?"

As if aggravated by my response, several other wolves decided to participate in the process of confronting me. They surrounded me. But I was less than concerned.

I had an army. A very gruesome one at that.

And I have the feeling that they underestimated the capabilities of my army.

Author's Notes:

Due to the lack of pre-readers, there might be a fair number of mistakes riddled throughout the revised chapters.

Major, major thanks to TSLsmokey for being my pre-reader for the revised chapters.

If you wish to be my pre-reader, feel free to PM me. C:

Revised Chapter 1.5. Pastel Colors Everywhere

Minutes passed and the carnage around me escalated as wooden body parts flew through the air. Actually, I've lost track of time. Has it been minutes, or has it been hours? I'm not sure anymore.

These wolves seem to be extremely persistent. Even if you kill some, more of them will come out of the woodwork to replace their fallen brethren-- kind of like a poor man's hydra. And yet, despite their endeavors, they all met the same cruel fate of being tragically dismembered.

In all honesty, they're growing to be a nuisance rather than a threat.

The sound of pained wailing came from behind me. In a seamless shift, I turned around in reflex. There, just several feet away from me was one of those wolves. This one was grievously injured. Instead of a left foreleg, it had a burnt-off stump riddled with acid. Protruding from its back were barbs lodged deep into its body. Its face was no longer recognizable as acid ate away its frail, wooden exterior. Only its glowing, green eyes could be seen.

"That's tragically creepy..." I muttered to myself as I further examined the mutilated wolf.

Volleys of acid and barbs were sent towards it. The wolf dodges side to side, causing the barrage miss its mark. Its agility was giving it just enough time to pierce through the line of necromorphs. With a final jump, it leaped across a dumbfounded hunter...

... and straight into a stray pool of searing, green liquid.

Splashes of green darted upwards as the wolf stumbled to the dirt, struggling helplessly as acidic liquid began to devour him whole. It was safe to say that his assassination attempt was met with failure.

"This is pointless. Their persistence is causing them to shoot themselves in the foot. Gah. That's an understatement. They're basically torturing themselves right now, " I said as I warily backed away from the dying creature.

Meaningless suffering is something I strongly dislike. If I could, I'd put it out of its misery. Its thrashing, however, sprayed acid through the air around it. I'd rather not get dissolved in the process, so I'll stay put.

After what seemed to be seconds of intense agony, the creature went motionless. The unrelenting puddle of ooze did not give mercy even then. It reduced it into a smoldering puddle of green goop. Not even a single remaining trace of its existence was left.

The sounds of harsh growls and whimpering were growing steadily as the battle prolonged itself, yet their numbers were reducing. They were attempting to intimidate my army, but you can't inspire fear into something that doesn't even grasp emotion.

Up until that lone wolf managed to kill itself by diving into that body of burning acid, none of the wolves could bypass the wall of necromorphs defending me. That was for good reason, however.

First, they had to get pass the stream of spikes and acid coming straight towards them. Second, they had to avoid getting decapitated by the melee-based combatants. Third, they had to actually get pass the death-line of necromorphs in order to get to me.

Truly a difficult feat to achieve indeed.

I risked traumatizing myself, but both curiosity and boredom bested me as I took another look around.

The surrounding trees within the vicinity were peppered with barbs, courtesy of the lurkers' tendency to miss the majority of their shots due to their poor aiming capabilities. However, their aim was compensated for the fact that for each shot, three barbs would be discharged in a conical arc.

Some of the lush trees were doused in acid, only half dissolved. Those trees are considered lucky to me. The less fortunate trees that once stood proudly erect on the dirt were now reduced to a puddle of volatile stomach acid. Littered on the battlefield were hacked-off bits of lumber. I can't tell if these lumbers came from the trees or from the wolves, but they're most probably from both.

This feeling of having complete dominion over an army of staunch, zealous combatants is surreal. Yet, this was far from feeling like a dream. This is reality and there's no doubt about it. I'm feeling ridiculously giddy inside. Must I say more?

I spectated at the gory marvel occurring before me. One of the regenerators managed to impale one of the offending wolves with one of its scythe-like appendages. Heaving the wolf by its sharp, bony appendage, the regenerator hurled it towards a puddle of searing digestive liquids. The sight made me cringe, to say the least.

The wolf splashed the voracious liquid into the air before leaping out of the pit of liquid death. However, the fluids clung onto the wolf, eating away the body of its victim without relent. The wooden beast barely had time to yelp in pain before it collapsed onto the ground as it was continued to be reduced to a mere shallow pool of acid.

Regenerators--these necromorph variants are usually much larger than the other lesser necromorph strains. They also have a penchant for tormenting their victims. As their name suggests, they can regrow lost limbs at a whim. Basically, they cannot be killed unless all of their limbs are destroyed in synchronization. Preferably, one would use fire to put them out of commission.

Since these wolves have no way of using fire, they can't kill them. That's just unfair, isn't it?

The hunter, satisfied by the amount of pain he had applied onto the wolf, slammed the wolf down to the ground by swinging his bladed appendage swiftly, dislodging the peculiar dog-like wooden creature from it. It was sent hurling towards the ground at a ridiculously fast velocity. The wolf exploded, sending its wooden limbs soaring to the sky.

Before I knew it, the battle has ended. The wolves began to withdraw into the hazy shadows of the foliage. My necromorphs were eager to pursue them. The desire to hunt them down was demonstrated as they began to charge into the shrubbery.

However, I was not too keen to prolong this meaningless battle. "Don't bother chasing them. We've won. No need to further the casualty toll," I spoke with a neutral, commanding tone. 'Not that there were any casualties on our side.'

Reluctantly, they growled as they slowed down and began to turn back. Huh, I wasn't expecting their complacency to curb their bloodlust. I thought to myself in enlightenment. Regrouping in front of me, they awaited my commands.

"Alright, obviously, we're not doing anything productive unless we split up and provide ourselves with some knowledge about this foreign area," I stated, to which they responded with intent stares. Needless to say, a legion of the undead staring at you is extremely disturbing.

"So, I want a cluster of all of you to scout the place. You are allowed to go massacring whatever creatures stand in your way, but only if they are deemed a threat, otherwise, simply avoid being noticed." I commanded, "If you find anything noteworthy... just lead me to it. Understood? Now go, all of you!"

I swear, my voice was going to crack as I said those words. Commanding a huge horde of eviscerated beings who practices and finds amusement in eviscerating other beings is a very strenuous task to one's mental resolve. For a more simplistic explanation, it will make you nervous. Extremely nervous.

As expected, they displayed exemplary compliance as they all dispersed from the area. Shortly, there was none of them left remaining in my range of vision, leaving me to my solitude in this large, shady forest. In this very imposing forest filled with countless predators, possibly.

I regret this decision...

Sighing in both boredom and annoyance, I reclined on a log that have fallen over some time ago. My eyes darted back and forth warily. It was obvious that those strange timber creatures wouldn't want to launch another assault on me, especially after suffering that degree of attrition.

Still, it wouldn't be ill-advised keeping my perception keen, should a predatory being intends on feasting on my mauled carcass. Now would it?

The shrubs rustled, the leaves fell to the ground, pirouetting as they did, and the grass had a rhythmical sway as the breeze seemingly increased in intensity. Hm, I could grow fond to the cooling gusts of this forest. I thought optimistically to myself.

The silence was ubiquitous in this forest, making me uneasy. Not a single snap of a twig, no sound of crickets or other insects, no sound of the indigenous wildlife. Nothing but a sadistic silence.

I loathed it. Yes, I spite silence. Normally, I prefer indulging in a book with silence, it made it much more tranquil.

Though, when you're stranded in an unknown forest with actual wolves literally composed of lumber, and likely other ravenous animals, the silence can provoke your paranoia by quite a bit.

"I swear, I'm going to develop sedatephobia." I expressed my distaste for the shortage of sound.

This is getting annoyingly monotonous. Then again, waiting is a very tedious and dull task. Perhaps I should be a bit more productive and wander around for a bit? That might appease a slight portion of my boredom-

Suddenly, a gurgle came from beside me. It was that of a necromorph, but it was at a much lower tone than usual. It definitely sounded less aggressive. Recoiling from the suddenness of the noise, I rose up from my slacking position.

I turned to face towards my left, the direction where the sound originated, and was slightly relieved to find it was simply one of my lurkers. I must be going insane if I consider a lurker being something that gives relief.

"Oh, it's only you." I said, small remnants of tension threaded within my tone, "So, did you manage to find something to worthy of my interest, or did you just want to come and greet me?" I asked.

Of course, the only response appeared in the form of an indecipherable, incoherent gurgle-like sound. Nodding as if I understood him, I questioned, "So... does that mean a 'yes?' "

Apparently, my assumption was correct as the necromorph let out another unintelligible gurgling sound but at a much higher volume, doing some sort of spinning gesture with its tentacles.

"Uh. Well then, escort me there. I'd like to see whatever it is myself." I ordered. The lurker obeyed, making its way into the dense mantle of the forest's uncountable myriad of shrubberies.

Realizing that the lurker was quickly distancing itself from where I stood, I picked up the pace and dashed after it, failing to avoid the obstructing leaves from pelting my face.

Grimacing at these pestering leaves constantly pestering my eyes, I cursed aloud, "Dammit. I'm reminded of why I dislike venturing out."

Emerging out from the wall of thick bushes and other flora, I collapsed onto my haunches and felt a cascade of relief wash over me as I arrived at my destination; a lowly, modest-looking shack of some sort.

"I subjected myself to chronic amounts of physical strain... Just to find an old house." I said to myself as I felt being plunged into the constriction of hysteria.

I turned to the necromorph who recommended me to examine this place. "So, all that trouble navigating through that nightmare of a forest, just to explore this small, random house in this forest?" I asked myself, "Now that I think of it, who'd prefer living in this forest anyways? Hardcore naturalists? The plants here want to eat you!"

I shrugged off that unproductive thought. "Ack. I'm getting side-tracked." I pointed at the lurker. "You. I want you to gather the other members of my army here. I'd rather not be left defenseless if I end up provoking whoever lives here."

I commanded, pointing at the ground below me. "I will attempt to see if I can negotiate something with the owner." Without the slightest hesitation, the lurker bolted off into the shadowy cover of the forest.

Ugh. Look at me. Conversing with a vocally unresponsive reanimated corpse. I'm starting to question my sanity. Not that I didn't question my sanity before. I sigh. "Well, might as well get this over with."

After a few preparations--removing leaves that somehow tucked into my robes, dusting off the dirt coating me, and other miscellaneous things--I approached the house.

Before I did anything that would've most likely lead to regret and grievances, I took a peek inside the house through the window. Much to my dismay, nobody was present. That's a relief, I don't have to communicate with reclusive people.

Suddenly, I saw something suspended on the middle of the wall that was relevant to my current situation. It was a map, a coarsely made one, but a map nonetheless. I didn't want to break into someone's house just to acquire a map. It's just... pitiful.

Thankfully, I didn't have to, I can simply view the map from where I stood. The map displayed the current position, it being represented with a crudely drawn house.

A patch of blue flowers were located just north from here, that is, if this map is accurate. Just south from here is a group of buildings. It was glaringly obvious that this map is lacking much detail and helpful information.

"Wow, who's the cartographer? Surely he, or she, is quite talented." I said sarcastically in a condescending tone.

I looked around further within the interior of this unrefined building. Nothing but bottles, ominous ones if I might add, were present in the room. A black cauldron was positioned in the middle of the house, for reasons that are beyond me.

There was some sort of repulsively green liquid sizzling within the pot. Whoever owns this house is either a lunatic... or an actual witch, but I doubt that the latter is likely. Whatever conjuration the brewer is making in that cauldron is something I'd rather avoid knowing.

I shook my head slowly as I turned away from the window, and glanced towards the outskirts of this house. Of course, I could see several sinister figures obscured by the shadows looking directly at me. "Oh, good! My necromorphs have already regrouped... that was ridiculously fast."

"Alright, I have two options. Blue flowers or civilization. Flowers with the pigment of blue or other people." I murmured. Of course, I went with the more reasonable decision.

But before I could make any decision, I heard a loud gasp. Turning towards the source, I was somewhat appalled by what I have found-- a zebra, that seemed to have a fondness of gold bands. Seeing that it was wearing gold bands on her legs and neck.

Of course, I didn't even have the time to properly react, as all of a sudden she opened her mouth and let loose a shriek before retreating further back into the protective undergrowth of the forest floor, screaming "Monster!" repeatedly. I suppose having a legion of undead followers present in the area has that effect on people-- er, animals?

I stood there for an additional five seconds or so. Shrugging off that random encounter, I recollected my thoughts. "Was that zebra apparently sapient? No-wait. That's beyond logic. It must have been someone that apparently looked like one, but that's illogical as well. A person dressed up as a zebra? Just where the hell am I?"

I turned to my necromorphs and sighed. "I appreciate you guys avoiding to kill that thing on sight," I said in commendation, to which I am responded by growls, shrieks, and other noises that I can't even begin to describe.

"Well then, let's get going. I guess."

The lush trees bearing green leaves and exotic-looking fruits give off a tranquil feeling. The cool breeze calms me down, and the singing of the birds would have morphed even the most negative of moods into a relaxed state.

The scenery, however, is being ruined by a trail of blood and flesh being left by my army of decaying corpses. Also, how can I forget to mention the putrid stench coming from the legion of undead following behind me?

"Having a loyal army of dead bodies has its disadvantages..." I murmured. At the moment, me and my army are heading South in order to find civilization. I'm not dumb. I'm not going to just allow an army of rotting corpses to waltz into whatever place this is. They'll have to stay behind in order for me to not cause a rioting panic.

My destination wasn't far from me now. I can even already see it from here. A town filled with simple-looking houses with straw roofs. This building style looks similar to the ones used in the medieval era. I hope I didn't just find a renaissance reenactment fair... that would be rather awkward. However, in this getup, I think I'll just fit right in.

"Hey," I said, turning myself towards the direction of my necromorphs, "I want every single one of you to remain here. I will go in myself."

I begin walking further, distancing myself from my necromorphs. Growing somewhat concerned for my well-being, "Just in case the inhabitants are... unfriendly, come and rescue me. Do whatever is necessary."

And so I began to walk further outside the cover of the forest, 'I'm here just to ask for some help, nothing else. Things can't go bad, can they? I'd rather avoid rousing trouble...'

As I walked, I felt an eerie feeling of dread. I couldn't make heads or tails out of it, but I decided to dismiss it as just a random feeling. I went progressively slower as I neared myself to the establishment, having to suppress a chuckle as I saw the sign boldly placed just outside the village's outskirts.

There, engraved on a stone slate were the words: "Welcome to Ponyville!"

"Ponyville?" I pondered. "Do ponies have some sort of cultural significance here?" I mused.

However, my assumption was in fact correct. Correct in a rather unorthodox way that it made me stop in my tracks abruptly.

Strolling on the lush, green plains were miniature horse-things. Apparently conversing with each other and doing other everyday activities. Upon seeing this, my sense of reasoning faltered. Frantic, I clenched my fists. "I don't see any humans there... Don't tell me that the majority's entirety consists of these... ponies."

Infuriated to no end, I let out an annoyed roar, "Argh! Come on!"

I let out a sigh of irritation, but before I could turn back, I saw what appears to be a rather shiny apple in the distance. It was conspicuously placed out in the open. There were no apple trees nearby. It was obvious to see that this was deliberately placed here.

I was skeptical, but I approached it nonetheless. The apple had a luster that could rival even gemstones. On flat grass, it seemed just too suspicious.

"Seriously? What sort of primitive scheme to capture me is this?" I questioned to nobody in particular. I eyed the apple once more as I spoke in disbelief to myself, "This only works on animals! How can someone-"

"It can talk!" a yelp of revelation came out from the bushes. Whoever was in possession of the voice was probably the one who laid out the extremely simplistic trap.

Suddenly, I felt something blunt collide on my torso. It was completely a blur, I couldn't even catch a glimpse of what hit me. Staggering to the ground, I bellowed an outraged remark, "Ow! What the hell was that for?"

Finally, I felt something impact with my face. It was purplish in color, and upon collision, I felt no force behind whatever was sent at me at all. I coughed a bit before letting out a barely audible laugh.

"You'll need more than that..." suddenly, I find myself yawning, "...to stop me." Before I could even realize it, I was face-first on the ground, midway to unconsciousness.

"Girls! I... I think I caught the monster Zecora was talking about!" was all that I could hear in the distance as I slowly descended to unconsciousness.

Revised Chapter 2. Civilization!

My mind was spinning around with agony. A throbbing, stinging ache prevented me from thinking straight. It was as if pain itself manifested itself in my head.

It felt as if I was bludgeoned on the head repeatedly. Everything is utterly dark right now. Why? Because I'm unconscious right now. For whatever reason I was incapacitated. For whatever reason I cannot recall. I think it was something about... unicorns.

Groaning miserably, I awoke to the sound of metal clanging together in the distance. I was surrounded by dreary-looking, ancient brick walls. Just ahead of me were iron bars preventing me from going out.

I appeared to be lying down in some sort of jail cell? A primitive-looking one to be exact. I rose, albeit in pain, from my prone position. I didn't want to stand up, but it was infinitely better for my headache to be standing on the cold stone floor rather than resting on it.

Examining my surroundings further, I was appalled by the lack of maintenance this place has. Blanketing the stone ceiling were numerous cobwebs, and all of them riddled with a layer of dust. "Whatever I did must have agitated someone quite considerably; seeing that I'm in an abandoned cell."

The walls were covered in some sort of moss-like substance. The stench was awful-- stale, repulsively pungent, and spoke of neglect. If I knew any better, it was the smell of mildew aged of countless years. The bricks are either extremely old or crafted extremely cheaply. I couldn't tell, really.

Cracks formed in the walls and several fragments were missing from it, as evidenced by the nicked blocks of stone. If I had enough strength, I could possibly just bash one of the more vulnerable areas of the bricks and simply escape out of here.

Where is 'here' anyways? I have no recollection of what happened earlier. "Ugh..." I closed my eyes in deep thought. I delved deeper in my mind, trying to recall even the most fragmented of my memories, but I was met failure as an indescribable blankness fills my head. "Gah! Why can't I remember?!"

For some vague reason, I have the unnerving feeling that whatever conflict that led to my confinement was involved with a certain horror game.

I attempted to scratch my head in doubt. Then I noticed, I appear to be donning some sort of cowl. "What the..." I looked at myself, noticing that I am fully robed with dark-pigmented clothing, and I appear to be radiating off red light... from my right eye? "What's happened to me!?" My breathing accelerated as I began to act rather twitchy.

"Calm down," I begin to take deep breaths. "Recklessly diving into panic will not help me here." I begin inspecting the rusted bars.

I am appalled by the extent of corrosion these things have suffered. Reddish stains of rust coiled through the entire length of the bars. Chips of withered iron were on the floor, most probably from the irredeemable jail bars.

"That's it, I am definitely in some sort of ancient dungeon." I paused to ponder about a possibility. "I wonder if I could possibly kick these bars down."

"No, that wouldn't work." I shrugged in disappointment. "At worst, that would result in me breaking my own foot." Suddenly, I noticed something in my clothes.

I begin to reach out to some sort of item tucked into an inner, hidden compartment of my robes. Upon retrieval of the item, I identified it as a rather familiar-looking book. "This book. I've seen it before."

Suddenly, I was bestowed clear clarity of my escapades when I was previously conscious. The realization struck me as if it was a tidal wave of hardened cement.

The necromorphs.

The castle surrounded by the thick forest.

The wolves made out of trees attacking me.

I remember it all now.

My eyes widened, and I was speechless for a good few seconds or so. "Crap! Oh hell..."

"So I really did unleash hell on wherever this place is." I begin to pace around; something I do when I am incredibly nervous or panicky. "Judging by the inhabitants of this place, wolves made out of wood with glowy eyes, horse-like beings that are apparently capable of thinking, it's safe to say that I'm no longer on..."

I didn't need to finish my sentence in order to feel as if I was about to faint from the sheer shock. Fortunately, I stood my ground. "No! I am not going back to a coma. I need to remain calm." Taking a deep breath, I took a step backwards. "But first, I think it's better for me to escape out of here."

Shifting my eyes rapidly through the cell, I spoke to myself, "There must be a vulnerability in this place. No place like this with this amount of neglect can ever hold someone for too long." It was difficult for me to see thanks to the dimly lit conditions of this place, but hopefully, my sight will adjust soon enough. "Argh. Nothing but colonies of dust mites and rubble!"

There were a few severely cracked walls, but those would probably lead me to the other cells, and besides, despite being cracked to an irreparable degree, I couldn't even hope to demolishing those without any tools.

Then it seems that my only option of escaping here is trough the iron bars. Picking up an appropriately sized rubble in my hand from the floor, I hurled it towards the lock of the iron bars. Of course, the rubble simply shattered upon contact, and the bars remain unaffected. "Well, that lowers the probability of my escape drastically..."

I am infuriated. These bars look as if they've been submerged in cold water for hours on end, yet the lock seem to be at exemplary durability. Whoever designed this lock is either a master artisan, or just simply used incredibly resilient materials.

I revised my tactics of escape, or at least tried to. I can't see any opportunity for me to use. A chilling breeze grazed my skin, leading me to question my environment.

"That's unnatural. There's no windows present in this place, and I'm presuming that I'm underground, yet the temperature remains at a rather low degree." Brushing off the unproductive thought, I began to look for another way out. However, my search stopped cold as a peculiar, barely perceptible noise emanated from beyond my cell. I was taken aback and swivelled my head in its direction, straining to listen.

It was faint, but it was there-- and it was drawing closer. There was the sound of galloping, accompanied by the sound of... slithering? I don't know, it was difficult to make out. When I listened more intently, however, I could hear distant screams and wails, full of pain and agony. If I didn't know any better, I'd say they were the sounds one would make if they were being tortured. "What's going on out there... Oh no."

The sound of galloping gradually became louder and louder until emerging out of the darkness was another one of those horses, although... this one was wearing some sort of armor, crafted primarily out of gold. Well, that's ineffective. Gold is renowned for being soft, and would make expensive, but rather unreliable armor.

It was surprisingly cute, though, if you disregard the look of horror on his face. Anyways, I assume that it's a male, due to its physique being much different in comparison the other equine beings I've encountered earlier today.

The poor horse-thing struggled to shake off the lurker that latched on to his back. Unfortunately, however, the lurker had already positioned its tentacles perfectly for the fatal blow. Rearing back its tentacle, the lurker jammed it into the pony's cranium. A crunching sound accompanied by blood made me cringe. But despite the fact its prey was already dead-- albeit, jerking in its death throes-- the lurker did not relent in stabbing the lifeless body of the pony further, as if out of spite.

Satisfied with its kill, the lurker spun around as it leaped from the body of the now deceased mini-horse and onto the blood-splattered wall. Out of dumb-luck, it accidentally found me in the process. It just simply glared at me with... disbelief? It just stood there, as if it couldn't believe that it found me.

I as well stood there, motionless. Finally, as if breaking out of a trance, the lurker snapped back to reality and emitted a deafening shriek. The shriek echoed throughout the corridors, and of course, made me cover my ears while wincing. Thankfully, the duration of the shriek was short enough for it to be unbearable.

"Hey!" I yelled out in irritation. "A little bit of a warning next time?!" I scolded, to which the necromorph yelped guiltily in reply. The sight of a necromorph feeling guilt made my eyes slightly widen in shock. "Huh. So necromorphs are capable of feeling guilt, it seems. Who knew?"

I shook my head dismissively. "Anyways, I take it that you just signaled your comrades that you've found me?" I was given a nod of the head from the lurker. "Alright, I take it that all I need to do now is wait-"

I find my words cut short as I suddenly feel tremors shaking the floor. Somewhere in the distance, something large was approaching. Suddenly, the wall next to me was demolished forcefully from the other side. Dust and rubble went airborne, and I couldn't see even inches away from me thanks to the large dust cloud produced from the explosion.

Of course, I stumbled backwards and I am now sitting on my haunches. Coughing, I reopened my eyes. The dust has settled after several seconds, and I could see the large, formidable creature responsible for the destruction of the wall. It was a brute. Brutes are extremely resilient, very large necromorphs with two large fists that can easily pulverize flesh.

Standing up, I coughed once more. "The hell?" As my vision became clearer, I saw a pair of pukers barge into the room via the hole that the brute has created. With no hesitation, they began liquefying the iron bars. Volatile acid sprayed onto the bars. Progressively, the bars began to morph into nothingness.

Dumbfounded, I stood up. "Oh," I began to speak, but ended up hesitating. "That was extremely quick. You have my appreciation," I said in a demeanor feigning calmness.

Walking over to the annihilated bars that were now puddles of green liquid, I jumped over it, being careful to avoid accidentally jumping into the acid pool. "No time to waste," I turned to look at my necromorphs, "We have to get out of here before we do any additional unnecessary damages," I commanded them.

My steps resounded in the vast emptiness of this dungeon as I ascended through the staircases, a handful of necromorphs that I've encountered along the way following me. As I gradually neared the exit out of this dungeon, I kept hearing screams. An uncountable number of screams that will probably haunt me in my sleep for the remaining duration of my life.

"Dammit," I slowed down my ascent, taking a breather, "I do not have an affinity for being physical." Shaking off the fatigue, I continued on. The increase in lighting indicated that I must be close to exiting out of this dark place. Fragments of stone were falling from the ceiling, and I can hear sounds of blade colliding with flesh, and sounds of projectiles breaking bones.

Finally, I could see what appears to be a large spacious room in the distance. Just in that room was a very large gate reinforced with steel. Unfortunately, however, that door was being closed down by those horse-like beings.

"Close the gate!" a horse-thing bathed in blood and bits of gore commanded. "Don't let them breach this area!" As the gates were being closed, several more horse-creatures flooded into the main entrance, and along with them, necromorphs. They, surprisingly enough, managed to fend off the necromorphs with what appears to be fiery death being emitted from their horns.

A couple of slashers, and a puker managed to get in, only for them to be disembodied by levitating blades and fire alike. This is definitely a revelation. It seems that these horse-like beigns are capable of telekinesis and manipulating quantum physics into conjuring fire for them, and all of them appear to be donning armor. So I take it that these guys are trained for this type of scenario.

I snapped out of my entranced state. I spoke to myself, "Now's not the time to go into deep-thinking!" I said as I sprinted a bit faster.

Finally, the gate seemed to be seconds away from closing completely. However, just as they were about to close it, a spiked projectile that came from an unseen lurker scored the head of one of the mini-horses, who was closing the gate, directly in the forehead. The barbed spike burrowed itself deep into the pony's brain. In seconds, the horse-guard fell to the ground limp. He didn't even have time to react.

"Look!" a lone guard-pony pointed his hoof at me. "There's another one of them here!" Just seconds after he said that, I have about ten, or more, ponies clad in armor staring at me with widened eyes. Out of reflex, they draw their weapons on me. Their horns flared with an ominous light, their bows, swords, and spears directed at me.

"Woah, woah!" I shouted out as I raise my hands defensively in the air. "This is all a big misunderstanding-"

I didn't have any time to continue that sentence as my necromorphs caught up with me, and seeing that I was being threatened, responded appropriately. A lurker that was clinging onto the ceiling went unnoticed by me and my adversaries. With one fell shot, the lurker embedded its sharpened barbs into a unicorn's throat.

A large spray of blood gushed out of the windpipe of the poor victim. He fell to the ground, but not before pulling the trigger of his weapon by accident, and since that his weapon was aimed at me, I was quite certain that I was going to get shot.

Fortunately, the bolt simply passed by me just a few inches off from my unprotected, susceptible body. However, I wasted no time taking cover from a nearby pillar as a barrage of fire, arrows, and a miscellany of other ranged weapons attempted to cut me down. As they were busy suppressing me, they failed to notice that the lurker was still in position to take another shot.

And take another shot it did. I heard another one scream in pain as the lurker shot him down. Whoever the lurker just targeted was still alive, considering that he's still screaming.

Now that the lurker has revealed itself, the group of stragglers decided that it was best for them to shift their focus on it rather than on me. A hailstorm of weapons assaulted the lurker. Due to the inaccuracy of their shots, the lurker managed to flee. Well, almost. A spear managed to impale it right in the abdomen, pinning it to the ceiling, rendering it immobilized.

Before the survivors could finish it off, however, the telltale signs of an approaching brute appeared--the rumbling of the earth, and the piercing battle-cry that could only be emitted from a creature born through bloodlust.

The colossal heap of flesh that was the actual brute itself emerged from the shadows. The ponies could only scream in terror before it rammed their formation, scattering them. One that was unfortunate enough managed to get swept away by the brute's formidable arms. The pony went soaring through the air before he slammed into a wall.

That same pony's weapon, which happened to be a bow, ended up landing next to me. I looked away from it as I spoke to myself, "No... I am a non-combatant. I can't take away a life-"

Suddenly, I heard the brute growl in pain. "Wait... They can't possibly be capable of killing one of those things." I peeked from my cover, and to my shock, they actually appear to be besting the relentless beast.

Winged horses, which I assume were identified as pegasi were strafing the brute with remarkable precision from their bows in the safety of elevation. They always managed to pierce the brute in the exposed areas whenever the opportunity revealed itself. Though, they were simply fulfilling the role of support. The real damage is inflicted by those that wielded whatever power they have in their horns. They spewed out fire from their horns.

The flames roasted through the exoskeleton of hardened flesh of the brute. The brute tried to pummel the adverse ponies, but they managed to project some sort of shield, once again, using their horns. The brute, despite being encased almost entirely of armor, is rather vulnerable to fire. "Dammit," I cursed out sharply as I took the bow in my hand.

Being so foolish to leave cover, I dove for one of the arrows scattered through the ground. I fumbled as I drew back the arrow with the bow. Thankfully, the opposition was completely occupied on roasting the still flailing brute. I had much difficulty in doing so, but I managed to properly ready my weapon.

Aiming at one of the ponies out of the range of the shields and out of the reach of the brute's arms, I steadied my breath. Much to my dismay, however, the lurker, which was still alive, managed to pin down my target by the right leg. The guard winced as he staggered to the ground, he was incredibly wounded, but he was still capable of fighting.

I released the arrow from my grasp and sent it flying. The projectile bolted through their ranks and made a beeline towards the floor, ricocheting into the ground with a metallic resonance. "Dammit!" I cursed sharply as I readied another shot.

With a reverberating sound, the arrow made its way into the rib cage of the poor bastard. Blossoming like a flower, his blood gushed out as the tip pierced through his skin. He wailed in agony as he just realized what just happened.

I cringed at the sight, I never really anticipated in me actually fighting. The pony went down face first into the ground, taking one last raspy breath as he succumbed to his wound.

"Damn," I spoke to myself in awestruck. I was impressed by myself that the shot actually landed. Had he been a few feet further, I'd have missed.

Unfortunately, as a result in me taking out one of them, I was detected once more. This was apparent as the ponies suddenly shifted their attention towards me.

One of the flying ponies that were keen enough to notice me first yelled out, "Hey! That monster knows how to use the bow-" Suddenly, that pony could no longer breath as one of the lurker's barbs burrowed deep into his chest, easily piercing through bone and into his lungs.

He crashed into one of the shields formed by his companions. However, instead of rebounding from the shield, he simply phased through the glowing dome and into the protective space within. I assume that the shield has some sort of aspect integrated into it that it allows allies, regardless of being near death, to pass through it and be bestowed the shield's aegis.

Unfortunately for the unicorn taking the role of shield-projector, the pegasus landed directly on him, disrupting the shield entirely. The brute, which had vengeance on top of his wishlist, decided that it was now the best time to assault the disorganized team of unicorns.

The brute advanced and promptly swung his fist directly into the face of the one tormenting it with flames. Needless to say, the pony's skull most likely have been fractured within seconds upon impact. Similar to his other comrade, the pony went flying. The brute then proceeded to deal with the others by devastating them with its fists the size of a leviathan.

Finally, reinforcements on my side arrived--it was the lurkers from before. I greeted them with a wave, "Where have you guys been? Don't tell me that the both of you slipped and fell, or something."

The two of them shook their heads.

"Well, for whatever reason you're both late, I can forget about." I pointed at the large gate standing between my path to freedom. "See that gate? I want to get out of here, but that thing is in my way. Think you can spew your acid all over it so I can get out?"

Both of them nodded their heads enthusiastically.

"Perfect."

Revised Chapter 3. Unexpected Obstruction

The whole place was falling apart. Whole walls were crumbling down as massive tremors shook this place. Shards of glass scattered through the floor due to broken windows were everywhere, scathing those that did not have any footwear protecting them. And of course, to add the final touch the scenery, ponies and necromorphs were at each other's throats--carcasses and blood tainted the entire corridors with its volatility.

I nearly stumbled downwards as the shockwave from a nearby blast resounded just a few feet away from me. I supported myself by placing my arm on a window sill. I opened my eyes, only to find a jarring fact to slam into my face--this building is extremely tall. I can barely see the ground from where I stood! Should the foundations of this building give way due to the constant bombardments, I doubt that I'll be able to survive the fall.

What's worst was the fact that corridors upon corridors were flooded with advancing necromorphs that seems to be coming from an unknown, never ending source somewhere. Due to the explosive nature of the opposing side, I doubt that this building will hold for long.

"Call off the attack!" I yelled out as I sprinted as fast as I could to what appeared to be a large opening. I don't know if it actually leads to the exit, but I'd much rather not stay here. "No need to unnecessarily waste your undead lives! It's time to retreat!" I commanded, and to which they obliged. Necromorphs went on the defensive and crawled into whatever crevice they could find torn in the wall.

Of course, there was confusion within the ranks of the ponies. With quite the number of their friends slaughtered and mutilated by my undead followers, it was no surprise that they did not even hesitate to stop volleying the necros with their own weapons, though, with their inaccuracy and the proficiency the necromorphs have over being elusive, little to no necromorph has been struck by the ponies.

With the necromorphs retreating, this place will soon be filled with a rather apoplectic crowd of murderous ponies. Normally, that wouldn't sound too terrifying for me, though, now that I've seen the capabilities of these things, I'm not even going to think twice before running out of here.

I ran as fast as my legs would allow me, a considerable number of necromorphs following closely behind me; I'll take it that they're my personal bodyguards. My personal team of necromorphs consisted of five pukers, a regenerator, and a couple of slashers. Quite versatile bunch. Only a few could possibly withstand their might.

I took cover behind a pile of rubble, unfortunately, my guardians are way behind me. I nearly got detected by another pony donning armor keeping check on a locked door. I cursed sharply before I withdrew the bow I took earlier. Calming myself down, I took aim. I let go off the arrow.

Unfortunately, the arrow rebounded from his golden armor, much to my dismay. The arrow made a clanking noise before it thudded the ground. Seeing this, I dove back to cover to avoid being spotted.

"I thought gold was supposed to be soft?!" I muttered out inaudibly in a panicked state before I drew back another arrow I held in my hand. The pony, albeit being suddenly ambushed, did not hesitate in drawing his sword with an almost a perfect flourish.

Once more, I drew back my last arrow with my bow, and I rose from my cover. Just as I released the arrow, the pony sidestepped... accidentally into the direction of the arrow. The arrow struck the front leg of the unlucky thing.

The pony fell to the ground wincing in agony. "Huh. I guess I'm just lucky." Warily, I approached the sword that was now on the ground and picked it up, lobbing it outside the window. Hopefully, that won't impale anyone by accident.

I feel as if I've run for hours, at normal circumstances, I'd be down on the ground unconscious. I have no idea where I gain this surge of vitality from--I guess it's from the adrenaline.

I managed to stop just in time to avoid getting crushed by large debris falling just in front of me. Of course, with this thing obstructing the escape route, I have no choice but to fend off the marauding group of ponies approaching us from behind us. Reluctant, I gave an order to my necromorphs. "Dammit! There's no alternative route from here, and I doubt that they-" I pointed at the opposing forces rallying to my position, "-will just simply let us walk out of here."

"Pukers! I want all of you to reduce the stones blocking our path." With an acknowledging roar, the pukers scurried to the large fragments of stone and began unloading their acidic payload onto it. It will take some time, but it shouldn't be too long.

"The rest of you! Defend me and the pukers!" I ordered them. As much as I wanted to stop the bloodshed of adorable-looking, yet murderous, ponies, I refuse to allow them to just simply skewer me with a lance, or something of the sorts. With a war-cry that reverberated through the corridors, my necromorphs charged recklessly.

The sortie launched by the ponies was met with resistance from my own combatants. The regenerator was the one first to meet the enemy. Swinging its incredibly sized blade-arm, it managed to halve the body of an unfortunately positioned pony. The regenerator swiftly followed up the attack by plunging itself towards the middle of the ponies' formation, coercing them to break their alignment to avoid suffering the same fate of their ally.

The slashers immediately followed, ignoring the lesser non-unicorns in favor to directly attack the unicorns that were still fumbling and disorientated from the regenerator's dive. The slasher taking on the right flank dove to dodge an incoming bolt of energy discharged from a unicorn. The slasher retaliated by expertly bisecting the pony's right leg.

Suddenly, before the slasher could finish off his victim, a beam of light passed right through the slasher's face, embedding a hole into it. The slasher staggered back, stunned from the surprise attack. Another similar ray of light impacted the slasher's torso, the sheer force of the beam managed to sever the slasher from it lower body.

"Crap. They've got reinforcements." I bitterly cursed as I spectated a much larger wave of ponies closed in from the distance. At this rate, I'll be surrounded.

One of the slashers just recently got burned to a crisp, its charred corpse lying on the ground permeating an awful stench of burnt flesh. This is not good. Of course, the fallen slasher was quickly avenged by its two remaining brethren.

"Pukers! Mind going a little bit faster. They're-" before I could finish my sentence, I felt the floor beneath me starting to give way, cracks and fractures appearing on the surface of it. "What the-" Before I could even realize what just happened, the entire flooring beneath me crumbled entirely.

I find myself falling. Everything was incredibly slow thanks to my body profusely producing adrenaline. I looked around me, bits of stone, ranging from the tiniest pebble to a boulder were falling to the floor. I could still see the flames raging on the upper floor that I was on just mere seconds ago.

Finally, I struck the ground.

Thankfully, through some sort of miracle, I was not harmed by the several debris of stone falling with me. The duration of the fall wasn't that long as well, so I doubt that I'm severely injured. A few lacerations and bruises, but that's about it.

I have not a single clue on why the floor just started faltering like that- perhaps because the supports started to wear away due to the ongoing conflict? I could care less at the moment, however. I'm just extremely relieved that I'm not hurt.

"I can't believe it-" my words were rendered short, however, when I saw that a broken-off support beam of some sort has impaled my body. As expected from such an extent of injury, it was bleeding incredibly quick. The initial blow to my body appears to have failed to kill me, I guess it missed a vital organ, but at this rate, I'll be dead within seconds due to the hemorrhage.

I coughed out blood. "How... how did I noticed this just now?" I asked myself. Although, the answer to that question might be due to the mix of shock and adrenaline surging through me. "Argh... To hell with this," was all that I could mutter before I blacked out once more.

Perpetual darkness was all that I could see, and this is most likely what I'll see for a long time. It's cold, dull, and tormentingly depressing. If this is what it feels like when I'm dead, then this is just awful.

I've spent how long now? Hours? Days-

"Days? Don't be ridiculous. You've been 'dead' for about twenty minutes or so," I voice spoke out. Chillingly enough, the voice was precisely similar to mine. "You're not even dead. Well, not yet, anyways."

"What?" I uttered in the blackness of my mind.

"You see... that book you have in your possession, it has quite the scary properties."

I replied to whoever was speaking to me, "Yeah, I know. It can-"

"Yes. It can summon beings from across universes. I am well aware of that... especially since that I'm a being created by the book." I paused, pondering on what it just said. "Anyways, you'd want to keep going, am I correct?"

"What do you mean?" I hesitated to respond.

"You want to keep living, yes? Don't bother saying otherwise. That would be a complete lie, wouldn't it?" the ominous voice asked, to which I responded with a slow, weakened nod. "Well then, I suggest that you avoid using the book too often..." I felt a warm sensation building up within me as I started to slowly regain control of my body.

"...now that you've unlocked its full potential," as the voice said that, I saw a glimpse of what appeared to be a mirrored image of me. However, this duplicate of mine, unlike my red glow radiating from my eye, had a purple one. He also seemed to be smiling at me with sadistic-looking eyes.

"Oh, and take note: you are now in-debt to the book. Now that it saved your life." The duplicate began to fade away, but not before managing to speak, "Don't be surprised that the next time you die, you find yourself being possessed by it."

My eyes widened, uncertain of what to think of.

Before I could question the mysterious clone, I was suddenly brought back to reality, as if life itself approached me and slapped me in the face; it was that sudden. I gasped for breath as I shot my eyes open. The sounds that were once muffled, the scents that were once blocked from my senses were all returning. I bolted back up out of reflex. Absent-minded, I dislodged myself from the spiked beam that impaled me.

Eyes widening, I looked at the gaping hole in my body letting out blood. Before I could faint from just merely looking at the disturbing sight, a glow of purple enveloped it, and I felt my flesh rejuvenating, mending the agape wound.

"What just happened?" I asked myself, dumbfounded in a cocktail of astonishment and confusion. Suddenly, painfully intense migraine emerged into my head. Clenching my head as I shut my eyes closed, but instead of seeing nothing but black, I could only see static. As I cringed as the pain did not diminish in pain, I could see a person's image appearing in the haze of static.

Then I realized something. It was the duplicate of me from earlier!

The mirrored image of my appearance spoke out something, but the words were obscured and drowned out by the sting of indescribable pain and along with the ominous static deafening me. However, I could form bits of words here and there; he was talking about something about the Summoning Grimoire, saying that this was one of the effects, I think?

The figure stood with a demented smile before progressively fading away in the static. Seconds seemed to be hours as the static finally disappeared. Along with the disappearance of the crackling noises of the static was the agony ringing in my head. Regaining my clarity and equilibrium, I opened my eyes.

Surprisingly enough, it seems that not much have changed since my duration being incapacitated, seeing that not much have changed. Dead bodies were strewn about like trash on the floor. Blood painted the walls with its scarlet-red pigment. Entire walls were torn apart, the remnants of said walls were reduced to rubble piled up, blocking several pathways.

A feeling of nausea washed over me as carefully began inspecting my surroundings a bit more thoroughly. The pathway behind me most likely leads to the inner interior of this colossal castle, so I guess it would be sensible for me to carry on through the hallway ahead of me. Before I did just that, however, I noticed that the hallway appears to lead to some sort of bridge.

The bridge was quite lengthy and quite wide. On that bridge, however, were two ponies. These ponies however, were much possessed similar discerning features. Both of them had wings and horns. Through my experience with combating these things, I presume that they have the capabilities of flight and... manipulating physics to shoot fireballs at me.

"Wow. Just great. Bloody brilliant! How the hell am I supposed to get out of here now?" I spoke to myself as I turned around. Before I could take even a single step forwards to the opposite direction of the bridge, however, I felt a sudden vibration in the ground. "What the-" Suddenly, debris upon debris poured from the upper level of the castle and directly on to the hallway that I opted to traverse through.

I find myself with my jaw agape in a confounded state as I simply glared at the pile of debris now blocking my path. "Oh," I kicked one of the pebbles that landed adjacently near my foot, "come on!"

Looks like I'll have to pass by the bridge... with no reinforcements whatsoever.

I groaned in despair. "Hopefully, they won't decide to kill me on sight."

Revised Chapter 4. The Things You Regret

Warily, I started walking on the bridge. Every single step that I took seemed to make me considerably more nervous each time. My breaths were shallow and short. My heart was threatening to leap out of my chest if it continues to uphold a beating-interval similar to the one that I have right now.

Suddenly, I froze up; my legs wouldn't even obey my command to move further. I was paralyzed by fear, albeit, for good reason. "No. Fear wouldn't be beneficial for my current circumstances." Disregarding the fact that I could be burnt to a crisp by those two hybrids, I braved on.

I was just a few steps away from them now, but they seem to be quite occupied in some sort of a very intense conversation. They didn't even notice my audible footsteps. Seeing this an opportunity, I studied them. They did in fact have horns and wings, which just furthers my worry. They also appear to be quite more slender and taller than the rest of the ponies. They were donning regalia of some sort. Perhaps they are royalty?

With one steady motion and a deep breath, I closed in the distance between me and them. "I call for a truce! A truce! You hear me?! Don't kill me!" I yelled out, hanging my hands above my head signalling that I'm surrendering. "I'm not a threat!" I stated to the two unicorn-pegasus hybrids standing guard on the bridge.

Instantly, I took their attention. The midnight-blue one glowered at me with eyes that could pierce through even the most hardened of souls. "You!" she yelled out in raw ire. Without a single warning, she ignited her horn in a blue light as she flared her wings before she soared high into the sky above. "You will have to pay accordingly for your doing!"

The brilliance centered in her horn intensified, leading me to believe that something terrible was upon me. I was probably done for--there's no cover within sight, no weapon for me to use, and there's probably no time left for me to flee.

"Luna!" the white-coated one shouted. "Stop! it's over! The attack is over! There's no reason to prolong the slaughter!"

"Hundreds are dead because of this repulsive thing!" the pony, who I know presume is referred to as Luna, responded back with a snarl.

"I am aware of that." The taller white one paused to sigh, "Also, if you decide to annihilate him with that amount of magic, there's a good chance that you'll end up destroying the whole bridge too."

With a bit of hesitation, Luna reluctantly dissipated the big ball of energy she was accumulating on he tip of her horn. I was too stunned to even process that I'm not going to wind up dead, so I simply stood there, completely motionless as if I was petrified in stone.

Luna gently hovered downwards before approaching me with an icy glare that was devoid of any emotion with the exception of pure vengeance. Of course, being in the unresponsive state that I'm in, I couldn't react to this.

She lit up her once more, indicating that she was casting some sort of spell. I say it's a spell because the taller one mentioned of "magic" earlier. If I was still able to, I'd scoff a bit and then laugh at that concept. This place is starting to get cliche now.

I felt an unforeseen force grasp me, tightening itself around my neck. The force applied to my throat wasn't definitely suffocating, but it was definitely nearing that point. I was shoved down to the ground by the invisible kinetic energy. Of course, I was snapped out of the entranced state that I was in.

The blue one's horn was still enveloped in that peculiar, transparent aura. if it wasn't obvious at this point, she's definitely the one applying this pressure onto me. "Oh... come on. Telekinesis? They have that too?" I muttered in a strained breath. I couldn't do anything at this point, I couldn't even move limbs. I knew it was a mistake going here, but, at the very least, they don't seem to be contemplating of killing me.

"Do you have any idea..." Suddenly, I was lifted above the air. Luna was hovering the same altitude that I was on. "Do you have any idea how many you've killed? How many families were lost to you? How much sorrow you've brought to them?"

I could only reply coarsely as the grip on my throat tightened, "I didn't intended any of this!" I felt the vice holding me lessen. This was my chance! As subtle as possible, I slipped my hands in my robes to retrieve the book. Suddenly, I was let go. I fell to the stony floor with a thud. Coughing and wheezing, I added, "I was kidnapped and imprisoned here! My followers simply saw my life being threatened and had no choice but to rescue me!"

"Your abominations that you call your followers are responsible for hundreds of corpses littered on the streets of our city!" she yelled at a deafening volume, making me grimace as I winced.

Before I could even respond to the outburst, I was violently toss to the railings of the bridge. Using my hands for support, I grabbed onto the railings. Dazed, I barely had any time before my ears were assaulted by the blue lunatic of a unicorn-pegasus thing. "Look at all the damage you've brought to our city!"

Snapping out of my daze, I was appalled by what I saw beyond the bridge. Hundreds of buildings were missing either a large portion of their structure, or they were completely halved. Corpses, both ponies and necromorphs alike were bathing the street with blood. Entire houses were ablaze with towering infernos.

The sight made me feel guilty, but nonetheless, neither did I condone this, nor did I approve of this. In fact, I greatly loathe the genocide. "I will not try to dissuade your fury against me when I say this--I am aggrieved by all of this, but the fact still stands. I am not the one to blame for all the murders."

"Then please, recall them from wherever they came," the elder one pleaded.

I nodded in agreement. "It shall be done immediately," I paused, not being able to figure out her name. "I'm sorry. I am not aware of your names."

"That leads me to believe that you're not from here," the white one approached as she spoke. "Apologies. I am Princess Celestia." She makes a bowing gesture. "This is my sister, Princess Luna. Together, we oversee our nation."

What, so this place is a monarchy? However, a monarchy doesn't operate anything like that, though, since this is a place with almost everyone capable of unleashing flashy death-rays, I suppose some alterations would be sensible... No, wait. It still doesn't make sense. Gah. I suppose that this is tradition, or something.

Princess Luna called out to her sister, "Sis! What are you doing? Are you certain that formally greeting this beast is the best course of action?"

Celestia simply nodded before she responded, "Yes." She has a look of raw sternness as she said that. I think it alone shoved a chill down my spine...

I was taken aback from that answer somewhat. I wasn't expecting such an absence of hostility from this "Celestia" character. Perhaps she's attempting to avoid provoking me? After all, my army is in her city, and by the looks of things, her defenses are all destroyed, or at best, crippled severely. I can see why she would avoid picking fights with me. I commend her for foresight.

Though, I must ponder. With the devastating effects of their magic, how did the necromorphs sneak into this place? It must've taken a tactical genius... or perhaps the necros simply battered their walls until they gave in. The latter seems more probable...

Celestia looked towards me with eyes that struck me with sincerity. "We promise you no harm will be dealt to you..." Judging by the looks of her face, she truly meant that.

Luna takes a step backwards, visually aghast regarding that her mouth is agape. "W-what? Sis-"

"Luna, there is not much that we can do. Furthermore, he did not intend any of this. So we can't exactly say that this is his fault." Celestia stood firmly on the ground below her, not faltering even by the slightest as she said those words.

Her citizens were tributes to the roaring flame that was my army, but, she has yet to display any form of bitter resent towards me. Honestly, I am both appalled and impressed by her at the same time.

The eerie silence was deafening. Only the howling breeze and the sizzling fires could be heard on top of this crumbling stone bridge.

Finally, I spoke up. "So, I take it that you want to me to remove my soldiers?" I asked.

Luna opened her mouth to say something, but was quickly interrupted by Celestia. "That would be most favorable for us, but given the circumstances your safety is in, I understand if you choose not to." If it was any indication that Luna was opposed against Celestia's choice of words, it's that poorly concealed frown on her face.

I shrugged. "I assure you. After all that I've done, this is the least that I can do." I reached in for my robes, withdrawing the Grimoire. If my recollection is sharp, there should be a feature that allows me to return whatever I "borrowed" from a universe back to aforementioned universe.

Ha. What a surprise. They didn't confiscate my book despite its ominous and foreboding text and inscriptions written all over it. I give an acknowledging smile. "Hm. Thanks for not taking away this book."

"That book..." Luna stated as if she was in an entranced state. "We couldn't remove it from you due to unfathomable reasons."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"It scalded our hooves whenever we tried to touch it, and magic is actively nullified by it," Princess Luna answered.

"Ah. I see," I said in reply before I flipped the book open. Turning to the page where my necromorphs are detailed, I thought to myself. "Right, so all I have to do is say 'un-summon' while the book is opened to the page regarding about the currently summoned minions. Should be easy."

I spoke in a subtle, low tone, "Un-summon." The book went aglow with a red flare. It increased in brightness before it dissipated. "I think that was it..." I muttered, a bit shaky from that sight.

"Thank you," Celestia said with a genuine smile.

I began walking, "Now then, if you don't mind me, I'll be departing."

However, I was suddenly forcefully halted by none other than Celestia herself. She dove into my path, preventing me from going any further. A bead of sweat formed around my temple. "Did she change her mind?" I thought with dread.

"I can't allow you to pass here. We've rallied the survivors in that building. Forgive us for the lack of trust, but we do not bestow you with our full extent of our trust," Celestia said in a ghastly tone filled to the brim with stoicism.

I found it a bit difficult to reply to the sudden shift of behavior, but I managed a response. "I understand. I will simply-" Suddenly, the buzzing sound of static coupled with unearthly screams roared in the back of my mind. Out of nowhere, a pain that was incomprehensibly agonizing echoed through my skull. "What- what the hell!?" I shouted out as I fell to my knees, clutching my head. This, of course, startled the two alicorns.

"Is everything alright?" Luna asked, concern feigned in her voice.

Suddenly, a voice that I knew all too well spoke out to me from nowhere. 'Ha... pitiful. You're seriously considering going the more passive route? Unacceptable,' the voice that I heard from when I was still unconscious condescended. I clutched my head, confused and panicky by the reemergence of the voice. 'No matter,' it continued, 'this should remedy it.'

I find myself raising my hand, holding the book firmly in my vice. Without any warning, the book started to emit a dark-purplish fiery aura. 'Remember when those two imbeciles mentioned that the book negated their magic?'

Finally, the book seemed to have launch out some sort of bright spherical orb similarly colored to the aura the book is radiating. As the projectile was launched, however, it created such a shockwave that it sent the two Princesses in front of me flying. 'The book wasn't negating it. It was absorbing it.'

The voice began to gradually disperse as it started to laugh hysterically. The two princesses slam into the most adjacent surface, which happened to be a large pile of rubble on the bridge. The both of them impacted the rubble with a resounding thud as dust enveloped them. As the dust settled, I found their unconscious bodies lying on the ground.

Realization struck me as if it was lightning. I was paralyzed, but not due to electrical shock, but out of fear. The presumably explosive orb of volatile magic was hurled directly at the base of the building where the surviving ponies are being grouped. My eyes widen, and I felt a sting of incomprehensible disgust pierce through my chest.

I turned towards the opposite direction. I decided to run, and so I did. I vaulted over any rubble that was in my way as I made my way back to where I was. Was I hesitant? Definitely not. Once those two pegasus-unicorn hybrids are awake, they'll be hellbent on killing me. Was I remorseful? Possibly...

As I ran, I opened the book once more. Slowing down to a more suitable pace so that I could operate the Grimoire more efficiently, I flipped to a blank page. "Regret. Regret. Regret," I chanted.

And so, the familiar red rift appears above me. Ceasing my running, I wait patiently for whatever is brought from the other side of that portal.

Author's Notes:

This is the end for the revised chapters for now.

More soon coming.

Revised Chapter 5. Run! Forest! Run!

I waited and waited for what was to come out of the rift. After what seemed to be several seconds, a piercing, bone-chilling war-cry sounded out from the portal.

Briefly after the roar ended, a lone man emerged out of the depths of the vortex. This man was clad in a grey suit, and his entire head, save for the face, was veiled by some sort of red fabric. He also appears to be equipped with a pair of black goggles. In his hands was what appeared to be an AK; the traditional, wooden variant, it seems.

I recognized him as one of Vaas' pirates from the third installment of the Far Cry series. "Ah. My next army will be the pirates. Amusing. Does that mean I get the right to blurt out the definition of insanity every once in a while now?" I mused myself.

After the pirate landed, he begins to inspect his surroundings. He muttered audibly to himself, noting the several rubble and missing walls, "Damn. Some kind of wild party went on here." Spotting me, he greeted, "Ah! You must be our new boss!" His voice sounded with a Somalian accent. He stretches his hands towards me, prompting me to shake it.

Agreeing to the gesture, I reached out to his hands and shook it. Much to my surprise, his hand was moist with what appears to be crude, black oil. Instinctively, I expressed my repulsion by drawing back my hand.

Seeing my dismay, he quickly apologized. "Oh, sorry there, boss," he said as he casually wiped off the oil using the fabric of his pants, staining it. He continued, "I was fixing up my gun a while back."

I nodded. "I see." Suddenly, more and more pirates emerged from the portal. Seeing that I was having a conversation with their fellow pirate, they decided not to interrupt. This was surprisingly respectful of them. I guess Vaas, their former 'boss,' made them somewhat disciplined. "Very well... Er, sorry. I didn't catch your name."

"My name is Amiin, but you can call me Min," the pirate answered.

"Very well, Min." I bowed slightly out of courtesy. "Anyways, we can't linger here. There are some bastards wanting my head on a platter."

"Damn. Already?" Min questioned, his arms slightly outstretched and his hands opened wide. "I expected for us to have a little break before we actually shooting some poor bastard in the face," he said.

He continued, "So, do we have an escape plan?"

I sighed. "No. Unfortunately not- wait, no. I actually might have one," I said as I recalled spotting an immobilized train earlier. Approaching one of the many windows, I searched for the train. In the distance, I saw the train; still in the same exact position since last time.

"See that train?" I asked as I pointed at it. "I've not a clue why it's still here. I suspected every single train has been used to evacuate the non-fighters, but if I had to guess, it's that the drivers are dead."

Min nodded in acknowledgement. "Ah. I see. You're planning to hijack it. A well-thought of plan of escape."

I snapped my fingers. "Bingo." I turned around to face the band of pirates formulating around me. "Now then. Does anybody here know how to drive a train?" I asked.

A single pirate raised his hand as he spoke out, "I do. I had to steer one when my friends and I were robbing one." The pirate chuckled. "Heh. Good times."

I've not a clue on how a pirate would end up stealing from a train. I stayed my tongue as it was probably best to save the questions later. Pointing my hand towards him, I ordered, "Good. You come with me. We're going to need a driver."

The entire floor shook as an explosion blasted from somewhere inside the castle. This castle must be wired up with explosive material, or something. Rubble and bits of glass from the windows fell to the floor as the explosions continued. Suddenly, a particularly strong blast resonated the castle with much force. Staggering, I leaned my hands on the wall to support myself from falling.

Min questioned, "Boss, what the hell did you do to this place?"

"Nothing. I did nothing," I said as I frantically looked around for a method of escape. In technicality, that wasn't a lie. I truly did nothing. "My previous army, on the other hand," I regained my composure as the blasts finally stopped, "completely wrecked the place."

"Previous army?" Min repeated, somewhat befuddled, judging by that curious glance he's giving me.

"I don't think you'll get it if I told you." I shrugged. "Listen, I just want to get out of here as fast as possible, and I don't think navigating through this maze of a castle would be the best way of doing that."

Looking at the edge of the windowsill, I contemplated of jumping out in order to escape. Unfortunately, we were several feet away from the ground--I think I can even see the town that I was in from here. I'd definitely break several bones, if not kill myself entirely if I attempted to jump out of here.

"Please tell me you see a way to get out of here much quicker," I pleaded.

"No. Unfortunately not, my friend." I looked downwards, contemplating defeat. There was not much to do now. The entirety of this castle is probably brimmed with guards, and those two sisters are probably waking up anytime soon.

Once they wake up... I shudder to imagine what they'll do if they corner me.

Suddenly, falling out of the portal was several gliders. Each glider made a clanging noise as they impacted the floor. Glider after glider emerged from the portal, forming a mound of gliders.

He pointed towards the flight equipment as I just merely stood there, my jaw still agape. Pointing out to the growing heap, he stated, "But we do have those gliders."

I turned to Min, nearly collapsing down to the ground to cry tears of joy. "Thank you! Thank you! You are a god-sent," I said profusely as I reached out for the pile of gliders. I paused a stray thought suddenly struck me. Turning my head to face Min, I asked him, "Why only gliders though?"

He grimaced as he replied to me, "Some A-hole broke most of our stuff, and everything else that wasn't broken couldn't fit in the damned hole." I simply nodded to this answer.

Turning to face my band of pirates, I raised my voice, preparing to usher them a command. "Alright there's not enough gliders here for each one of us. I want all of you to head down to the exit of this castle." I pointed at the staircase that was thankfully not blockaded by the several debris lying about.

I continued, "There is going to be some... resistance as you head down. I want you to take as much prisoners as possible. Your gunfire should be more than enough to dissuade them from running away. Bring back the prisoners to the train, you hear me?" I pointed towards a nearby train that was motionless in the distance.

I was met with a handful of nods from my pirate crew. "Great. Those that want to go ahead and start shooting things, I suggest you navigate through the castle." The majority of them started descending the staircase and through corridors of this massive castle.

"We need to make an improvised drop-off point," I said as I scanned the area. "Alright, I need some explosives. Who here have any?" My question was answered as several of them simply threw some C4 on the floor of where I stood.

"You know how those things work, right?" one of the pirates asked. I couldn't tell by his tone if he was worried, or just simply curious.

Holding the plastic explosive in my hands, I turned to him. "Sure. Sure. Just plant them somewhere, press the button on the detonator, and it should detonate. Right?"

He raised his arms, forming his hands into a thumbs up. Nodding at the gesture, he took that as a prompt for him to leave. He armed his assault rifle before descending into the corridors.

"Though, I must ask," I waved around the C4, "Isn't it a bit dangerous to just throw these around?"

One of the pirates simply didn't care as he just raised their hands. "Hey. We use them to stick our beer most of the time. Completely safe." Not exactly reassuring, but amusing to know nonetheless.

Merely rolling my eyes to display my disapproval at their careless handling, I made my way to a particularly large wall.

I particularly adored this wall for one reason; it had a very massive, well-detailing painting. But I also somewhat loathed it. Why? Because Celestia and Luna were featured as the main characters in this certain painting. With a slight grimace, I latched the C4 onto the surface of the painting.

I muttered, "Sorry, but I have to destroy this painting."

Sure, I might be seconds away from completely annihilating several weeks--if not months of work, but I can't find anywhere else to place these bombs.

Crouching down, I fumbled with the C4. I placed it on the wall, expecting to latch on to it, or something of the sorts. Unfortunately, it simply plopped down to the floor. "I... I should have expected something like this."

I picked up the explosive once more. Once again, I placed it on the wall, expecting it to stick. Much to my bad luck, I was met with the same result; the explosive failing to stick.

Sighing, I stood up. Walking away from the explosives. "Doing the exact same thing over and over again is..." in an absent-mind, I trailed off, not bother to finish that quote.

Turning to face the pile of C4 attached to the distant walls, I made sure that they were nowhere near the cache of gliders. "Alright," I open my hand wide, "who has the detonator?"

"Here it is," someone said and tossed a metallic, black rectangle with an antenna on it. Attached to it was a switch.

"Simple enough," I muttered as I squeezed the trigger.

Nothing happened. The bomb was still laying on the floor, still intact. Suddenly, a pirate spoke up. "Old damned things. Try it again-" before he could finish, the C4 finally exploded.

A deafening blast echoed from the halls as a large fireball engulfed the whole portion of the castle where the C4 were planted. A shroud of dust prevented anyone from seeing beyond it. Shortly after, the wall of dust dissipated, allowing me to see through it.

Replacing the wall was now a gigantic tear. Bits of dirt streamed down from its edge. The floor beneath it was charred. The walls that were not within its blast distance now have several cracks on them as a result from the shock-wave.

"Alright!" I raise my hand in triumph as my pirates clapped for me. Basking in a moment of fanfare, I ordered them, "Everybody, hang on tight to a glider, we're gonna get the hell out of here!" Sprinting towards the nearest glider I could find, I dragged it towards the breach.

Soon enough, each one of my men were equipping themselves with the gliders. "You guys might want to get ready to shoot at things," I said as I pointed towards the several ponies clad in armor scattered throughout the streets.

"What the hell?" One of the pirates asked as if infuriated, "You think a few of those midget horses with spears can do us in? Boss, stop dicking around."

Edging close to the ledge, I turned back to reply, "I know what these midget horses are capable of. Trust me. They can shoot laser beams at you." A few of them chuckled, dismissing my warning. To be fair, it really does feel like I'm blurting out nonsense.

"Fine," I said as I reared backwards, preparing to jump. "Just shoot the bloody ponies, got it?"

"Sure, sure," one of them spoke out. "I was wondering how much their golden 'armor' would cost. It'd probably cost someone back home a fortune." Chuckling ominously, the pirate left.

A tremor was felt through the entire castle as a rogue explosion emanated from somewhere in the lower depths of the castle.

The blast was no doubt caused by the other pirates. If they're resorting to explosives, does that mean those ponies are actually proving themselves as a threat?!

Stepping back a few more steps, I prepared the glider. "Hopefully this thing will hold," I said, noting the worn condition of this glider.

The wings had no tear, but some of its fabric was faltering, seeing that there are bits of it having strings protruding from it. I could also see some darker patches of it scattered all around through it. "You know what they say. Karpe Diem," I murmured to myself with a weak smile.

"Alright," I muttered to myself, "I think I've placed enough space between me and the edge." Taking a deep breath, I burst into a sprint.

My footsteps echoed throughout the ruined hallways as I inched closer to escape. Running as fast as I could as I heaved the glider above me, I saw the ledge finally being inches away from me.

I felt myself grow tense as I prepared myself for the jump. Finally, I leaped into the air. The cool air grazed me, somewhat soothing me as I soared through the air, my pirates threading through the air with their own gliders closely behind me.

I felt a sense of immense thrill build up inside me. 'Things are going rather well.'

A smile was forming on my face. Thinking that it was best to scout around the town to check for anything of importance, my eyes darted around the city.

However, my eyes grew wide as I saw the horrors on the horizon. Ruined houses, still ablaze, were scattered throughout the outer layer of the city.

Whole houses were deformed, scorched chunks of stone. Mangled bodies were pinned to the walls, leaving a grim reminder for anybody unfortunate enough to witness its gratuitous violence. Finally the roads were paved with bits of bones.

Needless to say, my smile vanished almost instantly.

I can't comprehend how the inner sector of the city is more... relatively untouched? The houses here suffer little to no damage at all.

There were a few broken windows and doors, but there were no fires visible on them. I suppose that the number of necromorphs decreasing as they advanced through the city was a factor to this?

Disregarding that thought, I focused more on the train and getting out of here. A blinding light going so fast as if it was going to break the sound barrier passed by me, surprising me.

I was more startled as a sudden searing sensation was felt briefly on my right shoulder, accompanied by an almost instant sizzling sound. "What the hell!?" Suddenly, blinding pillars of energy barraged at me. I struggled as beam after beam of light passed by me.

I heard an unearthly scream sound out from behind me. A sudden urge of both horror and curiosity overwhelmed me, daring me to look back. Hesitant, I did so. I was disgusted at the sight of one of my men staring at a stump on where his right arm is supposed to be.

He winced, and cried out distorted curses. I grew increasingly sorry for him as I witnessed his suffering. Suddenly, I could see his grip on the handle of the glider loosen.

Before I could even cry out a scream, he lost grip and began to plummet. Diving to the ground at a probably deadly velocity, he screamed. His screaming seemed to intensify as seconds passed.

Not being able to bear the gruesome sight, I averted my eyes. Soon enough, his screaming has ended. No doubt that he's dead on the ground now.

Shaking my head as if to dispel the trauma, I looked back forwards. Just as I finished turning my head around, I was met with the hard texture of the ground. My foot struck the ground with as little grace as possible. I felt myself stumbling to the ground.

Barely managing to avoid falling down to the ground completely, I regained my composure. Trying to move my body, I was startled to find out that I was paralyzed by the trauma. The scene of him falling down to the ground kept looping in my mind.

Suddenly, an arrow bolted just inches away from my face, snapping me out of my trance. Eyes widening in surprise, I dove to the ground.

Bits of dirt flew high as I landed. Looking frantically for a weapon, I was relieved that there was a cross-bow just within my reach. Darting for it with my hands, I deftly aimed it at the archer attacking me.

My gaze met his. He had an expression brimming with fear. His jaw was agape, his eyes widened with terror as I pointed the tip of the weapon at him. His movement was paused. His hoof were on his bow, an arrow held tight in his other hoof.

Seeing that he is just about seconds away from firing away at me for a second time, I instinctively pulled the trigger. The bolt whizzed through the air and directly into his throat. Blood blossomed from his mouth as if it was a flower as he slumped to the ground.

For some reason... I am more disgusted and horrified than the last time I did this. 'The adrenaline coursing through me previously... it made me ignore the fact that I was taking lives.'

I was brought back to reality by the sound of thudding. Looking back, I was relieved to see my pirates reaching a safe landing.

"Boss! What the hell?!" Min approached me hastily with his assault rifle gripped on his hands. A face of disbelief was embedded on his head. "They can actually shoot lasers? I thought you were just joking!"

I shrugged. "Now's not the time for this! We have to get out of here!" I said as I sprinted for the train. As I bolted through the bloody battlefield, screams and stray projectiles filled the skirmish before me. It seems that the other group of pirates have made it out of the castle.

"Funny... To think that this was a place filled with sunshine and rainbows..." I jumped over a corpse of a pony that was in my way.

I had the misfortune to look at it just in time before I passed over it. Its face was gone and his body was blackened by smoke. An explosive's doing, obviously.

"Now the sunshine is blotted with smoke from the fires burning the buildings, and the rainbows are streaming from the decapitated corpses

Revised Chapter 6. Train Getaway.

"Run! Get on aboard! We've not much time left before they swarm us!" I called out from within the train as the bloodied display of gore flying everywhere as explosions rocked the earth itself continues in front of me.

The castle in the distance was beginning to crumble away as infernos eat away its wooden structures. A continuous line of pirates and captive ponies were streaming into the train that I was on. The foul smell of smoke stifled me, but its bitterness pales in comparison to the flesh rotting away in the streets.

A beam of energy strikes the side of the train, shaking it. Suddenly, in an enraged state, a pirate who was within the train yelled out in a frenzied wrath, "Come at me, you four-legged bastards!" Without even regarding tactics, he peeks out from cover and begins laying a wall of led at the line of unicorns forming in the distance.

He continued pulling the trigger like a madman before beam of magic sent him flying outside the train through the train-window behind him.

Suddenly, a hand pats me on the shoulder from behind me. Turning to face whoever this was, I was relieved to see that it was Min. "That's it, comrade." Min gestures to the last remaining group of pirates and prisoners. "All of us crazed gunmen are at the front. The trembling ponies are all shoved at the rear. We have a close eye kept on them. It's time to leave!"

I nod in agreement before responding, "Alright-" I was interrupted as another blast impacts the ground near the train. The mere force from the blast sent whole chunks of rock the size of whole bodies to the sky.

Recovering from the tremor caused by the large explosion, I yelped out, "Argh! What was that? That was more potent than-" I trailed off as my eyes become the size of pine-needles.

I open my eyes to scan for the one responsible for the ruinous beam, only to be met with dread. In the distance, flying away from the castle and hovering downwards to the battlefield was no other than Celestia.

And she looks really she pissed off.

I point towards the engine room of the train. "Now. We have to leave now," I turn to face Min, trying my best to avoid breaking down. "We're going to be burned at the stake if we don't leave! We have to go now!"

Taking the command seriously, Min scurries off to the pilot of the room, shoving multiple of the passengers who were pre-occupied in shooting the surrounding ponies. "We have to go!" he shouted. "Start the train!" he repeated as he vanished into the crowd of pirates.

Suddenly, the train whirred with life. Promptly, the train started to move. Accelerating gradually higher as seconds passes, the ponies give chase at us but the train shifts into full-speed.

I take a sigh of relief. Suddenly, my moment of relaxation was taken away from me as the sound of a sound akin to that of hell itself emerging from the ground. It was undoubtedly an attack from Celestia as the magnitude of the earth shaking was only something that she could pull off... But why am I still alive?

I looked around and noticed that all of my pirates were looking to the left side of the train. Fearing for the worst, I turned to the left.

I was appalled as the entire left side of the train was replaced with nothing. I presume that Celesita sent a wave of destruction at me, but it seems that she's struck the wrong portion of the train.

Worry eating away at my soul, I called out, "Dammit! Were theresome of us there at that side of the train?!"

The majority of the pirates shook their head, the other pirates simply stared dumbfounded at the missing half of the train. Suddenly, Min approached me, emerging from the crowd. "There weren't any of us there, but all of the prisoners were all loaded back there."

I slumped to the floor, my back being supported on the wall. I couldn't help myself from grasping my head with both of my hands as despair embrace me. "Oh... Hell. It's only going to be a downward spiral into hell once they find out that it was loaded with their own..."

"It's not over yet!" A pirate yells out, pointing to something high in the sky. Sensing nothing but trouble, I rose up and made my way at the now roof-less part of the train. I looked up. My thoughts were simply nothing but disbelief at that point.

Pegasi carrying unicorns blotted the sky. Fire came down from their horns, flourishing the sky with its brilliance as it struck the ground in a blazing display. They all attempted to strike down the train, but thankfully enough, the train was going fast enough to avoid all of their shots.

That was not what concerned, however. In the midst of the swarm of pegasi and unicorns, was Celestia. Her wings beat the air heavily as her horn brimmed with power. Almost struck speechless, I muttered, "She's storing power for a..."

Frantically, I turned to face my pirates. "Give me a scoped weapon! Quick!" I issued that command at the top of my lungs. The crowd of pirates shifted uncomfortably before finally one of them threw out a rifle with a scope attached to it.

With precision bestowed by adrenaline, I grab the rifle as it was thrown to me. With almost unmatched speed, I begin to take aim. The cross-hairs, were lined up directly at her face, but I couldn't stop shaking. "Dammit," I muttered silently. Taking aim at the base of her horn, I pulled the trigger.

The gun let out a piercing roar as it discharged a bullet. The bullet traveled from the gun and into Celestia in a split second. Unfortunately, she let loose a protective barrier, causing my shot to be deflected. I felt as if I was being digested by sorrow itself.

I did not give up there, however. "Everyone!" I called out to my pirates, "Aim at the big one! We're going to be burned to death if we don't bring her down!"

Complying to my command eagerly, all of them take up their arms and aimed at the Solar Princess. A barrage of lead driving itself into Celestia's defensive wall. Each shot seemed to have no effect, but finally, I could see a crack forming on her shield.

Seeing that this will end up with her dying, she flew down to the ground, disappearing from view as the train departed from Canterlot.

"Finally. It has ended." Unable to cope with the unbearable fatigue wearing away my mind, I collapse to the floor. My vision started to fade as everything gradually became much darker. "Hey Min," I took the attention of Min who was still in disbelief of what happened, "Wake me up when we get to the nearest stop, alright?"

Min simply looked at me and nodded. "Alright. G'night, boss. You can count on me." Wiping off the sweat accumulating on his forehead, he peeks through the window. "Damn. This train is fast. We're already miles away from that place..."

My eyelids closed, causing me to see only darkness. I almost instantly fell into slumber. I don't exactly want to be asleep knowing that someone is hellbent on killing me, but at this point, I can't even lift a finger. Besides, I'll need the much needed rest. In fact, I am so tired to the point that almost all of my limbs have gone numb. I wouldn't be surprised if I lost a finger sometime soon.

Pain suddenly engulfed my whole body as the familiar sound of static began to blot my mind. Attempting to open my eyes, panic started to stir in my mind. I was appalled when I took notice that my eyes were held shut by some sort of force. I tried to struggle, but that borne no fruit as I was held down by paralysis. I tried to open my mouth, but they too were firmly closed.

Emerging out of the shadows, came out a familiar figure; it was me. He calmly approached me, directing a grim smile at me. "Well, have you no idea what you just did?"

I was extremely hesitant. I don't even know if I could even respond at my current state. The only response I could give him was a silent stare.

"Do I really need to explain it?" The mirror-image of myself began to laugh. His laugh struck me with such condescension, I nearly cringed. "You," he points a finger at me, "You killed hundreds of innocent lives. I commend you for that. Never have I seen a summoner as ferocious such as you!" He mockingly spins around.

His word struck my consciousness like a bullet. Absent-minded, I begin to shake my head.

"Oh. Don't give me that look." He rears on me, stopping just inches away from me. "Accidental or not, you still murdered them all, but don't take that as a bad thing, alright?"

I tried to make my face form a grimace, but the feeling of disbelief prevented me from doing so. Instead, I eyed him with both contempt and disgust.

Taking notice of my uncomfortable look, he grins wider. "Don't take that as a bad thing, with all the deaths you've reaped, you're bound to make her snap sooner or later. Once that happens... Heh, I think I'll save it for later, eh? I can't have myself spoiling the surprise for you. Well, until next time, my friend."

Turning away from my face, he begins walking into the abysmal darkness, keeping that eerie grin plastered on his face. He kept walking until he vanished from my sight, leaving me dumbfounded. 'Surprise...? What's the surprise?'

Suddenly, I shot up from my sleep. Cold sweat trickling from my head falling to the floor in a splatter as I breathed heavily, my eyes darted around the train. The orange morning light bathed the train its refreshing embrace as several pirates were asleep on the chairs, the other half of the pirates were all awake, standing watch.

It took me a while to notice, but it seems that I was placed on one of the vacant chairs. I groaned in pain as if was stricken with a hangover as I walk out of the chair. "Min? Min, are you there?"

With a few disgruntled noises and sounds of a few footsteps emanating from the next row of chairs, I heard a faint, "Boss? You're awake?" Turning to my right, I see a half-awake Min stretching his arms as he got out of his chair.

"Oh, I'm sorry to have robbed you of your sleep, but..." I glance wearily at the sun rising in the horizon, "How long was I asleep?" I asked in a tone of curiosity, masking my worry.

Shambling back to his chair, he promptly sat down on it and closed his eyes, "You were asleep for the whole night." My eyes subtly widen in slight shock. That entire conversation with my clone lasted the entire night, apparently.

Muttering almost inaudibly, Min began to shift uncomfortably on his chair, "I told the driver of the train to stop at the nearest settlement, which is just a few minutes away-" Suddenly, the train stopped.

"We're here!" The pirate piloting the train announced, stirring all of the slumbering pirates from their sleep.

"Damn." Min remarked, scratching his head, "This train is really fast."

Lightly chuckling, Min began to head for the exit. I followed beside him as I replied, "Yeah. Well, such is the norm for a place with laser-firing unicorns. Anyways-" My tracks stopped dead as I diverted my sight to the establishment in front of me; several pirates in awe looking at a desolate town.

The town was in complete ruins. Several burnt craters lingered throughout the entire boundary of the town. Several buildings had their walls demolished, and only a few had some structural integrity left to keep standing. The atmosphere of the town itself was just as dead as the corpses strewn about everywhere.

The rotting bodies of ponies were pinned to the walls with what appear to be spiked barbs. "Of all places, it just had to be Ponyville," I muttered to myself as the realization dawned on me.

Min turns to me, a stern look on his face, and spoke out, "Boss, whatever that did all of this might still be here. I think we should get the hell out of here-"

"Let me stop you there," I say as I began walking towards the city. "I know damn sure what committed the complete raze of this town." Technically, that was true. Still, I couldn't help but feel as if I was deceiving them. A facade of a willful face shown on my face, I continued, "And trust me when I say this: they're long gone."

Brushing off the guilt, I head further in the town, issuing one command to my pirates, "Scavenge the town. Get as much resources as possible. I know a place to set up as a hideout."

I jumped over a stream of blood flowing from the cracks of a nearby building. Eyeing a nearby table accompanied with a set of chairs that was in front of a pile of rubble that was once a proud house, I turned my head around to see my pirates still idly waiting. "Guys, whatever did this is no longer here. Trust me."

"Ah. To hell with it," a pirate said as he began to enter a random house. "Maybe we'll find beer, or something," he commented as he opened the door and promptly entered.

The rest of the pirates began to disperse as well, all beginning to loot whatever is left of this poor town. Despite the fact that I couldn't take a good look of Ponyville, I still felt incredibly sorry. "It was... a charming establishment. Now it's been annihilated." I sigh as I continued on talking to myself .

On the corner of my view, I see Min taking a few tentative steps toward me. Looking at him, I awaited what he had to say.

"Hey, boss," he spoke out as he reveals a bottle of what I presume to be was alcohol. "You look as if you have a lot of things going around your mind."

"I do have a lot of things going around my mind; how the hell do I hide from that Sunny maniac? How do I stop myself from having to kill people? How the hell do I get out of here?" I said with exasperated annoyance.

"Which is why I'm gonna offer you this drink. It's hard to worry when you can't even worry for yourself."

I raised my hand open and did a declining gesture. "Sorry. I don't drink."

Min looks at the bottle and sighed, "This is probably crappy beer, anyways." Opening the bottle, he took a sip and subsequently showed a face of disgust as the flavor of poor quality beer burnt his tongue. "Yup. Definitely crappy beer." He turns to walk back to his fellow pirates, "if you need me, I'll be looking for better alcohol. See ya."

I nodded in acknowledgement. Looking around, I saw several of the pirates simply shoving the corpses aside as if they were just mere trash. I stood up as tension began to form in my clenched fist. "No. It's not worth it. They've already had enough. Telling them to be more careful would be too agitating for them." Sighing, I rub my forehead in order to calm myself down."

My ears suddenly perk up to a distant conversation of two pirates ahead of me. Both of the pirates were observing a corpse. "It looks fresh. I never tried horse. Wanna have a go at it?"

The pirate beside him responded with a thumbs up. "Yeah. I heard they taste good."

Unable to cope with the amount of stress building within my mind due to the sight before me, I rose up from my chair with clenched teeth. 'Okay. Now's the time to take action...'

Revised Chapter 7. It's All About Location

I sighed in mild boredom as I rested my right cheek on my hand. Glancing to the right, I saw a team of pirates, rags and polish equipped as they worked on cleaning up the many dusty, ancient bookcases. Many of the bookshelves were already regaining their brilliant luster.

I couldn't discern this before due to the thick layers of dust plaguing their surface, but now that they're cleaned up, I could see intricate patterns on the woody exterior of the bookcases.

Despite just being wooden crafts for someone to place their books in, they appear as if they'd cost more than diamonds due to the quality of its refinement.

They seem to depict licking flames that run from the bottom to the top of the shelves. An intriguing design, to say the least. I would've liked this design even more if it didn't just shout "This room belongs to Princess Celestia!".

Obviously enough, just making one of these would take a lifetime. There were several of them, however, which led me to the question: Why would anyone abandon this castle?

I began muttering to myself, "Alright, is Celestia and Luna that cruel to their subjects?" I paused to take a look around the room's pricey-looking furnishings. "Just by looking at these things, I'd say that these costed their quite the price. Sure, this castle must have taken a long time to complete, but that's nothing in comparison to the decor used for said castle."

I shrugged it off. "Nah. Can't be. They seemed to care deeply for their subjects back in Canterlot." My neutral expression grew grim as the scene of me accidentally discharging a ball of energy into that occupied building filled with innocents replayed in my mind.

I continued staring at nothingness, a face devoid of emotion apparent on me. Suddenly, a particularly loud sound caused me to snap out of it. Turning my head briefly to figure out what that sound was, I was relieved to see that it was just a wooden beam falling to the ground. Sighing in relief, I turned back to inspecting the bookcases.

Wavy, thin lines of wood acted as the flames. Neat--I like it. Though, does it really need to establish that this room belonged to Celestia? We already have enough things indicating that this chamber belonged to the Sun Princess. I pondered, but dismissed it as irrelevant mere seconds later.

To the left of me was a large balcony. A large, balcony adorned with a railing that boasted a similar design in comparison to the bookcases. Although, this time, it seemed to have been crafted out of gold. If this was on the terms of back in my world, the railing alone would outweigh the cost of everything else in this castle.

Nothing much else to say about the balcony, really. Disregarding the gold-crafted rails, it looked pretty normal to me.

My eyes wandered behind me. A sizable fireplace stood proudly in the middle corner of the room. Hanging just above the fireplace was a sword that was more decorated than a dress; the blade was curved slightly, and the handle featured a very prominent design.

I was told that it was crafted from eight different pieces of wood. If that wasn't needless enough, the hilt seemed to be crafted from some sort of shiny metal. The blade itself had indecipherable inscriptions running from bottom to the tip of it as well.

Curiously enough, despite the state of disrepair this castle is in, the saber shew no sign of rust. I rolled my eyes as I spoke to myself, "This is a place where magic exists. Why wouldn't there be a spell that prevents rust?"

Shifting my eyes to the ceiling, I marveled at the masterpiece suspended on the ceiling of the room. A massive ceiling, that once used the more primitive way of lighting. Now, instead of fire, it was modified by a few of my cunning pirates so that it used electricity instead.

To the right of me was, of course, the door. The door, much like the other objects scattered throughout the castle, showed no modesty. It had an insignia of a sun embedded on the center of it. A pattern of fiery streaks were shown on the door. Its wood seemed to have been cut from a tree of fantasy, seeing that it gives off a faint glow.

The sound of hammers impacting the surface of wood constantly resounded through the massive, dreary corridors of this huge castle as the jarring sound of rubble crumbling to the ground assaults my ear. Various tools ranging from screwdrivers to axes were scattered haphazardly throughout the floor.

Everywhere I looked, there were pirates installing several wires on the walls, setting new tables, heaving bookshelves, and placing a miscellany of other furniture, and this was just a single room!

I am somewhat ashamed that I am not contributing to the re-construction of this huge castle. My shame is further bolstered by the fact that I am lazily reclining on this expensive-looking, velvety, red couch.

I glanced at Min who was taking a sip from a cool glass of some unidentified liquor. "Are you certain that they don't mind us just lazing about here while they work as hard as they can?"

Min lets out a satisfied sigh as he gulped down the last remaining ounces in his glass. "Ah. These horses sure do know how to make their drinks." Filling his glass with a bottle of intoxicating liquid that was just standing still on the glossy, black glass table that was placed in front of us.

Min took notice of my glass just before he was about to take another sip from his drink. "Uh. Sorry, boss. Did you ask me for something? I wasn't paying attention."

I pointed my hand to a nearby stonewall that had half of its portion torn away being repaired just a few feet away from the couch that I sat on, gesturing towards the several pirates wielding hammers and carrying a myriad of materials in an attempt to renew the wall. "Them. Are you sure they're okay with us just relaxing here?"

Min chuckles as he takes a sip. Finishing gulping down the liquid, he opened his mouth, his mouth reeking of alcohol as he spoke ,"Ah. Mah boys. They're definitely okay." Min stood up, placing his hand on the armrest of his chair as he wobbled visibly.

I groaned in boredom, eyeing nothing in particular around the room. I turned to face Min once more, "I never thought these pirates would be this good at redecoration..."

Min groggily shifts his head towards me, his eyes droopy as the alcohol started to get to him. "Aye. We spend most of out time on a damned island!

"Now then, if you'll excuse me, I am feeling quite tipsy." Struggling to avoid face-planting to the floor, Min stood up from his chair.

Min began to walked towards to a nearby staircase. Descending to the lower floor, he vanished from sight. What worries me, though, is the fact that he brought an entire bottle of whiskey with him.

Sighing, I rose from my chair as well as I yawned. "Ugh. I might as well get some sleep." Turning towards the door, I take one final look at the room. I muttered to myself, "Not even a day passed, and this castle is starting to reclaim its former glory." Shrugging, I pushed the door open as I took a step into the hallway.

Walking casually through the several corridors of this colossal castle. The halls were bustling with activity. Pirates installing more modern lighting systems, the reconstruction of the walls, the polishing of furniture--and other varying jobs.

"Boss!" A pirate called out to me as he saluted me. I nodded my head in appreciation, not bothering to speak as I was already tired enough as it is. Acknowledging the return of his gesture, the pirate went off, vanishing into the crowd.

As I continued on walking, I saw several pirates blockading my path. They all seemed to be caught up on something as they murmured to each other, their words merging with each other, preventing me from deciphering even a single word coming from them.

A pirate departed from the crowd and approached me, "This didn't take a lot of effort, but you damn better thank us for this later."

Confused, I could only stare at him with uncertainty. The pirate withdrew a piece of clothing from his pants. Wiping off the sweat that plagued his face, he disappeared from my view as he walked away.

The remaining pirates began to disperse. Soon enough, this entire sector of the castle was now empty, with the exception of me.

Hesitant, I began walking towards the door, stopping just at grabbing distance away from it. A trickle of sweat dropped to the ground from my face. "I don't know if I should really be looking forwards for a surprise from a bunch of drug-dealing, gun-wielding madmen." I shook my head. "Then again, they are my friends," I said to myself as I reached out for the knob.

Twisting the doorknob, I pushed the door, revealing a grandiose room behind it. I gazed the room with a stupor that would probably be defined as speechless. The room had a personal fountain of water installed in the corner of it. To the right side, there were bookcases surrounding a sturdy-looking worktable.

The bed standing on the middle was velvety, and as if it was provoking me, its pillows and sheet was neatly arranged. "I guess Vaas did a good job raising them well." With a blissful smirk, I took of my shoes before shortly jumping onto the bed. The softness of the bed besieged my mind with what is probably the highest level of happiness.

I shifted to a more comfortable position before I closed my eyes, an unmistakable smirk of relief apparent on my face. Shortly enough, I drifted to a sound slumber as I plunged into unconsciousness.

Hours have already passed as I remained in stillness on this divine bed. Suddenly, I awoke the sound of a hoof striking the floor. "Eh? That sounded like one of those ponies..." I mumbled to myself, my eyes half-opened, not bothering to fully wake up.

"Wait! A pony in the castle?" I yelled out in alarm as I finally realized the potential danger, should a pony really have infiltrated this place. I rolled out of the bed by accident, causing me to slam into the floor. Dusting myself off as I rose up, I bolted towards the door, forgetting to switch on the lights.

Despite the darkness, I didn't manage to trip on something, allowing me to reach the door without much inconvenience. The door creaked as I slowly pushed it open. Warily, I peeked outside the door.

The darkened, long hallway was visibly empty. Only the sound of distant generators humming from a secluded room somewhere was audible. Not even a single sign of a wannabe assassin. Caution and awareness being top priority on my mind, I carefully opened the door further.

"Crap!" I cursed silently as I realized that I had no weapon within reach to defend myself with. Frantically looking around, I turned towards the switch that is probably linked to the lighting system in this room. I reached out for it, but I halted myself from enabling the lights.

"No. That'd be bad. Really bad. The cover of darkness is a vital asset right now, and turning on the lights would make my presence obvious," I scolded myself.

I took a deep breath before taking a single step forwards out the door. "Well, no use just waiting here. I have to find everybody else-" Suddenly, I felt as if an invisible force constrict my body. Looking at my own body, I was stunned to see that some sort of magical green flame coil around me from leg to chest. I gasped in surprise as I was pulled back into the room.

Suddenly, the whole room was illuminated by a fireball of green flame levitating on the middle, allowing me to see my assailant; a slender pony that had a similar physique to Celestia, but slightly shorter.

Unlike Celestia, however, she had a deep dark-gray coat. She featured a dark cerulean mane. The color of her eyes were similar to that of an emerald. Her wings were semi-transparent with a tint of green in them, resembling that of an insect's rather than a pegasus'. Her legs... had holes in them, much like what cheese would have?

She approached me slowly, a glare that inspired fear into me. An atmosphere of predatory nature emanated from her. Opening her mouth to speak, I saw her fangs glistening in the dim, green light.

"Don't even take another step closer!" I said as I stood up. Panting, I tried to regain my composure.

Unfortunately, she decided not to heed my warning, seeing that she took a single step forward, as if challenging me. "Don't make me call my guards!" I lashed out.

"What guards?" she asked with a hint of delinquency in her tone. "Do you mean the guards that I've all tied up and locked up in the dungeons of this castle?"

My shoulder drooped as a the weight of despair was suddenly placed on me upon hearing those dreaded words. "Wha- what? They were all captured?" I spoke out in disbelief.

"They were incompetent, really." She draws closer to me, coercing me into taking a few steps backwards. "They're really unperceptive. All it took was a few well-placed lures, and it didn't take long for them to get knocked out." She chuckles grimly before continuing, "Don't worry. They'll make excellent sources of food for my changelings."

My eyes widen as a feeling of anxiety and absolute fury caused me to shrug off the despair off me. Plunging towards her, I clenched my fist for a punch. "Do you think I'll let you just eat them?!" I yelled out.

She simply stares at me with amused eyes as my fist inched closer towards her face. Just when the punch was about to connect to her face, she sidestepped, easily dodging my blow.

Suddenly, her horn went aglow with a green aura. Seeing this I stepped backwards, raising my arms in a defensive stance. A flash of brilliant green flames caused me to stumble backwards while also making me close my eyes as I winced at the sudden brightness.

Recovering from that, I shot my eyes open. She seemed to have vanished. The spot that she was standing on was empty--not a single trace of her left.

Suddenly, I heard a whistle coming from behind me. Before I could even turn around, I felt myself being thrown to the ground as a powerful kick directed at my back impacted me with brute force.

I faced towards the direction that the attack came from, and shortly enough, I saw that insect-like creature igniting her horn once more for a spell.

I attempted to stand back up, but my face was forced to the ground as the familiar green light grasped me. Suddenly, I was lifted above the ground.

"Idiot," she interrupted herself as she suppressed a laugh with her hoof, "We don't eat our prey. We extract the emotion known as love from them. That's the changeling's source of magic and sustenance." I saw a mischievous smile creep up on her face as she walked towards me. "Though, these fangs aren't just for show. We can eat meat as well."

She chuckles at my helplessness. "Don't worry. I'm just implying that I'm going to eat you. Implying and actually intending on doing something are two very different things."

She reveals a knife that she had sheathed in a scabbard attached to the side of her body. The glowing light forced me into extending my left hand forward. Involuntarily stretching my hand open, I see the knife levitate itself just above my vulnerable hand. My face goes pale at the sight before me.

"You didn't really think that I'd let you go free without a bit of punishment after that attempt on attacking me, did you?" She chuckled as I stare at her in a paralyzed state of fear. "Which one? Which one? Which one?" she repeated in a singsong manner as she hovered her knife from finger to finger.

Without warning, the door slammed open. "My queen, Chrysalis! Reconnaissance have reported that the gryphons are incoming!" Warned a similar, but smaller bug-creature.

I saw this "Chrysalis" character recoil back in astonishment. Unfortunately, due to this, she pushed the knife downwards in instinct. The knife, honed to an extreme extent, cut through my left pinky finger with ease.

I screamed in agony as the finger plopped to the ground, making a small mess of blood around the floor. I also plummeted to the ground as the surprise negated the concentration required in order to maintain the spell.

"Bloody Tartarus!" Chrysalis cursed out rather audibly. "I thought I told you changelings to not surprise me when I am doing something important like this?" she scolded the changeling.

"Now go!" she commanded the changeling. "Please get me something to disinfect the wound, or something!" The changeling complied without any hesitation as he swiftly disappeared from sight.

Turning towards me, she spoke, "Look at me. Hey! Look at me. I am terribly sorry for all this." I stared at her, barely managing to shift my gaze towards her face as the pain basically numbed most of my left hand at this point. "As you can see," she gestures towards the severed finger on the ground, "I am not good at introductions. Just wanted to have some fun, really."

"Fun? Really?" I said in skepticism. "You did all this; captured my subordinates, cut of my finger-"

"To be fair, that was purely by accident. I was really just trying to intimidate you into become my ally, and in all honesty, I was trying to impress you," she swiftly interrupts. "Besides, it'll grow back, right?"

"Do I look like a lizard to you?" I questioned.

"No... but you definitely do not look like anything I've seen before." She bows her head. "Terribly sorry for that presumption."

The door opens once more, revealing a changeling with a bundle of bandages held firmly in his mouth. "My queen, I've retrieved clothing! This should suffice!" Flinging the fabrics towards what I presume to be is the Queen of the Changelings, Chrysalis caught it in her magical vice.

"Alright. I appreciate it. Now get out of here." Turning towards me, she spoke, "Now then, do you want me to bandage that wound, or will you do it personally?"

I shake my head. "No. That won't be necessary." I said as I withdrew the Summoning Grimoire from my black robe. The book sparked purplish fire in my hand.

Soon enough, the bleeding stopped as skin regenerated on the stump that was previously my left pinky. "Good. Like before, it's-" I stopped myself as I suddenly realized that the regeneration ended, but my missing finger was still non-existent. "Oh come on!" I yelled out in frustration and sorrow, "It won't regenerate lost body parts?!"

Revised Chapter 8. Forced Alliance

A single, grand window whose frame was crafted from that of the most expensive wood this place could offer was structured in the middle corner of the room. Sunlight beamed from it, basking the room in the morning's warming embrace. In the middle of the room were a set of chairs positioned to face each other. In the middle of the chairs was a small, modest coffee table.

This particular room of the castle was much more spacious than my bedroom, which is exactly why my tormentor and I relocated here to discuss further.

I sat on one of the many flashy chairs this room had to offer, grasping my left hand that now has a missing finger as I eyed my half-torn pinkie in anguish. "You cut my finger off..." I muttered audibly, without even turning my gaze towards the insectoid creature sitting on a chair.

"Oh. Quit the depressed act." She scoffs at me. "We're even now. You basically removed our primary food supply from us. In technicality, we're even."

I disregarded those words as I continued on muttering, "You cut my finger off." This time, I raised my head to glance at her. My expression was devoid of any joy. Quite contrary, actually. It was brimming with grudges and pain.

Chrysalis clapped her hooves together, "Now then, let's talk business. Those Royal Guard bastards are going to kill you, and as if to assure that goal, they hired the gryphon mercenaries."

Chrysalis waves her hoof dismissively. "I don't think I need to elaborate on that. They're gryphon sell-swords; nothing more. They have a grudge against us changelings, however, and they know where we reside. With the Royal Guard and the mercenaries teamed up together..."

"They're going to kill you," I finished for her. I see her nodding her head in reluctance as I finished saying that sentence. I folded my arms together as I shook my head. "If you're expecting help, don't expect it to come from a person you just accosted for no justifiable reason."

Chrysalis sighs as she lifted herself up from the chair. "If you're looking forwards for me to apologize, I'm afraid I won't be doing that." Chrysalis raises from herself from the chair and approaches the window, staring intently on something in the distance. "Care to open the window for me? I'd like some fresh air."

I hesitated on complying, but it would be unwise to irk someone powerful like her. Sighing, I stood up from my chair and approached the window. Lifting the rather heavy glass pane, I was relieved as gusts of fresh wind caressed my face.

"Refreshing, isn't it?" She spoke. "But enough of this, you are aware that those gryphon bastards, along with the Royal Guard, are coming for you, correct?"

I rolled my eyes before replying, "Yes. Well, thanks to you anyways. What perturbs me is the fact that they found me so quickly."

"The train, you unperceptive mongrel." She plants here hoof on her face in incredulity before continuing, "All it took for them to find you was locating that half-wrecked train of yours. Truth be told, it wasn't that difficult. Anyways, you're not going to make it out of this alive."

I shrugged off that last statement with a stern, neutral look. "I think I'll take my chances."

"Very well then," Chrysalis turns around and began casually stepping towards the table in the middle of the room. "If it's any compensation, you can have this knife." Undoing the scabbard tied to her back, she tossed the sheathe onto the surface of the table. The knife, which was safely concealed in its scabbard, made a thumping noise as it landed on the table.

"Really?" I questioned her in disbelief. "You're going to give me a knife. A knife that you used to cut my finger off?" I couldn't grasp the logic behind this creature as I gawked at her. Despite that, I still examined the knife in my hand. It was ridiculously sharp. It could pierce even the most thickest of hides, or so I think. Honestly, I'm not good at weapons.

"Oh no." Chrysalis smiles at me. "It's not just any knife. Its blade is smothered with a specialized type of poison."

My brain suddenly failed to function as I basically plunged headfirst into panic. Despite my seemingly calm demeanor, my inner self was basically thrashing about in panic. My eyes went void of emotion as I spoke, "So that's why you barged into my room..."

Chrysalis laughs. "Ah. You catch on quick. Yes. That is exactly why I did such a thing. You see, the ponies and the gryphons don't exactly favor changelings. In fact, they despise us."

Chrysalis turned to leave the room, "Don't worry, seeing that you've only a bit of it injected in you, I'd say you have a full week to live. Of course, I would have happily give you the antidote, should you have accepted my request."

"Oh well," Chrysalis said as she turned around and began walking towards the door. "Say, you won't mind if I move in? You did a great job reorganizing this place." She snickers as she exited out of the room. Her taunting voice came from the distance as she spoke, "Ah. Of course you won't. You'll be a corpse at the end of the week."

I bit my lip as I braced my hands into a fist. "Wait!" I called out to her as I dove outside the door. Catching her attention, she looks back towards me with an expectant look. "Fine. Fine. I'll order some of my troops to safeguard your base, or hive--whatever you call it," I said, my voice laced with prejudice and defeat.

Chrysalis turns around and approached me, a triumphant smile on her face, "Good. Those gryphons are primarily here because of me, just so you know."

She chuckles as she opened the door. "You can say that I'm a prime target of theirs. Now then, don't expect me doing nothing for this collaboration. My changelings excel at crafting traps. Expect your castle to be encompassed with explosives at the end of the day. Now then, if you don't mind, I'll be taking half of your army now."

I recoiled in surprise as those last words struck my ear. "What? You can't be serious!" I yelled out in disbelief. "What will I use to defend myself with?"

"It's the least you can do for me." She turns her head around to face me. A sly grin forms on her face as she spoke, "Should the Royal Guards have caught you off-guard, you'd be done for before you even find out what's happening. They aren't Celestia's military force for no reason, you know?"

The image of this castle being surrounded by those murderous little horses flashed in my mind. I couldn't even began to grasp the horror of them firing beams of death at this place, causing it to fall to the ground while I'm still in it. "If the only reason I escaped Canterlot is because they were disorganized due to the discord I've put them through, what would happen if they lay a full-on, coordinated siege on this place with most of it unguarded?"

"I'd say you're going to die." Chrysalis muses both of us, but mostly to herself, "Or worse, you're going to die and then get eaten by those gryphons. They are, after all, known omnivores."

"Exactly! I won't live long enough to see tomorrow!" I protested.

"Heh. Hiding behind those that protect you, quite cowardice, don't you think? Why don't you use that book like what you did back in Canterlot? I've heard you've caused magical infernos that took an entire day to put out," Chrysalis said as she began walking down the hallway of this castle.

Morbid thoughts lingering in my mind, I chased after her. Walking beside her, I protested further, "I have no idea how I did that! The only thing this book can do for me now is bring in an army and mend wounds for me!"

"Then summon an army?" Chrysalis rolled her eyes as she continued walking.

"If I do that, I'm forced to un-summon the army that is currently active--which is, if it wasn't obvious enough, the gun-wielding psychopaths you are seeing right now," I exclaimed as I extended my hand to a random pirate who was walking down a distant corridor.

"This is growing stale," Chrysalis rubs her forehead, as if she's treating a headache. "Fine then. I'll personally ensure that your life isn't wasted by some stray arrow."

My steps faltered as I stared at her in doubt, "Personally? As in, you'll protect me from the probably endless waves of laser-firing horses?"

Chrysalis shrugs before responding, "Whatever. I need the practice anyways. Furthermore, your are promisingly becoming an asset of mine. It'd be a shame if I lost someone of your caliber so soon."

I paused as I grimaced at the fact that I was reduced to a mere asset. "So-" I began, but was interrupted by sudden explosion quaking the castle. I felt myself staggering as the blast threw me off. Reflexively, I planted my hand on the wall, saving me from stumbling down. "What the hell?!"

The sudden blast was soon accompanied by the sound of gunfire and indistinguishable screams. The sound of the castle's recently integrated siren echoed in the distance. Soon enough, pirates began rushing by me.

Chrysalis' face grew bitter as she spoke, "It seems that they've arrived early." Green flames licked up and down her horn as she chanelled magic.

"Woah. What are you-" Suddenly, a bright flash engulfed me, drowning my vision. In seconds, the bright flash dissipated. Looking around me, I was appalled that I was no longer in the castle's corridors, but in the main entrance. Suddenly, a wave of nausea cascaded over me, threatening me to vomit.

I stumbled to the ground, clutching my head. "Ow. What was that? A teleportation spell?" I stopped myself from speaking as I slowly regained composure. "Could you please warn me next time when you're about to do that?"

Chrysalis brushes past me as she bolted towards the exit. "Whatever. Get used to it!" she yelled out to me. "Now come on! We've not the time to waste!"

I shook my head as a retort. I darted after her as my distraught footsteps echoed in the now empty castle as I left the protection of the interior. "I thought you were supposed to protect me?!"

As I my foot stepped on the blood-tainted grass, the smell of blood filled my nose, forcing a grimace on my face. Everywhere around me, there were pirates either killing or being killed. Gunfire constantly deafened every single being within a good radius of the forest as scores of bullets dent the trees and flesh alike.

I was paralyzed by indecision as I saw a cluster of pirates taking refuge behind a pile of crates and wooden beams. Suddenly, a large blast incinerated both their makeshift cover and themselves. The pirates ran around frantically, flailing their arms as they desperately tried to smother the flames enveloping them.

"Over here, you idiot!" A voice snapped me out of my daze. Looking towards the source of the voice, I saw a lone, disgruntled Chrysalis taking cover behind a fallen tree. "Don't get hit! You're useless to me if you're dead!"

Adrenaline muffled the last sentence she yelled out as I sprinted my way towards her. The air behind me sizzled as beams of magic seared through the space behind me.

My legs began to become weary as I closed the distance between me and Chrysalis. Desperately, I dove to the ground, landing just inches away from Chrysalis. "Does this suit the definition of "protecting" for you?" I sharply whispered to her.

"Shush. Look over there." Chrysalis points her hoof subtly to something faraway. "You're definitely not going to like it."

Complying, I poked my head just enough to see what she's pointing at, lest I be sniped by those ponies. I saw trees chopped down by bullets as both gryphons and ponies desperately made their appearance as small as possible as they hid behind the foliage, praying that they won't get shot.

My jaw went agape as I shifted my gaze towards the heart of the battalion of opponents. There, spectating the battlefield with sentinel-like posture, stood Luna. As if misfortune wanted to have a laugh, she turned just in time to see my face. I could see her form a scowl as she suddenly disappeared in a display of radiant, blue light.

"Oh... She really does have a grudge against me, doesn't she?"

Revised Chapter 9. Definition of Insanity

"Uh. Chrysalis, she just disappeared!" I exclaimed. My look was disconcerted as I turned to face Chrysalis.

Chrysalis' shot a panicky look at me. With a bright flash, her horn kindled with magic. She discharged kinetic wave of magic at me, causing me to fly back a few steps backwards.

I looked forwards in confusion. Soon enough, I understood why she did that as a blade suddenly impaled the tree, stopping just inches away from Chrysalis. The blade glistened in the sunlight before it finally retracted back behind the tree.

Landing with a thud, I groaned as I quickly recovered as I dusted off the dirt on my robes. "Uh. Thanks, I guess," those words were simply ignored by Chrysalis as I saw the blade cleaving through the tree in a span of a split-second. Bone-breaking gusts of wind was sent off behind the tree as it was sent hurling towards me at a ridiculous speed.

I quickly dashed to the left, narrowly avoiding being pulverized into a mangled mess. A gust of wind brushes me as the huge piece of lumber went past me.

I had no time to recuperate as a blur went rushing after me. My eyes widened as I withdrew my book from my clothes in instinct, raising it slightly above my forehead.

A metallic clang resonated just inches away from my face as I saw the metallic edge of a sword caught in the cover of the Grimoire. Despite the splitting sharpness of the blade, my book took the blow off as if it was nothing. The whole sword was engulfed in a blue, semitransparent light, indicating that telekinesis is being used to suspend it in the air.

Standing just a few inches away from the the menacing was her; Princess Luna. Her eyes that were fixated onto my soul were brimming with both intense vengeance and determination. Her piercing mien was enough to strike hesitation into me. Her mouth was open, revealing gnashing teeth.

I gulped as I prepared what I was about to do next. Moving in perfect motion, I swiftly grabbed the handle of the knife that I had sheathed on my belt with my free hand. Flourishing the knife, I cut away at her throat.

She deftly leaped backwards, dodging my blow with ease. My blade simply sliced through the air, causing me to jerk forwards. I saw her blade rearing itself as she moved her horn. Directing the tip of the blade at my chest, she prepared an attacking stance.

Her mouth moved as if to say something, but whatever words that were about to come out of her was disrupted as concussive blast of green flames sent her flying meters away.

Behind where she once stood was Chrysalis, her horn permeating smoke. With a triumphant smirk, she spoke out to me, "You can thank me later! For now, we have to finish her off!"

I nodded as I approached her. "Should be easy enough. Do that a second time and you might force surrender on her!"

Chrysalis shook her head. "That won't do. I used up all of my reserved magic for that one attack."

Before I could even reply, I heard a faint sound of a pained moan. I turned to the right reflexively, setting my sight at Luna who was standing with shaky legs, her eyes shut as she bit her lip to endure the presumably incomprehensible amount of pain she suffered. The trees around her were being devoured with green fire as a result from Chrysalis' spell.

She left a crater on the ground on where she landed. Dirt and debris alike decorated the blackened grass circling her. There were also gryphons and ponies alike scattered around her, all of them rendered incapacitated as a result of collateral damage.

Brushing off the charred spots of fur on her body, Luna awoke herself with a muffled, pained groan. Standing feebly as her legs faltered, she directed a scowl at me.

"Well, at this rate, she's going to go berserk and end up scorching this whole forest to the ground." I heard Chrysalis state from behind me as I took a faltering step back. "I gave you a fighting chance. With her injured to that extent, you should be able to plant a well-aimed stab at her neck."

A sudden display of emerald flames flashed behind me, causing me to recoil somewhat due to surprise. Turning back, I was appalled to see that Chrysalis has evacuated herself from the battlefield.

"Chrysalis? Chrysalis! Come back! Don't expect me to do all this alone!" I yelled out to no avail. "Dammit..." I said as I turned back to look at the Lunar Princess.

She spat out what seemed to be blood from her mouth before she soared high up to the skies, her formidable wings allowing her to reach over hundreds of feet in the air in a matter of seconds effortlessly.

Suddenly, she suddenly shifted directions--aiming towards me as she descended to the ground at the speed of a shooting bullet. Her face was akin to that of a murder's. Feathers from her wings fell off, decorating the sky as they fluttered slowly to the ground as the violent winds brushed her descent.

I dove to the right as the ground that I previously stood on promptly exploded as dust rockets upwards to the sky. I could simply stare at the haze of dust as a silhouette formed in the center of it. Suddenly, the silhouette began to shift.

A whirlwind of wind formed in the middle of the dust cloud as Luna furiously beats her wings. The miniature tornado victimized several of the plants as ivy and bushes were sent spiraling to the sky. I cursed inaudibly as I braced my footing in order to avoid being blown away.

Leaves and brittle sticks rained down on the ground as the cyclone finally stopped. I opened my eyes warily, daring to glare at Luna who was wheezing in fatigue. I had not noticed this before, but several pirates were spectating me just behind the bushes. On Luna's side, there were several ponies and gryphons observing the battle that is about to unfold as well.

The specific part of the forest that Luna and I stood on had its greenery removed; It was turned into a clearing. There were no longer shrubs to hide in--no, there was not even a single leaf within a good thirty-feet radius around me.

"Go kick her ass, boss!" a spectating pirate cheered for me. Soon enough, several other cheers began to emanate from the far bushes. Likewise, the other side were cheering for their respective leader. Seconds passed as the whole forest was deafened with inspiring chants.

Determination began to accumulate in me as I readied myself. I glanced at my rival who just finished recovering from exhaustion. She readied her blade, brandishing it in the air just away from her body.

I approached her, circling around her with my knife and book ever-ready in my hands. "Why do all of this? If you insist on pursuing me, even more will die! Can you not see that?" I pleaded.

Luna snarls at me as she began to step closer towards me, her glowing blade looking just as intimidating as it did before. "Have you not a single idea of what you've done? Do you not grasp what is entailed because of your actions?"

She dashes forward, bringing her blade downwards. Catching her blade with my knife, sparks flew as metal collided with metal. A clanging sound resonated before she continued, "Because of you, hundreds of families have been erased!"

She withdrew her blade before she brought it swinging downwards at me once more. I simply had to budge my knife just a few inches to the right in order to block it effectively. "Because of you, they're dead!" I briefly saw a glimpse of a tear forming on her face.

A drop of sweat fell from my head as I decided now was the time to retaliate. Seeing that my knife was fending off the sword, I decided it was probably best to use the book. "I have not-" I paused as I swung my left arm, the book slamming into her snout, causing her to wince, "the slightest clue who you're referring to!"

She staggered backwards, as if genuinely hurt. Wincing, she placed her hoof on her nose. 'The book burns all those who touches it that is not its master. Convenient feature.' Suddenly, the book faintly glowed with a light that was similar to Luna's magic. The air around it became dense with a feeling that is undoubtedly magic.

"My magic... it's weakened." Luna shot eyes of persecution at me. "You thief! You stole a portion of my magic, didn't you?" Her sword pointed horizontally at me. Briefly enough, she cuts away at me in a wide arc.

I barely reacted just in time to bend my body backwards. The blade just grazed my black robes, just abrading the cloth. 'Too close!' I cursed in my mind.

With my right hand finally free to move, I positioned my knife for a stab. With its tip pointing downwards, I raised my arm before dropping it downwards.

Luna predicted the attack with ease, and acted accordingly as she simply took a few steps backwards to evade the poisoned tip of the blade. Of course, I anticipated such a sloppy attack to miss.

Luna swiftly counters with a downward slash, bringing her sword crashing down on me. I sidestepped, causing the blade to hit the ground rather than its intended mark.

With a flourish of my wrist, I applied just a bit of momentum to toss the knife vertically, making it go just above my hand. Catching it by its tip, I extended my arm. I threw the knife with excessive force, sending it hurling towards the midnight-blue princess. "Please don't miss," I muttered silently.

She cocks her head to the right, allowing the knife to pass through with no disruptions. A fell scream could be heard as the knife sliced through the head of gryphon observer. "Dammit! That's not what I meant by not missing!" I cursed sharply to myself.

'Without a weapon, it would be a hardly fair fight. I'd be killed in a span of seconds...' Time seemed to decelerated as I feverishly searched for anything I could use for a weapon. Unfortunately, my search proved fruitless.

Clenched in my hand was my book--the only viable thing I could use right now. 'Dammit, what's to lose, anyways? Other than my limbs, freedom, and, or, life.'

Allocating as much strength allowed in my arm, I catapulted the book towards Luna.

Luna didn't even bother moving as she simply lit up her horn. It was foreseeable. She was preparing a telekinesis spell. Unfortunately for her, the book ignored her magic and simply continued on bolting towards her face.

The book scored her face with a satisfying crunching sound. The thick cover of the book did more than a good job at denting her face. She winced in pain as the book both bludgeoned and burned her simultaneously.

Losing her concentration, she dropped her sword to the ground as she continued on taking agonized steps backwards.

Seeing the opportunity, I dashed forward, snatching both the Grimoire and the sword. I placed the edge of my newly acquired blade onto her throat. Without giving her time to react, I positioned my book right onto the tip of horn.

As expected, the book began drawing her magic. Luna could only stare helplessly as the book's brilliant light intensified as it siphoned her magic.

The book began to emanate a faint, red smoke. 'Alright, the book is nearing its containment limit. If I keep this up, it'll probably explode." I took the book off of her horn.

"Fall back now." I commanded as I backed away from her, my blade pointed at her throat. "You've lost already. Don't ever come looking for me ever again."

Luna leered at me with murderous intent in her eyes, but despite that, I could see fresh tears staining her face. "Don't... expect Equestria to not hunt you down."

"You've lost this fight. What makes you think you'll win the next one, should you keep up with this hunt for me? I've taken the lives of innocents; I know that, but you'll just end up plunging even more lives into death if you keep this up!" I lashed out.

Luna regained her composure as her legs finally quit trembling from weakness. "It will all be worth it in the end."

I sighed as I looked at her dead in the eye. "Did I ever tell you the definition of insanity?"

The entire forest went silent. Not the slightest sound was made--no wind, no rustling of the bushes, no cries of the wildlife. Nothing. The forest was absolutely devoid of sound.

I continued, "The definition of insanity is: doing the exact same thing over and over again, expecting different results."

Just as I finished speaking, she vanished. She used the last of her magic as her horn flickered with weak sparks. All of a sudden, I was engulfed in a flash of light.

Shielding my eyes with my hands, I cautiously lowered my arm as I opened my eyelids. Princess Luna was nowhere in sight. However, everywhere I looked, there were reflections of me everywhere. The reason for these reflections were because of colossal, crystalline crystals plaguing this, what appears to be, huge cavern. What alarmed me was the fact the crystal structures were radiating with magic.

"No..." I shifted uncomfortably in realization. "She's trying to regain magic by sapping these crystals..."

Chapter 10. "Worlds will Burn"

I quickly searched for anything that could disrupt her concentration. Adrenaline was brimming from my body as my eyes checked every corner of this dark cave. The only thing that I could find being viable in this large, dim cave was a large chunk of crystal just lying around.

Picking it up, I reared it in for a good throw. Lining up my shot, I hurled it towards Luna. She winced as the crystal rebounded from her horn. A huge blast emanated from her horn, decimating a good portion of the cavern.

Whole walls of crystals were reduced to rubble as I struggled to avoid falling due to the seismic waves shooting throughout the cavern. Suddenly, a large crystal landed beside me. Looking upwards, I noticed that the cave itself was collapsing. Crystal debris fell, launching clouds of dust as they impact the ground with a violent crash.

Before I even knew it, the collapse ended as the dust settled back to the ground. I squinted my eyes as I saw the silhouette of Luna in the distance. Suddenly, a midnight-blue light emanated from her.

Reflexively, I sidestepped as a beam of magic sped past me. The mirror-like wall behind me shattered into several pieces as the beam disappeared in a blue fireball of concentrated magic.

I turned back to face Luna. I could finally see her as the haze of dust finally dispersed. She glared at me with an even more murderous glare. "You fool! You could have made the whole cavern bury us!" With another flick of her horn, she sent a spherical orb of magic at me.

I wasn't even concerned in the slightest as I simply dove to the right. The ball finally struck the ground, blowing the space that I once stood on to shreds. It seems that I've gotten better at dodging.

"Not my fault! You're cheating using magic!" I yelled out which only kindled even more ire within the Princess' vengeful mind.

"Begone already!" Her horn sparked once more with magic as she lashed out with a torrent of magical flames.

I dashed backwards as the whole cavern before me was engulfed in flames. I was just away from the reach of the inferno. If I took a step forward, I'd be roasted.

I didn't even flinch as the fire spewed itself onto the ground. I could see her. She was somewhat obscured by the flames, but that didn't matter. I stared directly at her. "No more magic! Since I can't dissuade you from your pursuit of blood, perhaps we should settle this with our blades!"

She didn't respond, or at least that's what I thought. She hovered upwards, suspending herself just below the ceiling. With a mighty beat of her wings, she sent out gusts flying through the cave. The strong wind managed to extinguish the flames, making the cavern's lighting return to an unfavorable level.

She landed on the ground as she lit her horn once more. Instead of ruination coming out of it, she materialized a form of a sword bathed in light. The form was wrapped up in magic. The light was dispelled, revealing a sword with a honed blade.

She stopped just about ten steps away from me or so. Jerking her head, she sent the sword straight to the ground ahead of me. The sword stuck to the ground slanted. Its blade was pinned to the ground, leaving its handle open for me to grab.

Taking a deep breath, I approached the blade. Clutching the handle with a firm grip, I plucked it from the ground. Brandishing it, I prepared a stance. "Do you really want to do this?"

She did not respond vocally. Instead, she responded by swinging her own sword downwards. The incoming blade was heading straight for my head. If I don't act soon, I'll get my head split open.

I raised my own weapon horizontally. Sparks flew, lighting up the darkness for a split second as my blade caught her strike. She continued on pushing, applying much pressure to my sword. Inch by inch, her blade was nearing my face as I desperately applied strength into my arm as I tried to fend off her blade.

"I won't rest until you're dead!" She applied even more force. I felt my posture falter as I was forced to a kneeling position as my sword trembled as it continued to hold off Luna's blade. "This is for the sake of everybody you've killed and for those that were left without a family!" With a final push, her blade became unbearable to keep at bay as I was shoved to the ground.

I laid flat on the ground, fatigue overwhelming my body. I opened my eyes just in time to catch a glimpse of pointing her sword at my chest. I rolled to the side as her sword impaled the ground.

Quickly recovering, I swung at her, but she parries my attack with a precise swing of her blade. I staggered backwards as I involuntarily let my guard down.

Seeing my vulnerable state, she took the opportunity. She lined up the tip of her blade, pointing it towards my ribcage. Seeing this, I tilted to the side. The blade grazed me as she thrust forwards. My blood stained the ground as I let out a pained yelp as I took a stumbling step back.

She readies her sword once more by aligning it with her face. "You... During the attack..." tears become apparent as she closes her eyes. Without even hesitating, she raised her sword high above her head with her magic.

"My sister was rendered unconscious. I thought I've lost her! I have lost her once! I shall not lose her again to the likes of you!" Her eyes snapped open as she brought the sword downwards.

I took a swift dash to the side. Dirt flew everywhere as her blade basically obliterated the ground. I regained my stance as I shambled away from her in a stunned demeanor. Then I saw an opportunity revealing itself; her sword was lodged into the cold, hard ground. Her emotions blotted her thinking, causing her to place too much force onto that attack.

I let out a deep breath as I grasped my sword. Regaining my balance, I sprinted forwards with my sword primed for a horizontal cut. Closing the distance, I swung as fiercely as I could. Suddenly, I was appalled when I felt as if I simply struck concrete.

Her horn was lit up, indicating that she's using magic. Encompassing her was a small barrier glowing with a faint, blue light. There was a visible crack on where I struck the aegis.

I swung away at the shield repetitively, placing more and more cracks on it. I could see Luna's face being strained as she gnashed her teeth as the sound of metallic clangs resonated through the cave as I did not relented in the slightest as I continued the barrage of slashes.

As if like a cracking glass window, pieces of the barrier went flying astray into several directions as I finally broke the shield with a final cleave of my blade. Luna cursed out sharply as she went stumbling backwards. She was collapsed on the floor in a daze. Shaking her head, she feebly began to stand up.

Panting heavily, my arm felt sore from all that swordplay. Using my left arm, I withdrew the book from my robes. Opening it, I flipped to a blank page. Chanting inaudibly a word three times, the book began to glow its signature red aura.

She looks at me in outrage as she spat out, "Did you not say you'd end this with our blades, traitor?!" Hypocritically enough, she was the first one to break that rule. She is visibly shaking. She must be both exhausted magically and physically. It's time to end this.

The book basked the caverns in its sinister brilliance. Soon enough, reality itself was disrupted as it began rippling. A portal began to form itself above me. The portal revealed an abysmal red void. Whatever that's about to come out of that red void will surely kill the princess on sight just because of her threatening appearance.

The thought of robbing a kingdom a princess brought dread made me shudder.

"So what? You used magic! It's only fair that I can use my own as well!" She opened her mouth, but she could not find any words to contradict what I just said. "You have until my army emerges out of that hole to escape, otherwise your death is assured!" I warned her, but she didn't even budge. She simply looked at me with death itself embedded in her eyes.

"No!" She stood upright, attempting to channel magic in her horn. Unfortunately, her horn only flickered. Instead of devastating magic, small sparks emanated from it. "As a ruler, I shall protect my subjects with all that I have!" She approached me. Her steps were laughably weak, but the desire to kill me was still radiating off of her.

I shook my head. "As a ruler, you have to live for the sake of your subjects." My words made her freeze completely. "Come on. I don't want to rob your people- ponies a ruler. They'd mourn for months or even years." I saw her mouth open. Before she could reply, I abruptly cut her off. "Think about your sister. Wouldn't she get stricken with grief if you died?"

Snarling, her horn illuminated the entire room as she began preparing a spell. I tensed up to prepare to dodge, but she disappeared. She teleported out of the cave. "Huh. So she had that amount of magic hidden from me, huh?"

Suddenly, something fleshy plopped down to the ground behind me. Turning around, I was met with a familiar creature. It was a quadruped with its height similar to that of a medium-sized dog. Guarding its mouth was a durable-looking mandible. Its body was plated with a thick carapace. Its most prominent feature must be its two scythe-like appendages protruding from its back.

I recognized this beast. It was a Zergling from the Starcraft series. Judging by its more modern appearance, it seems to hail from the second game.

Suddenly, it started to rain down Zerg beings. The cavern was instantly filled with the howls of the biological terror that is the Zerg race. My eyes cautiously examined the environment around me. Just a couple of feet away from me were a full battalion of Hydralisks.

This breed of Zerg are exceptionally good at being marksmen or as anti-air. They store hundreds of sharpened spines in their plates for later usage. These spines can easily pierce through an entire house considering that a handful of these could potentially pierce the hull of an actual battleship.

They slithered among themselves with their serpentine-esque tail. Next to them were the additional Zerglings. These are usually the backbone of Zerg infantry. They're small, but incredibly agile. Examining their new environments next to them were the Infestors. These nightmarish beings can mind-control prey, given that the prey has a mind, and can launch a volley of waste to cause fungal growth on a target.

There were many other Zerg strains roaming the cavern freely. The aerial units flew in circles, unable to find a suitable landing spot. Ground units burrowed into the ground for no particular reason, scattering dirt everywhere. Some stood still, awaiting orders. In summary, the whole cavern was in discord.

Suddenly, the deluge of Zerg entities ceased, yet the portal still remained. I stare at the rift, somewhat expectantly. "What? This is hardly an army at all."

"Greetings, my queen. I shall be your Zerg adviser for now" Emerging from the crowd, a Zerg queen approached me. "My queen, are you aware that we cannot bring forth the remaining amount of your army in such a confined space? We must move evacuate the area to bring forth more of our troops."

I stared at her with a dumbfounded stupor. "Uh? Queen? You do know I'm male, correct?"

She bowed apologetically, "Apologies, my queen. My brain was pre-wired to address the superior being as queen."

"Alright, forget that... How do you suggest we find the exit out of here? I'm kinda lost in this place."

"My queen," In the distance, a drone mutated into a cocoon. "We do not need to find the exit to make space. We shall use a Nydus Worm for transportation," my adviser stated, gesturing her clawed arms towards the developing Nydus Network.

"That's... rather convenient, actually."

Revised Chapter 11. The Ones Out to Get You

I was going at around fifty miles an hour in what feels like an endless tunnel of living meat. It honestly felt like one of those water slides but much more revolting. Finally, after what seems to be mere seconds, "I regret going into whatever this thing is!" I yelled out as I was ejected forcefully from the jaws of the Nydus Worm. I landed onto the ground with a thud.

Rising unsteadily, I was accompanied with the rejuvenating feeling of the fresh, forest air. "Air. Air has never felt this good in a long time," I spoke to myself as I choked out the internal ooze the Nydus Worm uses in order to accelerate transportation.

I looked around. I was in a familiar forest. It was definitely similar to the one that I was in, but is it truly the one that I was previously attacked in? My eyes wandered around. My search revealed bloodstains tainting the branches and the grass around the forest. "Yup. This is definitely the forest that I was in."

Before I could even take a step, a familiar being stepped out of the bushes and greeted, "Well, you certainly made an entrance." You guessed it--it was Chrysalis. She smirks at me as she inspected the leviathan of a Zerg creature behind me. "Interesting. I guess you took the meaning of 'wormhole' to a new level."

I scoffed. "Alright. You and your hive are completely fine, right? Can I please have the antidote already?"

Chrysalis eyed me with an arced eyebrow. "Antidote? Antidote for what exactly?"

My glare became a level higher sterner. "The antidote for the poison you've injected into me!" I yelled out as I held the pinkie up in front of her face.

Chrysalis burst into a fit of laughter. "Oh! You actually believed that you were inflicted with a poison?!" Her laughing became more profuse as I simply glared at her in awe. "I'd never risk killing an asset as valuable as you!"

"W-what? You mean..."

Chrysalis cut me off as she continued on laughing like a madman, "You were never poisoned!"

Soon enough, the Nydus Worm behind me began spewing out wave after wave of Zerg creatures from its maw. They all landed with more grace in comparison to my rather pitiful attempt at landing. Chrysalis widened her eyes as her laughter suddenly came to a stop. Much to my surprise however, instead of fear, curiosity was instilled in the mien of Chrysalis.

"Oh. Shiny new army. Eh?" Chrysalis spoke out.

My adviser approached me, observing Chrysalis who was standing beside me. "My queen, I sense an immense amount of psionic power stored within this creature. Shall we assimilate it?"

Chrysalis choked on what seemed to be her own spit as she struggled to speak out, "You- A queen!? You're a female? It seems that I was mislead by your voice! Though, you certainly act like one."

I stammered as my rage suddenly turned into chgarin, "W-what the hell!? Of course I'm a guy! It's just that she's pre-wired into addressing me as 'queen'! It's something to do with the Zerg system being-"

My adviser interjected, "My queen, if it perturbs you that much, I may address you to something more appropriate?"

Before I could reply to my Zerg adviser, Chrysalis spoke out, giving me no time to respond, "You know what? I was actually planning on studying your biology. I would have copied your physique then shift into a female of your species and seduce you into submission, but since you're not a-"

My face reddened with warmth as I quickly averted my face to prevent further embarrassment. "No! The hell! I am a guy! I've got the 'organ' and body system to prove it!"

"I'll have to see it to believe it," Chrysalis quickly stated.

I sighed. "Alright. Alright. What do you want? I know you're not harassing me for no reason. So what is it?"

Chrysalis chuckled slyly. "You catch on quick. I wish to "study" some of your army. Perhaps I can make something great out of the research I'll produce."

I stormed off towards the castle, cutting away the thick verdure away with my recently acquired sword. "Fine! Do whatever! Adviser, let her do whatever with my army, but don't let her go too far with anything!" I said as I began vanishing from view.

"Shall we assimilate her afterwards? It shall be quite beneficial-"

I yelled out from the murky depths of the foliage. "No! Just don't let her do anything too extreme with my army!"

I continued on traveling through the thicket riddled of ivy. My blade flashed, reflecting the sunlight piercing through the dense cover of the forest as I continued on hacking away the greenery. "Damned changeling... She just used me by promising an antidote for a poison that didn't even exist."

Suddenly, I felt the air around me distort and warp. This sensation was familiar to me by now that I could recognize it as very potent magic being activated. My heart began to race as I dove into the bushes. Few of the vines entangled my limbs. Shifting around, I swiftly cut the troublesome ivy with a cut from my sword.

I poked my head from the foliage, utilizing the shadows to cloak me from view. There was nothing within me in a fifty-feet radius. Confused, I emerged from the bushes.

"Oh! Shiny, look! A resident of the Everfree!" a feminine voice spoke out from somewhere causing me to recoil back in shock. "No. Wait! It appears to be a traveler of some sort. He definitely looks like one."

It was too late for me to submerge into the foliage as I encountered a pink mare. Accompanying the mare was a stallion. His uniform was decorated to the style of a high-ranking officer. What worried me was that the pink one was both a unicorn and a pegasus; much like the Two Sisters. The blue-maned one was simply a unicorn, but judging his attire, he was an able soldier.

I had to steel my nerves as they approached me. They certainly didn't look hostile towards me, so it's best for me to keep my cool. "Hey! Have you seen a monster around here?"

I jested with a smile "There are a lot of monsters here. Mind being more specific?" It was a facade of a smile. Deep within my mind, fear was rebounding in the walls of my mentality. Let's say I have a newly found fear of winged unicorns after that encounter with Luna.

"Oh. Where are my manners. I am the Princess of Love, Mi Amore Cadenza. This is my husband, Prince Shining Armor." She extends her hoof towards her hubby who was just staring at me with cautious eyes. I was fighting back the urge to laugh out loud as she proclaimed her title.

'Seriously? 'Princess of Love'? These titles are ridiculous. On a more serious note, she's a princess. There's no doubt that there's immense power within her... and she brought along her husband. It's almost guaranteed that there's an army nearby which maybe be related to that surge of magic that I just felt earlier.'

"Hm. I'm surprised you can talk," Shining Armor spoke out.

'Wow. Isn't he just a gentleman?'

Shining Armor lets out a calm sigh. "We're in search for a monster named the Summoner. By orders of Celestia, we're tasked to detain this beast." I strained my body as those words hit my ears.

My facial expression drooped down to a frown. "Well. I suppose the monster you're looking for is right in front of you," I spoke as I did a short bow.

Both of them took a step back with a startled expression. "I knew it!" Shining Armor exclaimed as he drew out his saber with his magic. "You looked suspicious! Prepare yourself-"

I quickly cut him off as I raised my blade and prepared a fighting stance, "Don't act too hasty, though. You've found your mark, then what? You look like someone important in Celestia's military. Are you a general, or something?" I spoke, noting his apparel that was similar to the Royal Guards, but was discernable from the generic guards.

Shining nodded to my question with a spiteful glare directed at me. "A captain, to be exact."

I continued, "Isn't it ill-advised to handle a top-priority target by yourself? After all, I managed to beat Luna. Chances are, I'm going to escape with ease, or one of you will end up dying."

I was permeating a cold atmosphere as they began to back away in wariness. It felt as if I was threatening them, but in all sincerity, I was just trying to coax them to avoid fighting me. It looks like my ruse will succeed, but this will only buy me a finite amount of time. There's no doubt that there's going to be a skirmish.

"Fine then," Armor spat out with a chilling leer. "We are occupying Ponyville. With such a large establishment blockading your route, you'll have no choice but to attack us."

"I see." My words were carried with a voice of serene calmness. "Well then, I look forward to it."

"Why do this? Why do you have to spread such violence to this place?" Cadanza inquired, her eyes were depicting sorrow.

I sighed. "I honestly don't know. When I got here, I was knocked out. Then I was brought into custody in some sort of castle. Yeah, I know. Great job on the Welcoming Committee. When I woke up, it was already too late. My friends were already ravaging through your towns. I never wanted this to even happen, you know? Oh well. I guess fate just wants us to be enemies."

"Do you think such lies will deceive us?" Shining Armor spat out.

"Lies. Truths. Believe whatever you want it to be. Only I know the real story," with a casual shrug, I turned around. Facing away from them, I began to travel into the abysmal shrubbery. "I'll be seeing you."

I kept on walking until I could no longer feel their presence. Turning around, I was relieved when I saw that they weren't following me. Slumping to the ground, I exhaled. "Wow. Did I really manage to pretend like a badass and actually succeed in that?"

"Pft. You were actually just pretending? For a moment, you actually persuaded me into believing that you had a backbone, Queeny," a voice condescendingly spoke out. The owner of the voice emerged out of the bushes, revealing Chrysalis approaching me with a rather disappointed look.

Emerging from the bush as well was my Zerg adviser. "My queen, I am outraged to report that she has murdered exactly five of your army's combatants as tribute to her research."

"What?! I thought I told you to not allow her to do something extreme?" I spoke out.

"My queen. With out numbers, five is barely anything. If she had killed twenty of us, or me, I'd consider that extreme and would have disposed of her," the Zerg queen replied.

"Nonetheless, you did a good show on threatening my former enemies." Chrysalis clapped her hooves as if to congratulate me.

"Former enemies? You mean to say..." I trailed off.

"Yup. I have a certain grudge with them. Due to that fact, I'll help you out with the impending siege on the already decimated Ponyville for absolutely no price whatsoever." Chrysalis began to head towards the previously mentioned establishment.

Chrysalis turned her head around as she continued on walking, "Well? Come on. We've rallied you army. I've rallied mine as well." She smirks as she continued, "Or is your feminine side preventing you from laying waste to your enemies?"

I groaned. "Still on about with this act? Really?"

Revised Chapter 11.5. The More The Merrier

"Well, since you and I are both queens, we share a certain mutuality then. Certainly a strange one, considering you're not a changeling, but a common mutuality nonetheless." She shook her head, "But, I must warn you the tense rivalry among queens in the changeling community." Chrysalis stated.

I stared at the changeling queen with a questioning glance, "Oh. Come on. You've been at this for hours now. Have I not clarified my gender at this point by now?"

"Oh fine. You're no fun at all," Chrysalis simply responded, her tone turning into neutrality.

My adviser followed closely beside me. Without turning her head to face me, she "My queen, if it perturbs you that much, you can simply order me to address you with another title." it spoke.

"Wait, I could have done that? Why didn't you notify me that earlier?" I said, slightly irritated. Hacking away at the trees, I carved a path for my colleagues.

"But I did. Did you forget, my queen?" the Zerg queen stated.

"You can thank her for letting that slip through my notice..." I muttered as I pointed a half-raised finger at Chrysalis.

My adviser mentioned once more, "My queen, like I previously stated, this being emanates a rather potent degree of psionic power. I suggest that we should assimilate her." it recommended.

"It's quite rude to say that when the one you're referring to is just perhaps three steps away from you. You know?" I heard Chrysalis spoke, her tone slightly bitter.

"You know, shape-shifting would be quite useful to our army," I teased, much to Chrysalis irritation. I felt an icy glare stinging into my soul as Chrysalis eyed me with unforgiving eyes.

The Zerg queen bows in acknowledgement. "Very well, we shall-"

I cut her off with haste, fearing what might have resulted from a little jesting, "No! Wait! Cancel that order! I was just... kidding. We still need a guide for wherever this place is."

"As if you could ever hope to defeat my changelings," she grimly warned before sending a sultry look at me. "Besides. I am capable of shifting into a more... desirable body for you. You wouldn't want to get rid of me knowing that, now do you?"

"If you're expecting that mere seduction will break my iron resolve, you're gravely mistaken," I stated to which Chrysalis responded by rolling her eyes.

I muttered, "I'm not stupid, you know."

"What gave you that idea?" Chrysalis asked in a snark tone.

"Anyways, I'm in the presumption that you're underestimating the might of the Zerg. Perhaps you should do a demonstration, my adviser?" I asked the Zerg queen beside to my left as I pointed at a tree a couple of meters away or so.

"Gladly," she said as she reared her wing-like appendages. She forcibly jerked forwards, launching a barrage of impeccably sharp spines from her wing-like appendages.

Spine after spine struck the tree. Chips of lumber went spraying everywhere as the tree progressively became more mangled as each second passed. Finally, the tree split into two, not being able to cope with the unrelenting attack.

The sight before me brought a smug smirk on my face, "Well? Still think your little swarm can beat mine?" I scoffed.

"Oh please. You've no idea of what my changelings are capable of," she replied with a nonchalant laugh.

"Whatever," I dismissed with a wave of my hand. "Anyways, ere you really planning on tempting me just for control over my army? That's really disturbing since we're not even the same race." I said, not believing the words that I just spoken.

"Maybe, maybe not," she retorted. "Why ask that question of all things?"

"Do I look like I'm the type of person that has a lot of things to say?" I replied. "Doesn't that bother you, though? We're not the same race even!"

"Changeling genetics. Quite flexible. With the help of magic, the remaining problems with biology is taken care of. The only thing we have to worry about is appearance, really." Chrysalis hung her head high, as she puffed her chest in pride. "And I'm sure that I've mastered the art of deceiving one's eyes."

Before I could continue on the topic, my Zerg colleague beside me interrupted, "My queen, something is present within our vicinity. Something of great psionic capability," the queen said, urgency clinging onto her words.

"Ack. What is it now?" I snapped my fingers in realization. "Ah. Is it that thing that caused that alarming surge in magic earlier?" I stated. The ability to sense magic is quite weird. It's like a seventh sense--I can't exactly describe it. If I had to assume, this is the book's doing.

Chrysalis quipped, "Wow. Took you that long? Just what is going on in your little brain? It must be really boring in there being hardly used and what-not."

"I am certain that it is the one responsible for the ripple of psionic energy a few hours ago," the Zerg queen stated. "The signal is faint. If it generated enough power to be felt miles on end, it must be currently inactive."

"Quite alarming." I turned to face Chrysalis. "Theoretically, is it much more stronger than Luna's magic? I could only sense her magical presence just a couple of feet away from me or so."

Chrysalis answered, "Not necessarily. Luna's magical supply was heavily crippled by your creepy book, remember? Not a lot of things exceed her power, but to be sensed all the way from wherever to this forest is disconcerting to say the least."

Chrysalis spoke as her eyebrow arced in curiosity, "Hm. This aura. It has a familiar atmosphere to it, but it's still quite foreign to me." Chrysalis shrugged before continuing, "Curiously enough, it's coming north-east, and you know where that leads to. Right, Summer?" She asked me.

I hesitated before opening my mouth, "Ponyville. They've taken refuge in Ponyville, and what's up with that nickname?"

"Oh. Nothing. Carry on," Chrysalis prompted.

I continued, "My previous batch of warriors practically turned that place into a wasteland," I said in certainty. "Let's just say that they didn't welcome me with opened arms. Instead, they opted for something more... irrational," I stated, sarcasm laced around my words. "But Ponyville? Of all places, why there?"

"Then perhaps we should hasten our traveling?" the Zerg queen suggested. "The sooner you discover this, the better."

"I agree. Tell the troops to hurry up. I'll go ahead," I ordered.

"I shall comply. I will issue the command them to enter the Nydus Network now." Silence followed her words as she closed her eyes. The air around her began to blur as she established a psychic link with my army. "It is done. I've given them the order."

Sure enough, I could here the distant roars of the Nydus Worms. I am just astounded by how quick these Nydus Worms are at delivering whole armies into the battlefield. Basically, they excel at flash flooding places with death.

The reason for such a rapid transport is possible is due to a combination of peristaltic motion and chemical stimulants. That... explains the slime that coated me when I exited out of that thing.

I shrugged off the idle pondering as I heard the words from my adviser, "Your legion of Zerg are ready for deployment at your command."

"Chrysalis, we're nearing Ponyville. Make sure you're ready," I stated, to which the changeling queen did not reply, "Chrysalis," I turned to face her, she appeared to be studying my forces intently, which probably explains why she isn't responding.

"Chrysalis!" I shouted, not too loud, but just sufficient enough to catch her attention, she flinched slightly in response.

"Huh? What? I was looking at that fruit over there." She points her holed hooves towards a tree. Basking in the sun's embrace was a rather sizable red fruit. "Poisonous, but it does look appetizing."

"Oh. That fruit does look delicious-" I said as my stomach suddenly whined stubbornly.

"Did I not just point out that fruit is poisonous?" Chrysalis planted her hoof onto her face.

I spoke in defense, "Hey! I wasn't planning on eating it! I was implying that I was eating it. Implying. Actually intending on doing something. Two entirely different things." Suddenly, my hunger becomes more troublesome as the continuous mention of eating is prolonged. "Gah... I've been stuck here for days now without managing to eat something. "Chrysalis? Is there still food left in Ponyville?"

She deadpanned, "Why wouldn't there be? Your 'friends' didn't exactly give them time to evacuate their precious food stands." she stated before vanishing in an array of green flames. "Worst case scenario would probably be that the majority of the food is contaminated with blood."

"Great! Let's make haste, shall we?" I said with renewed determination as I turned to the familiar Zerg queen. I noticed her to be off--staring at me idly. "Uh? What's wrong?"

"My queen, are you certain that you do not wish to assimilate her? She is capable of teleportation; something that would be a great asset in future scenarios," she said.

"My answer still remains, I do not wish for the changelings to be assimilated." I sharply answered.

"If that is your wish," the Zerg queen replied with a court nod.

"Oh. By the way, if you haven't noticed," Chrysalis clapped her hooves together, "My personal escorts have been following us for quite some time now. I think I'll let them stick around."

I heard the Zerg queen beside me spoke, "That is what makes up of her army? It is nothing compared to ours, my queen." to which I simply replied with a smirk of snide pride. "I must admit, they are prodigies at stealth. Not even I noticed them earlier. Forgive me for my lack of perception-"

"No. No. You don't need to apologize." I turned to look at Chrysalis who was walking along side me. "They certainly are sneaky, but can they take down entire planets?" I said smugly as I approached her.

Chrysalis shrugged. "Don't take so much pride in your current bodyguards. It's not as if you actually own them. They're here for a short time, and poof--they're gone. I've noticed that pattern." Chrysalis began an addendum, "And to answer your question, given enough time and numbers, I have much confidence that they can do so," she stated.

"Sure, sure. Cheese-legged creatures taking over a world. I have no difficulty whatsoever imagining that," I said, my words enveloped in the irritating flavor of sarcasm. "I wager that they can even take on my army."

"I can see it. My own swarm being helplessly mauled and mangled as their limbs get torn off by black-cheddar monsters!" I continued my mockery with closed eyes. It's not like I was going to be careless enough to smash into a tree. Unfortunately, that came true.

As if karma itself was given physical form of a tree, I impacted onto the wooden, rigid surface of lumber. I slammed to the ground, wincing as I held my nose. "Ow. Ow. Okay. I guess I deserved that."

"Yes. You certainly did for two mistakes: One. You made fun of my hive. Two. You were an idiot for closing your eyes while walking in a forest." With a groan of impatience, the changeling queen replied, "Well? Are we going, or are you just going to continue just stand there?"

"Oh yes, of course." I dusted myself off as I rose back up. Rubbing my nose one last time, I spoke out, "The psionic disturbance. Let's proceed, shall we?"

"My queen, the levels of psionic power that is being radiated from whatever is extremely potent, do you have any clue what it might be?" my Zerg mentor asked as Ponyville became clear in the horizon as I cut the last piece of shrubbery in our path.

"I am not certain as well, but we'll see what it exactly is when we get there." Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "If you need me, I'll be over there." Without another word uttered, she walked into the haze-like bushes. Her form began to disappear as the shadows themselves seemingly swallowed her.

"Why do you refrain from assimilating them, my queen? Are they too much of a threat? They don't appear to be as dangerous than I anticipated."

I paused before replying, "Like I said, we need a guide. Look. I know navigation and reconnaissance of this place is now much easier thanks to you guys." I sighed before finishing. "It's not like I have much allies around here. It's best when you have friends, you know?"

"I do not understand, but if that is your will, then so be it." the Zerg queen spoke.

I sighed, "Well, I think I'll go in first. I'm pretty sure Chrysalis is just going to laze about over here-"

"At least you got that one correct," Chrysalis called out. I looked towards to wherever she was at. The shadows obscured her, but I could clearly see her reclining recumbent on a branch.

I decided to walk ahead, I am no specialist at psionic powers, or what-not, but I'm getting somewhat nauseous just by the presence of it, and I intend on discovering what "it" exactly is.

Rolling my eyes, I returned my glance towards my Zerg consultant. "And since they'll just probably regard you as a monster and kill you on sight, it's probably best for me to go in first. I'll talk to them."

"Let me guess, you've no plan whatsoever when they hunt you down?" I heard Chrysalis' familiar voice coming from behind me. "I've heard that the gryphons make trophies out of their kills. I'd laugh at best when I see you stuffed in some wooden cabin somewhere-"

"Okay! Okay. I get it. No need to place such images in my head," I cut her off with a shudder. "But contrary to what you think, I actually do have a plan."

Chrysalis tilts her head in slight intrigue. "Oh? Mind telling me what it is then?"

"First plan if it all goes terribly wrong is to fight back and destroy whatever is in there." I spoke with a sheepish tone, "If that backfires, we all go hiding in the forest."

"Hm. I should have expected as such." she replied with a nod, "Well, it appears you don't exactly have the time to devise a plan now since we're already here." Chrysalis pointed her hoof towards the town.

"I can see that-" I paused as I observed that the town had something altered. "Wait! What's that?" There was some sort of cyan field of energy encompassing the town, the energy field appeared to be being emanated from what appears to be...

...a crystal in the shape of a heart?

"It's the Crystal Heart!" Chrysalis shot up from her branch in reflex, nearly making herself fall. "No. It can't be it. It appears to be different. It must be some sort of replica." she responded without even bothering to explain what a 'Crystal Heart' is. "Well then. Aren't those ponies just getting smarter?"

I inquired, "A Crystal Heart? Mind explaining me what it does?"

"The Crystal Heart, I don't want to explain every single detail about it, but it basically creates some sort of field to surround something such as a kingdom to protect it." Chrysalis paused as she stared at the heart more intently. "Pretty sure that the original one is being used to preserve a kingdom in the middle of a frozen wasteland."

"If a replica of that thing is here, there's a high likelihood that we're going to run into- Oh. Well, look for yourself." she said as she pointed at the town with her hoof. "Crystal ponies."

I looked towards the direction she was pointing out in skepticism, much to my dismay however, stood a pony. It possessed a certain distinction, however; it appeared to be as if it was born with a body comprised out of shiny minerals. Its coat gleamed with a gem's luster as he idly stood guard.

"Oh for- so they are real. As if this place can't get any more obscure. So far, we have gryphons, ponies, and now them. Whatever those things are. How do they- I can't even. You know what? I should just stop questioning the logic behind this place. It really does hurt my mind. So, since they're involved in whatever this is, I take it that they all want me dead?"

"Most likely," was all that the changeling queen said in response. "They are affiliates with the ponies, after all."

I cursed silently in annoyance. "So, any suggestions on what our next action should be?" I inquired the changeling queen.

"Well, I recommend that-" she paused abruptly for some reason.

I noticed her sudden paused. I looked towards her. Apparently, she had squinted eyes, and an opened mouth revealing clenched teeth. Something tells me that she caught her sight with something rather unpleasant.

"What? What do we do next?" I asked her, confused with her lack of continuation.

"It appears that two of my most despised ponies are here," she stated, her voice practically laced with genuine venom.

I looked towards where she was facing, in the distance stood what appears to be a pink alicorn, and a unicorn with a blue mane who was donning purple armor, they were far too distant from me to clearly see them.

"Who? They?" I asked, pointing at the aforementioned pair of equines, to which Chrysalis simply nodded in response. "I've actually met them before, but I don't know much of them still. So could you please fill me in about their profiles?"

Chrysalis shot a criticizing look at me, "What? Since when did you- Ah. Never mind." Chrysalis turns back towards them. "The alicorn is the princess of these crystal ponies. The unicorn next to her is her husband, and to answer why I'm so displeased by their unsightly beings, let's say that I tried to enslave all of those ponies and they stopped me from doing so." s

"Well, I'm not certain how to reply to that," I deadpanned. "No. Really. How am I supposed to reply to that, especially to that last part?"

"Do you think your mongrels can pass through the field?"

"It simply hurts by just standing here. They'll pass through, but they'll reach the other side roasted." I replied.

The air itself seemed as if it was boiling. Gradually intensifying, should we venture into the field.

"Tch, well, I'll try to go see if I can deactivate the damn thing, go stall them with your pitiful mind. I'll be seeing you later." Before I could even begin to conjure words, her body was wrapped in emerald flames. The flames flickered out, revealing her body. She shifted into one of those crystal ponies, apparently as one of the guards as she was wearing their armor.

"Wait! What? I'm not good at-" she ignored me, of course, as she vanished in a flash of green flames, "Well, it looks like I'll have to use my ever so mighty wit.

Emerging from the foliage, I began walking towards the outer walls. Several eyes began to direct their cold glazes at me. The sound of hoofsteps and beating wings began to rumble throughout the entire town. Suddenly, a siren deafeningly pierced through the normally silent atmosphere.

The barricaded walls of mutilated tables and surplus lumber were decorated with a line of glowing horns as unicorns pointed their horns at me, preparing whatever spell they had in store. The sky became dotted with a mass of pegasi wielding bows.

"That was immensely quick," I muttered, somehow managing to not flee at the wall decorated with magical light.

"Have you finally given up, beast?" I heard one of the ponies in the indistinguishable crowd of other, similar-looking ponies spoke out. Of course, I didn't bother speaking back to them.

Suddenly, poking out of the formation, that which looks akin to that of an anarchic riot, the figures of two familiar ponies appeared. The pink alicorn? Alicorns--is that what they're called? Anyways, she emerged from the crowd. Along side her was her spouse.

"Ha, you know what, er, they say," the pink alicorn stammered, "Revenge is a dish best served cold to, uh, dead ponies, because, ah, never mind." she said, moderately annoyed.

Chapter 12. "Trust Process, trust sequences. Swarm will not fail."

"Are you ready to give yourself in, monster?" I heard the unicorn clad in purple and yellow armor, with some sort of crest resembling that of a purple star on the armor's chest piece.

I raised both of my hands, "I dunno. am I?" I asked mockingly. "I've escaped capture for this long... only to turn myself in. Yes. That makes sense. So, you tell me. Am I ready to give myself in?" Instantaneously as those words left my mouth, I mentally scolded myself for such a great way to open discussion. Sure, I have a somewhat calm and relaxed demeanor right now, but I'm basically nervous as all hell right now.

This time, the pink alicorn was the one that replied, "Whatever you are, I hope that you are-"

"Human! I'm human. That's my race, anyways. I don't really feel comfortable telling you my true name, but I guess you can call me "Summoner." everyone seems to call me by that." I said, still retaining my somewhat relaxed appearance and tone, "But, enough of me, Cadenza. What about you? I've heard your princess of those crystalline things," I said as pointed at a distant pony whose existence resembled that of a mineral given form of a pony.

Both rose their eyebrows skeptically., "It's unnerving having to hear my name spoken to you. Could you just call me Cadance?" Cadance requested.

"Cadance? That's refreshing. I haven't heard a normal name for what seem to be several days now." I replied. It's quite refreshing that I don't have to deal with anyone with an obscure name.

"Uh- thank you?" Cadance said, and just as she said that, the protective energy field surrounding the vicinity of the town dissipated, I assume that was Chrysalis' doing.

They were visibly stunned for a good second or so, they weren't certain what just had happen. Seizing the opportunity, I wasted no time to shout as loud as I could at the outskirts, "Now! My swarm, subdue all of them!"

For a short period of time, one could hear slithering or crawling if one was listening well. My numberless legion of zerg forces basically erupted from the dense shrubbery of the forest. Accompanied by the storming assault of Zerg were the complimentary apocalyptic-like devastation of the ground itself as the Nydus Worms erupted, spewing countless Zerg.

In response to this, however, the equines opened fire at me. The ground around me were dotted with singe marks as a spectral display of beams bolted right at me. The air itself was seemingly being cut as spears rend through the air. I frantically dove to nearby cover--an unfinished trench structure.

My zerg forces passed by me and charged ferociously into the ponies' stronghold, "Wait! Take as much prisoners as you can! I do not want anymore blood in my hands!" I yelled, not that it mattered to the ponies that my Swarm already slaughtered, of course.

I poked my head out from the entrenchment. Claws and fangs pierced into the wooden barricades. A line of desperate ponies incinerated and impaled as many Zerg as they could, but they seemed to have just shrug off their attacks as if they were nothing. With a panicked scream, they were ordered to retreat.

'Back into the inner part of town... They're going to head there. That makeshift isn't going to hold my Zerg at bay for any longer. I'd say that it's going to last for exactly-' My train of thought was abruptly stopped as I was startled by something tapping my left shoulder. Reflexively, I flinched as I look towards my assailant.

It wasn't one of those ponies that are out to murder me. No. It was something much worse, it was Chrysalis. She looked at me, slightly amused at my reaction, "Relax, you mongrel. It's just me."

"Gah, you just can't- ugh, so, I see that you managed to turn off that big shield-thing. Good job. I guess," I said, mildly agitated.

"Yes. Now you owe me twofold. First for saving you from that lunatic princess back in the forest, and secondly for assistance in destroying Ponyville... for a second time." She smugly shot a grin at me. Shrugging her words off, I rolled my eyes. "We shouldn't waste our time here. We have to oversee the battle. You are their leader, correct?"

"Have you gone mad? I don't want to be in the cross-fire," I stated, worrying for my own health. "Besides, there's nothing there to see, except for death and possibly some explosions. The only thing that I'm somewhat intrigued is the latter. Everything else I find distasteful."

"Hmph. You're more boring than I originally anticipated. Well, see you later then." the changeling queen said before vanishing in a display of green flames.

"Well, that was somewhat abrupt." Sighing, I could only watch the lingering green sparks from her teleporation spell dissipate on the ground.

"My queen, I suggest that you should enter the battlefield and spectate the flow of battle, and commandeer your troops," I heard the familiar voice of a Zerg queen from behind me.

I turned around, and saw my adviser. I dismissed her with a wave of my hand. "I'm quite certain that my forces are capable of handling these equines."

"Something truly troubles me. These... four-legged nuisances are quite feeble. Pitifully weak, to be exact. However, something in the midst of this skirmish sends out a faint presence of immense power. Should the need arise, you'd be able to commandeer your troops if you head into the town."

"Ugh. Fine. Fine. I'm wondering what Chrysalis is up to anyways." I said as I began to walk into the town, my Zerg adviser following closely beside me. "She seemed rather suspicious going into the middle of a war like that."

As I passed the border of the remnants of the eradicated barrier, all I could see was carnage. Buildings being burnt down by both acid and fire. Both arrows and spines squalled down from the sky, decorating the ground in a pincushion-like pattern.

What perturbed me the most, however, were the screams. They echoed from every single direction.

I shrugged off the haunting feeling instilled in me by the screams as I swayed my eyes from side to side. There were gryphons and ponies making a desperate last stand in the town square. They must've rallied the surviving remnants here.

The streets were littered with the mangled bodies of the ponies. There were only a few corpses of Zerg, which really didn't surprised me. Only a few can fend off the Zerg.

The pegasi were rampaging freely around the air. They all maneuvered in complex loops and whirls in order to avoid the volley of spines. That didn't stop the barrage of pegasi crashing into the ground, as spines shred their wings however.

Nearby, there was a mutalisk being surrounded by three pegasi. They all circled around the mutalisk, pelting the Zerg flyer with arrows and bolts. The mutalisk desperately aimed, but all of its shots missed.

Suddenly, one of the pegasi slowed down, allowing the mutalisk a clear shot. The mutalisk flung its spherical projectile at the foolish pegasus. The ball-like weapon struck the face of the pegasus, sending fragments of the pegasus' cranium throughout the air. Mortified, and probably traumatized by their brother's morbid murder, the two remaining pegasus fled. The mutalisk flew after them, vanishing from my view.

"I really wished I hadn't come here..." I muttered to myself.

In the distance, I could see some sort of building being garrisoned by several unicorns. Aforementioned unicorns were apparently skilled magic users as they were gunning down the agile zerglings with their magic, sending a tsunami of beams. Reduced to a smoldering heap of corpses, the zergling forces were no more.

In one of the streets, there was apparently a shootout between some hyrdalisks against a squad of unicorns. One of the unicorns formed a defensive shield, while the remaining unicorns blasted away at the hydralisks. Scythed-appendages lobbed themselves to the air as explosions rocked the ground.

"Actually, see to it that my forces prevail, these ponies are more formidable than I thought. Make sure you take as much prisoners as possible. I'll have... a look around." I commanded.

"if that is your wish, it shall be done." the Zerg queen replied. "Please take care of yourself."

"I will," I reassured my mentor with a casual nod. Beginning to stealthily sneak by the streets paved with charred bodies, I made my way around the town.

I wandered through the onslaught, in search for that bastard of a queen. There's nothing but corpses, burnt, impaled, or dissolved, littering the streets. But then again, that is to be expected, I mean, there's a war going on here. There where the occasional severed equine extremities, most likely the result of hydralisk spines.

Hyrdalisks. Such an intriguing zerg breed.They shoot honed spines, that are around thirty centimeters or so in size, at an exceptional velocity. No wonder why there are limbs scattered throughout the streets. Morbidly impressive.

As I walked through the streets, carefully avoiding stepping on the many lifeless corpses that are scattered throughout the streets, I saw a particular alleyway which caught my attention. I'm not so certain why, I guess it just had an ominous allure.

I decided to head into the alley. Passing through the alleyway, I perceived what appeared to be a stallion shivering in his armor. I tentatively took a single step back as I saw him. I couldn't discern most of his features, but I'm sure that he hasn't noticed me yet.

Seeping from his leg was what appeared to be blood. I subtly took a closer look. A very severe gash on his foreleg has rendered him crippled.

"Need some help there?" I spoke, my voice barely audible enough for him to hear me.

He replied, not even bothering to look at me, "No, no, I'm fine, just-" he finally turns his head towards me, "Monster! You're- you're the vile creature that wrought all of this!"

He stood up, or at least tried to. His critical injury was too much for him to bear as he slumped to the floor with a yelp. His horn began to emanate a silverish light. My stance tensed up. I had not spotted that horn on his forehead.

He had a bitter glare adorning his face. Revealing itself from the shadowy floor was a spear being levitated by unicorn magic. The tip glimmered with faint sunlight as its tip pointed itself towards me.

Despite the threatening weapon pointed at me, I did not flee. That injury on his left leg will stop him from using magic properly. I'm presuming he isn't aware of how lucky he is that his leg isn't severed whole.

I could see it in his face. It was strenuous enough to stand. He won't be casting any spells today, nor is he jabbing that spear into my throat anytime soon.

"Let's not do anything too hasty." I said, my tone still remaining calm. Only a faint hint of bitterness was present in my words.

His horn intensified in illuminance, as well as the pain in his leg. Before even fully sparking his horn, he fainted. He fell to ground. It was predictable. He looked as if he was about to bite the dust at any moment.

Sighing, I approached the unconscious pony. There was no movement in the chest, indicating that he's not breathing. "Damn... He exhausted himself to death." I looked away from his body with a sickened expression.

"Gah. I've... I've seen worse by now." Snapping out of it, I took the opportunity to look around for anything that might save me from being turned into ashes.

There was a deceased gryphon in the side of the alley that I failed to notice earlier, his crossbow still intact with the corpse. I wasted no time as I dove for the crossbow, dodging yet another magical bolt.

Suddenly, I heard a faint groaning sound. Looking towards it, I was appalled when I saw that the pony was not dead as he raised his head feebly in order to direct a spell at me. 'It seems that I was mistaken when I considered you dead...'

I grabbed the ranged weapon as soon as I was within its vicinity, unfortunately, the crossbow did not have a bolt readied for firing. I quickly searched the gryphon for ammunition. Soon enough, I found the gryphons quiver. Sadly, there were only three bolts left.

I fumbled as I tried to get one of the bolts ready, I had to dove to the ground for cover as blinding beam went pass through where I once stood. I heard an explosion in the distance as I fidgeted with the weapon. Accompanying the blast was a wall shattering.

Finally, I got the crossbow loaded. Wasting no time, I aimed and pulled the trigger. The bolt wasn't even relatively close to hitting its target, it simply went flying through the alley.

I did not have to think twice before grabbing the second bolt from the gryphon's quiver. Loading the crossbow less like a fledgling, I calmed myself down this time in order to avoid wasting the shot.

My sights were lined up perfectly on his head, but I was reluctant on killing him. Opting to aim for his already traumatized leg, I pulled the trigger. The bolt struck the leg of the unicorn, causing him to wring almost instantaneously while letting out a howl of agony.

Calming down, I approached the wounded equine, "Now then-" I paused to catch my breath "-You can't really blame me for self-defense. You see? This is how all this happened. You guys attacked me and I defended myself. Instead of just giving up, which is probably most beneficial, you keep on sending life after life at me!" I said, bending down to yank the bolt out of the pony's leg. My ears were ill-protected from the ensuing scream.

"Oh sorry, sorry. But I do need this back." I spoke in a tone that possessed genuine regret as I waved the bolt. The pony simply stared at me with cold eyes.

"No need to worry. I'm not going to bury you beside the ocean shore with only your head visible, unlike a certain individual that I know of..." I trailed off.

"I'm going to leave you here for my troops to pick you up. Farewell for now." I said, rising up from my crouching position before leaving the alleyway, but not before acquiring the other bolt from the gryphon's corpse.

I questioned my sanity as I left. "What... just what am I doing?"

I continued on kneading through every street. It was hard to remember if I had gone here already or not. Every corner was almost indistinguishable from the other streets.

It was always this; a squad of equines are attempting to repel a zerg assault. There were two outcomes--the ponies are victorious, only to be met with another wave of Zerg. The second outcome is... probably not needed to be said.

I growled in annoyance as I walked into, yet, another street filled with zerg and equine units fighting each other, "Chrysalis said something about holding a grudge on that alicorn. The pink one." Sighing, I scaled a nearby pile of rubble. Using the elevated height, I searched for her.

"If Chrysalis kills her or something and part of the blame would be placed on me. Of course, that will undoubtedly get these ponies even more pissed off at me, not that they weren't already really pissed off at me." I continued that train of thought bitterly.

Suddenly, I noticed a compound being heavily guarded by a countless amount of ponies. A fair number of Zerg corpses were concentrated at this particular spot.

"Well, I think I found her," I said, somewhat unsure.My suspicion, however, was confirmed when the blue-maned unicorn who appeared to be giving commands to his fellow equines. "Yup. The pink one's definitely in there. If I know her all too well, Chrysalis is prowling about nearby."

Author's Notes:

Pre-readers for this chapter:

Mimic Kairatta

ForeverAnotherChangeling

Marx T (HE'S BACK!)

Chapter 13. "Can chase. Cannot catch."

"Two bolts," I spoke to myself with a grimace as I recovered a couple of ammunition for my weapon. "Definitely not much, but it's better than nothing," I muttered as I examined its glazed surface.

Not a single notch on the metal. Not even a scratch on the wood. "Huh. Good work on the maintenance there, bud," I spoke to the motionless corpse as I snatched away a loose fabric from his clothes.

Wiping off the scarlet stains of blood tainting the weapon with a disgusted scowl, I promptly discarded the bloodied clothe to the ground. "Now then. If only I could find a scope for this thing," I said as I fidgeted the end of it, noticing the lack of a sight.

"Gah. Enough talking about this damn thing," I thought to myself before approaching the skirmish. The unicorns were giving their utmost effort to fend off the zerg with their magical barriers, the excess unicorns were shooting the zerg down with commendable marksmanship from the top of the compound.

What caught my concern was the fact that the compound was just beside a railroad. What alarmed my concerns were the fact that the compound was just beside a railroad.

The possibility of the equines evacuating is jarring. It would be catastrophic, should I allow them to retreat. No, I don't plan on an "Kill them all!" type of tactic, I just do not wish for them to recover their strength.

The non-magical equines, gryphons, and bat-equine-hybrids were shooting away at the zerg with an assortment of ranged weaponry.

Their endeavors of repelling my zerg forces were futile as spears simply bounced off the thick carapaces of the zerg, arrows and bolts simply ricocheted. It appears that only magical bolts are effective against them.

Despite their will to survive, I highly doubt that these equines are going to successfully repel the zerg onslaught. Fortunately for them, I dislike seeing lives being mindlessly wasted.

Once I was just behind the cloud of zerg organisms that was surrounding the compound, which basically denied retreat for the equines.

I shouted to my zerg troops, "Hold, all of you!" my zerg complied as they all stopped hacking away at the cluster shields surrounding the compound.

Although, the non-unicorn equines, and their comrades, did not seem to relent their flurry of projectiles, as my forces were still being harassed by arrows and bolts. Though, it was irrelevant to my concerns, as the projectiles weree unable to even scathe my troops by even the slightest.

"Lower your shields, I wish to speak to whoever is leading all of you!" I stated. The unicorns were seemingly unable to reply as they were far too occupied on maintaining the shields. Tch, I wonder if my words to them were audible? They appear as if they are in considerable pressure.

Addendum, I can see why that these barriers are quite resilient, instead of one powering each individual barrier, there were three, or occasionally four. No wonder my forces are having difficulty to advance through.

However, why my roaches, or infestors, are unable to just simply bypass the barriers through digging a tunnel below the shields are a mystery to me. The barriers must be emitting some sort of powerful magnetic force that causes the ground to be nearly impenetrable.

Although, the ranged combatants stationed on the compound were visibly taken aback, some were even glaring at me. I'm actually quite worried that they might hurl a barrage of arrows at me.

"Ha! And let your monstrosities butcher us all?" I heard one of the gryphon archers retorted.

"Do you rather prefer that I test your barriers' durability? They will not hold forever; lower your shields." I repeated. My sentence did not processed through their thick heads as they simply responded by resuming their hail of arrows.

Quite concerned for my own well-being, I took cover behind a hydralisk. Yes, using one's own combatant as a form of living meat-shield might be deemed as cowardice, but the arrows aren't being directed at you, now are they? Being courageous right now is simply suicide.

Agitation was rising within me, "You bastards-" my words were cut short as the sound of a train's whistle resounded in the distance. Just a few yards or so away from the structure was a train going at a formidably fast velocity.

Finally, the train stopped just outside the compound, suddenly, the archers began scurrying off to the train, much to my annoyance.

"Dammit, all of you, resume the assault!" I yelled out. Without even noticing, the unicorns were actually listening to me. Although, as soon as they heard my command, they closed their eyes once more in concentration.

Eagerly, as if yearning to massacre them all, the zerg troops began their relentless endeavors to shatter the shields. Hydralisks shot their exceedingly honed spines at the shields, harmlessly bouncing off the surface of their barriers on impact.

The roaches, likewise, gave no relent at piercing their defenses. They lobbed a volley of acidic saliva at the barriers constantly, the shields were visibly cracked at this point. The zerglings, they gave it their utmost effort to penetrate the barrier's shell with their scythe-like arms.

The various other zerg breeds were, of course, gave no quarter at the shields. However, ultralisks were absent in this skirmish, although, that should've been expected; If I recall correctly, there were only approximately five of them within my swarm.

The infestors, a very intriguing breed of zerg which specializes in utilizing a myriad of supportive abilities, were regurgitating chrysalis-like, no not the living cheese abomination, eggs within the vicinity of the shields.

Infested equines, such as pegasi and unicorns, and the ones who possessed none of those, emerged from those eggs. However, the infested pegasi were unable to fly over the shield-cluster, most likely due to their wings being heavily scathed during a previous encounter when they weren't infested.

Finally, I could see one of the barriers shattering, with a grin, I shouted, "There, focus down that shield!" my zerg complied, and soon enough, the barrage of projectiles were multiplied by a considerable amount as the barrier finally shattered.

Now that I had an opening, I took the opportunity, "Go, subdue all of them!" I commanded, to which my zerg responded with compliance.

The unicorns did not even retaliate as the zerglings pinned them to the ground, as they were all dazed by the sudden destruction of their barrier. The zerglings that pinned them down began dragging them towards, if I had to assume, the town-square.

They held the unicorns' forelegs in their jaws to drag them across the bloodied stone pavement. The unicorns that struggled where met with a stab to one of their non-vital areas with a zergling's scythe, that would normally subdues them. Some even passed out from either pain or blood-loss.

However, these unicorns are indeed desperate, so why they are refusing to just simply teleport is a cryptic enigma to me. So you ask me what is courage?

But if I had to guess, I assume that they're either magical reserves are just depleted from maintaining the shields, or it's just that they're simply too panicked to cast a spell.

Much to my dismay, however, the train began departing, it looks like they're planning to abandon their comrades. Just then, the unicorns vanished with a flash of light, signifying that they utilized a teleportation spell, along with their barriers.

Suddenly, I heard something gallop towards me from behind me, instinctively, I pointed the crossbow which was in my grip at what I thought to be an assailant.

"Take heed of where you aim at with that thing, you might grievously injure someone," the origin of the hoofsteps, who turned out to be the bug queen, Chrysalis, replied in a snide tone.

"Oh, uh, you startled me. Where have you been?"

"Searching for those two that I mentioned before, I only managed to find the pink one, but I couldn't really do anything, she was basically surrounded in a legion of guards."

"Well, I might've found one of them," I said as I pointed at the train which was now in the far distance, which the bug-queen replied by hitting me with her hoof, causing me to yelp out a pained "ow."

"You let him escape? I thought you were more dependable than this." she stated, her once snide demeanor now replaced with an irritated frown.

"Well, pardon me for my incompetence, but, I'm not exactly an expert tactician." I said, "Anyways, how did you cause the deactivation of whatever was generating that shield?"

"Surprise, surprise, the duplicate heart was powered by love, and if you bother recalling what my species do, we consume love."

"So, you basically drained it until there was no love left?" I asked for clarification.

"It was simple, and quite delicious. Oh, and I forgot to tell you this, the pink alicorn is probably going to reactivate the heart, she's already relatively nearby to the heart, her guards are either skilled, or just quite lucky."

"Gah- What? Why didn't you tell me that earlier! We have to prevent her from doing that, or we're probably going to get disintegrated until we're mere cinders." I exclaimed.

"Well, I'm a changeling queen, so I'm basically resistant to the love that the heart generates. So technically, only you'd be the one that would be charred to ashes." she stated smugly.

I shot her an unamused look before replying, "Well, where is the heart located anyways?"

"Well, I'd be quite content to lead you to it, but I don't think I want to right now." Chrysalis spoke.

"Let me guess, you want to control some of my own forces." I stated.

"Clever one, aren't you?" Chrysalis said.

"Well, it seems that retreat is the only viable option right now-"

"Oh fine, follow me." she said, her tone slightly annoyed, "Besides, I want that wretch to suffer." she spat bitterly as she began walking towards the inner parts of the town.

"My swarm, forget about these equines, follow me, I require you for a much more important task!" I called out to my zerg as I caught up with the changeling queen.

I inspected the buildings, or at least, the remnants of buildings as I walked through the bloodied streets. Most of the buildings were relatively undamaged, just a few spines stuck to the walls and so, and occasionally the green acid of banelings splattered through the walls.

Banelings, a particularly impressive zerg strain; Zerglings have to undergo a mutation phase, once they completed the mutation phase, the zerglings erupt from the eggs that they were mutating in as banelings.

Banelings store an astoundingly potent acid within their sacks that they have on their backs. Upon entering the vicinity of a target, the banelings may cause some sort of chemical reaction within them to cause the sacks on their back to literally explode, destroying the baneling itself and the target.

While walking, I saw a tattered bolt-quiver on yet another body. I picked the quiver, much to my surprise it fits me rather well. This is a better alternative than placing the bolts on my belt.

"Hm, since when did you know how to operate that weapon?" I heard Chrysalis inquire.

"Oh, this thing?" I said as I raised the crossbow, "Um, I guess I'm not actually that great with it."

"Hm, where did you even find it?" Chrysalis asked.

"I might have looted it from a decaying corpse, don't judge me," I said, which Chrysalis promptly rolled her eyes to in response, "Anyways, shouldn't we go a bit faster?"

"Ah, I'm in no rush, and do you really expect that Cadance and her little army can breach through in time?"

"I see, but I'd really rather avoid risking dying a very painful death." I stated.

"Well, you not need to worry further, we're close."

"Huh, it wasn't too far away from where the compound was." I stated as I continued walking.

"There it is," Chrysalis abruptly stated as she pointed her hoof at a bell-tower, well, instead of the bell, it was the Crystal Heart,

"Well, it appears as if Cadance is nearing the heart, probably just a few minutes away from reaching the tower," Chrysalis spoke as she turned her head towards the left.

I too looked towards the left, seeing a pink alicorn which had a sizable group of surviving opposing forces. She, and her army, were walking towards the street, apparently with no form of opposition, she must've somehow gotten through the zerg forces somehow.

"I'm going to go ahead and guess that you're just going to spectate from an amply safe distance?"

"Preferably in the safety in the building in which I can simply view outside leisurely through a window." she stated.

With a sigh, I didn't hesitate as I dashed to confront the alicorn, my own army following shortly behind me. Not a lot of time later, both of our armies were but a few yards away from each other.

I was in the front of my swarm, she too was leading her army. We both exchanged stares for a bit before I decided to end the silence, "So, I assume we're supposed to have some sort of grand final battle on who's claiming control of this town?"

"Stand aside, fiend! You've claimed enough lives as it is."

"And allow you to obliterate me and my swarm?" I rose both of my hands in the air "I'd rather not." I finished.

She replied only with a scowl, oh, and by charging a spell aimed at me. Panicky, I yelled as a bolt of magic struck a rather unfortunate hydralisk that was behind me, missing me by a mere inch, "Oh god, I didn't even do anything!"

Much more to my annoyance, the other unicorns began relentlessly casting their spells at me and my army, coercing me to hide into the much more safe back-row of my army.

I noticed that my zerg were still idle, simply just enduring the bolts of magic that are being barraged at them, "Oh for- all of you, commence the bloody onslaught!" I commanded.

Author's Notes:

So you ask me what is courage?

-

Pre-read by:

Marx T

Mimic Kairatta

ForeverADraconequus (Yes, he changed names once again!)

Chapter 14. Insert Day9 Scream Here

The carnage begun as my zerg clashed with the equines. Entire extremities were severed by either searing bolts of energy, or by acidic spines going at an extremely fast velocity. Honestly, you couldn't go five feet without accidentally stepping on the dead, or limbs.

Whole bodies were dissolved by liquid possessing extreme toxicity, and the sound of screams constantly resounded in the battlefield.

Needless to say, I'm traumatized.

I ordered my troops to head just a bit back, just outside of the artillery range of those equine-bastards. Although, why they simply can't bring their unicorns closer is a mystery to me, something must be preventing them to do so.

Naturally, I avoided being a target by diving behind a wall, a personally favored tactic of mine that I constantly use since I got here. But this time, I was actually contributing, I was striking those equines down from the safety of this wall with my recently acquired weapon.

Although, I am no marksman, so most of the bolts usually strikes the ground, or anything behind my intended target. So far this battle was not favor of me.

But occasionally, the bolt strikes it mark, albeit it never was a fatal strike, usually making me recoil in disgust as the blood flows from the wound and the now dying equine collapses on the ground.

If it were not for those damned reinforcements, this bloody massacre would have ended a long time ago, instead they just keep sending in more of these ponies.

Honestly, they're just feeding the flames of war more kindling.

Retreat, it was somewhat of a viable option. I say somewhat because if I escape now, they're probably going to bring even more of these Hearts, which is something that I dread.

My forces, which were located just the western part of town, were struggling to maintain a hold on the middle of the town, the part of which the tower harboring the heart is located.

I've ordered my troops to demolish the tower, but the incoming equine forces were relentless in repelling us. We are at an impasse; my forces can't reach the tower, and the alicorn can't reach it as well thanks to my own troops.

At this point, the streets where this particular battle is taking place is no longer considered a street, it was more of a crater-filled desolate wasteland strewn with blood and corpses.

Those damn equines, they managed to devise some sort of spell, it was a fire-based projectile, it was quite efficient in killing most of my lightly armored division of my army. Thankfully, they were ineffective to the much stronger carapaces of my armored units.

I took a peek at the battlefield, it still seems that we are at a stalemate. The unicorns are forced to create a wall of impenetrable shields being maintained by five or more unicorns, which made it incredibly difficult to shatter.

Stepping out of the protection the shield is simply suicide as my ever-keen hydralisks are always prepared to strike them down, should they be out of the boundaries of the shields' range.

Spine after spine peppered the shield walls, albeit it proved almost futile as the shields' maintenance, the unicorns, were quite efficient at keeping the shields up. Should a single unicorn falter from exhaustion, another unicorn would replace the incapable unicorn.

Thus, the shield's integrity will not diminish.

While my hydralisks, barraged the shield-clusters with their honed spines, my close-combat troops simply took cover, as the adverse party's unicorns were launching orbs of magic towards the air, in hopes that it will land directly on us, eliminating us in a display of bright light.

These spherical projectiles the unicorns were lobbing at us served as a form of artillery, exploding upon impact. Although, the explosion radius wasn't that wide. Furthermore, the distance between us and them were relatively long, so their accuracy wasn't exactly something to worry about.

Ah yes, the space between us and them, it was perhaps, half a kilometer, or perhaps less than that, I'm not really certain. But the tension was quite high.

The spines being launched by the hydralisks are still within their effective range, but the resilience of the shields were too resilient to penetrate. My opponents' artillery were simply out of the effective range, simply landing several feet away from me and my forces.

Unlike my hydralisks, I did not choose to relentlessly attempt at breaking the shields, for very obvious reasons, such as reserving ammunition.

Suddenly I heard something spoke behind me, "Well, this is getting extremely dull."

Startled, I turned around hastily, only to find that it was just the living-cheese, Chrysalis, "Gah, could you refrain from sneaking up on me?"

"I am not sneaking up on you, you are simply unperceptive," she retorted.

"Ugh, forget it. Do you have any ideas on how to break this stalemate?" I inquired. This battle has gone too long as it already is.

"Hmph, do I look like a tactician? Of course I don't have a single plan to end this." she stated, "I thought you were the one in charge of planning?" she scoffed.

"Well, I'm not exactly a strategist as well, but if I have to guess, these ponies will have to get exhausted soon, thus, they'll be forced to retreat." I stated.

"Where have you been, exactly?" I asked.

"Oh nowhere, just in that little building there, the view is quite decent in there," she said as she pointed her hoof towards a semi-ruined building.

The building was somewhat stable, it didn't exactly looked too great, but it wouldn't collapse or whatever. The building had several tears visible, mostly caused by stray, magical beams.

The building has a roof, or rather, it had a roof. I've not a single clue what happened to it, but if I had to guess, it was due to a rather inconveniently placed mortar-shot by a unicorn.

I rolled my eyes and turned to view the battlefield once more, nothing too startling is occurring, just the same cycle repeating over and over; hydralisks shooting their spines at those damned shields, yet unable to penetrate them, the seemingly endless amounts of mortar-like magic bombardment is still ongoing.

"Hm, it appears that reinforcements have arrived," Chrysalis pointed out.

"Yes, I am aware that there are adverse reinforcements incoming-" before I could complete my sentence, I was interrupted by the changeling queen.

"No, that's not what I meant, look up there." she said, pointing her holed hoof into the sky, just in the horizon of the western part of the town were a cloud of some sort consisting of multiple black dots.

Then I realized, those weren't black dots, they were mutalisks, brood-lords, and other aerial-based zerg breeds. A sense of relief overwhelmed me, at this point, the only logical option for those equines would be to retreat!

"Oh, I thought you were referring to the seemingly endless amounts of additional murderous equines."

"Wait, it seems that they took notice of this as well." Chrysalis pointed out at the unicorn, who I recognized as the blue maned one from before, shouting some sort of command to his fellow comrades.

Suddenly, they dropped the shields, allowing them to charge at an alarmingly high velocity, but, that also left them vulnerable to the endless stream of hydralisk spines.

"Dammit, they must be going for the Crystal Heart!" I stated, "Everyone, do not allow them to reactivate the Heart, prevent them from advancing!" I yelled out to my zerg legion.

One tremor-causing collection of growls and roars from my forces later, they promptly rushed into the opposing army, thus resulting in a very bloody clash between the two armies.

"Well, are you still going to just sit here and watch?" I inquired, inspecting the area further.

"Hm, well, I am somewhat tired, perhaps I'll just recline here and spectate." she stated casually.

"As expected," was all that I could growl in reply before rushing towards the battle, while making sure that my crossbow was loaded.

Hm, charging into battle? This was rather contrary to my usually cowardice tendencies, perhaps it's just because that I'd die a probably very agonizing death, should I allow those equines to re-power the Heart.

The sea of zerg beings met in a bloody clash, screams of agony echoed throughout the ruins of this town. Everywhere I looked, I saw those ponies being murdered by either spines or claws. Of course, the zerg forces were no exception to death, they were indeed being killed by the equines.

I was being being cautious, and by that I mean that I was hiding a rather large pile of rubble. I regret participating in the actual battle now.

I peeked out of my cover, just to the left was a handful of hydralisks shooting down a cluster of unicorns. They exchanged projectiles, but apparently, the hydralisks were winning.

To the right of me was just a mess of equines and zerg creatures engaged in a brutal skirmish, it was a sight that made me nauseous.

The battlefield was constantly barraged by glave wurms, the projectiles shot out from mutalisks, and the magical artillery by unicorns positioned outside of the battlefield.

While the mutalisks caused it to rain death, the brood lords, a mantra-like, airborne zerg breed, caused it to rain even more death, not in the form of projectiles, but of the form of biological symbiotes, also known as broodlings.

Broodlings, they're are small but vicious and upon landing from being launched from a brood-lord, they will attack any nearby enemies, attacking them until either they or the broodlings are destroyed.

Suddenly, a sudden orb of magic blasted the ground beside me, causing me to stagger down to the ground, while also almost inflicting a heart-attack on me. Once I recovered, I noticed that there were no ultralisks on the field.

Somewhat understandable, they were quite the easy target, considering that they were extremely large. Several well-placed magical beams, and they were done for. Not a single one of them were left, unfortunately.

Then I saw something that caught my concern, the tower containing the heart was relatively clear, well, if you don't count the several projectiles bombarding the entire vicinity.

Suddenly, I saw that pink alicorn heading towards the entrance of the tower, of course, not without a few guards with her. Instinctively, I aimed at her with my ranged weapon, and pulled the trigger. Of course, due to the distance, the bolt missed my target completely by several feet.

I cursed to myself, "Dammit, both of you," I pointed at two roaches that were relatively nearby, "follow me." I ordered them, to which they complied as I rushed towards the tower.

Of course, I had to be wary, otherwise I'd be incinerated by the incoming unicorn artillery fire, or by opposing unicorns shooting their beams of energy at me.

Thankfully, I dodged all of that, and my roaches were unscathed as well. I hurried in the tower, there were just stairs leading up, nothing else.

Hastily, I ascended through the stairs as fast as I possibly could. Finally, me and my roaches finally reached the final level of the tower.

There, I encountered Cadance and her escorts, or rather what was left of them, considering there were more than six when they charged in here; there were only two of them left.

Cadance was currently focusing her magic to, what I assume, reactivate the Heart, and her guards who were both unicorns, attempted to eliminate us by shooting their magic at us, thankfully, they were dissolved by my roaches before they could perform just that.

Despite this, the pink alicorn remained occupied on charging the Heart, there was a possibility that she was far too focused on transfusing her "love-energy" to the Heart to notice.

Then I noticed that my roaches were about to project their acidic streams of saliva at her, "Wait, don't kill her, you fools!" I yelled, and of course, they obeyed.

Then I noticed that the Heart was emitting a fuchsia aura, probably signifying that it's close to reactivation. If I don't act, me, along with my zerg, will be eradicated.

But there was really only one thing to do at this point, and that was to kill her.

I hesitated as I aimed my weapon at her, then I pulled the trigger.

The bolt struck her right leg, the part where I was aiming, this obviously disrupted her concentration. To my dismay, the Heart's glow intensified, forcing me to shield my eyes from the immense brightness.

Suddenly, my vision was overwhelmed with white as the Heart promptly exploded, probably due to to the disruption that I just caused.

Author's Notes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3I5h7UaOuk

---

Pre-readers:

ForeverADraconequus

Mimic Kairatta

Marx T

Chapter 15. Place-holder Name

"Gah, what just happened?" I mentally asked myself, I could feel pain. Just sheer amounts of agony riddled across my body. This sort of inconvenience seems to occur rather frequently for me.

Ah yes, I shot Cadance, that pink alicorn bastard, in the leg, which in turn, caused the Crystal Heart replica to promptly explode, which resulted in both of us getting rendered unconscious due to the blast itself.

The blast that the Heart discharged was immensely powerful, I'm surprised that I'm still breathing. Albeit reluctant, I arose from the floor. Of course, the tower's interior was almost completely decimated. I was half expecting this place to be reduced to cinders.

I looked around my surroundings, feebly trying to rise up, my two roaches, or at least their burning corpses, were charred to death by the blast, how the explosion didn't kill me is a mystery.

To the left of the room was the pink bastard, who was she again? Oh of course, Cadance. Her usually bright pink fur was charred black slightly, ashes are visibly scattered across her body.

She laid on the floor, unconscious, her horn was shattered; a jagged stump replaced it. She was still alive and breathing,
so she was still relatively fine, although, I can't exactly say something similar to her appearance.

Her usually bright pink coat was slightly charred, spots of it was blackened due to the explosion. Her mane as well was disheveled to a very extreme degree.

Oh, and the bolt that struck her leg was still there, of course it's still there, where the hell would it go?

There was an alarming out of blood gushing out of the wound in her leg, courtesy of the bolt of course.

The more I examined the room further, the more I question on how that blast didn't manage to liquidate me entirely. Hm, I do believe now is the appropriate time for a certain checklist, the checklist for a flawlessly annihilated room-and-slash-or-building, specifically.

The walls? Thoroughly obliterated, areas of the walls were charred just by the intense heat of the blast, most likely. There were even tears scattered throughout the walls, I'm surprised that this tower is still capable of existing.

The ceiling? It was almost entirely non-existent, almost the entire half of the ceiling was absent. Honestly, I have not a single clue why the ceiling is half-way to utter obliteration.

The Crystal Heart imitation was no longer present, it probably disintegrated subsequently to the explosion. Not really much of a surprise really.

I limped around the ravaged flooring of the tower, it took much effort, considering that I'm in utter agony right now. In order to compensate the lack of mobility due to my current state of pure agony, I placed my left hand on the wall for support.

Thankfully, the pain was starting to diminish, in terms of intensity of anguish. With a pained ground, I began walking towards the window, you know, for a breathe of fresh air.

Mid-way to the window, I could hear it, the familiar, yet still foreign and horrifying sounds of agonized screams and shrieks of zerg. Peculiarly, I was unable to hear any equine screams.

I shambled my way to the nearest window to take a glance on what the hell is exactly is happening outside of the walls of this tower. Finally, I made my way to the window.

What I am currently seeing is overwhelming me with astonishment and confusion.

My own zerg forces are clashing with each other. Yes, my own army is killing it self, "Dammit, whatever that blast did must have... I dunno, made my zerg pissed off." I bitterly muttered.

With angst, I withdrew the book from my robes, "That shock-wave must have disrupted the psionic link me and the zerg shares..." I thought before flipping to the page detailing the Zerg.

Of course, with the psionic link absent, the Hive located within the Everfree would be leaderless as well, simply feral. And of course, the book's un-summon range doesn't reach all the way to the Hive.

Dammit, only way to resolve this is to tear the page out. I thought.

This is really a shame, to just rip the page from this book. But if they're killing themselves, I'm quite certain that they'd kill me as well.

Reluctantly, I gripped the page documenting the zerg, and pulled it apart from the book, severing the particular page. A feeling of slight guilt lingered within my mind for a short amount of time.

Through the window, I could see the zerg entities being engulfed by a red light, they then proceed to emit a bright, red flash, after the bright light dissipated, they are nowhere to be seen.

I'm not certain about the captured equines, they were probably massacred by the frenzied zerg forces. I highly doubt if there were any survivors in this... massacre.

Ponyville, or at the very least, the remnants of Ponyville was now completely abandoned. I assumed that the equines retreated, considering that the tower containing the Heart exploded violently.

Much to my disgust, the whole town was littered with corpses, equines and gryphons alike, something like this would've made me feel extreme amounts of contempt towards myself, but this time, I didn't really feel it, it was still present, but it wasn't as potent.

Oh hell, am I getting accustomed to this already?

I shrugged at the thought as I turned towards the unconscious body of the pink alicorn. Unnecessary to point out, but the bolt lodged into her foreleg is something that is quite... problematic.

This is quite the predicament that I've involved myself in. Of course, I can't just simply remove the bolt from her leg, she would probably regain consciousness, obviously. But then again, I can't simply leave the bolt lodged within her leg.

And if she does manage to recover her consciousness, she will most likely assault me, with probably the intention of murdering me. Hm, so if that happens, then so be it, I have this cross-bow after all-

"Oh wait, I don't actually have it with me right now," I said to myself mentally as I noticed that the aforementioned ranged weapon was not within my possession.

I scanned the room completely, and there was nothing here, save for the exception of debris and the glistening fragments of the destroyed Heart.

"Dammit, I must have lost it when the explosion occurred," I thought to myself with agitation, "No matter, I still have this damned book," I said to myself.

With a sigh, I opened the book to a blank page... just to close it almost immediately, "Dammit, this room is way too confined, it's definitely unwise to open a rift here." I said to myself. I'd have to go outside to summon, there's just not a sufficient amount of space in here.

Just then, I heard hoof-steps originating from the stairway leading into this room. Panic surged through my mind, I'm completely vulnerable here, I've not a single method of defense, currently.

My eyes darted through the room, perhaps I can possibly conceal myself? After thoroughly examining room for somewhere to hide myself in, I was disappointed when the ruined room didn't exactly offered any viable spots to hide in.

Finally, the being emerged from the staircases, and it wasn't exactly an equine, it was something that I dreaded much more; Queen Chrysalis.

"Chrysalis? How did you possibly avoid all of those marauding, frenzied zerg forces?" I asked in genuine bewilderment.

"Ha, as if your little legion of monstrosities can possibly scathe a changeling well-versed in stealth in the slightest." she boasted, "I actually assumed that my capabilities in stealth were diminishing due to entropy."

I rolled my eyes in bemusement, "Hm, the fact that my zerg were far too extremely occupied fighting themselves might also have contributed to your success of slipping pass through them."

"Believe whatever you deem believable, but, it seems that you're now susceptible to actually being dispatched, considering you have no guardians around you to protect your frail limbs," she notified in a smug manner.

"Frail? Well, in my defense, I managed to fend off my assailant, Princess Luna, in a fair, one-on-one battle. And if I may remark, it is a milestone that I am quite prideful of." I responded.

But of course, I am aware that she was not in her most threatening during our encounter in those ghastly caves. If she was in her most devastating state, I would have not been able to flee from that certain plight alive.

I can only imagine what she would've done, should she possess the zenith of her power during our little bout. I assume she would've caused complete ruination on the cave, thus, collapsing the damn thing on me, which in turn, entails my death.

"Hm, the concept of you lasting a duel between her, and avoiding death for more than ten seconds alone is inconceivable," she turns her attention to the unconscious Cadance with a sly grin, "But, it seems that you are capable of actually surviving combat after all."

"Oh, right, her. It was more of an instinctive reaction that caused me to lodge that bolt into her leg," I pointed at the aforementioned bolt skewered within her leg.

"Mind lending me your aid? I'm in a confounding predicament right now, I'm not certain if I should just wrench the accursed thing out or I should just-"

Despite Chrysalis merely a few steps away from me, I failed to noticed that her horn, along with the bolt impaled into the alicorn's leg was glowing a familiar, distinct green aura. For further details, it was Chrysalis' aura.

With a telekinetic pull, the bolt was dislodged from the alicorn's leg. Apparently, the alicorn was fortunately not in a coma, as she woke up, most likely from the incomprehensible amounts of agony she must be feeling right now, from her slumbering state with an impressively deafening scream.

To precisely describe my reaction at the sudden predicament that I was just flung into, it harbored much resemblance to seeing someone falling off a cliff, while bursting into flames.

For simplicity's sake, I simply recoiled back in bitter disbelief.

Of course, once the alicorn ceased her glass-shattering shrieking, she attempted to nurse the offending wound by applying pressure on it with her hooves. I'm quite certain that this was unneeded to be spoken, but she appears to be in immense anguish.

I would've most likely said something along the lines of "Holy shit, the hell bloody hell were you thinking!" but I was simply too fazed at the moment.

With nothing more than a triumphant smirk, Chrysalis turned to face me, "So, will you be the one who finishes her off, or will I do it for you?" She said, barely audible, which is quite pointless; I doubt that the alicorn currently in mind-numbing pain on the floor is capable of hearing this conversation.

I simply don't know what is more unbelievable, the question she is inquiring me, or the fact that she just yanked that bolt out of her leg with little, or none at all, hesitation.

"What! Are you insane? What you're suggesting is probably going to result poorly for the both of us, and by that I mean that the death of one of their royalties will prompt the locals here to be even more enraged at me!" I replied.

She looks at me with a disconcerted look, "Oh, so what now? You can't possibly be suggesting of allowing her to live. That will just simply increase, if not multiply, the probability of them attempting to hunt you down out of vengeance for their comrades you just slaughtered."

I shrugged, "That is irrelevant, if they discover that we killed her, the chance of a relentless pursuit for my head will still be alarmingly high." I stated.

Without even a single warning, the pink alicorn limped as fast as possible after the stairs. Chrysalis responded with a ray of her magic, or possibly her love-energy, or whatever, I'm not exactly certain what changelings use as a method of assault.

However, the bolt missed its intentional target as it simply struck the already weakened wall behind the alicorn, the beam pierced through the wall, which surprisingly, left a very large imprint on the wall in the form of a really sizable hole.

Chrysalis muttered an inaudible curse due to her failure to strike her quarry down, but before she bolted down the stairs to hunt down her prey, I prevented her from doing such.

"Stop, let's allow her to keep breathing for now," I said as I retrieved the book from my singed robes, "I really don't want to piss off the ponies further."

Before she could protest, I added, "Yes, I am being quite lenient, but, the next time we see her in a battle, we'll kill her. I think I'm done being constantly hunted down."

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the slight delay of this chapter, I've been occupied with certain things, and the fact that there was a six hour long power outage, and another power outage the following day, didn't really help the development of this chapter.

And yes, I am deprived for clever names for chapters, how did you know?

Oh, and of course, the highly demanded merciless killing is arriving soon...

---

Pre-readers:

Chapter 16: The Past Has a Way of Catching up To You

"I'm telling you right now, it is definitely a bad choice to let her leave like that." Chrysalis stated as the both of us were walking down the ravaged stairs of the tower.

Fortunately, the stairway was still adequately stable, although, it actually feels as if this whole damn structure would collapse every time I take another step, which is not really that relieving, actually.

With a slightly agitated sigh, I responded, "Well, I suppose it's just that I'm too lenient with these things, that is practically my trademark, to accurately describe it."

"Your trademark is stupidity," Chrysalis spat bitterly, "You're going to result in regretting this decision." she added.

"Relax, why won't you? Referencing my earlier statement, we're going to... murder her next time, that is, if we encounter her once more," I continued walking down the stairs, Chrysalis following right behind me, "That is, if she is still harboring hostility towards the both of us."

"Of course she's going to be enraged at us, you basically painted this town with blood of her subjects," Chyrsalis stated, which I can't really counter. As a matter of fact, I literally painted this town with blood.

"Do you really assume that her general assessment of us is going to be altered, just by the mere fact that you allowed her to vacate this place alive?" she added.

"Well, I can't really expect that to happen, really. But it would be extremely beneficial to our endeavors, whatever it is, should that occur," I stated, "I was just merely trying to avoid another onslaught of equines."

"That is somewhat conceivable, but otherwise this particular method of attempting to evade further hostility still remains nonsensically dim-witted." Chrysalis stated.

"Pray tell, why didn't you simply take her as a captive, and then use her as some sort of bargaining tool against those accursed ponies?" Chrysalis asked.

I hesitated, "Oh... right, I really don't know why. That explosive discharge the crystal emitted must have dazed me more than I originally anticipated." I admitted.

This is a mere assumption, but I speculate that Chrysalis rolled her eyes directly after I said that sentence, "You're a paragon of extreme idiocy, which is actually commendable, considering I've confronted a handful of Diamond Dogs." she berated.

"But, I doubt that we can possibly seize her now, considering that she must've teleported off to somewhere, most preferably somewhere where the blood of her former comrades is less abundant." she added, somewhat mockingly.

"Alright, I am aware of the fact that you are exceedingly disgruntled over me permitting the pink alicorn to escape this place, with her life intact," I stated, "But the past is dead and buried."

Finally, we reached the entrance of the tower. Outside of the tower lied the nauseously revolting, yet incredibly awe-inspiring aftermath of the clash between my forces and the equines.

The putrid scent that was prominent within this region of the town, if not the entirety of the town, was ungodly to an extreme degree, threatening me to regurgitate, fortunately, I resisted the urge of doing so.

The carnage was ubiquitous, the severed limbs were literally omnipresent, be it whole appendages, or fragments of fleshy gore. The blood doused everything within sight, literally painting the city red, entire houses were drenched in the repulsive, crimson liquid.

"Hm, well, it appears that you're somewhat fazed by the sight of all this."

"Of course not, why... why would I? Gah, who am I attempting to deceive, this bothers me to no extent," I stated, "Let's just depart from the vicinity as swiftly as possible." I said.

Well, there's no possibility of avoiding stepping on the fallen, considering that there are lifeless corpses strewn about in every direction everywhere.

"Well then, teleportation should be of great aid in that regard." Chrysalis spoke.

"Wait, you were capable of teleportation, and you didn't bother mention that earlier?" I said,

"Hmph, you simply didn't ask." she stated.

"Fine, fine. Just cast the damn spell." I said in minor annoyance.

"There is nothing left to be done here, so I suppose retiring for the day is the most recommended action to decide," and with that said, she began channeling her magic, love, or whatever it is, causing her horn to emanate a green aura.

In a display of green flames, both me, and Chrysalis, vanished. A few seconds later, we rematerialized in the Everfree, although, I was suffering slight disorientation.

Teleportation, ah, a very intriguing concept. It's immensely convenient, impeccably less time-consuming, but, it is something that I have yet to learn to get accustomed to.

"I've... come to a conclusion, teleportation dazes my mind to no limit," I remarked, clutching my forehead to ease some of the pain inflicted by teleportation.

"Well, I suggest that you prepare another band of loathsome abominations, it would be really inconvenient, should a tragic death befall you now." Chrysalis commented, walking further into the forest, probably towards her underground hideout.

I was too occupied attempting to prevent myself from staggering down due to my exceedingly fazed stupor, but I think I might have grasped excerpts of her sentence.

The confounded pain originating from my head pestered me for another few seconds, or so before it finally dissipated entirely, much to my relief.

I inspected my surroundings, thankfully, fate seems to be favoring my convenience, as this was the same clearing, the one the Hive was established, thus, I am aware of which direction I must go towards to return to my semi-fortified stronghold.

I began walking as I took out the book from my robes. I flipped to an empty page, "Now then, what could possibly beat the Zerg, in terms of prowess and voraciousness?"

Now then, I do believe it is the appropriate time for the non-intricate process of summoning beings from across the vast selection of alternate universes.

Staring at the blank page, I chanted, "Bullets, bullets, bullets."

Why that particular word? I'm not certain really, it was just really speculation really, that if I said that, the probability of obtaining a legion of gun-wielding sharpshooters would be elevated. Although, it's just a mere theory.

As expected the ever familiar red vortex appeared above me, its ominous and intimidating presence gave me a reassuring feeling that I can't exactly describe.

And so I anticipated the arrival of my impending army of formidable combatants. What lies beyond that red crater in the middle of the sky always piqued much of my curiosity.

And after a few seconds later, my curiosity was sated, albeit, my mind is still attempting to register what that rift just dispatched to fulfill the role of my "army."

Apparently, the rift was basically bombarding the ground, comically if I might add, with Tonberries from the Final Fantasy series, thankfully, they weren't those repulsive-looking ones from... which Final Fantasy installment was that again? Eh, it's irrelevant now.

They were those short ones, with the robes, and the lanterns. These tonberries possess a green skin, like almost every other tonberry in the Final Fantasy universe, and beady, beady little eyes. They all wore a brownish robe, and they all boasted a very intimidating knife.

And I am not using the word "intimidating" lightly.

The flood of tonberries finally ceased, as the final tonberry dropped from the rift, and as the final comical thud sound-effect was made as said final tonberry impacted on the ground, comically, yet thankfully uninjured.

And now they all stared at me, and due to it already being nighttime this escalated to a much, much more frightening scenario. All thanks to their eyes that are malicious in appearance.

Yes, those ominous, seemingly never-blinking eyes. One of these creatures are already unnerving, should aforementioned creature stare at you.

But imagine several of these sinister eyes stare at you? It's incomprehensibly unsettling. No, incomprehensibly unsettling is a major, major understatement.

Addendum, why tonberries? Why couldn't have been a legion bombs? Of course, I'm referring to the bombs from the Final Fantasy universe, I mean, at least the detonation they discharge would be incredibly devastating.

Tonberries, all they have are their stabby-knives, which is incredibly ineffective in dispatching magical users, and-slash-or, ranged-weaponry wielders. But I must admit, those knives are intimidatingly large.

Wait, I may be able to see some blood-stains on some of the knives these tonberries are wielding. That is... somewhat concerning.

Then it struck me, don't they have the ability to call upon karma itself in a method of combat? Yes, I recall that particular skill clearly now, the more beings the targeted foe has slain, the higher the overall damage will be inflicted.

Hell, that was one of the reasons why I resulted rage-quitting that particular quest in a certain Final Fantasy installment. Even now, I still haven't achieved completion for that quest.

That infuriates me to no end.

Oh, I appear to be accidentally derailing my priorities right now, um, what am I supposed to do right now? Oh wait, there actually isn't much left to do.

I suppose now is the most suitable time to head back to my little stronghold that I, technically my minions, constructed. Wait, my minions didn't construct the damn thing, they simply organized the place, and if I might add, adequately.

Yes, rest has eluded me for far too long now, and it wouldn't be rather beneficial to my overall health, should it evade me further. That particular bed located within the castle would be the ideal place to sleep.

I turned to face my legion of knife-wielding, eerily-silent, murderers. I say murderers due to the fact that they appear impeccably unsettling, oh, and don't forget the fact that all of them are wielding blood-stained knives.

Well, at least the majority of them do, some of them possessed non-bloodied knives, although, there's a possibility that they just simply cleaned their instruments of murder before their arrival here.

"Tonberries!" I called out to my troops, just barely audible for all of them to hear me, "The time has come, to, er, to retire for the night, I am simply fatigued beyond comprehension." I commanded, to which they responded with... nothing but their cold, ominous eyes.

Oh... god. They continued on just simply staring at me idly. I swear I'm going to be suffering nightmares for as long as these beings are present around me.

"Now then, uh, simply follow me, I will lead us to our semi-fortified fortress." I stated.

And with that, I began walking, or more appropriately, fumbling through the inky darkness of this damned forest, my legion of seemingly unblinking stabby-specialists following closely behind me.

I don't think I'll be able to achieve slumber, I am deeply concerned for the unfavorable dreams that might possibly haunt me until the end of times.

Addendum, they are forming some sort of frighteningly alluring stream of lights, these lights were all emanating from their lanterns of course.

To accurately depict what is behind me, you can see individual orbs of light forming some sort of stream, moving ever so slowly, which conjured an excessively startling effect, unintentionally.

Somewhere, in the city known as Canterlot, lies a chamber sealed off to anybody- anypony, the entrance was guarded to the utmost diligence by guards who are more than willing to relinquish their lives in order to defend this chamber from any would-be infiltrator.

This particular room was none other than the bedchambers of Princess Celestia.

Princess Luna, who has since recovered from her injuries inflicted by her unsuccessful attempt at killing the Summoner, and her magic-reserves were since replenished shortly after she escaped from the Crystal Cavern and managed to reunite with her fellow equines.

There, she stood within the chambers beside an open glass window, gazing at a particular town in the distance, specifically, the town known as Ponyville.

Princess Cadance, along with his husband, Shining Armor, agreed to lend their assistance the endeavor of hunting down the Summoner, and if possible, the changeling queen, Chrysalis.

They devised some sort of prototype for an imitation of the Crystal Heart, and planned on deploying it within the vicinity of the Everfree, preferably, within the remnants of Ponyville.

It was a rational decision, Ponyille being a former town made it possible to construct fortifications around it, in an attempt to neutralize, or at the very least, mitigate the efficiency of an assault, should the Summoner choose to attack.

But a hefty amount of time has passed since they have departed for Ponyville, and so far, they didn't even send her a single report, much to Luna's dread.

She let out an inaudible, annoyed groan, it was really due to stress really, and needless to say, Luna was beyond stressed at this point.

"Luna?" A soft, groggy voice resounded within the room.

Author's Notes:

...

These horrifying bastards...

Stab, stab, stab.

-Sniper, from TF 2.

---

Pre-readers:

ForeverADraconequus

Mimic Kairatta

Marx T

Chapter 17. An Intermission, Albeit a Brief One.

The moon was set ominously in the night sky, illuminating this pitch black forest ever so slightly, however, visibility is still less than adequate. It would be quite contrary to my convenience, should there be an inconveniently positioned pebble in the middle of the pathway that might cause me to stagger over it.

The trail that directed to my fortress, that was surprisingly furnished, considering that the ones responsible for the furniture were a band of pirates, the majority of aforementioned pirates were usually intoxicated throughout the entirety of the day.

My army of knife-wielding lamp-holders are following, or more accurately, trudging along close behind me.

The light that their lamps were radiating was sufficiently luminous, but the eerie, bitter cold darkness still overwhelmed my vision. During nighttime this damn forest was quite unfavorable.

Courtesy of the chronic amounts of sleep-deprivation, I'm seeing shadowy entities in the distance, this would alarm me exceptionally, but I simply lack the necessary even an ounce of vitality to do so.

Despite how realistic they appear to be, I am aware that it's just my restless mind attempting to delude me. Still, they are overwhelmingly disturbing.

However, the "presence" of these shadowy figures concerns me; this probably signifies the degeneracy of my mental fortitude. Further sleepless nights will probably result in very catastrophic outcomes, which I would rather avoid.

As I walked, I noticed that the chilling breeze of the forest increased in strength and the dreary, shadowy trees swayed in increased intensity, as if this entire forest just began to deliberately harbor hostility towards my presence.

And of course, I feel as if I am being frozen to death thanks to these frostbite-inflicting winds . Low temperatures aren't exactly my forte.

Furthermore, the winds howled an eerie, low-pitched cry. I am not certain if this is the result from the intensity of the breeze, or it's just my duplicitous mind playing tricks on me.

It could possibly a combination of both, actually.

Shrugging off the bitter cold, or at the very least, attempt to, I trudged along the pathway further, my tonberry army following behind me silently, aforementioned army's footsteps were quite rhythmic, actually, as they followed me, this was somewhat amusing, although, that did not alter the fact that they still are remorseless, hardened murderers.

Silent. That is one word that describes the tonberries accurately. Their silence causes them to permeate a vague, disquieting ambiance within their vicinity. An ambiance that is extremely frightening.

Hm, I thought that tonberries were capable of speech? Well, I suppose that there is a possibility that these tonberries are from a Final Fantasy universe where they are unable to practice the application of language, or alternatively, they simply do not favor talking.

Regardless, they are sinisterly unsettling. It must be due to their eyes. Additionally, contrary to my current stupor, they seem to not be bothered from the cold.

Lucky bastards.

I groaned in irritation. The pathway leading to my damn fortified structure is taking a substantial amount of time to traverse, in regards to myself, anyway.

I'm quite certain that teleportation would be incredibly beneficial to my endeavors here. Hm, but do I possibly know anyone here that is capable of such a method of traveling?

Ah, of course, Queen Cheese-legs, also referred to as Chrysalis. Unfortunately, I would rather not walk all the way back to her little hideout and request her to teleport me back to my fort, such a thing is trivial.

Gah, why can't I have an alternative to walking? Besides running, and-slash-or sprinting, of course. Hmph, with the convenience of magic, it would take relative ease for me to arrive in my fortress.

I wonder if there is a method of gaining such power? Then again, I already have this book, so I don't really have the right to complain. After all, this book can rend entire civilizations to ashes and dusts in a matter of seconds.

Alright, mere seconds might be too hyperbolic. Perhaps the span of several hours seem much more sensible? Although, it ultimately depends on the active minion's skill, and or prowess for the amount of time required to demolish whole towns.

As I walked further, relief overwhelmed me as I finally saw something in the horizon, I could catch a glimpse of something, something very familiar. As I drew closer, it finally came to view, my sanctuary from this relentless cold; my castle.

A spark of (insanity) hope kindled withing me, I could finally have sanctuary from this exceedingly low-degree temperature. With commendable determination, I hurried my way to the castle, my tonberries hastened up their running-momentum as well.

Finally, I scurried to the much warmer interior of my little fort. If you had to endure the ordeal I had to brave through, you would relate to how much relief I felt when I entered the castle halls.

I would have been extremely ecstatic if the fireplace had been harboring flames, but much to my bitter indignation, there was no fire lighting the said fireplace. I would have ignited a fire, but the fireplace was lacking sufficient kindling, which agitates me even further.

I sighed, "All of you, feel free to keep a keen observation on this place, I do not want anyone attempting to infiltrate this location, and if need be, all of you are more than welcome to rest in the many rooms of this structure," I stated to my army, to which they replied with silence.

I swear, their blank glares are extremely unnerving. I feel as if I'd go insane by just simply being stared at these things for a long period of time.

"Now, if you'll pardon me, I'm off to go take much-needed slumber," I said as I scaled up the castle's staircase. Really, I wish I can just simply materialize within a random bedroom within this place.

Ah yes, if my memory serves me correctly, there was that particularly spacious bedroom, which will be more than sufficient. Now then, I simply need to locate it... once more.

I wandered through the shady, impeccably monotonous corridors of the castle, attempting to find that specific bedchambers, collisions with the randomly placed furniture was frequent for me due to the extremely poor lighting.

I didn't notice until I allocated several minutes in aimless wander of my time, that there were ceiling-lights installed within the corridors throughout the uninspiring halls of the castle.

With my disgruntled stupor, I decided to search for the switch that is supposed to activate these lights. Thankfully, my nightvision already adapted to the extremely dim lighting of this castle.

There, on the wall, was an inconspicuous, subtle switch. The switch was notably small, I could barely see it, albeit, I am within a dimly lit environment.

I glared at the switch, if I had to guess, this switch is connected to a majority of these ceiling-lighrts. I approached it, and promptly flicked the switch.

... Nothing notable occurred.

Well isn't that astonishing, nothing occurred! The lights did not activate, much to my dismay. The generators must not be running... of course they're not running, I didn't even hear them operating! Curse my sleep-deprivation.

Then I noticed something placed on one of the tables, it was an unassuming box of matches, subsequently, I realized something else, lamps were present on most, if not all, of the tables located throughout the corridors.

Conveniently enough, there was a tonberry passing by. With the remnants of my integrity, I spoke to the tonberry once it trudged near me.

"You there, light all of these lamps. I do not wish for a would-be assassin to infiltrate here with absolutely no effort due to the lack of visibility." I commanded.

The tonberry nodded in response, something that slightly surprised me, I was half-expecting him to just continue on staring at me disconcertingly.

The tonberry began lighting the lamps effortlessly, lighting the dimly lit corridors. The lighting the lamps were emanating possessed a very ominous appeal. I have not a single word within my range of vocabulary to accurately describe it, but I am somewhat fond of it. It bestows this place a very mysterious allure.

I continued walking, or more precisely, shambling through the hallways in an attempt to find the bedroom. I nearly collided with a table with a lit lamp on it in my stupor. Should I have knocked the lamp off the table, it would have resulted in a very unfavorable incident.

Ultimately, however, I would have been just moderately disgruntled.

Yes, simply disgruntled, nothing more. I am basically at the zenith of sleep-deprivation; I could care less, should my one, and only, home-slash-fortress get burnt down to cinders. I just desperately want to curb my state of absolute sleep deprivation!

My mind couldn't even conjure coherent thoughts any longer, but regardless of that, I attempted to recall where that damned bedchamber is located. You can't conceal yourself from me for an eternity, you damned door.

Of course, my currently non-functional mind didn't even bother giving me information, although, I do recall one thing; the bedroom was behind a notably large door.

With a groan of deep-seethed annoyance, I continued on wandering through this labyrinth of a castle. Of course, the outcome of my wanderings did not result in any fruition, yet, of course.

Finally, I encountered a familiar, remarkably large door, if I still had an ounce of vigor remaining within me, I would have at least gawked at the door's size before rushing into it. Was this door this large since my previous stay here?

But, courtesy of my restless demeanor, I simply did the latter only; I scurried into the chamber with an immeasurable degree of solace, sighing in relief as I opened the door.

Upon my rather brash entry of the room, I scanned the room for the bed, and lo and behold, there it was; a massive bed that was appropriate for royals, set in the middle of the room.

I eyed as if I was a ravenous cannibal that hadn't eaten in days that was stuck in the Himalayas that his eyes set on a fresh, unsuspecting prey. Some might say that I appeared rather deranged, but I could simply care less at this point.

"Finally, I found you, you bastard of a bed," I muttered before preparing to retire for the night.

I was experiencing one of the most amazing rests I had in my entire life, please note the "was" in my sentence. I was abruptly woken up by the sound of someone knocking on my door.

Considering that I depleted almost all of my stamina in locating this room, not to mention the excruciatingly lengthy amount of time spent walking all the way here, so I did what most people would do, I ignored it. But it simply persisted, irritating me even further.

"I'm quite certain that you're in there, open this damned door before I demolish it! I have some very alarming news to tell you, you loathsome mutant."

A voice shouted through the door bitterly, that particular voice was familiar, oh so familiar; it was Chrysalis', "Oh, Chrysalis!" I shouted, with a cheery tone, "Go screw yourself." I ended, my voice laced with contempt, much contrary to my previous tone.

And for a moment, there was nothing except silence, leading me to the assumption that she departed from the vicinity. Hell, it's a confounding conundrum on how she managed to bypass the several tonberry sentries scattered throughout this castle-

My train of thought was completely derailed as the door promptly disintegrated in a blast of green flames, which I assumed was Chrysalis' doing. Hmph, I supposed I should have taken her threat slightly more seriously...

Of course, I thrashed around in my bed, the sound that the blast emitted startled me somewhat. Okay, I have to admit, my previous sentence may be a mere understatement.

I fell onto the cold, stone floor as a result from my frantic state, I rose from the cold floor to confront my assailing colleague, and preferably demand her to depart from the vicinity.

I glared at her as I recuperated from my fall, but before I could even begin

"Listen, you mongrel, I've received some information from my spies stationed in Canterlot, Celestia has recovered from that trauma you inflicted upon her." she stated.

I blinked, I was uncertain on how I should react to her statement, and then I blinked once more. Celestia recovered? Huh, I was anticipating her to be in a comatose state for a much longer period of time.

Wait a minute, if she's awake, she's most likely beyond enraged by me, which I will say in defense was accidental, placing her in a coma, and I already have that Lunatic, and that other alicorn, seeking my head to be displayed on a plate.

"Um, pardon me? Celestia, as in the same Celestia that I may have accidentally rendered unconscious for a few days?" I asked, albeit, it was a trivial inquiry.

"Well, who else could it possibly be?" Chrysalis replied, "I suggest that you should practice being more cautious, I doubt with two alicorns you can last for too long," Chrysalis scoffed.

"I doubt you are aware of this, but, when was the last time I am able to relax subsequent to my arrival here?" I questioned before sighing, "Ah screw it, I assume that I have to conjure more elaborate methods of avoiding death now that the other alicorn is awake," I muttered audibly.

"Anything else that I should be aware of?" I asked.

"Oh, well, there is a remarkably sizable army of what appears to be the mercenaries you've previously fought approaching from over there," she points her hoof to the west, "You can thank my scouts for detecting them before they actually arrived here," she added.

Well isn't that excellent, this is just what I needed to make this day even better. Ugh, apparently, it is impossible for me to obtain a moment of relaxation from this madness.

Author's Notes:

...

The doinking will begin after a favorable amount of time has passed.

---

I apologize if it this chapter was slightly delayed, I had to go under the process of discovering additional pre-readers due to my two

---

The individuals that are responsible for the adequate degree of quality for this chapter are the following:

Mimic Kairatta (Give him a cookie for pre-reading my chapters for such a lengthy amount of time, and of course, for his panache in pre-reading.)

FTDLulz (New guy number one, he displays much promise, considering the fact that this chapter went through a somewhat-heavy revision transition before being released; he detected more than a handful of my idiotic mistakes, and of course, subsequently, I remedied aforementioned mistakes. You can thank him for the slightly-more-pristine-than-usual quality of this chapter!)

Spectro (New guy number two. I am unable to conjure a descriptive synopsis for him, unfortunately. Sorry man. :/ )

AdmiralPopeye (New guy number three. Oh, I got one! Wait, uh, never mind, I retract my previous statement. Forgive me. D: )

Chapter 18. A Suitable Weapon?

In an extremely weary and dazed-like stupor, I asked the Changeling queen, "Please, please elaborate on how you manage the hallways that are literally swarmed with my guards."

"Ha, those are your guards?" she scoffed, "They're less perceptive than a pebble."

"Although, their aimless wandering made it somewhat of a nuisance. Nonetheless, the task of infiltrating this place was still far from difficult." Chrysalis stated smugly.

"Although, I did sense an alarmingly disturbing amount of malicious, magical energy permeating from them, but regardless, they look feeble enough for me to disregard them as a threat," she boasted.

"Hm, well I suppose that is a sensible explanation for it." I replied, visually weary, "The tonberries aren't exactly renowned for their agility."

Although, their proficiency in the art of remorseless murder- er, assassination is quite prominent. Hm, I revoke my statement, I don't think simply walking up to someone, clearly in their line of sight, and stabbing them is considered assassination.

"Please, do tell me about the approaching army of mercenaries. It seems rather irrational for them to attack me all of a sudden, especially considering the degree of attrition they suffered." I inquired.

Chrysalis continued, "They are demoralized as well, the reason to this is most likely due to the amount of casualties they sustained from their previous encounter with your minions."

"They also seem to be critically debilitated, the majority of them are harboring rather fresh injuries, as if they had a skirmish recently. It's perplexing, how they managed to pinpoint your little fortress." Chrysalis added.

"Perhaps they simply assumed that this castle was still abandoned, and they are simply passing through here? Could it have been a possibility that they had an encounter with another group who holds hostility towards them. I am doubtful to think that they would launch a sortie on this installment, especially with a number of them injured." I commented.

"Tch, if that's the case, then we should make a preemptive attack -- an ambush -- thus, eliminating a threat of ours." Chrysalis recommended. "Of course, we'd have to pursue the survivors that manage to scurry off, but that wouldn't be too problematic."

"I would prefer to avoid doing something too hasty," I objected, yawning once more. "I would much rather talk with them first before deciding on whether I should massacre them completely or not."

"Hmph, well I suggest that you acquire something that you can use to defend yourself with, I highly doubt that your 'guards' will be able to defend you from the metal of their blades, considering that they are easy prey among their archers," Chrysalis instructed.

"You'll be able to find me just south from here, just a suitable distance away from the gryphon mercenaries," she stated.

Before I could query further about where she would exactly position herself, and probably a sizable amount of her changelings, she vanished from my sight in a miniature inferno of green flames, leaving me to my solitude once more.

Her statement on where she would exactly be wasn't as informative as it was vague and that irritates me even further.

I sighed as I headed towards the door, but not before looking towards the bed, which appears to be more comfortable than it did before seven-fold. As enticing as it is, I resisted going back to the blissful grasp of slumber.

I exited the bedchamber and contemplated to myself on where I could possibly retrieve a weapon. Of course, it didn't require much time to conclude that the repository of weapons, the armory, would be the most sensible place for the acquisition of a weapon.

I began walking through the several corridors of the castle, encountering several tonberries taking a stroll throughout the halls. The tonberries never seem to tuck away their behemoth-knives, though, with a blade that size, I doubt that it is possible to conceal them.

Yes, I have come to call their butcher knives behemoth-knives solely by the fact that they are comically large and terrifying.

Those knives are definitely terrifying, as if a single stab from their knives is fatal. The fact that a single stab from a tonberry's knife actually is usually fatal kindles my fear of their knives even further.

I noticed that the number of tonberries here is inordinate, there were at least five tonberries per hallway, which caused me to be more bewildered by the fact that Chrysalis actually managed to bypass all of them, completely avoiding detection.

I shrugged that rather unproductive thought out of my head. I am heading towards the armory to obtain a weapon, preferably something reliable, should I be required to participate in combat.

But I can assure you, I'll see to it that combat will be avoided, that is, if it can be avoided. I am quite certain that those mercenaries are still rather spiteful towards me. Of course they are, I massacred a great quantity of them.

Although, this isn't exactly a negotiation, should they decline my ultimatum, said ultimatum simply requests that they screw off and leave me be, they will be most likely murdered.

Or for an even more cruel alternative, become captives of Chrysalis. Ugh, a chill run downs my spine thinking about that thought.

Ack, another rather unnecessary line of thought, I mentally cursed as I shrugged that one off as well. Must concentrate on obtaining a weapon from the armory.

Yes, I am aware that the firearms have faded entirely from this specific reality, considering that the pirates were un-summoned, but that does not mean that whatever they crafted using the materials gathered here have dematerialized.

If I recall correctly, they hoarded a considerable amount of bottles containing intoxicating liquid. With any luck, they didn't consume the entirety of the stockpile of alcohol and alternatively, and more productively, fabricated firebombs, more commonly known as molotov cocktails.

Molotov cocktails, an explosive projectile that is ridiculously simplistic, but remains as an extremely viable and effective tool for either disintegrating whole buildings and biological entities, or for simply administrating anarchy.

Molotovs are quite an ubiquitous instrument of violence. After all, they don't require much effort to craft, and are quite effective.

I ceased my walking as I was met with a nuisance, a pathway in the castle splitting into different routes. I groaned as I attempted to remember which route was the one I needed to take.

Fortunately I managed to somehow recall the route leading to the weapons cache, and walked further down the lower sectors of the castle... probably, it was somewhat of a guess, really.

Finally, I arrived at the armory. Or at the very least, a lengthy hallway leading towards the armory, or what I assumed to be the entrance to the armory, it was difficult to discern this hallway from the other several hallways.

Hm, this is definitely the place. The brick walls were still morbidly uninspiring, the scent of this place can still be accurately described as condemning despair.

Although, what did I expect? This is an abandoned castle, the duration for which it was abandoned is beyond me, I doubt that a band of pirates can reconstruct it into something too appealing.

I inspected the room further, there was a troublesome nuisance, the room was inadequately lit, although, there were additional lights installed within the room, fortunately enough.

I walked into the armory further, to my astonishment the armory was much improved significantly, "Actually, it appears as if there are a few major alterations to the armory." I whispered to myself.

The myriad of spears were placed vertically on their respective weapon racks on the right corner of the room.

Said spears appeared to be even honed, and sharpened, and judging by the degree of finesse, whoever sharpened these spears possessed much proficiency in doing so.

The several swords and other miscellaneous blades were also organized vertically on wooden racks, as with the spears, they seemed to have been honed.

Finally, many of the several preexisting bows were placed on a simple, dreary wooden table stationed on the middle of the armory.

There was even a small, wooden container, resembling that of a crate, serving as a depot for hand-crafted arrows beside the table. Quite impressive.

I must admit, the pirates are notably competent at reorganization...

I began browsing through the vast arsenal stored within this chamber. First, I headed to the rack filled with spears. I'm not exactly certain why I chose to approach here first, considering I have no experience wielding spears whatsoever.

I prefer ranged weapons over the weapons where it is necessary for one to close in the distance between your enemy before striking. So, perhaps a bow will be appropriate for me?

I shrugged, then again, I'm not much of a sharpshooter. Hell, I can barely strike someone down using the cross-bow, so bows aren't exactly viable for me.

With a sigh, I finally opted to simply obtain a simple blade, besides, it's not as if I'm going to be participating in most of the combat.

I perused the organized cache of swords with uncertainty, there was just simply too many to choose from. Finally I selected a fine, small blade. It had an allure to it, I was not certain exactly what it was, but it appeared to be more quaint than the other blades.

I inspected the small blade with approval. It wasn't intimidating per se, but it would be more than sufficient at ceasing someone's life.

I trailed off my examination as I noticed something at the table prompting me to smirk maliciously, no, not because of the assortment of bows, the origin of my grim smirk was due to a subtle, unremarkable clothe sack placed beside the wooden bows.

I might have an assumption on the contents of the sack...

Approaching the sack, I peeked into its interior to discover its contents, my smile of malice surged in magnitude substantially as I acquired one of the contents from the bag and inspected it in my hand.

It was a firebomb; a molotov cocktail. My assumption was correct, igniting a sense of mischief within my mind.

You see, I have a fascination with fire, yes, I am somewhat of a pyromaniac, but, I will probably traumatize myself to an immensely high degree, should I murder someone via flames.

The screams of agony is something I find significantly nauseating, so I will allocate a great deal of effort avoiding the usage of these explosives, I'll only hurl them haphazardly, should the necessity present itself.

Remember, I do not have a sizable amount of time to spare, an army is approaching, I reminded myself as I strapped the bag stocked with bottles containing extremely flammable liquid on myself before swiftly departing from the weapons cache.

Despite the fact that I was in hurry to arrive at the battlefield or what would become a battlefield should things go horribly wrong, but I tread with caution.It would be calamitous should I drop this bag.

This bag of searing death.

I wandered around the southern outskirts of my fortification, my legion of intimidating, knife-wielding murderers trailing close behind me, searching for that bastard, Chrysalis.

It didn't take long for me, along with my army, to take notice of a bright, eerie green flow in the distance.

That must be Chrysalis and her swarm, I thought to myself as I approached it, prompting my countless amount of tonberries to follow me.

"Chrysalis, you could have at least told me where you would exactly be at before teleporting like that," I said, mildly disgruntled.

"Yes, yes, it's quite nice to see you too," she said mockingly, "Anyways, the acquisition of a weapon, did you manage that?" she asked.

Promptly, I retrieved one of the hazardous firebombs from the conveniently sized bag, "I assume that you're at least familiar with the use of this item?"

She glares at me skeptically, "You, you brought a bottle of alcohol... with some sort of fabric stuffed into it."

"So, I assume that you are not aware of the purpose of this improvised weapon," I stated, "That... is understandable, considering that this is a land of non-violence."

"A bottle, what could you possibly achieve with a bottle?" Chrysalis asked doubtfully.

"Fine, if you'd like to see a demonstration of this thing, ignite the cloth." I asked, to which she rolled her eyes dismissively.

With a small surge of magic, her horn glowed as she performed a seemingly measly fire-based spell, kindling the rag inserted in the bottle.

I scanned the area for a suitable target, causing a forest fire would be extremely annoying. Finally, I spotted a rather large clearing, distanced away from the foliage.

Deciding on that to be my target, I hurled the firebomb at the clearing, which I managed to hit. My throw was satisfactory enough for the molotov to avoid being tangled in the surrounding foliage.

The bottle shattered upon contact of the ground, thus the bottle spread its flammable content over the area in a burst of shattered glass.

Ergo, the fire that was on the fabric lit the liquid that was doused over the vicinity of where the bottle impacted, thus causing a miniature inferno.

"Ambush! It's an ambush!" I heard a voice yell in the distance.

I widened my eyes, "I really shouldn't have done that."

Author's Notes:

Fire based weapons, quite a marvelous concept.

---

Pre-readers for this chapter:

TSLsmokey

Mimic Kairatta

FtDLulz

Marx T

Admiral Popeye

ForeverADraconequus

Chapter 19. Rivalry

The sound of gryphons wailing in agony as a knife is jammed into their already injured bodies were prevalent within the area. I glanced towards the area that the gryphons are centered in, those that weren't able to regroup with their fellow mercenaries had no chance of surviving.

Just away from me, I saw a lone gryphon being stalked by three tonberries. The gryphon scanned the environment frantically for his hunters. With uncertainty, he readied his spear as he heard a rustle originating from the bushes.

With a lunge, he stabbed the bush. Much to his dismay, he simply struck nothing and he was unable to dislodge his spear as he appeared to strike something.

A group of three tonberries emerged from the shrubbery and slowly approached the gryphon, their knives pointed at them menacingly.

The gryphon attempted to flee, but he then realize that he was cornered as another group of tonberries swarmed him from every single direction. I was more than aware what will happen next.

I took cover behind a tree as a stray arrow bolted just beside me, striking an adjacent tree behind me with a resounding thump. Concerned about my personal safety, I managed to acquire a rather crudely made bow, along with a few arrows.

"Remember, do NOT injure them, or at the very least, don't kill them!" I yelled out to my tonberries that were stalking through the foliage, surrounding the cluster of gryphons.

"You do know that this entire conflict was a result of your idiocy, correct?" I heard a familiar, condescending voice from behind me.

I responded, not even bothering to face the one berating me, "Well, I am at fault here, but my sleepless state also contributed much to the cause of this avoidable confrontation."

I added, "Yes, perhaps if a certain someone didn't wake me up from my peaceful slumber?" I said, finally facing Chrysalis with a mildly irritated look.

"Dammit, the number of troops this 'army' possess isn't even slightly intimidating, I'd say that there's a measly twenty to twenty-five of them here." I stated. "I see no reason for bringing me here, you know, considering that your troops are so 'superior' in comparison to mine."

"Tch, I'd rather not sustain too many casualties than need be." Chrysalis said in defense.

"Well, isn't that such a staunch defense, clearly, you contradict me." I said in mockery, "Alright, do you still think that there's a possibility of them surrendering?" I asked.

"Hm, considering the fact that they're cornered, they're either going to yield, or simply retaliate like cornered beasts." Chrysalis stated. "I doubt that you could successfully reason with them, but I suppose it's still viable." Chrysalis remarked.

"Well then, I suppose I could launch an attempt." I muttered, merely audible enough for Chrysalis to hear me.

My gaze was fixated onto the battlefield before me, the griffon mercenaries were all enclosed to a very confined area, rendering escaping an invalid strategy.

The majority of them sustained wing-related injuries, rendering them incapable of flight, thus they have to resort in non-aerial, ground combat. Peculiar, their wounded wings appear to be still bleeding and un-bandaged.

And their brethren still able of simply retreating via flying are not relinquishing their comrades, instead they chose to fight further. How valiant.

How baffling, it's been what? A couple of days since my previous encounter with them, I've expected them to bandage their wings by now, or at the very least, ceased bleeding.

It seems that the assumption of them encountering another combative party is probable, if not obvious at this point. But the conundrum is, who did they encounter?

Right, right. Must refrained from being sidetracked, my main concern for now is on subduing them without the need for violence nor unnecessary fatalities.

The griffon combatants were surrounded by my, and Chrysalis', tonberries and changelings. At this point, I am certain that the griffons are aware that once you pass through the foliage surrounding them, you won't be returning.

So that is why they resulted in blindly shooting at the foliage for what they deemed to be a threat, so far, they've struck nothing but the shrubbery and trees. I suppose paranoia is getting the best of them, considering the amount of arrows stuck into the trees is rising steadily.

Then I noticed, the barrage of arrows abruptly halted, and with that, the annoying, repetitive sound of arrows hitting the foliage around me.

I presume that they've depleted their entire arrow supply. Now's the recommended time to converse with them, and hopefully, persuade them to surrender. But I doubt I could succeed in that task... but screw it, I suppose.

"Well, are you done yet?" I yelled out to the gryphons, "Or do you still have a few remaining trees that you have a grudge with?"

"Vile beast, stop your toying and face us!" one of them shouted in response.

"I recommend against that greatly, my troops outnumber greatly, it would be rather disreputable for me to just simply slaughter all of you, then again, I don't have much of a reputation here." I replied.

"So, how about you simply discard your weapons and we converse like mannered, cultured individuals?" I added.

"Surrender? To you? We'd rather fade away in the bloodied honor of a clash." the same gryphon responded.

"I am aware that we harbor rather spiteful sentiments towards each other, but I can assure you, we will not massacre all of you, should you choose the option of capitulation." I stated.

"That is no more than a promise of cowardice. You aren't even fighting your own battles, you stand behind monsters that you conjure and let them do the work. That alone makes you even more of a coward!" the Gryphon shouted, most likely out of prejudice.

How adamant, I thought to myself, "Hm, technically, I do not conjure them, I summon them. Hence the title, the Summoner." I corrected, "But that is irrelevant, think about all of the lives that are going to be simply ceased early."

"Ha, my men are more than prepared for a worthy death!" the gryphon, who at this point I assume to be their leading command, roared, causing an uproar of cheers from the other gryphons.

"Do they now? Nobody wants a pointless death, and don't you think that they deserve to live on a bit longer? I mean, life promises much more than an untimely death after all." I stated. At this point, I have no idea what I'm spewing out. Oh wait, I'm spewing out nonsense. That's what.

To my surprise, the gryphon leader actually hesitated. Am I actually swaying them? Although, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if he was simply too stunned by my folly to respond.

I turned to face Chrysalis, "Well, am I doing well so far?" I asked.

Chrysalis replies by simply shrugging with a face that basically said, "I could care less."

Rolling my eyes in annoyance, I continued blindly reasoning, "And it appears that you and your men have suffered a number of injuries, and I can discern that they're fresh, so they couldn't have been inflicted by my own troops."

"Who did you encounter?" I asked.

For a moment, there was nothing more than silence, save for the exception of the leaves of the shrubbery and trees rustling due to the chilling breeze of the forest.

Then finally, there was a response, "Ha, why should we tell you when you already know who attacked us? It's your damned allies, the changelings. We barely escaped from those bastards."

The answer thoroughly bewildered me, I turned to face Chrysalis once more, "Uh, mind explaining? I'm quite confused here."

Unfortunately, the changeling queen was just as perplexed as I was, "I am unsure of this. I do not recall ever launching an attack directed at them... unless."

"Do you suppose that there was another hive was responsible for this attack? I mean, that seems like the most reasonable explanation for this." I stated. I was genuinely concerned by this.

Chrysalis grew a blank expression on her face, "Ask them about the changelings' appearance."

I nodded, "My changeling allies had never once attacked you, perhaps the changelings did not belong to her. What did they appear like?"

The gryphon answered, astonishing me slightly, "They, they were far too quick. They struck from the shadows, it was hard to even take a glance of them, but I do know this, they had a red color scheme, in contrast to the usual green."

I looked back at Chrysalis, who had a facial expression of someone that just has seen a ghost -- that is, if the ghost was a particular two-legged, pale, humanoid-esque creature that is heaving a large, metal blade.

She then clenched her teeth, visibly frowning. Her sudden shift of mien, along with the revelation of these red changelings, caused me to grow even more worried.

"We have to go. Now." Chrysalis said, the last part sounding much more serious.

"Right now? That seems rather sudden, certainly that this is a rather urgent discovery, but do these red changelings really pose that much of a concern to you?" I asked.

"They... they are the reasons why I am here in the Everfree, they evicted me from my previous home." Chrysalis stated, "Of course, I took that rather bitterly and decided to launch an assault at them. Clearly, that failed, considering that I'm here." Chyrsalis clarified.

"Oh, and they want me, along with my hive, eradicated." Chrysalis added, "No doubt that they finally located me here, though, I didn't expect them to find me this shortly."

"So, I guess we don't have much time to spare for dawdling?" Regardless of obvious the answer was, I still inquired.

"No, none at all. I don't even know how long they have been in the Everfree, but I am certain that it won't be long until they finally discover the location of my hive." She said resentfully.

I sighed, "So I guess I'll have to end this earlier than I have expected then, great." I said, "Hold on, let me just say one last thing to the gryphons before we depart." I said as I turned to confront the gryphons... from the safety of this tree, of course.

"I see. Well now, I have much more urgent troubles plaguing me, so I will leave, feel free to take a rest from all of this madness once I'm gone. Farewell, my adversaries!" I shouted. Honestly, I regret saying that as a farewell.

I faced Chrysalis, "So, are going to have to walk all the way-"

I was interrupted as green fires enveloped me and Chrysalis entirely, obstructing my vision entirely. Suddenly, the green flames were extinguished, thus I was capable of seeing things once again. Albeit, I was extremely disorientated.

"Oh- oh for." I staggered as I was forced to cope with the side-effects of teleportation, "Chrysalis, I thought I told you to at least warn me when you decide to do that!"

"Hm, oh, well apologies if I made you somewhat troubled." Chrysalis said dismissively, "Hm, it seems that we aren't too late, they didn't appear to have arrived here yet."

I noticed that Chrysalis teleported the both of us not outside of the entrance of the hideout, but apparently within the secluded outskirts of the hideout. Clever.

As with Chrysalis' statement, the adverse hive did not appear to have arrived yet.

"Well, I suppose we should set up some defenses-" Once more, I was cut off by Chrysalis, much to my annoyance

"Wait- I can't feel the rest of my changelings within the hive, wait, no, I can feel only a small amount of them in there." Chrysalis stated, her tone devoid of any emotion.

I responded by retrieving the Summoning book from my robes. Noticing the fact that my tonberries were not within the vicinity of me, I decided to summon another batch of minions. Regardless, I doubt that the tonberries would be effective against swift combatants against these changelings.

I flipped to the page describing the tonberries and subsequently chanted, "Disperse. Disperse. Disperse." thus causing the book to shift into it's unsummon phase.

The book shone the usual bright red aura. After a few seconds, the aura died out, "Well, hope for the best that I manage to summon something competent." I said to Chrysalis.

She responded with a simple nod, with a gulp, I flipped to a bank page and chanted.

"Ruination. Ruination. Ruination."

Author's Notes:

An update? Already? That was awfully quick.

Did it all in one night while playing a song on loop. Yes, it's still stuck in my head.

---

Pre-readers:

FtDlulz (He da best)

AdmiralPopeye

Marx T (He also da best)

Mimic Kairatta (He da best too)

ForeverADraconequus (He pre-read this story since chapter 2 :D)

Chapter 20 (For Reals This Time). Somebody Called for an Exterminator?

The red rift forcefully coerced its way into reality as it appeared just a few feet above me, emanating ripples around it. Shortly, the red rift has fully opened, prepared to unleash whatever horrors from the other side of it.

I looked to Chrysalis with a concerned face, "Well, I suppose now's the best time to hope for whatever comes out of that thing is, at the very least, competent enough to fend off these other changelings."

"Ha, I doubt it, all of your armies are less than a threat, in my perspective at least." Chrysalis boasted, much to my vexation.

"But one of my former legions of death rendered a whole town to ashes." I objected, with a questioning look on my face. Chrysalis simply rolls her eyes.

"Huh, look over there." I pointed at the usually camouflaged entrance of the changeling hideout; it was now unsubtle and clearly visible as the foliage appeared to have been removed. "I suppose that clarifies that the rival changeling swarm has arrived."

"Tch, well, I hope that your next army will be serve as ample meat-shields." Chrysalis said, genuine concern faint in her tone, "Because these changelings are exceptionally deadly."

I did not reply, but merely shrugged. Huh, for Chrysalis to regard something as deadly, that frightens me somewhat. Though, I shouldn't need to stress, it's quite deleterious to my already ravaged mental fortitude.

Then finally, the first of many emerged from the portal, landing on the ground with little trouble, if not none at all. As if the individual was anticipating a fall, how intriguing.

The individual was donning some sort of dark grey suit, with a pair of what appears to be night-vision googles, and he appears to be wielding a firearm that appears to be a Submachine gun.

"That thing seems to resemble your appearance." I heard Chrysalis point out.

"Well, the fact that he is apparently human, my race, contributes much to that." I mocked.

He seem familiar, then again, every single one of my previous armies were recognizable by me. Huh, a sense of dread overwhelms me by just glancing at the shady individual. Hm, I hope that signifies that he is skilled.

Unfazed by sudden shift of his environment, he examines the area, looking around. It didn't take much time for him to spot me, casually, he begins walking towards me.

Upon reaching my vicinity, he hands me a radio, I grasped it in my hand, slightly confused. He then proceeds to place what appears to be an earpiece in my right ear.

He proceeds to connect the earpiece with the radio, seeing my bewilderment. He then gestures for me to take the radio, along with the earpiece connected to it of course. With a sheepish grin, I did just that as I set the earpiece back into my right ear.

He then proceeds to talk via radio as he pressed one of the buttons on the earpiece.

"Hey, boss. Who are the unlucky bastards that's gonna get shit on by me and my friends?" He asked with pure determination and pride laced in his garbled voice. The distortion in his voice probably due to the fact that the radio was somewhat faulty.

That voice, now I recognize this character; he's the Cloaker from the Payday series. How I failed to recognize him earlier is beyond me.

Cloakers are paramilitary units that don light, protective armor that blends quite well with the several smokescreens. They're swift bastards, capable of incapacitating another being by simply kicking them.

I have to admit, their proficiency in martial arts is quite intimidating.

I replied via radio, "Don't find this offensive to your degree of skill, but we're against a swarm of large bugs. Much like this one here." I said as I pointed at Chrysalis.

Chrysalis appeared to have taken offense slightly, this was apparent as she shot a grimace at me. I suppose using the word "bug" to describe her race is insulting.

I inquired out of curiosity, "Why are we even speaking through the radio, I can hear you clearly."

He shrugged dismissively, "Just wanted to make sure you knew how to use that thing." He said, this time, not using the radio. Although, his voice was slightly muffled due to the mask he wore. I nodded slowly in acknowledgement in response.

I heard Chrysalis whisper, "This one seems.. peculiar. Do tell me the object that he just gave you. I'm somewhat curious."

"Oh, this thing?" I retrieved the radio from my robes, grasping it within my left hand. "A simple, yet extremely efficient, long-ranged device for communication purposes."

"Hm, perhaps I should request for one." Chrysalis said. "It would save much of my time, as it would defeat the purpose of finding you, should I find some noteworthy information."

"Well, you can't possibly be the only one that I managed to get, where are the others?"

He glanced at his left hand's wrist, as if he had a watch on him, "Hm, I'd say that they're arriving at one. Two. Three!" he exclaimed.

Despite his rather enthusiastic countdown, the portal simply did nothing but idly exist, awaiting for my army's arrival. The Cloaker grew somewhat annoyed by this as he slumped down slightly in disappointment.

"Hm, well I didn't exactly expected that to work, but it would have been awesome if it did." He stated, urging me to face-palm. Fortunately, I avoided using that gesture.

"At least I had the balls to go here first!" The mercenary stated in pride and triumph, but consisting more of pride. "No, but seriously, they should be here by now-"

The cloaker was cut off as a sizable amount of combatants emerged from the portal.

The deluge of trained fighters pouring out of the portal came to a halt, much to my disappointment. There wasn't exactly a favorable amount of combatants, but I suppose that this is still considered an army.

Honestly, I was anticipating more combatants to emerge from the portal, but I should avoid complaining. At the very least, I didn't manage to summon anything feeble.

To be fair, however, these warriors are more, in terms of tactical prowess and combat efficiency, are immeasurably more skilled, in comparison to, my previous gun-wielding minions, the pirates.

The sight of a legion of adequately armed, armored, experienced warriors before me was incredibly intimidating, to say the least. Ugh, I could feel the inner heister within me tremble in fear.

The feeling of immense reassurance surged within me, I realized that these weren't the regular response units from the game, these were the Deathwish enemies encounter... well on Deathwish difficulty.

What is exactly Deathwish? For simplicity's sake, it's the highest difficulty setting in-game. Basically, the average hostile units are replaced with alternate variants that are remarkably more resilient and more devastating. In example, increased health, armor, etc.

I looked upon the several generic, identical fighters. What were were they called again? Ah yes, GenSec Elite Swat units. The alternatives of the usual, non-notable response units. These bastards endured more training and are generally more aggressive.

Within the swarm of Elite Swat units were the distinguished, specialist units. Among them were several Tasers, Bulldozers, and a few other Cloakers.

Similar to the reaction of the first one to emerge from the portal, the Cloaker, they all inspected the area collectively. I decided to rally their attention to me.

"Alright!" I exclaimed, causing the majority of them to glance at me. Slightly intimidated by the army staring at me, I continued, "We're going to have some sort of confrontation soon, so I suggest that all of you prepare." I said.

"There is, what I assume to be a number of my foes in that cave." I pointed at the cave behind them, to which they responded by looking at said cave. "Me and my colleague will go in that cave and confront whoever is in there-" I was interrupted with Chrysalis blurting out "What!"

"Why can't we simply massacre them all, your new army seems sufficiently capable?" Chrysalis questioned, slightly infuriated. "Besides, those bastards deserve it, considering that I'm stuck in the Everfree thanks to them." Chrysalis bitterly said.

I faced Chrysalis with a semi-annoyed look, "As I previously stated, I don't like doing anything too hastily." I retorted as I faced my legion once more.

"Uh, as I was saying-" I see the cloaker that I previously encountered earlier pointing at his earpiece, signifying that I should probably use mine.

Sheepishly, I pressed the button within the earpiece, "Uh, can everyone hear me?" I asked.

Apparently, my radio must have been a unique one as every single one of them received the transmission, as shown by the amount of "Yeah's" and "Yup's" that I received via radio. Oh, and along with the numerous thumb-ups that I received from my army.

I resumed my speech, "As I was saying, I, and along with a colleague of mine, will go into that cave and hopefully resolve the conflict without violence."

I added further, "But, if things go awry, we'll basically just flee from the cave, hopefully luring our pursuers. Once outside the cave, all of you will proceed to gun them down." I explained. "That will be our secondary solution, but I do hope we don't have to result to that."

The majority of them either proceeded to whisper to each other, or nod their head in acknowledgement. Some of them simply examined their firearms, as if not interested in the plan whatsoever.

And I was quite certain that some of them were chuckling, sharing a few jokes with themselves perhaps? Ugh, I almost question their dependability, at the very least, they can't be comparable to the pirates in terms of combat, right? Right?

I suppose now's the time for a synopsis for each of them?

Tasers, as their name suggests, utilize non-fatal methods of combat, simply electrifying you to the point of incapacitation. They wear some sort of helmet with a visor attached to it, thus their faces were obscured entirely. They also don black, lightly armored protective vests. There appears to be a yellow line just above the visor itself, most likely for aesthetic purposes.

Cloakers, well, I already gave a rather sufficient description of them already.

Bulldozers are basically walking tanks. They equip armor exceedingly heavy that they cause a very distinct noise when moving. Of course, their incredibly bulky armor mitigates much of their speed.

Among the indistinguishable, non-unique Gen-sec SWAT units, there are similar non-distinct SWAT units that might as well be not considered as special enemies.

These units wield either a sniper or a SWAT shield. I assume that there is no need to describe them, considering that what I just said was already self-explanatory enough.

Since these are the Deathwish bulldozers, these bulldozers feature a digital camouflage pattern on their armor and they all wield the KSP light machine gun. Oh, and that also means that they are even more resilient than their average counterparts.

I feel more powerful simply by the fact that these ravagers are under my control.

A few seconds passed, I decided to initiate the plan. "Everyone alright with the plan?" I inquired, to which they all collectively said either "Whatever" or "Fine by me" and other miscellaneous replies.

I passed by the several shooters to get to the cave, Chrysalis following beside me. But I stopped myself from going into the cave just yet.

I turned to face my army that were forming improvised cover from the fallen trees. "I require a few to volunteer as escorts, I simply need five."

A cloaker, a taser, and a bulldozer; one of each specialist units, not including the snipers and shielders, approached me along with two generic Gen-sec SWAT units. They all had their guns prepared, should a skirmish arise.

"They're against the wall, and I'm the goddamn wall." The bulldozer remarked proudly. "Oh, yeah. You can count on us on keeping your ass alive." The bulldozer added.

I nodded in bemusement.

I turned to face Chrysalis, "Uh, we can simply teleport in there to face them, right?" I asked. "I mean, I see no reason to avoid doing that."

"Yeah, where would I exactly teleport in?" Chrysalis spoke, causing the entirety of my escorts to flinch in surprise, Chrysalis noticed this but simply dismissed it, "I am not certain where the rivaling queen is at, nor would they take kindly to individuals that simply barge in by teleportation."

I sighed in disappointment, Great, even more walking. I noticed a cloaker turn to me and whispered.

"This. This is your friend you were talking about? Man, I thought that thing was your pet or something."

Before I could reply, Chrysalis snapped at the cloaker, "What!?"

... Collab with some doods.

Trolleroids here, and no, sadly this isn't a new chapter of this story. Anyways, I'm the author of this story and I am here to tell you some news, I am doing a collab with Malcho1234 and JBGrim.

If you are not aware of who those are, they are the authors of Evil Will Always Find a Way and Rise of the Choten. Anyways, the main characters of those two stories all share a similarity of the Summoner. They use minions.

Anyways, I will not be working on this for a while, but, I will be working on that collab-fic. But I'm not talking heavily delayed chapters, here.

So yeah, prepare your butts for a collab-fic consisting of me, an awesome writer, and another awesome writer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_N15egKj6c

Author's Notes:

P.S, I will in fact troll them.

Example:

Malcho1234: Who are you?

Me, anonymous at the time: I am your Father.

Malcho1234: ...

This actually happened.

Chapter 21. "Why Don't We Just Use a Spoon!?"

The walk to the throne room, where Chrysalis presumed her rival queen was currently lounging at, was a rather dull one, really, it was simply just walking, and a bit of unproductive conversations.

To accurately describe it, we were basically walking for a good five minutes or so in the darkness, hoping that you don't accidentally collide with the walls of the cave. Idly listening to your footsteps, since that the cave interior is almost dead-silent.

Chrysalis and I stood just a few steps away from the large door that led to the throne room. I never really took time to examine the door more thoroughly, due to the lack of interest and the poor lighting of this place.

But thanks to my eyesight that just recently adapted to the poor lighting, I managed to get a more adequate look at it.

The door was obsidian black in color, it had green runes, that I couldn't even decipher, marked throughout the surface of the door. Said runes were emitting some sort of green glow, making this door exceedingly ominous and eerie. And somewhat intimidating, due to the sheer size of it alone.

"That is one beast of a door!" I heard my escort, specifically the Bulldozer, or more colloquially known as, the Skulldozer, regarding the skull emblem painted on his visor, remarked behind me at the sight of the colossal door.

"You damn right it is." The Cloaker added, "Who the hell needs a door of this size, anyways? Is there loot stored in there? Hell, there better be." If I had to guess, the Cloaker had a grin of avarice adorning his face right now. "I could go for some goodies right now."

"Ha, I'd love to take something from this place as a souvenir, preferably, something valuable." The Bulldozer commented. Seriously, if they weren't donning their respective helmets right now, I'd be able to see them smiling.

"The both of you sound like a certain crew of robbers, and that doesn't make me reassured." The Taser interjected. I, along with Chrysalis, collectively ignored them as they continued in their pointless colloquy.

"Relax, it wouldn't be stealing..." The Cloaker trailed off, "It would be more like borrowing things for an indefinite amount of time... without permission."

"Where did I hear that one before?" The Taser commented.

At this point, I, and presumably Chrysalis, began to ignore their pointless discussion. And while we're at that topic, they were conversing and bantering for the entire duration of the walk here. And I must admit, It's starting to drive me into the abyss known as insanity.

Chrysalis turns her head to face me, "So, what are you going to say to her once we enter?" She asked. "She isn't exactly easy to persuade... And I am speaking from experience."

"Honestly," I began, "I have not a single clue, but, improvisation is my forte after all." I stated smugly, which made Chrysalis shake her head in response.

"Improvisation. You?" Chrysalis chuckled, "I suppose that the only reason for why you say that is because the majority of your plans fail in a massive catastrophe."

I sigh in despair, "Well, chances are, this is going to result in a skirmish, but screw it." I said rather dismissively. "Right, if the tensions rises too high, you're going to teleport us out of here, right?" I asked, "eh" was the simple reply from Chrysalis.

I did a turn to face my escorts, who were still mindlessly discussing about something. Catching their attention with a resounding cough, I ordered them. "I want all of you to stand guard just outside this door, and if you hear something awry, such as screams of agony, or panic, or perhaps a mixture of both, just barge into the room."

"You got it boss." The Cloaker said, prompting all of them to do a mock salute.

Rolling my eyes, I faced the door once more. I took a slight pause, and breathed deeply in preparation to finally encounter this mysterious changeling individual. I pushed the door to gain entry to the room, but the door refused to even budge by an inch, both bewildering and irking me slightly.

I hear a chuckle emanating from behind me, judging by the tone, it was the Dozer's. This was further confirmed when he proceeded to say, "Door giving you problems, boss?"

"Uh, Chrysalis?" I asked, ignoring the remark of my escort, "Mind opening the door for me? I'm not exactly certain on how to open this thing..."

With an audible sigh from Chrysalis, her horn lit up, and her respective aura enveloped the door, momentarily, she pushed the door open via unseen kinetic force. The door scraped the stoney, cold ground below it, sending a thunderous grinding sound throughout the cave.

I cringed at the sudden noise, covering my ears with both of my hands, as I was unprepared for it. If I had to guess, my escorts are also cringing at the piercing sound of the door.

Peering inside, I could see a quantity of changelings, though, they did not feature the usual green color scheme, instead all of them were a slightly dark, scarlet red, save for their black carapace that did not appear to be different to the green changelings'.

They had red manes, and their eyes, unlike the the changelings I'm more familiar with, were a deep shade of red, instead of the deep turquoise eyes Chrysalis' swarm had.

And it appears that their transparent wings had a tint of red, in comparison to Chrysalis' changelings, who had wings that had a greenish tint.

Huh, so, it seems that changelings of different hives don't vary that much, I mentally noted.

There were two columns of them placed on the left and right corners of the room, if I had to assume, they are stationed for the purpose of security. Despite the deafening sound the door emitted, they were less than concerned, they all stood sharply, not even the slightest of movements were made.

In the middle of the upper corner, was Chrysalis' throne, or what was formerly known as Chrysalis' throne anyways. Reclining on said throne was a taller, and more slender changeling. Her physique was comparable to Chrysalis'. Her mane was, obviously enough, red. But shorter than Chrysalis' mane, and it was more unkempt.

She had a questioning glare pointed straight at the door, the shadows of the cave-network however, managed to conceal us. Thus, she was unsure of who could possibly be here for a visit.

Without notice nor warning, Chrysalis began to slowly walk towards the throne. Slightly panicky, I followed her, stopping just beside her, the both of us stopping an adequate distance away from the throne.

"Chrysalis!" The red maned queen exclaimed, suspiciously cheery if I might add, "Was that door just for display? Sheesh, could you at least, resolve the shriek that it makes when it opens?"

"I don't usually use the door, me and my changelings simply enter this room through teleportation." Chrysalis responded, her tone had a hint of spite embedded within it. The response of the red queen was a simple roll of the eyes.

The red queen glanced at me."Oh?" she uttered in curiosity, "Who's this? I've never seen anything like that thing before, this your new pet?"

"I am more than a 'thing', mind you." I clarified, seeing that Chrysalis did not even made an attempt at responding to her question.

She seemed somewhat startled at the revelation of my capability of speech, "And it speaks! I am impressed, Chrysalis. How did you manage to find a pet that is able of talking?"

Growing slightly agitated, I clarified once more, "I am no mere pet, as well."

"Quite a feisty one, aren't you?" The red queen mocked, "Anyways, it's been a while, Chrysalis. How do you fare?" She asked, surprisingly enough, she sounded genuine about it.

"Hmph, yes, I suppose it's been a while, " Chrysalis finally said, "Still working as a mercenary, I assume?" Chrysalis asked.

Mercenary? This changeling queen is a mercenary? Changelings can be sell-swords? Hm, I suppose that would make sense, considering that changelings are regarded as a formidable threat, that is, if they are not employed under you.

"Oh yes, but of course." The red-maned changeling replied casually, "But enough about me, what are you up to these days? Still hounding down those ponies?"

"So what if I still am?" Chrysalis asked, "So what brings you here? Come to give me payback for that little incident before I left the Bad Lands?"

The more I listen to these two, the more I am curious I am about their pasts. Hopefully, I'll get some answers from Chrysalis after this... 'meeting' is over. Implying that I manage get to see the end of this meeting with my life intact.

"Hmph, you haven't changed, Chrysalis." The changeling queen, who I am not aware of her name yet, commented. "Always rushing to the point, you always disliked pleasantries. But oh well."

She continued, "But if you must truly know, I'm not here for you, hm, I'm not even antagonized by what you did anymore, considering it was irrelevant long-term." She dismissively waves her right front hoof.

"You see, the reason behind why I'm here is due to a rival mercenary group has been contracted to hunt down a strange, grotesque monster of some sort massacring Celestia's Royal Guards." The red queen stated.

"I suppose this "grotesque" monster is me?" I guessed. "I haven't seen a fiend here recently, otherwise, I'd be more than aware of its being here," I added. "And I have a rather high kill-count of those ponies..." I said with a slight amount of regret. I am still perturbed by the mountains of corpses I've created, corpses of those that were mostly innocent.

A sinister smile adorns her face, "Ah, then perhaps I'll have to thank you later, you saved me the trouble of killing them where they are most adept, their homelands." She added, "And if I might add, you're not so grotesque."

"Uh, thanks?" I blurted out. Once more, I was unsure what to say at a situation like that.

So, she's here for the gryphons, who are

"The gryphons?" Chrysalis said.

"Hm, right you are." The red one clapped her hooves, as if to create a mock celebration. "Say, how about you bring those gryphons here to me? It would be nice for you to do me a favor for once."

Chrysalis appears to be taken aback, "What? After you come here and invade my home, you-"

Before Chrysalis could complete her sentence, she was interrupted by the red queen, "I'll forget about you setting ablaze that little settlement of gryphons, and framing us as the perpetrators of such an act." The red changeling queen said, causing a look of shock from a rather bewildered Chrysalis.

Once again, my curiosity rises sharply. Although, it doesn't take much of a theory to conclude that Chrysalis, who was rather bitter from being evicted from her previous home, decided to engulf an entire town, or city, I'm not really certain, in flames.

"Really now?" Chrysalis replied skeptically, "We are changelings, we both rely on deception to live." Chrysalis added, "It's almost obvious, you're simply not going to keep your promise, and strike me down when I'm caught off-guard."

"I see." The red queen stands up, "I suppose that I'll have to do the alternative." She raises her right her hoof, the horns of the two rows of guards glowed simultaneously in almost perfect timing.

Out of reflex, I reached forth for my bag and grabbed one of the firebombs. Chrysalis prepared a stance as her horn shone in a green aura.

Suddenly, the guards disappeared in a flash of scarlet red flames, leaving us slightly confused. The red queen looks at us with an amused mien.

"What?" She asked, her tone puzzled, although, clearly her confusion was probably fake, "The alternative is finding those gryphons using my own troops, since you'd rather not bring them here yourselves," The scarlet queen clarified. "Well, since you're here, how about we do some catching up?"

Chapter 22. "Gentlemen, We're in the Wrong Line of Work"

There wasn't much for me to do, really. I simply had to wait. Wait until this rather not-so-touching reunion to pass. I watched in silence as I stood there, simply listening to their conversations.

"So, how's your mercenary work, Avarice?" Chrysalis asked, a hint of genuine curiosity, although not much, behind her tone. Huh, Avarice? So, I suppose that's her name then?

"Oh you know, the usual. Wake up, retrieve today's bounty, set out to find myself another bounty, and finally, assign my children some of the bounties. Although, I don't mind hunting down a poor bastard myself occasionally." She stated. There was some pride in her demeanor, she must be proud of being a mercenary. Well, either that, or it's just that the pay is decent.

"What about you, Chrysalis?" She asked, "Managed to recuperate from that rather awful failure of a siege at Canterlot?" A subtle, but grim smile appeared on Avarice's face as she said that.

Also, Chrysalis targeted Canterlot for a siege? Judging by the fact that Canterlot is still rather fine, that is, before I got here. And of course, by what that red changeling queen just said, it is probably safe to say that Chrysalis did, in fact, fail in seizing Canterlot.

"Ugh, really now?" Chrysalis spoke with irritation. "That was several months ago, and I simply underestimated the strength of those damned ponies."

"But if you must know, yes, I have recovered from that tragic incident." Chrysalis added. Avarice, the red queen, nodded.

"Tell me, what did you do with my changelings?" Chrysalis questioned, her tone far too aggressive for that to be a simple question, but it was held back enough for it not to be considered as a demand.

"Oh relax, why won't you?" Avarice dismissively waves her right hoof, "They're in the lower interiors of this place you dare call home." Avarice looks around with a grimace, mocking the poor appeal of this place.

Honestly, I can see why she would disapprove of this place, it was far too dreary for my taste. But I am quite certain that she's not here to give decoration advice to my insectoid colleague.

I hear Chrysalis sigh. "Alright, enough of this, I know you want something from me, you can't possibly be here for mere "catching up"," Chrysalis stated. This triggered a rather hyperbolic reaction of persecution from the red queen.

"How dare you, I am simply here for your acquaintance, my dear friend." Avarice looked upright, her eyes closed, her smirk turned into a disapproving face. Opening her right eye, she admitted, "Alright, alright, you know the Elements of Harmony, correct?"

"How could I not? The purple one, who I despite with the most intense spite, was the one who allowed the ruination of my plan." Chrysalis said, her tone expressing more aggravation. Most likely due to the mention of the so called Elements of Harmony.

So far, I've made a few notes within my mind: One, Chrysalis has psychopathic friends. Two, Chrysalis herself is a psychopath. Though, that one was already noted long before I've met Avarice. Three, Chrysalis' friend is a mercenary. Four, Chrysalis tried to capture Canterlot. And finally five, Chrysalis despises the Elements of Harmony, presumably due to their interference.

I am most likely missing a few things, but oh well.

"Well, about them they took a train ride all the way to the Crystal Empire. Oh, no, no, I take back what I previously said, they're about to take a train ride to the Crystal Empire." She stated, to which Chrysalis reacted with a skeptical glance

"And you think that I'll believe you that simply?" Chrysalis asked, her eyebrow arched questioningly. Chrysalis inquired further, "Riddle me this, why would they even go there? More importantly, how do you even have this information?"

Avarice shrugged. "Got it from one of your own changeling spies," She answered casually. "He was awaiting your arrival in order to give you the information, but surprise, surprise. I got here first before you could. And I was curious on what your little espionage experts are up to, so I simply had to ask."

Somehow, I assume that she had to do more than simply ask...

"I would ask that spy myself just for confirmation. But, it doesn't matter. I was planning to go to the Crystal Empire anyways." Chrysalis said.

If I was drinking something right now, I might have spat it out suddenly due to what Chrysalis just said. Frantically, I turned to face her.

"Since when did we plan to go there?" A face of slight panic is what I donned.

"Do you even know what the Crystal Empire is?" Chrysalis asked.

"No, not exactly," I admitted. "But it sounds really far away."

Chrysalis shook her head, "I am planning to go there to see if I can bring a permanent hiatus to the production of those Crystal Heart replicas."

"Ah, so you've encounter those things too?" Avarice asked. "I've seen them, yes, when they were testing it, they had the brass to actually deploy it near where I was."

"Needless to say, I found it as a potential nuisance. Just think, those rich bastards will probably use those things in order to deter me from murdering them." Avarice said, her face displaying aggravation.

"Well then, shoo shoo." Avarice said, doing a shooing gesture with both of her hooves. "Get going, I still have things to do here. For example, to await the arrival of news regarding the death of my rivals." She said.

"Wait, why are you so concerned about the Elements of Harmony anyways?" Chrysalis questioned. Her eyes slightly narrowed at the red queen.

"Well, let's just say that you're not the only one who dislikes Celestia." Avarice said, "And hey, don't you remember? The purple one that ruined your plan is the sister of that stallion, er, what was his name again? Ah right, Shining Armor."

Avarice said, finally standing up from her throne, "Well now, if you must know, I met that stallion in the fields of battle, and I hate to admit it, but we were forced to flee, but not before we, and them, had a grievous death toll."

"So hey, I've not a single clue where that bastard is hiding, so why not direct a strike at her sister, who he most likely loves? And if my memory serves, that purple pony is also the pupil of Celestia." Avarice said as she departed the room, exiting via a door behind the throne.

"Hm, where does that door lead to?" I asked.

"That one leads to my bed chambers." Chrysalis answered, "I've not a single clue why she might want to go there."

"Most likely to sleep." I replied.

"Knowing her... That's not unlikely." Chrysalis sighed before approaching the exit of throne room. "Come on, we still need to find out how we're supposed to get to Crystal Empire."

"Alright, where's this "Crystal Empire" place, and when did you plan on telling me that you are planning to go there?" I asked, following closely behind her.

"Well, it's in the upper north-west of Equestria. It'll take us days for us to simply get there. The outskirts of the empire is frigid cold, and barren; a wasteland. But in the middle of that wasteland is an empire." Chrysalis answered.

"Oh, and I didn't plan on going there this soon..." Chrysalis added. Inaudibly, she began grumbling about something. Judging by the few words I managed to comprehend from her mumbling, it was something about how much she hated Avarice.

Facing the door, she ignited her horn. Soon enough, the door was enveloped by her green aura, the door opened briefly after it was engulfed with telekinetic magic.

We were both confounded and bewildered at what the door revealed. It was the Cloaker juggling three pistols, with the two other escorts, the Taser and the Bulldozer, simply cheering, pumping their fist high in the air.

"What are you doing?" I asked. I am doubting the sanity of my army right now.

The Cloaker answered, not bothering to stop juggling, "Oh nothing, these idiots bet that I couldn't juggle three handguns, well it seems that I have proved them-" Suddenly, the Cloaker failed to catch one of the pistols, thus, it landed a ground with thud.

Fumbling the two other pistols in his hands, he reached for the the pistol that he dropped. "You idiot, this thing is loaded!"

The Tazer grasps the gun from the Cloaker, before inspecting it, there was, in fact, a clip loaded into the gun. "Huh, I thought I unloaded this thing. Oh well, doesn't matter, dropped guns aren't suppose to discharge anyways."

"That still doesn't make it completely non-dangerous, dumbass." The Bulldozer interjected.

I decided to do the most rational thing at the time, face-palm as hard as I possibly could.

"Oh hey boss, glad to see you didn't get your head blown off." The Bulldozer said in a surprisingly cheery tone.

I face-palmed once more, this time, much harder than the previous one.

The Summoner, along with his colleague and his escorts, decided it was the most appropriate time to depart the cave system. Great, even more walking.

"So, do tell, how are we supposed to get to this Empire or whatever?" I asked Chrysalis.

"Hell, we're going to an empire, boss? Hope this time we get something as a souvenir." The Cloaker interrupted in a cheery, but still malicious tone.

Ignoring the Cloaker, Chrysalis responded, "Recall that time when you basically reduced Ponyville into ruins with your army of small to colossal beings?"

"You mean the Zerg?" I asked for the sake of clarification.

"Yes, whatever. I've seen some of the trains not being to able to have the chance to depart, they were simply too overwhelmed. I'm hoping that at least one of those trains work." Chrysalis stated.

"I see, so, are we gonna do some preparations or whatever?" I asked.

"Yes, we'll have to save those pathetic gryphon mercenaries. I require them for something, and that will also agitate Avarice." Chrysalis said, "Though, I'm doing this mostly due to the latter.

"What?" Was all I could respond with. "Give me a good reason to provoke the anger of Avarice, that peculiar being."

We're saving gryphons now? Well, that's ironic, considering I've murdered quite a number of them previously... Man, I am in the wrong line of work.

"See, we need some information about the production of those Crystal Heart replicas, to be more precise, where it exactly is being created." Chrysalis answered. "I am sure that the ponies shared some information with them, considering they were there in the battle of Ponyville."

"But, won't your friend, Avarice, get pissed?" I asked. Of course, it didn't require someone to be a genius to predict what the answer would be.

"Without a doubt, yes." Chrysalis stated, "But I doubt that she'll go berserk on us... But should that happen, I'm afraid that the only option would be to slay her."

Author's Notes:

Boring part out of the way now...

I think.

Chapter 23. oɥɔʎsd Summoner

The listlessness of the uncountable amount of corridors in the changeling tunnel network was agonizing. Completely silent, not a single sound would be made. It was painfully quiet... had it not been for my guards.

The haunting darkness' tendency of inflicting a cold depression of this was effectively counteracted by the confounding exchange of words my escorts were partaking in.

"And that's how I woke up in a bathtub with a box over my head, and a bunch of bags of potato chips." The Bulldozer said to his companions, all three of them snickering as that particular story came to a conclusion.

Sincerely, I don't know what would be more identical to unethical torment, the considerable scarcity of sound that was sufficient enough to induce sedatephobia. Or, the trivial colloquy these "professionally trained" elites are partaking in.

"It would be a complete relief to the both of us, if something happened to those fools." Chrysalis stated just audible enough for me to hear. "Something that was related to incineration." She added as my defenders continued their unproductive conversation.

I responded to her addendum with a grimace, although I am aware that my facial expression was less than visible right now. "Relax. I recommend conserving your fury for the enemy, not your allies. That would be counter-productive."

"I am ashamed to consider these degenerates as 'allies.' " Chrysalis retorted after a brief sigh.

"Well, I suppose you'll just have to somehow handle with the circumstance." I replied.

With nothing better to say, Chrysalis opted not to say anything further. I rolled my eyes, albeit nobody could see me doing that, as I walked.

Without the slightest anticipation, a sudden peculiar feeling kindled within my mind. It was extremely obscure and random. I am more than inclined to explain the details of it, but I simply cannot. It is... indescribable.

"Are you faring well?" Chrysalis suddenly asked, "Your species' anatomy is foreign to me, but your eye's glow flickered from red to purple for a short moment. That seems alarming."

Wait, Chrysalis is actually concerned about me? Inconceivable, and very suspicious. Nevertheless, I had to reply, "Huh? Well, I did feel some sort of feeling within my head. It was probably nothing." I answered with an uncertain shrug, "And the shift in my eye's radiance is probably just your mind jesting with you."

She did not reply, she is probably pondering about something. Seeing the lack of a reply, I asked for the sake of continuing the conversation, "Now then, when will we ever reach the entrance?"

"I don't know, I do not usually walk all the way out of here." Chrysalis stated, "And yes, I normally do teleport out of here, but considering that your army of petty deviants are there guarding the entrance, potentially mistaking us as enemies as soon as we materialize, I'd rather not teleport for the time being."

"Huh, odd." I said, "I was about to ask why you aren't going to teleport us out of here."

"Well, I suppose that answers-" Chrysalis was interrupted as the familiar sound of gunfire reverberated just a good measure of distance from here.

The current discussion my escorts were having completely died out, and for a moment, silence grew pervasive once more within these spine-chilling caves. All of us did not react for a tense second, or two. We simply simply stood, completely motionless.

"Please don't tell me that they decided to attack us now," I said to myself audibly. "I suggest that we hasten!" I exclaimed as I started bolting for the entrance.

I rallied as much of my energy as I can, and sprinted as fast as my legs would allow me to. Shortly enough, I could discern something in the distance; the entrance.

As I stepped out of the labyrinth of a cave, my eyes were accosted by the jarring light of the sun's rays. I grimaced as I hissed out a curse, "Damn big ball of misery." That particular insult being directed at the sun, obviously.

The sudden shift of the lighting dazed me slightly, but as soon as I regained my ability of seeing, I could see... four unarmed ponies, who were presumably guards due to the armor they boasted, subdued onto the ground.

And surrounding them a good distance away were the other Deathwish officers. Unsurprisingly, they did not display the slightest of concern at the current situation.

Just above the ponies who were forced into submission, stood a cloaker, a firearm primed and directed at their heads.

"Oh hey boss!" The Cloaker cheered, "You've got people wanting to see ya." He said, waving his free arm at me.

I paused to regain some of my lost vitality. Taking a semi-raspy breath, I slowly made my way to the four prisoners. Looking at them with a stoic mien, I asked with a calm, but demanding voice.

"Why are you here?"

All four of them looked upwards to see my hooded face, they must've been intimidated due to my overall menacing appearance, judging by how much they shifted uncomfortably. Fortunately, I do not usually wear the hood, I prefer the breeze grazing my hair. Otherwise, however, I would've probably looked more intimidating as a hooded figure.

Finally, one of them answered, "Pri- Princess Celestia sent us, demon." I display a slight distaste for the word being used to address me as I slowly grabbed the adjacent cloaker's firearm.

I felt a cascade of something indescribable wash around my mind. It was the same fee. It was similar to anger, but it did not cloud my judgment? Ugh, I can't find a way to describe it.

And at that moment, unknowingly to the Summoner, his Summoning Grimoire, the book he uses for the purpose of summoning, shone a constant dim, deep-purple color. Without his notice, the usual scarlet glow of his right eye also shifted into this same color.

The book itself permeated a notably warm aura, but the Summoner dismissed this as something trivial. He could always deal with it after some time has passed.

"I am no demon, but I'd kill you with a demonic grin." I replied, a sly smirk forming on my face. I then proceeded to crouch down, brandishing the weapon in front of his downed face. "I do believe you were given a demonstration of this specific tool?"

"N- no?" The pony stammered. That was obviously a lie, the Summoner heard the gun unload one of its projectiles, thus, this pony must've seen the capabilities of this weapon.

"Perhaps I should give you a demonstration?" Without warning, nor my consciousness, I aimed at the pony's face in a split second and pulled the trigger.

As expected, the gun discharged its devastating projectile into the pony's face, the poor equine didn't even had the chance of reacting to the sudden blast the gun emitted. Blood gushed out as the bullet caved into the pony's skull, and ultimately piercing into his frontal cranium.

The three remaining ponies gasped at the sudden slaughter of their comrade, and I was certain that one of them began sobbing. Or two of them, it was difficult to discern.

Pathetic. I mentally noted at the lack of a scream the pony made. It would've been much more entertaining, had he screamed.

I then proceeded to stand up with complete indifference to what I just did, wiping off the stains of blood coating some of the surfaces of the gun. A sickeningly twisted grin slowly forming on my face. Then I noticed something, the same cloaker from before glanced at me questioningly.

"What is it." I said, in a low growl-like voice.

"Uh boss? Not only did you just outright murder that thing, your..." He paused, much to my ire. Hesitation grasped him, this was apparent as he fumbled around with his hands, attempting his best to make words.

"Speak. I've not the time for this." I demanded.

"Your eye." He said, gesturing at the gun.

Taking that as a prompt to glance at the gun, I did just that. The glossy surface of the gun reflected my appearance, and much to my surprise I had a purple eye-glow color. Slowly, the color of the glow of my eye reverted back to its normal red color.

Suddenly, whatever that just consumed the entire decision-making department of my mind just suddenly vanished as the familiar red radiance covered my right eye once more.

And I find myself looking down at a corpse of a pony that I didn't even want to kill.

What... just happened? I asked myself mentally. Have I finally lost it- or something? Wait, I felt the book radiating heat for the entire duration of my maddened state. Perhaps this was related to the book?

Frantically attempting to retrieve the book from my robes, I flipped it open to confirm my suspicions. And sure enough, a new page was present within the book.

Should this page appear, I suggest that you refrain from excessively un-summoning and summoning. You risk letting the magical feedback cloud your mind. I suggest that you obtain a method that deters, or preferably, negates such repercussions. The page read.

I blinked in disbelief.

To say that this was a delayed warning is a major, major understatement.

Shrugging, I looked down at the now broken mess that were my prisoners. "Oh- oh crap. It was not my intentions to kill your friend-" I stammered as I accidentally let my grasp around the gun loosen, letting the firearm fall to the ground.

"As if you expect us to believe such deceit, you repulsive thing?!" One of them snapped.

I genuinely felt incredibly awful now. "While... it may be incomprehensible, I really did not intend on killing one of you." I spoke, my already broken composure breaking further, "Please, just tell me why you're here, and I'll let you go free."

"No, you lying bastard. You're just going to kill us all, even if we tell you!" The same one lashed out, tears streaming from his eyes due to the tragic loss of his ally.

I did not react, I just simply stood there. Finally, I issued an order to my troops, "We're done here!" I shouted just loud enough for the surrounding forces to hear me, "We're leaving this place and we are going to proceed to regroup at the fort."

They were going to live, that wasn't even recompense for the death of their fellow guard. It was basically obligatory for me to let them go.

Sighing, I turned around. Much to my shock, my colleague was there, along with my escorts. "You- you didn't see any of that, did you?" I asked.

"We've seen all of it." Chrysalis said, approaching me. "And I must say, since when did you became so sadistic that you just simply murder anypony that aggravates you by the slightest?" She asked, actual curiosity hinted behind her voice.

"What?" I asked, dumbfounded, "I just murdered a living, sapient being, for no justifiable reason, and you just ask that? Like, you're not going to question my sanity, or something?"

She nodded, fueling my bewilderment further.

"Ugh. That wasn't even me! That was the book possessing me, or whatever." Opening my book once more, I flipped to the page that detailed the side-effects of over-usage of the Grimoire. "Look!" I exclaimed as I placed the page into the changeling queen's view.

She rolled her eyes, as if that this was just simply a ruse of some sort. Silently, she began to read, as indicated by the shifting movements of her eyes.

"Huh, so the book really is possessing you, er, or at least the magical feedback caused by the book," She said with a somewhat concerned facial expression. "This is problematic."

"I am aware of that, I can't let this book- er, the magic feedback consume my thoughts-"

Chrysalis rudely interrupted, "What? No. Possessed you is quite admirable, he is very cold to his enemies," She said with a chuckle. "What is problematic is the fact that those ponies that you freed will probably report the death of their brother to Celestia. Which will make you skyrocket your ranking in her to-kill-list."

Does she even have a list of unwanted people? I asked myself mentally.

Before I could reply, a changeling, apparently one of Chrysalis' due to its green color-scheme, appeared out of the foliage. With a frantic and anxious look, he rushed to its queen's presence.

"My queen!" He exclaimed, "The ponies..." The changeling paused for a quick breath, "they en massed the entire nations of Equestria together! They're planning to make a huge assault targeted at the Everfree in the intentions of eradicating us!" It exclaimed before pausing once more to take a breath.

As he ended his sentence, my eyes widened. "Things... cannot possibly grow more worse, can they?" I asked myself inaudibly.

"And... they hired the red queen to assure our deaths." He finally finished.

That answers that...

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the delay, I was trying to learn the violin.

So far, no progress.

Oh, I was also busy working on other projects as well.

Pre-readers for this chapter (Yay, it's back):

Ruby Rose (The current leader of LoHAV is my pre-reader...)

TSLSmokey

Storming5532

(Hopefully, I haven't forgotten anyone...)

Chapter 24. "They're Everywhere? Then Shoot Everywhere!"

The Deathwish officers, along with the lone changeling informer, has long since departed from the glade that served as the outer entrance of Chrysalis' hideout after an order issued by the Summoner. His army scattered among the trees and shrubbery among the Everfree, given orders to anticipate the inevitable onslaught.

With a tone of stoicism, the prisoners reacquired their previously relinquished freedom. This particular display of sympathy and pity made Chrysalis grimace. Despite Chrysalis' protests, the Summoner still allowed the captives to depart.

The Summoner and Chrysalis remained, currently discussing about the pending battle...

"Hmph, this was all too predictable." Chrysalis said, kicking the dirt below her, as if disappointed. "I knew her intentions were more malicious than I thought."

"Well, what's the plan now?" I asked, sitting down on a sizable branch that fell from the tree. "We have an army, no, I redact that, we have two opposing armies preparing to execute a massacre on us. Not only that, the side-effect of this accursed book is also quite problematic."

"The plan? Simple, I go ahead and derail whatever meeting the Elements are planning at Crystal Empire, while you remain here and hopefully avoid dying and survive the legions of beings that the princesses have amassed." Chrysalis answered.

"What? That's something only a lunatic would consider as an actual plan!" I protested. "I thought you'd be more familiar with my inexperience at combat."

"Irrelevant. Simply avoid dying. Should it be a requisite for retaining your life, retreat back to somewhere. In other words, simply hide." Chrysalis answered as she began walking further into the foliage, "Now then, I've wasted enough time as it is, I will depart for Crystal Empire now."

Before I could even reply, she was veiled with green flames. As soon as the fires dissipated, she was no longer present within the region.

"Dammit all." I cursed spitefully.

Sighing in irritation, I unsheathed the same pistol that I have previously used. Glancing at the smooth, metallic surface of the pistol, I was haunted by the memory of me distributing a death devoid of any emotion to a poor, defenseless pony.

The aforementioned corpse of the pony was still there, lying motionlessly on the ground just a few feet away from the Summoner. Without uttering a single word, I approached the rotting corpse.

I examined the corpse with hopes that somehow the pony survived the obviously fatal bullet wound.

After concluding that the pony was going to remain dead indefinitely, I said to himself in a disappointed, dread-laced tone, "Such a degradation. Have I been reduced to a murderous, senseless being?"

I shook his head vigorously, denying to accept that. "No. It was this damn book's doing."

Sighing, I began making his way into the forest, vanishing into the shroud of trees and bushes around him. Hopefully, I don't have to contribute too much effort on the bloodbath, after all, that's the purpose of my army.

I took note of the cave entrance with a determined glare. I could do an assault; a sortie of some sort on the Red Queen. Although, that would prove to be reckless and would most likely lead me to my death.

Surprise would be present, and would be incredibly advantageous to my forces, should I attempt at doing the attack. But no, despite that, me and my combatants would still be struck down by her changelings.

The cave interior is pitch-black and highly confined, I couldn't possibly risk my troops accidentally unloading their firearms at each other. So for now, simply waiting for the adverse changelings will be sufficient.

Undoubtedly, the Red Queen will confront me, with the catalyst of her intentions based solely on the gain of a presumably hefty amount of money- er, bits, in exchange for my severed head, or perhaps my still-bleeding heart.

I have to steel myself when that confrontation occurs, otherwise, I'll find myself grasping desperately on a blade plunged into my chest. I shuddered at the morbid thought, but nonetheless, I continued forward into the shadowy overgrowths of the Everfree forest.

All I needed to do now is to locate a suitable area and anticipate for the pending genocide to occur...

I struggled to keep my eyes open, reclining recumbent on a branch of a tree, inching alarmingly close to descending into the hold of slumber. Waiting all the way for the entire duration for the night until dawn is an agonizingly uneventful and sanity-wearying task.

I almost fell of the tree due to my groggy state, but with a few swift, reflexive alterations to my adjustments, I managed to salvage my stability, saving himself a rather unfavorable fall, albeit barely.

I sighed in relief, colliding with the bitterly cold, foul ground would've been pestering. I gazed upwards at the night sky. I had expected them to launch the assault during the extent of nighttime. I would've been significantly more unperceptive due to the veil of night mitigating visual perception, and friendly fire among his army would have been more recurrent.

They opted not to attack during the night, however. They must be waiting for me to be plagued with sleep deprivation. Bastards...

The night sky was breaking, I could already see the morning sun rising, and slowly, the darkness faded. However, it was still considerably dark.

I dreaded if I had forgotten anything important. I had already assigned my army to locate a suitable spot for applying effective ambushes. Unfortunately, my forces were not saturated in one point of the forest, for I am certain that my army is going to be surrounded when the clash begins.

Moving onwards, I acquired a weapon, for the purpose of self-defense of ofcourse, and I shad-

My thoughts were abruptly derailed as an explosion resounded just a few feet away from my tree. Fortunately, my was relatively unscathed, however, the impact of the blast managed to bring me down from his tree and into the hard ground with a thud.

Dusting myself off, Irose from the cold ground, I pondered to what just happened. Could've it been an accidental explosives mishap from one of his comrades? No, it couldn't-

Yet another explosion scorched the ground of the forest as a concussive noise resounded from the distance. Dammit, what the hell is happening? I thought to himself.

Suddenly, a memory sparked from his mind, and suddenly, I gained complete clarity on what is currently happening. I am being bombarded with artillery spells, the same artillery spells that I have encountered back in Ponyville.

Suddenly, the consistency of the intervals of the explosions increased to the point that there would always be at least two explosions every second, or so.

Screaming could be heard throughout the entire forest, no doubt yells of agony or panic from his soldiers. "They're over there! Shoot them! Shoot them now!" That particular shout caught my attention, and I began making my way to the source of the yell.

I sprinted as fast as I could, viewing the carnage around me; the trees were burning, I could see some of I comrades on the ground, completely limp, or in excruciating pain. Thankfully, I didn't need to stop to tend to my wounded fighters as there were already medics treating the injured.

After a few minutes of walking, while avoiding the kinetic forces being emitted from nearby artillery spells colliding with the ground near him, I finally reached the origin of the frantic shout, I arrived at the outskirt of the forest, and among the bushes stood a number of my own soldiers.

My own forces were unloading their respective firearms at the horizon. Upon further investigation, they were directing their torrent of lead into an approaching army of a miscellany of troops.

"Dammit, they can fly?!" One of them shouted as he unleashed a steady hail of bullets into the sky. What he was aiming for was revealed as one of his targets fell into the ground with a sickening crunch; a bullet-riddled gryphon.

Spears and arrows seem to rain down upon this position like a squall, however, these projectiles didn't really pose much of a threat, considering the amount of defensive plating my allies are donning. Although, these are extremely hazardous for me, considering that I have no armor on.

Although, this was not the only sector of the forest with bullets flying from it. No, far from it, I could hear constant gunfire emanating from the other parts of the forest, even the inner corner of the forest had some gunfire ringing from it.

No doubt that my troops within the inner parts of the forest had encountered the red changelings and have since have accosted them with bullets.

"Hey! Are you just going to stand there or what?" I heard one of the Cloakers yell out to me.

Recuperating from my entranced state, I readied my own weapon, the pistol. It wasn't much, but I think I can still manage with this firearm. Soon enough, I positioned myself and found a good view at the approaching army. What I saw startled me remarkably.

It was like a tidal wave of equines, and a few ground-bound gryphons, and minotaurs. Minotaurs? Their alliance comprises of minotaurs? Things got exceedingly more difficult. Above the army, is another army consisting purely of flyers, more specifically, pegasi and gryphons.

Taking aim, I fired away. I don't even know if I am hitting anything, but it is more productive and more beneficial to my survivability.

Due to my inept handling with guns, the recoil of the pistol threw me of by a bit, thus, the chance of me hitting someone was halved. Although, the chance of missing was basically non-existent due to the wall of foes charging at me.

Suddenly, the ground in front of me erupted in a violent, blinding explosion as a bombardment spell impacted it. The kinetic discharge of the explosion caused me to stagger downwards into the ground, clinging barely onto consciousness.

The sounds faded gradually and my vision blurred as I felt a nauseating pain being distributed to my body. Despite my efforts, I was unable to refrain from delving into the depths of sleep.

I heard a faint, distant yell just before I passed out completely. "Dammit! Boss- boss is down! Falling back is no longer something we want to avoid. It is something we have to do in order to save our asses!"

Suddenly, I was unable to conjure coherent thoughts as I passed out...

Darkness.

This is all that I can see, right now. Dammit, if I'm dead, I am going to be really disappointed. I mean, I've progressed a considerable length already, right? It'd be pitiful should my endeavors end in futility.

Dispersing the thought with a whim, I attempted to open my eyes. Surprisingly, my eyes complied to my orders, albeit slowly. I've tried to open them for quite some time now, but to use.

I rose up, or at least attempted to. Due to the radius of the blast being so adjacent to me, I suffered a number of burns, and I don't think I have to mention how much the debris embedded into my flesh hurts; it's quite self-explanatory.

I lay flat on the ground, unable to budge due to the agony. I looked around, the sight that was around me made me want to just simply flee.

There were corpses, ally and adversary alike, littered everywhere, painting the ground a fetid crimson red with the amount of blood they had lost. The putrid scent of decaying flesh was basically unavoidable in the area, and finally, the trees burned with an inferno that can easily decimate entire forests, should they be left unattended.

Have I been... defeated? No, that was a foolish assumption. The sounds of gunfire and shouts echoing from the distance disproved that theory.

Suddenly, I heard hoofsteps.

Adrenaline cascading through my body, I frantically tried to locate the source of the sound. Horror struck me as I discovered who it was.

It was the sound of the red queen making her way to me. A triumphant grin bearing murderous intent decorated her face, inducing even more fear into me.

I simply stilled myself, staring at the queen with a mien of contempt and bitter spite. Unknowingly to her however, I eyed at the corpse of one of the Deathwish specialists that was laying immobile near me. To be more specific, eying at the pistol holstered on the decaying soldier's belt.

She closed in the distance between me and her, revealing a steel sword tainted with the red of blood, wielding it via telekinesis. She brandished the blade, as if taunting me. Subsequently, she lodged the blade into my left shoulder.

I screamed in pain as the sword's blade resonated pain within my body. I grasped at the blunt side of the blade, attempting to yank it out.

"Ah, well, this is the end of this hunt. What a pity, though I must admit, you're smarter than I thought." She said with a casual smile that I failed to see due to my eyes focusing on the blade stuck within my shoulder. "So... I guess I'll kill you know? That fine with you?"

"No... That's not-" My hand swiftly dove into my robes, searching for something I desperately require right now with commendable haste, "-fine!" I slammed the Summoning Grimoire into her face, she hissed and staggered backwards as the book scalded the surface of her face.

Only the owner may touch the book. I am glad that I remembered that. Seeing the opportunity, I dove for the holstered gun the corpse had

Releasing the gun from its holster, I took aim and pulled the trigger. The gunshot echoed throughout the forest, an agonized scream following subsequently.

Author's Notes:

If you want more of the Summoner, I suggest that you read the collaboration story!

Link to Story.

Pre-readers:

Chapter 25. Confrontation in the Scorching Forest

The recoil from the gun caused me to lose my grip of the pistol due to the severity of my wounds. The bullet struck its mark with the revolting sound of flesh being rendered into shreds. A drizzle of blood staining the ground as the Red Queen collapsed to the ground.

I stared at the motionless body of the changeling queen, a feeling of loath and relief filling my mind. Groaning in incomprehensible pain as I held the dreadfully large wound on my left shoulder. Feeling the warmth of my own blood, I grimaced in both pain and agony.

I anticipated for the wound left by that blade to be agonizing, but this was just too severe--I can't even stare at it without risking the chance of regurgitation. I gazed aimlessly around me in hopes of locating anything that could serve to treat this wound.

Of course, I could see nothing but the several eviscerated, battered corpses of either my friends, or foes. And of course, I can't forget to mention the prominently bright inferno desolating the once exemplary scenery of the forest.

The hazy smoke had accumulated to its pinnacle. This was apparent as a canopy of thick smog appeared above this burning forest. A shadow, similar to that of the night's, veiled the area around me.

I tried to move, but the pain was too agonizing, effectively rendering me immobilized. I tried to stand up, but the unfaltering, scorching pain in my bludgeoned legs sought to the prevention of that endeavor. I collapsed, needless to say.

I looked around me, desperate for any form of help. Once more, nothing but the appendage-decorated, bloody ground was the only thing in sight, along with the similarly decorated bushes and trees engulfed in a fiery cloak.

The smoke exuding from the forest reduced the visibility to less than adequate. I could barely see anything beyond the thick, dazing haze of smoke.

I coughed due to the inhalation of the volatile smoke. Once more, out of desperation, I tried to regain my footing. This time, however, I managed to avoid falling, but the pain is wearing on my injured legs.

I trembled uncontrollably due to the unbearable pain. I stood, not even daring to risk taking a step; if I moved, there's no doubt that the only result of that is me collapsing once more.

Blood dripped freely from my wounds, but the number one contributor to the swiftly forming puddle of blood below where I stood is originating from the hole embedded on my left shoulder. I winced, collapsing once more on my haunches.

"This is it, isn't it?" I muttered feebly to myself, "This is how this entire tragedy ends... With me, drenched in my own blood, dying due to a fatally-received wound."

A surge of defiance ran rampantly through my mind. Clenching my fists, I stood up once more, refusing to succumb to such a dismal death.

I took a step, much to my astonishment. The pain was unmanageable, despite the amount of adrenaline suppressing the burning agony. I wanted to writhed in pain on the dust, but I refused to do so. It was numbingly painful, but I still managed to endure a step.

Suddenly, two figures emerged from the smokescreen. Two very familiar figures that I detest with all of my indignation.

I recognized these two; Celestia and Luna, the two princesses that sought after my death, despite the overly-grievous toll of the casualties.

I just can't comprehend it. After all the conflict and travesties they've suffered in their aspiration to slaughter me, they still continue on seeking me.

They approached me, stopping roughly a few feet from me. A scorn of contempt and apathy embedding on both of their faces. I responded to their indignant stares with a weakened smirk. A smirk that basically said, "Good job, you got me" in a smug manner.

What did you think I was going to do? Pitifully try to flee? Plead for my own life? If you did, your expectations of my capabilities are a major underestimation. Even the likes of me have honor.

"It is over, Summoner." The white one, Celestia, spoke with vindication. "I'm afraid you're beyond redemption now. If only you've surrender sooner..."

"Surrender? To you?" I spoke, struggling to avoid coughing on the bitter taste of the smoke. "What did you expect me to do?!" I rose once more, although, I wasn't standing, but in a crouching position. My phantasmal smirk replaced with a resentful glower.

Unobserved by them, however, was a firearm clutched firmly in my hand. I'm not so complacent to just accept my death like this. No, I will refuse to relinquish my life no matter how grim the circumstances.

"Your subjects..." I coughed. "They knocked me out, kidnapped me, and my followers did what they had to do in order to preserve their master's life in what they perceived as an act of murderous intent towards me."

I gripped the handle of the gun firmly, causing the pistol itself to rapidly shake at my trembling grasp.

"And you think that justifies for the thousands you've slaughtered? The additional thousands that you've inspired unrivaled fear into?" Princess Luna retorted in a cripplingly bitter tone.

I couldn't vocally reply due to both in fatigue and the fact that my pained mind couldn't conjure one. So instead, I glared at them, bearing a distasteful scowl with unsubdued spite. It may have not been the most tasteful of retorts, but it was one nonetheless.

The only sound present was the burning trees, the barely audible cooling breeze, and the occasional scream of agony. Then, at that moment, I just noticed something. Something that I dreaded.

The shrieks of pain dwindled down, restoring the eerie silence of this forest. That would've been good, since that would've indicated that this battle was nearing its end.

Sadly, this battle did not end with me as the triumphant party.

Finally, I managed to respond, albeit in a enfeebled croak. "... I may be the catalyst of this sequence of catastrophes, but I'm not the only one to blame."

Swiftly, I drew the gun from concealment, aiming it directly at the blue one; Princess Luna. "All two of you contribute much to this bloody cataclysm!"

The blood-stained barrel directed at the alicorn, I was merely seconds away from ending her. This time, however, I wasn't too keen on allowing hesitation and doubt hinder my actions.

I pulled the trigger, prompting the bullet to soar through the gun with a blinding flare and a deafening cacophonous noise. The bullet ricocheted as the blue one formed a deflective shield around her. Instead of burying itself in its original target, the bullet made its way into the interior of a tree.

Seeing my failure at retaliation, I took aim of Celestia just before she could retaliate. Firing the trigger several times in rapid succession, I grew nervous as she as well formed a barrier to repel my bullets.

Suddenly, I was struck with an idea that should've revealed itself to me much sooner.

I blindly launched a fusillade of bullets at the two defending alicorns. Bullet after bullet were diverted from their intended target as the translucent shields staunchly defended their casters. I dreaded the possibility of that one of them might be reflected back to me, but the chances were less than likely, and now would be ill-advised to stop shooting anyways.

Using my wounded left arm to attempt to reach for the Summoning Grimoire.

I ran out of bullets, but it was irrelevant now as I clutched the book in my strained left hand. I managed to open the book, but not without much difficulty.

Dropping the gun, considering that it was useless to me now, I opened the book. I frantically looked for an empty page. At the same time however, the two alicorns dispersed their shields and aimed their horns at me, channeling ruinous amounts of magic within them.

Everything seemed to slow down due to the sheer number of adrenaline within me. I could hear my heartbeat thumping as I flipped page by page.

Suddenly, the two alicorns released their torrents of magic at me. I looked away from the book and directed my eyes towards me. I saw a pair of beams colored in yellow and midnight blue gradually inching closer to me, intending to annihilate me in tandem.

I looked down at the book, and back at the two beams approaching me. I felt an overwhelming sense of futility and grief. N-no. No! I thought to myself in defiance.

The devastating duality of the beams collided with my book. I wanted to close my eyes, but I just couldn't manage to do so. As soon as I saw the two streams of magic collide with the cover of the book, a spark of shadowy flames shimmered for a mere second.

And then... I was enveloped in a colossal explosion.

The explosion engulfed the entire area around me. Unfortunately, the blast was not within range of the two princesses. A staggeringly intense fissure was caused by the sheer destruction the beams possessed, causing the many burning branches to fall to the ground, still immolated with a ravenous fire.

I thought I was done for, but somehow, I emerged from the billow of smoke from where the spell struck me, completely unscathed.

I was astonished, along with the two princesses that had to shield themselves from the rocky debris being flung everywhere due to the cataclysmic eruption of magic.

But something was... off. The book was glowing with a near-blinding purple luminescence. I looked directly upon it, if I wasn't so hysterically panicky right now, I'd be slightly curious.

Suddenly, the glow began to dissipate, albeit slowly. I could feel something surging through my veins-- A powerful, intoxicating sensation.

The same feeling that threw me into delirium. Oh no...

The feeling however, soon became inordinately intense, and I began to clench my head. Screaming in agony, I nearly fainted. I staggered backwards, shaking my head vigorously.

I fell to the grounds on my knees, in a seemingly dead posture; my head pointed directly to the ground, my arms weren't twitching, nor twitching, in the slightest. The book's glow intensified and subsequently died out.

The theory of me now deceased was swiftly disproved when I slowly began to rise up from my kneeling position.

Opening my eyes, I revealed a purple glow harbored in my right eye. I could feel the wounds scattered throughout my body mend and stitch together perfectly. Soon enough, the pain that once taunted me departed from my body.

Renewed, I felt my now untarnished skin, a demented grin adorning my face. I stretched my back, arching it. I moved my hands freely. Concluding that my previous injuries were now non-existent, I took a step.

A maddened glare, accompanied by a complimentary psychopathic grin, focused at my two 'killers.' I saw their expressions, and I reveled in its intoxicant taste. Incredulously, they let their jaws hang open as they marveled in fear at me recovering from my seemingly fatal wounds. To them, it just appeared that I just shrugged off the agony with ease.

I looked around the environment, seeing that there was a drastic change in the terrain. Burning branches fell from the trees due to the shockwave discharged from the recent blast caused by the two alicorn's assault on me. The ground was wreathed in fire due to the still blazing, fallen appendages of the also burning trees.

The flames were everywhere now. The ashes danced elegantly in the air, only to stop as they fall into the mixture of blood and dirt below. The smoke obscured even more due to the fallen branches, but it didn't matter.

A pestering large tree just had to fall between me and the Two Sisters, separating me from them with an imposing wall of flame, thus making close-combat not a viable method of dueling them.

No matter. Thanks to the amount of rotting remains of combatants scattered around me, there was no shortage of ranged weaponry.

To the left of me was nothing but a couple of swords and a few bodies of opposing soldiers. Nothing too notable.

To the right of me was something that caught my attention. A battered taser laid limp below a tree, a sub-machine gun laid remaining clutched on his right hand.

Behind me was something more sensible for me to go after. A generic soldier was dead, impaled by one of the pointed spines of a burning branch. His flesh was exposed due to tears on his armor, thus, the sickening scent of burning flesh was potent in the air.

Below the mangled mess of a corpse was a rifle modified to an excessive degree. Surely, this will be more than enough to end the lives of my aggressors.

My human limbs were emanating purple, luminous embers, curiously enough. I could feel immeasurable vigor in me. This was no doubt that this is the book's doing.

Summoning my newly acquired energy, I bolted after the rifle behind me, murderous determination fueling me with efficiency.

Snatching the firearm from the small pool of blood forming below the speared body, I aimed it at the still unmoving alicorns.

I fired away, unleashing a screen of deadly projectiles at the alicorns. The recoil, however, was being a bastard and made my aiming off by several inches from my target.

As expected, the bullets hit nothing but the burning lumber. The princesses flinched at the suddenness, but managed to regain their composure and soared upwards to avoid the bullets.

Unsatisfied, I cursed at the gun as I threw it onto the ground, "Damn you!" Reaching for the holster of the body beside me that was skewered on this tree, I grabbed his less unwieldy pistol. Curse my inexperience with guns...

Resorting to the more stable, but less damaging pistol, I pulled its trigger, directing its trajectory towards the hovering alicorns. I missed and missed again, as a result of this, they squalled me with rays of their magic.

Thankfully, their aiming was just as poor as mine. Their beams, instead of lancing me, peppered the ground. I sprinted back and forth to dodge the volley of beams, I took potshots as I ran in the open.

"This is getting monotonous! Just stay still, you bastards!" I yelled out, however, that simply dissuaded them from being stationary even further.

I managed to nimbly sidestep just before a beam impaled my chest. Sneering tauntingly, I resumed on running. Cover was quite elusive in this surrounding, and I'd rather result into running around like an imbecile rather than stand still.

"I wasted enough shots." I stated to myself in a cold as stone voice. Stilling myself, I allowed myself to improve my aiming, but also compromising myself to being incinerated. I lined up the shot, and pulled the trigger.

The gun discharged with a thunderous roar, a bullet leaving its muzzle. Luck was favoring me apparently, as the lead impacted directly on the blue one, Luna, in the abdomen region.

With a pained shriek, she crashed down to the ground.

"No!" The white one screamed in a voice that quaked the earth, pausing her continual rain of beams. Seeing the opportunity, I shot her.

She too fell to the earth as another bullet scored directly in the chest area.

I vocally expressed joy at my accomplishment in a hysterical cackle. Ah, and it seems that fortune favors me even more than I anticipated. The fire that once enveloped the large log that prevented me from passing has been extinguished. I can ensure the deaths of the two alicorns.

I jumped over the charred tree, seeing the body of the blue one, Luna. However, the elder one was missing-

Suddenly, a flash of light appeared behind me. Before I could turn around, however, a blade pierced through my torso. The blood seeped through my wound. I gazed upon the blade embellished with my own blood.

Despite my inevitable death, I laughed. "Heh... the sun gives life. You take it. How ironic." It didn't take much to look behind me to confirm the identity of my killer.

I slammed the blunt end of the pistol on Celestia's face as I swiftly turned around, she staggered towards the ground, falling to the still scalding hot log behind her. She yelped as it singed her. Helpless and teary eyed, I pointed the gun at her.

With my assailant disarmed, I yanked the sword out from body. Then, I pointed the gun towards her. I was mere seconds away from pulling the trigger, but I withheld against the temptation. "Heh. No, I just can't do it." I said, lowering the gun, looking down at the ground with a disappointed smile.

She looked at me, with confused and hopeful eyes. Huh, it's as if I'm actually going to allow her to live. Adorably pathetic.

Then, with a demented smile, I turned back to face her unconscious sister, aiming the gun at her unmoving, vulnerable form's head. "It's better to let you live without that which you love most, right?!"

I pulled the trigger.

Nothing happened, save for a clicking sound originating from the gun.

No ammo remaining?

"Heh... dammit." Was all that I could say as I succumbed to the cold embrace of unconsciousness.

I fell to the ground face first with a rasped gasp, and then... I closed my eyes, not even bothering to give even the slightest of concerns to the gaping puncture on my body.

Everything faded to black a few seconds later.

Author's Notes:

Pre-readers:

FTDLulz (... Yes. Only a single individual pre-read this chapter.)

Chapter 26. Mirrored Image

I am deceased, or at least, I feel as if I'm dead. Quite the plight I am in, isn't it? I never thought that the afterlife would be this dark, and so frigid. Wait, I'm not quite dead just yet. I'm perhaps just minutes, seconds even, from dying. I'm not certain. It's just an estimation.

"Hey? You still there?" I heard a distant voice called out to me. Somehow, the voice was eerily familiar. "Come on, you're not fooling anyone. I know you're alive. So stop being so unproductive and get up."

The rampant pain that numbed me dissipated almost completely. My limbs no longer felt the searing wounds that scathed me, and clarity that was once overwhelmed by the agony was renewed. The sudden rejuvenation struck me with perplexity and hesitation.

Somewhat reluctant, I opened my eyes.

I was still in the forest, but what struck me as awry was the fact that there was a precise replica of me standing just a few feet from me. He wielded a sword, an intimidatingly lengthy one, to be more exact. He glared at me with malicious eyes, his face bearing a sinister grin.

"About time," the sword lands just inches away as he threw it at me, "Shall we begin?" He questioned, unsheathing a sword from a concealed scabbard.

My eyes darted from the sword on the ground displaying my reflection on the surface of its blade and back to my clone who was flourishing his blade with swift motions and spins. "W- what do you mean?" I stammered, fearing the implications of his previous words.

He sighed, his ravenous grin shifting to that of a frown of annoyance, "You're really slow, aren't you?" he points to the ground with his own blade, directing the tip of it to a corpse, "You see that? That's what we're fighting for."

I glanced at the body. My eyes twitched with astonishment when I discovered that it was my own, unconscious body. "The... hell?" I muttered audibly as I took a step back.

The imitation of my image chuckled grimly. "Now do you understand? Whoever is the victor of this duel will be rewarded with a physical body," he explained.

I rationalized his words, especially the part where he said 'physical body.' "Dammit..." I said to myself as I looked at arms, realization of the current predicament I am in.

My appendages were slightly opaque, as if I've been distorted with static, and if my physical form is there lying on the ground, slumbering, that means that I am currently in some sort of incorporeal physique.

"Now that you've understood everything..." he bolted at me, his sword raised high-above him, "Let's settle this, shall we?"

Seeing the abrupt assault on me, I lunged for the sword on the ground, desperately trying to grab the handle of it. As soon as he closed in the distance between him and me, he heaved his sword downwards in an attempt to render me in half.

Fortunately, I reflexively parried the strike with a swift diagonal swing of my own weapon. The metal of the two blades rang out, resonating as they both collided with each other. An eerie echo followed as our blades met.

Despite being countered, his feral-like grin did not even falter by the slightest. Withdrawing a bit backwards, he thrust the end-part of his blade forward. His attempt at skewering me failed and resulted in a counter-attack by me in the form of a hasty kick.

The counter directly impacted his chest. I could feel a few ribs breaking beneath my foot. I wasn't expecting my kick to actually fracture bone, well, I suppose that's just the courtesy of the gradual increase of adrenaline in my body.

He didn't even hesitate as he swung his sword upward at me, I managed to sidestep before the steel connected with my vulnerable flesh. He didn't relented however, as he brought down his sword multiple times at me. The swings of his blade were neither ethereal, nor were they elegant.

Obviously, he didn't have any technique in wielding swords other than to 'swing haphazardly at foes,' though, I must admit, that's my own tactic.

The fervent blows continued to meet the broadside of my sword. With each strike came along a resonant echo of blades striking each other.

I parry one more time, swinging my sword to deflect an incoming blow. Before I could retaliate, he brought his sword downwards. Fortunately, I managed to shield myself from the daunting blow by bringing my sword up to face-level and slanting it horizontally.

Shimmering, cold steel met with each other. Our swords were pressed onto each other, both of them struggling desperately for domination. I kept the adverse sword away from my face, using my own. My knees faltered, pressured by the force applied onto the strike.

I looked at the face of my foe. Somehow, my eyes weren't focusing on the iron edge right in front of me. His right eye was illuminated by a luminous purple glow that was similar to my own, of course, with the exception of color. I recognized that pigment, it was when I went insane.

Somewhat, this is fitting. I am dueling with my counter-part who has descended into a state of psychotic madness. To the victor be the spoils--control of my actual body.

I tried to push back the blade with as much force as I could muster, but I was met with no fruition. Fortunately, however, the opposing blade wasn't inching closer to me. It's apparent that us, the two combatants, are in an impasse.

The sword against mine own inched closer as I desperately attempted to repel it, the grin of my demented imitation widened sickeningly as he spectated this. Summoning the clinging remnants of my strength, I tried to push back the blade, but to no fruition.

My grasp trembled rapidly as my foe's steel threatened to render me in two pieces. If I don't conjure some sort of plan, I'm done for!

Then an arguably stupid tactic appeared within my mind...

My left hand departed from the handle of the sword, leaving only my right hand the responsibility of preventing me from being harmed, and, or killed.

My clone chuckled audibly with sinister glee, "Ha! What's wrong? Your arm growing fatigued?"

I rummaged through my robes, finding the object that I am hoping to give the desired effect that I want, "No. Not at all," I withdrew the Summoning Grimoire from my robes, holding it in my left hand, "Here, why don't you take this as a present?"

With exemplary precision, that was acquired from throwing things often, I hurled the book towards my opponent's face. The book scored the flesh of my clone, scalding it thoroughly.

My amoral replica winced and staggered backwards, shielding his face with his right arm, "Ack! Ah. The hell!?" he cursed wildly as he flailed his sword blindly towards me.

Sidestepping from a rather close slash, I closed in, positioning myself for a swift strike. "You're not exactly the owner of that damned book just yet," I said in triumph as I thrust my sword forwards, impaling him directly in the chest.

I let my grip go, leaving the sword embedded into my clone. He falls to his knees, his eyes widened, blood seeping profusely from the wound. With a gurgle of blood, he mutters at me bitterly as he falls to the floor

"Bastard... Can't you just play fair for once?"

"Hey? You're still breathing... that means you're still alive, right?"

I awoke to the sound of a voice. The voice was familiar, but the identity of the voice was obscured as I couldn't decipher the words spoken to me. They just sounded like murmurs.

I slowly awakened, my eyelids slowly revealing the eyes beneath them. As I regained my vision, just a few feet away from me, I saw a black figure- Oh hell, is that Chrysalis?

"Ah, so you are alive," she nonchalantly says as she approaches me, "I didn't really think that you were still capable of even breathing."

"What makes you say that?" I said as I suppressed a cough.

"You have a sabre stuck in your stomach," she says as she points at the bladed weapon protruding through my stomach. The revelation caused me to recoil back in surprise. Did my senses go that numb when I was in... whatever the hell that was.

"How sloppy of the Alicorn Sisters," she examines the glistening, bloody blade stuck in my body, "They must've mistaken you for dead, and hurried off."

"Well, I did kinda knock out Celestia's sister with a bullet..."

"Ah, that explains it," Chrysalis starts to channel magic into her horn, her eyes closing in concentration, "In her panic, she recalled her troops, not there were many left in the first place, and head back home to tend to her sister."

"I guess," suddenly, pain resonated through my body, "the hell?! Oh- Gah!" I swore an uncountable amount of profane words as a green magical vice suddenly enveloped the weapon and began to yank itself out. I tried to clutch the opened wound, but for some peculiar reason, there was no hemorrhage of blood when the blade dislodged itself from me.

Then I noticed the dark, purplish sparks being emitted throughout my body. I recognize this... this happened just when that damned book absorbed the blasts that the princesses sent at me.

It's still in effect?

The bloodied steel hovered in front of me, the same telekinetic hold enveloping it. "Huh?" Chrysalis blurted out in surprise, "You seem unfazed? Are you impervious to pain?"

I stood up, as if not scathed in the slightest as the pain went away almost left completely from me, but despite my seemingly invulnerable aspect, I was still worried to no end. "Yes... at least, for now."

I looked around to pinpoint the location of my book. Nothing but crimson ashes and tattered earth for as far as the eye could see. Despite this, I still managed to find it.

"This... the book shielded me from two devastating magical spells from the princesses," I rub my forehead, a seemingly random migraine appearing, "It converted the magic from the Sisters into something else."

"What?" Chrysalis said, "How can you be certain?"

"I was crippled, blood dripping from all parts of my body, that was, until the book gave me a impeccable power as it simply drained the power from the sisters' arcane beams."

I succumbed to the migraine as it suddenly immensely increased in pain. "Ah... I think it has some bad, bad repercussions."

Chrysalis sighed as she pondered, "You are a non-magical being. Perhaps it's just nothing."

"Hm... perhaps-"

Suddenly a chill ran down my spine as I heard a voice from within the boundaries of my mind, "Heh. Did you really think you could eradicate me that easily?"

I knew this voice. It was my own.

"No... no." I began muttering to myself. Looking up to face Chrysalis, I pleaded, "Do you know anyone that is well-verse in these kinds of things?"

"N- no." she pauses, as if recalling something, "Well, perhaps there is one who might be able to help, but..."

"But?"

"She's sentenced for life in imprisonment in Canterlot's castle."

Author's Notes:

Sorry this took a while to make... I've been busy with things.

Chapter 27. End of the Line?

"Ugh," I yelped as random surge of pain emerged in my chest, "Argh. With all this agony wringing throughout my body makes me feel as if I'm levitating," I spoke out to Chrysalis in semi-irritated, pained voice.

"That's because you actually are floating," Chrysalis scoffs. "Have you forgotten that you are almost completely crippled thanks to that little performance you did? Next time, try to avoid getting nearly killed so that I don't have to drag you out of whatever hole you crawled to die in."

"Oh yeah..." I muttered. I forgot that I can't even stand, let alone walk. "Thanks for this, I guess."

Chrysalis replies with a smirk, "Think nothing of it." She swiftly adds, "Though, this means that you do owe me."

I replied with no words, but with the roll of my eyes.

And so we progress... rather monotonously. Nothing to do other than to look around, and the scenery seems to repeat itself--nothing but bloody corpses, bloody disembodied limbs, bloody trees, bloody rocks, bloody craters left by artillery fire for as far as the eye can see.

I sighed. "This... this is boring," I feigned agony as I said those words.

"Occupy yourself in something," Chrysalis said, rolling her eyes as she did.

"Like what? There's not much to do in my current state," I answered back.

"I don't know." She begins scanning the area. "Count... the dead bodies, or something."

"That's a rather grim activity to indulge in..." I pondered before she could reply, "Wait, what's the date?"

Chrysalis eyes me with a bemused face, "Do you really expect me to know the current date?" She sneers, "How could I possibly know that when I had my sleep deprived from me, the majority of my time spent on killing, or avoiding to be killed, and of course, I haven't had the chance to see a calendar for a few months now."

I clenched my teeth down as I overlooked that glaring fact. I suppose that my mental reasoning has-

"Yes. I actually do know the date; it's the twenty-first of May," Chrysalis answers with a rather smug smile. "Can I assist you in anything else?"

"Wait- How could you possibly know that?" I stammered.

Chrysalis shrugs, feigning a proud tone. "I have a rather keen memory. It's quite a basic necessity for someone of my caliber."

I dismissed her attempt at boasting. "Whatever- anyways..." I stared at the sky for a few moments, and back to her, "it was my birthday six days ago."

Chrysalis slowed her pace down suddenly, her eyes widening as if she just saw a train being derailed. "Really now?" she questioned. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

I let out an annoyed grunt. "I didn't know the date. What did you expect?" I said with a scoff. "Anyways, what's so special with birthdays with you?"

"What do you mean?" Chrysalis snaps into reality as she let out a chuckle, "Oh right. The birthday thing; it's really a changeling custom." A faint smile adorns her face as she daydreams about something--most likely about her culture. "You see, when a changeling queen has her birthday, a very large celebration is normally held."

Chrysalis looks down and stifles a laugh, "I remember my previous birthday celebration. Banquets of the finest cooked meat-"

"Meat?" I stared at her with a dumbfounded look. "I thought you changelings feasted on love, or am I mistaken?"

She sighs in irritation before she responded, "Yes, you are greatly mistaken, for that is a very big misconception," she glances at me as she opens her mouth wide, "See these?" she gestured her hoof to her fangs, "What do you think these are for?"

"Oh," was all that I could muster at that moment. "I see... so I take it that you pursue 'love' only to fuel your magic?"

"You catch on quick," she said as she sly smiles. A look of trivialization on her face. She looked as if she wanted to pat my head, or something . "Yes, we do use it to this," she points her horn at a charred tree. Horn radiating with a green luminescence, she unleashed an emerald fireball upon a nearby tree, enveloping it in flames.

Upon impact, the orb detonated, engulfing the tree in fire. "Given enough time, even the most resilient and most formidable of changeling hives will crumble without hunting for love."

I rolled my eyes. "Was that demonstration really required?"

"No," she dismissively waves her hoof at me, "but I do like showing off."

Chrysalis continued, "But back to what I was saying. There were banquets-"

"Yeah, I get it. You had an awesome birthday party." I clapped my hands, faking celebratory cheer as I said, "That's great and all, but... I really wanted to celebrate it with, you know, less bloodshed and explosions."

"That is an inevitability, considering the rather notorious reputation you uphold here." Chrysalis snickered.

"Still, it would've been nice to celebrate it with friends."

For a brief second, a hint of sorrow was apparent on Chrysalis' face before it returned to a more neutral look. "Am I not considered a friend?" she asks, her tone devoid of any emotion.

"Wait, what-"

"Nothing," Chrysalis interrupted. "It's nothing."

"Uh," I uttered as my mind briefly blanked on me with panic. Her usual charismatic mien just plummeted suddenly. What's up with that? "No need to get upset. I said friends--plural. Now that you mention it, I didn't even get to celebrate my birthday due to a number of hectic transitions in my lifestyle." I chuckle sheepishly. "Of course you're a friend."

"Heh. It's going to take a lot to deceive who practices deception." She managed a weak phantom of a smile as she slouched back, her head slightly drooping.

I hesitated before replying, "I do mean it, though." My tone was weaved with guilt. Chrysalis lights back up, reverting back to her more enthusiastic posture. I take it that she saw no motive of deceit behind my words.

Chrysalis shook her head as if dismissing a thought in her mind. "Like I said, don't pay too much to it. It's nothing." Chrysalis chuckles once more. "As a changeling queen, I will not allow your birthday to go without commemoration."

"Huh? What do you have in mind for me?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Nothing, at the moment." An infuriated expression crossed Chrysalis' face . "Gah. I'll think of something later. For now, let's focus on getting out of here."

I simply nodded in agreement.

I felt as if I was going to die. Simply walking was a seemingly inconceivable task due to the tormenting amount of pain riddled through me. My body was crippled; I could barely move my arms, and the pungent smell of burnt flesh does not help at all.

"Is this all that is left of this forest?" I said, my half-opened, weary eyes gazing through the charred trees doused in blood and eviscerated corpses. Ash and blood solidified in unity to form a black ooze with a red tint. The abundance of trees was erased completely, being replaced by blackened stumps and branches.

"It seems so," Chrysalis paused, taking a sigh indicating fatigue, "it seems that the inferno engulfed everything." She sneered in disgust as the scent of profound amounts of sizzled flesh assaulted her nostrils, "Trees and corpses alike."

"What a pity," I wheezed and coughed, a small trickled of blood alarmingly escaping my mouth, "I always liked the terrain..."

Chrysalis glances at me, genuinely concerned, "You just coughed out blood... is that something humans do normally?"

I stared at her with a sarcastic glower, "Yeah. We normally do that when we're dying, or suffering a very serious ailment." My remark seemed to only annoy her as she chose to avoid responding, her eyes directed focus forwards, a bemused frown apparent on her face.

I thought to myself aloud, "Now's not the best time to be snide, I guess."

"What makes you say that?" she quipped.

I managed to emit a chuckle, although it was extremely raspy and stifled. I doubt that she could even hear it, seeing that there was no reaction from her.

So we walked. Well, technically, she walked and I hovered just a few feet away from her, encased in her magical grip. As we progressed through the ashy wasteland of blood that was formerly a great forest, I witnessed the severely mutilated bodies of both ally and enemy.

"Something I'd rather not look at again," I muttered feebly.

Chrysalis shook her head, "I can agree with you on that one."

On the fallen branches were impaled corpses, blood staining every bit of their bodies. Some even were grasping the sharp branch skewering them.

"Those look as if they were alive for a few seconds before they died..." I uttered in both shock and terror.

"What a terrible way to go." Chrysalis shivers before she spoke, "I wonder if this is what that red psycho meant by a 'plan' reserved especially for me."

"I... really hope not." I shook my head, "It doesn't matter. She's gone."

"Yeah, you're right." Chrysalis looked forwards, braving the unforgiving pathway of damp, bloodied, darkened soil. Her hoofsteps making a splashing noise.

I looked around further. As much as didn't want to stomach the brutality, I just simply had an urge to examine the war-torn forest. Shards of glass are scattered throughout the ground, most likely from the face-plates and visors of my comrades.

I just can't help but feel extreme pity and sorrow towards them; they were loyal to the end, yet their bodies remain here on this foreign land, condemned to never be satisfied with a proper burial, rotting away here.

Ack. The more I think about that, the pain seems to multiply.

I shrugged that line of thought from my head. Opting to examine area further, seeing that there was nothing better to do, I could barely stomach the sight before me. Every time we pass to another area, it's as if their morbidly grotesque aspects progressively become more gruesome.

Their faces were either burnt, or torn from their respective areas. Cartridges of ammunition were scattered everywhere. Craters caused by bombardment were filled with the blood-ash mixture.

Appendages and weapons were floating just above the glimmering surface of the black pools of blood. As much as I wanted to regurgitate at the sight, I refrained from doing so.

"Chrysalis," I beckoned, "I'm fine now. You can put me down now. The majority of the pain isn't there anymore, and I think I can feel my legs again."

Chrysalis glared at me with unpersuaded eyes, "Ha. You don't look like you can even walk." She chuckles, "Do you think that this strains my magical supply? If so, you underestimate a queen's ability in magic."

"No." I struggled to suppress a sudden spike of pain in my shoulder, "It's just that I'd rather not be a burden."

"You'd be an even greater burden if I allowed you to walk."

I hesitated to answer. "Good point," I admitted.

Suddenly, I am infuriated by a confounding question that has been confounding my mind for a lengthy amount of time by now. Sighing, I resulted in asking the one who definitely knows the answer, "Hey Chrysalis," I called out, prompting her to look towards me.

"What's with the sudden change of heart for me?"

She appears to be confused, "What do you mean, exactly?"

I groaned, in both pain due to the excruciating agony freely roaming my entire body, and from uncertainty. Finally, I managed to conjure an answer. "We were enemies for what seems to be just a few months ago, colleagues that are bitter to each other a few weeks ago, and now you're helping me with considerable compassion."

She smirks. "Well, you prove to be a very formidable asset." She continued, "Consider this as a late birthday gift."

I arch my eyebrow in a criticizing manner. "Really? I'm just an asset?"

She muffles a laugh with her hoof, before answering, "What can I say? Not only did I obtained a rather large sum of captive ponies for me and my hive to feed off of, you just made one of my worries go away for me. It's simply a necessity for me to repay you."

"Never did I condone, nor give you permission, in letting you taking in the survivors as simply magic-fuel for your changelings to luxuriate in." I sighed. "And by 'worry' you mean the Red Queen, correct?"

"Indeed. I was certain that she had 'plans' for me when she discovered where I escaped to," she shuddered, "It's against my vanity to say it, but her hive surpasses my own; only in combat, to be specific. Eradication... would have been a possibility, had it not been for your intervention."

"Well, about that..." I had to conceal the gradual increase of tension in my voice by pausing before actually replying, "I don't think I actually killed her."

Chrysalis stopped in her tracks abruptly, "What?!" she asked me in an extremely distraught tone. "If she is still well and breathing, me and my changelings are in-"

Before she could continue on panicking, I interrupted, "Woah. Allow me to give you some clarifications," I took a deep breath, "She confronted me just before the sisters did. I managed to shoot her, and she fell down while screaming, and thus, I was under the pretense that I have murdered her."

"But she escaped?"

"Not exactly," I said as I shook my head in disappointment. "I don't exactly know where I shot her. You know, the agony and the adrenaline sometimes blur your mind."

I continued, "Some time later, the sisters found me, and as expected, demanded me to surrender. Being under the dementia-like influence of the damned book, I refused, and a battle subsequently followed. I kinda won, and then I passed out."

I added further, "When I woke up, her body was gone, and I'm quite sure that she wasn't just simply hiddened in the dusky blood-ash."

Chrysalis slowly resumed her walking. With a snarl, she replied, "If she is still alive. Then that is quite, quite problematic for us and our well-being."

"Who knows? Maybe she bled out and died?" I suggested.

"An optimist's way of thinking," Chrysalis shrugged off the thought, "We must always be ready for the worst." And so our conversation ends with that, and only a haunting silence accompanied the following several minutes.

I looked upwards to the sky as I am being carried via telekinesis. Honestly, one of the reasons I want to just go back to walking is that being kinetically carried by an unseen force is quite disorientating. Very disorientating.

My eyes wandered towards the clear blue skies. As if oblivious to the unmeasurable carnage present below them, flocks of birds flew past by the annihilated forest. Oddly enough, judging by the position of the sun, it was still quite early. The battle was not as long as I've anticipated, it seems.

"Hm," I spoke out to my changeling companion, "Where are we exactly going?" Once more, I coughed out a trickle of blood. "The stronghold isn't exactly there, anymore."

"Where-" Chrysalis paused as she had called forth green flames to incinerate a large branch obstructing our path. With a sigh, she continued, "-do you think I'm taking you?"

I closed my eyes, trying to make a hypothesis. I opened my eyes as I've made an assumption, "Well, this forest is burnt to the last tree, and there's blood everywhere, and the castle is most likely demolished by the artillery. So, I'm guessing we're headed for Ponyville?"

"Correct," she chirped out mockingly. "You know, you're not as idiotic as you were before."

I waved my hands around dismissively. "Whatever," I said with apathy.

As we trudged carefully among the marshes of blood, Chrysalis spotted a rather dry, untainted patch of green grass. There was not a single tendril of grass was doused in blood. I suppose that this is one of the areas excluded from the violence. "Ah, look. We can take a rest there," Chrysalis suggested.

"Yeah." I stated with a hint of worry, "Through all that walking, surely you're tired by now."

Before Chrysalis could give a cocky reply, a ghostly whisper came from behind the tree. "Ah yes, Chrysalis. You must be tired." The source of the voice revealed herself; it was the Red Queen, her gunshot wound still apparent, but no longer bleeding.

"What? Did you expect me to go that easily?" she laughs grimly. "Chrysalis, have you forgotten to inform your pet here that me and my changelings have a rather appalling regeneration rate?"

Author's Notes:

I... I AM NOT DEAD!

HOORAY!

Now then. Who's still my pre-reader?

Credits to Mad Maudlin and TSLsmokey for pre-reading this.

Chapter 28. Unstable Negotations

I felt a cold sensation of paralysis as my whole body refused to budge. My breaths became silent as cold sweat began to douse my head.

Neither Chrysalis nor I moved. The only thing giving away motion were the fluttering ashes falling from the blackened trees, only to be caught in the crimson color of the puddles of blood below. There was a continual sound of whistling. It was annoying at best--but if one was to investigate further, it would be revealed that the whistling was emanated from the several skulls laying on the ground.

My mouth was completely still in an open position, even after what seems to be about a whole minute. 'How the hell- How is she alive?' A flashback suddenly shot in my mind, replaying the scene in which I shot her just below her muzzle!

Regaining a portion of my composure, my eyes darted to Chrysalis. Her jaw too was open, revealing clenched teeth. She held a firm stance on the ground, but despite that, she was still faltering--shaking slightly.

"Well?" spoke out the red queen as she trudged ever so slowly towards us, casually flicking her hair with her hoof. "Aren't you glad that I'm here?" Suddenly, a chilling smile etches on her face. In response, we simply gave her cold glares.

Uncertain by her words, I questioned, "And why would we?! You tried to kill us not mere days ago!" Almost instantly after those words left my mouth, she shot a glare at me. Her glowing red eyes, coupled with her predatory grin, made it much more intimidating.

She held her mouth with her hoof in order to stifle a chuckle. "Ah. Well then, apologies. A mare has to get her pay, you know?" I heard Chrysalis snarl as she said those. I simply continued to stare at her, daring not to just lunge at her. She continued, "Anyways, I managed to overhear your conversation a while back. So you're looking for that fetid necromancer, huh?"

Chrysalis slowly nods. "So you know of him?"

She replied, "Of course! After all, he was sort of famous with us mercenaries. Well, that was before he got imprisoned by Miss Sunny, but whatever."

"I appreciate the offer," Chrysalis said, taking a few steps towards the other queen, "but I think we'll be much better off with you dead." I felt a bead of sweat form around my head. Threatening? That's not uncommon for Chrysalis, but it's still quite disturbing, no matter how many times you hear her. "You can't be trusted. Nothing personal. So I recommend that you leave."

"Right. Right," the Red Queen waved her hoof dismissively, "You see, I don't have much of a choice. With you," she points towards to me with her hoof, "killing every single one of my children. I can't exactly get back to Gryphon territory without... Well, you know, starving, or getting mauled by the wildlife. Or you know, getting shot down by the guards. So I might need your... help."

I arched one of my eyebrows. "So, you'll let us in Canterlot in exchange for... escort services?" I asked, a mixture of doubt and skepticism tied in my tone. "I'd rather take the chances of just barging into that place with an army," I said with a disgruntled huff.

She chuckles once more, only this time, much harder. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but was interrupted by wave after wave of laughter. After a few seconds, she wiped a figurative tear from her face with her hoof. "Yeah. That's really funny. You know, it would be great if you took up the job of a jester-" she looks towards me, noticing my stern face being devoid of any humor.

Seeing this, her jaw widens once more and soon enough, jolly laughter was bellowed from her. After several more moments of laughter, she paused to take a breath. Looking towards me, she spoke, "Are you a madman? The only reason why you won this battle with those two royal pricks is because they were on the aggressive position." she shook her head slowly, "Do you have the slightest idea on how fortified that place is? I swear, I must have seen at least twenty watchtowers."

Chrysalis went up to me to whisper, "Despite her notoriety, I must agree with her. That place- I've never seen it when its defenses are taken seriously, but I've heard old tales. I do not know how accurate these tales are, but they claim that Canterlot is basically impenetrable during times of urgent conflict. Still, I do not trust her. We should leave her."

I flinched slightly at the suddenness. "N-no. I think she can prove to be quite an asset. After all, she might know where that... necromancer is located at. That'll save us a lot of time." I closed my eyes as I delved into contemplation.

"Whispering? That's quite rude, you know?" she said, suddenly appearing just inches away from where I stood. Startled, I take a few steps back. "Oh, and that's also futile. We changelings have a keen sense of hearing. Did you forget about that Chrysalis?" Before I even had the time to react, she was already mere inches away from us!

Eyes widening, I thought to myself, 'The hell!? How'd she sneak up on us like that?'

She continued, "Oh well. I'll have to overlook that for now. You have to make a choice; either let me die and lose your only chance of finding this necromancer." She walks around, raising her hoof, "Or, you can allow me to guide you."

I gulp down the nervousness accumulating in my throat. I hastily looked around as I attempted to make an answer. Finally, I faced her, coming up with a decision. "I-I'll let you come with us then."

"You best be jesting! Not only did she betray us, she nearly killed you!" Chrysalis said aloud, not even bothering to tone down her voice, causing me to shrink back slightly in uncertainty.

"I know..." I hesitated as I began to ponder what I'm going to say next frantically. "Everybody makes mistakes, right?" I say with a sheepish grin, to which my companion replies with a cold leer. The cold glare that I received from Chrysalis was colder than the bodies scattered around this place. "It's not like we have much of a choice, anyways. We can't just leave this magician of yours to rot in Canterlot, for his and my sake."

"This- this is just the wrong choice. I swear, you're more of a threat to yourself than the ones that are trying to actually kill you." Chrysalis rubs her forehead with her hoof as if to alleviate a headache. "Who knows when she might stab us in the back... again."

Suddenly, the Red Queen approaches us with a chuckle. "No worries. I have no intentions of killing you. I don't like doing the same thing over and over again, you know?" she asked, causing me to falter in hesitation.

Chrysalis looks at her with a cold, grim face. "Just because you exploited this idiot's leniency," Chrysalis points her hoof at me, "that doesn't mean I won't try to kill you when your guard isn't up."

The Scarlet Queen apparently heard this as she feigned an offended. "I am taken aback. What did I ever do to you, Chrysalis?" Without giving time for Chrysalis to reply, she quickly added, "Other than 'that' incident."

Chrysalis sighed. She averted her head away, as if trying to avoid replying. However, she answered nonetheless. "She was asking for half of my hive to be converted to her hive. As a changeling ruler, I can't allow my children to defect like that."

"Oh come on. In time, your numbers would've replenished. Hmph, I guess it was just a matter of pride for you," the red queen said, pointing her hoof at Chrysalis accusingly. "Well then, after you declined me, you attacked."

My eyes widen. Right now, I feel as if was more dead than the corpses surrounding this ruined forest. "Chrysalis? You were the one who started the conflict?"

Chrysalis let out an agitated, prolonged sigh. "Really? Do you think I'm the only one to blame for this whole conflict? You were quite oppressive, harassing me and my changelings everyday until you could get what was yours. At first, your harassment was nothing but pestering. Gradually, you resorted into stealing from us, and even denied us from going out of our own homes. At the height of it all, you starved quite a large portion of my children to death. In retaliation, I attacked you and fled here."

"Yes. I guess I did get a bit... unreasonable on my actions, but as of today, let us be comrades, yes?" she said, extending her hoof towards Chrysalis.

"Fine. As for the moment, we are allies," Chrysalis said, shaking the hoof of the other queen with her own.

"Well then, shall we continue? We'll see nothing but dead trees, dead bodies, dead plants, and a dead atmosphere here if we linger here. I suggest that we go to- what's that establishment called again? Something-ville?"

"Ponyville?" I answered.

"Ah yes. That's the one. Come. I heard the pastries there are excellent," she said, turning over to the ruins of the aforementioned Ponyvilles.

Chrysalis felt an urge to plant her hoof into her face. "That was before it was reduced to ruins..."

Sighing, she retorted, "I know. That was an attempt at making a joke."

As I walked into the town filled with ghastly streets and demolished buildings. I couldn't help but avert my eyes away from the homes that I've long since ruined. Still, even up until now, I'm still dreaded by the deaths of the innocents that I'm responsible for.

Thankfully, the streets were cleared of the many decaying bodies left to rot here. I suppose that's a consolation.

Still, this place has gone through some reorganization. Some of the houses were coarsely repaired, planks of wood bar the exposed areas, and several missing patches of the wall was covered up with cement that stands out from the natural colors of the rest of the wall. Needless to say, this place still looks like a complete mess. Well, at least the atmosphere of death is gone...

Chrysalis noted, "Ah. I see that Celestia's band of idiots invested some of their efforts in making this a temporary camp."

"Yup. They must have stayed here for at least a few days in order to set these things up."

My face became pale at the sudden revelation. "Wait! That doesn't make much sense. They stayed here for days, and we haven't noticed them?"

"Beats me," the Red Queen said, approaching a rather unstable-looking door. She reached out for the door knob, but upon mere contact, the door fell to the floor, causing a loud thudding noise as well as shooting dust everywhere. With dust assaulting her, she went into a small fit of coughing. Recovering, she added, "You must not be observant enough."

Peeking into the now door-less building, she huffed as she pouted an annoyed face. Turning away from the apparently empty building, she made way deeper into the ravaged town. "Come on. I know that they keep their food around here somewhere... In the panic, I'm sure that they abandoned at least some."

Hesitant, I followed her. 'Idiotic for sure, but if she plans on leading us to a trap instead of guiding us to this necromancer fellow, maybe she'll change her mind if I open up to her a bit? Wishful thinking, I know, but it's still worth a shot...'

Suddenly, something tugged my robe. Turning back, I saw that it was Chrysalis. "If you value your life, I suggest that you don't allow yourself to be too comfortable with her."

I nodded as I turned to follow wherever the Red Queen went. "That's kinda of a given... but we still need her. So it wouldn't hurt to be a bit friendly towards her, right?"

Chrysalis, for what seems to be the hundredth time, glares at me coldly with her skeptical eyes.

Author's Notes:

December 15.

It was my birthday two days ago.

Pre-readers for this chapter:

TLSmokey

Chapter 29. Recuperation

"Well, here it is!" the Red Queen exclaimed, gesturing to a rather coarse-looking crate filled with various foodstuff ranging from exotic fruits, breads that were simply baked, and surprisingly enough, dried meat. Next to the crate was a rather fairly sized table which also had the previously mentioned food set on it, most of it being half eaten--presumably by the previous occupants.

"Huh. As expected," Chrysalis came in through the door after me. A scornful grimace formed on her face the instant she stepped foot on the wooden flooring of this seemingly random house. "those damned mercenaries aren't worth anything when it comes to rebuilding."

I nodded my head in agreement as I viewed the place around with a bit of contempt. Dust were everywhere. Countless of dust-mites were wreaking havoc on the lumber. There were still exposed areas of the structure that was blown off... probably from the siege prior.

There were some holes that were boarded up, but it was repaired in a manner that so lazy that it would've made the presumption that the one responsible for it was some ten-year old. Light was seeping from the covered up holes, but what was more concerning was that the wood used in boarding up the breaches are brittle.

Brittle to the point that a single punch might be able to break it.

"The tears in the wall are covered up by one to two planks of lumber..." Chrysalis said as she eyed the poor attempts at repairing. "The wood is either damaged by termites, water or by magical blasts." Just as she said that, her look became annoyed. "Did they actually reuse the house's already damaged parts in order to fix this!?" Chrysalis said aloud, clearly taken aback.

"Oh come on! No need to complain." the Red Queen cried out. "At least the place has food in it," she stated as she darted for one of the many fruits laying on the table before taking a large bite from it.

"What a lazy way of storing food," I said as I pointed towards the crate. Examining the food-filled crate, I took a cautious whiff of the scent exuding around it. The smell was surprisingly pungent, but nothing too aggressive. Most reassuringly, however, was the fact that it did not seem to be spoiled. "At least it's not rotten..."

The Red Queen chuckled. "The fruits here are far from their expiration date. I didn't really pay attention to the name of these fruits, but for now, let's call them Gryphon Fruit." Taking a bite from said fruit, she continued, "As one would expect, gryphon territory is quite uninviting. One would have to travel days, if not weeks to reach from settlement to settlement. In order to avoid food from going bad during their travels, they bred these."

Discarding the remains of the fruit she was eating carelessly onto the floor, she scooped another one in a cracked bowl with her hooves. Taking a casual bite, she shrugs. "What? I spend a lot of time with the gryphons. I know their stuff."

"I see," I deadpanned as I eyed on one of the fruits. Glancing at it, I hesitated on whether I should eat it or not. Suddenly, my empty stomach coerced me into taking a nibble. The skin was soft as well as the flesh. It was quite juicy. Red juices fall to the floor as I took another bite. "It's not that bad, actually." Reassured with the acceptable flavor. "Hydrating and filling... I can see why gryphon mercenaries use this for rations."

Chrysalis continued on inspecting the place. Much to her disgust, she was met only with more inadequacies. "Gryphon mercenaries in collaboration with minotaurs," Chrysalis said in a tone of disgust. "They're basically paragons of recklessness and laziness. This... what ever this is, is not surprising, to say the least."

"There were ponies, weren't there?" I asked, a bit of befuddlement plaguing my mind. "I take it that they're more organized when it comes to this. So why is this place a complete travesty to look at?" I said. Taking a look around for myself, I nearly tripped over a stone shard inconveniently placed on the floor that was among other similar shards.

Unfortunately, I let go of my grasp on the fruit by accident, sending it hurling towards the floor. With a splattering of juices everywhere, the fruit instantly became a victim to dust and dirt residing in the floor. Dismissing the lost of a fruit as a pester, I reached for another one.

"Ah." The Red Queen spoke out with her mouth full with food, "You see, they actually set up tents in the outer region," she pauses as she gulps down the food she was chewing on, "those tents are more... orderly." Like a glutton, she chomps down a piece of meat. Swallowing it, she continued. "But, since the attack is over, they probably packed up their things and left. They're probably licking their wounds back in their precious Canterlot."

"Well, that's a disappointment." I sighed as I grasped one of the chairs. Suddenly, upon mere contact, the chair collapses. Its legs fell to the floor slumped. Somewhat startled, I reached out for another chair. Making certain that it was stable, I sat upon it.

Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of a shadow of something small scurrying into a hole, making a clanging sound as whatever it was bumped into something metallic. Chrysalis reacts to this almost immediately. "A rat." She ignites her horn with an astounding amount of energy before continuing, "I loathe rats."

Within seconds the atmosphere became heavy with condensed power alarmingly quick. I could feel the sheer intensity burning with fervor in her horn. "Wait! Don't you think you're being a bit too hasty?" I yelped out in distress. With that amount of power, she'll raze this place to the ground with us in it!

"A bit too hasty? She's going to decimate this place," the Red Queen stated.

"That pest must be eradicated," Chrysalis stated absent-minded. She takes a step forward towards the room where the rat scurried off to, building up even more energy.

I rose from my chair in a panic. "Please don't say that you're going to blast it out of its hole! You're going to demolish this place, burying us in it!"

Chrysalis sighed, as she dispelled the energy she has channeled in her horn. Taking a deep breath, she sat down on one of the chairs. "Sorry. I really, really don't like those nuisances. I've... had a terrible experience with them in the past."

Keenly, Chrysalis' eyes darts around the place with restrained bloodlust displaying within them. "There better not be another one. The last thing I want to be is going to be sleeping in a rat-infested house." Snarling, her horn flared up once more. This time, however, the energy was faint. It seems as if she's actually suppressing her power.

Turning her head to me, Chrysalis spoke, "Now'd be the best time for you to take a rest. I'll keep an eye on her." She eyes warily on the Red Queen who simply rolled her eyes in response.

"Eh? Are you sure? Wouldn't that be too bothersome?" I pondered into more grim thoughts. "What if she sneaks up on me while I'm sleeping and stab me in the throat?"

"Ha!" The Red Queen laughs almost giddily. "You kidding? I've not a single ounce of magic left in me. It'd be plain suicide if I do something risky like that." With that, the Red Queen resumes eating.

"Yeah... Exactly," Chrysalis skeptically glares at the other queen. She turned her attention to me as she spoke, "Go ahead. Find somewhere to sleep. You've been fighting since from the entire morning until afternoon."

"Against me and the princesses, no less." The Red Queen claps her hooves as if to commend me.

"Right, right..." I slowly make my way upstairs. "Hey, Red," I called out to the Red Queen. Her ear perks up as she turned her head to me.

"Hm?"

"Don't do anything fishy, got it?" I stated.

"Wouldn't even dream of it," she said as she stood up from her chair, doing a mock salute to me.

I couldn't help but notice the murderous glare stored in Chrysalis' eyes as I continued ascending the staircase. "And Chrysalis," I spoke out. Responding to this, Chrysalis took her scowl off the other changeling and directed her face to me. "Don't... Don't kill anybody, okay?" I said as I stepped out of view as I head out for the second floor.

Chrysalis sighs. "He said that I'm not suppose to kill anybody. If I suffocate you to unconsciousness, will that be fine?"

Red looks cautiously at Chryalis. "Okay, okay. I get it. You're a bit pissed off. How about we move on, alright?"

Chrysalis groans. "Injuring you would be ill-advised, so I'll prevent myself from doing just that for now." Heading into the other room where the rat is last heard from, Chrysalis shouts out, "Come on. We have to remove the pest."

Shaking her head, Red follows Chrysalis into the room. "To think everything was going so fine..."

I woke up, a feeling of cold lingering in my body. Spinning my head around, I saw what made me woke up; an opened window. Stepping on the floor, I made my way to close it, however, I stopped midway from closing it.

The sun drew to its end, the moon taking its place high in the starry horizon. The sounds of what normally emanates from the forest; the crickets chirping, the cries of the owls, the snarls and howls of predators were unfortunately completely gone, courtesy to the Everfree's total obliteration. The night's natural ambiance was effectively gone--replaced by a depressing atmosphere.

Instead, I was met with a chilling, listless sound of the freezing winds of the night whirling through the barren land that was known as the Everfree. It's much more depressing than one might think, actually.

I sat alone in the second floor of this random house that was thankfully not razed during the battle that took place here. Gazing through the window sill at the charred corpse of the Everfree, I sighed with a mixture of boredom and slight anxiety. 'Anxiety? No. It isn't that... but what is it then? Could it be depression--no. Not that. Gah. It just feels so indescribable. I'll worry about this later.'.

I suppose I shall attend to the feeling that I can identify--boredom. I was bored, surprisingly enough. It was rare for me to actually get bored, considering that being hunted down constantly would frequently bestow me much, much the opposite of it.

I'm still a bit shaken up from the encounter with the Red Queen, so I can't exactly sleep. Oh, and the fact that the Red Queen is alive and is my short-term companion makes it so that sleeping is not an option. Aren't I just lucky?

"No sleep for me it is then," I said, groggily getting myself up from the bed. "If only there was something I could occupy myself in." Looking through the window, I felt somewhat adventurous. "I feel well-rested anyways."

The only thing illuminating the room that I was in was the moonlight streaming from the many cracks on the ceiling that was no doubt caused by the past magic bombardments. It's going to be really difficult trying to find something to entertain myself if I can't even see. No worries, it shouldn't be far too difficult-

Not noticing a stray wooden plank protruding from the floor due to the poor visibility, I tripped over it. Without time to react, I was helpless to recover from my impending fall.

"Argh!" I yelled out as I fell down to the floor. The boarding cracked and snapped as I landed. Regaining my senses, I cautiously began to stand up. "That was rather-"

Suddenly, the floor below me suddenly gave way as it began to cave in. Seeing this, I reflexively responded by nimbly sidestepping just in time for me to avoid falling down to the first floor as the floor itself crumbled and collapsed. Sounds of wood and dirt hitting down the boarded floor played out constantly, filling the empty, dark streets with its noise.

Peeking downwards into the newly formed hole. I see two familiar faces--Chrysalis and Red--staring directly at me.

"Just as I thought... This place is much worse than it looks."

Red sighs at her fellow queen. "Now's not the time for that. There's something quite distressing happening?"

My eyebrow arced in skepticism as I hear those words. Jumping down the hole, I landed somewhat roughly on the coarse dirt below me, causing a cloud of dust to go everywhere. Coughing, I asked, "What do you mean?"

Chrysalis answered, "She is assuming that the Elements of Harmony have been retaken by Celestia in order to use them as her trump card against you." Chrysalis shrugs as she notices my lack of understanding shown in my confounded face. "I assume you don't know what the Elements of Harmony, yes?"

"Yes. So can you please fill me in with whatever those are?"

Chrysalis sighs. "I thought they simply existed in the world of rumors at first, but I was proven wrong. My espionage agents have not only reported to me that Celestia used those relics in order to defeat Nightmare Moon, but she managed to overcome many different opponents as well with them."

Red shakes her head. "No. Celestia herself didn't use those relics, her little underlings did."

"I'm having a hard time believing this, because last I've heard, her underlings returned them to that damned tree," Chrysalis stated.

I repeated in a confused manner, "That 'damned tree'? Mind giving me an explanation, please?"

"The Tree of Harmony. I know it's cliched, but it does exist. It's over there somewhere," Chrysalis points towards the direction of the castled. "During sometime ago, the tree has supposedly lost its magical properties, so in order to revive the tree, Celestia's underlings, bestowed them to the tree. If I knew more about that tree, I'd tell you. For now, let's presume something awful is going to occur if we don't return those Elements back to the tree."

"Ah. It's too late. Something bad is already occurring," Red stated. "Go see for yourself," she said at the opened door.

Heeding her gesture, I went to the door. With a slight push, the door was now wide open. The sound, or rather the lack of it, was the same. The trees remained the same; charred and dead. Suddenly, I was struck by something alarming. The air around the forest seems to be warping and shifting around. What was most off-putting, however, was the steadily rising amount of arcane power within the forest.

"Pardon me, I should have said feel it for yourself," Red corrected herself as she bowed to me in a jesting manner. "Judging by that startled face of yours, you can sense the awfully large amount of magic within the forest, right?"

Chrysalis steps towards me, her eyes squinting as if she's examining me. "I'm surprised... I didn't think you could be able to sense it."

Red replies, "Ah. He's been blasted by an awfully potent spell by the princesses. Maybe he assimilated some of it into his system?"

I dismiss the overwhelming feeling of magic radiating from the trees in order to face the two queens. "We can talk about this later, but for now, what is exactly happening? If Celestia knew this would happen, why'd she do it?"

Red giggles suspiciously. "I actually know why," she stated.

Both Chrysalis' and my glare fixated on the Red Queen. Seeing this, Red finally answered, "Celestia and I talked about this a while back. If the all-out attack on you failed, she'd have to use the Elements on you. I tried to dissuade her, saying that there'd be a lot of dead bodies if she ends up taking it back." Red shakes her head as if disappointed before continuing. "She said it was too late. That she already had enough research done to convert those objects into weapons, and that she conjured a spell that she had personally threaded herself."

"But doesn't she care for her subjects above all else?" I asked. I briefly turn my head to view Chrysalis' reaction to this. The concerned glare on her suggests that she was going to ask the same question.

"That is true, but she did say this: "If I do not use the Elements, the killing will simply continue. I must stop this at once,'" Red said in Celestia's own voice as she mockingly posed in a posh stance. "Also... do you know of those underlings, Chrysalis?"

"I know that there are six of them, and that one of them recently ascended into being a princess... but that is all I know, despite my spies' best efforts," Chrysalis said in a defeated tone.

"Well, if you must know, one of them was personally taught and, if you think about it, raised by Celestia to a certain extent. She was... basically a daughter to Celestia. During the first time you," she points her hoof at me, "arrived here in Equestria, you caused a lot of panic. They had to evacuate Ponyville... They persisted on staying to help fend of your little pets, but Celestia told them otherwise. So, obeying their master like the obedient dogs they are, they rode on a train."

My glare intensifies as beads of sweat ran down my head.

"Unfortunately, their train had an unwanted guest hiding within the train. With the little pest problem they had, the train went off-rail, and of course, wrecked itself. It wasn't long before it was intercepted. Their bodies were never found, so Celestia assumed that they were dissolved into puddles of acid."

I continued staring at her, my jaw agape. 'I killed Celestia's beloved student?'

"Oops. I wanted to keep this a secret a bit longer, but oh well. Now you know why Celestia is so pissed off at you."

Chrysalis snaps back from her trance as she spoke, "This is bad. If Celestia is in fact this dead-set on killing you, we must not make waste of our time. We must advance to Canterlot."

I shrug off the daze-like state that I was in. "Wait. Is there anything possible for me to do to revert this... corruption from spreading?"

The Red Queen simply walked by me. "There are two options, really," she said without looking back at me, "Celestia kills you and returns the elements, or you kill Celestia and return the elements yourself. Either way, both of them are going to be inevitably bloody."

I looked downwards, contemplating. Finally, after what seem to be several seconds, I snapped out of it. "There's no good if we just stay around here. Let's get moving."

Nodding, the two queens went ahead. I followed behind them. Nothing but the sound of our footsteps could be heard in this barren town. "...I-I can't even... How am I supposed to decide?" I muttered to myself as I vanished into the darkness.

Author's Notes:

One more chapter, and I'll work on my other stories.

Pre-readers:

TLSmokey

Note: Pre-readers wanted (obviously).

Chapter 30. Withered Earth

In the horizon, the morning sun came into view. As we walked, we stopped just before a ghastly-looking cave. Surrounding the cave's outskirts were trees that were still untainted by the horror's of the Everfree. A cold breeze is constantly being emitted from the entrance, sending chills down my spine. "Here we are. The shortcut to Canterlot," Red states.

I peered through the darkness of the opening into the middle of a seemingly random cave. The chilling darkness coupled along with the sinister feeling radiating from the interior of the grotto. "Are you sure this is a shortcut to Canterlot?" I asked as I turned my head around to face my two changeling companions. "I just have a very bad feeling about this place."

"Yes. I've even used this a long time ago," Chrysalis answered. "This leads towards the Crystal Caverns, which is just below Canterlot. From there, it should be much more easier to infiltrate."

"Don't worry about the dark. There aren't any monsters in here that'll devour you in here," she casually chirps as she walks closer to the edge of the cave."

"That's not what I'm worried about," I sigh as I look back into the endless fog of darkness that was the cave's entrance. "What if we get lost? Just how big is this?"

Chrysalis responded, "The route should be pretty monotonous. There aren't any crossroads for us to get lost, anyways." Sparking her jagged horn with a green glow, licks of flame ran through it, providing ample illumination. "Now come on. We don't have time to waste," Chrysalis said as she entered the cave.

She stopped herself mid-step as she noticed that I wasn't following her. Shooting a glare at me, she raises one of her eyebrows. "What's wrong? You can't be seriously be afraid of the shadows," she said in a mocking voice.

Reluctantly leering over at the rigid rocks, I take note of their instability. Some of the rocks have crevices. Some even looked as if they were about to collapse any given moment.

Red passes by me as she head towards the inky darkness in the chasm. "Hey. If you want, you could stay here and just wait for us to bring you back the necromancer," she said in a casual fashion.

Chrysalis groans. "If it makes you feel more secure, try bringing an army with you," she said as she began to head deeper into the cave, vanishing from my sight. "I'm going to go ahead. Catch up with me as soon as possible."

With a defeated sigh, I withdraw my book from my cloak. A faint, reddish aura permeates from it, along with that, the air around it seems to be corrupted with some sort of enigmatic arcane energy. "Ever since the book saved me from that blast, it became off."

"Go in the cave without your personal bodyguards then," Red says as she enters the cave without giving me time to reply. "Deal with it," she said casually.

I could only stare at her as she vanished into the darkness. I feel somewhat ignored. I shrugged off the feeling of ignorance as I stepped into the cave. "Bah. It's probably a bad idea bringing an army through this small passage," I muttered to myself as I noted the confined space within the cave.

I cautiously made my way through the cave. My vision was extremely limited; I couldn't even see my own hands in this lighting unless I just place them inches away from my luminous eye. In fact, the only thing that was giving off light.

As I walked, I heard a few footsteps that weren't synchronized with my own. Sheepish, I called out for the owner of the steps. "Hey, Red. Is that you?"

Confirming my answer, her voice replied back to me, "No. I'm a cave-dwelling monster that has come to eat you up." Despite the snark knotted in her voice, I was relieved that I was not separated in this dusky cave.

"It's so dark that I can't see a few inches away from me. How are you not complaining about this? How can you even tell what's in front of you?" I asked in a confounded state of mind.

"Oh. It's dark?" she said, feigning a voice of concern. "Well, I can't really tell since I have better night-vision than you."

I could only glare at the spot where I presume she's walking on with envious eyes. "Really? Damn you. Why can't I have night-vision eyes too?" I said as I crushed something beneath my shoe.

It was apparently brittle as it shattered easily upon the slightest of pressure. "Oh- Huh? What was that?" I managed to recover my composure, nimbly avoiding tripping down.

"Well, for your first question, it's because you're not a Scarlet changeling," she said with so much smugness that it's not hard to picture a cocky grin on her face right now. "Secondly, what you just stepped on was an animal's skull."

I recoiled slightly at that. "Well, at least it wasn't another sapient being's skull... I would've been much more creeped out."

She scoffs at me. "Well, if you're disturbed by the dark so much, why don't you use that fancy book of yours?" she asked.

I raise my eyebrow in an arc. "To summon an army to light up this place for me?"

I hear a sound akin to that of someone planting a hoof into their face; a face-hoof. "No! Use it to light up the place--it's got enough magic to provide light." I hear her groan before she continues, "Heh. I get why Chrysalis puts up with you. Your clueless personality is cute."

Disregarding that last remark, I questioned. "Okay..." I bring out the book, retrieving it from my shadowy robes. "How do I exactly make this thing give out luminescence?" I said as I waved the book around in my hands in the pitch blackness.

"Huh?!" she blurts out in reflex. "You mean to say you don't exactly know how to control it?" She cackles like a madman as she said, "I actually lost to someone who can't even control their weapon? That. Is. Hilarious!" As the laughter continues, my frown gradually became more apparent.

Continuing on laughing for a few seconds, she finally recuperated from the fit of laughter. "Ha... But in all seriousness. Maybe try placing some magic in it, I dunno."

I hesitated before continuing, "And how do I do that?" I wave my hands around to gesture to something obvious. "Despite my appearance, I am no magician."

"Oh, wow. This is priceless," she said as she was forced to suppress a giggle. "Look, since we're both helping each other here, I might as well tell you. You just have to command it."

"Oh, right. Like you said, I took in a lot of magic through that blast was sent straight into my face. Right... So, I just have to command it?" I repeated with a look of an addled mind. "Once again, how do I do that?"

There was no answer for a few seconds as she spent some seconds pondering. "I don't know, actually. It's like moving your arm, you see? I can't exactly tell you how I do it, but I just can. So yeah..."

"So... I just have to control it as if it was a body part?" I said with uncertainty.

"Exactly!" She claps her hooves as if to congratulate me. "Go ahead, try it!"

Shrugging off this uneasy feeling building up within me, I raise my book to head-length. 'I might as well do it. What's the worst that could happen? Oh no. I'm jinxing it, aren't I?'

With a hesitant sigh, I began channeling my magic, or at least attempted to. So far, nothing has happened. I focused harder, but to no avail. Perhaps it's because I'm lacking something to channel it to? Unicorns use their horns as conduits, so I must have to use... the Grimoire, perhaps?

"Did you give up yet-" Red started talking but stopped short as a brilliant light came from the book all of a sudden. The spectral beams of radiance showered a good portion of the cave with its brilliance. Unfortunately, due to Red being adapted to low-light conditions, she reacted poorly to this.

"Argh!" Red yelped out, causing me to cringe back. "Dim it down! Dim it down!" she repeated as she shielded her eyes.

I, being a novice at magic, did not know how to dim the brightness of this thing. Needless to say, I panicked before I recalled that you have to treat it as if it was a part of your body. Commanding it as if it was a limb, I reduced the intensity of the light, making it only light up a few feet away from me.

Just a few steps away from me, I see Red rubbing her eyes. "Ow... Seriously? What were you trying to pull off? Blinding me?"

With a nervous smile, I apologized. "Uh. Sorry. I don't know how to control it properly, it seems."

Blinking a few more times, she smiles and carries on walking. "Well, at least I managed to teach you how to wield that potent magic you stole now." Without looking back, her grin widens as she spoke, "That means you owe me now."

"Eh? What do you mean-" Before I could even complete what I had to say, Chrysalis came into view in a frantic sprint. Held in her mouth was something that resembled that of a sword.

Stopping at an appropriate distance, she dropped the sword held in her mouth as she questioned, "I saw a sudden bright flash." Turning her frenzied gaze at the Red Queen, she questioned as her horn kindled with her familiar green aura. "What are you scheming, you-"

Seeing the tension building up, I swiftly intervened. "Woah! Woah!" I dove into the space between Chrysalis and Red, hands protectively raised. "That was me! No need to worry about it."

Chrysalis pauses as she looks at me skeptically. "You? How did you produce that bright flash-" Suddenly, her eyes became fixated on the book as she notices the glow coming from it. "Since when could your little tome do that?" she points at it with mild curiosity.

The changeling queen beside her couldn't help but show a boastful pose. "I tutored him on how to use magic."

Chrysalis' head snapped towards the direction of Red. "You? Of all exceptional mages, you managed to do it?"

I shrugged once more. "It's... surprisingly easy. Now then, can you tell us why you decided to just leave us back here?"

"I- What? I can't even..." Chrysalis cut herself off as a stern look appears on her face. "Enough of this." Her horn sparked once more with magic, and the sword she dropped earlier began to hover towards my direction, stopping just at grabbing distance. Taking this as a gesture, I take the sword in my hand. "Use that newly found skill, why won't you?"

Confused, I turned to face Red who was apparently spectating the view in front of her with an amused smirk. She turns her head to face Chrysalis. "What's the panic for, Chrysie? Something happened?"

"It's the crystals. The disappearance of the Elements caused the balance of magic to be disrupted. The magic... it basically possessed the crystals-"

Suddenly, a footstep resounded from deep within the cave. I could only stare dumbfounded in the shadowy horizon. Then, after what seemed to be several seconds in tense anticipation, it appeared. It was a colossal being comprised of entirely of crystals.

Every step that it took seemed to shake the very earth itself. It stood on two legs. Its right arm was that of a spiny blade with protruding crystals. Its left arm was blunt, as if it was made for bludgeoning. Its face, or rather the lack of one, seem to have some sort of runic symbol engrave on it.

Red stepped back ever so subtly. "Well, since I have no magic. I think I'll leave the handling of this monstrosity to you guys!" With that, she swiftly vanished from view.

At the same time, Chrysalis and I turned to face her, or rather where she once stood, and exclaimed, "Are you serious?!"

Author's Notes:

Alright. Alright. It's about time that I work on my other fics.

So, which one do you guys think that I should work on next?

Chapter 31. Screening

The earthen behemoth rampaged through the forest in a blind, berserk state. Its fist shattered whole walls while its steps caused tremors to shoot out from the earth.

The cave succumbed to the crystalline beast's barrages; whole boulders fell, stone walls caved in, the ground cracked and shattered. The beast stomped on the ground once more, but with more bite. A debilitating blast of wind shook my stance- I managed to avoid stumbling into the floor just barely.

The winds grazed my figure, causing the fabric of my clothes to dance in the wind; fluttering, waving--almost in a entrancing rhythm. The heaving gusts of winds fade out.

Regaining my much needed composure, I hung my head high. My gaze met the crystalline beast's sheer form. A ray of light seeped from the cave's ceiling through a small crack, beaming down into the beast's body.

The luminescence was dim, but it nonetheless bathed the creature in its path, its rigid form glinting at the light. I swore my eyes dilated as I examined it more thoroughly. It was that of a humanoid, but much more deformed. It was hunched as if a gorilla.

Its two arms were constructed of pure crystal--I could even see my reflection on its surface. It had diamond-like protrusions the size of my entire body covering it. If I get hit by even once, I'll be minced and torn into pulps.

It reared its head towards me, allowing me to see its featureless face of crystal-embedded head of dirt. Its torso was constructed primarily of dirt. Perhaps that's where its vulnerability would lie?

"Chrysalis! Aim for the body! Ignore everything else!" I yelled out. Extending my arm, I opened my hand to point at the beast's abdomen.

The beast charged full-speed, scattering boulders and debris through every nook of the cave. My eyes fixated on an incoming pebble honed to a lethal sharpness that was inching towards my face.

With a reflexive tilt of my body, I felt the wind rippled as the rock cut through the space just inches away from my face. I felt a trickle of sweat drip itself from my forehead to the dirt below.

Chrysalis, jumping high in order to avoid being eviscerated by a soaring boulder, managed to yell out, "What? Why?"

"The body's made of dirt rather than crystal!" I trembled as the beast took another step, quaking the flooring below me. Staggering to hold my footing, I managed to utter out, "It's softer there to hit, probably!"

Chrysalis nodded as she sparked her horn with magic. "Well, if you say so!"

Suddenly, as if responding to the magic being channeled, the beast held its leg high in the air. It let out a fell roar, echoing the cave with its deafening volume. Slamming its foot into the ground, I saw a wall of wind send out as the earth itself seemed to disintegrate.

The torrents of wind battered away at me. I felt my feet leave the ground as my figure went airborne as a sudden whirlwind came at my way, I let out a muffled curse, "Oh. Bleeding hell..."

Stray stone pelted me like a squall; bleeding me, battering me. I couldn't even raise my arms in defense as I spun in a disordering, rapid gyration.I could dazedly taste the dust in my mouth as I felt my whole body being peppered with stony fragments.

Seconds passed. Then it felt like minutes.

Adrenaline surging, heartbeat pacing at a threatening rhythm, blood dripping from my body; I felt very, very dreadful. My perception of time shifted; decelerated.

I could see the pebbles inching and passing by my body at decelerated speed. It was as if they were going at a snail's pace. What wasn't too sightly was the streams of blood blossoming from my body as stone bore hot into my flesh.

I didn't feel any pain at all. No agony. No sensation. Nothing. Just the vining dribbles of blood passing down my skin.

I blinked.

I could see the creature just standing there. Its faceless head glancing my way. It was motionless, as if mocking me.

I felt being stopped by a flinty, steely surface; a whole boulder--and in mere seconds, sounds of bones fracturing, fragments of skeleton rebounding from within my flesh rang out from my body.

I slumped to the ground, barely alive. A resonant, ear-splitting pitch rang in my ear. My vision blackened. My limbs felt they evanesced into nothingness.

I was beyond physical suffering at this point. I was moments away from dying, and I was well-aware of that.

Hazes of dust settled into the cave, misting the darkness with its parched touch. Most of the cave's network was now blocked off by rubble and debris of crystalline fragments.

My mind throbbed with a sundering sting. Groaning out in pain, I noticed that my voice was hoarse and garbled- presumably by blood. I clutched my head and noticed a sticky dampness.

My head was enveloped in my own blood. It was quite... a hazy image.

"Dammit! Summoner, we're blocked off from you!" I heard a muffled voice call out from behind the pile of rubble and earth behind me, snapping me out of my own trance. "I suggest you run! Go find an alternative route to Canterlot! Whatever you do, don't die!"

'Wow. What an inspirational motivation for someone that is basically crippled beyond healing, Chrys.'

I opened my mouth to speak, but I was unable to do so; my tongue was numb- my whole body was, my lungs were as if they were aflame, and the constriction of pain made it unbearable to even just to fidget my fingers.

I felt the rumbles of the ground once more. Rearing its head, the golem peered its head from the billows of dust. If it had any eyes, it would probably be glaring at me with a predatory leer.

It stepped closer. It was slow, as if taking satisfaction in building up the suspense. Geo-based creatures are surprisingly sadistic...

Suddenly, a familiar aura emanated through the fabric of my robes--it was the book. Plunging my hand into my clothes, I retrieved it from my hand.

It exuded a light--the usual scarlet color. Suddenly, it flashed, prickling my eyes with its intensity. My mind was both at tension and serenity; I could feel an equilibrium of emotions.

Faded, obscured whispers began playing at the back of my mind. Those whispers were unintelligible- all of them spoke at the same interval. I couldn't make heads or tails on the words that they were trying to convey to me.

Suddenly, they warped and shifted. All of them melded into one voice. A sentence echoed in my mind;

"Perhaps I'll try and actually allow you to have a chance, knave." The voice continued on reverberating within my mind. I felt as if my whole body chilled. "I shall unlock the book's powers, while also ceasing all attempts in killing you."

I blinked and blinked once more. Through coarse voice, I muttered out just audibly enough, "What's the catch?"

"You become an official Summoner."

Without even the slightest of acknowledgments or the general concept of a true Summoner, I nodded my head in agreement. Pain dissuaded me from thinking of it any further.

"Deal!" I lashed out, flailing my arm forwards. "Now save me from being crushed!"

Suddenly, the book flipped open by an unforeseen force. It flipped its pages in an erratic manner. It persisted on glowing. Suddenly, its pigments shifted repetitively.

Its emanation shifted from red to blue, and then to green. Reverting back to its red aura, it shot out a spectral prism of colors, scattering the pillars of color throughout the cave.

It intensified in intensity before burning out in a blinding flash--It all ended in a blink of an eye. Nothing appeared to change, but if one had a more honed eye, one would see a faint, persistent glow around the Grimoire.

I blinked. My instincts called out to me; I felt an urge to snap my fingers--and promptly I did so.

With a swift motion, I snapped my fingers together, causing the familiar clicking sound. Shadowy flames sparked on my digits as I did so.

The small blazes of black danced a bit on my hand, but I felt no burning sensation. If any, it felt an odd cold. The embers fell from my hand, fading into nothing as they hit the ground.

"That's... peculiar." I took note of the golem-like beast examining me. It held itself from attacking this long- perhaps it's curious?

Without hesitation, the beast let out a deafening, feral roar, shaking the walls of the cave. Clutching both ears, I shut my eyes tight as it wailed out its war-cry.

I looked upwards, facing it. It had stopped its roar. It was still for a moment- motionless and immobile. Suddenly, it heaved its legs skyward. Plunging into the dirt with its leg, the ground itself faltered at its kinetic force.

It took a steady step forward.

And then another...

It fastened its pace, causing wave-like distortions through the ground as it cut through the wind with its sprint.

Eyes widened, body stiffened, I dove to the right.

I felt the beast rend through where I stood. I nearly got swept by the walls of winds it shot out.

Taking a deft landing, I dusted myself off. I snapped once more, and I confirmed my suspicion; blackened flames did spark as I snapped my fingers. Snapping once more, the shadowy flames ignited into a spherical shape of blackness.

The orb expanded. Inflating to my head's size, I eyed it curiously. Without warning, it burst, scattering its licks of black flames around my entire body.

I cringed, fearing that I was about to get scalded. Once again, I felt nothing but a chilling touch as the dark flames lapped me. Weirdly enough, I was becoming swiftly fond of this feeling. It's oddly addictive.

I felt as if was being rejuvenated. My lacerations and gaping wounds mended as shady flames flared around my limbs. The searing pain stabbing into my body waned a bit before it completely faded.

The black flames vanished, dissipating into sparks. From the reviving flames appeared my body. The blood staining my clothes vanished, the tears and gapes on the fabric of my clothing were sewn, my once shattered bones were now restored.

I felt great.

No. I haven't felt anything like this since forever.

My attention was promptly caught as the beast rammed itself into the wall of cobble and stone. It lodged itself deep within it, its reckless charge causing it to be stuck there.

I held the book high, pointing it steadily towards the leviathan of a rock formation. The same innate reflex told me to thrash it around in the air.

Shrugging of the peculiarity, I did so. I waved it, swishing it to the left. The book blinked a faint, red luminescence. The sound of paper rustling rang out as blank pages of the book detached themselves from their binds and fluttered freely among the winds.

"That seems like a waste-" Recollection dug deep into my mind. "Never mind. This thing apparently doesn't run out of pages, if I remember right..."

The torn pages let out a resonating whistle as suddenly runic markings suddenly. I tensed myself for what was about to happen.

Suddenly, the pages drove themselves fast towards the crystalline beast. The pages clung onto the monster's back. Confused and presumably concerned for the ominous pieces of paper, it struggled hard to dislodge itself from the rubble.

The symbols on the pages turned red, emanating some sort of red glow. Promptly, the papers all detonated in synchronized execution.

The winds howled, gusts of whirlwinds tugged my clothes as rocks and smoldering pieces of crystals landed beside me. There was no light from the explosion as seemingly darkness itself acted as the combustion.

Suddenly, I saw a blurring piece of blue coming directly at my forehead- a blown off piece of crystal, causing me to cringe back while clenching my eyes close. Reflexively, I caught it in my hand.

I opened my eyes, a sigh of relief escaping my lips. I glanced at the crystal, noticing that its seeping out some sort of blue, thick vapor. The crystal continuously bled out this cerulean mist, and I continuously absorbed it through my body.

I felt it coarse through me- additional supply of magic.

"Right. Crystals gather in the ambient magic lingering in the atmosphere." I looked towards the shattered ruins of the rubble.

A sudden shift in the boulders caught my attention.

Emitting itself from the rubble, a menacingly low-pitched growl made its way into the air. The growl echoed for miles on end through the cave.

My eyes widened as the rubble suddenly started to shift and crumble at a much more faster pace. "It's still alive."

I clutched at the crystal in my hand a bit tighter, flailing it around within my hand. "Come on! Dammit. I need your goddamned-" The rubble exploded, catching me off-guard as I recoiled back in shock.

Discarding the now-drained crystal to the ground, I pointed my book towards the unrelenting predator. It roared at me again.

It pounded the ground repetitiously, a crack forming every time it struck it. With another ferocious war-cry, it charged at me once more.

I did not falter; I didn't budge an inch.

The Grimoire let out a subtle whirring hissing noise as it formed a condensed black orb of magic just above its rim. I could feel the magnitude of its strength just by glancing at it.

The sphere of shadows rippled reality itself around it. My grip on the book faltered as it suddenly became heavy with power.

Letting out a muffled, sharp curse, I fired away.

The book pushed itself backwards with much kinetic force, the unexpected recoil causing me to take a stumbling step backwards.

I could barely catch the glimpse of the ashen black pillar spiraling into the colossal beast. It pierced through its rigid, reflective armor of minerals. The beast abruptly halted its advance, a gaping maw scorching its chest.

With one last fell roar, albeit a weak one, it slumped to the ground dead.

"Oh- bleeding hell. Bleeding hell! I can't believe I did that." I fell to my knees, panting and shaky.

Suddenly, the voice emerged once more, the static playing in my mind being an indication of that. "You didn't do that. The book did. Don't be so proud of yourself."

"Right." I took myself up, taking a waning step forward into the deeper part of the cave. "So, what exactly is the duty of a 'True' Summoner?"

The voice paused. Static was the only thing audible for a second before it spoke once more, "For now, you can't do anything as this world remains as a blockade. I advise you not to incur the wrath of something greater than you could imagine by simply getting out of here."

"Right." I began descending further into the cave. It noticeably grew much darker--it would've been absolutely pitch-black had it not been for my eerily glowing left eye. "What happens when I get out of this world?"

"You contribute your part as soon as possible."

Chapter 32. History Lesson

My steps were soft--barely audible as I cut through the cave. Rubble and debris alike prodded away at my foot as I ventured through what remained in this cave.

"So." I recoiled back as a stray pebble fell just ahead of me, kicking up dust from the ground. I held the book closely to my face as I spoke, "Tell me, what are 'Summoners'? What is their purpose?"

No response.

I groaned, continuing on walking over mounds of shattered earth. The cave was placidly boring; the same thing over and over again--corridors of cracked earthen walls and boulders laying about.

"I am certain that you can hear me," I uttered in a sharp tone. "Could you just answer my-"

Without warning, the Grimoire flashed a brilliant red aura, startling me thoroughly as I recoiled back. Despite being panicky, I managed to avoid dropping the tome.

It flashed once more, scattering a spectrum of red throughout the dimness. It flared open, revealing its pages. It flipped back and forth through blank pages.

Finally, it paused--stopping at a blank page. Symbols that I can't even describe began etching themselves onto the page. As it did so, a tear in the space in front of me began to open.

The rift in the middle of reality was similar to that when I brought forth armies, but it was much smaller- barely stretched out enough to accommodate my size.

"Perhaps this could answer my questions?" I stared at the abyss idly. The end of the wormhole was obscured by some sort of red mist. What lies beyond it is a mystery for me.

Reluctantly, I trudged forward, inching close to the portal. With one final nervous gulp, I threw myself in.

As soon as I entered the gateway, red began to blur my vision. The touch of cool miasma swathed my figure. I felt as if I was falling, though I felt as if I was falling at a constant, slow velocity.

The scarlet pigment departed from my sight. My optical sense regaining its clarity, I blinked.

I blinked once more.

Where I was at was a complete desolate piece of land--yes; just a lowly piece of land. It was similar to that of an island, except that there was no water in sight, just a void of black. It seemed to be suspended in mid-air.

There, protruding high into the abysmal space above was a tower. It was colossal, yet was in ruins. Its half was sundered- the remnants of its upper half laying beside the lower half.

"Sheer folly." A familiar voice rang out from behind me, spooking me somewhat, "Could you not have learned how to wait?"

Without turning, I steeled myself. "I know that voice. You're the insane psychopath that possessed my body in Equestria and ended up killing hundreds, aren't you?"

I could hear his steps- he was walking towards me. "Being sealed in this desolate, barren place tends to warp the minds of people, novice."

I sighed, taking a brief moment to prepare to face whoever this was. Turning around, my glare met his.

His appearance closely resembled that of mine. He was garbed in jet-black fabric. His left eye emanated a glow, but unlike mine, his shone green. His hair was that of a golden brown, and his normal eye had a piercing blue hue deepened within it.

"I take it that you're willing to answer my questions now?" I asked, arms folded.

"More or less." He turned around, taking a few casual steps towards the tower. "I think you'll find it much more easier to grasp the concept should you see some reference."

I nodded, promptly catching up with him.

"The Summoners," he began to speak as I walked beside him. "We are an extinct select people that are bound by the Grimoires."

He sighed before continuing. "No- I am mistaken. We were extinct--that all changed when you appeared and claimed the Grimoire for yourself."

"So..." I glanced over him, taking note of his apparel that is similar to that of mine. "I presume that we're the last of them?"

"No." He shook his head coldly. "You're the last of the Summoners--I'm already dead."

I widened my eyes, being taken aback. My jaw fell open slightly as I felt a chilling feeling pang my chest, preventing me from taking another step.

I fumbled with my words, but I managed to utter out coherence nonetheless. "Wait! How am I seeing you then?"

"That Grimoire of yours and I share a very powerful connection," he shrugged as he spoke. "Because that's my Grimoire- think of yourself as my successor."

I paused, my eyes darting back and forth at the book and at him. I cleared my throat nervously. "Did you die due to being a Summoner?"

He nodded subtly. "Yes," he answered with a low tone. "That's of no relevance now, however. Simply be quiet and follow me into the tower- that is, if you still want your previous questions answered."

Anxiety tugged at the back of my mind, but I managed to shrug it off. Following him, I noticed the lack of any sound whatsoever present in this void-like place. Only the sounds of our footstep made any noise- and it was relatively quiet.

"The silence is unnerving here." I grimaced at the dullness of this place.

"When you stay bound to this place for centuries," we neared on the tower- and it was much more sizable upfront rather than from being viewed far away. Taking a few steps further towards the sealed doors, he flipped a switch. The ground briefly rumbled as the gates swung open, "the word 'unnerving' becomes an understatement."

I paused, giving him a concerned glare. "Centuries?"

"Yes. Centuries- or perhaps longer." He shot me a lifeless expression on his face. "Though, you don't have to worry about being sealed here. It's only me that's forever stuck here."

"Why?"

"Why?" He chuckled, surprisingly enough. "Because I'm the first Summoner. If anyone is deserving to receive the judgment of the Summoners, it would be me."

He disappeared from sight as he entered the tower. Hasty, I began to chase after him.

Catching my breath as I entered the massive interior of the decrepit construct, I was appalled by just how large the building truly was.

Streaks of charred black ran up the walls as if they were vines--a past inferno probably was probably a huge contributing factor to the desecration of this place.

Though much of the walls were chipped and were in ruins, most of the place were still intact. What I presume to be at was the main lounge. The carpet, albeit tattered and scorched, lay magnificently upon the middle of the room. Windows gave clear view of the outside--I could see the spot from where I stood from them.

"Quite a grandiose place, don't you concur?" he asked me as I let my eyes wander around aimlessly.

Examining a door in the middle corner of the room, I replied, "Yes. It quite is. Mind telling me where that door leads to? Quite foreboding seeing it just being placed there."

He let out a dull sigh. "I suppose you have a point there; the door does look eerie, considering that it's the only thing present here in this room."

He walked towards the door, scratching his chin as his steps grew nearer towards it. "I don't actually remember why I chose the door to be placed here."

"You don't?" I asked, an eyebrow arched. "Don't you own this place?"

"Own this place?" he repeated, shooting a questioning smirk at me. "I guess that fits just fine, but truth be told, I just can't remember much anymore."

Twisting the knob, he pulled the door open. Walking inside, he gestured me to follow him.

"I suppose living for centuries and dying takes a toll on your mind then?" I shot him a deadpan stare.

Closing the door behind me as I entered the room, he chuckled. "Unlike the rest of the former roster of the Summoners, you actually have a sense of humor."

"Speaking of that, what happened to the previous Summoners?"

The room was incredibly confined--there seemed to be a runic circle embedded onto the middle of the room. It was no more than a few feet wide. It's ceiling was just enough for my head to fit in.

It somewhat reminded me of an elevator.

"Oh." He shot me an expressionless, dead stare. "They're all dead."

Taken aback, I took an uncertain step back. "Dead?"

"Do you have a hearing problem?" he jabbed with a strained tone. "They're deceased; unbreathing and have long since decomposed into dust. They were killed for good reason--because we sucked the lands dry of their light."

A cold sweat beaded across my face. "Killed for good reason?"

"Aye." He subtly nodded. "You know that book of yours doesn't just run on nothing, right?"

I gulped down nervously. "I always thought that it simply fueled itself by sapping any magical sources nearby. Does it drain more than just that?"

"Of course." He threw up his hands in the air. "How do you think you're capable of bringing forth whole armies from another realm into wherever you stand? It sucks away the harmony from the earth as well, causing darkness to spiral round and round."

I simply kept silent. 'Could that be the reason why the land of Equestria is being distorted and warped? If so, that's a likely reason for why that golem-like creature received form and attacked me...'

"Could you just please just open your book?" he spoke, derailing my train of thought. "Just open it to a blank page."

Shrugging off the cold sensation still having its vice clutching onto my chest, I opened the book. Flipping page by page, I stopped at a blank page.

As expected, a red light shone from the surface of it faintly. Soon enough, words in some sort of archaic, forgotten language began to etch itself onto the page.

"Good," I heard the eon-old Summoner commented across from where I stood. "Just say 'Library' and it will take you there."

"And why do I want to go the library-"

The book shone intensely, blinding the entire room. Ripples of energy began to warp and manipulate every limb of my body--startled, I stumbled backwards.

As the light faded, my vision regained its focus much quicker than before- I must be getting used to it.

Standing up, I brushed myself off. "So... I take it that this is in fact an elevator? A needlessly complicated and elaborate one, but nonetheless an elevator essentially."

"Aren't you just astute?" he spoke as he strode to the door. "If you like to put it in that way- yes. This is an elevator."

The door's locks clicked, and with a push, the old Summoner pushed it open.

What laid scattered upon the room were what I could barely discern as bookshelves--horribly mangled with ash and bits of it were mostly gone. Strewn haphazardly on the floor were hundreds of books- all too burnt beyond recognition.

"Gah. Of course those bastards burnt every piece of history we made." The Summoner of old shook his head, a look of sheer disappointment.

"You haven't been here in a while, I take it?" I asked, peering out of the room to view the charred mess in it.

"I don't have a Grimoire, so I don't exactly have the means to wander as I please through this place." With one last sigh, he placed himself upon the wall. "I don't remember much, but whatever that I have still within my ghastly mind might be of use to you."

"That would... be appreciated." I perked up my ears, intent on listening to him.

"The Summoners were eradicated because of a defector."

"A traitor?" I furrowed my brows, struggling to ponder a reason for why someone would betray such a strong group. "Why would one of our ranks stab us in the back?"

"For some obvious reasons; we were a mercenary force that would cripple if not outright destroy an entire world, we were quite merciless, and as well as doing some ruthless pillaging."

That sounded really... off.

"So." I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. Reopening them, I asked, "We were merely sell-swords? Nothing more?"

He shrugged. "I don't remember much. We could have been more than that, but I'm not certain."

"Alright then." I nodded my head slowly. "How did the Summoners began?"

He smiled- it was genuine and warm. "As I have stated, I am the first one. As such, I was the first one to create the first ever Grimoire--the one you're holding onto right now--and to put it simply, I kept making more."

I stared at him with intensity.

He continued, "I passed a Grimoire to another, and then to another, and then to another; the cycle repeated until we had a hundred in our manpower."

"And then it all came crumbling down as one of your own became rogue?"

"Indeed, but it wasn't just that one lone rogue." He folded his arms, closing his eyes as if to recall a fleeting memory. "It was a joint effort. The ones that we targeted before and our rivals saw the opportunity and seized it. In the end, our tower was besieged and we were effectively reduced into an extinct kind."

"So... How did the Summoner's un-extinct themselves?" I pointed at my chest. "How did I receive this Grimoire--your Grimoire?"

"I have not a clue."

Infuriated, I persisted, "Really?"

"The reason why I wanted to drive you to kill was that I was enraged- the bestowing of a Grimoire is a ritual that might span for years." He paused. "Though, I saw it in you; something. You have potential."

"Potential for what?"

"I don't know. Perhaps anything." He glared at me keenly. "Perhaps the resurrection of our dead guild?"

"I'd rather not..."

He shrugged. "I suppose we shouldn't repeat history."

"You said that the Grimoire sucks away the light from wherever land it exists in, right?" I asked, concerned. "What happens when it is at its pinnacle?"

His demeanor dampened itself. He looked awfully depressed. "Unless there's some sort of relic dampening the ruination process of the Grimoire..."

Perhaps the Elements of Harmony- or whatever will be enough?

"But if it does reach critical state, the land will be ravaged completely by the discordant powers sealed in the Grimoire."

I stood idly, my gaze fixated on him. "How do I go back to Equestria?"

"Equestria?" He scratched his chin. "Curious name. Whatever. It seems urgent, if need be, you can use the 'elevator'."

"And what do I say to transport me back?" I frantically flipped through the pages of the Grimoire, stopping at a completely empty one.

"Depart." He gestured towards me with a salute. "I hope you do survive whatever tribulation you'll encounter. I'd like to see you become a true Summoner."

"A true Summoner?" I looked at him awry. "You said something about that earlier- something to do about the duties of one?"

"Aye. I did." He shrugged once more. "Sadly, one of the reasons why I wanted you to be led into the library was that I forgot the conduct of one."

"Ack. Bloody useless..." I muttered sharply underneath my breath.

Taking a calming gasp of air, I spoke. "Depart."

Likewise, I vanished away into the air in a display of red brilliance.

Chapter 33. The Enemy of My Enemy...

A metal pang-like sound screeched outside of the cave. It was faint, but it was surely there.

I closed my eyes--though, that didn't do much since the cave was as dark as night itself. Perking my ears, I intently listened.

It was unsettling, to be concise; the muffled screams and clashing of metal rang out from outside of the cave, striking much anxiety and dread within me.

"The hell is happening out there?" I muttered in the darkness of the cave, my eyes frantically darting around for an exit. I darted forward, bumping the unseen stone wall against my head. "Argh! Dammit!" I cursed out in a sharpened tone as I stumbled downwards.

Rubbing my hand across my head back and forth, I winced as I felt a bruise forming on my forehead. "Damn this. I can't see inches away from myself!"

Staggering to get back up, I let out even more inaudible curses as my composure began to recover.

Suddenly, the structural stones above me began to disintegrate into dust as a tremor-inducing blast flared into the cave through the ceiling. Whole stone layers scattered everywhere, pebbles and stone alike pelting the ground. A tremor caused by the blast shook the ground, forcing me to go back down on one knee.

Rays of light began to seep in as the stony ceiling began to crumble. Dodging and strafing away in order to avoid being pulverized, the stinging sensation of burning filled my eyes as the whole room was finally lit up by the sun.

"The bleeding hell!" I exclaimed, coughing away as the dust pervaded into the room. Fanning off the dust with my hand, I looked skywards- to which I instantly regretted as my eyes were assaulted with an even singeing sting.

Wincing out loud while flailing my tightly clenched fist in the air, in a very desperate attempt to fend off the searing light, I shielded my eyes with my free hand.

Tense seconds passed in incomprehensible pain for my eyes. Shrugging off the pain as my eyes adjusted to the level of lighting, I opened them once more. Blinking, I looked upwards to the colossal gape of what was once the ceiling that.

Through the gaping hole that has formed as a result from the explosion, I took notice of the skies above. The clouds eclipsing the yellowish radiance of the sun.

Narrowing down my eyes, I barely managed to catch a glimpse of some sort of blur passing over the breach into the cave with one swift jump. Suddenly, arrows came whizzing past through the space--presumably aimed at whoever jumped past over the hole.

I hesitated, opening my mouth slightly. "It's probably a bad idea, but I think I'll have to call out to whoever is up there..." I whispered to myself as I bit my lip in indecision. "Then again, I could probably-"

"Be damned in Tartatus, traitor!" I heard a pained shout ring out from the surface in a desperate tone. Following that rather unfriendly gesture, a spherical orb of light lanced through the winds, leaving particles of magic as it passed.

"That's familiar..." I commented silently to myself as I witnessed that particular form of magic. Suddenly, my eyes widened. It was oddly reminiscent of the arcane artillery strikes employed by Celestia's army.

Faltering, I stepped back a few feet as a bead of veining cold sweat run through my temples. "No- They can't be here! Can they?" Shrugging my head in a frantic state, I bit my lip. 'Celestia is one hell of a sly bastard!'

Thoughts began to turn rampant in my mind- should I run? Should I stay and fight? Should I simply observe? Panicky, I adjusted my ruined demeanor; I loosened my tense shoulders, I calmed my breathing, and brushed off the sweat seeping out of my head.

Before I could even react, a blur of a dark figure leaped its way into the cave, landing just a few feet away from me. It hasn't taken notice of me just yet, as he was too occupied pulling off the tip of an arrow from his leg.

At the instant of a swift glance, a paralyzing vice of fear coiled around my mind. It was a pony.

It donned the insignia depicting the moon on the plating of its armor. His fur was a that of a teal pigment, as such was his eyes. His tail and mane shared a very tenacious golden-brown color with streaks of silver running across it. On its neck was a teal tattered scarf that complimented his coat.

Unlike most ponies, however, it donned bat-like wings. Its eyes were slit, and it had a visible tuft of fur on both ends of its ears.
Across its legs were soft-looking protective guards. One of which had an arrow protruding from one of them.

Gnashing on the blunt end of the arrow, he flicked it aside. The metallic resonance as the arrow struck the stone-cold walls rung out for a few before it dissipated.

Standing up, he examined his wounds- the gash wasn't so steep. The arrow barely managed to pierce through its leg-protection and through his skin.

Looking around in a panicked fashion, its vision leaned over towards where I stood. He stared at me, unblinking and merely motionless- I too did the same.

"Stand back, foul creature!" it yelled out as it began to unsheathe its sword sheathed from his back.

"Don't try to make a move," I steeled myself in a stance, retrieving the Grimoire from my robes. "I've not much interest killing anybody today..."

He blinked at me with an agape jaw as if stunned. "Are you the Summoner?" he asked, disbelief and uncertainty lingering in his voice.

I arched my eyebrow at the peculiar question. "Maybe I am--maybe I'm not."

"Yup. You're definitely the Summoner-" a stray arrow landed just a few inches away from him, embedding itself into the ground. "Oh... The name is Vesper! Sorry, but I really need you to hear me out, " he nimbly sidestepped to the left, burying himself in the shadows as well as preventing any arrows landing straight into his skull.

"Alright, Vesper..." I sighed out, but not easing up in the slightest. "Since you're not looking for a fight with me, and seeing that you've struck a skirmish right here, I'll listen to whatever you have to say."

He appeared grudgingly, almost appearing as if he was pained from whatever he had in mind to say. "I defected from Celestia."

My eyes flared a bit, startled. "So I take it that whoever is up there are your friends hunting down you?"

"I've gone renegade because..." he struggled to form words, fumbling about as he glanced at every direction. Calming himself with a sigh, he continued, "Celestia lost it. She's much more different than she was before. Even her voice has a hint of malice and malevolence behind it."

A pang of guilt recoiled around my mind. I clenched my teeth against each other hard before I continued, "Still. It's nonsensical. Why would you help me rather than staying loyal to Celestia?"

He began to speak, opening his mouth, but his words were abruptly halted as the swift hiss of a bow discharging its bolt rang out from above. The bolt struck the ground just before me, missing just inches away from my foot.

"Dammit!" my new 'friend' cursed out as he recoiled in astonishment as the bolt rebounded off the ground. "Can we save this for later? How about we silence them first?"

"Silence them? As in kill them?" I gave him an uncertain look. "Are you sure-"

"By Celestia's divinity!" I heard them yell from just outside the rim of the crater leading into the cave. "It's that monster--the Summoner! Go! We shall fend them off for as long as possible. Alert the rest of the forces!"

Soon enough after those words were exclaimed throughout the vicinity, arrow after arrow began to line themselves into my direction as the heads of ponies suddenly popped up from the breach in the ceiling.

Barrage after barrage of arrows rendered me immobile as I desperately tried to shield myself with a piece of rubble. The clangs of metal repeated itself over and over as arrows were deflected by the boulder I was taking cover behind.

"Great. Now we really don't have time!" I heard Vesper yell out from across where I stood. Diving out of his cover, Vesper gnashed his teeth as he coordinated his dash in such perfection he dodged every single bolt squalling from above. He grabbed me by my collar with his hoof.

"Hey!" pestered, I yelled out. "What are you doing? Woah-" Before I had even realized it, I was airborne as Vesper soared high, me being carried away by his hoof.

I was getting somewhat sick at the sudden shift of elevation, but I remained calm. Finally, the sun bathed my robes as we exited through the hole in the middle of the ceiling of the cave.

The grasslands stretched for miles on end. Patches of shrubbery and vibrant flower beds caught my eye for a brief moment until I was brought back to reality by the sudden panicked shouts.

I could see them, pony after pony clad in armor surrounded the breach in the canopy. They all held ranged weaponry such as bows and bowguns, but all of them were too startled to react and use them.

"Dammit. You're heavy," I heard Vesper remark with a strained voice as his hooves desperately attached themselves to my collar. "Do something or we're going to be turned into a pincushion!"

Everything around me was muted, as if my ears failed to pick up any sound. For a brief moment, I felt as if I was torn away from reality, a trance-like state filling my mind. I heard my heartbeat within my throat as my perception of time seemed to slow down.

My vision was only fixated on the surrounding ponies now siccing their weapons at me. Everything else was blurred.

As if an innate-instinct guided me, I retrieved my Grimoire in one swift flourish. Flipping it open, I muttered inaudibly to myself, "Flames."

Flickers of purplish, arcane flames danced around the pages of my book. Without warning, the mere embers uncontrollably became a torrent of flames.

The inferno was like that of a vortex, streaming in a whirl-like pattern at the battalion of ponies in a searing line that stemmed from the book. I could see their startled faces just across the swirling fires simply consumed them in their flames.

They began screaming as their bodies began to fade away as the slithering flames consumed them whole. Muffled by the sizzling of fires, I could barely perceive their agonized wails.

In a split-second, the flames vanished in a display of fluttering embers fading away into the air. The ground wasn't affected by the slightest--not even a single patch of grass was scorched.

"By Tartarus..." I heard Vesper say in a dumbfounded hesitation as he began lowering me to the ground. "By what pact of a devil did you sign to use such terrible might?"

"I... I didn't even." I was doubtful with my own actions. I couldn't even stop my arms from trembling. Landing on the grass, a single reassuring thought tugged away at my mind.

I shook my head, clarifying the anxiety and grim thoughts lingering in my head. "They're not dead. They were sealed into this book."

"That's... convoluted, isn't it?" Vesper said beside me as he eyed me with a mix of concern and distrust. "For as long as the two sides--you and us--fought, you always left the bodies of the dead to rot away in the battlefield."

"There are no rotting bodies as a result from my Grimoire," I gestured at the emptiness of the surroundings. "If you haven't noticed."

"You're right..." Vesper said, still a bit weary of me as he was reluctant to take a step towards me. "So you're saying that they were all absorbed into that... thing of yours?" he extended his hoof at my Grimoire.

"Yes... They're still alive, definitely. Things aren't looking that way, however." I looked confident, but inside, I was fully doubtful of my words. There's just something lodged in the back of my mind--perhaps the Summoner's sense? "For now, you can believe in that, or whatever you choose to believe in."

"So, they were just absorbed and not killed?" Vesper faltered, but managed to utter, "I think I'll be a bit more at ease if that truly was the case."

"At the moment, I don't know how to bring them back, but enough of this." I stared at him with a sharp glare. "I think it's time you really tell me why you're against what was your own side now."

Vesper cocked his head. "I told you, I defected."

I kept silent, simply staring at him with an arched eyebrow.

Vesper shook his head with a sigh. "Alright, alright. It's not just I who defected. If you haven't realized yet, I'm not like most ponies."

"Yeah..." I glanced over at him, intently examining his bat-like appearance. "You appear to be one of Luna's personal guards, right? The last time I saw the likes of you was when Luna personally led an attack against me."

Vesper nodded. "Yes. We are referred to as thestrals by most ponies." He turned his gaze away from me, facing the sun lowering itself in the horizon. "Well, you see..." he trailed off for a moment, but managed to resume his sentence, "I'm not the only one of the thestrals who have gone rogue. By orders of Luna, she told us one by one to rebel against Celestia."

I widened my eyes. "Even Luna herself is cautious of her sister?"

Vesper couldn't help but nod once more. "Yes. Celestia has changed that much subsequent to your arrival."

A whirl of zephyrs followed, accompanied with an eerie silence. The orange, warming beams of light from the sun seemed to have died out by now, being replaced with shadows. Night was approaching quickly. The skies turned from a bright orange to a pale dark.

"We should hurry," Vesper said as he began to trudge towards the direction where the remnants of the ponies that were fleeing to. His figure began to be obscured by darkness as he trailed further. "We'll have better chances of escaping the ensuing army that has been no doubt alerted about us."

"I guess..." I complied, following closely behind him. Soon, I too began to vanish into the shadows.

Chapter 34. Sounding The Death Knell...

The meadows were boundless, their grasslands stretching far beyond the horizon. Dusk had long passed, the peering sun of the dawn breaking through the scattering clouds of dark. The skies had a faint hue of blue on them as I could see flocks of morning birds whirring through the canvas of the skies.

By now, I've forgotten how long I've been walking through this place. The terrain was beautiful, but I've grown tired of seeing just endless plains of emerald grass.

The whirls of morning wind were cold, swaying the grass back and forth and whispering dull cries in my ear. It was frigid; I would be shivering right now had it not been for my robes.

'How much I want the scenery to change...'

I collapsed on the ground, the numbness in my legs anchoring me to the ground. On my knees, I brushed off the vining drops of sweat from my visage.

Vesper seemed to have noticed my inability to continue. Groaning, as if without any fatigue laced behind his physique, he reared on me with a exasperated glower on his face. "Why not use that book of yours and give us a whole army? Perhaps they could carry you."

"And what?" I stared at him, taking a few gasps of much needed breath. "Blow the element of surprise out of the water?"

"We won't be needing that element if we have a whole army to reinforce us." He climbed over towards a nearby hill, narrowing down his vision to scout the fields. "Besides," he yelled out to me as his head scanned the stretch of grassland before him, "I'm pretty sure that those stragglers have made our presence here known by now."

"Fine then," I spat out, motioning my Grimoire to head's height. "But you must know that this will just make this place even more ruined."

He stared at me, approaching me as he did. Stopping himself just a few steps away from me.

His eyes had a stoic feeling embedded into them, but a faint sense of sorrow. His demeanor seemed relaxed, but it was transparent that it was nothing more than a facade; even I could feel the aura of grimness permeating around him.

"If it's for the sake of bringing back peace to this place, then I truly think that it is the right choice." He instilled desperation into my soul with his piercing gaze, causing me to droop my head slightly.

"I understand..." I spoke out as I undid the bindings of the book, flipping it open.

But as I began to search for an blank page, something awry caught me; it was Vesper. He was apparently blankly staring at something in the far distance.

"Vesper?" I asked, my words failing to reach him as he didn't even so much as blink.

There was no reply.

He kept silent, his body not even budging an inch. He simply continued on staring through the shroud of darkness, an unforeseen object draining away his spirit as I swear I saw him becoming more pale as second passed.

I shrugged, opting to look for what he was fixated upon. Curiosity got the better of me.

The mist of morning obscured much of my vision, causing me to narrow down my vision on the direction his eyes were set upon to get a much more clarified view.

There, in the distance enshrouded by the mists of darkness, came a beacon of spectral light. The pillar of light seemed to extend itself into the skies, piercing into the heavens.

It was faint, but its dimness waned as its brightness intensified. I couldn't make heads or tails of it. It was both entrancing and mortifying at the same time.

I could feel something the Grimoire tucked in my robes responding to its spectral existence. It was exerting warmth, absorbing the condensed magic from the pillar.

"If the Grimoire can osmose the potency of that magic all the way from here..." I gulped down the nervousness as my heartbeat resounded in my throat, 'It must be beyond the levels of magic that this world normally permits.'

I paused abruptly, a cold bead of sweat trickling down my head falling into the ground.

"Am I hallucinating?" I asked.

"Nope," Vesper swiftly replied, his eyes still widened at the beacon. "Unless you're seeing something else other than a big light extending into the skies."

"That's," I paused, unable to comprehend such a phenomenon, "exactly what I see."

Silence settled in as the both of us stared at it in awe, paralyzed by unfathomable awe.

"The hell?" I let out softly, my thoughts still a bit derailed by its suddenness.

"It's..." Vesper gazed upon the ray of light, his jaw agape. "It's coming from Canterlot!"

My mind instantly snapped out of its trance as those words hit me.

"You think it's Celestia?"

"Definitely," Vesper bit his lip as he said that, tension becoming apparent on his face as his legs subtly trembled. "It's no doubt that this is Celestia's doing. Only she could be capable of doing such a thing."

"Then what do we do now-" As if to spite me further, an earthquake resonated throughout the ground, cutting me off.

The magnitude of the earthquake was incomprehensibly high. Its wayward nature and its synchronization with the beam of light was signalling me that this was no coincidence.

Whatever Celestia was doing, it was breaking the earth even more.

The ground itself seemed to chip away as the upheaval of soil brought the grass and dirt raining down upon us. The tremor did not relent, causing me to be pinned down to the ground.

"All of this seems familiar," I heard Vesper say as the quake finally dissipated.

Vesper staggeringly stood up, his movements a bit uncoordinated as a result from the sudden tremor. He stood on shattered land, as did I.

I glanced around a bit more finely, seeing that there's no earthquake impeding me from taking a good look. The terrain was in shambles. Cracks formed upon the dry land while the much more softer dirt was flayed upwards, now strewn in endless mounds. The roots of grass, trees, and foliage alike were tossed upright, their stems poking out of the dirt.

While I did ask for a change of scenery, I slowly spun around, processing the shift of surroundings. 'This was a bit too drastic.'

"How..." I paused, noting the change of scenery, "...so?"

Vesper shook his head, but answered nonetheless, "I've heard something like this when I was a mere lad. There was this story about Heaven's Gate."

"Heaven's Gate?"

"It's the so-called door that leads into Heaven itself-"

"I get it." I buried my palm into my face. "It's quite obvious for me."

"The ritual to opening it would be to make severe sacrifices."

"Such as?" I questioned, my eyebrows furrowed.

"The mentality and soul of the caster, though, it has to be of great fortitude and wisdom."

"If I asked, I'd probably get the expected answer." I shook my head, trying to dispel the mesmerized feeling lingering in my mind. "But I'll still ask it: I take it that Celestia has those qualities?"

"Indeed she does," Vesper clenched his teeth hard against each other as he just realized what he had just spoken. "Or, to be more honest, she did. She doesn't anymore."

"Of course." I nodded. "So, go on about this ritual?"

"Ah. After sacrificing both mind and soul, the user has to amplify the magic using something as fuel in order to cast it."

"You're not implying that Celestia actually relinquished the Elements of Harmony as sacrifice, did she?" I ask, the chilling sensation clinging to my body only intensifying.

"There's no other explanation," Vesper steeled his gaze in order to apply emphasis to his proceeding words, "Celestia did exactly that."

"And I'd wager that after all of that ritual sacrifice the user, which would be Celestia in this case, causes the abnormal phenomenons we've just experienced?"

Vesper hung his head low, as if in a pondering state. "Yes. The tower of cascading light and the earthquake are part of the sequences. There's one thing missing, however."

"Oh?" I simply uttered out.

"After both of those, there's supposedly a tsunami that would break..." Vesper's words fell into a silent tone as he just realized that, "...apart the entirety of Equestria."

Our stares went from pensive to concerned.

And from concerned to frightened.

A sudden instinct took a hold over me as I swiftly flipped the Grimoire open, flipping to a white, empty page in the span of split-second. Chanting out some inaudible word a few times, I withdrew the book into my robes.

As expected, a portal of abysmal red formed itself just above me. Reality itself seemed to distort as it warped itself into reality.

"I never thought it would be that..." Vesper failed to finish his comment. "That flashy."

"Is now really the time for unnecessary remarks?!" I lashed out at him. "The best thing to do right now would be to hope that whatever comes from that portal has wings!"

Vesper took a faltering step back, wincing as he did. "You do know that we're far from any shore, right? Even a tsunami depicted in that aged tale wouldn't be able to reach us."

I sighed in relief, clutching at my chest as I did. "Oh. Hell. Why didn't you tell me that sooner?"

"Did it look like I had time to-"

Suddenly, the land was thrown off-balance once more as another tremor quaked the ground. I nearly stumbled over, almost submerging myself in a pool of dirt.

The quake swiftly ended; it didn't even last for more than three seconds. Regaining my footing, I looked towards Vesper who appeared to be just as shaky about what just happened.

"Was that the tsunami or whatever?" I questioned.

"I'm pretty sure that it was!" Vesper pointed at the swiftly moving clouds.

Then a very apparent fact made itself clear as realization viced my mind. The clouds weren't moving rapidly. The land that I was standing on was! This entire piece of land is about to become an independent continent!

"Oh. Isn't that just perfect..." I muttered in one cursing, bitter tone. "We're drifting away!" I yelled out, flaring my hands above my head. "How the hell can we get to Canterlot now-"

Before I could finish that question, it seemed that the answer to it already presented itself.

The portal of red just above us spat out what seemed to be wyverns consisting of decaying flesh and rusted bone. The environment suddenly became stricken with necromancy-based magic as the wyverns emerged from the portal.

With one last dragon slipping out of the portal, the rift promptly shut itself, disappearing from view.

The fallen wyrms' spines were visible, protruding out of their rotten flesh. Their eyeless skulls complimented their terrifying mien as their wings of barely-attached flesh flourished in the skies. Their tails, despite being withered and of splintered bone, looked as if they could crush through concrete.

The undead dragons circled around the skies, the beats of their wings reverberating the winds around them.

One of them dove for the ground beside me, causing me to dash to the left. As I strafed, the zombified dragon roosted on the ground, its chilling, lifeless breaths filling the atmosphere around it.

I turned to Vesper. "I suppose that answer that conundrum."

Vesper frantically shook his head in defiance. "I am not getting on that thing."

"I doubt that your wings can handle flight longer than..." I turned my head to the direction of the fell dragon, "this masterpiece of darkness."

The dragon let out a bellowing roar, as if acknowledging my compliment. The surrounding grass became pallid and dead as its breath circled the soil below, effectively reaving it of its health as the dirt became dry and barren. It reared its head towards me, craning its corrupted neck.

I recoiled a bit backwards at the gesture, but I slowly approached it again. Placing my hand on its snout, I began to pet it. "They're not that bad, actually."

"I don't think I can trust a monster that can rend life with just its breath..."

Chapter 35. Squall

Parting clouds--misty fluffs of white were twined as my breathless drake soared through the skies, me being barely able to hold onto one of them. Every beat of their wings reverberated, dispersing the fog-like clouds. The skies were, as expected, tremendously cold as their clouds swathed me like a cradle.

The ocean below shimmered defiantly against the sun, letting out glimmers of light in clusters as waves swished and crashed about in a turmoil sort of state.

Clouds of a misty, slightly dark shaded vapor were cleaved into pieces as I flew through them, their chilling, damp touch still clinging onto my skin as if they were dust. These clouds clung onto my body for a bit before being cast away due to the air being shoved out of the way due to my drake's rhythmic motions of its fell wings.

To my left was a formation of similar, if not identical, dragons. Their flying pattern was uniform; they weren't spread out, instead, they were forming a row. I'm not too keen on aerial formations, but this seemed to be out of innate instinct, as if they'd have practiced this pattern countless of times.

'Well, isn't that food for thought?' I muttered idly to myself in my head as placed my chin on my palm.

The positioning and synchronization of their flight was seamless; not one was out of line and not one was going too fast or too slow to cause the formation to crumble.

My eyes adrift to the skyline, I let out a sigh of boredom. 'This thing is uncomfortable to sit on, if I look down I'll get nausea, and if I were to even just adjust my position, I'd risk-' Suddenly, a haze of what felt like sleety winds assaulted my still-open jaw, causing me to convulse with a bit of gagging. "Dammit," I spat out instinctively, wiping my mouth off as I did, "Should've closed my mouth..."

Recomposing my fortitude, I studied my ride. Its carapace of leathery, dead flesh mingling and weaved around the protruding bones, shook and trembled violently against the austere gales. I could barely keep my posture on this thing.

My eyes drifted around the horizon. The clouds bogged my vision. I could only see smokescreens of white as far as my vision could perceive. Silhouettes of land formations and mountains presented themselves midst the whiteness, appearing as if they were ghastly phantasms of my mind.

I sighed as my eyes drearily drooped downwards, casting my gaze over the fragmented islands. Yes--islands. They acted as if they were recluses, trying their best to avoid the rest of the other islands, buoyantly staying afloat, going wherever the whims of the winds dictated them.

I could see some being merged coarsely due to direct contact. Rubble and debris seemingly appeared to have been glued by contact, these islands now travel across the sea in unity in perpetual unity.

I was shaken as I suddenly slipped. My hand grabbing onto the remnants of collar bones and loose, molding flesh, I desperately held on for dear life. It was both mortifying and awe-striking simultaneously.

The vastness of water below was alarming--for as far as one could see, nothing but a great ocean was present. The water was alluringly clear for whatever reason. The reflection of blurring after-images of the speeding fleet of dragons was clear, placing me in some sort of trance as I looked at it, my eyes lit up in curiosity.

...Unfortunately, however, I shouldn't exactly marvel at the product of once large landmasses rending itself and dividing itself into smaller bits of land.

I shifted myself, adjusting my position as I loosely positioned my footing into a crevice of some sort, probably a depressing within this unholy beast's columns of withered ribs. I'd have otherwise attested to this, but the bony dragon showed no pain nor discomfort in its vicious visage. I shifted around my foot due to lack of better leverage.

I heard a snap of some sort. I instantly recoiled at the sickening crunch.

My head bolted downwards, directly being set onto my feet. Just above my foot, I could discern a long bone, rusted with decay like the rest, being shattered and splintered due to my pressure. I jerked back my foot in instinct. The instinctive response caused my body to sway a bit too much to the left--too much.

I dangled a bit to the side, my body dangerously tilting over the end of the rotting dragon. I flailed my hands a bit, but it was all in vain as I suddenly found myself falling over to the edge.

As if a reflexive urge overtook my body, my hand surged forward, reaching forth for the neck of the dragon. My hand gripped it hard and I pulled myself back up to safety.

A spritz of sweat fell from my forehead as I clutched my chest, feeling the fleeting beats of my heart. I breathed a few deep breaths, patting my chest as I did. Shrugging off the panic, I returned my attention towards the seemingly unperturbed dragon.

Not even displeased by lack of... professionalism. Not a single response. It simply kept on flying, as if nothing has happened. I sighed out as I reclined a bit. "Remember what we're looking for--the place where that large ray of light originated from."

It let out a low growl, as if conveying its annoyance.

"No need to be so arrogant about it."

=========

Shadows began to appear, dotting the horizon. I squinted my eyes, narrowing down my vision at the direction of these ominous silhouettes. They inched closer and closer to us exceedingly fast, as if they were moving... towards us.

"Stop! Stop flying! Stay stationary in the air," my command echoed out, and my fell drake obeyed, shifting its pattern of flight to make itself simply hover in place. The formation of other undead drakes followed as well--we were now two, lengthy immobile in the middle of the skies.

"Summoner!" I heard Vesper call out from beside me. "Why are we stopping? Did you catch a glimpse of something?"

I didn't bother refocusing my eyes on him, I kept my fixated look onto the far skyline. "Put your head forward and look for yourself," I replied in an almost deadpan tone.

Finally, emerging out of the dimming shade, metallic behemoths. Hanging above these were balloon-like objects that easily surpassed the size of the body of the metal frames of these floating fortresses. I snapped into realization.

"Bleeding hell! These are airships! Reinforced ones!" I tried to whisper, but what came out of my mouth was instead a frantic shout.

These zeppelins were rearing closer to us, flaunting their sheer size that could rival whole castles at us. Their bloated envelopes that are keeping them airborne were protected; steeling themselves on their usual papery surface were plates that seemed to be several inches thick. The hull of these aerial leviathans were sloped and shone out a polished luster. Just above the hull was some sort of dome--cannons and a miscellany of machinery protruding out of them. I could barely see the rotatory propellers and rocket-based propulsion devices were coupled along the rear.

They arched us, forming in a slightly curved line-like formation before us. As if their machinations came to life, cogs and cabins shifted along their main bodies. Finally, they brandished their cannons at us, their bottomless hollows reared at our direction.

My eyes widened as trickles of sweat profusely dropped from my face. "Evasion! Evasion!" I called out to the rest of my undead comrades as I withdrew my book from my robes. "Everyone! Focus on not getting hit!"

As soon as I yelled those out, the zeppelins opened fire. The ends of their barrels flared with inferno accompanied with thunderclaps that could rival lighting. Resonating and deafening, the sound of cannon volleys resounded within the area for miles on end. I felt the air beside me heat up and distort as a black, spherical orb blurred past just inches away from my drake.

I was faced with turbulence as the upheaval of air was caused by my dragon spiraling upwards. I shrugged off the dizziness, opening my book as I honed my vision on one of the airships.

I looked back for a brief second, taking note that there were no casualties... yet. "Good.Their lack of proper anti-air shall be their downfall." My words went underneath my breath as I cursed random words in a hushed mumble. "This is still problematic. Way too problematic..."

"Too problematic."

I extended my arm forwards, the Grimoire opened and resting on the palm of my hand. "Go! Attack while they're still reloading!" I yelled out to my dragons.

They let out staggering roars as they all lashed out in a symphony-like coordination, tearing the skies around them as they bolted into the airships' surroundings without a hint of fear.

The book within my grasps trembled as I revved its contained magic stored within it. With a flourish, I swung the book to the side with force and velocity. Pages, illuminating with a purplish glow, scattered themselves from the book's bounds and began to flutter in the air.

These torn pages danced in the air before abruptly stopping themselves in place, as if time itself stopped for themselves. Letting out a blinding, purple flash, these pages sped their way towards the armor of the ships.

They sped through the battlefield, nimbly missing the haze of drakes, moving in serpentine patterns in order to avoid friendly fire. They bore themselves into the hull of a single airship as they struck with speed rivaling lightning itself. For a second, nothing happened, the airships remaining fully functional.

Suddenly, the front of that airship flashed an explosive radiance and suddenly was suddenly engulfed in a large combustion of an inferno of purple flames. The flames danced and danced, forming a massive sphere of heat. Finally, the infernal fireball dissipated in display of vanishing embers, revealing the nonexistent hull of the ship.

The ship's rear dangled, a lone chain-like line holding itself up onto the still intact balloon. Finally, with a metallic snap, the remaining structure of the ship fell to the ground. It splashed into the ocean as it spiraled out of control. It began to sink, seemingly being gradually devoured by the abysmal ocean below. As its mast began to delve into the ocean, I could see scurrying members of the operators escaping from the drowning airship, frantically trying to swim above the tides. Though, the staff of the airship was obscured by the clouds, I have no trouble presuming that they were ponies.

"Ugh." I shuddered at the gruesome display. Suddenly, I was jerked a bit back as my drake suddenly dove upwards, I caught a glimpse of a shelling of metallic pellets fired at where my drake and I once were, ripping the winds as they bolted past the now empty space. Nearly letting go of my grasp due to panic, I asserted my hands once more to the drake's collar bone.

Bringing my head up ahead of me, I was a greeted with the sight of one of the airships, their cannons steeled and sighted on me. I could see a spiral groove within the hollows of the cannon. I could see mechanisms shift and turn within the base of the cannon; if I had to guess, it was reloading.

Suddenly, before it could complete the loading sequence, a lone undead dragon blurred past by. Circling the cannon, the fell beast let out its decaying breath, engulfing the armament piece in a hazy fireball of black fire. As the dark inferno dissipated into embers, I caught glimpse of what happened to the cannon--it was riddled with a thick mantle of rust.

Cracking and splitting due to the enfeebled metal frame, the barrel of the gun began to fragment apart, crumbling into the ocean below piece by piece. The barrel suddenly came off, delving into the depths below in a violent splash. I managed to sneak a glance at the main structure of the gun--it too was riddled with rust, no longer able to perform its duty.

"If that what happens to metal being exposed to these wyrms' breaths, I really don't wanna discover what happens when some poor bastard gets hit by this stuff." My eyes darted around the battlefield a bit.

Spectating, observing, estimating--it's become second nature for me by now. The terrain--well, this is an aerial battle, so no cover whatsoever for me to hide behind with. I was a good several yards away from the remaining airships. The airships weren't faring so well. My army of the undead were too nimble, dodging and diving out of the way of incoming fires.

I scouted the battlefield, spotting Vesper still intact and riding his mount, clinging barely to consciousness. His eyes were a bit lidded, I could barely see his pupils. His head seemed abnormally wavy, even if he was riding an undead dragon around. Even from here, I could see his face displaying that he really wanted to vomit.

I shrugged. "He'll be fine or at least I hope so..." I gulped down a bit, trying to swallow the nervousness back into my chest. "Everyone! Prioritize on protecting the pony riding the dragon!" I yelled out, my words, like a knell, ringing throughout the battlefield. 'Having a newly formed ally be eviscerated by cannon balls? No; that won't do.'

Returning my scrutinizing gaze to the general battlefield, I was appalled by one particular ship. Hovering over the waters, it eclipsed an overwhelming shadow. It was much larger; perhaps about half times larger than the usual ships. And unlike the rest of the flying fortresses, this was much more heavily armored; plates layered among other plates were visible among its behemoth-like frame. These steel plates were somewhat similar to actual scales.

I steadied myself. Craning my neck towards my not breathing mount's head, I spoke out, "Hey. See that one there? The especially larger one?" I extended my hand, pointing at the aforementioned ship. My mount reared its head, glowering at the ship. "I'm certain that's where they hold the leading member. I'd like to talk to him."

With a low growl, my mount let out a small amount of the vaporous, shadowy flames from its mouth. It reared a bit, backing off a few feet. I was about to question why it was doing this, but it suddenly streamlined forward, piercing through the wind. Turbulent winds began to drag against me as everything in my vision became a blur.

"Gah- slow down, why won't you?" I spoke out, prompting my mount to draw some slack on its wings, slowing our sortie down a bit. The gust that were once pummeling my face ceased. However, the whistling of metal streaming throughout the space beside me caused my heartbeat to hasten once more. "Woah! Never mind! Never mind! Go faster or the both of us will wind up-"

Suddenly, the reflective surface of my eyes glinted a glimpse of a stray collection of lights from various directions as my jaws hung loosely at what I was seeing. The surrounding fleet of airships began to shift, their machinated components shifting and turning in several paths. Open cogs were in clear view as they turned, revving up some sort of machine from their bases.

Their main platforms on the middle, upper part of their frames began to move aside, revealing some sort of colossal hatch giving a clear view inside the confounding circuitry, the mass of wires, and the intimidating plates of steel in the interior of the ship. Suddenly, steam seemed to have been expelled from the airships as they all collectively began activating some sort of machine of theirs.

Through the wide gap of these mechanical, aerial behemoths, I could catch glimpses of something emerging. "What the..." I trailed off as I could do nothing but helplessly survey whatever was to come from these airships.

Letting out a collective shriek of metal scraping against metal, the airships unraveled some sort of machine from their crevices. These machines were cubic and were several feet in size; I'd say they were larger than an average house. These cubic machines whirred and hummed a sort of noise engines would make when they're revved.

Cables, varying in color from red, green, to blue, were apparent, protruding like ivies from these machines. Pipes, uncountable as there was a menagerie of them poking out of the encasement of these devices, spewed out billows after billows of some sort of ethereal, foreboding cyan mist. These mists left a wake of magical, blue embers in their wake as they dissipated into the air.

There was an audible thumping in my throat now--my heartbeat. Sweat began to trickle like a torrent of cascading waters from my head. "What- what is this?" I managed to feebly utter to myself, the winds still whistling faint whispers in my ears as I soared through the skies, my mount unrelenting its charge towards the presumable flagship.

Suddenly, the telltale sounds of magic being ignited began to sound in the air deafeningly as the airships themselves seemed to quiver in power as their mysterious devices began opening their middle ports, revealing the catalyst of their magic. Suddenly, the devices began lighting up even more at a higher magnitude as a spherical barrier began to encompass all of the airships.

"A magical shield... ?" My fell dragons cut through the air at insane velocities, not even I could keep up with their speeds. Yet, they all simply rebounded off the barrier as they pelted themselves against the shield, leaving not even a crack on its translucent surface. "Magical shields sizable enough to fit whole airships the size of skyscrapers?"

Tongues of black fire were peppering the aegis of the ships. The flames distorted the shields somewhat, but as the fires disappeared in embers, the barriers remained unscathed.

'Ridiculous... how am I suppose to even survive this?'

My skin began to heat up as my mind became disorientated as a wave of nauseatingly high amounts of condensed magic became to plague the atmosphere--presumably, this was the doing of the airships' shielding systems.

Through the thick of emanation of arcane light, I could faintly discern a reflective, diamond-like surface of the catalysts. My eyes froze and automatically fixated upon these catalysts as I suddenly had my recollection accosted me.

"Crystal Hearts?" I muttered as I swore I felt a shiver ran across my spine. "These..." I fumbled with my words as I remembered my last encounter with them back in Ponyville. "These replicated Hearts... they were being manufactured in the Crystal Kingdom, but I can't say I was expecting them to be used like this..."

My eyes refocused on the flagship, and much to my surprise, it was still preparing for its shield's deployment. The lack of cubical mass of steel and wires were indicating to me that it had a much slower rate of activation and that I had still time to infiltrate it unimpeded.

"Yah!" I tugged the neckbone of my unliving mount. "Come on," I drew the Grimoire close to me, preparing for another attack, "We still have time! Hurry! Towards that one!" I pointed my free hand towards the central ship.

With a howl sort of roar, my dragon lanced through the winds, me barely being to hold on as everything in my peripheral vision became muddied and were reduced to mere blurs.

I bit my lip hard, threatening to draw blood from it as I brought my Grimoire before me, extending it lengthily with my arm forwards. The Grimoire was permeating a shimmering glow of red, a vastness of magic currently sealed within it. All of the ambient magic left out from those shielding things are working to my favor, it seems; time to experiment.

I swiveled my head to the left, spotting a couple or so of airships, their massive walls of magic repelling whatever attack was coming from my feral wyrms of the dead. Steadying the Grimoire, I lined its end at the shield device. I sighed as I reluctantly began calming my breaths in order to get a good shot.

With an echoing, high-pitched blast, my Grimoire shot out a page at such velocity that it made the winds themselves ripple. Staggered by the recoil, I desperately clutched onto my undead friend's back. Steadying myself once more, I let out a reassured sigh as I turned my head again to face my target.

There was a visible shattered crevice at where the page has struck. Just beyond the crack was the machine, now ripped apart and mangled beyond recognition. The barrier machine had a very visible split in between it coupled with several fractures and cracks. Sparks flew off from it as its cables, severed and unceremoniously left hanging loosely, began flailing around like rabid snakes.

The affected ship's magical protection began to blink as its once translucent surface became plagued with pervasive static. As if like battered, brittle stone, the shield began chipping off piece by piece, once more making the ship susceptible to my dragons' attacks.

"Nice-" I turned my face forward, the pupils of my eyes shrinking twofold of its original size as my jaw went agape as I just realized that I was mere twenty feet or so from the colossal flagship--and must I remark, it is quite large up close.

Its steel frame basked in the sunlight, reflecting off clear images of the clouds--and the explosions and the other combatants--off of its polished steel. It was easily the size of a recumbent office building, might be even more. The thickness of its armor seemed to be much more deep than I have anticipated.

I closed my eyes, seeing that I was mere seconds away from a bone-shattering impact. Before I shut the lids of my eyes tightly, however, my mount unhinged its jaw, breathing out a heavy stream of decaying fire from its mouth and into the middle, cabin-like protrusion of the hulking flagship.

The rusting fires did its job; the reinforced were rusted, cracks forming and crevices splitting across its surface. Suddenly, I was brought upwards as my undead dragon dove upwards, leaving the both of us several feet above the behemoth of an airship and avoiding crashing into said behemoth.

My perception of time became decelerated as I furrowed my brows in concentration as I took my Grimoire up and pointed it at the middle of the rusted surface. Paying no regard to the violent thumping of my heart nor the violent rumbling sounds of nearby cannons detonating, I took my luck up for a gamble and shot the surface.

With another page being sent at impeccable speeds, I was pushed backwards a bit by the sheer recoil as the winds around me pulsated from the force of my shot. However, I was steeled just so that I managed to remain stable and allowing me to see if my shot worked. Instead of the page piercing clean through the airship, it stuck to the rusted surface, its runic engravings letting out a sinister red glow from its parchment.

Suddenly, the runes on the page became blindingly radiant. Without more than adequate warning, the page detonated, letting out a fireball that shook even the winds from where I soared. Flames spat, winds became scorching hot and the inferno raged throughout the ship, obscuring most of it. The flames were unruly enough that even I managed to get caught somewhat in its stretch.

"Ugh!" I trembled a bit as the sparks from the explosion singed me somewhat, stinging into my skin, searing through my cloak. I shoved off the pain, focusing my vision on the still rampant fires clinging onto the ship's armor. Through the fire and flames, obscured a bit by the hazy smoke, I could see a newly formed breach on the cabin of the ship.

"Good," I spoke softly as I continued on spectating. "The attack worked--worked a bit too much, to be honest." I extended my arm, gesturing towards the breach. "Go! The both of us need to get in there so that I can talk to whoever is in charge of this fleet!"

Obliging, the dragon shrieked, letting out a menacing warcry. Slipping through the air much like how a snake slithers through grass, it closed in the distance between the both of us and the hole in mere seconds.

Cleaving through the air, my vision was momentarily obscured by the licking infernos as I was suddenly plunged deep into the ship as we passed through the breach with no difficulty.

My dragon landed with a resounding thump as I readied my Grimoire, calming my hand and relaxing my mind so that I wouldn't angle my shot wrong--must combat be required.

The inner part of the airship was rather dim, and I could only see a bit clearly as there was the rays of light beaming from the agape canopy. The room was spacious, more than enough for my dragon and several other uncountable machinery to fit in this room. The lightbulbs were inactive, contributing to the poor lighting of the room. Shadowy silhouettes filled the room. Many of these silhouettes were merely large computer like terminals and other devices; and I swore one looked like a toaster.

Many of these silhouettes, however, were... gryphons? Their physique were somewhat similar as they were currently standing on all fours. The beak and somewhat differently shaped wings gave them away, however.

"Gryphons?" I muttered out audibly as I waved my Grimoire around, posing myself that I might shoot without hesitation should they make a move. "I was expecting ponies to have these machines," my voice carried out throughout the many corridors of this place in an echo.

"You're right," one of the shadows spoke as it began moving towards me. "Actually, the ponies were supposed to have these flying fortresses." The voice's came in view as whoever it was stepped beneath the sunbeams' embrace; it was another gryphon. Cloaked in an azure mantle, he stared listlessly towards me. "We prefer not the term stealing, however. I'd like to see us simply... 'borrowing' these metal constructs."

"Stole from the ponies? Doesn't that mean..." I hesitated for a bit, staring dead into his eyes. I blinked as I gnashed my teeth together. "You're against Celestia?"

He nodded simply.

"So why the hell are we fighting?"

"You started it," he retorted.

Bonus Chapter. We're On A Boat

Upwards, my gaze was fixated upon the clarity of the sunbeams peering through the mantling layers of white fluffs of clouds. Centered in my sight were a flock of birds, straying within the skies. Peering through a hole within the blankets of the clouds, the sun brazened itself proudly.

The vastness of the sea stretched as far as my eyes could see, waves cascading and dissipating, as the cries of seagulls could be heard frequently.

Islands, obscured by the distance and mist, were adrift among the sea. Containing either prairies, dense foliage, or simply pallid soil, these islands were various. The reasoning behind the existence of these islands?

Well... Equestria just divided itself into tiny pieces and began straying itself into sea. Confusion, but that's the most concise way to elaborate. This is also why I'm on a boat--to get to Canterlot, which was formerly available to me through ground, which is now somewhere, lost at sea.

I looked upon my surroundings. The flooring consisted of creaky boards of refined red lumber. Much of the flooring is commendably enough, polished and let out a faint luster. Its red surface reflecting even my figure as I gazed down upon it.

Upon the flooring were crates, barrels, fishing equipment, and a menagerie of other equipment... such as cannons. At the rear of the ship stood the boat's wheel. Steering said wheel was not the captain, as he had things to discuss down in the interior of the boat, but a pony clad in ragged clothing and wearing a brown bandanna--that was equally torn as was his clothes.

Speaking of ponies--they were everywhere. To the left, I could see a pony hanging loosely by a piece of rope tied to the sails' post. Idly speaking about with each other next to that pony were even more ponies. To the right, I could spot a pony viewing about the horizong around through a spyglass.

'Ugh,' I mentally dismissed as I began pacing about in impatience.

Just directly behind me yonder was a large pole spanning several feet skywards. Branching, there were protrusions of this pole, spreading left to right. Suspending by these protrusions were large sails.

Railings encompassed the edges of the surface of the ship. They were spiral in design, and as with the floor, they were also spotless enough, casting a dull shine. These ponies must really like their ship, huh?

Suddenly, ahead of me, I heard shuffling of hoofsteps coming from a staircase leading downwards into the ship's lower levels. Emerging from it was a pony.

I stood, devoid of emotion like that of a statue, as a pony, the authorizing figure no doubt considering he donned a captain's hat and a complimenting suit laced with silver-like thread and golden adornments.

Much alike with my visage, he was stoic; his face seemingly neutral for what I can presume to have been days by now. Clearing his throat, he began to speak to me, "Bug queen-" he began to spoke, irking ire within me.

"It's Queen Chrysalis, cur." I hissed a bit as I stiffened my footing. "How many times do I have to say that?"

"You're lucky that we're accommodating you-" Suddenly, he abruptly stopped as he glanced over my side. Curious on what he has spotted, I swiveled my head as well, spotting a rather nauseous red-maned changeling queen. I shrugged her off as I stared back at the captain who was also now staring back at me once more. "You're lucky that we're accommodating the both of you," he finished, his demeanor remaining emotionless.

"And you're lucky that we-" I turned to face Red, that damned changeling queen, as I heard a thumping noise from behind me. Fixating my gaze on her, I was somewhat disappointed, but at the same time not surprised, as I saw her slumped on the ground. Her breathing faint as her mouth hung loosely open. "And you're lucky that I did not decided to avoid killing you the first time I've found you."

"Enough squandering of our times, I've something to tell you, and I presume it to be critical to you," he answered sternly, his piercing gaze attesting to his words.

"And that is... ?"

"Normally, Canterlot would be around here according to our calculations." He shrugged his head. "As you can see, Canterlot is nowhere to be found within our proximity."

"Dammit... It strayed off farther than you idiots anticipated?" I snarled.

"I'm afraid that our mutual goal, find Canterlot, will have to be delayed." With not another word muttered out, he turned around, heading towards the staircase once more. As he descended, his figure vanished from my sight.

"You know what, Chrysalis?" Scarlet muttered out, her mouth in some sort of perpetual grimaced as she wobbled a bit not due to the waves smashing about against the boat we were in, but due to the disorientation her little head was experiencing, "I never thought that I'd be the one that gets seasick easily... But considering the fact that I swear that my head feels light and my sense of orientation effectively-"

"Red," I called out to her. "Can you just please shut up? I too am tired of being on this boat for we've been here for an entire day and I'm already getting sick of the ocean's scent."

Red sighed somewhat depressingly as she staggered her way towards me, closing the distance between me and her with pensive steps, all the while swaying from left to right unsteadily. "Ugh- you know, this is the first time I've been on a boat... that's actually sailing."

I arched an eyebrow of curiosity. "And by whatever does that last part of your sentence mean?"

"Oh," she looked rather palely at me as she attempted to smirk. "You know, me being a mercenary and whatnot, I had to infiltrate boats time to time. You know... burn whatever trade goods my target had."

"I see... " I shook my head subtly as I turned from her, setting my gaze upon the mast. "I don't get it," without bothering to face her, I spoke, "You, of all changeling queens, decided to make your hive a mercenary group instead of... a hive."

"Pft. As if I play by the rules." I heard her steps coming towards me. Responding accordingly, I turned around to face her. She stood, mere feet away, her seasickness apparently drowned out by an overly cocky grin on her face.

I bore dreary eyes into her as I furrowed my brows a bit. "We changelings... are predators. We are not predators for hire," I stated.

She scoffed a chuckle. "Like I said, I don't play by the rules."

I slacked a bit, deadpanning from her reply, letting out a soft breath escape from my mouth.

There was an eerie silence, the only sounds being the torrents of water smashing against each other in the midst of the ocean and the gusts of the sea breeze.

She stood, motionless and adamant, still casting that damning smirk at me. "Might I ask why that I bother you so much?"

My frown somewhat lightened, forming into a faint smile. I chuckled a bit, suppressing it with my hoof. "Really? Well... for one, you tried to kill us for the sake of monetary gain. Other than that, however..." I lowered my head a bit. "I don't really know. I guess I'm just offended that you're supposedly someone alike me."

"Hey!" she squealed out, visibly infuriated as she glared down dagger-like glances at me. "And what does that supposed to mean?"

I shut my eyes, turning my head away from her. "Oh. Well, nothing, really." I smirked as well this time, a bit too deviously. "I'm merely stating my discontent that you're supposedly equal to me in power... Speaking of power, have you recovered yet?"

"What? My strength?" She looked at her body, casting glances left and right. Craning her head towards her left leg, she muttered out in a cursing fashion, "It might not look like it, but when your friend shot me, it hurt like hell... and it also took much of my already depleted reserve of love for me to mend that wound quickly."

"That 'friend' of mine also got himself lost from my watch. He's probably dead by now." I shrugged, shaking my head profusely. "He's making this much more troublesome."

"And what is he making much more troublesome, really?" Red tilted her head to the left slightly, her squinted eyebrows indicating confusion. "I'm not even sure why you're 'friends' with someone who is wanted among everypony."

"I don't think we've vocally expressed this to each other, but our objective is to kill Celestia, claim the throne, and hopefully let me reign Equestria without impediment."

"I... " Red trailed off somewhat as she stared at me with an off expression. "I don't think he'll just so casually let you take control off the whole Equestria."

"That's where perhaps you're wrong." I laughed a bit--somewhat displaying my innate malice through my laughter that sounded much like cackling. "If you didn't notice, he's not from here. And he's made clear of this: he wants to go back to wherever he came from."

"Really now?" She returned her head to straight position, reverting it from its tilted posture. "And here I thought you'd be willing to entitle yourselves 'King and Queen of Equestria'."

I recoiled a bit, stricken off at the peculiarity of such notion. "Really. With him." I dismissed her with a single flail of my hoof. "Him... Are you seeing straight? Are you even thinking clearly?"

"Ah... I see. I understand," Red muttered, almost to herself as her words were only barely audible. "You're one of those types who conceal their warm side by feigning a cold, hostile disposition..." she continued to mutter to herself, adding more to my confusion.

"Uh." I gleamed hopelessly lost eyes at her. "I don't follow... Are you even listening to yourself right now?"

"Whatever." With a carefree trot, she made her way towards the staircase just ahead of me. Her steps were still shaky as she still slanted a bit to the sides a bit to close to falling as she trotted. "Come... on. I'd rather faint from getting drunk rather than from this damned seasickness..."

I opened my mouth to protest, but I stopped myself as I saw her descend into the interior of the ship. "Do they even store alcohol here... ?" I whispered to myself.

Sighing, I went after her, my steps more cautious than her sloppy movement as I began making my down through the steeping staircases.

I let out a hushed growl, muttering out curses under my breath. "Dammit. How'd I get stuck in all-" Something bumped against me, causing me to end my sentence abruptly with a quiet yelp.

Looking down at whatever has collided against me. Through the dimmed lighting of the staircase of the ship, I noticed that it was in fact Red--who has, for some reason, stopped walking and just stood there motionless.

I began to arch my brow, questioning her logic behind just standing in the middle of a rather confined staircase.

Before I could even vocally convey my bewilderment, she swiftly turned around, facing me sharply. I hung loose my jaw to speak of her sanity, but before I could even get out one word, she flung her head at mine, throwing be aback. She plucked at my mouth, bringing her lips to my own.

The warmness permeating from her body began to seep into my body through her lips. Utterly dazed at the accosting of my mouth, I pulled myself back, stepping away from her.

"What'd you-" I began to speak out furiously, intending on demanding an explanation for all that. Suddenly, it seemed as if my own question was answered as greenish light, manifest of love, began to swirl around her. These vaporous incarnations of love seeped into her body, wicked off from the atmosphere as she let out a satisfied sigh. "Oh," I deadpanned.

"Heh." She chuckled a bit as she began making herself way down once more. "Sorry about that. I wouldn't have been able to stand being powerless for another second," her words resonated through the darkened corridors as she continued descending, her hooves tapping lightly against the wooden surface being the only thing I could hear now. "I'll be off to get a drink now."

I grimaced lightly. "You're not getting away with what's mine." I hastened, sprinting downwards the staircase.

"Don't worry!" she yelled out at me as I sprinted, her words still echoing through the halls. "I'll keep this between ourselves, okay?"

Author's Notes:

Eh. In case you were wondering for what these two were up to.

No pre-readers for this one, so there might be a handful of mistakes.

Of course, that means that positions for pre-readers are open.

Please help. TT_TT

Chapter 36. Loose Knots

"Ahhhh!" a fell scream came from above me as a blur of blue slumped onto the floor, falling from the breached canopy above me, resounding a thump as Vesper landed beside me. "Not the best way of entering here..." he muttered out, his voice hoarse and hinting pain--a lot of pain.

I simply shrugged at him. "Unsummon," I whispered blankly, the soft winds of my breath as those words left my mouth dispersing against the soft parchment of the wide-opened Grimoire kept upon my palm. It responded to my voice, radiating a scarlet brilliance upon itself.

With a swift blink, the Grimoire flashed out, engulfing the whole room in a basking touch of red, warm light. Lasting no more than a second, the flash died out, the dimmed lighting returning.

Like fluttering cinders, the fell beast beside me dissipated into the wind, its bony frames of tipped spines and pallid skin shifting into glowing dust, nothingness replacing its presence.

'Pity. My undead army was short-lived. Was this all that they could aspire to be?' I bit my lip, regaining my sternness. 'Nevertheless, it'd be problematic should I have allowed them to linger for longer; the casualty tolls are presumably off the charts by now.'

The cringing sounds of wings beating zealously, the breaths of wither and decay hushing--they all muted. The winds returning to its serenity, there was a calming, yet perturbing amount of quietness.

There was nothing more than a muffled sound of sharp gusts of winds that formed the ambiance... other than a peculiar, muffled whirring of an engine somewhere within the corridors of this massive ship.

My stare burrowed, seething with reluctance and contempt, into the gryphon leader mere feet away from me. Likewise, the gryphon bore his glare at me, a somewhat composed and cool-headed smirk apparent upon his face.

The staring lasted somewhat uncomfortably lengthy.

Sparks, like spittle, dropped out from the many wires, that were more or less exposed as the canopy above me was partially non-existent, trickling out like drops of water. Lighting up briefly, they simply dimmed down and died out as they fell to the ground. The sight of them illuminating their surroundings as they gradually faded was... somewhat appealing.

"So," I began to speak, my mouth selective of its choice of diction, "You don't seem to be... inclined on cutting off my head to present to Celestia." I lowered my stiffened body a bit, loosening my shoulders as I drooped down a bit. Still, my mind was keen; if they were up to something, I'd perceive it.

"Celestia?" He dismissively waved around his front right talon. "She's a lost cause." He began to circle about, walking along the menagerie of radios, terminals, and wiring. Sitting upon a somewhat oddly placed bench by the corner of the right, he added, "Firstly, I'd like to tell you how this is basically all your fault. If you just hadn't come along and took everything from her, she'd still be the kind, benevolent ruler we always knew her by."

I bit my lip, my right eye somewhat twitching.

"But..." He nodded aimlessly to himself. "You see, without you," he extended his talon, pointing a sole digit at me, "I doubt that we can salvage whatever would be left of Equestria by the time this ends."

He motioned both his front legs overhead, swirling them a bit. "Come on." He tilted his head left towards the still observing spectators of fellow gryphons. "Get out of here. I'd much rather be alone with our 'guests ' than have the lot of you make him... disturbed."

The crowd of gryphons shifted among themselves restlessly, exchanging whispers among themselves. They all momentarily sneaked in glances, their eyes brimming with incredulity.

"Alright," the gryphon leader abruptly stood up, his legs flaring. "If I see one of you still lingering here for the next twenty minutes or so, I'm going to tear off your wings and throw you overboard!" he exclaimed, his mien being hostile.

I was somewhat in disbelief, my eyebrow arched at him.

The whispers and shoving stopped as the crowd has been effectively been stilled. They all stared their leader, appearing to be devoid of emotion and completely motionless, some of their jaws agape. With the faintness of talons scraping against the metallic floor, they began to hustle out, descending out of view through many hallways.

I turned my glance towards their leader once more, still questioning his... behavior.

"Sorry, sorry," he muttered out as he sat down slowly, rubbing his head with the soft stretch of his talon to appease what I presume to be a migraine. "Troubles, troubles. Troubling times indeed can crack even my fortitude."

"I see..." I deadpanned as I loosened the tension accumulating within my chest.

"Please." He gestured towards the bench parallel to his--exactly placed just at the left corner and placed facing towards his bench. "Take a seat, the both of you."

I nodded, my feet making its way towards the bench offered to me, Vesper tailing behind me closely.

Astute, my eyes examined the bench as I closed the distance between my figure and it. It looked rigid, bearing a metallic base. Its support was lined with metallic bars; truly, it looked somewhat of a torture to look at, no less actually sit upon it.

Still, I was tired, and it appeared to be safe--nothing struck me off for me to say that it was a trap.

With a relaxed exhale, I turned around, sitting upon it. Its texture was as hard as it was to look at. Its cold, stiff surface of metal was unpleasant to the touch and was uncomfortable as it was harder than the actual steel used for this ship's armor plating. Shrugging, I leaned back, feeling the equally chilling touch of the supports.

Likewise, Vesper sat just beside me, spacing off a comfortable amount of distance between him and where I sat. There was a pained expression upon his face as he sat upon the steely surface of this condemned bench; he too was experiencing the pain of this crudely, cheaply made bench.

"So, if you weren't aware of it by now, Celestia took the Elements of Harmony." He chuckled a bit. Motioning his talons towards his mouth, he suppressed his laughter. "And not only that, she actually contributed them to some sort of ancient ritual--I truly don't know--and decided to open up Heaven's Gate."

"Heaven's Gate..." I repeated in an inaudible whisper. "I've heard about that thanks to one of my comrades... who is currently, missing, mind you." I frowned a bit. "So far, all I know is that Celestia is trying to revive her fallen student--Twilight Sparkle."

"That's the majority's presumption," the gryphon leader nodded in agreement as he spoke. "Oh- look at me, I haven't introduced myself proper yet." He courtly stood up, bowing. "My name is Royce." With a flourish of his talons, he reclined once more upon his seat.

I shot him an unfamiliar glance, drooping my head in a slight tilt complimented with an arched brow.

"Um," I deadpanned with uncertainty reflecting off my eyes. I turned to face Vesper who was sitting beside me. "Who is this 'Royce' individual, exactly."

Vesper adjusted his seating, almost squirming. With a hesitant look, he exchanged glances with me. "Royce... I know him. he's part of the nobility of the Gryphon Kingdom. I suspect that since he's tasked in maintaining the well-being of his fellow gryphons, which he is failing at extensively considering the amount of casualties this war had tolled on the population of gryphons, he has since rebelled against Celestia."

"I suppose that would be the case." I furrowed a bit, a bit of agitation appearing upon my face. "After all, the reason for the lands becoming rampant with unholy things is because she destroyed the Elements of Harmony, is it not?"

"You catch on quick!" He clapped both his talons together, a ringing solitary applause echoing off the walls of this barely lit, spacious room. "Yes. That is exactly why I'm rebelling against her!"

"Not much of a point since you can't exactly recover the Elements now that they have been contributed into the act of opening the Heaven's Gate." I let out a despairing sigh.

"That won't be long, however." He smiled--almost grinning. "You recall of the prototypical replica of the Elements of Harmony that have been purposed into weapons in order to bring you down?"

I grimaced distastefully as I recalled a part of my memory during the first encounter of one of those fake Elements. "If you're implying that you plan on using the replicas, I highly doubt you."

He clapped once more, grinning widely. "That is exactly what I'm implying. Development of them are actually going smoothly in the Crystal Empire. In fact, this fleet is actually heading there and place them in the Tree of Harmony to prevent the further corruption of Equestria. After that..."

"Allow me to warrant a guess," I spoke up. "You're going to storm Canterlot in hopes to bring Celestia down for her misdeeds."

"Keen like always," he remarked. "I suppose this is why they haven't beaten you down into a pulp yet."

"I've actually been beaten into a bloodied pulp once, but that's not within this discussion here," I stated. "Besides the gryphons, I presume that those bat-pony-hybrids are part of this rebellion as well?"

"Bat ponies," Vesper interrupted with an irritated pitch in his tone. "They're simply called bat ponies. You need not to slander our name." With a sigh, he shrugged, his hooves covering his face. "And for your information, we are in fact rebelling against Celestia."

I smiled at him somewhat sheepishly.

"Well, just like your friend there said," Royce pointed out, "The bat ponies are indeed partaking themselves with this little insurgency of ours. All under the directive of none other than Luna."

"Ah... Luna." I hissed a bit under my breath. "I suppose that I'll have to make amends with her for severely injuring her many months ago. I do hope that she forgives me for the lot of trouble I inflicted upon her."

"Ha!" Royce chuckled once more, condescension vaguely laced behind his tone. "Her--forgive you? I doubt it. But I do hope that you plan on dissuading her from killing you soon."

"Yes." I nodded. "I'll have to meet up with her sooner or later-"

"She'll be seeing you soon enough," Royce grimly stated. "She's at the Crystal Empire, assuring that the research of the fake Elements of Harmony is progressing with quality."

I froze, a numbing paralysis engulfing my body whole, preventing me from moving a single digit of my hand. It's as if fear manifested within me.

"In fact, she's meeting you extremely soon." Royce grinned, his eyes darkening with the shade. "We're already here at Crystal Kingdom."

"What," I simply muttered out.

"Oh." Vesper stood up. "Her highness is here? I can't wait to-"

"Vesper." I convulsed a bit as I shot a piercing stare at him. He turned towards me, instantly flinching as he recoiled back at my menacing glare. "Please shut up. I am, more or less, going to die fairly soon."

Author's Notes:

Many thanks to Michael de Santa for being my pre-reader for this chapter.

Chapter 37. Diamond Dust

It was a tad bit cold.

'No; that's quite an understatement.'

Honestly, it was actually freezing. I felt as if my limbs have already numbed and dulled by the embrace of cold. I felt myself despairingly cold; so cold that I might end up being encased by frost soon from now.

'No; that's... quite hyperbolic. Nevertheless, I think I might have conveyed what I'm feeling right now.'

Idly, without much bother to wake myself up completely, I shrugged off the cold clinging onto my limbs, burrowing my face deep into my folded arms as I writhed idly in the darkness.

My cranium, being caressed by my folded arms, was feeling somewhat warm--the other parts of my body, however, did not feel mutually. If I can recall, I accidentally nodded off on a table, while sitting upon a chair, with my head resting upon my arms that I have set upon the table.

'Why'd I do something such as that? Well, the damned gryphon, Royce, upped and told me that all of the rooms of this behemoth of a ship is occupied; hence why I'm sleeping upon a table.

Widening my eyelids, I was accosted by a dimmed clarity plaguing my vision--I could barely see; I'm awake, yet my eyes tired and rebelled. Hissing with a grimace, clearly distraught, I shut my eyes close once more, returning to dark and sweet embrace of sleep.

Suddenly, my somewhat restless ears picked up a sound--seemed as if it was thumping.

Indeed; there was a brisk gale just outside from here, banging untiringly at the steel surface of this massive vessel.

This sort of breeze was relentless and heavy, breaking pass the metallic barriers of this colossal ship, managing to let out muffled whispers even within this room. The metal walls resounded with thumps.

Irked, I shifted my position, closing my eyes a bit more intently. Much like a knot, the vice of sleep tied itself to my head, instilling drowsiness within it.

Thump.

The metal corridors from somewhere--yonder north ahead of me I presume--resounded out a confounding thud, irritating to no end as I scrunch myself bitterly. Reaching my ears with my hands, I covered them. Suddenly, another particularly loud metallic thud forced me to react. Twitching instinctively, I still had my eyes shut, clenched forcefully.

My face twisted into a grimace--then into a scowl, as the barrage of tormenting noises did not relent on pestering me.

Thump.

Another; the thumping noises seemed to be plaguing me perpetually. Irritated, I shifted to my right, setting my head upon my right arm.

Thump after thump, I began to grow disgruntled with such nuisance.

'Perhaps it's nothing, but knowing my predicament, whatever this is will likely to be something that isn't 'nothing'.'

Dreary and heavy with fatigue, my eyelids managed to open up, albeit barely. Metallic white... metallic white was just below my sight; to be exact, it was the metallic white pigment of a rather dauntingly plain table. Shifting a bit, my eyes darted around the table's surface.

I examined myself. My arms, folded and resting upon the table before me, were numb--it seemed as if they were still asleep. Bringing my arms to myself, I shook them, attempting to shake off the weariness. As my grogginess wore off, I immediately took notice of a stabbing pain embedded within my back.

"Ugh..." Groaning once more hoarsely in slight pain, I stretched my limbs. I extended both arms to their respective directions, left and right, as far as I could. The tendons reducing in tension as I did, I felt somewhat relieved as I retracted them, letting them idly hang beside my body. Arching myself up slightly, I felt my spine loosening--the joints relaxing and popping into place as the pain faintly diminished.

Yawning, I found that I was in a particularly empty room. It was perhaps just a moderate amount of feet wide. A dull light hung loosely within a bulb, suspended just above me; shadows inhabited the corners of the room--this light was not exactly optimal. This room was majorly empty. The only things within this room were the table, which I slept on, and the metallic chair, which I reclined on while sleeping--and would probably mean why I suffered through this back pain.

Just ahead of the table was a large archway leading towards a hallway. Aforementioned hallway was spacious, but it wasn't excessively wide. For as far as the hallway branched, there stood upon the corridors' walls were various doors. These doors stood brazened with metallic bolts and a steel frame--they appeared intimidating, but if I can recall, most of them are just entrances to living quarters.

Shaking myself awake, I took notice of the large vents apparent within the walls. Humming out a violent wind, freezing zephyrs emerged from them, pervading within this room, seeping as well through the hallway which is presumably just as cold here.

Grimacing slightly, I crossed my arms as I shrunk myself a bit, the atmosphere being overwhelmingly cold. "Ugh..." Lightly, I took a step, placing myself beside the table as I looked for any source of heat. Feebly, I darted my eyes to the left, however, I was simply greeted by a blank wall of metal. Opting for the right corner, I looked accordingly to the right; there too was nothing more than a dreary metal wall.

"Ah..." I groaned a bit, slowly setting my posture straight upon the chair that I was sitting upon. 'Not good. I drowsed off. To be fair... I can't even recall the last time I had a decent sleep.

Shrugging, I braved myself, taking a step forward.

Suddenly, however, I could hear something resonate from within the corridors.

Perking myself up, I listened carefully--after all, it felt as if it was coming my way. Rhythmic tapping... rhythmic tapping among the ashen white panes of the flooring in the distance, rebounding off the walls of this massive ship. Sounded as if they were footsteps--in fact, they actually did feel as if they were footsteps.

Emerging from the crossed paths of the hallway, into my view, was a rather familiar sight--Royce. His beaked face held a smirk as he approached me, his steps lax and leisurely.

Presenting himself before me as he entered the room within a few steps, he nonchalantly rose both his talons together, gesturing them at me. "Well, it seems that now you're awake."

"Yes." I trudged a bit towards him. "That's quite apparent," I added, my voice laced with sarcasm. "I take it that we've landed now?"

"Pft." He waved his front leg towards me. "Yes." He nodded, snide basically permeating from him as his smirked widened. "Yes. In fact, it's been two hours since we've landed."

"Oh." I deadpanned a blank expression. "Is that so?" I inquired.

"Yes," he nodded as he made his way towards me. Taking a few casual steps, he swept at beside me, taking down a seat from the chair that I previously used. "Out of context, I'm impressed that you managed to sleep through a couple of hours of this freezing atmosphere."

"I honestly do not know the answer to that..." I muttered out, shivering as I did. "But, I take it that Luna is wishing to see me?"

"Of course!" he exclaimed, raising both his front legs as he sat idly. "In fact, she can't wait any further for you to get to her, so she herself is coming here!"

I widened a bit. My chest constricted, tightening hard as my heartbeat quickened alarmingly. "Oh... well, I suppose as such. After all, she must be really dire to see me after our... last encounter."

"No worries. No worries," he assured as he closed both his eyes, a malicious smirk apparent on his face as he waved both his talons. "At these times, I'm certain she won't be killing you anytime soon. Oh- and feel free to mentally prepare yourself for your impending 'talk' with Luna. She's about... a few minutes away from taking care of... particular matters before actually coming here to greet you."

"Well..." I shifted a bit, trudging around in place as I fumbled with my words, uttering out slurred blurbs. "You could've at least attempted to wake me up," I glared at him, bearing eyes of ire, "But, you at least managed to forewarn me about this. So... thanks, I guess."

He courtly brushed aside the metal chair, pushing it slightly to the left, its metallic legs screeching as it dragged across the plated flooring, as he stood up. "But of course," he bowed down. Recomposing himself, he leveled his eyes towards mine. "Well-"

Without much more than a warning, echoing sounds resounded from within the halls, the origins of such sound being obscured by the dimness. They sounded a bit familiar. Suddenly, my eyes lit up as I just acknowledged the sound's persistent rhythm, the signature thumping--the sounds were undoubtedly hooves stepping across the floor.

"Oh!" Royce beamed up with a grin as he exclaimed. "That must be her right now," scooting across towards the exit of this chamber with deft steps, he brought forth his right frontal talon just before his head, mocking a salute at me. "I wish you the best of luck."

I rose up a bit, extending my arm towards his direction, palm displayed as my hand was wide open, as he evanesced into the grimly dark halls, his figure vanishing as he submerged himself into the shadows eclipsed by the walls of metal barely perceptible through the hazy darkness.

I stood a bit deadpanned and in disbelief, holding my posture still as I gawked at his abrupt departure, listening as his steps became more distant and hushed gradually by the second. I resolved myself, steeling my face with a jarringly neutral expression as I shuffled my way towards the metal chair now left unoccupied.

Sitting down, I braced myself for what was to come--however, the fact that I'm shivering somewhat feebly in place--thank you very much, insanely cold wind for that--was making me appear somewhat... pitiful.

Bearing down my eyes upon the lone, single hallway that promised nothing but endless stretches of walls integrated with identical, countless metal doors, I prepared myself, folding my arms. Clenching both of my hands together, I placed them upon the listless metal table, the suspense basically torturing me.

The sounds of footstep, both of Royce and, presumably Luna, became fainter and more prominent respectively. Suddenly, ringing out, I could hear Royce's voice. "Whatever you do, don't kill him... Wait for this damned war to end or something."

It was almost a whisper, but for some reason, it was vivid and clear--nevertheless, as those words hit my ears, I grimaced in agitation as I muttered to myself bitterly, "Wow. Thanks for that; best she does now is probably cripple me rather than outright kill me."

Lasting no more than a few seconds, the steps of hooves finally became just mere feet away, the source of them being revealed--none other than Luna.

"Summoner." She emerged from the billow of pitch dark, standing her ground while shooting me with a scowl-like, but still neutral, facial expression. Her mien pervaded with supremacy, an atmosphere cascading with assertion surrounding her.

Her mien was that of stoicism towards me--still, that glare-like stare within her eyes is very... intimidating. Regally adorned with a moon-insignia, was a choker-like mantle upon her neck. Her mane, unlike our prior confrontation, was... a bit dissonant; it waved among the air still, but its nebulous stretch was a bit more hectic as it fluttered wildly, strands of "hair" sticking out of its gaseous-like appearance. Her color scheme still remained the same; coat still retained its blue hue, tail still being a shade darker or so, and her eyes remaining the same color.

"Luna." I cleared my throat. "It's... been awhile."

"Indeed it has been," she spoke coldly, her words lingering in the air for a bit coldly as she settled towards me, standing before the table that I was leaning on.

A trickle of sweat seeped out of my forehead as my face contorted in dissonance--face turning from frown, to grin, to a smile, to a scowl--conflicting feelings having their way with each other in my mind were imposing a rather lightheaded nausea on me.

'Oh bleedin' hell. I know for certain that it would lead up to this at one point, but nevertheless, I'm still damned unsure what to do.

She cocked her head a bit, noticing my rather glaring discomfort as I shift and fidgeted a bit in my seat. "I understand that our last encounter was... unfavorable."

I chuckled a bit, albeit sheepishly as I sported a feigned, see-through grin. Scratching my temple a bit, I replied, "At least we learned a thing or two from that... impromptu duel." I aligned my spine a bit finely, sitting straight as I faced her, sternly putting up a neutral face.

Clearing her throat, an audible cough hoarsely emanating from her mouth, she glared a bit softly at me. "Unfortunately, it was you that was the only one learning from that skirmish... I've never seen such 'exotic'," she slurred her tone at that last part, rolling her eyes in both sarcasm and exasperation, "sword-handling as you demonstrated back in the Crystal Caverns."

"Can't blame me." I shrugged nonchalantly, my arms raised defensively as I deadpanned a smirk. "I was... new to the concept of having to fight for my own life daily at the time."

"Really, now?" Luna tilted her head slightly, her expression still remaining the same--a blank, neutrality. "Come now. We're supposed to be allying together. No need to conjure deceptions."

I stared at her for a moment with hesitation, arching my eyebrow subtly; I couldn't read much from her expression, but I could feel a twinge of pain from her aura itself. 'Does she think that I'm lying to her?'

"What do you mean?" I asked back, blinking in uncertainty. "I really was new to this whole deal."

Luna straightened herself as she leaned upon the table, a tiring breath escaping from her thawing lips. "Yet, not only do you don the attire of a mage that imposes experience, you've been aligned with the Changelings." She looked at me once more. "Forgive me if I am offending you, but I doubt your verity."

I sighed as well listlessly, drooping somewhat underneath the harsh, incandescent light bulb suspended yonder just above me. "Admittedly, this might seem like a ludicrous reason, but the reason why I don these clothes," I pinch upon the fabric of my robes, gesturing at the pitch blackness of its threads, "is because I have been placed into them as I was ripped out of my own world and was plunged here; simple as that."

"You say that you're not part of this world?" she merely asked, her tone soft, yet stern.

The lights flickered a bit as the blizzard outside moderated, gales of sleet and despairing whirls bashed against the steel frame of this vessel, echoing thumps emanating from the halls and chambers of the metallic interiors perpetually. I swore my breath became twofold warmer as I exhaled--was it really getting this cold?

"Yes." I nodded firmly. Still, I stared at her, my mind's thoughts strewn about as I tried to figure her out. She seemed troubled--though, this might be a given due to all that has happened. "I am not of this world."

"I see..." Luna nodded once more. "I take your word for it, after all, I haven't seen a single one of your kind around in Equestria, and I've existed for a long time; a very long time."

I jerked a bit, feeling the discomfort cascading in the back of my mind. "Look, I know, I messed up--a lot by running away." Drearily, I shrunk back into my chair slightly, the echoes of those that I've slaughtered still fresh in my mind after all this time. "But I really didn't have an option."

"The genocides weren't your fault... Well, partially they were, but..." Luna dulled at me, looking somewhat pale. "If only I could've seen through my sister's waning sanity... Perceived her ill-intent, I could've prevent a good portion of my ponies' deaths."

She scoffed a laugh, leaving me to still myself quiet.

"Seems as if the past has an odd way of catching up to all of us, doesn't it?" Luna deeply sighed, a scowl forming on her face. Dispelling that scowl as she bit her lip, I felt somewhat worried as she leveled her head once more at me, shooting a stoic, but pained stare, "Truly, if only I could've see through my sister's-"

Suddenly, rapid tapping came from the hallway, prompting Luna to turn back and gaze into its darkened, metallic walls. Through the abysmal shadows, a figure of a pony came to view barely, sprinting across in a frantic state.

Finally, the pony in question emerged from the mantle of darkness. The pony staggered and faltered, barely able to stand as he took in heavy breaths, wheezing and panting. This pony was of crystalline appearance--another of the Crystal Ponies?

The pony clad armor paved with some sort of leathery, black texture to it. Garters and straps hung loosely from an epaulet stretching from his armor. His mane was, of course, gleaming faintly as it too was partially crystalline, a pigment of brown complimenting his coat apparent upon it.

"Your majesty Luna..." he coughed as he fixed himself, "Celestia's vessel has been spotted in the horizon... She's making her way here as we speak."

I bolted upwards, my stance stiff. "Speak of the devil..."

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the very, very belated update, guys.

I've other projects to work on--such as this story right here: /story/261484/lohav-can-we-really-be-the-hero

Chapter 38. Cold Fervency

"So... are you really prepared to face your sister like this, Luna?" My tone betrayed my frantic mien. Blurring through the metallic, dampened walls of this grounded vessel, I shot a curious glance over Luna. "I understand," I stilled my tongue, drawing in air through my mouth thoroughly, "that you might rather avoid a confrontation with her--at least not in her current state."

She hesitated to speak seemingly; I could see her bite her lip, a circlet of sweat trickling into vines downwards from her forehead. She turned her head over my direction, her pace not decelerating by even the slightest as our steps resonated discordantly within the corridors.

"You're amicable, Summoner. I can admit that." She drooped her head, her gaze fixated upon the flooring as she ran. "But I doubt that, without my aid, we'd have our heads reft from our bodies."

I nodded at her, darting my head a bit towards me, inspecting the narrow hall we're traversing. "A fair enough statement. Alright then. I can't stop you."

In the peripheral sight of my vision, I could see a glimpse of Royce, who was gliding through the hall, his wings beating with vehemence, peered his head towards me, gesturing for my attention.

I promptly turned my head towards him, and kept my voice still, awaiting for whatever it is he had to say.

He opened his beak, a kindled, mournful flame alight within the glint of his eyes. "Mate, I highly advise you not to converse about Celestia round' Luna," he proceeded with a hushed whisper as he leaned over closer to my ear, "She already lost her for a thousand years... and they were only reunited recently. The concept of Celestia having to be disposed is a bit..." reluctant, his tongue fidgeted stubbornly, his eyes wandering listlessly as he pondered for a conclusion of his sentence, "-a bit morbidly depressing for her."

There was a grievous, crestfallen ambiance within his voice. As if resonant and echoing, his last words delved deep into my mind, evoking many emotions--passions, and thoughts.

I shrugged off the tinging sensation of sorrow from my head, grimacing lightly as I turned to Royce once more, shooting him a mien of acknowledgement--my eyes stoic and neutral, my lips souring somewhat, forming a very, very inconspicuous frown.

"I see," I nodded simply as I spoke in a whisper as well. Still, I am completely naive by what he referred to by having lost her sister already--perturbing at best. Seamlessly glancing towards my right, I caught Luna's resolve embroidered upon her steeled face.

With deft steps, we passed by the last couple of confining, secluded halls of the main interiors of the airship. The room now before us was vacuously spacious, being around the volume of an entire three-story manor. Cables, cogs, and miscellaneous machinery were all suspended by the ceiling--some scaffolding was apparent as well, presumably for the purpose of tending to those miscellany of machinations.

Frostbitten by the fervency of the cold of the environment, much of the floor now was glazed with a thin, translucent layer of frost; I could dimly see my reflection as I gazed upon downwards the sleet-scourged floor.

There, embedded within the middle corner of the wall ahead of us, was the entrance. Everything beyond its archway was white, an opaque, hazy miasma weaved and blotted through the air, binding everything in its addling embrace. Much of particles of hail, sleet, and ice weaved through the winds, spiraling and hurling round and round in a carousel of turbulent gusts of the blizzard.

There was a sobering feeling laced with a padded sensation of loneliness within the atmosphere; for as far as I could see through the mist of snow, I could see the silhouettes of buildings, the only light emitting from them were the infernal blankets swathing them, their immolated frames and foundations shimmering out dying wisps of orange, warming light through the whiteout. Everything other than that were distorted visually and consumed within the obscuring veils of the blizzard.

The ground trembled and shattered as flares of radiant glints of explosions rapidly accosted the town before us, the sound of deafening blasts pervasive through the listlessness. The crumbling of pavement, shattering canopies, the antagonized screams of horror-stricken civilians emanating from the abyss of white that laid before us--they all seemed to mutually contribute to some sort of hymn for destruction, melding into one graphic sound.

The winds, rampant and wayward, seemed to carry a scent of gunpowder and cinder. It was pungent and bordering the depth of choking. Coughing, I composed myself, rubbing along my throat with my free hand as the parched feeling instilled within my throat ached. This air was pallid and caliginous with the taste of ash evoked by the rapidity of the gunfire.

"Dammit!" Royce cursed aloud, landing beside Luna as the both of them skirted by the edge of the entrance, their eyes narrowed to funnel their vision through the horizon. Royce, seemingly not being able to make heads or tails out of the situation, roared out, "We can't see a damned thing, they're volleying us with cannon fire, and we're near-paralyzed by the cold."

"Find your composure, Royce." Luna deeply sighed, her composure always seemingly stoic and unfeeling. "Ire will only wring out hesitation and doubt from our troops."

"Speaking of troops..." I stepped forward, making my way beside them. "What of the garrisons here? Will they be able to withhold the area? Or is our security jeopardized?"

"What's your perspective of things, magistrate?" Royce hissed out, his tone somewhat snark, but pungent with venom as it trickled profusely of sarcasm. He gestured towards the binding fog that encompassed the whole Crystal Kingdom. "They're all out there. Their valor; their devout will to fight for their ideologies..." Royce drearily hung his head low, facing the ground as he snarled out an unintelligible murmur. "All of it is wasted..." he finished, his words somewhat suppressed by a gnarling growl.

"They're not wasting it." Luna shook her head. "If what is entailed is their sacrifice for the convalescence of Equestria from the disease known as 'war', then so be it. They've not hurled themselves into death's melancholic vice for no ample reasoning. I, too, am more than willing to contribute my life for that endeavor."

"Don't be..." Royce lifted his head up a bit, his face brazening a faltering, waning smile. He chuckled lightly, his laugh bearing no emotion, save for the exception of grief. "Don't be so intent on becoming a martyr; I'd much be much more content with you being alive after this whole debacle is over."

I scoffed a bit. Seemed as if this two go way back.

Luna glanced at me, her eyes once more radiating determination, zealous and loyal to her rationales and words. "Summoner, if need be, you must use your ability."

"My ability?" My eyes went adrift, my mind going idle. Soon enough, I figured what she was referring to as I reached out for the inner pocket of my robe, withdrawing the Grimoire from its roost as I displayed it before her eyes. "You mean the Grimoire..." my words were drawled with a bit of a melancholy, soft and mournful.

"Yes." Luna nodded swiftly. "With my sister still retaining an army well-armed and indoctrinated with such meticulous training, she could still immolate the whole of Equestria in flames well thrice."

"I can't."

"What?" she uttered out instinctively as I said that, recoiling back the split-second those words escaped my mouth. "Why- what could possibly be impeding you from doing so?"

"A recent revelation has... disclosed that the reason why Equestria's 'harmony' is weathered by decadence and a figurative sort of rust," I gulped down a bit, a nervousness brimming in my throat, "is because of my actions. The Grimoire itself saps the very life from the ground, desolating everything in its place. Its functions only accelerates this."

Luna glanced at me warily; silent, but observant. She shrugged--she shrugged? Aye; she simply disregarded what I had to say. "Never mind that. If you don't use it, the outcome of this scenario will infinitely be much more worse."

I blinked, afflicted by her reasoning. "Well, I can't- no. I see. I shall use it then," I managed to fumble out as I refined my stance, standing upright. "But I can't use it here." I gestured around the massive crannies and corners of the airship. "I have to go outside... where the space is not confined."

"I see." Luna nodded as she gestured towards Royce. "We shall be leaving now; it shall take time for you to conjure an army, does it not?" She shot a glance at me.

I nodded simply in response. "It does."

"Very well." Luna began walking towards the entrance. "We shall be leaving you to your[practices then."

"Enough of the preambles." Royce sighed deeply as he followed her. "Let's get this over with."

Luna strode off into the distance, passing through the entrance, Royce soon enough following. As their figures submerged into evanescences as they were engulfed by the entrancing white, Luna spoke out, "We'll be going to where we are needed... to confront Celestia." A few more strides into the abysmal white, she added as she completely dissipated from my view in a shout, "Hasten yourself! There are the lives of innocents being ravaged and sundered here!"

Gnashing my teeth together, I clutched my chest, feeling the warmth of my heart as I felt the rapidity of its rhythm, quickening at the suspense of what soon shall be the crescendo of a battle. "Can't believe..." I smirked somewhat, "I had such a change of allies."

Suddenly, like a phantasmal apparition, a shadow eclipsed by the edge of the entrance, somewhat making itself discernible over the mantle of white it stood upon.

Reflex jerking at my own consciousness, I reared my Grimoire over towards the entrance, anxiety welling up within me as the shadow's owner grew closer.

There was a sickening, malign presence invoking itself into the air, fanning the anticipation for whoever this is within me. I scowled at such off-putting transition of the air, my Grimoire prepared and readied at the direction of the entrance.

The silhouette began to form and visualize much more clearly. As far as the limit of my perception through the cascade of snow, the figure had an equine figure--its physique slender and tall, but not as quite the height of Luna's nor Celestia's. Other than those features, I couldn't make much of this being.

I tensed up, the walls of my throat stiffening as I shuffled around a bit, composing myself a bit more finely. A dull, faint pang of an ache surged itself from my arm. My arm getting tired at holding the position of the Grimoire upright and extended waned a bit, swaying idly from left to right, beginning to quiver due to the fatigue.

I groaned a bit, retracting back my arm, cycling it around my shoulder, the dull pain being dispelled by this movement. My eyes unfaltering and purely fixated upon the ominous shadow forming just a few feet beyond me, I steadied the aim of my Grimoire once more, reverting it back my arm's position once more.

I blinked, the lucidity of both the anticipation and my current predicament being a bit too... overwhelming, I shuddered, the miasma of the blizzard veiling around me like serpents, coiling and constricting me, leaving my bones under their pressure as they exude a pronounced cold.

It stepped closer gradually with each passing second. Time unfurling continually, the figure began to be more perceptible--I could spot a... jagged horn? A jagged horn--aye, that struck me with familiarity. I pondered a bit, indulging myself with my recollection as I turned my eyes skywards, blankly glancing at nothing in particular.

"Where have I seen-" Just as I spoke, the mystery figure uncloaked itself from the submergence of the snow-blighted winds, revealing itself before me as it stood just mere steps away from me as it shrugged off the mounds of white, glistening snow off her back.

She seemed to have taken notice of me, considering that whatever iota of mobility in her seemingly dissipated as she stood still, her green eyes piercing deep into me.

I blinked in astonishment and dubiety--as did the equine before me did. I glanced at her mane--dark, greenish cerulean. My eyes darted to her coat; it was plated with chitin--a prominent shade of black was consisting of the majority of her aesthetic.

I unhinged my jaw, staggering back a bit in uncertainty.

"Chrysalis?" I stood back a bit, dumbfounded at her presence. "How on- how could-" Mildly, I shook my head, trying to discard my dazed stupor, "just how did you even manage to find me?" My legs trembled, not much really in fear, but out of relief, a smile straying to my face as my eyes kindled alight with effervescence.

Chrysalis, too, shook her head, seemingly disconcerted as well. Partially, a vivace smile flashed upon her face, returning the amicability of my current mien. But--just like the disposition she displayed prior to our separation, volatile and unfeeling, she disregarded me as she sneered and waved me off with a dismissive hoof.

I felt a fragment of my soul dwindling and withering... though, I could still see her face flustering and cracking a smile for the span of a glint. Peculiar; must've been the emotion she's feeding off me.

"Summoner..." With deft, soft strides, she made her way beside me. Still, her apathetic sneer was present on her face, though, it was much less condescending than minutes before.

Her chest went shallow as she let an intake of breath through her mouth, gesturing her hoof at me.

Perceiving the gesture, I knelt down to her head's height, tilting my head a bit as I keened my ears, curious on what she had to say.

Suddenly, she exclaimed without much regard of the distance between her and I, "If you hadn't such a daft mind, you'd know that I wasn't looking for you!"

"Ow." I recoiled back, wincing under my breath as I stood back up, taking several hasty retreating steps back from Chrysalis. "Alright; alright. You don't give much of a damn about me--thanks for reminding me that," I uttered back as I stilled myself, staring at her with a deadpan expression.

"Oh-ho-ho!" I heard a haughty sort of laugh from behind Chrysalis. Glancing over her, I spotted Red, who was still dusting herself off as she stepped into the vessel, just having exited out of the snow's debilitation. "She gives more 'damns' for you than you think!"

"Oh... You." Chrysalis sighed, not much emotion within her void of a voice. "I thought you'd die from that avalanche back there."

"This one is not so keen on dying." Red mockingly bowed, her eyes, save for one, open as she snidely glanced at Chrysalis.

Rolling her eyes, Chrysalis turned back to me. "You..." she drearily sighed as she glanced at the floor. Taking her head back up, she stared at me with fair confusion in her appearance, "could you please fill us in on what's happening here? The cannonades? How in Tartarus you got here? The, more or less, battleground outside?" she extended her hoof, pointing it towards the dissonant chorus of agonized screams and several gunfire outside of the ship.

"Ah," I jerked a bit in discomfort, scratching the back of my head, "Well, that's quite, quite a long story. A very... long one."

Author's Notes:

Not sure if I should ship harder or not.