In the Sanction of the Dark Overlord, BronyofMeddlers, or as he prefer to be called Meddler sat in his dark throne of stone. Having a exact look of the Overlord armor as he look over the reports of the lacking of chapters as his Fool being of Zero the Mad-man from another story dance with a grin. His adviser by his side being of Grey as the adviser pointed out.

"Its been nearly two months, Dark lord, are you sure you want to do this?"

"I figure two chapters should make it up...or maybe three if I feel generous." Meddler responded as he was waving his gauntlet hand dismissively.

As Jerry was walking back up in the Private Quarters, wearing in his robes as Lovely walked with him. While she wasn’t as clingy to him in that death-tight grip, she kept close to him as her arm still held around his body. Keeping close to him as her hips pressed against his own, uncertainty filled her face as she glance around, Sometime looking up to him as in hope that he would protect her and keep her safe.

He in turn had his arm around her, mostly holding her close in a comforting hold with a hand on her waist. While Lovely felt a little confuse, she at least feel comforted and a bit happy that...he had his hand close around her waist. She also felt a bit relax, being so close to him, so close to her stud and enjoying the caring hold he has around her. Jerry internally hoped that Lovely will be better, in emotionally and mentally. He was at least happy that it didn’t got worse...but it didn’t mean he was worried about her.

Yet when they reached into the Private Quarters, Jerry saw Jade walking with her sister, the eldest sister looking a bit surprise to see Jerry back, but focus on Lovely. Noticing something was odd about the earth mare. Jasmine tilts her head, noticing something odd, but voices it out. “What's wrong with Lovely, big bro? She doesn’t look well; did she have to puke again?”

While Jerry thought on Lovely on new development as best as he could, Jade noticed something that wasn’t in the earth mare eyes. Worry. The crystal mare knew something was up, as she motioned to her sister. “Come on Jasmine, let’s give Jerry and Lovely time alone.” having a questioning look to the man, as while she wanted to know, she had an idea that now may not be the best of time to discuss what is going on.

“Aw, but sis!” whined the filly as Jerry added to her.

“You also need to go and clean little filly, after all you still are in punishment for making my armor pink.” giving a slight stern look as Jasmine cross her arms, grumbling as Jade gently held her sister's shoulder and leading her away as Jerry walked to the bedroom as he told to a Minion Servant.

“Go and see if Shadow can come here, we need to talk.” The Brown scurry off, as Jerry walked through the steel doors and directed Lovely to the bed. As while he waited, he move his arm from her waist to her back, giving a gentle massage as the earth mare lean on him nuzzling some as they waited for Shadow. It didn’t take long as Shadow came in through the steel doors, a concern look on her face as once she saw the state Lovely was in, she turned it to a motherly look.

Shadow moved on the other side of the earth mare, coming to sit by Lovely as she move her wings around the maid, arms cradling her as Lovely slowly let go of Jerry as she latch to Shadow. As the thestral look up to Jerry, as she asked gently. “What happen?”

He let out a breath as he explained. “I think she’s experience a lot of emotions she’s unfamiliar with...and while she is the same, she is having trouble to adjust.” moving his arm to gently rub the earth mare as she lean on Shadow. The winged mare nodded, as while she did have some answers about what happens with Lovely, and seeing the mare having insight of things she hadn’t...she knew that this part would be...tricky for not only Lovely, but for Jerry.

She took a breath, as she move a hand to gently rubbed Lovely arm as she said to Jerry. “Jerry?” Gaining his attention as she decides to break this gently to him. “Right now, Lovely is vulnerable.” having a gentle expression as she told him. “She need time to adjust, time to be more than a slave, to get her bearings together. So maybe...maybe give her time as a free mare, at least until she knows what to do?”

She could see the utter hurt in those eyes, knowing that in a way...it was asking a lot for him, to in a way, give up his Treasure, to let her be free, to let her leave his side-- even if it was for her own good and emotional and mental mindset. She could even see his other hand gripping the bedsheets tightly…

She could see the confliction in his eyes, do the right thing and agree-- or be selfish and say no? But once she motioned her eyes to look at Lovely, making the man look down...Seeing Lovely leaning on Shadow, looking confused, uncertain, a mixture of emotions as something clenched Jerry chest as he took a low deep breath as he gave a stiff nod. “A….alright…” giving in as while he honestly didn’t want to do this...this was the entire reason wasn’t it?

Why he wanted Lovely to go to the Tree? To make...to make things right. He took a low shaky breath as he carefully move his hands around Lovely neck, as the mare paused. Looking at Jerry as he took...took off her collar as Jerry place it on the side as he was about to ask something-- before Lovely spoke out.

“Can I at least sleep with you!?” making both mare and man pause at the earth mare, seeing her shift as she glance away with a bit of mixed embarrass and...shame? “You...you make me feel safe…” she said lowly as while she had a idea on why they were going to help her and why Master...Jerry removed her collar, she still wanted to keep close. He….he was her safe area.

Jerry slight nodded, as he said. “Yeah...I think that can be possible.” Looking to Shadow as she nodded, as both soon move close to the earth mare, gently holding her and doing their best to comfort her as they knew this was going to take a long while to heal the mare and get her on her hooves.

The news spread around the Castle about Lovely condition two days later, and while neither Shadow or Jerry told on how Lovely became ‘real’, they did told that Lovely position is undetermined while the earth mare is handling everything. Granted she does work as a maid, it doesn’t mean anything is certified, as while Shadow urged Jerry to go out in his ‘Raiding shopping spree’ for supplies and necessities, the thestral sat in the stone throne.

She honestly wonders who didn’t add cushions in this thing, or why it was close to magma of all things! But her main focus was on a few things than her spot. Like Gnarl. As the adviser spoke towards her. “Mistress, as we know, the earth wench isn’t under the Master of yet.” Shadow took a low breath and told.

“Yes Gnarl, until Lovely decides things for herself and get a footing, we aren’t going to make her do anything yet.” The minion nod as he went on.

“And her mark is removed, correct?” she frowns, as when Lovely changed into a dress, the thestral was shocked that the mark Jerry gave was...gone. As it seem that the Tree did more than healed Lovely, it made her like a newborn, which was closer to the truth than anything.

“Yes Gnarl, and like I said, it’s something that we ponies need to earn.” then asked with a raise brow. “Why the sudden interest?” knowing that while the old minion would keep an eye on Lovely since she’s pregnant, there’s seem to be something Gnarl is trying to imply.

“Well Mistress, I was just thinking that perhaps, we should go to the Equestrian isolated areas to acquire a Pink for the Master.” she stared at Gnarl, eyes narrowing as she asked with one word full of anger.

“Why?” The sudden change of tone was odd, but Gnarl was cautious as he knew it was mood swings.

“Well Mistress, I mean no offense to you or the earth wench, but neither you nor she is able to, satisfied the Master with his sexual urges like before. As you both not only hold his heirs, but you are working and the mare is currently squabbling with her mindset. I believe the Master should have a Pink to occupy himself with his urges, mostly to not only sate his mood, but later on when both of you and the wench are showing more of the heirs. And are unable to show interest in sating the master urges.” having a low smile as Gnarl added.

“Not to mention, there are some Pinks on the island that do not have a owner, perhaps they would be overjoy to be under the Master hand?” Shadow however told something that made his plotting idea failed.

“If you honestly think that will work, then you forget that we would heal her and not let her be a Pink.” giving a glare at him as she went on. “As well as its already hard enough for Jerry to handle the situation with Lovely. Right now Lovely needs time, if she chooses to stay, then one problem is solve. If not…” frowning some as she admits. “I’ll handle Jerry the best I can, maybe call in that favor Magic owe to Jerry…”

Then glare down to Gnarl. “Until then? Drop it.” Waving a hand as she order. “Now go, I’m sure that paper work calls for you.” he grumbled as he walked off, as Shadow sighed, rubbing her stomach and it’s bump. She admittedly hoped that Lovely will stay...for Jerry sake.

Gnarl however mused to himself that something is afoot, problem is he doesn’t know what...but he’s keeping a good idea around. He does after all smell a rat. It was a matter of time before he finds them.

As Jerry was walking out of a city with recent raided supplies of tools, metal, and other things his subjects request for in their work, Jerry noticed something was up. He noticed the weather was odd, it was colder. He knew that the weather would be chill up north-- but he was near Vanhoover and it was summer here...right? What was even odder was that he founded a Spell Catalyst.

Sure, it was lucky he found one for his Spell Stones...But with how cold the weather was, and with how things were...fine in a sense...It made him slightly paranoid. Normally something bad usually happen, but yet...nothing happened. He wonders if Fate and Murphy decided to take a break on him and someone who attracts more trouble than he does.

And really things just weren’t like before...Even more that there wasn’t even much resistance when he raided the city for the supplies. He just took everything without a fight. It made him wonder if the Khara virus would make so many sick...that there’s nothing left? It made him pause as he mentally orders the Minions to bring the tools and supplies through the Gate, as he wanted to investigate. Figure out where the people went.

As while the minions headed out to the Main Gate, he turned back to the city trying to find answers...But yet even as he scouted around with Minions coming back to aid the search...there’s no one around, no bodies, all shops and homes abandoned and empty. Even the males and mares used as ornaments. It was like…

Could the Khara cause this much of damage? thought Jerry in slight concern, as while he knew it was bad, but this? He would of thought they would be remains… Is it just me...or did it just get a touch colder? Taking a breath in and let it out, seeing a misty smog from his breath, as the Reds warm their bodies, as a Brown spoke out.

“Cold, Master!” As Jerry noticed it was a bit cloudy...and little tells of snow falling as Jerry thought. This...this isn’t normal… as while he wanted to investigate more...part of him wanted to ask the Equestrians of the abnormal weathers, as he ordered.

“Gnarl, Waypoint with Pits at my position now.” as the small gate came up, as he motioned to the Minions to enter in their pits. As the Arcanum armored man enters in the Gate, as for some reason, there was a cold feeling in his stomach. Even more as he heard wails, wails of a thing that wasn’t there. A whistling wind forming with chilling cold, and the never ending constant wails of a frigid voice that would make any heart feel its icy claws trying to sink into it.

He heard the creaking and the cracking of ice slowly growing itself to the place he stood in, as the clouds of dark grey, darkening and harsh winds winding in strength, as snow falling in flurry as he tried to focus on the Main Gate on the Equestrian Island, he was in the warmer temperatures and much nicer landscape as Jerry was unable to stop shivering in his armor of...that out of experience moment.

Okay...definitely going to ask the Princess or anyone about that. Because...that shit isn’t normal! thought the man as he started to walk down the steps of the Gate, as he search for the stone houses that was used for the Royalties. As he only saw homes of huts or stone as he search around as trying to find a guard, as ponies noticed the ice and snow on his armor.

Some wonder where he came back from, as the ice and snow were melting on his armor, he however found one pony he honestly didn’t want to ask...but knew he had to as he moved up to Pearl and spoke in a attempting polite, but urgent tone. “Pearl. I need to speak Celestia and Luna. Now.”

The Commander gave disgruntled sound and turned, mostly wanting to tell him they was busy-- then paused. For a moment, she lost her composure and said, “Why the hay are you covered in ice?” Really, the sight was most odd because the ice was still melting-- albite very slowly.

“Pearl, the reason I am covered in ice-- is because there is something very wrong with the weather. I just came back from Vanhoover, and it was summer.”

Giving a odd look, Pearl nodded and told, “Follow me.” Knowing she can get him to the Princesses quick enough. And once he was off her hands, she could get back to work-- and send an escort of guards to keep watch. Still, thinking over what he said confused her.

She glanced back and said, “I know the Caribou don’t manage the weather all that great, but even our weather managers don’t mess something up that bad.” Looking more pointedly at his armor and telling, “And that ice should be melting faster. What exactly happened?” Something about the slow rate of the melting ice was setting her off. Something about the ice itself was off, she could magically feel it, and it was not comforting at all.

“That is the reason why I need to talk to them now.” told Jerry, trying his best to shake off the ice off of him, mentally ordering some Reds to come by his side to use their flames on him. As while the Reds ran up behind and began to do their best to use their flames on the ice as it was melting-- it was rather stubborn in being melted. “There is something going on, when I came to Vanhoover, it was empty, and I don’t mean plague empty…”

“I mean like a ghost city empty as clouds were forming the sky and something was giving off wails and forming ice around me.” giving a glance as he added. “And I feel this is something Equestrian related, hence why I am here.” as Pearl herself tense up, feeling a chill go up her back as she asked.

“A...wail? With ice growing?” giving a glance as she asked. “How many did you hear?”

“It was like some paranormal stuff level, Pearl,” dryly told Jerry. “I couldn’t get a number, but it’s enough to make me want to leave before finding out what exactly I’m dealing with.”

Pearl gave a uncharastically slow and weary nod, turning her head forwards and becoming very quiet. While it confused Jerry some, her mind began to scream on itself. No, maybe it’s something else. There’s no way those things are real, right? Old Mare’s tale. Nothing else… Still, she felt a odd chilling sensation form that ice clinging to Jerry. A feeling that made her scared and her magic turm in her. It wasn’t just ‘cold’, it was frigid even by magic standers.

When they reached the stone house, this one much taller than others, Pearl more or less muscled their way in, telling them there was a possible emergency situation. That alone was getting Jerry’s attention, and making him further wonder what was going on.

They had to stop at a set of doors, apparently to assemble the princesses available. Thankfully, it sounded like Celestia was in and would see them there and then. Though when they entered, they could see the mare going form a pleasant smile, to a uncertain frown. Pearl gave a salute and spoke, “Princess Celestia, the Overlord says that he has something important to report back from Vanhoover.” And step aside, being again, acting uncharastically out of normal behavior to Jerry.

The...fuck? thought Jerry as he cautiously moved up, as his five Reds were able to focus on their work. As they did their best to use their flames on the ice as Jerry spoke to Celestia. “Celestia, something is going on in Equestria. Something bizarre. I just came from Vanhoover, and it was a ghost city, to the point that not even mares were on anything.”

“Even more? It began to snow. In summer. There were also wails going around, wails as ice grow, flurries happen...and made me like this.” as he glance to the Reds as one gave a anger shout.

“Ice hard to melt!” as the Red punch the ice in its frustration, only to regret the action as it shake the fist in pain, the other Minions laugh at the lone Red misery.

Jerry glances back up to Celestia in a unamused tone. “As you noticed, being in ice isn’t fun…” then asked in slight seriousness. “There is something bad going on, to the point it's at the paranormal level Celestia. And I have an idea that this concerns Equestria somehow, as I have never seen this before.”

Rather slowly, Celestia lifted herself from the extravagant chair acting as her throne. One of four that Jerry could see. The mare walked down the steps and stood before him with a touch of concern before holding a hand out, her horn flaring with magic.

A piece of his armor, with some ice clinging to a spike, was shaken and soon broken off. Celestia held in in her magic, before her hand and examined it. That frown became increasingly grimmer by the second; before she flared her magic and made the ice just melt away.

Looking back, the way Celestia looked at him… Jerry felt a odd dread. “I fear it is much worse, Overlord.” Looking his armor over. “I worried when I felt the magic on you, now… now I believe that things are becoming increasingly worse for us all.” Trying to remain collected as she spoke, “I fear that Wendigo's have once more resurfaced.”

Gulping, Pearl spoke, “Princess Celestia.” Gaining their attention while she spoke, “Not to doubt you… but, I thought the Wendigo’s were just a mare's tale? A story told on Hearth's Warming. They…”

“They.” Calmly told Celestia, “Are much more real than you may think. Very much real. I was around when the story was still fresh and had yet to become legend and a little folks tale.” Then turned to Jerry, that grimness still in place while she told. “Wendigo’s are spirits full of hunger. Their cold and spiteful hearts never ending in their need for more hate and strife. Before the Pony Tribes united, they would feed off the anger, the hate, the detest and spite the tribes held towards one another.”

“The amount that they got to feed form allowed the spirits to grow so strong… the land was made ice, the clouds unendingly cold and the snow blanketing every corner.” Celestia slowly breathed in and sighed, “I held no illusion they were truly gone. They are just spirits, incorporeal and not at all physical. The only thing that stopped them was the joint unity and love of the ponies that placed their differences aside. Love, hope, dreams…. They stave off the bitter cold the Wendigo’s make.” With sadness, Celestia continued to tell, “I fear that with things having passed as they have… Equestria can no longer stave them off because I doubt there is much love in the land’s magic to resist the coming and possibly everlasting winter on our lands.”

“No offense…” started Jerry. “But I thought they would of come a lot sooner, you know with all the stuff the Caribous did, I would of thought they would appear….” then pause as he thought back to the Empire and slowly spoke. “Oooooooh no. The Crystal Heart…”

There was a slow nod form Celestia, “I would agree. Twisted or not, the Heart was always a form of protection and love. It is possible, that the Windigos hid in the icy lands of the north when they were banished by Equestria’s magics. But now, without anything to stop them or stave them off? They are hungry and the amount of hate that fills all the land must seem like the plumpest of harvests to feast on.”

As some of the ponies felt the chill along their backs, that the Wendigo’s were real, and Jerry stood still, mostly because of both the implications of Equestria freezing over and the Reds to do their work...He soon slowly thought on what will happen and soon spoke. “If we don’t do anything...there isn’t going to be a ‘home’ to take back, even if the Wendigo’s consume everything and freeze the Caribous…” looking to Celestia as he went on.

“They don’t discriminate and will eat even the ponies too...in a sense, we have a kamikaze wind before us and we all lose if we don’t find a way to stop them.”

“Kami….kaze wind?” slowly spoke Pearl in a mix of confusion and questioning as Jerry replied.

“A saying back home, basically means it blows everything away.” but a pony corrected him.

“Wendigoes don’t eat ponies; they just freeze and drain them. But they will probably be miserable with lack of magic if not frozen...well, frozen solid that is.” Jerry shakes his head, as he look back to Celestia as he heard Gnarl spoke.

“Master, a thought occurred to me...they feed on hatred….and they get stronger from said hate, and you are full of it Sire…” Making Jerry pause...and soon said.

“Celestia, I think you can count me out of facing Wendigo’s or dealing with them.” gaining quick looks as he told. “While I will try to aid...I am the worst thing to have in terms on being on the field, they will see me as a big buffet table the moment they feel my emotions.”

Nodding some, Celestia remarked, “Yes… you would certainly give them more power to freeze over the land.” Then mused, “And I doubt you have anything to combat phantoms of ice and cold.”

“Well, technically no,” started Jerry. “Phantoms I could handle with the Blues...the problem is with the ice and cold.” Pearl pause as she questioned.

“How could your Blues be able to combat against phantoms?! They’re healers!” However she stop to consider and said. “Wait… the Blues are in a way restoration, and the Windigos are akin to necromancy...I can see how they are able to combat against them.” Jerry nod as he told to Celestia.

“Again, I could lend you my Blues to fight them if able, it just that...well, how do I put this politely as possible?”

Shaking her head, Celesta told, “It would not work either way.” Making Jerry pause. “They are creatures of darkness and evil, yes? That would mean they harbor much hate and anger in their hearts too. They would be just as susceptible as you would be. Their magic might not resist the mounting power the Wendigo’s no doubt will gain.”

Jerry nod, thinking a bit as the Reds managed to melt more ice as he then consider something...and asked. “Then...would it mean that we may have no choice but to get Cadence, and the Crystal ponies back to the Empire?”

“Are you mad!?” nearly shouted Pearl. “Why would you risk not only the Princess life-- but those ponies as well?” Glaring at him with anger. “Do you just enjoy seeing the suffering you give or like to hear about it!?”

“Commander Pearl.” Celestia spoke curtly, more or less shutting the mare up. It made the sun alicorn sigh and turn to Jerry to tell, “That will not work either. While the Heart would be the key, the ponies are still conflicted and need healing. Until Twilight and her friends can regain their connection with the Tree… then that will not be a option for a time.”

She paused and considered this all before sighing, “I’m afraid we must defer to the other royals about this situation. If at all possible, detail what you told me before, in greater definition. Any details you can give me before the Wendigo’s became hinted to you might help us understand how bad the situation will be.”

Thinking back he soon nods as he explain. “Well, first off? It was cold, like despite it being summer, the air was cold. Chilly even. Vanhoover was a ghost city like I mention...but I first assume it was the Khara that made it so...empty. But...there would be bodies, signs of sickness. There wasn’t anything I found, or at least until I heard wails, as well as whistling winds as the wails were never ending.”

“Having a frigid voice that could make my heart feel the icy claw trying to sink in...and the creaking and cracking of ice slowly growing, even on around me and the Gate. The clouds itself were dark grey, darkening as the harsh winds were growing Celestia, and the snow were falling in flurries, I doubt it’ll be anything but a frozen and cold area soon...I dare say it’s spreading around the northern parts of Equestria already.”

Nodding slowly, Celestia thought it over and told, “The Caribou must be aware of what’s going on. It is the only thing explaining the empty city, they must have recognized that the threat could not be stopped by their magic’s and had to flee.” Then gave a slight smile, “It almost feels… odd. Their magic, proving to be so strong against those of flesh… but useless when it comes to those without desires to control.”

She sighed and thought it over and soon said, “You may return to your home, Overlord. With this news, we must take new precautions. Wendigo’s are not bound by land, only wherever there is room to move. No walls can hold them.”

He slightly nodded...but pause as he then thought of the Dark Castle and raise a finger. “Curious question...would the Windigos be able to feel, oh I don’t know, a isolated island in the seas that is home to a Dark Overlord of evil and anger somehow?” giving a look as he added. “Just, hypothetical speaking.”

Celestia had to restrain the roll of her eyes or the smile that threatened to tug at her lips. “While they may seek out rage and hate, they can only sense it so far away. Our islands may be too far away for them to sense. But I would advise ways of enhancing your walls to ward off spirits. The best defense you could ask for that is not of magic manifested with love.”

“I’ll get to work Sire, hopefully they won’t find us, Master.” assured Gnarl as Jerry nod.

“Riiight, well if you don’t mind, I have things to do and some Minions to order on making defense on spirit of all things! Ta-ta!” turning around and marching off as the Reds quickly follow, out of following the Overlord and to make sure no ice remains on him. As with news of these Windigos...he really hopes there was a way to get the ponies back their home, he honestly did.

Stonehooves sighed. She glance around the darken cave as look over the writing on the ground. She knew that she was doing something risky...but she needed her answers. She needed to know just what in Tartarus was going on here. Especially with all the near death-filling things both that scientist and Overlord did. She took a breath in, as she moved to a cage where a unicorn Pink was tied up, mouth gagged as she squirmed in place. Eyes were filled with confusion as the earth mare open it and dragged her out by the mane.

She whimpered, but was ignored as Stonehooves dragged her to the center of the series of writing, circles, unlit candles and soon took out a knife as she let the Pink go, moving to grabbed a book for confirmation as she repeated the chant in her head, before nodding in certainty as she place it down. Then she grip the Pink mane again, pulling her head up and slashed her throat as the Pink let out a dying gurgle sound as Stonehooves spoke the chant. “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.”

Once unlit candles in the room lit with brilliant yellow flames of gold, the circle and it’s chalk-made symbols giving off a eerie glow while spilt blood was pulled in. A crimson glow filled the room, the mare’s blood being sucked in and used to power the more than apparent dark magics. Stonehooves breathed in as colors slowly inverted, the winds once bellowing now slowing and coming to a halt. A very odd wrongness filling the room. She told herself, she was doing this for the betterment of Equestria. This was to help them all.

“You know.” She heard behind herself, “As well-meaning as you are, not everyone see’s it like that.” It caused her to slowly turn and see the Eye’s of Fate grinning at her. A odd smugness about him that just rubbed her wrong. “So… you want to talk, ‘Little Pony’?”

Scowling, she shouted in a starting rant. “Talk?! I want Tartarus damned answers! For nearly 3 years since I made that bargain with you those ‘saviors’ you brought in got themselves killed and dashed our hopes, the Caribous weren’t stopped as they nearly took Equestria-,” seeing the Eyes of Fate idly listening to her words, but mostly walking around and judging the cave to see if it was good enough for him. “-the mentioned Caribous nearly destroyed the Resistance, the damned Plague that nearly killed the Empire-- and still spreading right now killing thousands of ponies, the damned scientist that caused the plague--” then nearly shouted in rage.

“And that damned villain you brought in causing all of this mess?! What were you thinking? Don’t you know that villains can’t be trusted, especially one for domination on everything?!” huffing and panting as she glared at him as she said. “I want answers and I want them now. I did my end of the bargain like you asked-- yet you haven’t done yours in what I requested!”

Hands up and having them in a shape of a box, as if trying to make some artistic picture, the Eyes of Fate remarked, “That would be the right angle for a scene of a dark cavern lit by dark magics. Too bad there’s no means of letting one be made. We don’t have the right format. Words do only so much...”

Turning to the fuming mare, the man grinned. “Do you play chess, Stonehooves?” Then went on, lowering his hands. “Or do business? Politics among beings higher than yourself maybe?” Walking around the room and looking about with a almost critiques like gaze. “I have hundreds of deals going on. By many, many different people. And for one, it’s a little entailment of entertainment. Others, a sort of revenge. And for some, maybe a bit of alleviating one’s boredom.” Then pause to look at a wall and remark, “I would put a potted plant, right… there.”

Clenching her fists, Stonehooves roared out in rage. “WHAT’S THE POINT OF SENDING A MONSTER TO ‘HELP’ US!? He’s more of a threat than anything else!”

There was a dark, mocking chuckle from the male that looked much too human for her tastes. She had about enough of them after what’s happened. “Oh, poor, poor, one dimensional little mind.” Turning his head around to grin, glasses glinting an inverted black. “It takes a monster, to beat a monster sometimes.”

She sneered. “So you thought it would be ‘best’ to send a villain to do a hero job? You think that this damned Overlord could do what the previous lot couldn’t do?”

Looking at his fingernails, the Eyes told, “In this game, you wanted me to take down the Caribou’s. You wanted them to die; you wanted their empire to shrivel up and your own to once more rise.” Then smirked, “You never asked how I should go about making them suffer like pigs ready for the slaughter. That was never part of the deal.”

Turning his gaze once more to her, he began to walk up, confidence in his stride. “Those last ‘heros’? Sacrificial pawns for the Monster to get the hint, that if he fails? He’s going to die. Like the headstrong idiot in green, or the arrogant mage that thought he could handle an army.”

Standing before the mare, he continued to smugly grin at her, poking her nose and teasing. “The pawns did their part. They struck where they needed to strike. They killed off the more ‘annoying’ little problems. Now, the Rook and Bishop are in the right places. The remaining pawns are going to be in position. The Knights will be prepared and the Queen set-- with the King finally well-guarded.” With a flourished hand, the Eyes of fate grinned, “And here you claim you’re were a military mare. But here I am, rehearsing how strategy works.”

Gnashing her teeth, she said. “Don’t give me that bull, you knew the Overlord was useful for the deal. You knew that he was going to be different, after all-- villains like him don’t care of morals.” then snorted and questioned. “So what then if he succeed? You’re going to let him live on after the caribous are gone? Because I don’t know if you noticed-- but he’s going to kill any chances for Equestria to rise up from what we were put through.”

Tutting, the Eyes of Fate told, “Don’t be like that, I’m doing exactly what you bargained for. You’re in no position to complain about how I go about it.” Then went on in thought after walking a distance away, humming thoughtfully. “If you were so concerned, you would have made details. But you weren't, were you?” Giving a glance back and grinning. “You were just a beaten, scared, confused and desperate mare trying to save what little bit of her people she could while her troops and hidden base were torn to pieces by their hated enemy. One that caused you utters agony for your newfound youth.”

Clenching her hands tightly, using what self-control she could, all she could do was given a spiteful glare and demanded. “Are you, or are you not going to make sure the Overlord or that damned scientist going to pay for what they did from that plague? Or the plague that's in Equestria filled with damned Wendigo’s.”

“I don’t know.” Spoke the inverted creature with a almost dull voice… or, right before he seemed to leer back with a dark, dark grin as black as his inverted teeth. “Are you willing to make a deal?”

She didn’t show it...but fear clench in her heart. It was...hard to pay off the last deal she made on her end. With ten...innocent souls. She was honestly afraid of what he might ask for this time. With a controlled breath, she asked. “If I say yes...what are you going to ask from me this time?”

Turning, she knew she had his full attention. The way he smiled, the manner his glasses just refracted black light. “What I want, so you can make the two pay for what they did?” He chuckled, “Well… I think the price for that should be a simple one.” Cocking his head, he asked to her, “How about…the admittance of all your crimes to your princesses?”

Thinking abit, she knew she could provide that… she hoped that things will smooth over in time, after all. She was doing this for Equestria. So with a certainty in her, she said. “In exchange for my admittance of my...crimes-- I want the Overlord named Jerry, and the Scientist named Albert fully pay for their crimes with full on punishment on what they done since they came here. No holding back on them for the transgression they done.”

Hand out, he said, “Then it’s a deal.” Waiting in place as the mare looked to the arm and hand… like it was some venomous snake. It was with a near dry gulp she moved up, steeling her will and body and reaching out. When she grasped the limb, their arms lit into unholy blue and purple fires.

Eyes tight, Stonehooves felt a scream roar out of her lungs, feeling another set of marks etching, forming and seeping into her skin on her arm-- and when it was over, the glowing ‘deal’ remained. Hidden by her coat before she dropped. Panting and nursing her arms… while the room was once more normal… the lingering chuckles of the Eyes of Fate on a phantom like echo.

Huffing some, she forced herself to control her shaking arm, as she took deep breaths, calming herself. This...is going to hurt-- but at least they’ll pay. she then glanced to the remains of the Pink, or the burnt ash remains as with a light kick, it collapsed itself in. She began kicking the remains of the ground, removing all evidence as she took what she gathered and knew she had to leave…

She did have a job to do, and she didn’t want anypony to suspect what she did.

Deep breaths Twilight, deep breaths. Assured the mare to herself as she stood on the beach, mostly trying to quell her anxiety, and also bubbling anticipation. To say the last few days had been a little out of sorts, was a understatement. Having been first saved, then recovered form her minds warped state, having a odd ‘talk’ with the tree, finding out her friends were safe with her brother, sister-in-law, the Princesses and even her and her friends memories being stored away by the Archmage?

It was a lot to take in. So much to take in that she almost wondered if it actually happened as was not some crazy dream just after a horrid nightmare. But, as it was, with her standing on the beach with her friends and each of them having bags? She could tell it was not a dream.

Things were talked over between her and the other royals. Heavily. As it was, her place as Princess, while important, was also less of value in some places. Luna along with her brother Shining Armor, were keeping a firm grasp on military, security and information handling with the ‘Armed Resistance’, being their current military might. Luna acting as a form of General to all their currently armed and able ponies. Shining acting more like a second in command.

Her sister in law, Cadence, had quickly taken the position of handling what current social affairs she can, managing the populace, it’s current state of being and keeping an ear out for any shifts of displeasure from the masses. The island they were on, and another not too far off and a bit smaller, were being watched by her. Though most of the pink alicorns attention was on her own charges of the nearly tattered remains that was the Crystal Empire citizens and the Crystal Heart that was thankfully saved.

Celestia herself was acting out with her normal job of maintaining order through it all. Organizing what officials there were, straightening out rule, regulations, and passing what little laws needed to be made and figuring out a current economic system that would help establish a normalcy. It was something Twilight was admittedly not so envious of her teacher, doing so much paperwork on a near daily basis.

For herself, Twilight and her friends were going to the infamous ‘Alpha Base’, for mostly two reasons. The first and foremost one was to keep a certain level of control on things. As her position as Princess, Twilight was going to act as a formal headship for the current ‘mayor’ of the ‘town’ to reference her work around. While Twilight had no intent to undermine this ‘Grain’s authority, the young Alicorn understood that her job was mostly to keep a level of order around and keep a measure of moral up.

The second reason was safety. As much as her brother and sister-in-law felt she and her friends were safe on the island, the talk of Wendigo’s had since made Celestia and Luna feel it better for Twilight and her friend to be sent to Alpha Base. A place that, with its underwater status and unknown location, would further hide them.

And while Twilight didn’t like it all too much herself, she saw the logic in it. Until she and her friends could return to the Tree of Harmony, and unlock the box at its roots, they were cut off from the ancient magic’s that granted them so much power from before. They needed time to figure out how to open that box, and regain that magic-- before they even thought of helping in retaking Equestria and establishing balance once more.

The six of them were the Ace in the hole that they all needed, but one that was also on under the sleeve. It was with a nearly heavy sigh Twilight tried to once more relax. It was a lot to take in, and she honestly felt doubt that she could accomplish this task, as she seemed to be mostly as a banner to stand near-- not actually taking a large role in helping.

But, it wasn’t all bad, she had to reflect. Smiling, Twilight knew that in a sense, she was going to someplace amazing-- granted it would be wet, under hundreds of feet of ocean water and in conditions she was completely unaccustomed too…

But still, a functioning oceanic base with technology we’ve never had before! Twilight nearly danced in place with a giddy sensation in her heart. After having just a peek at a ‘tablet’ that was supplied to Luna by some male called ‘Albert’, she wanted to go and learn all she could. Granted, she might have to ask this ‘Albert’ person about that.

That went to the subject of who Albert was, though she figured she would find out when she had gotten there and had a chance to speak with the primary research team Celestia had assigned to there. Which, was another plus-- being able to help in researching with them. And there was plenty she could do to help or plenty of experiments she could run, with the proper parameters of course.

Flicking her ear, Twilight was however reminded of the current situation as it was. “Not that ah wanna complain’.” Drawled out Applejack as the orange mare stepped out from the tube-like building that was used for changing. “Bu’ why do we gatta wear these things?” A tone of distaste in her voice. “I get the feelin’ Granny would be lookin’ at me like I was some stage-dancin’ saloon mare!”

Twilight had to grimace to that in slight agreement actually. Crossing her arms, the alicorn was very much aware of how little the dive suites did in concealing their feminine bodies. But she also understood the reason to change. It still did not keep the others from sharing their thoughts.

“I would have to agree, Applejack.” Told a slightly unsure Rarity, one that Twilight had long noticed had lost most of her color and former shine. Something that concerned the alicorn to no end. “It is a little… firm around the body and… not too modest.” The white mare trying to not shift too much.

Moving around, Rainbow was surprisingly not so negative, “It’s actually not so bad.” Getting a collective look from the group as she defended, “What? It doesn't constrain, it’s comfy enough and doesn't get in the way-- I bet I could fly around better in this than with most thing. Reminds me of some of my old tracksuits.”

Shyly, Fluttershy asked, “I, urm.. But, aren't you…” The canary yellow pegasus shifting in her place, her long pink mane and tail almost curling and flowing over where she sat in almost a ball-like way on the sand to try and hide her more gorgeous form. “Y-you know… embarrassed that it, uh, shows so much?” Seeming to flush bright enough to show even though the pink curtain that was her mane.

Blinking, Rainbow looked over her body some in thought. She glanced at her tight rear and her fairly lean body and even to her chest that, in comparison to her friends, were rather smaller and leaned more towards the B cup. With a raised hand, Dash said with a wave of a hand, “Eh, not really.” Apparently not caring too much. “If some stud stares too long, I’ll just tell them to buck off or get a bloody nose.”

While Rarity flinched at the mental image, Pinkie gave a giggle and grinned, “Oh come on Dash, what’s the harm in looking?” Seeming to bounce in place and saying, “It’s not like you can blame them, right?”

“I’d rather they didn’t stare in the first place, Pink’s.” Counting in Applejack. “I’mma with RD on this. Either tell’em off, or give’em a quick sock to make ‘em stop.”

Sighing, Twilight said, “Maybe we should try and talk before we get violent.” Trying to act as reason for the group. “Everypony’s going to be dressed like this, so, maybe it won’t be too much of a problem and be fairly every-day to them.”

Considering that, Rarity nodded, “Well, while I’m not too fond of it… I have to agree. No need to be rude if we all share the same style.” Seeming to brighten up about that some. Though, she did frowen and ask, “Though I’m not sure how I feel about going to this… ‘underwater base’.” Frowning a bit at the end.

“I don’ blaim ya thar.” Agreed Applejack with a slight nod. “I don’t mind a swim or a quick dunk in the summer, but howdey, goin’ deep in the ocean an’ workin’ while swimin’?”

Making a disagreeable sound, Rainbow said, “That actually sucks. How am I supposed to fly around down there?”

Sighing, Twilight told, “Rainbow, it’s only temporary.” Trying to assure the cerulean pegasus of that. “Right now we need to have a bit of space and have a safe place to stay until things settle down. And this Alpha Base sounds like a fairly secure and safe location.”

“I still don’t like the idea of running and hiding.” Protested the athlete once more. Something they all heard ever since the news was given out.

“I know Rainbow, but this is really for the best. Trust me.” Twilight smiled, trying to once more assure the mare. But, she knew that Rainbow was just a little agitated. Twilight herself still felt the edges of concern and worry of being so deep under the water-- even with magic to teleport her back to the surface, the idea had a edge of unknown that made her worry.

Though Pinkie didn’t seem to hold the same fears. The pink mare bounced around on the beach and spoke, “I can’t wait to get there!” Then nearly slid along the sand, telling, “I mean, have you heard some of the stuff they got down there?” Grinning with a maniac-like-joy. “They got a huge park, a bunch of cool gadgets, weird-but-tasty-food, OH! I bet they would love it if we threw a party!”

They could not contain their smiles or grins to that. If there was one thing that helped raise spirits, it was a Party made by Pinkie Pie. And while they only heard a much of Alpha Base, there was a distinct impression that there was constant work being done down there with little breaks. A party might actually do some good, in Twilight's mindset.

“Maybe Pinkie.” Giggled out the young princess, “But if I’m right, we’ll have to run it by Grain, she’s responsible for Alpha Base, and from the sounds of it, might need to clear any celebrations.” While that slightly made the bouncing mare pause some, Twilight was sure she had somewhat gotten the point through that they had some work to do on their end to make it possible.

Thinking a bit, Rarity did ask, “What do we plan to do though?” Going into thought even as her friends glanced to her. “Not to offend, but I’m not sure of all we could do. Originally, I was visiting you all and my dear sister while here… but going to this new place…” Not sure what her responsibilities were.

Taking a breath, Twilight said, “There will be plenty to do Rarity.” Sounding more than certain to that. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had both been down there before. Even with their status, it apparently only protected them so much form the duties needing to be carried out.”

“What do you mean?” Asked Fluttershy with a hint of confusion.

Thinking, Twilight began to tell from what she could recall, “Well, Alpha Base is a busy place. We know that much from the rumors Applejack, Pinkie and Rainbow heard.” The three nodding as they were the ones around the longest. “But after getting some details from the Princesses, they’ve explained that there is a lot of responsibility is shared. Resources gathering, processing, building of materials, managing of food and water. Even patrols for any aggressive sea life and keeping it out of the safety area of the base.”

“Does sound busy.” Applejack nodded in agreement, much like how the farm was.

“There’s a lot more than that.” Told Twilight even further, “But that was mostly the basic stuff. Food and Water are both highly important, especially the water.”

Lifting a brow, Rainbow asked, “What’s the problem with that? Aren't we going to be swimming in it?” Slightly grinning cheekily at her own joke.

A bit amused, Twilight said, “Well, yes, but it’s the problem that we need fresh water to drink, not the huge amounts of salt water we’re going to be stuck with.” Then sighed and went on, “Hopefully when the ship get’s here, the crew can explain more. Celestia assured me that they and all of those at the base will be more than happy with explaining things to us.”

“Sounds good.” Applejack nodded. “I’d hate t’ be stuck down there and twiddlin’ my fingers doin’ nothin’.” Then paused and considered, “Think they need a real farm hand t’ help around with crops. I mean, iffin’ they got a park down thar, think they got fields?”

Thinking to that, Twilight admitted, “I don’t know Applejack… but I’m sure you could ask.” Not really knowing the full extent of the technology's power or capabilities. For all the alicorn knew, they did have a large sprawling field of indoor grown food. Though evidence of ‘tight spaces’ being mentioned, had sounded like that might not be the case.

While Applejack gave a nod to that, knowing the best way to possibly know was asking, anything more was placed on hold by Pinkie’s excited call, “Look, here it comes, here it comes!” Her hand pointing on ahead as waters turned and splashed, a silver ship with purple stripes coming into sight.

With a slight joking smile, Rainbow nudged Twilight and joked, “Hey Twi, looks like you got fans.” Remarking to the ship’s name that they could see, ‘Twilight Hope’.

While the idea made her flush, Twilight brushed it off and told, “I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.” Reaching for her bags and smiled, “Come on girls, time to get going.” Immediately taking the lead.

The others reached for their own things, though they did give odd looks to Rarity, who unlike her normal self, only had a single bag. The sight was so weird for them, as they were used to her having a much… larger amount to lug around. It was a sight that Twilight also was a little disturbed of, and wondered if it had something to do with either Rarity’s missing memories, or this ‘Equalization’ she had taken to believing.

Before they could reach the waters, Twilight and her friends became distinctly aware of a dark from under the water, right before it surfaced and turned out to be a mare. All came to a stop as the dark pink pegasus swam her way to shore, pulling herself out of the water and moving her dirty blond mane to the side to give the six a look over.

She gave a slight smile, and spoke, “Hey, nice to see you’re back to normal, Princess.” Striding right up and told, “You might not know me, but I was part of the group that went to get you from the fleet.”

Blinking, Twilight watched the mare hold out a hand, one she took and spoke, “Really? Well, thank you then.” Giving a smile before letting go of the hand and saying, “As you know. I am Princess Twilight.” then took a moment to introduce, “By me is Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack.”

“Nice to meet you all.” Told the smiling mare, “Name’s Strike Out by the way. I’m part of the crew to Twilight Hope. I came out to make sure you were able to get onboard.” Turning around and motioning them to follow her into the water.

Looking from the shore and then to the ship, Rainbow shrugged and stretched her wings saying, “I think I’m flying there while I still can.” Reaching out and taking Fluttershy’s bag before taking to the air, flying her way right over the ship. The remaining girls gave eyerolls or shakes of their heads before continuing on into the water to swim there.

Initially getting into the ship, Twilight had found herself more amazed than anything. She had to first restrain Pinkie for a while, the bubbly mare so full of excitement and wonder at the entire thing. But the alicorn had to say, it was a tight fit. Adding the six of them actually took up a majority of the room. It certainly was not that big of a space, even on the upper decks.

The crew was… very nice actually. Very welcoming as well. Twilight and her friends got to watch the Captain, Rulewood, take the ship down and under the water before steering it around to head for their destination. All nearly memorized by the controls surrounding the mare. Twilight could not help but ask questions. About the HUD display seemingly made out of light, the way the ship functions, how it could keep air fresh inside, what sort of speeds it could go…

Most was placed on hold though, mostly so another mare, Penwick, could take a moment to tell them all the rules while down in Alpha Base. It gave them all a moment to sit down and actually ask questions about the base and its workings. Applejack was a little disappointed about there not being too much in the way of fields, but there were indoor plants apparently needing some tending to. The rest being in open water where they had to be taken care of or harvested.

Then there were the safety rules. This part actually had gotten them thinking. Granted, most were easy to keep in mind, but knowing that a simple leak could be a potential danger to the integrity of a ‘Habitats’ strength, or how simply closing a door could save their life or give them time was a bit much to take in.

It didn’t stop Pinkie from looking about the situation as if being a indoor pool if that ever did happen.

Though, when that formality had been done, all six retired to the larger space in the middle of the ship, though this only brought a new level of intrigue. Mostly from Rainbow Dash, whom had noticed a familiar strawberry pink colored mech suite below their hooves, one they could see being maintained by a mare with just a equally strawberry colored coat. The remainder of the trip was spent to listening to Rainbow’s whole excited telling’s of the suits during her rescue at a sabotaged bridged by five of the things.

To say the least, the six had plenty to keep them occupied until they reached the base.

Bags being placed down, the six mares looked about the limited, yet still clean and roomy space that was their own to use as they saw fit. At the moment they were in a main room, one that was all to to themselves. There was a total of two floors, and five individual rooms each. The second was used for living spaces, while the first one was mostly for visitors. And while it seemed small for a bit, it was quickly realized that in a sense, they had a lot of space compared to most that lived down there.

“OOOOooooo~!” Pinkie let out, zipping away and down a hall before saying, “Coooooool, we have a good view of the whole town!” The party mare having rushed into one of the ‘Multi Purpose’ rooms and pointing out excitedly at the three windows on what could only be defined as the dining space.

Moving up, Rarity grimaced at all the odd angles going this-way-and-that, no structure seeming to follow the same format. Yet, she did say, “Well, I will admit it is… quite a sight.” A familiar gleam entering her eyes, “Why, if I didn’t know better, it looked like a city.”

Moving out while dropping her bags, Rainbow gave a look outside and said, “Ya know? It kinda does.” Crossing her arms and watching a few ponies swim around doing work. Or, in some cases, PRAWN suites and Seamoths moving around-- Cyclops Subs slowly moving over them like airships. “It’d be…. 20% cooler if it all wasn’t under water though.”

With a giggle, Pinkie seemed to snake her way near Rainbow and poke at her side, “You’re just grumpy because you can’t fly around.”

“Hey, I like taking to the air!” Protested the mare, “How am I supposed to become a real good Wonderbolt after all of this if I can’t practice?”

“By practicin’ a bit o’ pataints?” Asked Applejack in a joking tone, getting a few laughs around.

Huffing and arms crossed, Rainbow said, “Whatever.” Not at all happy she lost to that.

Shaking her own head, Twilight lit her horn, their bags in the main room being lifted and moved up a ladder. “Maybe we should find our room and start unpacking.” Getting a few perk looks.

“Well, we probably should.” Agreed Applejack, “Maybe once we’re done with that, Pink’s an’ I can get that food an’ water they mentioned. Don’t know if them cabnits we got have any.”

Thinking along those lines, Fluttershy said, “We should maybe look around, see what we have.” Then thought on it and admitted, “Maybe see if, um… they have something more to wear?” Still a little shy about how much was showing off her body.

“I think I’ll go with Fluttershy and look around for clothing too.” Agreed Rarity. While her sense of fashion was more-or-less dead, she did feel very exposed with her current setup of cloths.

Nodding, Twilight admitted, “I have someplace to be. Two, actually.” Thinking some about it and told, “I need to meet up with Grain, tell her I’m here and know if there are any specific duties we all need to do.” Then paused and added, “Besides meeting the head Medical physician of this place and having a quick physical.”

They all gave nods to that before they all separated their own ways. Applejack and Pinkie moving off to the ‘kitchen’ space to take a look at what they had for food. Rarity and Fluttershy moved up the ladder, going to get to unpack their things. Rainbow surprisingly moved out to take a quick look around and even figure out what the other rooms would be used for. Twilight herself moved to a room that was labeled for storage, figuring she could possibly organize a few things.

Though after that, Twilight moved to one of the devices near the main room’s wall, using some instructions that Penwick told her to work the thing and eventually get somepony sent to help show her around. That thankfully didn’t take long. A young mare appeared within some short time to show her her way, mostly to where Grain and where the doctor was. But when those two things were done, Twilight had one last thing to do. Something she planned to do soon.

A long exhale was given as Crisp tapped away on one of the tablets she was given. At the moment she was in the little relaxation room to the Lab’s, merely taking her time to relax and go over a few things. Her husband was busy with another project, something he had been given a chance to once more work on now that he had time.

Zealous, she was certain, was back in their rooms and straightening out things. Mostly cleaning up after a recent ‘bout of fun’ the previous night. While Magic, she had to guess, was working on another potentially illegal magical spell.

Sometimes the artist wonders how her life revolved around such odd circumstances. Though, Crisp amended that was all due to her being friends with such a odd mare with a overzealous nature, funnily enough.

Taking another sip of her coffee, Crisp almost didn’t hear the hooves clanking away at the steel floor, and with one glance back, found herself blinking. “Deft, good to see you.” She greeted nicely enough, though looking past the young mare, Crisp sat up straighter and said, “Princess Twilight, this is rather unexpected.”

Smiling, Twilight spoke, “Hi, um, do you happen to know where I can find Magic?” Then went on to explain, “I had some things I needed to ask the Archmage about and…”

Hand up, Crisp spoke, “You don’t need to explain, Twilight Sparkle. I think I have a rough idea what it could be about.” Figuring it had to do with advanced magic’s. “Right this way.” Getting up and placing the tablet away and leaving her coffee where it was.

Twilight took a moment to give thanks to Deft for getting her that far, right before following the rosy mare down a set of ladders and moving down the halls. The place was fairly quiet, though that was to be expected with so little working inside and Albert being once more away on whatever business he had.

Moving to one of the bulkheads, Crisp fairly heavily hit on the metal door, mostly to make sure Magic heard her though his sometimes heavy focus. “Magic, you have a guest!” Waiting for a moment before magical energy opened the door for them.

Giving a nod to Twilight, Crisp said, “I’ll be in the relaxation room if you need me, Princess.” Giving a formal nod and smile before leaving.

“Thank you again.” Twilight called back, before turning and moving inside. While she was interested in looking around, she was more focused on the stallion looking up from his work and looking to her. Twilight tried not to fidget too much, mostly due to the fact she was never on that great of speaking terms with Magic and his sometimes cold demeanor.

Still, she tried to straighten up and spoke, “Archmage Magic.” Composing herself the best she could. “I don’t want to take up your time, but I have some questions.”

He examined her, seeing that her wings and horn were back in place, noticing no changes since he gave back not only hers but her friends memories sometime back-- and he was thinking over on what exact reasons why she was here. Before concluding that she might feel like helping, or asking a few things he might know as Magic motion a hand to a free chair. “Sit, Twilight.” Not bothering to use her title as with a glow of his horn, he brought a chair for himself to sit down in.

Crossing his legs some, he merely relaxes in his spot as he spoke. “Ask all the questions you wish Twilight, just be sure to breathe between them and go slow enough for me to understand.”

Flushing some, Twilight asked, “You… remember that, do you?” A little embarrassed he recalled how she was while she was younger. The first time she met him, mostly as a filly, she would not stop asking him so many questions. Clearing her voice, and being quick to take the offered seat, Twilight let out a breath and said, “It has to do with memory.”

She thought of her next words and said, “Princess Celestia informed me of… what you did.” Part of her felt uncomfortable about how Magic had even done what he did-- take memories from her mind. Her being a Princess now only made the situation all the more grave. “I won’t say I like what you did, but…. But I think I understand why you did it.” Not being foolish to believe she could of kept the Tree secret. Not after what the caribou did to her mind.

A slow nod was all that he gave as he told. “It may not be the ‘right’ thing, but it was the logical. As I knew when I was informed by the Princess’s of the Tree existence, and when the Caribous came...it would be a matter of time. Admittedly it was a rush job, we had limited time of when the Caribous would strike next after the Empire.” Going on to speak as he flick an ear.

“I also had to do the same for your friends, mostly out of precaution. Of both the chances of them breaking...but as well as Applejack horrible lying.”

Smiling some, Twilight admitted, “Honesty isn’t known to lie.” Giving a small laugh though stopped at Magic’s blank face. Twilight shifted and sighed, “I’m trying to say thank you. I know it wasn’t the most ethical of things, but you save the Tree in the end, and I wanted to thank you for that.” Then paused to go on, “but that’s not the reason I brought this up I wanted to ask, what’s wrong with Rarity? Because, if you gave us back our memories, why is she so...”

“I have an educated guess on why she isn’t ‘the same’, Twilight.” looking at her as he explained. “It's a mixture of things, part of it is repressed memories, a safety measure the mind does when put through something too traumatic, like what she experience with Flim and Flam. The other? Magical interference, somepony added magic to those repressed memories, mostly enforcing it further from what I noticed. While the magic isn’t malicious, it's a common medical spell meant to help patients that are a little unstable from recent trauma…”

He frown more as he told. “The last? It’s admittedly unknown, but from what I gather? Its due to something messing with her mind, mostly her missing and replaced cutie mark, this ‘equalization’,” a sneering expression came on his face, as he looked disgusted. He shifted it back to blank as he spoke. “Apologise, I read the reports the team member gather from taking Rarity in ‘Town’ and its ‘harmony’ is rather...disgusting to me.”

Nodding, Twilight said, “Rarity talks about it, and I’m honestly disturbed myself. Even more with what it’s done to her.” Worry etching itself to her face before telling, “I came to you about this because you’re the third best expert in Influence and mind manipulating magic.” Then went on, “I would have gone to Princess Luna, but she’s been extensively busy with military organization. And Magical Superiority has been extensively busy learning and undoing the corruption that’s been placed on the pony citizens. You were the next best option I could ask what happened.”

He merely nods as he told. “The majority of the problem is both mental and spiritual, Twilight. Mental that Rarity, or part of her mind doesn’t want to remember, even more with that medical spell on her mind. Spiritual, because for us ponies, our cutie marks is literally part of our souls. It’s part of us and our magic, to remove the cutie mark is to make our souls, lesser. It's our entire being as ponies, Twilight, and without the mark? Rarity isn’t complete, which is why there is a lack of shine to her, lack of color if you will. As part of her is missing, presumably wherever her cutie mark is within this ‘vault’.”

Sighing, Twilight said, “I was…. Worried about that.” Unable to keep the same composure as the other princesses to this information. “But, the magic is medical, correct?” She asked, “And none malicious? Would that mean whoever cast it was more concerned with her mental state?”

“Possibly, from what I gather it is merely medical. And whoever cast it was doing their best to aid Rarity. Admittedly this spell is actually helping her, as it’s more or less keeping her psyche safe. I can’t remove it until a professional help mend her mental trauma...but the only professional help I would suggest is Magical as she is the best in that area.” said Magic as he told with a frown. “But here’s something bothering me Twilight, from the reports, everyone accepted this ‘Equal’ ideology, where no one is above each other.”

“It’s rather odd that somepony not only knew that spell...but had the knowledge of Influence arts to use it. So the question is...who could done it, if they limited themselves for ‘equality’?”

Twilight frowned at the thought too. Going over her information, the entire town acted as one cohesive body. Only making changes that would benefit all inside the Town. She would admit, it was a extensively effectives means for the town. All ponies having the same skillsets and all working together to achieve large feats. But while she worked it over, Twilight said, “Well, there is one mare that knows it, I think.”

Looking up, Twilight nodded to herself and told, “Starlight Glimmer. She’s the chosen leader of the town because she founded it-- according to Rarity, Starlight was the one that help get her back on her hooves.”

“...Pardon?” said Magic as look surprised for once. “Correct me if I’m wrong….but did you say, Starlight Glimmer?” he had an admittedly concern expression as he told. “I doubt you knew this, but Starlight is a magical prodigy Twilight. I knew her once, a study in with the mages on a retreat once. She is a mixture of my understanding of magic and Superiority of skill in using it….”

A heavy look on Magic face as he looks to Twilight as the stallion told. “If Starlight is the town head...odds are that she still has her cutie mark and isn’t being honest with the townsfolk.”

Blinking some, Twilight said, “What?” Then paused in confusion and said, “That can’t be right… according to Rarity, with what she’s told me, Starlight’s magic is limited still. She has the same mark as the rest, and uses some… staff to do the whole equalization process.” Then paused to think and add, “But… I’ve never heard of a magical artifact that could do that. I would try to look it up-- but… we don’t have any access to the knowledge we once had.”

He gave a really ‘are you serious?’ look to her, as he sighed and shake his head. “You are still gullible as ever, Twilight.” giving her a arch of a brow he told. “There is a thing called ‘make-up’, able to hide many things, color of coats, manes...marks.” then snort as he told. “And there’s no such thing as a staff for equalization, she’s probably found a stick, make it look ancient and use that as a means to hide her potential of having her magical abilities.”

Thinking some as Magic admits. “But neither me nor Magical know of this ‘equalization’...to do something like this is unheard of, in hindsight I can’t really blame you for being fooled…” furrowing his brows as he added. “She might of possibly made the spell herself…” giving a glance to Twilight as he asked. “Did Celestia or Luna made mention of this sort of spell?” making sure that this spell was something neither the two older alicorns knew of. For all he knew, he could be wrong and this spell could be around, but something that hadn’t been discovered yet.

Thinking, Twilight soon shook her head and told, “No. They said that there is something that can take cutie marks away, but it was something entirely different and didn’t do what was done to Rarity. And it used to belong to some warlord that consumed magic.” More or less telling the stallion that this was something entirely new. “I know it seems naive of me, but we honestly don’t know what we’re dealing with. If it is a magical artifact, then it comes down to where she found it and what extent of power it has. If it’s just a stick… well, then that complicates things..”

“Very, I doubt there is an artifact that hold such power, it would be of been in forbidden texts or known among the spirits.” agreed Magic as he frown heavily. “Meaning she might of made a new magic, and if so? We have a problem….” thinking some as he told. “But...thankfully Starlight seem more interested in waiting for anyone to come to her, than spreading it out as the town is safe from the Khara due to no fast way for it to spread…

“But with the Wendigos...hard to say, they might move around the town due to no negative emotions…” thinking more as he suggested. “We may need to bring this up to Albert, mostly due to him seeing something we might not notice. He could have some hindsight on not only how to get Rarity her mark back, but perhaps persuade Starlight to work with us.” thinking a bit as he added. “Maybe make a plan if things come to worse? I doubt Starlight will hold kind to us somehow getting Rarity her mark back…”

Shifting a bit, Twilight said, “I don’t want to sound too misinformed, but I’ve only been actually conscious of myself for only a few days now.” Sighing a bit and asking, “Just who exactly is Albert. I’ve heard about him, but I don’t have a clear image just yet.” Then went on, “I’m planning to stay here in the Labs during most of my time, try helping out if possible, but…”

“A man who see things in logic and reason. Someone who rather do scientist work than waste time debating, effective, ruthless at times, and is very insane now and then. Talks to himself and babble, but a decent guy. Don’t let his looks fool you either, he is more than we assume, Twilight.” looking at her as he went on. “A survivor of sorts living alone in the sea for a long time, Albert is also much more cunning than anyone can give him credit for, Albert never mention top-secret projects despite babbling. Consider him as a sort of...chessmaster of sorts, Twilight.”

Thinking some to that, Twilight admitted, “Princess Celestia did tell me to be cautious around him. And Shining seemed unsure too.” Then glanced back up saying, “If he’s as… devious as you say, I think I understand why.” Then thought it out and asked, “Why do you think he’d be useful in handling Starlight? Has he… done something similar?”

“He single-handedly planned for not only the Empire situation, gaining both Princess’s, but as well as planned out in acquiring all of you Element Bearers.” flatly told Magic. “He has also earned a bit of my respect to see him as a college of learning and knowledge….” focusing on her as he told. “Despite him being as he is, Albert is pleased enough if I do my work and don’t break him from his work, he seem to enjoy everyone working cohesively and on time. Only time he gets annoy? Is when someone disrupts that cohesive nature and even waste time when they obviously have better things or more work to do.”

“I believe with his nature against Starlight, he’ll prove more than a challenge to the mare with his intellects alone.”

Nodding, Twilight soon agreed, “If he’s that good… then I’m at least glad he’s more interested in his work than in war.” Then looked up adding, “He almost sounds like what King Sombra used to be in his prime. A tactical genius on the battlefield.” Then hesitated and asked, “I know he’s a ally, but… be honest with me, Magic. Do you think Albert has any plans to turn on us when all this is over? With… how smart he is and all.”

“What he hates more than wasting time, is seeing species turn extinct or stagnate.” told Magic, “He has an ‘interesting’ outlook of things, Twilight. He may survive on his own and his own will, but he understands the ‘natural order’ to the extreme. The extinction of a species, to him, can cause large change or potential destabilized ecosystem. He seems keen on preserving that ecosystem as much as possible and ensures further survival of not just himself, but things around him. As their survival ensure his survival.

“He admittedly planned to make the Caribou survive at the end of this, even find a way to turn their minds around into a more productive and prosperous direction,” admitted Magic as he shrugged. “Granted, he thinks the kids are the best target of this, not older generation. Probably why he agreed with all caribou young be taken to where the Overlord is living at, more safer for them.”

“Overlord Jerry.” Twilight nearly muttered before nodding. “I remember him; he’s the one that took me to the Tree to get healed.” Then smile some, “Well, I’m glad that someone’s helping the fawns. I heard from Cadence how bad things were getting on the island.” Then scrunched up her face, “I… I almost can't believe ponies would get so… sour over the idea.” Then sighed out, “How could they forget what we stand for?”

“It's not surprising to me.” Admit Magic, leaning back as he told. “Add in our species of herd-mentality, the pain and suffering mares endure through the years, the hopelessness, the humiliation, the multiple breaking of minds and younger generation seeing things or going through things that they shouldn’t?” looking at her as he told. “Really, we as a species have a festering wound of hate and spite to the Caribous, so much we think killing their young might remove the problem as well as killing the adults.”

When Twilight sighed and placed her head into her hand, Magic could almost see the weight pressing down on her. The sight was almost odd, even more when he heard, “I know that, in a sense, you’re more than right, Archmage. I just…” Seeming almost lost in thought and almost troubled-- far cry from the filly that used to nag him with unending questions over all forms of magic. “This is just so much. I remember so much of what I did while under that magic they put on me, but… but at the same time I’m… I’m not as angry, how can I be?”

She looked up and went on, “I mean, I think I can feel angry at the caribou that… wronged me, but the fawns? I used to ‘teach’ a few of them.” Then rubbed her face further, “And the later effects. I want ponies to try and forget this best they can and move on but… I don’t know how to go about that?” Then muttered, “I’m not sure how the princesses plan to even fix so much of the damage done.” And while he was not the most sympathetic, Magic could almost see why this bothered the mare. She was, essentially, new blood in the royal line that had expanded in the recent years.

He thought over...as he admits. “If I had to guess? Maybe they hope with you and your friends connection to the Tree, be able to ‘heal’ the many ponies and the pain in them. While it won’t make them ‘forget’ what they suffer...they could at least heal, maybe forgive and move on. Unlike you and your friends, many haven’t had the Tree heal them, it's why a specific few are clear minded and forgiving. You all have a taste of Harmony to balance you and your magic, something the rest of Equestria haven’t been exposed to in a long time.”

Thinking some, Twilight said, “You…. you’re right.” Giving a slow nod in thought. “Negative emotions help make dark magic or some forms of chaos magic. Ponies tend to replicate that magic if they are exposed to it too long, disable their own harmonic magic and make them hostile. Angry, scared and more easier to corrupt.”

She looked up and asked, “Do you think that’s what’s going on? While it’s not actual dark magic, the type we’ve used and have been exposed to, do you think that the mere negative intent is.. Making a sort of weaker variant of it and causing most of the problems?”

“I don’t think, I know Twilight.” told Magic. “I’ve been in Canterlot, the heart of this problem for a few years. The negative emotions are like a untune instrument, always playing sour notes and never in a harmonized state. The ‘glorious Empire’ merely helps enforce it and because there’s no harmony, the natural magic in the area disharmonized the ponies further, hence why their magical pathways are harmed so badly. That they can’t help but be influenced by darker intents.” then added further.

“Admittedly the only reason neither I nor Zealous aren’t affected during our time in Canterlot is due to my own specialize harmony with darkness. Allowing me to be immune to the problem, as for Zealous? Her mastery in gemstone and knowledge of them are what used to keep her harmonized magic intact and safe, even more with me keeping all other males away from her to not affect her harmony.”

Sighing, Twilight smiled, “I’m glad Princess Celestia was able to keep you in power when the nobility found out about your acts with dark magic. We would be in so much more trouble if they found a way to get you out of office.”

“Yes, like the fact the Resistance would die off, the Tree would be corrupted or destroyed and neither Jerry nor Albert could be able to act or do much with the Caribous controlling everything.” agreed Magic with a simple nod.

Thinking some, Twilight asked, “Magic, could I ask you a favor?” Then pause in thought to add, “Normally I would ask Celestia, or even Luna, but they have been extremely busy. And while I’m… not too fond of the idea, I really think I need to both expand and… have better control of my own dark magic.” Then sheepishly told, “I think I made Celestia a bit worried when I first used it to handle the whole… Sombra problem the first time. Nothing serious happened, but I would rather have some more tutelage in the area if I had to use it again.”

He frown, considering this as while it would halt him in term of work...it would at least patch the bridge with him and Celestia, and they don’t need another ‘Nightmare Moon’ situation with Twilight being more magically powerful...He soon nod, but he raised a hand, having 3 fingers showing up. “3 conditions. One: You will inform Celestia I will be teaching you of handling the dark arts correctly. Two: You will Pinkie Promise to do as I tell you when I tell you when it concerns the dark arts. Three: We will do all studying at the Dark Castle, as I doubt anything will survive if I taught you here, as novice in the dark arts tends to...overexert their uses with the dark arts.”

As he add flatly. “Especially with a powerful alicorn like yourself, there will be damages and I will like it if we are someplace where there won’t be high collateral ‘mishaps’.”

Thinking some, Twilight nodded, “I can agree to those terms.” Then went on, “But, I will say that I’m more interested in fine tuning what I currently have.” Then went on, “Extensive lessons might have to wait after we’re done with the mess we’re currently in with the caribou. I’m more concern of corruption, dark magic inadvertently affecting my mind and other possible side effects if I’m forced to use it again too early.”

Magic consider that over, as he nodded. “I can at least teach you of handling corruption and the dark arts affecting your mind, perhaps self-protection against dark influences, which is the first thing I need to teach you first than anything. Admittedly I am glad you are talking precaution of learning new spells, since when you were a filly you would always want to learn spells as fast as possible-- never taking the time to learn and understand the magic like I have.”

Blushing a bit, Twilight said with a sheepish smile, “I was a protégé of the Princess and a filly. I… got a little over excited and wanted to prove myself at the time to her.” Shifting some and told, “I’ve grown out of that, thankfully. Celestia saw to that and I’m thankful for it.”

He nodded, considering as he told. “In this case, we can actually do lessons here in the Labs, as most of the things I will teach you are novice and self-defense of the dark arts.” then admitted. “But it's mostly self-control exercises and careful manipulation of internal magic, nothing to external or threatening. We also may need to visit the Dark Castle, mostly to see how well you are learning, as sometimes the best way to fight against the dark arts influence is to be around it.”

“Of course.” Nodded Twilight for a moment before pausing and saying, “And thank you. Honestly I feel like I’ve woken out of a… well, a really horrible nightmare and somehow was flung years in the future. It’s… well, all off putting.” Then gave a heavy sigh and asked, “Maybe we can take a moment to go over what’s going on around here? If I plan to help, I probably have a lot to catch up on.”

Magic nodded as he told. “I can tell you what both me and Periodic been working on, maybe have new insight…” then amended. “Unless Periodic can’t have his pills anymore,” giving a look as he asked. “You never met Pyro before, did you?”

Shaking her head, Twilight said, “Dr. Tables always excused himself before it happened. I never had gotten the time to see.” Then went on to tell, “But… Zealous?” She asked, trying to recall the mare’s name, “I think when she used to go to some classes I attended, used to talk about ‘Pyro’.” Then smiled, “Well, he sounds like a sort of Pinkie Pie sort of person.” Then grimaced, “But with possibly lethal explosives…” Not sure how to take that part. “But, I guess I will meet him sooner or later?”

“With Crisp limiting his use of the pills? I dare say it’s a high chance you’ll meet him sooner than anything.” remarked Magic with a low smile. “Pyro also use non-lethal bombs, paint bombs, dust bomb, really Pyro just has a love for explosions.” then assured. “As long Crisp is around him, she’ll make sure he won’t stray too far or to areas he’s not supposed to be.” then thought over as he asked.

“Do you have any questions of the Overlord? I am certain you have plenty, and I am one of the rare few beside the Princess’s, Cadence or your brother from meeting him close, or whoever this Spree mare is.”

Sighing, Twilight said, “More than you might think.” Then named off with a raised hand, “What sort of magic does he use. How do his gates function? What are the materials used. Are the minions magical or a form of goblin or fiend? Does his armor function the same as normal or is it a special kind of magically made armor.” Then stopped to go on, “There’s so much I just want to know, but I have a feeling that even you only know so much of what I want to know.”

“Unknown magic, Gates are unknown of both function and materials except of what the Overlord told me. Minions are imp like creatures that are formed out of a unique thing I won’t tell unless you Pinkie Promise to never reveal, his armor is actually stronger than our armor, even more his Titanium set with added magical aid to strengthen him. There's a lot I know more, but I won’t say out of respect and promised of keeping quiet for the Overlord.” added Magic.

With an odd look, Twilight spoke, “You know, when you asked about me knowing more about the Overlord, I had a slight hope I would find out something. But from what you say, the parts you don’t know you’ll just say you don’t know, and the parts you do know you won’t tell me because out of respect-- which I understand, but that only leaves me in the same amount of dark as before.”

“Unless you Pinkie Promise to not tell anyone unless given permission, I won’t tell.” said Magic. “The Overlord really likes it to keep some things to himself; just in case word might get spread and somepony who has dark influence might try to hurt him with those things he keeps quiet about.”

Shaking her head, Twilight then told, “Than I think I’ll refrain from asking for now. Because I honestly think I have enough on my plate as it is that doesn't include secrets of a Dark Overlord that’s also really nice when he wants to be.” Confusing as it sounded, but to Twilight that was fine. She rather have a ‘Nice’ and reasonably dark overlord than a dark overlord that would try and subvert them all.

Magic merely nodded in agreement. “Believe me, that is actually the preferable than what many thought of him.” he slightly wonder what the Overlord was doing at this moment.