If there was anything that could go wrong today Dainn, the Emperor of the true Empire of Caribous, then today was that day things can go wrong. He learn from the various reports that the two former bearers, Honesty and Laughter were taken by the damned Overlord.

At least the Loyalty slut was sent to another direction-- and both Kindness and Magic were being sent somewhere the Overlord wouldn’t be able to get too easily if things went right. Still, with the lost the two pieces, it was a heavy blow-- a constant blow to him and to his empire.

Ever since the Overlord appeared nearly a year ago, things been going horribly wrong. The loss of nearly thousands of sluts, multiple raids across the map, the destruction of the northern Empire-- the lost of his brightest minds in some of the facilities he hidden. And to piss on his pride, infiltrated and stolen every mare in the castle. Including his two prized possessions.

The bastard even had the gall to claim Dainn was ‘keeping’ the throne warm, just to take it from him! And to make matters even worse? The virus has been spreading across the nation and still the Overlord is taking his conquered nation from him!

How could one male, with a handful of rats-- could cause such chaos and destruction? it didn’t help that they couldn’t stop these gates, nor their magic had no effect on the Overlord. Not even their mightiest commanders could stop this one troublemaker! It made him enraged that everything he worked for, everything he done! The greatness that he has made! Not just for himself, but for all of his kind! It made him wish to gnash his teeth in frustration. The order and law he made, ruined and tarnished by this… this vagabond of a deadbrained brute!

And to add salt into the wounds, the Overlord stolen every Blank and destroyed large amount of the machine to the point they never existed! Costing a near millions worth of bits to replacing them, or even repairing such machines! Bits that were being stolen by the same barbarian!

The only reason the Overlord got away away so easily, is those damned GATES! Those gates are the only reason the Overlord could do so much damage... And what’s even worse, is unpredictable he was! One day he could be ransacking a city for treasures, slaves, and anything shiny-- and the next he would be ransacking a general store for diapers! DIAPERS!

What in the name of that is his greatness, was going through that madman's head!?

With a deep breath, Dainn wordlessly motioned a hand to those in a room he was in, his top advisors and generals to leave the room. Leaving him to think alone as he look down to the papers and reports as attempting to stop the Overlord was not a simple task-- not even trying to locate that damned mage that left without a trace.

If anything, this was nothing like the first two ‘hero’s he faced. The green tunic one was annoying-- but easily dealt with once he founded the right strings to pull. The gullible fool was soon trapped and killed because he placed a Pink in harm's way.

The mage wasn’t even a issue in the very least. He was more than happy to walk up to his gathered forces, granted the cost was truly heavy. Lost a good hundred in that skirmish-- but it stomped out the problem fast. This Overlord? It’s almost like this Overlord was like a common bandit, striking in a place and leaving without a word! A coward tactic to evade his forces, not holding a defense or stronghold…

Yet it was also a damned effective one with the Gates.

Despite the Overlord being a bandit coward with his moves, it’s slowly whittling his forces down, to the point he’s been calling in more-- even sent a letter in the homelands for seeing if he could call in some additional help. Mostly from their greatest hero, but not to fight the Overlord-- it’s rather clear this...sickness would possibly kill their greatest warrior.

Dainn shook his head as he thought it would be best to send the hero to search for allies. Maybe the Minotaurs, the Yaks if done right. Possibly the Griffons, they liked to fight just as much as the Yaks, right? It was a possible chance. Even more since the Overlord was a coward.

Although it will take a month or two before progress would be had.

But despite his patience? With these reports showing up? He didn’t had the time, especially with how the Overlord now has the ponies, somehow working for him. Having the mares being part of his fighting forces to take more. Which grates his nerves even more, inferior females somehow defeating his male forces!

With a deep breath to calm himself, he got up on his hooves, mind considering on...a chance that the Overlord, if wanting to, could literally make a strike in Canterlot. Granted Dainn would be prepare to face him...but while he doubt the Overlord was strong in the magical arts, or at his level of power, the brute had one thing Dainn doesn’t. The black hellish armor he recently wore. For some reason, that armor seem near indestructible. Not even their strongest of blades could make a scratch.

And even his power used to annihilate the Overlord...who to say the brute won’t be prepared? He had seem to be survived against his forces. Like in Trottingham with the lighting spells, yet the Overlord was upping his game. At the beginning it was striking at the cities and town, then it began to hit at specific areas for the Caribous. Hitting safehouses, stopping trains, even ambushing his forces wherever they show.

Before? The Overlord was a bandit. A bad thorn in the side….now? He’s becoming a threat...a very smart threat that was learning a great deal. Feeling a frown on his face, Dainn knew that the Overlord would conquer Canterlot from him. It was a matter of time before the Overlord had a small opening...and the worst part? All he needed to do is bring up a Gate-- and he was in anywhere within the city.

Although it’s a wonder why the Overlord hasn’t been sighted since then…

But Dainn figure the Overlord is planning something. He took the Celestial sisters, the element bearers-- even the Empire and its Heart. He doesn’t know what the Overlord play is...he could tell the Overlord is up to something. Especially if he’s using the ponies. For all he knew? The Overlord was planning the biggest conquest to take down Dainn before he realized it.

To that, Dainn had to go somewhere. A private room as he activated a switch on a wall, entering in a secret passageway as he went down. Going down to a nearly dark area. Feeling...admitally nervous to whoever he was going to meet. It was unsettling the first time...he rather not make a habit out of this.

Looking around, it was a rather dimly room, no signs of chains, or mares, or even anything beside stone...well, stone and a table with a book on it. Slowly walking to the book, he reached out to grab it, one hand holding to open it wide, before settling it down on the table.

His eyes couldn't figure out what the many symbols said, nor could they comprehend how the inky test moved on it’s own whims, constantly changing and turning into other symbols and letters. But, from the thrum of power that surged in his hand, he could tell there was great, deep and dark power in these pages. Power that allowed him to read, what would normally look like utter gibberish.

With a deep breath, he raise up his hand over it, as he used his magic to bring up a knife to cut into his palm. Letting the blood flow, dripping onto the pages as he spoke forbidden words. “By past to future, by seen and unseen. I call on the one where all that is goes according to time and has already been. Hear what has been heard and see what has been seen. I call on you, watchful one of all fates and ends, come before me, and my current request. For I, the messenger of my desires, wish to make a bargain, oh Eyes of Fate.”

With a whirling of ominously cold wind that somehow bit into his flesh and the sight of the shadows becoming white, the light dulling and the boke drinking his blood… Dainn wasn’t sure how he should feel when he heard a voice speak. “You know… I was pretty sure our last deal was to be our only deal.”

He didn’t turn his head, already seeing the Eyes of Fate waltzing along the side of the room, twirling what looked to be a umbrella cane. The flash of invertedly black teeth and shining black glasses only spoke of unsaid knowledge. “So, what do I owe this little pleasure, Dainn?”

Before the caribou could speak, Fate, gasped and almost mockingly said, “Oh, where are my manners, ‘Emperor’ Dainn?” Grinning like a Cheshire cat. “That is what you are now, right?” And chuckled, “granted… with my help.”

Taking a low breath in, keeping calm despite his nerves getting the best of him, as he spoke in a frigid tone. “We both know you saw what's been happening. The Overlord has caused so much damaged against my Empire...and been making a mockery out of me with that virus becoming rampant.” then told. “He has been a constant threat-- and growing smarter in each fight...I believe you know how such a brute could win despite our deal of removing those heros you claim would show.”

Looking about the room for a moment, the Eyes stopped and looked to Dainn and asked, “do I?”

“You see everything Eyes of Fate, even before it happens.” told Dainn curtly. “And we both know he's no hero. He’s a brute that managed to survive thanks to dumb luck.”

Grinning and looking off to the side, the Eyes of Fate said, “dumb luck indeed.” Speaking towards open air, “and I know so many would agree to that.”

Turning back to the Emperor, Fate told, “while it’s true you did uphold your deal, it’s also expired.” Seeming to take great amusement in the dumbfounded look Dainn gave. “Don’t you remember? I distinctly told you that this deal is guaranteed to last for a total of 7 years-- from the start of your rule, to the end of the founding of your expanded empire.” Then, he shrugged. “It’s not my fault you decided to get comfy in the deals safety net.”

Taking a calming breath in, did he asked. “Fate, did you by chance made a deal to this…’Overlord’ to ensure he will stay alive despite us nearly killing him?” although he fully doubted that was the case, since not many could talk to the Eyes of Fate easily...or know about him.

Grinning, the eyes told, “I made no deals with the man. And I never will. I should know, I can see future and past, like you said.”

“So how is he still alive? By all accounts he should be dead.” slightly snapping at the near impossible of such a thing.

“Luck.” Was all the eyes told. “Or, if your insane enough to believe it, by the will of a powerful being that can literally alter and change the course of any situation just by a few keystrokes.” Then spun his cane to add, “but, I doubt you would believe the later case. So luck will have to be the answer.”

Having a deep calming breath in, mostly to not aggravate the Eyes of Fate, did he asked. “Then answer me this, Eyes of Fate...is his conquest going to succeed?”

Humming to himself, the Eyes of Fate told, “with how time is? He sure will.” Then turned fully to the Emperor of the caribou to inform, “you better get a will together. Because your death is nigh.” then went on, “and possibly a nice title for your tombstone-- which you won’t get by the way.”

Splaying his arms up, fate told, “here lies Dainn. Former Emperor, rapist of many, and dead to a brain dead Vagabond-- as you put it.” Grinning cheekily to the much taller male.

“Then I want a new deal. To ensure the Overlord will fail his part, to destroy all chance of him getting a inch onto my land, to remove all threats-- especially the likes of him, from my Empire. To make it impossible for him to kill me. And in return? I shall….give a portion of my power to you, Eyes of Fate.”

“A portain, hmmm?” asked the male in a manner that warned Diann, he saw something he wanted. “A portain, is hardl that much. You’re asking me to keep the Reaper of Death form touching you in a sense.” Half stalking up to the Caribou, much like a cat would to a cornered mouse. “So I will take the deal, only on this behalf.”

Raising a finger, Fate told with a near malicious grin. “No, what I want… is the statue that holds Chaos itself.” Half quirking his head to go on. “I think that’s a fair trade, to stave off the thing that is death itself.”

Discord. thought Dainn, as he kept the damned creature in stone deep and hidden...but it was possible. Although he knew Discord will break out sooner or later with all the chaos that happen since the Overlord arrive...and with no actual means to stop him? A light shudder pass through the Caribou as he knew that the only reason Discord didn’t stop him? Was because the Fate stopped Discord.

But once Discord was out?

“Take him. Take him and let the deal be strucked.”

With a hand out and held in a deceivingly friendly manner, the Eyes of Fate said, “then let’s strike the deal, pal~” It was a tone that made every hair on the Emperor's back raise. Every instinct told him, this was not wise. But, he pushed it aside and took the smaller hand-- and felt a striking pain up his arm. A contract, burning into his arm and only hidden by the fur.

The Eyes of Fate only chuckled and shook in a business like manner before letting go. He turned and flared a hand, icy snowflakes falling before it turned sickly in blue and a wailing sounded. Hand grasping, it vanished as Fate told, “I’ve started it.” Then peeked over his shoulder, a normalish eye looking… no… not looking.

In a odd manner, Dainn felt like the Eyes of Fate was looking right through him and to something more. “What? Don’t be so disappointed. You didn’t think I would allow things to end so easily, did you?” Chuckling, “the story has yet to end at all.” And vanished not too long after, dark echoes of his laughter being the only hint he was around.

It left Dainn confused on what the Eye’s meant by those words.

Allowed things to end so easily? Hrm...must be talking of the Overlord. Hopefully the damned brute will just die. using his magic to heal his hand and putting the book aside, he turned to leave this place, keep it as far as he could. Perhaps enjoy some of the mares that weren’t sick to please him? Granted nothing like the sisters-- but good enough he supposed.

Next Chapter: To find a Element Bearer Estimated time remaining: 27 Hours, 57 Minutes