Nary a Non-Narrated Tale

The Badlands of Equestria weren't all that bad to begin with- the only 'bad' things one might first see is the barren landscape and over-bearing heat of the sun. Other than that, they were devoid of any distinguishing features. If it were just that, maybe ponies would have settled there, but there was more; changeling swarms, dragon hordes and even the occasional ancient golem were about the lands, but the expanse made it hard to purposely encounter any.

It was truly unlike anywhere else in the world, and as such, things happened there that- when held to the laws of reality- really weren't supposed to happen. A wormhole that carried the (now reincarnated) souls of two bickering brothers flickering into existence was one of these things, and coincidentally, it appeared in the very heart of the Badlands. The wormhole was simply tired of listening to them arguing about who would lay claim to whatever they found when they got out, and threw them onto the ground, then flashing into absolute nothingness.

The two brothers sat up, looked around, and then smiled at each other uneasily, avoiding eye contact at all costs.

"Well, we're here." said one. He was wearing a red tuxedo, a red bowling cap and had a red mane and tail, accented by a tan coat.

"It would appear so." replied the other. He was dressed similarly to his brother, but what was red on his brother was blue on him.

"So," they said simultaneously, "I'll just go over here." As they parted ways, each clumsily summoned a metallic device that had multiple small lights, and would let out the occasional *beep*.

"Helen? It's Blutarch. What? Oh, yes. Death was hard to bypass, but I got through...yes, Redmond did too..."

"As annoying as it is, the truth is simply that we- Helen- yes, fine! The mercenaries blew us up at the same time."

"Enough of that, now. I need you to set up something that can transport materials and workers to where I am as fast as possible."

"Oh, and the mercen- they're dead? Feh. I'll just have to find some new ones."

"Stalemate? Hah! You mark my words, Administrator..."

"He won't win this time."