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"You idiot!"

A loud smack echoed across the abyss as Bastion fell onto his back, a bruise on his cheek. He stared up into the face of his master as he was picked back up and punched in the face again. "All you had to do was keep him busy or persuade him over to our side. And you can't even do that right!" Orcus was furious with Bastion's failure. The one who remained a thorn in his side was still walking around, alive and well and it was possible his plans were going to be ruined.

"F-forgive me, Master Orcus. I did the best I could. But it seems like he's gotten stronger instead of weaker, despite all that's happened to him." Bastion replied before being punched once again. The cloaked unicorn growled in anger, but sighed as he let go of him.

"I suppose you're right. But regardless, it doesn't change the fact that he may become a greater nuisance than we originally thought. I hope you plan to rectify this at some point." Orcus said with a stern tone. Bastion nodded and brushed off his previous injuries as he stood back on his feet.

"Of course. Von may have discovered where I did most of my research in the past, but all my hard work and the results of that research are hidden within my lab." he replied. "Speaking of which, my lord...You haven't forgotten your end of the deal, have you?" Orcus, though blinded, looked over in Bastion's direction and chuckled. He lifted the cloak from his head and revealed his broken horn. It lit up with an ominous glow as a small pink ball of light appeared in front of him.

"Now Bastion. What kind of lord would I be if I didn't hold up my end of our bargain? I know just how much you cherish this mare. And I'm certain that she's longed to see you once again. Her soul is crying out in anguish, unable to be with you. Longing to be at your side. You can hear her cries, can't you?" He said, presenting the pink ball to the unicorn. Bastion stepped forward, reaching his hand out to the ball of light.

"It's her. ...It's really her." As Bastion continued to stare at the pink ball, an image formed in front of him in the form of an armored mare. It was a dark pink pegasus mare with emerald eyes and a brown mane. Strapped to her side was a rapier, a sword most popularly known for being used by Fencers. Her mane was tied up in a braid so that it would not get in the way when she fought. She had a blank expression on her face, but Bastion did not care. "Sheryl...Sheryl, my love."

"That's right. Sheryl still misses you. She longs for your touch, Bastion. And since you've done what I asked, I suppose you deserve your reward." Orcus' horn flashed and in a brief instant, the ball of light and the image of Sheryl was gone.

"Sheryl! What did you do?! This is not what we agreed upon!" Bastion yelled, lighting his horn with magic.

"Oh really? Then why would I teleport her soul to your lab?" Orcus inquired, forcing Bastion to calm himself. "Her soul has been transported there, returned to you as per our agreement. Now you can do as you please with her. But until you die again, your soul is still mine to command. Do you understand me?"

Bastion smiled and let out a wicked chuckle, cackling loudly in the dark abyss. "As you wish, master Orcus. But what of Konan?"

"What about me?" came a low masculine voice. The two of them looked over and saw a dark portal open and stepping through it was none other than Konan. However, his appearance remained the same, unlike what happened to Nova and Cynder.

"Ah. If it isn't the new Dragon King. So, how does it feel to be on top?" Orcus jokingly asked.

"It feels...just right." Konan replied with a devious grin. "How is the egg?"

"Ah, it's no longer an egg. It's gone far past the incubation stage. Would you care to meet your new son?" Konan nodded at his question, causing him to chuckle and look back into the darkness. " Oh Leventhan. Your father wishes to meet you." He called out.

A low growl sounded out through the darkness and slowly got closer to the trio. A pair of yellow eyes made themselves known as a grey dragon, no bigger than Von, stepped forward. Orcus laughed and placed his hand on the dragon's shoulder and looked at Konan. "This is Leventhan. He was born from that egg I extracted from Von about 12 chapters ago." he said with a chuckle.

"Leventhan?"

"Yes. I would've called him Leviathan, but he's not a snake. Anyhow, he is unlike Von. He's a complete killer. He won't hesitate to hunt and kill if told, no matter who the target is. Ponies included. And unlike a certain someone, he'll resort to dirty tricks to make sure he wins."

"Good. I've grown tired of his...honorable nature. Speaking of...what do you want me to do with Nova?" Konan asked.

"Get rid of him upon his return. He's worn out his usefulness. I predict failure for him and his squadron." Orcus calmly replied. Konan bowed before him and smiled, Bastion smiling in kind as they all went their separate ways. Only Orcus and Leventhan stood alone in the abyss, waiting in silence. "You can feel it, can't you?"

Leventhan stayed silent, but acknowledged Orcus' question by glancing over at him.

"Von's actions are changing the flow of the world. At this rate, even if I become whole again, he may gather enough strength to thwart me." The unicorn hissed. "But, he may still provide some use to me. I just need to bide my time. And this little 'invasion' may give him the push I need to bring him to my side." he chuckled and smiled at Leventhan, petting the dragon's head and looking up into the shadows. "Cynder, Nova...and now YOU. I'll be counting on you to do your job well, my little marionette...."

Author's Notes:

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