Ugh….my head…. thought Jerry, as his eyes slowly blink as he felt his forehead throbbing. His eyes slowly blinking around as he noticed he was in a stone room. There wasn’t much light around, not even a small window for him to look outside. Jerry glance to notice two things. One: the cell door was thick with metal and seem to have a slit opening for air to come in. Two: They took his armor and left him wearing nothing but a loincloth.

Okay…no armor, no means to contact the other's… and Jerry felt annoyed he was nearly naked as well a partial worry. As it meant he couldn’t do anything with his magic, nor call up any Minions….it also meant that he couldn’t get into contact with anyone. Jerry took another breath as he glance around in the darken room.

There wasn’t much, nothing for him to sit down, nothing for him to use. Just the cold ground and a pot to which he assume is used to shit in. Thankfully there wasn’t much smell coming from it, as Jerry settle against the wall as he thought. Calm down Jerry. You need to think…. he took low breaths in and was thinking to himself. I can’t use magic. Can’t call up anyone…I’m alone. And I don’t know how long I’ve been knocked out for…I’m not in a torture chair…

Though it was possible that they were waiting for him to wake up to get answers, maybe even planning on getting answers out of him. magical torture maybe…that or the old fashion way…. he tried not to grimace, as he took a calming breath and was trying to figure on what to do…but what could he do? He couldn’t focus on getting a way out, as even with his strength? He would be wasting energy.

He also wasn’t sure if he could break out with only himself. The storm king had forces with anti-magic gear, and Jerry couldn’t call up a Gate without his gauntlet. Tapping his foot a bit, Jerry was thinking on what to do…before he was starting to hum a tune. Humming a wordless song, as he couldn’t think of anything. But as he kept humming, he started to think on trying to make a ‘harmony song’ happen as there was nothing else for him to do.

Plus, he can’t freak out and worry on what will happen. He needed to keep calm, he needed to focus on something, and he needed to concentrate on something!

Tapping his foot more, he was humming and making notes as he attempted to whistle. Granted what it sounded like more like blowing air, as Jerry thought of trying to sing a ‘villain song’, as since he was a villain? Maybe he could make it work in his favor and weaponize it to boost himself-- or at least get a way out of here. Only issue was that he couldn’t exactly recall most villain songs. Sure he knew a handful, even a few he watched growing up.

But if he knew he was going to be a evil overlord in another reality and the only way out was singing a villain song? He would’ve thought he was going crazy. Jerry let out a breath, and think as he tried to recall. Be prepared? no…Unfortunate souls? Ehhhh-- trying to make a ‘Harmony song’ with a villain song isn’t easy…. tapping his head a bit in thought, Jerry knew only so much with what he discussed with some of the ponies.

And the few times he had a ‘harmony song’ was when he wasn’t even aware of it! How could he be aware of one and be able to lead it at the same time? He tried to whistle-- but all that came out was air. He puff out as he hum a bit and tried to work out a song.

But during his various attempts of humming, singing off key, and even slight dancing? Trying to make a Harmony song was harder than it seemed. It didn’t help that he was well out of practice in singing. As over a hour --at least what he assume was a hour-- he kept failing. Kept singing of notes or not high enough for some of the songs as some were too high for him to even hit.

Eventually a guard shouted from down the hallways a good distance away. “SHUD’UP ALREADY!”

To which, Jerry turn his head and shouted back out. “I've got nothing to do, what else am I to do?”

He got no answer. So Jerry sat in the cold, boring stone prison that he was in. just… sitting there. It was very boring.

Very boring.

Racking his head, Jerry tried to think of what to do. Escape was no go. He had nothing better to do. And sitting on his butt was just… well, dull. And singing only annoyed the guard.

… Singing annoyed the Guard. wait… maybe I can screw with them. He thought with a malevolent grin. Spite began to fuel his intent as Jerry took a deep breath in, and yowled out the most horrible off-key notes he could. “Oh my word this tune is annoyin’!” Deciding to replicate the evils of human imagination.

More so because those lyrics were really stuck in his head. “Yes I know it’s really annoyin’, I can’t get this song out of’ my he-EAD!”

Jerry even made a slight dance, moving back and forth as he sang as loud as possible as he can. “Make it stop this tune is annoyin’, I’ve gotta go to work in the mornnin’. Now I’m gonna be hummn’ it in my be-EED!” Making sure it was as loud as possible, even going near the metal door as he shouted out in off tune. “Oh my word this tune is annoyin’, yes I know it’s really annoyin’, I can’t get this song out of my he-EAD!”

As he sang on, and on… and on…. And on, eventually he reached verse ten when a “SHUD’UP!” Screeched out from the guard once more. Or were it guards that time? He couldn’t tell, he just kept going. For their misery fueled his singing.

taking another breath in as he sang out as loud and off key as possible. “Make it stop this tune is annoyin’, I’ve gotta go to work in the mornnin’. Now I’m gonna be hummn’ it in my be-EED!” repeating the song as to ensure that nobody would forget it!

“I’m trying to sleep!” shouted from one cell somewhere in the prison he was in. That was good to know. Not that it stopped Jerry in the least.

“Oh my word this tune is annyoin’ yes I know it’s really annoyin’!” sang out Jerry, as he refuse to stop, as he was fueled by spite to let them all suffer!

“Shut up!” called another voice, sounding a bit sickly from what Jerry could hear.

But Jerry didn’t stop. He kept going with, “make it stop this tune is annoyin’, I’ve gotta go to work in the mornin’!”

With a scream of annoyance, the prison cells began to rise in an uproar. Each one shotting for him to stop already. By this point, Jerry was reaching the twenty-fifth repetition. He would be parched, but he couldn’t stop grinning as he kept on and on and on--

By verse sixty-two, the guards came barging in. one of the hulking armored guys, with hands over his helmeted head leered at Jerry with malice and hate. Jerry smirked and continued to tauntingly sing, “Oh my word this tune is Annoyin’!” And jumped back when they used a key to unlock the door and come in. “Yes I know it’s really annoyin’!”

Jumping and moving with what mobility he had, Jerry began to dance around the cell. The guard snarling and trying to grab him. “I can’t get this song out of my he-EAD!” And ducked one swipe. Hopped away from another--

Gnarl was right about one thing. Evil always found a way. A way to be a total pain in the ass!

---

He should of expected this. Really, he should have. But Jerry felt it was worth it. Granted, he was now tied to a chair, gagged and was a bit bruised and scratched up. But he had successfully forced ten guards to come running at him like desperate rabid animals to shut him up.

His throat was a little parched and that song was now stuck on repeat in his head-- but oh was it satisfying to drive them all up the wall and grate on their sanity!

Especially now, now that they all were subconsciously hearing it in their heads. Sure they may not hum it or sing it now…but he knew it was a matter of time. There was a bonus of him gaining back a bit of mana back, as while he may had lack the gauntlet? His ‘overlord magic’ was still part of him, and he managed to absorb what he could from these large beasts.

Turns out, little bit’s of rage induced hate brought about from being overly annoying constituted a high enough ‘evil corruption’ to absorb into himself. Who knew?

And sure it may not do much for now, but if he kept annoying, kept raising their hatred and anger to him-- then he can just grow his mana steadily. Jerry however couldn’t do anything with the gag in his mouth, couldn’t move much in the chair…

But oh was it utterly worth it as he had spread his seeds of insanity among them. It was just a matter of time before he could see the fruits of his spite show forth. but damn, do these guys not hold their punches. thought Jerry, as he was still feel the bruises on his body, as it would take a while for his body to heal naturally. And…that little spiteful song made him learn something.

While he couldn’t do any ‘harmony songs’ like the ponies? If he brought forth someone rage, someone to have ‘evil corruption’ for him to be around in? Then he could surge forth his ‘villain song’. Granted this was all speculation. He wasn’t even sure if it was even possible, and just him assuming it. But if that was true…maybe he didn’t need to be the ‘bad guy’ to follow the script? To make harmony song work with him?

Instead, he could do it just to screw with people? As that would be ‘villainous’ enough? It was then that Jerry thought it over…and thought on it more.

Actually, who cares if it was villainous? It was pretty fun to screw around with those guards by annoying them. And when he was fighting the Caribou, he always had fun just ruining their day. Who says he has to do any of this to follow the script? Or that he must do ‘big bad’ stuff to be evil? Why not just be hair-pulling annoying just because he wants to?

He could be an asshole now and then. Why not channel it into something productive and fun?

Jerry wanted to blink, as he had a epiphany. An actual epiphany as he realized that if he was the Overlord, if he was forever destined to be a bad guy ...why not be a bad guy that annoys the shit out of everyone? Why not just be a villain that have fun? Why not just be…be…

His internal realization was cut short when the doors to the private cell he was shoved into hours prior slammed open. Two familiar looking guards coming in with a darkly armored mare and short stocky hedgehog. The mare looking very familiar with her broken horn and light scar over one eye.

Wait a minute…she’s the one that shocked me! recalled Jerry.

The maroon color mare made her way forwards. Armored hooves clicking in a very methodical manner as she looked down upon him. Which was the right term, not only was he tied to a chair, but she was pretty tall for a mare. He only recalled a few with such a height. Slender too from how tightly her armor molded to her body.

Once she was before him, she gave the man a once over and spoke, “The mighty Overlord….” And lifted a brow to soon ask to the side, “why is he gagged?”

The guard on the left, the one Jerry was sure he pissed off the most, shifted. “He… wouldn’t stay silent.”

The mare gave an unimpressed humm, but waved it off. “Ungag him.” and motioned a hand. The hedgehog, possibly one of her aids, rushed on over and jumped up to rather deftly slip the gag out. Once done, he waddled back behind her.

While Jerry worked his jaw, the mare told, “now, you’re going to tell me what I want and if your answers are satisfactory? You can go back to your cell with less injuries.” making her demands pretty cut and dry.

Moving his jaw a bit, working his tongue as he clear his throat and asked in a dry tone. “Mind if I can get some, water first? I’m feeling rather dry.”

Blankly, the mare told, “Later.” there was no if or buts. “If you’re difficult though? I might just revoke that privilege until much later.”

Rolling his eyes, he was rather annoyed, but said. “Well, I can tell what I know-- but I am rather curious as to how a pony is working for someone like the storm king.”

“Not relevant.” She curtly told. “Now. Why were you originally in Equestria?”

“Well, miss slender,” started off Jerry as he lean back, not able to do anything in his tied up state. He couldn’t even cross his legs! He soon told to the mare. “It all started off on a Tuesday, where I found myself rather lost.” figuring that if he was going to be interrogated? He might as well have some fun…exaggerating things.

She rose a brow to that. And the hedgehog even echoed, “why on a Tuesday?” And Jerry was going to answer, though actually paused to think on that.

Why did it all happen on a Tuesday?

Seriously? Why on a Tuesday? I know my game was ‘updating’ when it happened. I also know that I was alone, I fell down a hole to the Dark Castle… thought Jerry, as while he was thinking on it? Hrm…thinking on it, didn’t most bad things happen to me on a Tuesday? and after a moment did he answer. “Well little pudgy one, I don’t know, but I’m starting to think Tuesdays are cursed or something.”

“Back to topic.” Breathed out the mare. “Why were you in Equestria?” seeming to ignore his starting point entirely. “What was your reason to invade and attempt to Conquer?” which almost made him blink. They knew about that?

Still, Jerry decided to laugh with, “Oh that?” trying to play it off as a simple thing, and in a way…it was. “I just hated how the Caribous were running things.”

She stared at him long and hard. “You simply didn’t like how they ran things.” It was said in such a flat, deadpanned manner. Like she didn’t believe that was his reasoning alone.

“Oh more than that, dear, dear purple one.” told Jerry as he said. “I may be a conquering Overlord tyrant that rules with a iron first--,”

She seemed to cut in reminder, “you haven't conquered anything.”

And yet he continued as if she hadn’t. “But-- even I have standards of evils. As the Caribous were running a short term goal, which would fuck them over in the end. I hate seeing things wasteful, and what's more wasteful than a large nation like Equestria unable to do its job of ensuring the ecosystem survived?” Jerry continue on. “So, I decided, that the best way to get things on track, is to make sure that the caribous were dealt with, put Equestria in debt, and have them pay it off for the rest of their nation lives.”

Again, there was a bout of silence. The silence only slightly broken by the pudgy hedgehog muttering something to himself. “Evil.” The mare once more spoke with a quirked brow. “With Standards.” and stared at him for a long time. “I don’t see what you were planning to accomplish.” And shook her head. “Equestria in debt? To a fumbling fool like you?” and began to walk and make a lap around him.

“Well to be fair, you are being order about by a fumbling fool like the storm king so….” commented Jerry. “What was it he was doing? Commercializing his punchable face with dolls?”

“Merchandising.” She corrected simply. Not even looking bothered at his jab.

“Yeah that. I mean, that seem kind stupid too.” told Jerry with a shrug. “I mean, if he really was the ‘big bad’ king he said he is, wouldn’t he focus more on prioritizing on, I dunno, something else than stupid merchandising? Seem like a waste of money and resources.”

Making her way around his left, she seemed to respond, “this is coming from the hairless, tailless ape that was captured by us and is at our mercy.” slowly making her way around his back.

“I mean sure, it may seem like that.” nodded Jerry, keeping himself relax and calm as he went on. “Personally this whole thing of me hitting at you all isn’t really personal. It’s just business.”

“Business.” she spoke flatly white coming around on his right. Eyes glancing at him.

“I heard that the storm king wanted Equestria. And since I am planning on having Equestria under me? I figure it was safe to take out competition.” and added. “Speaking of, do you all want to change sides? We do have dental and healing of any injuries.” glancing up to her horn as he added. “Some even like horn damage.”

She rolled her eyes to that. While her chubby henchmen said with a raised clawed finger, “actually, we get full medical care and vacation bonuses.”

“Really? Well that’s a surprise since well…your friend here is missing her horn.” commented Jerry. “I would’ve thought that would’ve been patched up a long time ago.”

“Well, broken limbs are, uh, not easily replaces.” he told simply, but seemed to refrain from saying much more. “Right Tempest?”

The mare, Tempest from the sounds of it, hummed and stopped before Jerry and looking down on him again. “Speaking of switching sides, if Equestria’s conquest was the only issue, you could have joined the Storm King instead.”

He laughed hard, Jerry shaking his head as he told. “Oh, oh that’s hilarious! Me. Joining-- hahahaha!” stomping his foot a bit, as he said. “If you think, oh boy--,” calming a bit as he said. “Wow. that’s a nice joke.”

She regarded him silently, then told, “you’re either with us, or another pest to crush under hoof.” Placing it simply as that. “Now. Where are the Equestrian’s?”

He shrug. “I don’t know.”

Again, there was a silence. “You don’t know.” Almost looking… nonplussed. No matter how blank her poker face was.

“Don’t know.” Jerry shrugged.

The room became deathly silent as the pudgy hedgehog remarked, “you’re not very good at this conquering thing, are you?”

“Weeeeeeelllll, its less of conquering of short term and more of conquering in long term. If there’s one thing I know is possible, nobody can escape from debts.” then told on. “Buuuut I will say this, I managed to do what the Storm King hasn’t.” and grin a bit. “I made a catchy tune.”

That made the two burly guards by the door stiffen, and Jerry was sure there was a slight horror in their eyes. Tempest completely ignored them and instead focused him down with her aqua eyes. Intense scrutiny was given to him, searching for any lies to his previous statement.

“If the Debt means so much, then you have a means to find them.” Tempest stated quite clearly. “How do you reach them?”

“Hrmmm….” humming out as he began to play notes. As he was playing the notes of ‘the song’.

The guards gripped their spears and shifted in place. Looking a touch annoyed already. Tempest narrowed her eyes at him, a slight glint of annoyance there. “Cooperate, or I’ll see about encouraging you to corporate.”

He breath in, then sang off key. “OH MY WORD--”

It was as far as he got. The next moment he was screaming the next as intense, chaotic and prismic magic coursed over him. There was the barest hint of anger, but no where enough to actually absorb. It only lasted a moment and he let out a pant, settling his burning body.

He pant a bit…before grinning as he glance up as he said. “Wow…didn’t knew you were...kinky….”

That got a reaction. Her broken horn sparked and her eye twitched a bit. It made her hench-hog shuffle away, as if she was a live explosive. “What sort of idiotic Overlord are you?” her tone a little tense and yet flat.

He chuckle, as he clear his throat, for a moment swearing he heard a thrum of instruments-- but ignored it. He soon told, or rather, began to sing out. “I was sent to cheat and lie.” His head bobbing a bit as he moved his fingers a bit, “I'm a mean, rotten guy!” Jolting in place and making the chair jump for a short moment. “When you ask me why I'm nasty, here's my reason why.”

“During Fate’s delivery,” Jerry sang as he recalled that day so long ago, as well as his old minion master as he proclaimed. “Gnarl screamed,” And soon gave a bad Gnarl impression, “Woe is me, such a dork. How will this work? Behold my misery!”

Tempest gave a long sigh, her shoulders seeming to sag in realizing what was going on. But just said in a annoyed, tired way, “Are you ghastly on the job?” And glared at him with flat irritation, “Or just a nasty, useless slob?”

Soon Tempest muttered to her henchmen out of song, “I hate when people break into song.”

“Can it sister!” Jerry interrupted, “I'm the mister who had this big job!” He tsked with his teeth as he began to jump in his bound seat. “So I'm nasty, I'm no good.” Grinning wider as he proclaimed in a manic manner. “I'll be king! Knock on wood. I'll impress ya, though I'm just a common lowly hood.” giving out a barking, “Ha!”

“If you can't be loved, be feared.” focusing on Tempest as he grin more. “Don't get shoved, sheep get sheared.” He couldn’t do much, but he knew he was able to be in focus, he knew what was happening. And it made him smile even more. “Be the king! Pull the strings!” He pointed his fingers toward to her as he added. “Or else you might get speared.”

“I'm so happy I could dance,” though glance down as he was still bound in place as he look up and shrug. “Seize my chance, I'll advance!” And began to bounce in pace, making the chair in turn wobble and bounce-- ‘dancing’ the best he could. “Come and cheer me, love and fear me, Jerry's King of Prance, haha!”

Sighing, Tempest looked to her henchmen and said, “go and get another cell ready. I don’t think we’re getting anything more out of this idiot.”

Saluting, the hedgehog grinned, “sure thing Tempest!” and turned to waddle away. All the while… Jerry soon kept singing.

“Come and cheer me, love and fear me.” And took a deep breath in as Jerry sang out his heart, “Jerrys King of Praaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa--” Before dropping off with, “--nnnce?” as the music had, mid sining, cut off. Confused, he glanced around and asked completely bemused. “Uh, why'd the music stop?”

Putting a hand on her face, Tempest turned to the Guards and waved, “toss him in a cell and postpone his next meal.” getting grffed nods from the two that moved to grab him. Tempest herself striding for the exit.

“OH MY WORD THIS TUNE IS ANNOYING!” sang out Jerry in off-key, as to get more spiteful song stuck in the heads of many. Any professionalism the guards had vanished and they panicked, rushing in as they tried to gag him as quickly as possible. While Tempest left without even looking back. “yes I know it’s really annoyin’, I can’t get this song out of my he-EAD!”

Jerry jerk his head around as he scream out as loud as possible. Refusing to be gagged again. “Make it stop this tune is annoyin’, I’ve gotta go to work in the mornnin’. Now I’m gonna be hummn’ it in my be-EED!” and all the while the guards and anyone who was hearing this were to suffer the spite of the Overlord.

---

Shadow gave a glance around, trying to find a minion as she noticed some of the minions disappeared. Giblet for one, as he was not in the Forge at all, Mortis wasn’t even around as the Blue seem to disappear. And what caused her to worry was that Quaver was missing. She asked around with some of the citizens, even some of the minions if they found any of the ‘smart’ ones.

But yet nobody found them. Or even knew where they were, and it made her worried about what happened. Even more with how there was a sudden decrease of minions and some of the wolves. The thestral worried about what exactly was going on. Even trying to find where they were with the Tower Heart, though, had trouble figuring out how to work the magical artifact at all. It caused her to be concerned, even now as she was sitting in the Private Quarters in a chair.

The mare pressed her brows tightly as she looked over some work. Mostly things that the Minions were doing work on with the crops and expanding city that was around the castle. Even moving the lava and magma into other areas to flow more naturally around the city walls like a second layer of defense. The mare sighed a bit, moving a hand to her stomach as she rubbed it and thought to herself. Where did they all go? Some of the smart minions just…disappeared? As well as a good portion of the others. a frown grew on her lips, as she didn’t know where they went…

She however hoped that it didn’t lead to anything bad. They couldn’t risk losing some of the minions that were vital in part of the Dark Castle. Especially for the likes of Giblet and Mortis, as both were needed for construction and keeping some of the minions from dying. Sure any blue could do the job, but Mortis was far better in the field of reviving. The mare also worried about her lover, Jerry.

As it seemed that even with Magic, Twilight, and Albert helping give ideas? They all just don’t have the means to have a successful breakout of the man. No action could be taken without knowing Jerry's location, and there was no means to find Odd. If only they understood the Tower Heart better, knew how to properly manipulate it like the Minions or Jerry could. Shadow hoped that Magic could eventually figure out how it functioned before something horrible happened to Jerry.

For now? Twilight was working with her friends in keeping the Island as a whole running. The Princess offers her services to help with some administration tasks. Applejack lending a hand with the surrounding crops. Rainbow was with her, coordinating their newly designated weather teams to work with the farmers. Pinkie herself busied herself with keeping people calm with the news of the missing Overlord. And Rarity was helping Fluttershy in checking on the new wolves and teaching a few people how to handle them.

Shuffling another paper in her hands, Shadow reflected that Pyro and Albert had squirreled themselves away into that land-based laboratory near the shore. She wasn't sure what they were doing. Though with Pyro she knew it had something to do with explosives. And Albert? Well, there was mention of him working on a special project if and when Jerry was found.

Sighing deeply, Shadow just pray to the Night-Mother that Jerry was going to be able to handle himself. And that he would come back whole. She, Sea, Sky, Lovely-- even Spree were worried about him. But all she could do was pray and hope. Because all this sitting around was starting to drive her nuts.

---

“Now listen up!” proclaimed Quaver, as the Jester was tapping his wand like a stick on the ground. Getting all the ‘smart’ minions to overhear him as he look with his good eye to them all. As while there wasn’t much, they all were smart enough to lead the other's. And have the newborns do their tasks, he even brought out a large white paper board as he had stuff written down. “First. We find da master!” pointing at the words ‘save da master’ on the white board, as he flip over the paper. “Then we attack Storm King!” showing the words ‘hit big meanie’.

Flipping the paper once more, the leading brown jester then told, “Then we rush at Storm place with big booms,” then stop, turning as he look at the paper. As instead of words? Was a badly made image of minions strapping with bombs and dynamites. With Yip in the back pointing them forwards to blow everything up with ‘BOOM!’ written in bold-- including them as Quaver turn and shouted. “No Yip! We don’t blow ourselves up! We’re no good dead to the Master!”

“We just boom-boom the newborns, no big loss!” Yip proclaimed with cheer from his place near a number of cannons they found. “It in plan, trust me.” and jumped up to stand with hands held to his sides and half shouting, “With all the chaos and explosions, it will put the guard in confusion and allow the next phase to happen!” Making Quaver curious enough to flip the page to see the next part.

As it shows Odd and other greens sneaking around to undo traps and the gate to let other Minions inside. He hum a bit, the jester thinking it over-- but Reak spoke up with faint annoyance. “Me thinks that he needs help.” the stoic minion telling on. “He might ruined distraction with many deaths.” knowing that even if this might work? Too many Minions dying means too much uselessness to distract.

Two blues, raising their hands as Gloop and Goop gave agreeing nods. “Yes,” said Goop. “he merely needs to stall.” the Blue telling. “I’m good in stalling. Plan many ways to stall fighting.”

To which Quaver argue back. “Yip’s and reds are suppose to distract. And this would be VERY distracting.”

To which Goop argue back with a raised finger. “If I was given charge with enough minions? I can help stall and extend the distraction. We need Master safe. We need way to save Master!”

“And needs not to waste many minions death.” agreed Gloop. “We help keep many minions from dying.” going on to add. “Can’t be useful to Master, if we fail to save him.”

Quaver thought it over, thinking as he said. “Then we shall have you three to help extend the lie to be,” and look to Yip. “plan good, yes very good-- but if we want to make them pay? We need to make sure our great Overlord is out with all we steal.”

“Need armor and weapon.” added Giblet as the smith told on. “Can’t let them study it. Can’t let them keep it. Will have Grub build small gate to transport it.”

Zippy thought it over, as the Green call out. “We take shippy!” and grinned widely. “Overlord want flying shippy, we take flying shippy and den we put all found things into shippy!”

Pug raised his hand. “Oh, oh! Pug takes shippy!” and pat his wolf. “Me and wolf packs go find shippy!”

Zappy then asked as the blue pointed. “What about other shippy in sky? We dead if they boom-boom our new shippy.”

“No matter!” Yip called with glee, “we got cannons!” and patted the crude one he had affectionately.

Though one Blue shake his head, and thought before telling with a pointed finger. “Blow up!” as Zapp told on. “We blow up shippy with bombs!” the blue knew that one couldn’t chase if one was blown up and dead.

Perking, Yip reached into a bag and held up sticks of dynamite. “Ka-boomies with Greenies?”

“Ka-booms!” agreed Zippy excitedly as he nodded.

Odd spoke up. “But someone needs to find the Overlord-sama.” the green seem rather thoughtful, even as they all look at Odd. looking at him expectantly as he sigh. “I shall find the Overlord-- but someone needs to find his helmet and gauntlet.”

Giblet assures. “They keep it with armor-- so I find armor.”

“And while you all shall do this? I shall lead the other's to find things to steal!” told Quaver as he grin wide.

“Why you steal, you no green!” call out Zippy.

Laughing and dancing, Quaver told. “Oh silly fool, silly fool! The true fools are the tools!” and points at the paper with a few of the ‘meanies’ on it. “They see the dancing fire and pyre. Made by the many red liars. They will not see, they will not peek! For we will slip past, since we aren’t what they seek!”

“Oooooh!” said many Minions as Quaver nod his head.

“Plus, think of it! If we do good? For da Master? Then some might be rewarded to be Generals!” Told on the Fool to the many.

Cackling, Yip said, “this plan I like, I oh so do love!” then pointed, “Greenies! Before we start, I need good places to make da Boom-Booms!” And told in certainty, “no point in making big mess if it’s to stuff they don’t care that we make mess of.”

And while the greens were talking and many minions planning? Quaver moved away, moving to take himself up on a ledge, going up to inspect the place they were to be attacking. Coming up to see a dark stone keep on a tall mountainous spire. Around it many airships flying in controlled patterns and patrols. A large tower like castle overseeing a city not too far below. One that may seem impossible to attack…but Quaver knew every place had a weakness.

Even as he glanced around, making sure he was alone, before he reach into his hat, and took out something. A small blue and white pad as he began to type something in, and sending something on it. He push it back under his jester hat as heard webbed steps, turning to see Mortis coming along as Quaver smile widely as he spoke. “Oh greetings commander of the rising ones!” seeming rather jolly as he asked. “What brings you to me?”

Mortis stare at Quaver under his cowl as he spoke. “I merely wish to ask Quaver, why have a handful out here?” going on to tell. “I understand we are to save the Master, but wouldn't it be prudent to have additional aid to ensure our plan works? We have nearly over five thousand per tribe. Most are Newborns. Without the Master or anyone in charge to truly lead us, we will end in failure.”

“Worry not,” assured Quaver as the jester spin his stick. “For there is a plan, a clever plan, one that will ensure we succeed!” the jester going on. “Have faith, Mortis, for we shall not just get our Master back, but gain many things in revenge of what happen.” shrugging a bit. “We may lose have, we may lose most-- but a thousand minions lost is nothing compared to the Master back.” adding. “After all, none of us are Gnarl.”

Mortis gave a long hum to that, agreeing to what the Fool was telling. Without the Minion Master with his greater experience, wisdom and even if it was to be believed, sight influence over the Minions themselves? Then really getting the Master back was imperative.

If the Princess pony, Twilight, was any indication during all her research and questions? Than it proved to the dreary minion that they needed an Overlord. The Minions would not survive long without one. At least, none of the rank-and-file cannon fodder that made up nearly every aspect of the Minions. And it might be years before any of them, the more intelligent minions, would be at Gnarls influence and experience to keep order on their own directive.

“Which reminds me,” said Quaver as he look to Mortis as he told. “You will have the most dangerous of task to do, Mortis.” looking to the blue minion as Quaver continue on. “You need to make sure the ship, whichever one gets stolen, needs to be piloted.” and at Mortis look? Quaver informed. “You are the only one competent enough to help fly the ship we steal. And I thought it over really, really, really hard.”

Shrugging a bit, the jester continued. “All the rest of us will crash it… or ram it… or blow it up.” then paused. “or blow it up while ramming it to crash into something.” and raised a claw finger. “And that will make Master really unhappy if we ruined his escape, now doesn’t it?”

Mortis grumble, but nodded as he said. “I shall ensure we don’t do any of that….” though question. “But why not we have additional aid? Like Magic, or Albert to aid us in this rescue?”

“Too much time, too much time!” told Quaver. “Not enough time to go and find!” shaking his head as he told on. “Even if we have Grub dig his way here-- it’ll be too long! Too far, and with their anti-magic things? Could delay things!” then told on. “No. we need to do this. We need to save the Master. And we shall do it, while causing pain to the Storm King!” and added with a grin.

“If plan goes well, if plan goes right?" Grinning far more in a evil fashion. “Then everything will be most alright.”

The raiser of minions wondered to that. But he simply nodded and accepted this. It sounded like the Fool knew what he was doing. Even if Mortis himself wasn’t so sure of what was ultimately going on. But if the Fool was correct on time? Well… it was possible that their Master was in great peril of losing his life-- and that was not acceptable.

For once in a long time, things looked like they would ensure the Minions would forever more have a line of Overlords to lead them to greatness and more killings and stabbings. And it would not do well to lose Master just yet. They still needed him to help raise the new heirs-to-be to lead them. And Mistress and the herd did not have the same drive as Jerry did in pleasing the Minions.

There was more to being an Overlord, than spouting orders after all.

And there was the factor that none of the other ponies could take on the job…

After all, nobody but Jerry knew the mind of a Minion well as other's.

---

Jerry hated being gagged. He hated being stuck and bound in his seat, and he hated having his throat parch. And all the more, he hated in not knowing what was going on. Over two days, and he had been denied meals, deny water, and was stuck like this. He snorted a bit. As his body felt tingly from the shock therapy from Tempest, but nothing too bad.

He was force to sit there, force to wait. Force to let his mind think. And while he had his epiphany of causing his singing with annoyance from other's? It didn’t do much. As he was left to contemplate.

However as he waited, he heard faint explosions, and turn his head as he half wonder what was going on. With the rushing of guards, and thought, is this place getting attacked? and as he was left in the dark, quite literally? He tried to listen carefully as possible. Low thumps and booms could barley be made out… but for all he knew they were having fireworks.

Then there was movement just outside his cell door, as something was clicking. Jerry focused and watch as before long? It was pull open, making his eyes wince from the sudden light. Then, the man soon heard a familiar voice. “Overlord-sama.”

Odd come in with a few Greens, and knelt in a respectful shinobi-like bow. While his fellows began to slash and cut open the ropes, one even undoing the gag as Jerry croak out. “Odd? You’re here….” and asking. “What’s going on?” Jerry feeling his limbs being freed, blood rushing through as he was being helped up.

“Freedom, Master.” spoke Odd, not lifting his head, as the greens helped him get on his feet to leave the cell. Jerry was feeling woozy, not having any food or water left him a bit light headed. Moving to lean against the wall, as he took light breaths.

Soon, one green newborn spoke eagerly. “Consume me, Master!” seeing his master’s weakness and knowing what must be done.

Jerry furrow his brows, as he knew he could-- but he spoke out. “I, I need you all to keep a eye out. Just give me a moment to, to recover a little.” taking a moment to catch his breath, and half lean against the wall for a moment. “Odd…lead me a way out. I can’t do much without my gear…” ordered Jerry. Which the ninja-themes Minion nodded and rose, swiftly moving to lead.

After taking a few breaths, did he began to walk. The Greens moving around by him, as Odd led on and motioned Jerry to follow. The man did, as he was lead down the halls. Passing dead guards and snuffed lights now and then. Reaching a once locked door that was left open and led them into an evidence room. Jerry noticed his gauntlet, and nothing much else there.

Which worried Jerry of where his things were, as he saw nothing but his gauntlet there. His brows furrow as Jerry move to put on the gauntlet as the gems glowed. Flexing his hand, Jerry was trying to get his bearings of the situation.

“Overlord-sama. Make a way-gate.” spoke Odd, insisting the Overlord to do so. Jerry glance, but with his eyes looking around the evidence room for enough space? Did he reach his hand out and a small gate formed up from the ground, “Master, we need to leave.” informed Odd.

“Hang, on….” started Jerry, his brows furrow in anger, as with the way-point gate providing him energy as he was regaining his strength more? “I want…I need to pay them back. For what they did….for what they caused….” and look to Odd as Jerry told. “I want to steal and take everything I can-- I want to give them a payback that will cripple them for months.”

“But… Overlord-sama…” Odd spoke in a slight concern.

“This, is the closest we ever gotten to them.” told Jerry. “If we don’t make any move, if we don’t hit them hard. They’ll just shore up defenses. We need to make a huge hit. We need to make sure we got breathing room for the next few months.”

Odd still hesitated, but soon bowed with a fist to his chest. “By your will, Overlord-Sama.” and looked to a green. “Go, retrieve Master’s things.” causing the nearest Green to run and leap into the nearest spawning pit. Odd soon told, “now, we wait, Master.” Making Jerry want to lift a brow, but didn’t argue. It gave him a moment to have a breather. To ebb his fatigue away with the magic of the Gate.

A minute past, before the gate flared and several browns appeared out with Giblet among them. The blacksmith holding something as the Browns were carrying something out. Something that made Jerry blinked in surprise….before he grinned darkly at what they brought.

Someone is getting many promotions. thought the man.

---

From on high, settled on a cliffside, Yip watched from a monoscope as his forces attacked their given targets. Already the few newborns he had sent in to set fire to a few poultry farms had drawn out the front guard. And after getting their attention was able to send a few suicide minions to run headlong into the gates and blast them to bits before they could close and defend.

After that a few teams of Reds with a complement of browns had gotten their cannon’s into position and began to fire away at the watchtowers that lined the walls. Forcing the airships to come in and try dealing with the artillery barrage. Though with some more carful aiming by those he had the green’s help hide? The sniper artillery cannons made any attempt to deal with the ground assault nearly moot.

Everything was going according to plan. With so much action at the front gate and so close to the industrial sections of the city? It forced the Storm King’s army to come out and face him-- or else everything that help his warmachine would go boom-boom for good.

As Yip began to laugh and crackle goofy in maniacal glee? He heard a green nearby. “Yip’s! Yips!” Getting the red to turn, his dark metal crowned helmet nearly spinning on his head from the fast action. “Lookie, lookie!” the green pointed excitedly down towards the left. “By da tower, da big tower’s top!”

Curious, Yip rose his spyglass and focused on the tower in question. He had half ignored it, seeing no relevance to it. It was defensed, yes, but was near nothing important. But that changed. For at it’s peak was a different Storm-Beast meanie. One that stood tall and proud and had what was clearly a right-hand-mare overseeing the battle.

That had to be him. The tall, athletically built white-monkey guy with a horn-like silly headdress thingy was the Storm King! It had to be! And it called for one thing.

“YOU!” Yip called to a nearby blue. “Load da special ammo!” With a sharp salute, the grinning blue ran off. Yip turned and pointed, “you, ready the cannon for da special ammo!” and hopped off the cannon he was on so they could get to work.

The blue came back quickly with a friend, and they prepared the special ammo. Quickly it was shoved into the cannon and the thing was closed. A menacing hum emanating from the Cannon as Yip demanded, “Prepare firings solution!”

There was a pause as he got blank looks. So Yip pointed, “Aim at the meanie!” And got sharp salutes as they went about their job. Yip jumped on the cannon, got his spyglass out and even licked his clawed finger to hold up. Getting a hint of the wind, measuring the distance. “Left-- left-- down! Little up. Little to right-- stop!” and jumped off. “Hold steady!” and lit his finger and lit the fuse. “Ready ears!” and they all held their ears.

With a loud exploding boom, the Cannon jolted back, the special ammo soaring through the air, buzzing with angry energy.

At his castle, the Storm King stroked his chin and scowled. Seeing this attack being made was more annoying than anything. He felt confident they could force back the enemy. At most? Their cannon fire was annoying. And the most damage that had been done was to some other storage. Those could be replaced. Though we did lose a few warehouses with merchandise. That will cost a pretty coin.

And as he mused, he flicked an ear, hearing another cannon go off. He ignored it, knowing how the enemy was more focused on the assault and not this tower that held no relevant value. The advantage of a far off watch tower that guarded nothing. People ignored it and--

He jolted to the side, nearly falling over as something went ‘Splat’ on his head. Everyone in the room, from him. To his trusty lieutenant Tempest. To her trusty aid Grubby. As well as every guard in the room looked on at the messy, gooey golden slime and broken remains of the… stuff now on his head.

As the Storm King began to wipe off the sticky, slimy stuff? He sniffed and held a finger up and licked the golden goo. Honey?

Then they heard a angry buzzing and looked out. A thick cloud of… are those…? the next moment the swarm was upon him, buzzing, stinging and soon chasing as the Storm King shouted, “BEE’S!” and screamed ad ran, “GAH! OW! GETT’EM OFF! GET’EM OFF!”

“You two buckets of water!” Tempest shouted.

“OW, Ow, OW!” Grubby the Hedgehog shouted, having gotten some honey on his person. “Yowch! Tempest, Help!” and began to run around.

The mare turned and spared her magic, intending to do just that-- but was half knocked over as her King half stumped into her. Then she gave an undignified yelp as the bee’s began to attack her.

All the while, as the tower slowly descended into chaos, Yip watched with glee through his spyglass and laughed in maniacal madness. The Overlord would be proud at vengeance being had.

---

Meanwhile, within the prison, the storm beasts who watch the prisons remain attentive. Even with the attack going on, none dare to leave as the attack at city walls and the city itself could be some form of distraction. And were ordered to stay to make sure none of the prisoners escaped. The two beasts stood and watched-- though their ears flick at the faint sound of something.

They turn to hear a ruckus, inside the prison itself as there was heavy thumping as they share a glance and listen more. Hearing the heavy metallic thumps as they turn with shields and spears ready for something coming out. However they were both shocked as the metal door, one made with anti-magic was sent flying off of its hinges. As a armored and metal horror came marching out.

As the eyes burn with crimson red hate, large spiked pauldrons rising high as it came out of the prison doorway. It’s clawed gauntlet fists uncurling menacingly. While a spiked crown of a helm that adorning the creature glammed before them. Both guards stood there, looking in utter terror, as the Overlord, clad in new, powerful armor that hissed with power, stood before them. His deep voice reverbing with a growl of tartarus itself. “Run.”

And as Jerry saw the two fleeing in pure terror, he internally sigh, and move to keep walking, as he was getting adjusted to the armor. As despite it not having the ‘enchantments’ that was on the armor on yet? It was clear Albert made a huge overhaul on the ‘Dominator Armor’. A far improvement than the previous armor. The greens moved around, following their Overlord as despite Jerry not having a weapon?

A good part of him wanted to be petty. He wanted to cause chaos, to steal, to take-- to make them rue the day they thought they could get the Overlord to-- Jerry took a forceful breath. Calming himself as he didn’t want to get his emotions in the way. He turn his eyes around, focusing on what to take, what to steal. For now however? Jerry was stomping out as he began to cause a little chaos. As he raise the pitch of his suit voice as he commanded as loud as he can while raising up his gauntlet hand.

“MINIONS! LET LOOSE AND CAUSE CHAOS!” and unleashed his Legion of Honor spell onto all of his minions. Knowing that the spell will allow them to cause chaos, to steal rich's, to improve themselves-- and over all? Not cause too many deaths of his future subjects. Can’t make a good ruler if he kill his future subjects, now can he? And what made it all the better? Was that Albert installed a music drive in the suit as he activated one of the many songs within it.

As he began to stomp his way with his minions around-- with him already setting up a outer gate hidden underneath the city in some sewers? Jerry knew he could return later to the city to cause more chaos and handle things properly. For now? He was causing chaos in the night, letting his minions break into buildings, stealing money, resources, and materials.

He wasn’t really causing too much damage, at least not himself. His Minions, his greens, his newly summoned browns and a few reds were causing the chaos. He wasn’t even thinking. He was just too emotional, too angry, his mind too focus on nothing but being a complete pain in the ass. Causing buildings to be broken in, people in a panic, and the guards running about to quell the chaos. From all sides, Jerry was absorbing what darkness he could from it all. The evil, the mayhem, the chaos-- all of it. He glanced and backhanded one storm-beast guard, denting armor and sending them sprawling.

With a glance to a nearby set of crates with what looked to be merchandising crates… and stretched his hand out, mentally commanding his minions torch the ‘merchandise’. The crates. The toys. Buildings and factories that they were right by. All because he wanted to.

It took about roughly a hour for him to reach towards the cliff area of the city and castle, as he was enjoying his high of destruction, and it wasn’t until then that he heard a voice shouting out. “OVERLORD!” and as he turn, seeing a irritated and angry Tempest in the far distance. Her horn sparking chaotically and brightly. Jerry’s mind halted, as he couldn’t get a gate made, not with how fast she approached. So, Jerry turned to look at the cliff with the water below as he decided to break for it and made a leap of faith. His minions jumping off with him, as they jump over the cliff, not considering that it could mean their demise.

Tempest began to run, guards flaking her as to catch up near the overlord and ensure he didn’t survive. But she stopped short at the sight that came next. Her eyes widening as the Overlord and his minions, having vanished over the cliffside? Soon reappeared on a rising and swaying airship-- but not just any airship, no….what they were on was the Storm King personal airship. A galleon sized airship with dozen of cannons, and as it was raising up to be more eye level with them? Loaded with masses of many, many minions hanging and riding on the ship?

Jerry turned around to face her. His gleaming and burning red eyes seeming to look at her own. He and Tempest Started off at the other, as he couldn’t help himself but gloat. “Let this be the day you remember, you almost killed the--,” and shouted out in shock, “WOAH!” nearly stumbling a bit as the airship swings around unsteadily. Jerry turned his head and called to chastise. “Steady the ship, I’m trying to--,” Before shouting out in alarm “ROCK!” The ship nearly ramming into said rocky spire. With a veering swing that nearly sent him falling, the ship moved around and started to head off.

“Okay, now steady-- watch out for that tower!” commanded Jerry as the airship jerked again, swaying other side. “LEFT! Watch that-- Ship! Watch the Ship!” Shouting in half panic at every obstacle in their path, trying to back-seat drive so they got out alive.

Tempest for her part, watched in muted shock as the minions and Overlord continued to messily fly the ship off, nearly crashing it a few times. She just couldn’t comprehend the sight. “...you all…” Slowly spoke the maroon mare, eyes never leaving the large galleon that swerved to avoid crashing into another rockface. “Allowed the escape… of that?” her pointed disbelief nearly driven home when the zeppelin ship seemed to abruptly drop for a moment like a rock before it caught itself. They even heard a cry and half panic from the ‘crew’. Even from their distance.

And suddenly, there were explosions and looking around, Tempest watched in now muted horror as airships all around went up in flames. The proud home fleet of the Storm King army being felled by what she could guess was sabotage. Crashing and descending as the ships that had once taken off to give pursuit? Were now forced to make controlled crashes to not kill their crews.

For a moment, Tempest’s eye twitched.

Next Chapter: A relaxing moment of a Overlord rescue Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 49 Minutes