***Asphyxious pov. On the train to the crystal empire.***

“I am surprised I was invited to this little get together.” I asked sitting next to Spike as we played card games. I have called Rin over to come to, seeing as I was married to Twilight and Shining armor was kind of my half brother now. It made since we’d all meet up. My only worry was that if Velvet was there I may need to hide from her.

“Well you’re apart of our family Asphyxious.” Said Twilight as she looked over at me from Starlight, To me the unliving looked worried about all this. I get the feeling Twi over working the poor girl. “Although I must ask, what kind of gift did your mother bring?” I blinked at this before looking back at Rin. The box was as big as she was and much to the unease of the other passengers it would occasionally move on its own and make strange noises.

“That kind of what I want to know, but I’m sure it not dangerous… It not is it?” I asked as I saw Rainbow looking it over.

“Oh no, it’s perfectly safe.” Rin assured. I just took her word for it before the train stopped. We all get off and on to the station, oh good lord what happened to him? I thought as we meet up with Shining armor. The poor guy looked like he didn’t sleep in days.

“You okay there buddy?” I asked, he kind of went on and on talking in rambles for a while. Before he fell asleep standing up... I kind of feel his pain but I didn’t say anything. Rin just picked him up in a soft magic bubble and started walking towards the palace.

Once inside Cadence walked us inside to the room were the baby was. “We just like to warn you, she maybe a bit strange.” I rolled my eye at this.

“Strange please, I’ve lived it how bad can it be?” I asked walking behind Twilight and her friends.

“I’m sure whatever it is we can handle it.” Twilight added as we all looked at the baby. I for the lack of a better word was surprised, I knew I would be an uncle what I didn’t know was I’d be the uncle to a baby alicorn.

“Okay… That different…” I say blinking in confusion, how were her wings that big? “Okay Mum explain please?”

“What’s to explain? When two parents make a baby the dominant genes are used. So it makes sense that she would get most of it from her mother in this case.” Rin said with a shrug. I face clawed at this, not what I was on about but good enough.

My Luna and Celestia were here to and started to explain they didn't know how a alicorn was born. Mum being the troll that she was interrupted them by telling them about the birds and the bees. I asked why didn’t Faust tell them, they replied with she was busy. Busy doing what I had no idea.

We was then taken to the heart and had the caromay explained For some reason Rin put up a barrier around the heart which she said was to stop the sonic vibrations from breaking it. How did she know!? Oh gods that is loud!

“My ears won’t stop ringing!” I called out holding my head, next thing I know the small filly was hugging my face… “umm, hello?” I said as she giggled.

“Well it looks like she likes you.” Said Shining with a smile. Oh crap I knew that look, I am not babysitting.

“We can get everything ready while he looks after Flurry heart.” Said Cadence with a smile. She’s your kid, why are you powning her off on me?! I thought as everyone was looking at me now… You to mum? What’s with that look like you know funny things are going to happen? Suddenly Rin’s head snapped to look at Flurry Heart and she tensed then back peddled.

“Incoming!” She cried out. Oh gods what now? I thought as I looked at the kid with panicked eyes. She was making faces so I thought she was ether going to burp or throw up so I lifted her up and faced her away from me. That was a mistake. Suddenly her diaper expanded like a balloon and I was pinned under it. In a manner of speaking, I saw how everyone left the room leaving me alone to change her.

I sighed before looking at her. “Well let get you a clean nappy and cleaned up.” I said as she giggled. I was just lucky everything I needed was right here.

***Rin’s Pov.***

Troll,lool,lool,lool,lool,lool! I thought to myself as we walked out of the area. Perhaps in time he two will learn how to predict the disasters of the super babies.

“Oh I brought a gift for Flurry Heart.” I said to the exhausted parents as I lifted the box. “Thought I should show you first so that you don’t jump to conclusions or freak out.”

“Well alright, what is it?” Asked Shining, as Cadence walked up to the box.

“Every kid should have a best friend.” I said as she pulled on a ribbon and let the box fall open. “She’s already been trained and great with kids.” Once they saw what was in there everypony backpedaled and even Shining looked wide awake.

“What the buck is that!?” He demanded.

“It’s a dog.” I reply. Well… okay it’s a monster dog, like a hellhound but it’s not like its demonic or anything. I look over to see the black dog with glowing green eyes. It was as big as Cadence and its mouth was full of wicked looking sharp teeth. Under its black fur it’s vanes glow a toxic green color and its tail was long and ended in a second mouth.

“It so… CUTE!” Yelled Cadence as she hugged it. To the surprise to everyone else, but Fluttershy who was smiling. “But first let get you cleaned up and put a collar on you. Does it have a name?”

“Her name is Hope.” I said with a nod. I could see most of the ponies looking at me like ‘really?’ “Her spices are highly intelligent, more so than any normal dog, and she was well trained for kids. You’d be surprised how much she could help you look after her. She’ll be Flurries best friend and bodyguard.” I say with a nod.

“Well, at least it’s not a Argus.” Said Shining as he slowly moved closer to Hope. “So what do we need to feed her?” He asked before a commotion was heard. Everyone saw Asphyxious holding on to Flurry’s hooves as she was dragging him down the hall. Hope immediately honed in on Flurry then looked at me questioningly. I just give her a nod letting her know that that was her new owner.

“Woh!” Cadence said as Hope ran over to Flurry, carrying the alicorn of love as if she weighed nothing over to the child. Flurry stopped to look at Hope curiously until Hope opened her mouth and an absurdly long tongue shot out and licked her on the face.

“You have… No idea the trouble I went though to keep an eye on her.” Asphyxious said from his place on the floor.

“Oh believe me son… I do.” I told him as I gave him a pat on the back. Flurry was now giggling as she hugged Hope’s face. “Take cover!” I cry out as I back away. Ax immediately followed my example this time. BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP! Flurry let loss strong winds that knocked over the ponies in its breath but Hope took the full force of the wind without being fazed by it. Good thing most monster dog species are so sturdy.

“My lord the pipes on her… Where did she get that from?” Asphyxious asked as Rainbow was sprawled out on top of his head. Luna laughed as her sister sighed.

“Oh this is nothing. I used to babysit two kids with the same power all the time.” Rin said as she watched Flurry and Hope happily playing. Though it didn’t bother Hope everyone could see that Flurry could have easily killed a normal dog with some of her playing.

“So what do we do now?” Asphyxious asked after helping Rainbow wake up. Twilight had shielded the rest of her friends from the baby burp, so they were fine.

“Well Hope can easily keep Flutter occupied and keep her from running off so she could look after the kid as needed.” I say and I see Shining look at the Hope with… well, hope.

“Oh as for your previous question, You might need to get the dog food shipped from the griffins. I’ll give you a few large bags of what she eats so you can get a steady supply.” I say with a shrug. “The name of this dog’s spices… is Bone Eater.” I say as I summon a large bone and toss it to Hope who eats it like it was a dog biscuit.

“Well then seeing everything in hand, let’s get ready for the crystallizing.” Said Shining Armor. Everyone agreed as they went through on what should happen.

***Asphyxious pov.***

After seeing the light show and everyone turned crystal again, I wasn’t impressed. However I’d be wrong if I say it didn’t make my lovers look more interesting.

“I...am not amused.” Rin deadpanned. I looked at her and laughed. Her fur stood strait up and spiked so now she looked like a crystal hedgehog. I then felt Luna stand next to me, and I swear I felt her hand on my hip. I looked down at her and smiled as she smiled back at me.

“I’m just going to take a nap in one of the guest rooms.” I said out loud as I walked off, I looked back from time to time to see Luna was following me. I smiled as we both entered a room and locked the door.

I woke up in the middle of the night, I didn’t know why but I felt restless like something was wrong. I looked down to find a sleeping Celestia to my surprise. I finally got out of bed, then after getting dressed I went out for a walk around the palace.

It all looked so different at night, but I didn’t like how fake the sky was. It should be colder than this. I thought as I continue my walk. No matter how nice it was in the crystal empire, it felt like one big cage to me.

I then smelt something, something unfamiliar? I followed the scent as I walked softly. I followed the smell to a room. I used my eyeless sight to look inside, sadly it didn’t work. The palace was full of magic and it was blocking my sight.

“Looks like I’ll have to find out the old fashioned way.” I calmly said as I opened the door. As soon as I did something felt wrong… Once inside I saw this was Flurry’s room, the first thing I saw was Hope was missing and blood was on the floor.

“RIN!” I yelled as I go down to where the blood was, as soon as I touch it I felt something was wrong. The blood was sticky, old and going by the smell had a number of chemicals in it. I then smelt rot, it was Cryx! How did they get in here, where did they go now!? I didn’t wait as I jump out the window and land. I look up and follow the smell of death, I had to find them and fast!

I didn’t slow down as I ran, I followed the trail until I heard fighting. I saw Luna was fighting some kind of undead minotaur. It gave out a roar as it swing it axe at Luna shield. “Hurry they took the baby that way!” Luna called out as she was fighting, I did as she said and kept running. I know she could take care of herself, I was more worried what they will do to Flurry.

I still remember the old books I used to read about cryx. As well as the books I have now, with the right training. Flurry could be turned into a powerful warcaster one day. But if cryx got their claws on her, they turn her into a deadly necromancer. I heard a howl as I saw Hope fighting something. Something tall, familiar and glowing green.

“Get away you beast!” Yelled the lich as it swings it staff at Hope who bit the tip off and ate it. This didn’t seem to deter the Lich as it fired a spell at her the lich missed as she jumped out of the way. It skull was that of a unicorn.

“Damn it where is Rin!? Did she go home?” I ask as I pull out her token. “Mum get your fluffy ass over here now!” A portal opened up in the ground which Rin popped out of wearing Batman Pjs. “Alright I’m here what’s the…” Rin stopped as she looked around. I saw the lich was holding some kind of cage in it other hand. And from the way he was looking at mum I get the feeling he can feel the dark power rolling off of her.

“You would make a fine bride for our lord and master.” It said.

“Your lord? You’re giving off a familiar aura. Wait, do you work for a demigod dragon with a thing for death? I remember that guy from devine high school! He was always going on about how he was going to be king of the dragons or something like that. Poor guy kept getting his head dunked into the holy toilets by the war gods.” Rin said as if recalling something from long ago.

“I see the one who killed Dagger is here as well.” It said bring my attention back to it.

“Wait, how do you know that lich?” I asked looking at the sleeping form of Flurry in the cage. The lich laughed.

“I was his teacher.” He replied snapping his metal fingers as two helljacks dug their way out of the ground. “But he was to inpatient and well, you know the rest.” Rin looks up at the two jacks before opening another portal and out came Vinyl and two of Rin’s giant flesh golems.

“Vinyl want to play with your new model?” Rin asked and Vinyl jumped around excitedly. The lich back away as the two Helljacks walk forward.

“Aw heck ya! Wait till you guys check out my jack!” Vinyl cheered as a black and blue warjack climbed out of the portal before it closed. On its back were long metal spikes with balled tips with arcs of electricity jumping around them. Vinyl then jumped onto its back and let the energy shoot through her with a manic grin. “I named this model, Shock Box!” At those words music started playing from a pair of speakers on its chest that was so loud it made my teeth rattle.

“A lightning jack? Cool.” I said as I watched the Iron lich backing away. I saw one Helljack run at the flesh golems, before driving it claws into their fleshy hide. The golem being a souless undead could feel no pain so it just raised its massive hammer to bring down on the jack. The other one ran at Shock Box who Vinyl had decided should have a grappling contest with the other jack. As soon as they touched electricity shot through the Helljack while the speakers amped it up making the entire Helljack vibrate.

I saw the Iron Lich make a run for it past the barrier and I ran after him. Once on the other side I was worried Flurry wouldn’t last long in this cold when I saw the cage in the Iron Lich hand had it own shield.

“I know when to cut my losses.” He said, the next thing I saw made my eye widen in terror. He throw the cage into the air! I ran past the Iron lich without thinking and cate the cage. I let out a sigh as I saw Flurry was okay and was awake, I then felt pain… I slowly looked down to find the end of a blade sticking out of my gut. I slowly looked back in rage, as the Iron Lich looked into my eye. "Thank you for your contribution.”

I felt the blade pulled away as I fell in the snow holding the cage, I could hear Flurry crying, the last thing I saw was the Iron Lich wipe the tip of the blade into a glass vile. Then everything went black.

I slowly woke up in a bed surrounded by black crystals and Rin sitting over me. “Am I dead?” I asked blinking slowly, my gut still hurt and so did my back. Just what the hell did that Iron Lich stab me with?

“No your not dead.” Rin deadpanned. “I found you laying in your own blood and that other lich picking up that cage from your grasps." Rin told me. Oh god don’t tell me they took her. I thought as I felt like my heart was going to brake, I failed… “Stop! He didn’t get away with her.” She reassured.

“He… Didn’t?” I asked as I felt relief fill my mind.

“No, Hope saw to that.” Rin said as she used her magic to lift the now empty cage, with the lich’s arm still holding on to it. “He got out of there pretty fast when the faithful dog fetched its owner.”

I laughed a little at that, I then looked up at her. “I thought you stay the night, I didn’t know you went back home.” I said smiling at little. “Thanks for coming back… Twilight and the others are worried aren’t they?” I asked knowing full well after almost being killed by a Iron Lich they want to know I was okay.

“You could say that.” Rin said as she looked over to a hole in the wall. I stared at it before looking back at mum. “Fluttershy broke down the door. And the wall around it.”

“I… Guess we can thank my blight for that… I never did know how much it changed them physically. I only thought it changed how they looked.” I explained looking back at the wall. Note to self, never make Fluttershy angry.

“And Twilight tried to learn dark magic so that she could curse the lich through his arm.” Rin added. I sighed at this as I rub my face. “Tell her it pointless, the arm is just a tool. A part that can be replaced at any time, that why he didn’t stay and fight. The members of cryx can lose an arm or leg without a care. Once their task is done there no need to stay.”

“I did. Items only work if the owner felt attached to it. And I already informed her that he didn’t after trying it myself.” She said. I then thought about something. “Also” Rin then whacked me on the head making me yelp. “That’s for not telling me Flurry was in that cage!”

“Cryx aren’t known for giving up, they’ll try to take Flurry again. Not right now but they will try.” I said trying to set up and grunt at the pain.

“I figured as much. I’ve been thinking as building a dungeon heer and claim the entire empire. Even before my ascension a keeper is a god on their own land. I can hit them with spells and if they attack or break anything I’ll know they’re there.” Rin said. “My only reasons for hesitation are the fact it will taint the empire and crystal heart with dark magic and the crystals turning black might evoke a negative reaction in the locals. Also should any of the Cryx figure out how to make their own dungeon hearts. Imagine what they could do. Each caster will be like fighting their master in their territory.”

I can understand that, but something was bugging me. “I saw something before I blacked out. The Iron Lich took some of my blood… What’re your thoughts?” I asked.

“The blood of the brother.” She said without hesitation.

“Right but I’m not his brother… And I damn well not call myself his son. That thing does not have the right. So why take the blood? Maybe they think it’ll work?” I asked thinking this over.

“You’re being too literal son. Magic doesn't care if you’re born related or even adopted. It just needs the connection to work. And with all those hearts you ate to make yourself one of his kind there is a strong possibility that it will work.” Rin answered. She right, I am a fool.

“We still have time, they need to get things ready. That will gave us time to find them.” I added thinking on that as I look at my belly. “By the way, why hasn’t this healed completely yet?”

“You know Horny’s synth is the same way. It’s called a cursed wound. Until the curse is removed nothing can heal it. And even when it is removed it never heals right.” Rin said. I sighed as I realize what it was.

“Grievous wounds...” I said out loud. “It a rune spell used on weapons. Magic won’t close the wounds so it’ll have to heal the old fashioned way. Looks like I’m stuck here for a while.”

“Hmmm, must have been one of the things you left out of my copy.” Rin said with a head shake. To be far there was not a lot of rune plate designs in the book. I left out the ones I didn’t think she could use.

“The vault I found that you saw with me. Some of those books talked about rune plates. That leaves a question, how much do the pony cryx know?” I asked thinking about that.

“Their master is the original dragon right? So whatever he feels like giving them. Which is whatever he gave the human ones.” Rin said with a shrug. I guess she was right, that didn't make me feel any better.

“How was Flurry, she alight?” I asked looking up at Rin. She just smiled as she looked back down at me.

“Never better. The whole thing was just one big amusement park ride for her.” Rin told me. I looked at my belly and point at it.

“Even this part? I heard her crying before I blacked out.” I added, then saw a shadow on the floor next to the hole in the room. Guess someone eavesdropping. I thought as I closed my eye.

“Well she’s sleeping peacefully with her puppy now.” Rin said. I smiled as I nod my head, that was good. Some uncal I turned out to be, couldn't even stop them from taking my own niece. “Anyways I think it’s time the others come in and talk to you. So you can all stop hiding back there.”

I smiled as I opened my eye, and this time I saw everyone poke there heads out from the side of the wall. Fluttershy on the other hand ran in and hugged me. I hugged her back as she started to cry on my shoulder.

“I was so scared!” She cried as I rub her back. I then saw Twilight and Pinkie looking on. I rolled my eye and wave for them to join in. Pinkie balled her eyes out as she joined in on the hug. Twilight just smiled and held my head, I then saw Rainbow smark at this as Applejack. Grabbed her by the tail and walked off with her.

Huh, wonder if they’re an item? I asked myself as I tried to calm my three wives down. “Girls I’m fine, I just need to heal up for a few weeks is all.” I said only for Pinkie to put a finger to my lips.

“If you ever scare us like that again, I swear I’ll get Muad to use the Bolder Holder on you!” She yelled before hugging me. I blinked at this as I looked at Twilight questionly. What the hell is the bolder holder? “But I’ll never do that to you, If Muad did use that move on you. How will you give me and Twilight fillies.” Wait, WHAT?! I now have a new found fear of Muad… And some how found it kind of hot, what is wrong with me?! I looked back at mum as she started to cross her hind legs reflexively.

“Well darling you know what this means now that your, old coat is ruined?” Asked Rarity, oh god no. I liked that coat, I do not need a new one. The look in her eyes were sparkling, why can’t I say no to those eyes? And why do they all have to look so hot?! I just sighed as she went on on what to add to it. I hear Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy laugh at this. I then thought of something, I look at Rarity’s outfit and think about what my wives would look like wearing that dress.

“Here make him some of these too. One for each wife.” Rin said as she pawed over a picture before leaving the room. Rarity studied the image with fascination and I can see the gears turning in her head. Thin she read something at the bottom.

“What does a dark mistress even do?” She asked and that made my face go red. Oh god why, I asked myself as i cover my face with my wings. As I could not stop Twi, Pink or Shy from taking a look.

“Oh, those give a lot of freedom for the legs. I can wear those for my hops around ponyville!” Pinkie said with a smile. Kill me now, please. I thought as I cover my face with my hands now.

“I’d like one t-too.” Said Fluttershy and I just tried to sink into the bed. For the love of all things good, make them stop!

“What do you think the whip is for?” Asked Twilight. Oh god now I can’t get that image out of my head! It so wrong but so sexy, someone make them stop!!! “You know, I bet Cadence would like one to.” ...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

***Rin’s Pov.***

I suddenly stop when I felt a disturbance in the force. It was like millions of pent up horn dogs suddenly cried out in anguish, then were silenced...HA! I continue on my way to the couple’s room where I found Cadence laying with the dog in her bed curled up and acting as Flutter’s bed while daddy dearest was standing guard over them.

“Hope I’m not interrupting.” I say as I slink in. Armor smiled and shook his head as he looked back at his wife and daughter.

“I’m just making sure there sleeping, Cadence wouldn't stop worrying.” He said setting on the side of the bed. “I never imagined something like this would happen. Right under our muzzles to.”

“Actually that’s what I came to talk to you about. Security for your family.” I told him. He looked up at me and nodded his head.

“I’m all ears, I looked into this when Flurry was brought back. Nun of the guards saw anything out of place. So they must of used some kind of magic to stay hidden until they were ready to… try and take Flurry.” He said.

“I have two options that could help. The first is gifting this place with a dungeon heart. It is a powerful artifact that will turn the empire into my territory. Once an outsider tried any trouble in a dungeon keeper’s territory the keeper will know about it no matter how well they can cloak themselves. The keeper can then cast spells in that territory whether they are there are not with pinpoint accuracy and transport their troops around it like pieces on a game board.” I told him.

“Sounds almost to good to be true, what the downside?” He asked.

“The artifact is a dark one. The crystal heart will be tainted by the stronger artifact and though it won’t affect the citizens I don’t think they will react well to the crystals all turning black.” I told him. Shining Armor had a thoughtful look on his face.

“What the other option?” He asked looking up at me.

“If I claim her as my minion then I can move her around as I can them, like pieces on a board. She stays here and if she’s attacked I know about it instantly and pull her into my world. However if she is caged before I can do this I can’t pull her out so if they bind her fast enough I can only send troops and they fight normally. As the land will not be mine I can’t get a heads up and nore will you. The drawback to this one is nothing can be done untill they already have her.

He locked his fingers together thinking long and hard before looking up at me. “How large does your territory need to be before you know somepony entered into it?” He asked.

“I know when they interact with something in my territory. Simply opening a door will do.” I reply.

“What if, bear with me on this. What if we had this Dungan heart somewhere far enough away it won’t affect the land. But you clame small areas of land as your territory, like say the main gates to the empire? Or the front door of the palace, Could that work?” He asked.

“I could build a heavily fortified dungeon outside your lands and have my imps claim bits and pieces of your land and only chunks of the palace. But that dark power moved through any claimed land I have. Think of the dungeon as a literal heart and the dark magic as its blood. It will still get into the crystal empire even if not all of it goes black.” I informed him. He let out a heavy sigh.

“What do I do, on one hoof I can keep my daughter safe. On the other I can keep the crystal ponies piece of mind. If the crystal ponies start seeing dark crystals showing up all over the place they’ll think Sombra is back or worse. They’ll think we’re using dark magic, I don’t know what to do.” He sighed putting his hands over his face. “I wish dad was here… He always knew what to do.”

“If you're stuck on this you can always look to the more experienced and ask the sisters. Or try explaining things to the crystal ponies and see if you can get them to understand.” I suggest.

He looked up at me, with worry in his eyes. “There no guarantee, all I can do is ask them and if they say no then… I’ll have to ask Cadence what she thinks is best for Flurry.”

“I think this was the kind of thing Celestia was worried your son would do. Now we’re finding out ponies are more than willing to turn to the dark arts. When did things go so wrong for them? Why are they even doing this, are they unhappy we’ve tried to lived for and keep peace for so long?” He asked as he looked back at his sleeping wife.

“I’m not sure myself. I became a creature of darkness against my will and I was always immune to the negative effects of using it. I didn’t even know about them until a unicorn brought it up when he caught me using necromancy.” I say with a shrug.

“Well thank you for the offer miss Rin. I’ll talk with Cadence about it in the morgan. I think we could all use some sleep.” He said letting out a yawn.

“Of coarse. I’ll leave some sleepless guards if it will help you sleep better?” I ask. He nodded yes before laying down next to Cadence. “...Keep them safe.” I order as I leave I can see creatures made from pure darkness move across the ground like spilled ink before blending with the shadows on the wall.

“Yes your higness…” He mumbled before falling asleep. As the doors closed behind me I heard the sound of someone running? It was Rarity running towards me.

“Miss Rin I’m so glad I found you!” I quickly seal her mouth shut with my magic.

“Shhhh! The baby and her parents are sleeping.” I tell her while pointing to the door. I then let her mouth go.

“Oh, I’m so sorry I didn’t know. But anyway I want to thank you for what you gave me. It gave me so many new ideas and… Well, I need more material please.” She asked smiling at me with those big eyes.

“I’m not much for cloths. I just gave you something humans already made. That’s really all I can give you unless you want to make some orders for raw materials. Spider’s silk is the biggest trade material my city produces for trade.” I tell her. Rarity hummed rubbing her chin.

“I’ll need to make a demo before agreeing to order this spider silk in large volumes. But want I wanted to know is if you had any more works like this?” She asked holding up the picture I gave her. “Or something like it if you can?”

“I’m sure you will order in bulk. Every Rarity I’ve ever met has gone gaga over spider's silk. Softer than any other silk and stronger than steel. It always makes the Rarities cloths into must haves. As for other pieces of human fassion... Allow me to introduce you to a little thing called, anime.” I say as I summon some silk and let her feel it. Rarity eyes went wide as soon as she touched it before asking.

“What is Anime?” She asked as Rarity found herself taking the silk. I respond by conjuring paper and imprinting images of different anime characters in their outfits from all sorts of different styles. Rarity smiled as she looked through them but stared at one.

“Oh my, that leaves a little to show doesn't it?” She asked looking back at me. I just shrug at this. “Well ever way I can work with this.”

“Not all anime is clean. Some of these I gave you to make into bedroom where.” I answered. “You should be able to tell which is which.”

“So much to make so little time.” Rarity purred as she walked off with the art work I gave her. It even put a sway in her step. Hook, line and sinker. At this rate I’m going to need more spiders.

***Next day. 3ed pov***

“Everything looks in order, are you sure there no side effects to using this miss Rin?” Asked Rarity, as she looked at the spider silk in her hands. I wasn't surprised she had gotten to work on new outfits already.

“What side effects could you possibly be expecting? Spider silk is just the highest quality of silk there is. As long as the spiders don’t cover the webs in that sticky gunk it won’t even stick.” Rin deadpanned.

“Well that take a load off my mind, thank you darling. Oh do you want to see some of the new outfits?” She asked getting excited.

“Not even remotely.” Rin answered in a cheery tone.

“Oh come now, I want your opinion on these before I give them to Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie.” She asked before using her magic to bring the dresses. With a wave of her tail Rin had that look on her face that most guys get when their girlfriends make them go clothes shopping with them.

“I just want to know if you wanted to order more spider silk.” Rin said as she shifted backwards as if getting ready to run the moment she got her answer. That when the first manikin was brought out.

“Well, yes I think I’ll order more. Just not a lot, I want to try it out with some more things before I work on a full dress.” Rarity replied as she looked over the dress.

“Okay I’ll send a imp to get your order later bye!” Rin calls out as she runs like the devil was at her heels out of the room and down the hall. Rarity pouted as she looked back at where Rin was, before looking back at the dress she was making.

“I’ll have to make something for Miss Rin one of these days. As a thank you gift.” Said Rarity with a smile as she went back to work.

***Rin’s POV***

Dodged a bullet there. When I was woken up this morning and told that an important, life changing decision on an offer I gave was made I expected to be taken to the happy couple not to Rarity.

“Oh there you are, I’m happy we found you.” Cadence called over as she walked up to me. She was still wearing pj’s and slippers.

“I trust this is not about clothes or anything frilly?” I asked hopefully. Cadence looked confused before giggling at this.

“No this is about your offer.” Cadence explained.

“Okay, so do you want to talk somewhere private or what?” I asked her. Cadence shook her head before speaking.

“I wanted to know something, this dungeon heart. It’ll turn crystals dark not evil right?” She asked sounding hopeful.

“No not evil. Dark magic will flow through the earth in areas I’ve claimed but it's just raw power, the only sentient influence that would affect the crystals would be me. It won’t affect any ponies near them...Unless they were dumb enough to eat them.” I add.

“There… Have been cases like that.” Cadence replied sounding embarrassed. “Anyway I was talking to your son and he had an idea that might make the crystal ponies more agreeable to this. One was to show them around, the other was he could farm any wild dark crystal that might grow outside of an area you control. What do you think?”

“If he wants to harvest the crystals that’s fine. Though the only things he can do with them is using them in dark magic rituals or making dark or cursed artifacts.” I say with a shrug.

“He said something about that, he asked me to ask you. What if he broke them down, could they be used as fuel for his machines?” Cadence asked who sounded like she wasn’t sure about that idea.

“Fule? You mean he wants to make them into mana batteries?” I asked. “Hmmmm, Well energy is energy. My jacks run on my dark magic with no problems but he should only use them for the cryx models or custom ones with their energy system.”

“I’ll let him know that, by the way how long will you be staying with us?” Cadence asked.

“At this point I’ve just been waiting on you guys to decide.” I told her. Cadence nodded at this before smiling.

“Well then, by my right as princess of the empire I will take your offer to place a dungeon heart in our lands.” Cadence replied. “Now come on, Flurry just found your Son and won’t leave him alone.” She added with a giggle as Cadence started to walk away.

“Sure, would you like it in the palace itself or out in the frozen wastes and just work my way over?” I ask as I follow.

“Outside is fine, it’ll also give us time to explain everything to the others.” Cadence said as she opened the room to Asphyxious room. In side Flurry was setting on his head, as Hope was laying on top of him.

“Nice hat.” I compliment before summoning some imps. “Head out into the frozen wastes, preferably at the bottom of a chasm or around ice spikes to better hide it and start digging down, the Riddler special.” I told them and the saluted and ran off.

“So about my ideas? Will they work?” Asphyxious asked, as Flurry found one of his horns on his head to hug. “Or do I have to worry about them exploding? ...More than usual.”

“Your jacks are exploding? You know to check the finished mana batteries for any cracks right?” I ask. Asphyxious let out a long sigh, before Flurry start to climb down from his head.

“Yes but that's not why they explod, three words. Gear Shift and Kat. My best engineers, they like to try and find new ways to improve the warjacks. Sometimes things get out of hand… That’s why I gave them a area with a lot of space to work in and only one reinforced door. Big enough for a warjack to walk out of, but locks from the outside. With lots of normal doors for anyone inside to get away.”

“I can understand that. But i that’s the case it’s best if you don’t use them for mana batteries unless you forbid them from using them when experimenting. Unfocused dark magic in the air can cause nasty mutations.” I warn.

“That’s my plan, I also set up the jacks engine into a engine block. Can be easily replaced with the older steam powered stuff. I only have like Ten jacks that use the mana batteries, the rest use the standard.” Asphyxious explained as Flurry jumps on Hope. “I also make it a point with those two if they're going to experiment with jacks, they will have to build a jack from the ground up to use. They’ve taken to naming the testjack as they call it Junk Rat. That thing cortex survived so much it ridiculous. There a pool on what’ll happen to it next in the den.”

“Well as long as you follow that simple rule they’re useable as mana batteries.” I told him as I created a barrier around me and Cadance. Asphyxious looked at me confused before slowly looking to Flurry.

“Mum, you do know I’m still healing right?” He asked as Flurry looked like she was about to sneeze.

“Oh fine you big baby.” I say as I open up and pull him in and closing it. But my entertainment wasn’t lost as Twilight entered.

“Hey g- why are you in there?” She asked as she walked up to us. That was when Flurry sneezed. Launching Twilight into the wall of the barrier. Slowly she slid down the barrier wall while making that squeegee on glass sound before falling onto the ground.

“Constitute!” I call out to Flurry as I let the shield drop. Asphyxious just face palmed at this.

“Oh so this was what you meant?” Said a male stallion voice. As Starlight the unliving walked in followed by a orange unicorn with a cloak and a lot of books. Nooooooo!!!! My entertainment! I saved the Crystal Heart so he wouldn’t come!

“Who’s this?” Asphyxious asked a Starlight smiled sheepishly. As she explained he was her old friend.

“This is my old friend Sunburst, he has a lot of books and when I started telling him about what happened to me well… He really wanted to meet you.” Starlight said as Sunburst was looking at his books before handing a piece of paper to Cadance. Damn it! So many funny situations wasted!

“Hey mum you okay? You look like you're about to pop?” Asphyxious asked looking up at me.

“Nobody has more books than me!” I say in an accusing tone while pointing at Sunburst hoping Ax thinks that’s what it was about.

“I’m sure that not the case Mum, everyone knows you have the largest Library in the multiverse.” Asphyxious said as Sunburst played with his glasses.

“You have the largest library in the multiverse? I’d love to see that some time, if that of course it alright with you?” I puffed up my chest in pride.

“It is. I’m sure you will be impressed. Billions of books on the arcane and other subjects gathered from countless worlds and it’s still growing.” I inform him. He smield calmly as he had a thoughtful look on his face.

“Fascinating.” He said as Starlight rolled her eyes before smiling.

“I am the goddess of lost and forbidden knowledge. So most of my followers are wizards. Any knowledge they get or discover a copy instantly goes to the library. Though their is a limit placed on any Twilight Sparkles as they would starve to death if we didn’t kick them out after so much time.”

“I find it hard to believe any pony would take their work that far to starve to death?” Asked Starburst.

“Want to meet one of my librarians. She’s the reason that the rule was placed.” I said as I create a portal and pull in an undead twilight.

“Hey! I was reading!” She cried with her rotting mouth which was missing its lips showing her teeth.

“I,umm… I’ll take your word for it. But why is she so different from Starlight? Aren’t they both the same kind of undead?” Starburst asked. Asphyxious smiled at this before looking at Starlight as she blushing.

“No Twilight here is a rotting zombie who starved to death while literally there was a place to eat in the next room over. Starlight became what she is because some bastard did that to her.” Rin answered.

“I don’t understand?” Starburst began but Asphyxious stop him there.

“Let just say before she looked like this, she was missing a lot more body parts. That a friend of mine help get back.” Asphyxious explained as Starlight was blushing even harder. She even held her cloak closer to herself. Starburst looked confused before his eyes widened a bit.

“Oh… I see.” Starburst began before finding the rest of the room more interesting right now.

“Anyways my imps have dug a good thirty miles underground and have already started making the labyrinth now so I’m going to set up the dungeon heart. You might want to give the heads up soon as imps work insanely fast. It won’t take them too long to claim territory at their level.” I told Cadance.

“Mind if I come along to observe?” Asked Starburst. “I’d like to find out more about how your magic works. Don’t worry I just want to learn more about magic.” I hum at this. It’s not like you can learn how to make a dungeon heart by watching one be made. I shrug and create another portal to the depths.

“Sure but don’t touch it.” I warn before hopping through. Starburst followed landing on his flank. He ground before getting up and collecting his things. “Stay in the corner.” I order as I summon a lot of gems, a crystal orb filled with life force and a knife. Once he was hugging the walls I began. I whispered the dark ritual and I transmuted the gems and held up the orb to feed life force into the artifact as I cut myself and bleed black, tar like blood into the swirling mass as it sank into the ground and solidified. ‘Bubump bubump bubump’.

“Wow, so that it then?” Starburst asked as he looked at it from where he was standing. “Hmmm, I wonder if it anything like the crystal heart?” He asked tapping his chin thoughtfully.

“In the strictest since it’s the dark magic equivalent and much more powerful. Though it’s function is far more complex and thankfully so is making it. It may appear easy for me but I’m a goddess with years of experience.” Okay that and it was force fed how to make them into my brain but no need to tell him that.

“I think I understand, the crystal heart was found. Whoever made it had a fixed point and limit in mind for it use. This dungan heart is like taking the base idea and expanding on it.” Starburst said as he walked up to me.

“Actually the first makers of dungeon hearts never heard of the Crystal Heart. The idea when taking them was to simulate god hood. Even a mortal with a heart is very powerful in the land they claimed with it. Such as being aware of all that happens in your land, being able to move minions around on your land like pieces on a game board and casting spells with pinpoint accuracy in your claimed land even if you yourself are nowhere near the target are just a few of the abilities a dungeon heart allows.” I lecture as I summon more imps. “Claim, fortify, dig.” I order and they get to work.

“Amazing, you wouldn't mind if I document this would you? I understand if you don’t want me to. I can see a lot of ways somepony could abuse the dungan heart powers.” Starburst asked as he was taking notes of the imps and what they were doing.

“You may not. Even though this room is many miles underground and will be protected by miles and miles of complex tunnels and deathtraps the dark power of a dungeon heart is not something I want getting out. Imagine if the Cryx figured out how to produce these things.” I told him.

“I see, Starlight told me about them and the time she spent with them... Alright I understand.” Starburst said as he handed the notes he already started on to me which I burn right away. It was mostly just theory work anyways.

“Yes well even if a good pony wanted to use it dungeon hearts flood their owners with tones of dark magic so I can’t see many of them being able to handle it anyways.” I told him as we moved on to a large room down a long hall as I created steel door after steel door finishing with a secret door to hide it which I locked. “Now for a boss monster.”

“Umm, what?” Asked Starburst confused. It was like he never played rpg games.

“A boss level monster is a powerful minion that acts as the last and strongest guardian.” I inform him as I look through my options in my head.

“Oh I see, well I guess i should leave you to your work. Umm, Miss Rin how do I get back?” He asked before seeing one of the wall drawings. “Wait, is… Is that miss Twilight?” I facepaw at this.

“For some reason imps like to carve porn in the walls.” I groan as I make a portal. “Just go through that. You’ll get lost and die if you try to navigate the multi layered several miles in all directions maze.”

I found him staring at one wall drawing that was of Starlight and he was blushing so hard it looked like his fur turned red. Considering it’s freezing down here I’m surprised he can feel like that. With a sigh I pick him up with my magic and float him over the portal before stopping. Carefully I put him back down where he can go back to looking at the starlight porn and took some pictures of his reaction to it. I then send the pictures to Starlight. Having done that I slam dunked him through the portal and closed it leaving him in Starlight’s room. Well I got work to do.

Another crossover.