It is often said that when one stares into the abyss, it stares back. It is also said that those who blink are weak and those who maintain their gaze are strong. Who or whatever made these assumptions tend to forget the alternatives. What if one were to simply shrug their shoulders and move on? What does that make it? What if upon staring into the metaphorical abyss, one was to jump in or better yet, be pushed in?

“What a question.” A calm and collected voice gave sound to these questions as it pondered them.

It received no answer. It never did. It was alone. In truth, it was just killing time. Well, it was trying to kill time. It was quite difficult to kill time in a place where time literally had no meaning. The same conundrum was applicable to space, direction, and most other rules of reality for that matter. So, in some futile attempt at applying logic where it was not applicable, this place did not exist.

It was nowhere.

It was Nothing.

“It is just the Void.” The same voice spoke out, sending dull noise through dead air.

The Void; one of many names mortal kind had placed on the hypothesized gap between dimensions of reality. Other labels included the sinister ‘Domiciles of Khaos’, the referential ‘Howling Halls’, and the erroneous ‘Hell’. It was interesting, truly, that mortal kind would bother labeling something/nothing that they could not possibly comprehend or even visit.

“Perhaps they were not meant to.” The thinker mused.

In a rather ironic paradox, the Void was beyond mortal minds not because of its supreme complexity but rather because of its simplicity. The whole thing could be summed up in one word: Nothing. That was it. No complex mathematics, no mind-numbing advanced thought, no emotional connection. Just nothing. Perhaps it was so simple that it had come around to the point that it was perceived as complex.

“Or I am just spouting nonsense.” The voice said as it ceased its ruminations on its current prison.

The being could ponder and question the nature of the Domiciles all it liked. It did not change the fact that it was still trapped outside of reality. The one-sided conversations only served to stave off boredom and preserve its sanity. Ever since it had been exiled to the Void, it had created a routine: ponder the nature of the Void, reflect on the past, fantasize about the violent deaths and subsequent eternal punishments of those responsible for its exile, watch for anyways it could return to reality and repeat ad infinitum.

“Well, it’s that time Khaos.” The presence said aloud. “If you want to do something, do it now.”

Between each step in the routine, the being would pause and see if Khaos, the omnipresent primordial air of the Void, would do something random. Its unpredictable ways were bothersome at first but the being had learned to take them in stride; to account for them in its schedule as a way to keep its wits about it and prevent the routine from becoming mind-numbingly stale. It liked to think that Khaos was listening like an old friend or roommate but that was just wishful thinking on its part. Khaos was the Void. It was the Nothing from which Everything was born. The complex simplicity that applied to the gap between dimensions also applied to it. This time, the infinite limbo lit up as the raw power of creation swelled into a chaotic tempest. Geometric wireframes of strange creatures chased each other to and fro while numberless realities were born only to fade back into Khaos mere moments later. Did it make any sense? Of course not, but it was fun to watch before the headaches started.

“Eh, six out of ten.” The presence judged dryly as it took in the spectacle. "Now if one of those got me out of here, ten out of ten."

It was not the most brain-teasing thing Khaos had conjured up but then again, they could not all be. The entity watched the show for a few moments before it retired into the ordered confines of its mind; its only escape from madness. In here there was structure, facts, and logic. Everything was in its proper place and all was silent. As he browsed through the hallowed halls of his mind, the presence stopped before his collection of memories.

“It has been a while since I've seen this one.” He thought as he selected a special one for viewing.

The memory opened up before him and transported him to a much more pleasant place. His past self was standing at the edge of a mighty forest, looking out from the darkened trees at a vast, verdant field. Chromatic flowers decorated the landscape with vibrant golds, crimsons, and lavenders. A light breeze made them dance in the mid-day sun. Among the flower beds was a single maiden mare in the spring of her youth. Beautiful was but one of the many words he could use to describe her. She wandered through the meadows, picking flowers and adding them to a basket by her side until she came upon a small clearing. In the center was a single narcissist flower, its white pedals beckoning to her. In her nativity, she approached the flower and plucked it from the ground. She did not hear him approach. She did not see him until he was standing right behind her. She turned just as his long shadow fell over her. The once lively field became subdued and gloomy as black clouds rolled in and blotted out the sun. The breeze turned into a mournful howl. A look of absolute terror crossed the maiden’s lovely face as she beheld him looming over her like a predatory monster. He looked down on the smaller equine and smiled. She screamed.

“Oh, if only she knew.” The presence thought fondly as the mare galloped off in terror with his past self in pursuit.

Such was life in the Void for the small speck of order amongst the overwhelming Khaos. There was nothing to do but wait and think until an opportunity to escape presented itself. Its eons-long patience was about to pay off.

---

Along the border of the Frozen North and the Equestrian Heartlands ran the mighty Crystal Mountains. These magnificent peaks formed a natural barrier between the two providences with few places for travelers to safely pass through. This beautiful range concealed many dangers, however. One of these took the form of a clan of avaricious diamond dogs. While the greedy hounds usually kept below ground like their southern cousins, the lucrative gem trade between the returned Crystal Empire and Equestria had given them enough of a reason to venture above ground beyond the occasional abduction of gem sensitive ponies. They would roam the treacherous terrain in search of easy targets. Stranded pegasi flights, derailed treasure trains or even the odd gem smuggler were prime targets but there were times when Fate decided to throw the subterranean canines a metaphorical bone. Today was such a day. A small air shipment being flow north by either a careless or clueless team of pegasi had not been secured properly and was raining down its contents over the mountains. A pair of diamond dogs simply followed the tail of treasures like breadcrumbs, picking up everything that looked valuable or at the very least, shiny.

“Gotta say, dis mus be one o’ da easiest haulz we evah got!” One of them told his companion in their peculiar dialect.

“Aye.” His chum agreed. “All thanks to dat dere grey featha ‘ead.”

He pointed into the sky were the pegasus in question was hauling the leaky container. They continued on their easy road into a clearing on the northern side of the mountains, loot bags fit to bursting with recovered goods. Unfortunately, their streak of luck ended as did the treasure trail. The pegasus, or more likely one its wingmates, must have finally noticed the fact that they were losing cargo and fixed the problem. The two dogs were forced to retreat into the rocks as the pegasi retraced their flight to recover the lost wares. Despite the end of their streak, they were nonetheless still in high spirits.

“Justa well, don’t tink I could fit any more in ‘ere.” One whispered once the delivery team was out of sight.

“Yea, maybe.” The other concurred. “Guess dat means we hav ta- OWW!”

The dog howled in pain as he clutched one of his hind paws in his hands and hopped around on one leg.

“Oi! Dat smarts!” He groaned as he stuck his injured paw into a snow bank in an effort to numb the pain. “Wat da bloody ‘ell did I step on?”

“Dis ‘ere.” His mate said as he held up the offending object.

It was a unicorn’s horn. A curved, wicked looking thing that seemed to smolder with some inner power as the crimson streams of the dog’s blood ran over it. A wiser creature would have tossed the sinister protrusion away but a wise diamond dog was almost an oxymoron depending on whom you asked.

“Looks right flashy, dat does.” The now limping canine observed.

“We’ll take it wit us den.” His friend decided as he stashed the horn within his bag. "Maybe da boss can find a use for it."

Loot in tow, they uncovered one of the many concealed tunnels leading into the underground warrens of their home. All loot and treasure had to be unloaded before their alpha, a pack boss within the clan, for inspection and appraisal. The alpha for this burrow was a particularly large and nasty brute with an eye for wealth. He rummaged through the growing loot pile as his minions unloaded their findings for anything worthwhile. Gems were the top priority but lately, most of what had passed through the mountains had been commercial shipments full of equine made goods to be sold at market. He held up a fancy looking candle holder in a grubby paw and inspected the bottom. Besides wealth and strength, alphas were also reputed to possess at least an elementary mind.

“Made…in…Ponyville.” He slowly read aloud before spitting in disgust. “Pah! ‘arth pony town! Couldn't give it away!”

He tossed the candlestick away contemptuously. This haul was starting to look like nothing but junk. He was about to announce as much when a late pair of scavengers approached the pile.

“Wot about dis, boss?” One of the lesser dogs showed him a red horn that seemed to glow evilly in his paws. "Me n' Fleabag found it out inna mountains."

The alpha snatched the horn from his underling and sniffed it curiously. Shrugging, he stuck it in the corner of his mouth and gnawed on the end experimentally. He removed the protrusion and growled.

“Tastes like chalk n’ blood.” He said irritably. “Give it to da pups, they’ll like it.”

He threw the now slobbery horn back in the dog's face. As the lesser hound scampered off to do his master’s bidding, something caught the alpha’s attention. His short ears twitched as he tried to focus on the odd noise echoing just above the din of his raucous pack. It sounded like the ring of metal on metal, the gory mess of steel rending flesh, and howls of pain.

"Dat sounds like..." The alpha grumbled before he was interrupted.

“We's unda attack!” A guard dog yelled out just as the tunnel entrance to the main chamber exploded, sending rock and bits of diamond dog everywhere and deafening those within.

Once the ringing cleared out of his ears, the alpha drew his crude club and prepared to face this latest challenge. It could have been Equestrian soldiers, a rival clan, or a greedy dragon, he didn't care. He was prepared to fight.

“Time tah get stuck in, boyz.” He said loudly, hoping to put some confidence in his minions. "Show dez runts who's boss down 'ere!"

Out of the settling dust charged the heavily armored forms of minotaurs, griffins, ponies, and even diamond dogs with weapons drawn and at the ready. They fell upon the unprepared pack with a deafening war cry, chopping, slicing, and bludgeoning anything in their way. A few of the alpha’s dogs tried to fight back but their sub-par weapons did little to their attackers' armor than annoy the wearer and their rough clothing didn't even hamper the steel of their enemy’s weapons. More and more of these invaders poured in from the expanded entrance until it was clear to the big dog than he was out armed, armored, and numbered. He would not have it any other way.

“Come at me!” He shouted as he broke his club over the helmet of a charging griffon. "I'll take yez all on!"

His dogs did not share his confidence. Some of them dropped their weapons and bounded deeper into the tunnels, the armored invaders hot on their tails. The alpha was about to berate them for cowardice when a number of shielded attackers got into the escape tunnel and blocked off the exit. They were trapped. Like the cornered animal he was, he swiped and snarled at the surrounding force. None of them seemed in a hurry to confront the large hound as they stayed along the cave wall with their weapons pointed at him, keeping him in the center of the burrow while they subdued the remaining dogs.

“Ain’t none of ya’s big enuff to beat me!” He howled as he menaced the army with his short but sharp nails and gnashing teeth.

The resounding boom of heavy metal on stone challenged his claim. A few of the invaders began to laugh knowingly as the steady steps grew louder and closer. The keen nose of the dog picked up the faint smell of charred flesh and brimstone; the unmistakable signs of a dragon. The group guarding the entrance parted to allow a huge figure to pass, the pelt of a large ursine billowing behind it like a cloak. The monster towered over everyone in the room, its fiery golden eyes glaring out from its horned helmet at the alpha. The beast came to a stop a fair distance from the now apprehensive hound and flexed its plated claws while its scarred and scaly tail swayed reflexively. It was clear to the dog that this tower of plated armor was the attacker’s leader and thus his opponent.

“Right then, who’s ya?” The dog asked as he prepared to fight with his bare paws. "Juggah Knot? Da Towah?"

“I am Dugore the Marked.” The draconic warlord said in a voice that carried an unnatural metallic echo as he unslung one of the biggest war hammers the dog had ever seen from his back. “And I am your end, mutt.”

That was all the alpha needed to here. The name Dugore was known amongst the clans. It was a name that once belonged to a merciless warmonger that had laid waste to thousands of cities with his so-called Marked Legions. It was even said that he had challenged Celestia herself in open combat and survived; an admirable feat for any creature, dragon or otherwise. Still, even if none that was true and this was just a pretender, killing an invader of this caliber would go a long way for the hound, maybe even give him a shot at becoming the clan chief. That was too good a prize to ignore.

"My end? Pah!" The confident alpha spat dismissively. "You jus' look like some stunted drake, metal boy!"

With a series of ferocious barks, the diamond dog charged the brutish war master. Dugore stood his ground as the dog pounced at him. He held his two-handed hammer up lengthwise, placing the shaft between the snapping jaws of the dog. With practiced ease, the marauder twisted to his right while sending his left fist into the head of the alpha. The hound let out a pained whimper as he was tossed to the ground, his vision dancing with stars. Before he could recover, Dugore took a few steps toward him while swinging his weapon low. The hammerhead caught the dog in his midsection, obliterating ribs and pulverizing vital organs as the meteoric momentum launched him upwards into the cave ceiling. The impact compounded his injuries with a shattered spine before he fell back to the floor in a broken heap. He could only whimper pitifully as the armored behemoth approached him. Dugore held his massive mallet over his head for a few torturous seconds before bringing it down atop the dogs head, ending his suffering with a wet crunch.

“This one has stopped working, I think.” He rumbled as he picked off bits of dog skull and grey matter from his weapon of choice. "I trust the rest of you dogs will prove more reliable."

The clearly beaten dogs quickly pleaded their allegiance to their new boss. With the last bit of resistance squashed, the legionaries were free to loot the place. Food, supplies, and materials held the top priority but they were free to help themselves to anything shiny and expensive they found. It was a great way to boost morale and ensure loyalty amongst the troops, particularly the new ones.

“Excuse me, sir?” One of his legionaries, a unicorn, approached with something enveloped in her magical field. “We were taking care of the diamond pups when I found this.”

She floated the object over so that Dugore could inspect it. It looked like a curved unicorn’s horn with a reddish hue. Something about it seemed familiar but he could not quite put a finger on it. Before he could inquire more, the horn flashed. The unicorn holding it let out a started neigh as her magic was sucked into the horn, causing it to fall to the ground. The appendage began to glow a corrupted green and purple as dark bolts of magic sparked off the end. Black smoke shot of the horn like escaping steam along with a disembodied, maniacal laugh. The smoke collected above the horn as the laugh grew louder and clearer until it suddenly parted, revealing a smiling spectral unicorn with blazing red and green eyes.

“Once again, I rise!” The wraith gleefully announced.

The legionaries in the room readied their weapons but took a few steps back from the emergent specter. All save Dugore, who remained stationary with his thick arms folded over his broad chest. The ghost looked down as if noticing the armored brutes for the first time.

“Ah, and already I have peons awaiting my...” He paused to do a quick mental count. "...third ascension."

“Do not presume to command me, phantom.” Dugore rumbled, unimpressed. "I have banished spirits before."

The wraith’s eyes narrowed at the towering warrior but he maintained his toothy smile; the hallmark of any politician.

“Apologies. In my excitement in having once again cheated death, I have forgotten my manners.” He said smoothly while giving a bow that was anything but sincere. “Please, my dear drake, allow me to introduce myself.”

Dugore stood firm. He already had a good idea who and what this ghost was but he felt there was an opportunity to be had here. Someone with inside knowledge of his ultimate goal would be invaluable to his forces. He would humor the wraith for the time being.

“I am His Crystal Majesty, King Sombra.” The wraith continued in a regal fashion. “The true ruler of the Crystal Empire and let no Equestrian tell you otherwise.”

“Noted.” The draconic warlord said flatly.

A tense silence hung in the air as Dugore kept his gold eyes trained on the wraith king as he scanned the legionaries critically. Sombra returned his attention to the warlord with a look in his eye that suggested the gears in his ectoplasmic head were turning.

“So…Dugore the Marked, was it?” He asked in his oily voice. “You would not be heading to the Crystal Empire by any chance?”

"Why do you want to know?" Dugore countered testily.

If Sombra was offended by the curt attitude of the lash of the legions, he did a good job hiding it.

"Oh, I thought if you were planning on conquering it like I am, that we could help each other." Sombra said casually in his oily voice. "Surely, you can see how my... unique... brand of magic and intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the empire would compliment your mastery of warfare and able-bodied soldiers."

Dugore sneered beneath his face-concealing helmet. The undead tyrant had a point but the experienced warrior was reluctant to side with someone of Sombra's reputation. Still, in his line of work, Dugore needed all the allies he could get and could not afford to be picky.

"What did you have in mind, slaver?" He asked finally.

"Something wicked, my friend." Sombra smiled cruelly. "Something that will bring the Empire to its knees and kissing my -er- our hooves."

Next Chapter: This Way Comes Estimated time remaining: 10 Hours, 18 Minutes