An eruption of voices formed within the throne room, as Jerry appeared in the center of the room, shaking off the frost and snow off of his body. Looking around as he asked in slight panic. “Where’s Twilight?” pausing for a moment to see a lot of his subjects in the room, talking, chatting, going around in confusion as it seemed they saw the same thing he did.

“Over here!” Jerry had to whip his head around while removing his helmet and the cloth facemask. The visor removal makes it a bit easier to see in the dimmer room. When he saw Twilight, she looked… well, she looked to be elated, worried and so many other things. “You saw it too, right? The sky!” Half rushing to him and almost jogging in place.

“Yeah, and seeing both sun and moon in the sky? Being still is...creepy.” said Jerry as he asked. “Twilight, please tell me you have an idea on why they stopped? Because thats...that’s not normal.”

With half glee, Twilight told, “Dainn’s dead!” It made all thought process stop in Jerry’s mind. “Dainn had both Celestia and Luna’s magic, or the main bulk of it at the very least. It allowed them to move both the Sun and Moon, help maintain day and night.”

Hand motioning to a window, Twilight told on. “But, if they’re not moving, it must mean either Dainn’s near dead, or is dead! He doesn't control them anymore!” Then Twilight became worried. “But… the thing is, if he is dead? That means the magic should have returned to the Princesses and they would have gotten the sun and moon moving again. But… they haven’t.”

“...Everybody stand back now!” ordered Jerry as he tossed his helmet visor onto the throne seat as he looked to Twilight as he held a dreaded look. “Twilight, we are going to the island, now.” left hand thrusted up as the man surged forth the two of them to transport from the room-- onto the Main Gate on the Equestrian island.

As the Gate pulse in life, Jerry quickly brought up his Minions as he told. “Twilight, normally I wouldn’t bring my Minions here-- but I’m not taking chances. If the sky is controlled by both? Something is wrong.” although part of him was trying his best not to freak out that two alicorns control the sun and moon. Which was impossible for him to comprehend. No not impossible, near madding!

“I’m more worried if they’re not in control of them.” Twilight chimed in, making Jerry wonder why she would think that-- then again she was a princess too… wait, did that mean she was possibly as strong as those two as well to do the same!?

Panicking aside, Twilight went on to tell. “Because if Dainn isn’t in control of the sun and moon, and the Princess’s aren't controlling them either… where is their magic and who has it now?” which… in retrospect, was worse. Some possible random person having the power to move the Sun and Moon around like some juggling act at will?

Oh….SHIIIIIIT! thought Jerry couldn't help but shouted in his overhyped panic. “MINIONS!” all the Minions perked to Jerry as he commanded. “Get Twilight to the Princess’s, NOOOOOOW!”

Like ants, the Minions move to grab a chair, taking it as they put her in it-- and formed a group to bulldoze anything through their way as as the Minions rushed to the two Princesses as fast as pronto.

“Ah- hey, careful!” Twilight tried to protests, “I-I can fly!” Though her pleas went… fairly much unheard.

“Get Purple to Big ponies!” shouted a minion.

“Purple pony is light, get there faster for Master!” told a Red.

“Move! Move!” shouted a Brown as while they were charging through… while Jerry was running as fast he could after them as the Minions made any pony who were in their way to sidestep aside.

When the mansion of the two sisters were seen, with a crowd of ponies in the gates...A brown called out. “Get out of the way or be crushed by Minions!”

All heads turned and many ponies moved. Like a parting sea, the ponies got out of the way of the rushing minions. The guards at the gate, having been holding them shut, saw them and, rather surprisingly, opened the gates. While the minions rushed on by, one mare called, “Princess, we were--”

“HELP!” Yelped Twilight as she flew by the guards, minion-powered momentum speeding her by.

While the guards were left stunned, Jerry ran after the minions and Twilight, another guard saying, “..Overlord… we were about to get you…” Waiting for him to pass by before closing the gate.

Entering through, he had to stop running. Mostly to catch his breath as he forgot he was in his winter gear...and running in it with the local tropic warmth he was in? Not a good idea. Taking a bottle of water to chug down, he finished the bottle as he packaged it for later use. Taking more breaths as he said. “I….” wheezing a bit as he continued on. “Saw.” Taking another breath in as he said. “Give me...a moment….winter….gear…”

“If you mean the sky….we noticed.” said one of the guards as Jerry wheezed as he managed to catch his breath and asked.

“Did the Celestia or Luna,” taking a deep breath in as he calmed his heart rate. “Came out as of late?”

Another guard shook her head and said, “no. They’re inside having a meeting with Captain Pearl, Specialist Screech, Prince Armor and Princess Cadence. Twilight might join them. And since you’re here, Doctor Albert is the last one we need to alert to this.”

“Yeah sure I just need to-,” started Jerry as he was about to contact whoever was at the tower Heart...until he realized he left his helmet at the Castle. “...Shit.” then glance to the mansion as Jerry told. “I’ll be joining them there…” quickly moving inside the mansion as it didn’t take long as when he entered inside and traveled to the room, did he see those who tended to the meetings as Twilight was there...with the Minions still around her as Pearl spoke dryly.

“Hello Overlord...was it needed to bring your Minions?” then raised a brow as she added. “And where is your helm?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Evaded, Jerry, moving to his spot as with a flick of his wrist, did the Minions swarm by him, as he said to them. “Good job bringing her here.” the Minions couldn’t help but cheer a bit.

With a shuddering breath, Twilight slowly ungripped the chair she was in and stood shakily. “Jerry…. Please… don’t do that again…” Cadence looking almost minorly amused along with… now that Jerry was looking at the faces at the table, he became extremely aware of a new pony there.

Yes, Celestia and Luna were there, along with both Crystal Empire royals. And two of the main military leaders were also there, Stone hooves no doubt helping keep the peace in the masses. But the new mare that stood between Celestia and Cadence… he didn’t recognize.

Looking to be a unicorn, of light blue coat, indigo mane covering her head as she looked partially amused. Her sky-blue eyes looked to Twilight, before focusing on Jerry as she spoke. “So you’re the Overlord…” then raise a brow as she remarked. “Huh...no one did mention how ugly looking you were. Probably didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Creepy I can see. Strange I can understand...ugly? Never had that before. thought Jerry, as the unicorn gauge at Jerry, seemed to tell of his slight confusion instead of insult...which means he doesn't get angry at being called words. Granted she never saw anything like him beside Albert...but it was odd to say the least. She half expected him to be a Diamond dog, or maybe a pony.

Definitely not a human...although it would partially explain how he and Albert ‘got along’.

Clearing her voice, Celestia said, “I would also ask you don’t mare-handel Twilight, Overlord. She is a princess.” Only a small noteworthy amount of amusement there. “Still, we just sent word to get you both. I’m surprised you came so quickly.” The amended, “But I don’t think it’s because of the messengers you’re here. Not that it isn’t obvious enough.”

“Seeing the sun and moon together, standing still in the sky?” said Jerry with a raise of a hand. “Is beyond freaky for me to see.”

Odd, then again...not everyday you do. thought Aira, as she wore her disguise to ensure her safety, and try to keep rumors from spreading. She however asked. “I can imagine you were elsewhere when this happened, Overlord?”

Getting Jerry's attention, he gave a glance and answer. “Yeah. I was nearing the Lunar Bay when I saw it….really took me by surprise.” then asked Celestia. “Twilight mentioned that Dainn might be dead because of...them being stuck?”

Taking this as some que, Luna told, “the sun and moon don’t naturally move themselves. We of great magical might, must take up the responsibility to move them. In the far past, hundreds of powerful unicorn magi would put their magic to pull the Sun and Moon to make night and day possible. But when my sister and I rose to power, we took on that responsibility. Mine the moon and the night, her the sun and it’s day.”

“When Dainn took our magic, he took the responsibility to rise and lower day and night.” Added in Celestia. “It was something he didn’t think about at first, and the first month was… inconsistent. And it still sometimes was. But regardless, his magic had the power to move them, and he either did it, or there would be a prolonged day or night.”

“Dainn is dead.” Luna seemed sure of this. “While he took much of our magic, we still had a small bit left. The reason he took our horns, so we could not use it. Even then, it let us feel where it was. And for a moment, it nearly came back. We felt it. For a moment, Diann's life waned and our magic began to seep free of his clunches to us. Then… then something drank it up. Something dark and familiar.”

While Aira glanced at the two, partially of what that could mean. Jerry tried to think of who could have ‘taken’ the magic as Pearl asked.

“Dark and familiar?”

Breathing in, Celestia told, “we doubt it highly that he lives, but we’re sure that it’s Sombra’s magic that’s holding our magic locked away.” Which was more than enough to make Cadence and Shining Armor look a little worried.

“King Sombra?” half gasped Cadence, “but… I thought he was gone for good.”

“Sombra was a very clever mind.” Luna seemed to remind her niece. “He sealed the empire and came back as a half-ascended form of dark magic. Manifesting his form between a fog of darkness and to that as a pony. Death can sometimes be whimsical for something like that.”

...ANOTHER ONE!? How many villians do I need to kill to make sure competition won’t come up?! thought Jerry as he asked in a near irritated tone. “Are there any other bad guys I should be aware of besides, you know...the Storm King, Sombra,-- supposedly changelings that were mentioned, maybe Discord-- actually where is he? Wasn’t he reformed or something.”

Aira wanted to snap at the Overlord for assuming the changelings were evil...but then doubted he fully knew. Not many ponies did either as she corrected. “Not all changelings are evil. But some are pretty stupid.”

Speaking up to keep any looks from reaching Aria, Luna said, “Discord was placed inside a cage of Order to help keep his statue guarded. How he was turned to stone, we still do not know how. But the last we saw, Dainn placed Discord in an entrapment of order.”

“I doubt it’s going to hold.” Twilight popped up. “With what’s been going on, the amount of chaos would not just wake him up, but send him on a chaos-spree just to get back at them for placing him in stone.” A clear concern for the signs not showing that to be the case so far.

“And as for threats…” Picked up Celestia, “well… I have to sadly admit that Equestria is a magnet for trouble.”

Rubbing a hand on his forehead, Jerry thought in irritation. Great. Equestria is a magnet for trouble...I am so glad I decided to not ‘conquer’ it. Sounds more troublesome than anything else. If anything with the time I learn here? Equestria is a trouble magnet. Better to let Celestia and Luna deal with the mad loony bin and just stick to my island paradise castle at the beach. feeling a bit happy about owning that island... then frown and ask.

“Wait...correct me if I’m wrong...but if this Discord...could easily break out with the amount of chaos happening-- why hasn’t he appeared?”

“The same could be asked on how our magic was absorbed by a magic only Sombra had.” Said Luna. “there have been things amiss lately. Before they could clearly be explained. But now, there is concern to be had on what’s truly going on. And without our spies and lack of intel? We are in the dark.”

“But one thing is clear.” Spoke Celestia. “Someone has our magic. And they either know how to use it, or have no clue. And I’m concerned about it being the later case. This could throw the order of things around the world out of place.”

While expression dimmer and going grim on that, Jerry thought and soon asked. “Celestia, Luna?” gaining the princess’s attention as he asked. “Is Sombra magic...similar to the Caribous in a sense?”

Screech glance and question. “Why interest in this, Overlord?” to which Aira felt a bit curious herself as Jerry told.

“Bear with me.” said Jerry as he looked at the two as he went on. “Is Sombra the near same alignment that the caribous had with their own magic? I mean it’s obvious it is-- but I just want confirmation.”

Curious herself, Cadence decided to answer with, “it’s not exactly the same. It doesn't corrupt like the Caribous. It’s more focused on darkness, shadows and especially using fear to control others. In some cases, brainwashes victims.”

“....Good.” was all Jerry said, as Aira perked, noticing the...confidence in Jerry at that, even seeing him smiling wide in hearing such information.

Seeming to understand, Screech told, “don’t celebrate just yet, Overlord.” Seeming to use her old stern tone to pop that confidence, or at least deflate it. “The princesses said that Sombra had the magic. They didn’t say he was back. If he was, I think we’d be seeing more than just snow.”

“She’s right.” Celestia spoke in thought. “Sombra used dark crystals, made from his own magical might. If they’re not around? Then it’s unlikely he’s around either.” Going to say more, until the doors opened.

All looked to find that Albert had arrived. And to some surprise, Magic and Pyro were along with him. As the doors closed, the scientist moved right up to Jerry, holding up a visored helmet and saying, “I think you forgot this, Jerry.”

“Uh, thanks...to be fair I was distracted.” then motioned a Minion to move and take the held up visored helmet as Jerry told. “Anyway Albert good news? Dainn dead. Bad news? Apparently he had magic he stole from Celestia and Luna in controlling the sun and moon-- and it’s now in the hands of either this new villain by the name of Sombra-- or possibly by the necromancer somehow.”

That made Magic highly alert, ears pricking sharply and eyes focused. In contrast, Pyro looked rather interested, while Albert said, “that… is troubling to know.” Thinking a little to say, “Magic, didn’t you say that Sombra was a very powerful dark arts master and former king to the Empire?”

Giving a firm nod, Magic told. “Yes.” already thinking of the worst case scenario as he spoke. “I do not know how he has returned-- but my guess is either a contingency plan-- or due to the unknown factors in Equestria, has arisen.” then let his mind think more as he soon said. “And if he has the magic...then we’re doomed. And if the Necromancer has them...then we’re equally doom unless we have some form of plan.”

Then look to Pyro and tell him. “No, we can’t use bombs to defeat him.”

“Aw.” whine out Pyro in disappointment, mostly because he wanted to use his explosions.

“If Sombra had it, the sky would still be night.” Luna seemed to tell. “You know as well as I, Archmage Magic, Sombra’s powers are strongest with darkness. He would use that.”

“Meaning that whoever has the magic either doesn't care, or doesn't know how to use it.” Mused Albert. “I would say they don’t know, but I think if they took the magic, they would realize it.” Half scratching his head over the puzzle. “Still, this has ecological ramifications. Some species will get confused. Other’s might not get the right cues. And the tides might not move, which will be a huge issue for marine life.”

“What about Equestria?” Pearl said, “Or worse, who might have the Princess’s combined powers!”

“That won’t matter if the sea stops functioning.” Said Albert. “No tides mean no waves. No wave means no moving water currents. This is a huge issue.”

“And no water means all the deadly sea life will stay in one place, which might cause lots of death too!” add in Pyro as Screech told in low annoyance.

“Dr. Perio-,”

“PYRO!” nearly shouted the stallion with a thrust finger up and frown. “I am Pyro! If you’re going to be annoyed at me, at least use my proper name, Screechy!”

“Pyro.” Sighed out Albert, “I think instead of antagonizing her, we need to consider what to do.” Trying to make a solid point with, “the effects won’t take full effect for a while. A long while. But we need to figure out where the magic’s gone, and who has it. Because if we don’t and the day-cycle isn’t restarted, there will be consequences. And right now, I nearly don’t care who has it, as long as the cycle is going.”

Rising to that, Pearl said, “you would hope that someone like the Necromancer, or even the Overlord, has it just so it keeps going?” Not sure how she felt about that.

“While it’s not ideal, Dr. Albert is correct.” Luna spoke up. “Even Dainn understood the consequences of not moving either after one night. Without the night to signal sleep, then life would not rest and later cool the land that may get hot and unbearable. Without the sun to wake or warm it? Then it would surely freeze.”

“Which means for me, the Storm King has to get annoyed and possibly distracted. They won’t notice the Hippogriffs escaping,” started off Jerry as he took out a finger. “Then I need to get a Gate for the Yaks,” taking another finger out, “then get transportation to get to Arabia to make a Gate there,” taking another finger. “Then we need to find Discord and get the magic of the princess’s before world-wide calamity happens,” then finish off with the final finger.

“THEN We have to deal with the Necromancer with who knows how many undead that controls Equestria, since Dainn isn’t around to fight or piss him off.” then added with annoyance. “With a side possibility of Sombra being alive or not...Did I miss anything?”

“There's you.” told Pearl.

“I don’t count on this.” told Jerry.

Seeming to add his 2 cents, Albert said, “then not counting you, there’s curing the Khara wherever we go.”

Thrusting his arms up, Jerry said. “And of course! The Khara I still need to help in curing! Thank you Albert for reminding me!” then gave a sigh with a roll of his eyes. “You know, I’m wondering why I okey’d the idea, I mean, sure I know now that really it doesn’t matter if I dumped some in the empire-- but seriously! I think that just made it spread a little too fast.”

“The original strand of virus was more widespread than you thought, even before you used a strain in the Empire. We would have come to this situation regardless.” Logicly pointed out the sickly man. “But, I think we’re all here to not recount our problems, but to fix it?”

With a sigh, Shining half leaned over the table, “That’s the hope. We’ve been trying to puzzle something out, but so far we’ve been hitting walls. Between the unknown threat of the Necromancer and his forces, to the Windigo’s and the tundra they made? Going through the gates for any spying will be too risky.”

Twilight bit her lip to that and agreed. “Any moves into Equestria would be bad. The Windigos are going to be most concentrated around where the most hate is, which is where the most people are. Possibly remaining towns and cities.”

“Add in that the Overlord can’t go in without becoming an ice sculpture doesn't help.” Screech agreed. “He can’t remove them for us. Normally his Minions make the best force to just wear a target out. But that won’t work on the Windigos.”

Thinking some, Albert pitched in, “in short we simply need intel. But no means to get it.” Then hummed. “If I could, I would suggest using a probe.” It caught the attention of few, and Albert explained. “I use them for exploring, but I have been making them for security teams. They are connected to Scanner Rooms, and can send out two probes each. Each probe has a range of three-hundred meters and sends telemetry images and sounds back. And since it’s an automated machine, the Windigo’s would ignore it.”

“But it clearly has a rang that doesn't reach far enough.” Screech summed up, making Albert nod.

Blinking, Twilight thought… and soon said, “Magic.” A idea in her mind. “Is it possible that we can place scrying runes on Albert’s Probe?” Getting a few magicly knowledgeable people to perk. “Then, tie in the resonance on that prob to a Crystal Ball or Water basin here?”

Thinking over, Magic considered it as he nodded. “It could be done, in theory. But I would need to examine the Probe to ensure that I can expand it with the scrying runes.”

“In my experience.” Luna spoke up to both magical minds, “you often do not need to worry about inner workings or functions of something, if you applied the magical rune as an enchantment to a place that is but a shell.”

“Like the outer casing to the machine.” Albert seemed to catch on. A slight surprise to the Alicorn of the night. “I see what you're saying. I know from Magic that ruins emmet a level of power, and I agree with him. We need to make sure it won’t interfere with the inner workings. But the other issue to bring up is that it’s a sea probe. We need something to mount it on to travel over land.”

“Why not one of Magic’s undead?” asked Pyro as he soon said. “Oh, what if we use one of the Overlord Main Gates to mount it? He got them spread out in Equestria!”

“I hardly doubt it would be wise to place one on said gate, Pyro.” told Magic in flatness, knowing this wouldn’t work as he added. “And to monitor every gate would be taxing on the spell. We would need a very powerful runic array for that.” Thinking of locations Equestria would have as Aira thought on a bit.

As granted she didn’t know too much of runic arts...but she knows enough from espieong on how it works as she suggested. “What if...Pyro's other suggestion is sound? Putting the probe on one of Magic's undead. What better way to spy on an undead...then letting one blend in and spy on them?”

Normally, Magic would have rejected that. No necromancer worth their true dark hearted salt would let any undead come near. They would notice something off with it’s magic not being theirs. But before his mouth shot the idea down, he realized. This necromancer… he had an army. Not just a few like he liked to have, all hand-picked. No, it was a huge, enmasse force of the undead, all with his magic. How would he tell the difference, if one was different, in a mass that is so saturated with their magic, it masks that one spy?

“...She's right.” spoke Magic as he told. “If I bring one of my dead among the necromancers-- he wouldn’t be able to tell, since he has a huge mass. It would be easy to blend in my own into the horde...but which one?” hand under his chin as he thought, to which Pyro asked with a grin.

“Why not Regal? He’s a stallion, he’s able to serve and fight-- and doesn’t get much hate. “

“But he tells puns.” flatly reminded Magic. “Very. Very. Horrible puns. He's also too chatty.” then shook his head. “No, I need one from my own stock...I might need to visit my collection to raise the appropriate dead to do the task.”

With a firm nod, Celestia accepted, “very well, Magic. Once you have the time, do so. This is a top priority for us. We need to know what is going on, and figure out if we can track our missing magic before things get worse.”

Raising a hand, Albert told, “We’ll get right to it, Celestia. I’ll work on a dismantled Probe and find a way to integrate it into one of his undead. More, if we have the time.” Adding to Jerry, “your Armor may have to wait for a while longer, Jerry.”

Sighing, Jerry nodded. “Going to the caverns just got to wait then.” Pearl glanced at this and asked.

“Armor?”

Before Jerry could speak, Albert spoke.

“He broke the set I made. I’m working on a new one.” Told the Scientist. “Apparently it was prone to magical overload. Good thing that was found. It would have been rather bad if that happened later on. That shouldn’t be an issue now.”

Getting looks from Albert to Jerry, the man defended himself. “I was fighting against a proclaim hero of the Caribous by the name of Dulsion-- he had a blade of Order!”

“A...hero for caribous?” started Screech as her eyes furrowed and questioned. “You didn’t think to mention this to us when you found him?”

“Hey! It caught me off guard too, I’m still having trouble believing it now and then.” told Jerry as he added. “Plus, he sorta vanished after leaving the griffons, they aren’t infected with Caribou propaganda-- which is good.” then told with cross arms. “But he was told to find allies too and I quote, ‘defeat my dark ways’. I probably scared Dainn to the point of scrambling for potential allies.”

Shaking her head, Cadence said, “it doesn't matter now. Even if this Caribou, Dulsion, get allies? There won’t be anyone to go help. With the Windigos, I think he won’t be able to get the close to Equestria.”

“A fools errand, but not a wholly stupid one.” Agreed Luna. “Regardless. While this is being… resolved, Overlord.” Looking to Jerry, “can you tell us where your progress lies?” Eyeing him to add, “I can assume that your trek to the Yaks is your next step?”

“Yeah, I was starting to make my way till the whole sky thing happened. Like I mentioned, I was in the Lunar Bay when it happened...which means it’ll take me maybe...a week of traveling till I reach the Yaks.” then told. “Although getting to the Arabia's will be tricky, since I need to,” clearing his throat and with air-quotes told. “Borrow’, a ship from the Storm King.”

“That may not be necessary.” Celestia soon told him. “My sister and I have talked it over, and Pearl agrees. We can send a Pegasus Messenger to alert them. At the very least, they can march for Equestria early and subvert the need for a Gate.”

“Oh now you tell me.” grumble Jerry...before telling. “I’m still taking an airship.”

Smiling, Celestia told, “by all means.”

With a mental shake of his head, Jerry refocuses on the subjects that need to be focused. “Anyway, I’ll be heading back to the Lunar Bay,” moving to grab his helmet onto his head, putting all the pieces needed for winter travel. “I still have a lot of traveling to do to reach the Yaks. Afterwards? Well, I’ll be making my way down to the Storm King territory, adding a few Main Gates to unexplored areas or towns that I haven’t gotten a chance to go to.”

“Are you sure that’s wise? You’ll be revealing yourself more.” questioned Pearl as Jerry told as he got on his feet.

“Maybe not, but I do want to see if there’s any survivors that weren’t hit by the Wendigos. See how spread out their touch is in Equestria.” he didn’t add in he wanted to see if he could save what few he could that weren’t dead...as some of those sights he saw in Vanhoover and beyond...still slightly haunted his memories.

While Magic considered it might be useful to see how spread out the Wendigos were, and Pyro thought of the amount of work that weren’t bombs needed to do? Aira glanced to Jerry subtly in her seat, feeling a rather surprised amount of melancholy in him, as well as slight...dread? Something tells her that he was withholding a lot of things, but she didn’t know it was of his intentions he was hiding...or perhaps what he saw in his short travels.

“Then before you go?” Albert began and caused Jerry to stop. “When you’ve made a gate to the Yaks, make sure you come back to me. I’d like to add some extra gear to your arctic set. Maybe a few small research items to help Magic and I figure out the changes that Equestria’s suffered so far.”

For a brief moment, Aira could feel all sorts of varied emotions coming through the Overlord. First it was dread, then misery, then sorrow, then finally disturbed as the helmet he put on hid his expression well. She was surprised his voice didn’t crack, or he kept his composer well as he told. “I’ll be sure to get right on that. Take care Albert.” turning with his Minions to walk out of the room, all seeing the Overlord leaving as when he was out of earshot did Aira comment subtly.

“He seems a big moody sort, even if he doesn’t show it with that helmet on him.”

“He deals with a lot on the field.” Albert seemed to wave off, even if the changeling there was hints of concern. Something the man seemed to push aside at that moment. “But until we know what’s happening, I’m not sure if anything else could be said.”

Though with a sideways glance, Albert did say, “Magic, Pyro? Maybe you should consider going and getting whatever the Archmage needs for the project. You do have a place here, correct?”

“I do, and with hope, Regal made the right conditions to be set.” mused Magic, turning as he informed the other's. “I will be starting to search for the right body for the job…” then added to Pyro. “Lets go Pyro, I might need your….expertise.” while the stallion didn’t say it outright, Aira could feel the exasperation Magic had in letting Pyro go with him. Once the two stallions left, she asked Cadence in slight questioning.

“How are the two of them friends again? It seems like Magic really dislikes Pyro as a pony.”

With a small smile, Twilight told, “it’s not that, it’s just people can only handle so much Pyro in one setting. After a while, it just gets a little too much to most.” Then glanced to ask, “Was there something you wanted to ask, Albert?” Wondering why the Scientist was still around.

“Just wondering about the status of another ally.” Spoke the infected man. “You mentioned them on the way back, Celestia?”

Seeming to catch on, Celestia assured, “everyone here in this room knows about Aria and why she’s here.” Then looked to the disguised changeling to ask, “but I am curious too. Have you found any other changelings here on the island?”

Taking a deep breath, mostly to get herself ready for the worst case scenario as she told. “Yes and no.” looking at each as she explained. “Yes I found changelings...but they’re neither part of my Hive-- or in a case of a few...are too single minded due to the side effects of the Caribou magic. Overall there’s about...200 changelings here. 50 of them are sound minded. Half of those are in hibernation which leave us 25 floating around, all with unique situations they are bound too.” then added with a grimace.

“I also found that there might be...a Queen among here-- a young one for Hive survival...but in terms of changeling survivability? Very low.”

Peking to this, Twilight asked, “but, isn’t this good Aria?” Getting a look from the Queen. “You’re not alone, even if they’re not your Hive. And if one of them is a young Queen changeling, shouldn’t you go and help them?” Knowing that from Aria’s own words, a young Queen needed training to fully use their natural abilities later in life.

Taking a breath in, Aira soon told her. “It’s not that cut and dry as you think Twilight. While in a pony view it would be a good idea for me to try to take in the young Queen to help train….but for a changeling view?” thinking of a good way to explain as she said. “It’s like I’m usurping her position and what changelings she has. I would be the threat in this situation, and would enact what remainder she had to be...defensive around her.”

“Then perhaps instead of a changeling or pony approach, we take a survival one.” Spoke in Albert evenly. “The facts remain. They can either try to survive on their own, or have a better chance with you and us. Hiding will make them seem like intruders when they’re found out. There is no if, since I know that there are means to search for changelings.”

“Especially since trying to get the other changelings here to join together under me is difficult as well.” added Aira as she told those not familiar with changeling ways. “Me trying to get them to join under me, is like them abandoning their own Queens-- and normally is frowned on...but they know as well as I do? They need a Queen as much as a Queen needs the Swarm.”

Eyes to her, Shining armor said with bare hints of uncertainty, “you know, I find it almost odd that you found that many so quickly.” And in Aria’s senses, the Queen knew that he didn’t trust her in the least. No doubt all because of Chrysalis's failed plot of takeover. “And that the majority happen to be ‘brain dead’, as you said.”

“If you’re worried about the safety and security of the island, don’t be.” Albert’s words were crisp and fast, even if his emotions to the changeling sent out a warning. Did he feel Shining Armor was a threat? It left her puzzled as the scientist went on. “The changelings will be staying at Citadel-1. I can have the needed space made for a private section just for them.”

“What about your own security?” Pressed Screech, being a little more open about her job as a soldier to Equestria as a whole.

“I will deal with it.” Albert said blandly, or defensively in Aira’s eyes. Apparently his words to keep her species from extinction, were more than honest. If she was reading him right… he was seeing the ponies, his Allies, a threat. But not to him… but to her and her species.

That...I honestly don’t know how to feel about that. thought Aira as she felt...awe? Surprise...assured? It was hard to say at least...but she did say to Albert. “Albert, we might be focused on those who are able thinking. The brain dead are...well, like anypony who’s a bit too focus on sex. It's doubtful we could do much for them for now.”

Turning focus to Aria, Albert stared in thought for a moment, but eventually nodded, “I’ll defer to your judgment then.” A true honesty there. It still almost surprised her how well controlled his voice and expressions were, in contrast to his carefully held emotions. Made her half wonder what went on in his head.

At the slightly rising tensions, and trying to think, Twilight asked, “Aria, maybe you could tell the changelings of the offer to head for Citadel-1.” Seeming to catch the disguised mare’s attention. “Still do what Albert suggested, but instead just… invite them to come with? Forget about the ‘join my hive’ idea for now. Let them.. Ease into the idea instead, maybe? Because right now, I think Albert’s right. They’re lives are worth more than just trying to get them to join a hive.”

Thinking, she nodded in agreement. “I can.” then told. “But the ones who are hibernating might need to be moved. Trying to get them to awaken is...difficult.”

“Couldn’t you try to wake them up?” asked Screech as Aira sarcastly jab back.

“Could you do the same to a pony in a coma?”

Still, Albert was the one to logicly point out, “unlike a coma patient, I’m sure those changelings have an inbred and natural trigger to come out of hibernation. It should be biologically in their code, an instinct they can’t just override.”

Thinking for a moment...Aira nodded as she recalled. “Mother did mention there were ways...but I would need love. Lots of it.”

“Love?” question Pearl with furrowed brows.

“Of course!” Twilight perked up with bright eyes. “Changelings feed on Love. And since it’s an important source of food, sensing a large amount would alert any hibernating changelings that there is a readily available food around.” Then went on in thought, “almost like how some species of insects come out of their own hibernations when chemical cues are noticed.”

Giving a slight nod, Aira told. “Yes, once they notice the Love? They’ll awaken to it. It would also act as a beacon for all the able minded changelings. Alerting them of the food to move to the source. Making it easier for us to persuade them to head to Citadel-1…” then furrowed her brows. “But...the only source of love is…the Crystal Heart.” giving a glance to Cadence.

Twisting her lips some to that, Cadence seemed unsure. Not that Aria could blame the pink alicorn. This was an artifact of the Empire and, in a sense, the very heart of that same empire. And thinking of even using it right now was possibly risky in the pony’s mind. Mostly to attract changelings.

“It could be done.” Admitted Cadence, “but the problem is that the Crystal Heart… part of its power comes from the ponies around it, also giving Love. But right now, most of the ponies, even more the crystal ponies… they’re still getting over their lust, or anger… there’s still too much, and I don’t want to accidentally corrupt it again. I've been keeping it safe and giving it my own magic, to make sure it stays pure in what it is.”

Thinking some, Albert said to Aria, “you just need a strong source of love, Aria?” Mostly asking her to be sure. “Is there any other means of causing a similar effect? Maybe having someone with strong love to notice, maybe some magical mix that does a similar effect?”

“Well...there’s liquid love. Changelings tend to make the love we get into a liquid form. It’s a concrete and purified type of love to an extent. If we had a large container of it? That would easily work as a substitute...but there might not be enough love around here to even make it, much less to make it liquid.” explaining a bit to the other's for a rough idea. “We take a fraction of the love to feed ourselves-- but we need just that fraction to try to distill it. To make a vile would call a lot of changelings to gather and properly process it. In short...I need help to even make it, much less gather it.”

Thinking a little, Cadence asked, “how much love do you need?” Getting a slightly uncertain, and worried glance from Armor. “I’m the Princess of Love. Maybe I could help give some.”

“Cadence.” Tried to say Armor, his concern clear and bright as a warning beacon. The love in that concern was just as strong, and being so close… oh, she could see why Chrysalis was so drawn to at least Armor. It was strong… and potent…

Taking a control breath, she said with clenched hands together. “5 kegs worth. You could easily make it...but the love the both of you have? Especially Armor love for you together? Is potent….but the problem is that I need changelings to gather and process it into a distilled version of the liquid. Which I don’t have.”

“Contrary, you do.” Albert said. “They’re on the island right now. We just need to convince them to help.”

Thinking about it...Aira slowly nodded. “5 changelings alone could gather and process it...but it won’t be enough. A vile worth would be what they craft. If we had 25 altogether with them gathering and distilling…” calculating as she summed up. “It’ll take maybe a day or two to get the 5 kegs...but it’ll be a month or two even to make the kegs properly distilled. We have to make sure we distilled it correctly to let it purify.”

Half snorting to herself, Pearl said, “by the sounds of it, it would be better just to wait for them to snap out of it.” And, in a sense, Aria would agree. The process of making liquid love was long and almost tedious. Mostly to make sure someone checked up on it and nothing was contaminating the batch.

And while love wasn’t in the greatest amounts in the Citadel… it was there. Maybe all they had to do was move the hibernation changelings and then just… feed them portions of gathered love and they’d wake on their own time?

Thinking over it, she amended. “It would be better to move them to the citadel-1 while hibernating. That way we can feed them portions of gathered love and they’ll wake. While the love isn’t in large amounts there? It’ll feed them better than here.”

“I almost want to know how there’s more love there than here.” Spoke up Cadence in slight confusion.

“Simply put, they don’t have time to stew over the past.” Told Albert. “The citadel is a busy place. Something always needs to be done, and the only real entertainment around is comradery at times. It’s not perfect… but you tend to take enjoyment in the little things in life when you have little to nothing.”

“And if you aren’t working to keep the place up and running?” added Aira as she jabbed a thumb to Albert with a teasing grin. “He’ll simply remind you with some hundred messages with obnoxiously loud alarm clocks going off.”

“I prefer to call it, motivation over time.” Told Albert with an all-due serious look. Even if there was a tinge of onry mischief there.

“But yes, we can move the hibernated ones there, persuade the able minded, even the queen-- and hopefully they’ll stay safe there.” said Aira as Shining asked with a hint of uncertainty.

“What about the ones you mention to leave? Are they going to be a problem?” to which Aira snorted with a shake of her head.

“No. They aren’t able to do anything more complex than ‘laydown’ and beg for pleasure like a bitch in heat.”

“A crass way of putting it.” Luna said, “but I believe we understand the point. They are nothing more than sex-addicts at this point.” Which was a little disturbing to know. It also meant they have some 250 changelings that were disguised and were only able to do one thing.

Slowly, Celestia nodded and told, “then our business is concluded.” Turning to speak, “commander Pearl, Specialist Screech. I wish to speak to you both over a few matters with my sister.” Getting nods from both. “Albert, I can assume you will be going to that probe project shortly?”

“I will.” Nodded the man.

It was enough for Celestia as she told, “Cadence, Armor, you should perhaps take some time to yourselves. I will have a guard fetch you if we have a need for either of you.” Both nodded in thanks and moved to simply leave. It was then Celestia spoke, “Twilight, would you be willing to help Aria with her task?”

Smiling, Twilight said, “I’d love to.” Then looked to the disguised changeling to say, “if, you don’t mind Aria?”

Giving a low smile, she shook her head. “Not at all, I think with you around me, it’ll show them that we’re being sincere with our offer.” then frown and admit. “Although trying to persuade the young Queen will be tricky.”

Thinking a little on that, Twilight brightened up and asked, “maybe we can pick up Fluttershy or Pinkie from Jerry’s place.” Going on to ask, “think they would be willing to hear from one of them?”

Thinking, she nodded and said. “It would work for sure. Fluttershy kind nature, or Pinkie positive one would definitely favor our odds…” then asked in slight curiosity. “How is it living over there? All I know from it is rumors and Albert mentioning something about how it was living in olden times.”

Smiling a little and moving to join the Queen as they headed for the exit, Twilight said, “well… things are a little outdated. But Jerry’s been working on slightly updating everything. And it’s nice. A little strange and some places are still a little hazardous to travel to… but if things weren't as they were? I’d think we are a re-created pre-equestrian era historic beach resort.” Then added on, “but the minions slightly break that image.”

Laughing a bit, the two walk off as she asks. “If it is a pre-equestrian era? Then whoever founded the island was either an old being-- or wanted to make a point on being able to build it.” the conversation trailing off as despite the many setbacks that were laid before everyone? There was still a plan to get through...it just needed to take time.

---

The necromancer… was an utter douchebag.

There was no other way for the mare to put it. She did as Fate told her after killing Dainn while he was having his way with her body. She left, got a coat and picked up the book that summoned Fate, then left. Left for the east like she was told and, by chance, found that undead army and it’s leader.

The male had looked at her with lust, but as soon as she delivered her message? He had left, not chasing a look back at her and marched on through the ice and snow. Undead thralls followed him along with many slaves. A fair portain being mares apparently made during his conquest.

Part of her regret not helping… but the want to live had ebbed into her heart and now she wandered the icy cold. With nothing but a heavy coat, a dagger and a book, she traveled over the land lost. Only the slightest of itches bothering her skin.

Thinking about it, she thought about calling on Fate again. She knew she was ill with the sickness, and she would die eventually. Dainn had been cured, miraculously when she saw him and later killed him. But she didn’t know how-- unless the book was his and he made a deal with Fate to be cured.

She wondered what the price was for that? To be cured of incurable sickness.

She didn’t ponder on it long, and instead looked to the sky that had frozen in place. She caught Dainn in the middle of ordering his troops and changing it’s cycle from night to day. When he saw her though, and putting on a seductive display she felt sick over-- something she once reserved for only her lover? Well, he apparently couldn’t wait to have his way and took her right there.

She savored the moment of his pain when he tried to just rape her. Even if the sex hurt for a while, it was worth that moment where the light died from his eyes. But now, after everything was said and done… she wondered. Why was she sky still? Part of her wondered if the Overlord did something to the Princesses further, and now they were either contained in a way they couldn’t control the sky… or they were dead…

Her hand felt the dagger and it’s round bony surface in thought. Feeling it over and furrowing her brows. Drawing it from under the coat she had on, she looked at it carefully and, not in the early-dawn light, she now noticed. The red curved bone.. It was glowing. did it… take the magic from Dainn?

For a moment, her heart stopped. She held her breath at the very thought that in her hand… could have been the magic of both sun and moon alicorn. And part of her… felt conflicted. She had the power, maybe she could… use it? Not that she knew how, she was a pegasus, not a unicorn. But then again… she could maybe take it to the sisters? Return them their power?

But how? The overlord had them. She couldn’t track them. And rather fearfully, she added in her thoughts that Windigos wandered these icy lands.

With a sigh, she trudged on, half shivering and searching for any place she could use for shelter and warmth.

---

When Jerry set up a Main Gate near the Yaks home a few days later in travel-- and retreated as fast he could to not get ‘Yak smashed!’ to his home. Although he was admitally dumbfounded as with Pinkie somehow...fitting right in with them and their pure power...it was mind boggling.

Ponies….were just weird at times. Or crazy.

He met up with both Albert and Magic later on after that. Upgrading his armor a bit and traveling Equestria all over with the bare minimum of the Main Gates being used, as he didn’t want to accidentally set off the Wendigos somehow.

Yet as Jerry began his traveling for any survivors, mostly stopping around towns or cities perimeters...did his mind wander a bit. Mostly from the sights of nearly growing snow and ice and the dead that were slowly piling up. In all honesty, Jerry inwardly was glad that the brief bits of nightmare fuel he encountered in Vanhoover weren’t in his mind. Especially now with new nightmare fuel to fill them up.

Or rather...the looks that were given to him to any survivors he found by chance. In offering them a chance of safety and a cure. Although there weren't that many. Most of the time it was by sheer chance he found some alive...or barely alive as the Khara or Windegos would kill most at this point...or the lack of food, water, and sheer cold that gets them.

Over the many points of his travel, Jerry could recall every face he saw by chance and moved them into a Waypoint Gate to send for the Blues to handle.

A young colt barely kept his mother warm as they were near death gates. A caribou father that kept his son barely fed with what supplies he held. A pony slave trying to save her master from the cold...Or a mother that was trying to keep her child warm...who passed on.

Even more, from what he saw what the Caribou did in his time here...A father would grovel at Jerry feet for not his own life...but his sons. He didn’t even care if he faced the Overlord himself, he just...just wanted his sons to live. Jerry had to bring both father and children in-- but warned to be on good behavior as he was granting them something. A mercy.

Yet it seems...seem that all it took for them to cry their eyes out was that one word. Mercy. It didn’t matter if Jerry was the Overlord and bringer of death...after so much evil, so much pain, sickness and even the cold vengeful spirits coming like a wave of bad karma...it could change how some might think or even feel.

Like that one slave from before. She wanted to save her master...but she wasn’t a Pink or a red. But a black collar, trying to save the caribou that looked to hurt her before...but apparently tried to survive with her. The father he recalled had little doubt in Jerry mind he had lusts or wants for mares. But he was honest about the answering of raped and talking about what he wanted. Yet...yet he didn’t care for his own life, only for his sons to live.

Even that one mare that tried to warm her son...wasn’t even her own child. But of a caribou child that was another child and she willingly took him as her own. Or it was possible the son was to her former master.

Jerry couldn’t help but think of the faces he saw, even more his encounter with each during his trips around Equestria. He...He wondered. With how Equestria is now a frozen hell, with survival being the only law...with how rare it was to find even another person, one could easily feel isolated. Alone...with no hope to see tomorrow with so little to drink, eat. To just...live.

They didn’t even care if the one offering safety and a cure was the devil himself-- or in Jerry's case, the one that started all of this. As long as they get to live and be safe with warmth and other's? They probably would gladly grovel at his feet for anything.

Jerry seemed to muse with each step he took, eyes looking around for potential survivors as Jerry kept moving as during his trek, moving along the snow he spotted something...different. Tracks. Train tracks leading to an unfrozen rock...that weren’t covered by snow. His attention snapped as he tracked the train tracks, following it as the temperature slowly rose. Not knowing how long he traveled to...but when he got closer and face to face?

He stood before the area of land that led to…’Our Town’.

Jerry stared at it...he didn’t know how long he stared as he raised a hand to activate a switch, by removing the velcro-strapped cloth over the device on his right arm to let it turn on-- and spoke.

“Set log #20 of Equestrian travels. Apparently even the Wendigos didn’t even want to touch a communist cult town. Everything's...the same. Same rocks, same looks...but warmer temperature, with tracks unfrozen somehow and a little cooler with ice next door. But yet the town is…” takes a set of binoculars from his many pockets to spot the town and telling. “Looking fine, dandy, and like nothing changed. Not even a hint of snow….you bastards. The weather in Equestria is just weird. Like the ponies. End log of Overlord Jerry chapter-something-so.” ending the recording device and covering it up, along putting away the binoculars as he stared at the area of the Town…

Then flipped it off.

As he turned to walk off, he couldn’t help but think. You know...I should thank Albert for giving this to me. Helps get my thoughts off the chest...and help ease my mind with everything around me. Surprisingly works just as well. Even help stave off the loneliness of myself here.

Granted Mortis or Spree would come along to talk to Jerry via helmet...but they could stick around for so long before needing to do other things. And Jasmine? She was in school-- or rather a self-craft schooling Jerry made to help educate the young ones. It wasn’t perfect...but it did sorta help get them busy with things.

But as he walked away and went into the deep snow, Jerry mind thought of where else he could go...but knew that all he could do is travel as best he could, using his Gates to teleport to avoid the Windgeos-- or that necromancer if he spots him by chance. Overall, Jerry internally wonders if he could find any survivors...or at least those like the diamond dogs?

But let's be real...it is a far chance I’ll find them, especially them being underground. I doubt I’ll be able to find one of them, much less an entire group… mind recalling that tomb of dogs-- and forcing it aside as he thought. Nope. Already had enough of that in my nightmares. thought Jerry was trying to dwell on it...isn’t going to make things better, so all he could do is travel, scout, attempt to find survivors...and just hope.

Hope he could make a difference...even if it was pathetically small. Jerry partially wonders if other volunteers of the resistance managed to find something in their scouts. He doubts it...but who knows? What did Jerry know? Was that he would need to get to the Storm King by cyclopes sooner or later...and after that?

Well..get his Greens to do their work while set up multiple Main Gates all over the place. He partially wonders if he could do that, as Main Gates tend to stick in one place...maybe get a few Main Gates and lots of Waypoints? Just To screw with this Storm King guy. But Jerry couldn’t help but look at the sky….

And really, really, REALLY hope they find the source of whoever stole the ‘controlling’ thing to Celestia and Luna magic. Because...well. From what he heard from the Ponies? This was like Armageddon type bad. And those kinds of things usually mean the end of the world.

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