Eric walked out of the waiting room with anger plastered on his face. He slammed the door behind him.

“Damn that irresponsible stubborn mare!” Eric yelled, leaving the colosseum. “She’s going to get herself killed!”

Eric made it a full ten feet from the colosseum before his eyes trained on the approaching Crystal Guard along with the Equestrian Navy. Leading ahead them was the captain of the White Dream.

“Von Shadow,” White Knight said with a respectful nod.

“Captain Knight,” Eric said, returning the nod.

“Where are the others?” Captain White Knight asked the Shadow Man.

“Well Applejack is currently being held against her will, and Rainbow Dash is currently being reckless and fighting three Minotaurs to free her,” Eric said, still angered at the actions of the Element of Loyalty.

“They’ve taken the Element of Honesty?!” the Captain shouted, almost drawing his long-sword. “Equestrian Law states that…!”

“We aren’t in Equestria, we are in the Minotaur Nation.”

“Then what do you plan to do?” White Knight demanded. “Let these detestable bulls keep the Element of Honesty?”

“No, I don’t,” Eric turned from the captain and towards the castle. “We’ll have to set her free ourselves.”

“What about Miss Dash?” the captain asked.

“She’ll keep them busy as she fights,” Eric said.

With a grin, Eric turned into shadow and raced to the castle, unfortunately the doors were made from Sea Prism stone. Upon contact Eric was knocked back into the light, groaning Eric looked ahead and saw two armored minotaurs approaching with their weapons raised.

“Nice going Shade,'' the Captain said sarcastically. “Now we’ll have to fight off the guard!”

“You know what?” Eric said, getting up to his feet. “Fuck stealth.” Eric flared his powers as his eyes turned red and the whites of his eyes turned black. “I need to work off some anger.”

Eric walked towards the castle with an infuriated look on his face. There was a flash of darkness as the guards slowed to a stop behind the Shadow Man. The guards dropped their weapons as a red line formed in the middle of their faces, both sides of the Minotaurs separated and hit the ground in a bloody heap.

“You… killed them?” the Captain uttered out in shock. “I didn’t even see you attack!”

White Knight looked at the Shadow Man and saw two blood covered tendrils connected to Eric’s backs as they returned to his body. Drawing his sword Eric sliced through the door like a hot knife through butter

“Shadow Sword Art: Demon’s Star,” Eric muttered, sheathing his sword as a upside down star pattern became visible before collapsing.

“Incredible…” White Knight said, walking behind the Shadow Man, and observing the damage. “Such strength and speed…”

“Yep…” one of the Empire guards calls out. “That’s our captain for ya.”

Immediately the entrance was swarmed by the guard. “Do you all Really wish to meet Thanatos that badly?” Eric said putting a hand over his grinning face as the shadows began to rise around him.

Despite his unsettling grin, the guards still charged the Shadow Man, Eric’s grin grew as black veins formed on the sides of his face.

“Shadow Chains!” Eric shouted as the Minotaurs were bound in black chains and pulled to the ground. “And now…”

Eric raised his hand, causing dark pillars to form on both sides of the Minotaur’s heads, A devilish grin spread across Eric's face as a blade formed between the pillars.

“Shadow Guillotine,” Eric muttered. severing their heads from their bodies.

“Swift and brutal,” White Knight muttered under his breath. “Thank Faust he’s an ally and not an Enemy... we’d have no way to stop him!”

With the Minotaurs dead, Eric moved on through the castle as the naval and crystal guard followed behind. Any Minotaur idiotic enough to approach them were dealt with swiftly.

“Damn… Everything in this damn palace is made from Sea Prism Stone,” Eric complained looking around the castle. “The walls, the doors… even parts of the floor!”

“This material you speak of,” White Knight asked. “It’s sealing stone, correct?”

“Yes,” Eric stated to the captain. “But it’s proper name is called Sea Prism Stone. It prevents Devil Fruit users from using their abilities.”

Before the captain could respond, a Minotaur charged from the right with its ax raised high. However, Eric turned his hand into a claw and grabbed the bipedal bull by his throat, lifting him off the ground.

“My patience is wearing extremely thin right now,” Eric hissed out, tightening his grip on the Minotaur’s throat. “Your slaves. Where are they?”

The Minotaur struggled to free itself which irritated the Shadow Man. Eric nearly crushed the minotaur’s throat.

“You are testing my patience,” Eric growled, raising his voice. “The slaves. Tell me or I will kill you.”

“D-Downstairs,” The guard whimpered, struggling to breathe. “B-Behind the throne. The… young prince’s brides are... there as well.”

“Thank you,” Eric said, raising his hand. “Finger Pistol.” Eric pierced the Minotaur’s heart before dropping him to the ground. “I’m coming Applejack.”

“Was it necessary to kill him?” Captain White Knight asked, keeping his blade’s hilt in his hands.

“They have slaves here. All slavers will die,” Eric said coldly. “Nopony deserves to have their freedom taken from them. Nopony.”

The group made their way to the throne room. Each stretch and turn they were confronted by one of several Minotaur guards. But each of them was dealt with swiftly and without mercy. Reaching the throne room, Eric enlarged his claw and seized the throne in his grip. With a hard pull the Shadow Man removed the throne from the wall. True to the Minotaur’s word, there was a large stairway leading down into the castle walls.

“Stop him!” a guard shouted as a group of Minotaurs charged in.

Without hesitation, the Crystal Guard drew their weapons and charged the Minotaurs

“Captain we can handle this, go on ahead” a guard called out, cutting down one of the bulls.

“Kill them all,” Eric ordered his men. “Not a single one gets past you”

“SIR!” the guards said in unison as Eric, White Knight and his crew left the room

Eric descended the secret pathway as his men held off and killed the Minotaurs. Eric moved down the dark corridor. The only light came from the barely lit torches.

“Sweet merciful Hera,” Eric said, walking down the path. “Even the prisoners of the Empire had lighter punishments than this.”

“Same for our Prisoners,” White Knight confirmed before they all heard a scream. “Someone’s being tortured ahead!”

Captain Knight went to run ahead but was stopped by Eric. “That scream didn’t come from down here,” Eric glanced up to the ceiling where he heard screams of agony and excited cheers. “Hmm... It would seem we’re underneath the Arena.” Eric however was more focused on the agony filled screams. “And it would seem Rainbow is suffering. We’d better hurry.”

Eric and the others quickened their pace before they heard the sound of whimpering and crying. Moving ahead, they came across a series of cells. However, Eric soon slowed to a stop as he passed the first cell. Backing up, Eric stood in front of the opened cell, gritting his teeth in fury and rage.

“Dear Faust….” Captain Knight said in horror at the sight before him.

“Those bastards…” Eric growled through clenched teeth.

Inside the cell was a massive cluster of corpses and skeletons. Dragons, griffins, and ponies all lay among the dead.

“They take, destroy, enslave and kill anything they see as theirs,” Eric said, black veins crawling up on his face. “They must learn you can’t do what you want! People shouldn’t be tortured! People aren’t your SLAVES!!”

In his anger and rage, the Shadow Man tore the bars off the cell like twigs. Eric turned away and walked down to the rest of the cells before crossing his arms.

“Shadow Crescent blades,” Eric swung his arms, sending out a volley of crescent shaped blades.

The shadow blades cut and severed through each and every lock on the cell doors. Slowly the doors began to open as the slaves stepped out to examine the damage.

“Did somepony… save us?”

“If you all want your freedom,” Eric called out, surprising the slaves. “Take it. There’s an Equestrian Ship at the docks. We’ll take you all back to your homes”

The Slaves were hesitant to leave, which caused Eric to exhale. Eric turned to Captain White Knight.

“Take them to the ship. Kill anyone who tries to stop them,” Eric ordered the pony, causing the slaves to relax.

White Knight was hesitant at first but in his mind flashed images of the first cell which tightened his resolve.

“You have my word,” White Knight said, unsheathing his longsword. “Not a single Minotaur will get close to them.”

Without hesitation, the slaves followed after the captain and his crew, however Eric grabbed one of them and brought them to his eye line. “Prince Diamond Bling’s brides. Where are they?”

“I’m one of them,” the mare said, running after the others. “But the recent one is farther down in his personal playroom.”

Eric went to move but stopped when he found a severely scarred blue scaled dragoness sitting in a corner by herself. Entering the cell the Shadow Man knelt down in front of the dragon. Looking into her eyes he saw eyes that had lost the will to live. Eyes that begged for death.

“Have you finally come to claim my soul, Thanatos?” the dragoness asked

Not wanting to pull her to reality, Eric indulged her in her illusion.

“No, it is yet not your time,” Eric said before lifting the dragoness’s head. “Did you have two sons. Their names are Cold Scale and Obsidian Fury”

“I did,” the dragon said weakly. “But they escaped this torment.”

“I’ve met them,” Eric said to the dragon. “I’m sorry but they’re dead.”

“Did they suffer?” she asked

“No.”

“They’ve finally joined their father” the dragoness leaned back into the corner. “Thank you, Thanatos.”

“Do you wish to be free?” Eric asked with concern in his eyes.

“Freedom can be taken,” the dragoness whispered. “I wish to be free from my life.”

Eric looked down before placing his hand on the ground. “Then I will end your suffering, In the Name of Hades I will claim your soul as painlessly as possible.” Shadow dripped from Eric’s hand and began to cover the dragon in a bubble. “Now sleep.”

With the aid of Eric’s bubble, he cut off the dragon’s supply of oxygen giving her a painless death.

“You’re... not… as… heartless... as... they….” the dragon’s head slumped down as she released her final breath.

“Go...Be with your family,” Eric said leaving the dragon behind in the cell

In the hall, Eric couldn’t help but relate to the dragons torment.

“I too wanted the same fate long ago.”

It didn’t take long for Eric to find the spoiled Prince’s Playroom. It was the brightest room in this secret pathway. Eric could help but grow exasperated upon seeing the gaudy room. It looked like a combination of a horny teens room and a serial rapist’s. There were paintings of females wearing skimpy clothing or none whatsoever, there were several glass cases which held either articles of clothes or clumps of hair and claws.

“Eric!” a southern voice called out to the shadow man.

Eric turned and found Applejack with her wrists bound by chains connected to the ceiling. Applejack's face was red as she lacked her clothes with the exception of her bra and underwear. Eric chuckled seeing a farm girl wearing something so lacey and frilly.

“Will ya quit staring and get me mah clothes!” Applejack yelled at the Shadow Man

Eric approached the mare as he drew his sword. “Gonna be honest AJ,” Eric sliced clean through her chains. “Didn’t take you for the kind to wear frills.”

“Don’t ya dare tell any pony,” Applejack warned before running up to one of the cases that held her clothes. Rearing her elbow back the farm girl smashed opened the case and took back her clothes.

“And what would I gain from your embarrassment?” Eric said heading to the doorway as Applejack covered herself. “Come on, Rainbow is fighting to save you”

“What?!” Applejack said following behind the Shadow Man.

“How’s your progress with the Shave Technique?” Eric asked, rushing down the corridor at top speed.

“Better than Rainbow’s!” Applejack called out, chasing after the Shadow Man.

Eric and Applejack raced out of the castle at top speed. Back on the streets of Minos Eric led the farm girl to the arena. Eric went straight to the stands to rejoin his comrades.

“Iron, how’s Rainbow holding up” Eric asked before spotting Rainbows bloodied form on the ground.

“Eh, she’s… not doing well.” Iron Horn said, clasping his hands and putting them under his chin.

Hearing this caused Applejack to run into view into the arena. Down below saw Rainbow’s bleeding wingless form on the ground with Tungsten in the air above her.

“You’ve reached your limit, pony,” Tungsten mocked before impacting the ground in front of the down pegasus. “And you know the real kicker”

Tungsten kicked Rainbow flipping her onto her back. “You’re fighting to save your friend, but in reality, she’s my brothers now and his she’ll stay,” the Minotaur prince said, planting his cloven hoof on Rainbow’s chest. “And you’re going to die.”

“RAINBOW!!” Applejack shouted, causing Rainbow and Tungsten to turn towards the stands. “You’re stronger than this! Get up!”

Tungsten immediately grew angry seeing Applejack. “How in Tartarus did she get out!” before he turned his gaze towards Eric.

“Applejack…” Rainbow whispered

“Quit holding back, Dash!” Eric Ordered walking next to Applejack. “Limits aren’t meant to stop the likes of you!”

“He’s right, go further beyond Rainbow Dash!” Iron Horn agreed. “And then go beyond, beyond, become Ultra!”

"Show them what it means to be a pony! Show them the might of Equestria!!" Starry shouted.

Rainbow glared at the prince and blasted him with a small fireball. Tungsten lost his balance and fell on his rear. Rising to her feet, Rainbow was immediately invigorated to win all the more as flames began to lick her body. Red, blue, green, and yellow flames began to swirl around her form.

“You’re wrong, Tungsten,” Rainbow said as her body vanished in the flurry of multi-colored flames. “I’m not at my limit.”

“Eric what’s happening to her?” Applejack asked turning to the madly grinning shadow user.

“She’s doing it,” Eric said with a massive grin plastered on his face. “Rainbow is exceeding her limits and growing stronger!”

The flames exploded revealing Rainbow Dash covered entirely in rainbow colored flames, a pair of fiery wings on her back. Red eyes of fire glared at the Minotaur who began to back away.

“Because limits are made to be broken!” Rainbow shouted. “And I’ve just broken mine.”

“What...is that?” Tungsten uttered out

“Rainbow Flame Spirit,” Rainbow said as her flaming wings flapped sending her into the sky. “And it’s time I end this.”

“TUNGSTEN! QUIT MESSING AROUND AND KILL HER!” King Cloven Iron yelled from the royal box.

“S-Spring hopper!” Tungsten said, going back to his quick moving tactic.

“Prince Tungsten…” Rainbow said, raising her tightening fist. “You asked me if I know how to throw a punch?”

“DIE PONY!” Tungsten called out, racing towards the mare’s back

Rainbow flipped around and slammed her flaming fist into the prince's face sending him down to the arena. Both the king and his youngest son stared in shock as Tungsten hit the ground hard.

“I’m stronger than you!” Rainbow whispered as the flames on her body intensified.

With a hard flap of her wings, the pegasus raced down to the Minotaur as she began to fight against the air itself.

“Is she...” Eric began before Applejack finished

“She’s using the Sonic Rainboom!”

“Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty… What an opponent you are, heh, you surprise me in every way.” Iron Horn begins looking at Rainbow Dash, he then turns around, not bothering to face the outcome.

“Rainbow Flame...” Rainbow said as she broke the sound Barrier

In desperation, Tungsten stood and turned his arms into springs and condensed them to their limit. “Spring Death…”

“...Raging Typhoon!!” Rainbow called out as she hit the prince.

Immediately the arena was covered in a rainbow fire twisters, the sand on the arena floor was turned to glass instantly. The twister lasted a full minute before dissipating, down below Rainbow was on the ground while the Prince stood frozen with his extended spring arms in mid-air, like he was stuck frozen in time. Rainbow began to rise, her Rainbow Flames having been snuffed out completely, the pegasus glared at the prince before lifting her shaking fist. With a yell of anger Rainbow punched the prince in his face, to everyone’s complete shock, the prince’s body fell apart as he turned to ash. With a wide grin, Rainbow lifted her arm in victory before dropping to her knees and falling to the ground.

“She...” Applejack began in shock.

“...Won…” Iron Horn finished as he smirked and turned around to face the results. He looked like a proud coach, looking down at Rainbow Dash. “What a match.”

Starry stares slack jawed after witnessing everything that has just happened before practically jumping up and cheering and celebrating.

“Heh, I’m proud of you Rainbow,” Eric said before freezing in place.

He felt something off; an enormous sense of blood-lust. A sense that didn’t go unnoticed by the others.

“What is this feeling?” Applejack stammered, breaking into a cold sweat.

Starry stopped celebrating as he jumped into the arena. As he landed he got into a fighting stance with one hand on his katana and one hand outstretched.

Observation Haki kicked in for Iron Horn. Iron Horn jumped down to the arena and rolled in front of Rainbow Dash. He got out his shield and slammed it onto the ground, he began to pant and look around. He looked up to his remaining family members, Diamond Bling and Cloven Iron. Iron Horn clicked a button on his new helmet and a face mask slid in. He then clenched his fist and a blade came out of the gauntlet.

“Father! Kill them and get back my bride!” Diamond Bling ordered as the King rose from his seat.

“Come and get me, Cloven Iron.” Iron Horn dared his ‘father’, Iron Horn was glaring up in defiance at Cloven Iron.

“It would seem my kingdom will fall to ruin,” King Iron said, grabbing the hair of his son. “If it would be ruled by one such as you.”

“Father!” Diamond Bling screamed as they all saw steam come from the king's fingers.

The prince screamed bloody murder as a thick red and black substance traveled down the king’s hand, and melted Diamond Bling like butter. Cloven Iron turned his gaze to his last remaining son.

“It’s a shame I’ll have to see all three of my sons die in the same day.”

“On the contrary, it’s a shame that I’ll have to eliminate my last family member. If I can even call you that.” Iron Horn said. He looked to Sky and motioned him to take Rainbow and leave.

“Don’t be foolish, Iron” Eric said, appearing from the Minotaurs shadow. “He’s a Logia type, and you’re a Paramecia type.”

“No, I must beat him, for the things he’s done… I must liberate my people!” Iron Horn coated his weapons in Armament Haki.

"Hey Eric could that haki stuff hurt him?" Starry asked Eric.

“That is if we could get close enough,” Eric stated before eyeing the downed pegasus. “But the odds aren’t in our favor.”

“...Hmph, I like those odds.” Iron Horn got ready for battle and stood up to his full height.

“Iron Horn,” Eric said, sending out a wave of Conqueror's Haki causing him to stagger. “Your Devil Fruit is the Iron-Iron Fruit. You won’t last against your fathers Magma-Magma Fruit.''

“And?” Iron Horn sent a wave of Conqueror’s Haki back. “I will simply not use my fruit. I must take him out. For I am Iron Horn, the last remaining son of Diamond Heart.” Iron Horn then stood to his full height and let out a roar to pump him up.

“I’ve already freed the slaves it would be in our best interest to flee,” Eric advised the prince.

“I’m taking my people with me, if they stay with that beast, he will destroy everything he has created.” Iron Horn then put his shield up and sheathed his hidden blade. Iron Horn looked back at Eric. “Von Shadow, is there a way to transfer everyone on this island to the ships? I have an Island in mind that can hold them. And... I have realized that our blood… Are not fit to be kings. From Diamond Bling to Cloven Iron, they must be free from our tyranny.”

“I can,” Eric said, turning to Sombra. “Sombrahesta” Sombra’s eyes grow wide hearing Eric’s serious tone. “Take Rainbow to the ship's doctor, and tell the Crystal Guard, to leave me behind.”

Sombra was shocked hearing Eric’s words, but nodded before lifting the pegasus.

“Eric, do you need me to...?” Sombra began before Eric cut him off.

“No! I can win this without that form,” Eric said calmly as Sombra, Applejack, and Starry Sky left to return to the ships.

Sombra ran ahead of Applejack and Starry Sky as the Samurai carried the Unconscious Rainbow Dash across his back. A number of Armored Minotaurs began charging the two of them until they were surrounded.

“Damn, we need to get to the ship quickly,” Sombra said, drawing his sword. “Eric’s destruction will kill us!”

“What destruction?” Applejack questioned.

"I don’t know. This isn't looking very good,” Starry said grimly. Suddenly, an idea came to him. "Hey Sombra how good are you with magic?”

“If you're asking for a teleport then you’re out of luck. I can only teleport a max of twenty feet,” Sombra said.

"Okay good I need you to try and get inside one of these buildings," Starry said as he grabbed his katana. "Preferably one that has a basement."

“Teleportation magic requires me to see where I’m going,” Sombra said as the Minotaurs charged. “One Sword Style…”

"Well then, can you levitate yourself at least?" Starry asked as he readied himself.

“36 Caliber Phoenix!” A slash of air clashed with the Minotaurs.

"Screw it," Starry said as he started shooting transparent paw shaped bubbles from one hand and jumped back dodging a downward strike from one of the Minotaurs. Applejack turned her legs into blades as she cut down two Minotaurs before following Sombra.

“Keep moving Starry Sky,” Sombra ordered. “We can’t afford to waste time.”

“We still need to care for Rainbow’s wounds!” Applejack said.

"Alright let's move!" Starry answered.

The two made their way through Minos before heading aboard the White Dream.

“Captain Knight, we need medical attention!” Applejack shouted causing the captain to immediately bark orders to his crew.

“Wake the doctor! Tell him it’s critical!” White Knight said, moving to take the mare into the med bay.

"We've still got an army to deal with! How do you plan to fight it" Starry said as he pushed Rainbows pain and fatigue into a bubble before handing her over to White Knight.

“As far as we’re concerned they’re forfeiting their lives by staring,” Sombra said, turning to the Crystal Royal Guard. “I have a message from Eric, Leave him behind!”

The Guards paled, before scrambling to set sail, one of them went to the edge of the ship.

“If you want to live you’d better start sailing!” the guard shouted. “This island is about to be destroyed!”

Immediately the two ships set sail as a number of Minotaurs and Minotaura’s ran to the docks. Off in the distance an explosion of molten magma erupted from the arena.

"Dear gods," Starry said with hint of fear and amazement as he saw the explosion.

“Faust help them” Applejack muttered in worry, watching the magma spew from the island.

“They’ll win,” Sombra said with slight concern for his friend.

The three of them continue to watch the island as it began to glow a reddish hue. Before long, the three of them saw a black ball.

“What in tarnation is that?!” Applejack shouted.

"Ancestors protect us,” Starry prayed as he watched the black ball grow.

Sombra however, grinned like a mad man, which didn’t go unnoticed by the Samurai and the Farm-girl.

“What are you smiling bout?” Applejack asked.

"You've finally lost your mind lost your mind haven’t you Sombra," Starry said with fear.

“Fear not Samurai, that is on our side,” Sombra said, not losing his grin as the ball vanished.

Without warning, the island was engulfed in a black mushroom cloud before receding. The island was no longer there.

“What was that?!" Applejack yelled.

Sombra grinned. “Dark Nova.”

Next Chapter: A Royal Showdown Estimated time remaining: 16 Minutes