Why? Why must I suffer? "Yes! Yes I love him! But it is a love that can not be!" I just wanted to check up on the girls. How did I get dragged into this? And why did Celestia abandon me? "For my heart already belongs to another! Another called... basket weaving! I can not give up my basket weaving! It is my life's passion! it's my cutie mark! I'm even the basket weaving world tournament champion three years running!" ...please tell me that's not really a thing. "Which is why he must never know! For if he were to find out that I loved him back and asked me to marry him, I don't think I could refuse!" You're talking to him right now. His disguise is a fake mustache made from a comb stuck to his face with duck tape. You should be able to see through that. Luna hugged me tighter. My ears fold back and I cringe again as her tears fall onto my head.

"Thou foal! Thou can have both!" Luna shouted at the mare.

"Again, they can't hear you." I deadpan. It's bad enough she's making me watch a chick flick. She needs to give me a shower as well? What more could she do to m- Wait! I didn't mean it! I tense up and my eyes dart around the room as I wait for the proverbial anvil to fall on my head. I cringe again at the sound of her blowing her nose over my head. "...that was my tail. Not a hanky." That's it. I love them but I can only take so much of this. "I really should get back to work. So if you could just let me go." I say as I try to push her forelegs away from me but they don't budge. With an annoyed sigh I watch the world grow around me as I shrink further and further until I'm the size of a mouse and slip through Luna's forelegs and slide down her belly and land with a grunt onto her lap. With a victorious squeak I hop down onto the bed sheets and run towards the edge. Only for a giant blue hoof to reach down and snatch me up before pressing me against Luna's wet cheek under one of her eyes. I groan in misery as I'm drenched from head to tail by the salty waterfall of tears bombarding me. And so fails escape attempt number nine.

Unable to escape I close my eyes and sigh at being prevented from checking up on the defenses again. Claw had tracked Juggernaut to a meeting place where he and another group teleported away. When we brought in the royal mages they tracked the teleportation to a beach where they got on a boat to who knows where. Not knowing when I will be attacked again I put the palace on high alert and bolstered the guards with my own troops. Dragons, black knights and those shadow wolves. I want to know how those Goodly Heroes keep sneaking in here. Even the Goodlys we have locked up don't know how their friends have been getting in. I've grown jumpy waiting for the next attack. They have the Crystal Heart and they have the Elements. There is no telling what kind of hardened killer among the Goodly Heroes will infiltrate these walls next.

(Story following Lyra Heartstrings.)

With a happy sigh Lyra trudged up to her door. She had just gotten home and was eager for a nap and to spend some time with her best friend. With a confused blink she looked at a party invitation on her door and cringed at its writing before taking it off the door and placing it in her pack. Quietly she opened the door and tippy hoofed up the stairs to surprise Bon-bon. Carefully and playfully she moved into her friend's room. Crouched like a lioness ready to pounce she moved in but passed as a look of panic crossed her face when she saw her monster killing weapons out of their hiding places and set on Bon-bon's bed. At that moment Bob-bon walked into the room and looked down at Lyra.

"I can explain." Lyra closed her mouth after those words filled the air. That had been exactly what she was going to say but Bon-bon beat her to it. Taking a closer look Lyra realized that those weapons looked more used than hers.

"What?" Lyra asked in Confucian. Bon-bon looked around nervously before giving a sigh.

"The truth is my name isn't Bon-bon. It's special agent Sweety Drops. I used to work for a super secret anti-monster agency in Canterlot. Or at least I did until a monster called the bugbear went missing from Tartarus a few years back."

"...what?"

"When it escaped we had to shutter the whole agency. Every last shred of evidence of the organization's existence was distressed. Celestia demanded complete deniability."

"...what?"

"I had to assume the name Bon-bon and go into hiding. I wanted to tell you but I couldn't for your own protection." Bon-bon said as she packed her equipment.

"............................................................what?"

"But princess Celestia has sent a letter saying that the agency is being reactivated. I'd show you but it has already self destructed... By the way we need a new couch. Look I know you're probably mad at me for keeping this secret but I did it for your own protection. But I need to go now for the sake of national security." Bon-bon said as she zipped up her bag and moved towards the door.

"Wait what? You're not going anywhere without me!" Lyra insisted as she jumped in her friends path.

"I don't know Lyra. I'm going to the palace. It could be dangerous if those terrorist attack again." Bon-bon said unknowingly upsetting her friend who managed to keep her poker face.

"The palace full of guards? I'll be fine. If things get bad I'll just hide." Lyra pleaded. "Besides I saved your life! If not for me you would have eaten that baked bad!"

"You ate my baked bad and got sick. That wasn't saving my life that was karma." Bon-bon deadpanned as she turned to leave.

"I ate your mother's cooking!"

"...."

"I can't believe I'm doing this." Bon-bon said as she and Lyra walked through the halls in the palace in Canterlot.

"Too bad I'm sticking with you! There is no way you're getting rid of me that easily!" Lyra exclaimed jokingly. I also need to watch your back. There is no way I'm letting my best friend walk into a spider's web like that. Lyra thought to herself. "Say what's with all the crystal ponies?" Lyra asked as she looked out at all the the crystal ponies that were walking around the city through a window.

"How can you know what a crystal pony is and not know?" Bon-bon asked in confusion.

"Well I met one and he told me he came from an empire up north and I just figured they were like the yaks." Lyra lied. I'm sorry. I would tell you but I can't Risk it while you're so close to this danger.

"Well there is this artifact called the crystal heart that used to protect them but it was stolen recently and without it the intense cold froze their home solid. Not to mention the damage done thanks to Sombra, this evil Unicorn guy. So they had to evacuate their city because they would have frozen to death without the heart. It came in so fast they barely escaped with their lives." Bon-bon answered.

"Wa... was anypony hurt?" Lyra asked with feelings of guilt. If she found out that good ponies died because of something the Goodlies did it would be horrible. Especially since they kept it for the greater good as they all agreed a reusable, discriminating bomb with such a massive blast radiance would be invaluable in cleansing entire cities at a time.

"No. Thankfully all four princesses were there to help get all of the crystal ponies out of there." Bon-bon reassured her friend as they walked passed the Element bearers that appeared to have come from the room they were heading towards now.

"Halt!" Two guards said as they bared their way. Bon-bon was undeterred and walked up to the two guards and showed them what Lyra thought might be a badge but couldn't see it at this angle. The two guards nodded and let her pass but when Lyra tried to follow her friend the guards got in her way again.

"Authorization?" One of them asked.

"Sorry Lyra but this will take a few hours. Why don't you look around? The areas you're aloud to look anyways." Bon-bon said with an apologetic smile.

"But, how will we find each other again when you're done?" Lyra asked.

"Don't worry about that Lyra. I can find you no matter where you are." Bon-bon said with a smile. ...Not creepy at all. Lyra thought as her friend disappeared through the door. Might as well see what I can learn while I'm here. Lyra thought to herself before turning around and walking down a random hall. Now if I was an evil creature of darkness where would I keep my evil things? Lyra's thoughts were interrupted when she saw princess Celestia walking down the hall and turning into another room. What happened to her horn!?

"Hello there Sasha. Would you like a good scratch?" Lyra heard Celestia say as she peeked into the large room to find the princess doing her best to scratch under all three chins at once. How can she balance on one hoof like that? While Lyra was thinking that the two were unaware of the thoughts passing through two of the three heads on the pup. While one was hoping that the pretty pony would move on to belly scratches soon the other two in all their innocents were making connections. Mistress said we can only put the food and toys she gives us in our mouths. Pretty white pony was the first toy she gave us to play fetch with. Ponies are yummy... When the right head opened her mouth and sticks out her tongue Celestia closed her eyes tight and turned her head to the side to prepare for what she thought was going to be an affectionate lick.

Lyra's jaw dropped when she saw Celestia's upper half disappear inside the mouth of the pup's right head before the pup stood up. The right head had a happy smile in its face as it savored the princess's flavor while the princess's hind legs kicked wildly as Celestia fought to escape. But soon those legs were trapped as well as the middle head opened wide and took her lower half. Oh my Celestia it's eating her! Lyra thought in a panic as she charged in. As a recruiter Lyra only had the most basic combat skills that any goodly could have but thanks to her talent in music she was good at sonic spells which made her invaluable in a support role in the battles she had been in and luckily for her she had her lyre with her. Quickly she pulled it out while keeping her gallop and used her magic along with her instrument to create a sound so high pitched that no pony could hear it. Lyra smiled as she saw her plan work as the three heads gave of a 'yarp!' of surprise sending Celestia flying out and landing with a wet splat on the tile floor. That smile turned into a look of horrified shock when the pup jumped back because of the sound and was about to land on her.

Desperately Lyra backpedaled in the hopes of getting out of the way but tripped on a large, soft cushion that was probably what the dog slept on and rolled a little ways in before a crushing weight fell on her. Alive but in pain Lyra struggled as hard as she could to get out from under the crushing weight of the pup but the lovable bundle of fur and drool was too heavy. Meanwhile the pup's heads were whimpering as Celestia chastised them about how she was not a dog treat. Celestia then grabbed a hose that had been pulled in through the window for the purpose it was about to serve and sprayed the pup in the faces like one would squirt a normal sized dog with a spray bottle. Having finished disciplining the pup Celestia marched off to get a bath grumbling about cutting her walk short.

The pup however just sat there whimpering about how they just wanted to taste the pony and how they weren't going to chew on her, except the left head that whimpered that she didn't do anything wrong. Not that anyone around could understand them. Worse still they were trapped. They don't know what it is but they know that they are sitting on whatever made the bad noise. They could feel it trying to get away and all three heads agreed they didn't want to get up for fear that it will start making the bad noise again.

An hour and a half later.

Lyra laid there with what one would describe as an extremely annoyed look on her face if anyone could see it. She had given up on trying to get out from under the fidgety pup and just waited for the dog to get up while being thankful she could still breath. Though she was confused at how she could with all this weight pressing down on her. The entire time lamenting that she never learned how to teleport.

"There you are Sasha. What's wrong you normally come play with me when it's my break time. Why are you still here?" A female voice asked aloud causing the giant pup to make whining sounds. "Bad noise? What bad noise?" The voice asked. Wait can she understand this mutt? Please whoever you are get it off me! Lyra thought to herself as if she could project her thoughts. As if on cue the tremendous weight lifted off of Lyra and she finally took in a breath of fresh air before turning to thank whoever had saved her before freezing while her eyes nearly popped out of her head.

"Holy human." Lyra said breathlessly as she looked up at the dark fox herself who was now huge and holding the giant three headed dog like it was a normal puppy.

"...What...were you doing under my dog's butt?" The fox asked in confusion.

"I-I" Lyra stammered. Just say the truth. She can't figure anything important out from that and she might be able to detect lies. Lyra thought to herself. "W-was exploring when I saw princess Celestia come into this room. I peaked in the room out of curiosity when I saw the dog trying to eat her so I saved her with a sonic spell. Then it sat on me." Lyra said nervously as she saw a displeased look cross the fox's face. She's mad. Did I foil her plans to get rid of princess Celestia? Lyra thought nervously as she glanced at her now broken lyre. That was the only weapon I could safely get in here. If she attacks me I'm dead! Lyra though with a gulp.

"Is this true Sasha?" The fox asked the puppy it was holding getting a few barks from the three heads. "Bad girls! Celestia is not a toy! I don't care how yummy you think ponies are stop putting them in your mouths unless I say otherwise!" Lyra gulped at hearing it has acquired a taste for pony flesh. "As for you. Good girl." The fox said as she scratched the left head behind the ears. "Sorry about that. You aren't hurt are you?" The fox asked Lyra in a concerned tone. A commendable act foul creature. But I can see through your lies. Lyra though as she got up.

"No your majesty I'm fine." Lyra replied.

"That's good. I need to get back to the throne room as my break will be over soon. By the way your friend is there. She was relay freaked out that she couldn't find you. At least now we know why? Not a hiding place anyone would think to look." The fox said with laughter in her eyes as she set the puppy down and produced a single treat for the left head before shrinking back down to size. "Come she's waiting." Lyra was weary of the fox but didn't want to raise any suspicions so she returned her broken lyre to her saddle bags and followed the fox and was joined by two earth ponies in scary looking armor. Fortunately the walk was a short one and they soon found themselves in the throne room where the fox sat on a large throne that looked like it was made of diamond with what looks like a flowing black cloud inside.

"There you are! Where have you been? You know when I said I will find you I didn't mean it to be a challenge!" Bon-bon said angrily.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worried." Lyra said.

"The poor thing was so lost when I found her. Don't blame her this is a big palace." The fox lied. Lyra was momentarily surprised at how well the fox lied without a single tell with such ease before the fox winked at Lyra with her head turned so that only Lyra could see. Trying to make me think it's to save me the embarrassment are you? Nice try! I know you want to keep your attempt on the real princess's life a secret! Lyra thought bitterly.

"Well... I guess I can't blame you for that. I was just worried. I can't believe I couldn't find you if you were just wandering the halls." Bon-bon said with furrowed brows.

"Your majesty it's time to continue." A voice interrupted and Rin sighed in annoyance.

"Fine. I just hope there are no more nobles here trying to win my paw. I don't know how many attempts to flirt I can take." Rin said with a sour look on her face.

"It's not that bad is it princess?" Bon-bon asked. The fox opened her mouth to respond but at that moment the doors burst open and a rose covered platform was rolled in with a blue unicorn with another rose in his mouth. He was soon followed by a band being rolled in on a much smaller platform that had immediately started playing music while the stallion stood up and turned around and started shaking his plot around while wiggling his eyebrows as he started to sing I'm too sexy. Rin's head turned away from the display with an even more sour look on her face as she looked at Bon-bon as if to say 'you tell me.' Not that she could see this as she like most of the room were staring at the show in horror.

Lyra’s attention was drawn away from the the scene when she heard some shouting from outside before the door burst open and in walked a being who looked human for the most part, the only difference was he had a tail.

“Ax? What are you doing here? And why were you waiting in line when you could have portaled in.”

“He didn’t wait in line he skipped everypony!” An indignant shout rang out from the hall.

“Rin, I need the Skull of hate.” This Ax guy asked seriously. And what was this skull he was talking about?

“What? Why would you want that evil thing back?” The dark fox asked in confusion. "No wait I need you to sign this first." Rin said as a parchment and a quill floated over to Ax. With a raised eyebrow Ax complied before the quill and parchment was pulled back. "Ok now please answer the question."

“I need it for the war of shadows, to help me keep two displaced armies from running wild over an equestria, where the war will take place. Please Rin, I’d never ask this if I thought I wouldn’t need it.” Asphyxious said with as much seriousness as he could muster while thinking of Rin's hind quarters. An equestria? What is he talking about? And what are displaced? And who was that? Lyra thought to herself as she looked around. "W-was that Morgan Freeman?!" Asphyxious asked aloud as he searched for the source of the voice.

“Well that proves you're you. The Morgan Freeman curse narrates everything the user of the cursed object does for a few days. Even when they lie. Don't worry I can break it at any time."

"...I want. I want." Asphyxious said wile staring at the cursed quill.

"Mine!" Rin said while sending the quill away. "Now I need you to let me in your head to check for mind control. You understand considering the nature of the thing you're asking for." Asphyxious suddenly turned serious and gave a nod. Rin's eyes then began to glow toxic green and whisps of darkness came out of them showing that the fox was using dark magic. "Alright. If you feel you really need it. I ca-” Rin started to say but was interrupted by the noble that was just trying to court her.

“Excuse me but whatever this is about can wait! Can’t you see I’m wooing the princess? Get back out there and wait your turn!” He shouted through the rose in his mouth.

“First off don’t interrupt me when I’m talking. Secondly I’m sorry but it just can’t work out between us. You’re just too sexy for me.” Rin said as she used her magic to push the parade float he rode in on outside taking him with it.

“Let me guess, the line outside are all here to win your hand?” The Ax guy asked, sounding amused by this.

“More than not unfortunately. Celestia and Luna are out of commission for a bit because the Juggernaut came back and tortured them. So now there is a rumor going around that I took over and as a result there are several nobles trying to become the king of darkness.” Rin said with a deadpan.

“I don’t really see you as the Queen of darkness type You're more of the sweet mum who looks after her kids type to me.” Ax said grinning a little. Lyra had to hold back a snort at that lie. As if such a vile spawn of Tartarus could be motherly or sweet save for her acting. So he’s being manipulated too.

“Anyways I already have my imps working on an air tight room to create a portal to the moon. It will take a little time. Why don’t you just relax somewhere till I get it.” Rin said with a smile.

“Thanks Rin I need time away from Mask, trust me there's only so much I can take being around that displaced. Don’t get me wrong he’s funny, but even I can’t stand being around him for more than a week.” Ax said with a sigh.

“Would you like to go down to the dungeon and meet your two-hundred children?” Rin asked with a smile. ...two-hundred children?...wait dungeon! She’s keeping children in the dungeon!? Lyra swallowed hard as she tried to keep her anger in check.

“I’d like that, maybe next time I can bring Chrysalis and Pupa over to see them. Also Sister has had her first clutch of eggs.” Ax replied proudly as he walked inside a strange hole in the ground that opened out of nowhere.

“Alright but be careful in dealing with the moms. They’re demanding alimony!” Rin called out as Ax was jumping in.

“I will!” He called back.

“Can I go too? I love children.” Lyra asked the fox. As much as I want to protect Bon-bon she is a trained fighter. And besides the fox will be destroyed once the plan is executed later today. The children come first. Lyra thought to herself. Rin frowned at this request.

“I guess but only if you stay in the nursery. And I’ll have to insist that you have an inhibitor ring and leave your things with Bon-bon.” Rin said.

“Yes go play with the kids. I’m sure they’ll love you.” Bon-bon said with a smile. Happy to find an excuse to get her friend somewhere safe. Swallowing hard Lyra nodded and allowed a guard to lock a ring on her horn. And dropped her Lyre at Bon-bon’s hooves. Feeling like she was walking to death row she jumped into the hole and to her confusion fell back up through a different one. With a grunt she belly flopped onto a soft floor and looked up at a baby changeling only with dragon eyes and wings that was using a doll of some kind of monster as a pacifier. And even more disturbing the doll appears to be alive. oh I made a mistake.

“Okay, okay, kids I’m happy to see you to. But if you all climb all over me I can’t get up!” A voice called out with laughter. It sounded like Ax. Looking over Lyra saw Ax buried under a pile of babies that were giggling happily and snuggling, pulling and playing with him. Lyra then felt something crawl up onto her back and looked over to another baby changeling that was sitting on her. With an innocent smile it offered her a ball in the shape of an eyeball. That moment was enough to get her to want to save the kids again. Until the eyeball plushy opened a mouth she didn’t know it had and clamped onto her nose.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” Lyra screamed as she ran around the room in a panic with a giggling baby on her back enjoying the ride and a toy monster on her nose enjoying her flavor. “Get it off! Get it off! Get it off! Get it off!”

“Okay calm down and stop running your going to hurt yourself.” Ax called over as he stopped Lrya and pulled the doll off her nose. “There all better.” He said before picking up the baby changeling on her back.

“How is that thing even alive?” Lyra wheezed as she tried to catch her breath. I need to get more training in. A few years of only recruiting has gotten me out of shape.

“Don’t know, maybe Rin trapped an evil spirit again like last time.” Ax replied, handing the baby to a Changeling and kissed her lovingly.

“What evil spirit? What last time? Maybe there is something useful I can learn. If the fox has been dealing with the competition we need to get what is set free after she’s gone.

“It was so long ago it doesn't matter. Say your Lyra right? Nice to meet one who's not as crazy about humans as the one back home. Oh by the way my name is Asphyxious.”

“Back home?” So it’s true. She came from another dimension. The same one Strong Heart came from. I thought she was just lying about that.

“The princess knows a spell called dollification that turns what it hits into harmless playthings. The toys you see here were an army of evil monsters she turned to toys and gave to the babies. Nothing but mindless beasts.” One of the changelings said to Lyra answering her question.

“Are we talking about the kids or their toys.” Asphyxious joked before another female changeling hit him in the arm. “I was kidding you know I love you all.” He then kissed the changeling that hit him.

“She can do that? Is that what happened to Chrysalis and Sombra?” Lyra asked straight faced.

“She turned me into a doll once.” Asphyxious said then started to blush. “I wonder if she left Chrysalis out?”

“The former queen has been dollifide but when she isn’t being played with or having visitation time with her hive she is locked up at all times. She is a prisoner after all.” The changeling responded as she patted the baby she was holding on the back causing it to burp up a flame.

“Awww, I wanted to show her off to my Chrysalis back home. We could of had a lot of fun.” Asphyxious said again with a big smile on his face. Ok definitely worth knowing. I need to warn the others that Chrysalis and Sombra will be back after the fox’s death.

“Let's not forget Mr. Nibbles.” Asphyxious asked looking around for the cage. “Where is the little guy?”

“He’s kepped in a separate play room. The babies aren't allowed to be around him anymore until they are older. We were almost unable to save him in time. Luckily there was a stomach pump that is kept sterile with the princesses other tools.” The changeling said with an embarrassed shrug. “I can’t imagine why that baby swallowed him. I never once felt even a drop of love come from the guy.”

“Why would they try and eat Tirek? That guy is a bigger pain than Lord Toruk.” Asphyxious replied, playing with one of the baby changelings. “Oh well, makes me happy that I killed the Tirek back home. Guy was an asshole.”

“So just wondering. Are you a human? And if so what’s up with the tail?” Lyra asked as she picked up a baby to cuddle until she noticed the smell and hoofed the kid over to a passing changeling and picked up a clean one and started bouncing the baby much to the kid’s excitement.

“I guess you can say I used to be human, I was displaced as a Lich. And then I was locked away for 900 years. Went insane then was saved by the diamond dogs and Shining Armor as well as his wife's magic that set me free. I was then hit with the elements because no big surprise, all the ponies thought I was evil because I was a lich. Anyway got hit, got this new body and Chrysalis thought it was a good idea to try it out… My god I love that changeling.” ...that makes no sense! If he was a lich he would have been evil and the elements would have stoned him or something! The undead can’t reproduce so he’s not undead so he’s lying or he’s been brainwashed.

“It always make me laugh how ponies always think something evil by how it looks. Kind of sad when you think about it. Think about all the interesting things they could learn, if they didn’t see things as, oh no you're a dragon you must be evil. Or oh no it's an undead lich we must stop his evil plans, or the one that pisses me off the most. Oh no he’s a monster, we have to get rid of him by burying him under ground withOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY!” Lyra’s ears folded back as Asphixias’s shouting caused all of the babies to start crying.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to upset you.” He said sadly picking up a baby changeling and rocking one of them in his arms. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. I’m sorry, for a displaced their first contact with ponies tends to end up with them being stoned. All displaced used to and are still human at their core. But then you get the ones who are damaged, they forget who they used to be. And just go with who they pretend to be, I may have Asphyxious powers, but I’m not him. I’ll never be a lich in my heart. And Rin was the same, used to be human, now a fox with a lot of magic.” Lyra’s brain reeled at the new information.

“She used to be human?...what kind of powers did she get when she chose to be umm… displaced?” Lyra asked.

“That the real kicker Lyra, we never chose this… None of us chose to be displaced in the first place. Some asshole with a lot of power is doing this for shits and giggles… If I knew, I never would gotten that staff from the merchant. That's all we know him by, and that's all anyone knows about him, it. He wait for those with a missing piece to their customs and then sells it to them. They're then sent to a equestria, what happens after that up to them.” ...if that’s the case I can see the Elements curing him and bringing him back to life. So he is being manipulated by the fox. She was turned to stone so Harmony must know that she’s evil.

“That still doesn't answer my question. What is she?” Lyra asked. Anything useful. Don’t want any unpleasant surprises once she’s dead.

“As far as I know, she's a sexy fox who knows a lot about magic.” Asphyxious replied smiling. “I think out of the two of us, Rins got a good thing going for her. A family that loves her for who she is, and don’t care what she is. Reminds me of my daughter Pupa back home and the others, she didn’t care that she was a changeling and I was a lich. She saw me as her dad… What more could I ask for.” Asphyxious said smiling as the baby in his arms fell asleep. “But, if any harm comes to those I care about, I would not hesitate to burn everything in my path. After all, I am part dragon.” Lyra would normally be annoyed that she didn’t get any new information that she could use but her brain locked on one thing. He has more kids at home!

“I, see. So what about this war you-” Lyra started to ask but was interrupted by a loud noise and the ground shaking. Several things could be seen running past the doorway to find out what’s going on.

“Well looks like someone was stupid enough to attack Rin’s dungeon whilst I was still here.” He said before his body was covered in blue fire, He then turned into a huge tall metal being, with nothing but a skull for a head.

“Time for me to have some fun and see who faints from just seeing me. Keep the kids safe.” Asphyxious said before following down the hall after the others. Looking around Lyra saw the changelings herding the kids to the back so she hoofed the baby she had over and seizing the opportunity to see more of this place took off herself down the hall. It was a long run but soon she came to the crowd that were being kept back by a group of small bug eyed creatures while others dug open a new path into a room that apparently had no other entrance. Some of those creatures approached with an empty crate with a bio-hazard sign while others walked out carrying a large metallic skull. So that’s the skull. I can feel it trying to take me over already. I can’t let that thing leave. It needs to be destroyed!

No, you need its power… Lyra heard in her head, a voice old and full of power. She found it hard to think as it dug into her thoughts and hate. I could destroy all of the evil in the world. I could bring world peace with- Wack! Lyra’s thoughts were knocked back into place by an angry looking bug eyed creature with what looks like a giant fly swatter.

“There you are, trying to twist others to your will I see.” The lich spoke as he moved other to the Skull. “Don’t worry, I’ll be bring you back to your brother real soon. We’re going to a war, a war between displaced. You miss the blood and death don’t you?” Asphixias asked as the bug eyed creatures carefully set the skull unto the crate.

I do. Lyra heard as the eyes glowed green. Bring me souls for Lord Toruk, the dragon farthe-!

“Not today sunshine. You're going home with me, and getting a few tweaks.” Asphyxious said as he held out a vial and poured it into the crate through the hole before the small creatures put the lid on and started nailing it shut. The Lich then looked at Lyra. “I told you to keep them safe…”

“I thought you were talking to the changelings. You weren't looking at me you were facing the door.” Lyra lied.

“I see… well I guess I can forgive you. I thought we were under attack, turned out to be a portal being opened to the moon. Better take this home then.” Asphyxious said picking up the crate.

“Um, you’re not leaving already are you?” Lyra asked. I can’t let that thing get away! I’ve got to draw this out until after the fox is dead! “Maybe we can go back up to the palace and chat with the princess? Or you should at least tell her goodbye.” Come on take the bait.

Asphyxious turned back into his human form, and smiled at her. “Miss Lyra, are you asking me out on a date?” He asked smiling at her warmly.

“Um...no? I just want to get to know you being human and all.” Lyra said nervously. It’s not a lie. Once I’ve freed you of the fox’s influence I have so many questions.

“I’m sure we can do that here, I don’t mind staying an hour or two. I may even show you the more interesting part of my body, if you want?” Asphyxious said as he walked down a hall, with Lyra by his side. “If you really want to, you can join my hoard.”

“I...need an adult?” Lyra said nervously. Her sense of duty the only thing keeping her from running. Asphyxious purred at her, the sound alone made her blush.

“I am an adult.” He said smiling at her as he walks into a room.

...The things I do for my country. Lyra thought with a sigh as she walked into the room. Unwilling to let the crate out of her sight. Asphyxious was sitting on the crate, and wasn’t doing anything.

“So what do you want to know first?” Asphyxious asked, with a soft smile.

“Um..how about some nice twelve feet apart talking?” Lyra asked with a nervous grin. “Like, pants? What is there function?”

He laughed a little. “Oh come on, we’re adults. I’m sure we can talk about this like adults, now come over here and let's have a nice long talk.” Lyra’s ears folded back and she gave an audible gulp as she shook with fear.

Two hours later in the palace throne room.

“Excuse me princess. I was wondering if I could check up on my friend?” Bon-bon asked Rin much to the annoyance of the latest noble that thankfully wasn’t trying to get her in bed. Without a word or even taking her eyes off the chart she was being shown Rin waved a paw and a portal opened to the room she could feel had lives in it that weren't connected to her dungeon heart.

“Oh YES! Right there! Harder! Harder!” Lyra’s voice shouted out from the hole in the ground getting everyone's immediate attention. “Oh yes! You’re the best!”

“Wow, I didn’t know you’d enjoy this that much.”Asphyxious said in surprise.

“Lyra!? What are you doing!?” Bon-bon shouted in horror at the sounds.

“...It’s not what it sounds like!” Lyra called up through the hole before she jumped out of the portal and rushed to her friend. “It was just a back massage I swear!”

“Hehe, you ponies and your misunderstandings. Makes me laugh every time, it's true all I did was rub her back and ears.” Asphyxious said getting out of the portal with the crate in hand. “Thanks Rin, give me a call if you need anything.”

“Of course and same to you. And I wish you the best of luck with that thing.” She said as she looked down at the crate. Asphyxious then left through a portal with the crate in hand. No! Buck! Now how are we going to destroy that thing!?

“Um… princess. The new bridge?” The pony she was meeting with tapped the chart with his stick.

“Oh sure go on.” Rin said but just as he opened his mouth to speak the ground started shaking as a rainbow of colors shined through the windows. The throne Rin was sitting on started spinning around the room due to the vibrations. The noble picked up his chart and started running around the room trying to keep the chart in front of Rin as he continued to try and sell his plan. But Rin wasn’t paying attention to him anymore. She looked out a window she was passing and took on a look of fear.

Another portal opened up as Asphyxious walked out. “Sorry about that Rin forgot to ask you… What's going on?” He asked looking around at the mass panic.

Rin looked over to him with dread. “The goodlies stole the Elements! And they’re using them!”

Asphyxious then looked outside. “Oh the Elements, nothing to worry about then. They only affect anyone who's evil.” Ax said just as a building outside came crashing down and cracks started appearing on the walls. The sound of pained screams filled the air as six figures could be seen floating in a large rainbow beam of power that was shooting up into the sky. Their forms warping into unnatural shapes. “That’s not right...”