The Empire of Blood

Chapters

Flow of blood
Time for red
The beastmaster
Yer first job

Flow of blood

Twilight had assembled her friends after recieving a letter from princess Celestia. The letter stated that there were some strange disturbances in the swamps of Ponyville. She didn't know why the others had to come, but she did as told. Rarity was against the idea of putting her hooves in such horrid muck, so she quickly created a fashionable garment to protect herself. Needless to say, they slowed down because of her. They had finally arrived within the swamp. The area they were in had small lumps of greened swamp mud poking out of the murky water. The base of the mountains were close and a few swamp trees were dotted around here and there. A few fluorescent creatures flew around through the air, giving a tiny light show to the visitors.

"Alright girls, look around. Princess Celestia said that there was something important hidden here." cautioned Twilight
"Is it a hidden present? I love hidden presents! I'll go that way!"
"PInkie Wait! Too late."
"Don't worry Twilight, she's never too far away." said Rainbow Dash.
"Yuck! This swamp is completely covering my magnificent clothing!"
"Didn't ya make that ta protect yerself from the mud?"
"Well...yes but."
"But nothin'! Stop complainin' and help us look fer whatever the princess wants us to be searching fer."

Fluttershy was "talking" with the animals while Rainbow Dash looked from the sky. Fluttershy came back to Twilight shorty after to give her report.

"Sorry Twilight. The animals say that they haven't seen anything unusual lately, besides the hydras being awfully quiet."
"That's not possible! The princess wouldn't send us here if it was just about calmed hydras. Keep looking! There has to be something!"

An hour had passed, and even Pinkie Pie had become bored after not finding her hidden present.

"Twilight, can we go now! There's nothing here." she moaned.
"But-"
"I must agree with Pinkie Pie, sweetie. I'm not sure, but I think you might have recieved the wrong letter from the princess. Perhaps it was for somepony else."
"But that's not possible! The princess could never make a mistake like that."

The thought of a certain event pertaining to two tickets came to Twilight's mind. Perhaps her friends were right, perhaps the princess did make a mistake.

"Hey Twilight!" yelled a cyan pegasus. "There are wierd ruins over here, follow me!"
"You see! I was so sure the princess wouldn't make an error like that."
"Whatever ya say sugarcube. I just hope that those ruins have more ta them than just bein' broken rocks."

Fluttershy was already there, and she was examining what looked small portions of walls and columns that were covered with mud. Rainbow Dash set herself down near the ruins.

"See?" shouted Rainbow Dash.
"What the-? I've never seen these here before. I didn't even know about there being ancient homes in the Ponyville swamps."
"Well, when I came here to talk with more of the animals, they just rose up from the mud."
"Just rose up? Without the intervention af anypony at all?" questioned Twilight.
"Yup."
"I know it's hard to belive Twilight, but when I was flying above Fluttershy, I saw those things rise up by themselves."
"Well, this certainly has been intriguing. How about we leave now, and you report back to the princess, huh Twilight?" begged Rarity.
"No! We have to check these things o-AAAAAH!"

There was the sound of loud, high-pitched screaming flying throughout the air. Everypony fell to the floor, covering their ears. The pitch was so painful that even Rarity dumped her head into the murky waters, her hood covering her mane, of course. It quickly stopped, allowing the ponies to get their heads out of the swamp water.

"Fluttershy?" said Twilight.
"I don't know. I've never heard a creature like that. I hope it's not a dragon."
"What's that on the ridge over there?" said Applejack.

The thing Applejack was concerned about, was a tall, bipedal creature. It seemed to have clawed hands and wore boots, but it was hard to tell as it looked like black smoke. It's yellow eyes were staring at the group, who stared right back at it. It said nothing and did not move. The sun was shining brightly behind it, putting emphasis on it's smokey-form.

"What...is that wretched thing?" said Rarity.
"Maybe it wants to play? Let me go see." Pinkie Pie started bouncing towards the creature." Hey! You want to throw a party?"
"Pinkie,don't!"

Rainbow tried to grab Pinkie Pie, but the creature's hands twitched and, in a flash, it was right where Pinkie was, but bent and with it's fist forward. Pinkie flew right by the group and slammed through three trees before stopping on the fourth one. They all had their mouths gaping open as they slowly turned to see Pinkie Pie laying in the murky water. Rainbow grew furious while Fluttershy and Rarity ran to Pinkie Pie's aid.

Both Rainbow Dash and Applejack were now facing the creature. This thing was going to pay, but, before they could react, it had suddenly appeared in front of Rarity and Fluttershy, who recieved neck-chops. They flopped to the ground. Twilight was still frozen stiff by what had happened. This creature was impossibly powerful and quick. Applejack and Rainbow Dash barely had time to turn around that the monster smashed them into the murky mud with it's legs, before it bounced off, flipped, and landed right in front of Twilight.

"W-w-w...what? How?"

The creature just stood in front of Twilight and kept it's right hand over her head. Twilight snapped back to herself and jumped out of the creature's arm range. She was absolutely furious. Her mane and tail started to turn into fire as her coat whitened. Something that hadn't happened since she tried to understand Pinkie's senses. Her horn glew brightly as she prepared a powerful spell. The creature just turned to it's side, while still looking at Twilight with it's left eye.

"You'll pay for what you did, you...you...MONSTER!"

As the wave of purple energy was unleashed, the creature seemed to have teleported once again. Now, it was behind Twilight. It had grabbed her head and lift her up. She returned to normal as she struggled to get free. It turned her to face it directly. Twilight opened her eyes as she looked both angry and scared.

"Why? Why would you do that to us? What did we ever do to you? You didn't need to kill them!" Twilight was sniffling and crying.

The creature just blinked and twisted to point at Twilight's friends who were already getting back up.

"What? Then what did you?*zap* OW!"

The living smoke had electrocuted Twilight with something, but it seemed harmless. He then placed her gently back into the water and walked slightly further away from the group that was reassembling itself.

"You're all okay!" shouted Twilight in glee.
"Of course darling, although I'm not too sure how that's possible. Even Pinkie Pie looks okay."

Pinkie Pie was still smiling and bouncing depite what the creature did. She seemed to know something that the others didn't. Fluttershy looked absolutely horrified and flew right into the creature's face. She was using her "stare".

"How DARE you do that to my friends. Who do you think you are? It's not because you're a "mysterious" creature that you can hurt us like that!"

The beast retained it's calm demeanor, suggesting that it was unaffected by Fluttershy's stare.

"Twilight, I think that...thing is the reason for Celestia's letter."
"I think so too Rainbow."
"Ya think we should stop it while it's distracted?"
"I don't know. Did you see how fast and powerful it was? I think that, if it wanted to harm us, it would have done so already. I don't know what it did, but I think it transferred something into our bodies."
"OOOOOH! So THAT'S the hidden present. Thanks scary monster!"

The creature twitched again. Fluttershy flew right in the middle of the group, throwing mud and murky water all over Rarity.

"Ewwww! It's going to take me weeks to remove this filth from my mane and coat. YOU BRUTE! Fluttershy dear, are you allright?"
"Strangely, yes."

The smoke stayed in place again, but the sun seemed to be fading away slowly behind it. The sky and the sun were turning red, but the ponies were too concentrated on their attacker.

"So, you want a piece of us? Come and get it!" shouted Rainbow Dash.
"It" swayed it's head.
"What? Yer too chicken ta fight us now that ya don't got the element of surprise no more?"
It still swayed it's head.
"Well then , Applejack, how aabout we attack it this time?"
"That sounds like a great idea. Let's do it!"

The two mares started to gallop towards the thing, but Twilight stopped them with her magic. While they floated back towards the group, Rainbow and Applejack were about to complain, but Twilight put a silence spell on them. This was a very delicate situation.

"Hey, you! Why did you attack us?"
It didn't move."
"What did you give us? I saw that, everytime you hit one of us, there was a purple spark that flew. Is that your magic?"
It nodded.
"Why did you give it to all of us?"
"It's a present,silly!"
"Pinkie Pie! Why are you so happy? It punched you through trees! I even thought you had died!" exclamated Rarity. She was helping Fluttershy back up.
"Can't you see it? He doesn't want to hurt us. He's trying to give us something."
"Wait...it's a he?" said Twilight.
"Pfff, duh! It's easy to see it!"

Both Rarity and Twilight looked back at the creature. The only thing they could notice about it were it's arms, it's eyes, it's legs, and the shifting smoke. They looked back at Pinkie Pie with questioning faces.

"What?" she said. "Hey, since when has the sky been so red?"
"It's never been r-"

Twilight let go of Applejack and Rainbow Dash who were greeted by even more splashing. They coughed as some of the water entered their mouths.

"Ugh. I'm sure we're going to catch a cold or something like that." complained Rainbow Dash.

Unfortunately, the freed ones soon saw what was going on. The smokey creature was performing some for of aerial rune while incanting a spell in a language unknown to Twilight. She started to panic.

"What are you doing? You aren't going to destroy Equestria are you? We won't let you do that!"

The shadow started to laugh loudly, then a booming voice started echoing from all directions.

"I have made a mistake in the past that I cannot correct. You must travel to the time before the pony tribes discovered Equestria. You must...go to the EMPIRE OF BLOOD!"
"THE WHAT?!" the group yelled.
"The Empire of Blood? I don't think I want to go there. I think I'll go now." said Fluttershy, a nervous smile on her face.
"Everypony, run!" yelled Twilight.

They all started galloping away from the beast, but it had already finished it's incantation. The ground started to rumble as massive amounts of a red liquid started flowing out of the ground and turned into a gigantic creature. It had horns and looked like a bipedal pony. It resembled some form of cross-breed. The thing roared and chased after the group. Even Rainbow Dash wasn't fast enough.

"Oh come one! Wait...why am I flying backwards?" wondered Rainbow Dash.

Looking back, she could see that the creature's mouth was wide open. It had an incredible suction force. As Twilight and the others hung onto the ground, the beast looked at Rainbow Dash who was struggling to stay in the air. It stomped forward and chomped down on her.

"Rainbow Dash!"

The creature then smashed the ground with it's fists, causing miniscule tremors, but it was enough for it to unroot the ground below the group's feet. They all started to get sucked into it's mouth. Twilight tried to use her magic to keep everypony inside of a protective bubble, but the suction power was too strong. The beast even grabbed the bubble holding everypony inside and threw it inside of it's mouth. The only one not scared was Pinkie Pie, who was flailing her arms in every direction and shouting "WOOHOO!". The beast clamped it's aw shut. It soon redissolved into the swamp waters. The sky and sun returned to normal, and the smojey creature had dissappeared. What did it do?

Time for red

Twilight opened her eyes, only to see that she was huddled with her friends inside of a vortex seemingly made of blood. Black and red flashed and swirled everywhere. Twilight attempted to speak, nothing but air exited her mouth. She tried using magic, but it did not work either. She did notice something bad, Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen. Twilight was shocked and horrified by what she was seeing. Faces of tormented creatures kept popping out of the blood and hissing. Others literally jumped out of the vortex to scare the group of five while they were inside the "tunnel" formed in the middle of the blood vortex. Suddenly, voices of cheering could be heard. Everypony looked around to try and figure out where that noise came from, while trying to avoid the creatures inside of that vortex. Muffled voices started to appear as well, until a resonating *splotch* echoed throughout the tunnel. The creatures became increasingly agitated.

".........and all shall become part of the Empire, or they shall perish!" It sounded like a mare, a rather aged mare.
*cheers*
"We have conquered the majority of Bleudfeg and we shall continue until the entire world bows to our god, Ghorandras."
*cheering and sounds of creatures being killed*
"The Empire of Blood shall reign supreme over all as the sacrifices bring our god ever closer to awakening! DEATH BY BLOOD! BLOOD BY DEATH!

The tunnel suddenly started to swirl ever quickly, and the five ponies found themselves being pulled at incredible speeds through the tunnel. Pinkie was silently cheering as they were thrown through a black hole.

*BAM! FLOP8 WHAM!*

They finally exited the tunnel. Everypony was rubbing their head as they layed on the ground, piled on eachother.

"Woohoo! That was awesome! Can we do it again? Come on, say yes!"
"Pinkie, this isn't the time nor the place. Where are we anyways?" said Twilight.
"I-I'm not sure. I thought we were at the swamp. And what WAS the scary place? It was horrible." said Fluttershy.
"Ah dunno, but we don't look like were in Equestria no more. Whatever that thing was, it sent us somewhere."
"Wait, where is Rainbow Dash?" asked Rarity.

Everypony looked around for any signs of Rainbow Dash until Rarity stopped suddenly. She was utterly terrified and was staring at something.

"G-girls. Look at that."
"Why? What is...that's...no way..." stuttered Applejack.

The place they were in were indeed the swamps...but not so swampish anymore. The ground was solid, and it looked like it was being cultivated. The ground was ridged, and the surrounding environnment was filled with thick trees. The sky was still blue and the sun still shone. How did the 5 realize they were in the swamps? Exactly where the ruins were, stood a stone hut, with a roof made of wood and straw. Those were the exact same stones from the ruins. The chimney spewed out smoke, indicating that someone was living in there.

"Twilight, I think that's the hut from...." said Fluttershy, unable to finish.
"From the swamp." finished Twilight.

She started to walk in small circles, unable to comprehend what that creature did exactly.

"But, if that's the hut, and we were thrown into some strange vortex...we were sent to the past?"
"Maybe. I wonder how they threw parties here. I'd love to see their candy and cakes!"
"Well, I will go knock on that door and see if the gentlepony in there knows something." affirmed Rarity.

She walked nervously towards the hut as the others just watched. She looked back over here soldier one last time. With one deep gulp, she knocked on the door.

"Yes? Is it already time?"

The door opened to reveal a rather scrawny brown pony. He wore a crudely made straw hat, and blue overalls. He looked half asleep.

"Um, yes. Would you be-"
"AH! OUTSIDERS!" he slammed the door, and the sounds of fumbling metal could be heard. He came back out with a pitchfork held in his hoof. It was kept there by a special gripping mechanism.
"Get off my property! I'll gut you and hang your innards on my fork here if you don't get out of here."
"But-" Rarity tried to say.
"OUT!" He thrust the pitchfork at Rarity who quickly scampered in the opposite direction, her friends following her. Even Applejack, who was known to be stubborn, knew that brawn over steel was not a "close" victory at hoof here.

The further they went, the more huts appeared and the more diversified the place became. The group found themselves in the middle of a village outside what looked like a city surrounded by brown-yellow walls. Some sort of temple was the only thing seeable in there. It seemed to be made of several floors and was vastly decorated. It was too far to be able to distinguish anything.

However, the zone they were in was chock full of different things. All the ponies had tribal colorings on their bodies, and many were pulling carts full of food, fabrics, materials, and...beasts? This seemed to be the market. Many stands were open, and many ponies were gathered at them. There were blacksmiths who were promoting their work by showing how they forge outside of their shops. Several spears and shields were sitting against the stone walls of the shops. Others forged armors. Many of the ponies would look at the group and whisper. They certainly were not welcome. Rarity had just lost her garments, and she was still covered in mud. As the group started walking through, Twilight decided that a plan was needed, and they stopped near a quaint little shop.

"Okay. We don't know where we are, or, more importantly, WHEN we are. We need a plan We also need to find Rainbow Dash." said Twilight.
"Yes. I do believe that new garments are of the most important factor, as is a very good bath. I look simply dreadful with all this mud. It's going to take so long for my coat and mane to achieve their beauty once more."
"Rarity, this isn't the time to be thinking about clothes. We could be in serious danger here."
"She's right Rarity. Ah don't think we should attract too much attention to ourselves. Maybe we should ask the folks 'round here 'bout this place? Hopefully, they'll be nicer than that other guy."
"Yeah! It'd be great if we could discover everything here! Like, what's that? And that? And that?"
"Pinkie, darling, this isn't the time to be playing, either."
"Awww, but why not? Everything is better when you have fun. Isn't that right Fluttershy? Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy was shaking like a leaf. She was hiding behind her mane. The tatoos on the ponies who passed by were actually quite frightening. Some put empasis on the red eyes of some ponies who walked by, and others seemed to draw the shape of a beast on the coat. The tatoos were mostly red, but they were sometimes other colors. Suddenly, five ponies came from the far right of the store. They wore red armor that seemed to have some emerald linings and would "poke" out at the joints. These armors covered their entire bodies, only leaving the eyes out, who seemed to be completely red. They were quite monstrous, and the heavy armor they wore, coupled by the single spear on their backs, made them look quite scary.

The only pony that stuck out, was a mare who had certainly seen many battles. She somehow had four canine teetch that stuck out of her mouth, giving her a wolf-like appearance. Her armor was very thin, and she didn't have a helmet on. Her coat was black, her mane was gray, and her iris were of a soul-less white. She seemed to have "clawed" boots. These claws looked like carved metal. The middle blade looked like a bent "H", while the two on the sides curved inwards. She was hitting everypony who had the audacity to pass by her, a sadistic smile on her face. She stopped in front of the five, her guards standing still.

"What? Who are you? I have not yet seen you registering at the blood palace." she said, a rumbly voice crackled in her throat.
"Bl-bl...blood palace? You don't really put...blood in there do you?" Fluttershy asked. She gave a very nervous smile, hoping that the answer would be no.

The surrounding ponies backed off. They knew who these armored soldiers were, and they would be careful treading around them. After hearing this remark, the mare was exhilirating herself. She and the guards started exploding with laughter. The mare, despite crying in tears, answered quite directly:

"That's a good sense of humor you have! The blood palace flows with the blood of all enemies and those who sacrifice themselves to Ghorandras." she gave a serious look suddenly:" Willing...or NOT."
"Eep."
"In fact, you five could make fine sacrifices. You smell of purity and good energies. Your blood will feed him well. GUARDS! Take them away!"

They started moving towards the five. Even Rarity readied herself. Pinkie took had something wierd in her hands, the looked like balls. Even Applejack was readying herself for a fight, but Twilight stopped this.

"No! There is no need for this." her horn glew and lifted the guards off their feet. They started screaming and flailing about. The mare looked too terriied for words to describe, but she quickly snapped out of it and charged at Twilight, her mouth wide open. She was going to chomp into the unicorn.

"Oh no you don't!" yelled Applejack.

She jumped right in front of the mare and bucked her straight in the face. The mare flew but flipped and landed back on her hooves. She was bleeding and smiling.

"Yes, YES! I haven't felt this kind of battle since the gryphon wars. Let's spice things up a notch, shall we?"

She shook her front hooves slightly, sha king some dirt off her hoof-blades. Before she could get any closer to Applejack, the building behind the group exploded outwards, showering the area with straw, stone, and mud. The indigenous ponies ran away, hoping to not get caught in the debris. Twilight lost her concentration and dropped the guards, who "activated" their spears and roared. They charged right at the stunned group, taking advantage of the opportunity, but they were swiped against a wall by a very long blue object that came out of the dust.

"WATCH OUT! The Yumis is loose!" yelled a wounded stallion back in the shop.

The thing looked like a four legged creature with a body in the middle. It had some type of on it's back. The thing was multi-segmented, indicating that it was far-reaching. The beast's mouth was triple-mawed. It had eight, beady black eyes, and the Yumis had two arms, each ending in a claw. The thing was gigantic and azure blue, and it seemed to like the guards, ALOT! It was attacking them with full force. They had trouble fighting the thing, who would grab them and slam them several times against the floor. That other mare was nowhere in sight. Twilight, despite not liking those guards, knew that the surrounding ponies were in danger, and quickly formulated a plan:

"Okay then. Pinkie and Applejack, you go distract that...that thing, while Rarity, Fluttershy and I help that stallion."
"Right!" said Pinkie and Applejack in unison.

They started galopping towards the giant creature, and, with a few bucks to the legs, it tripped a bit and turned it's attention Applejack. It still had a guard in it's claw. The guard was screaming as the claw tightened on him.

"You let go of him!" yelled Pinkie Pie.

She threw her wierd balls at the creature's face. The balls exploded into a confetti rain, and the impact was so powerful that the Yumis took a few steps back. It roared in rage. It stabbed the guard with it's tail. The dard pierced right through one end and went out the other. Blue foam started leaking from the armor, much to the horror of the other three and the two mares. The beast then snapped it's claw, cutting the guard in two. The two sides flopped on the ground. The two mares were horrified by what they just saw. This beast was a ruthless killing machine. It started attacking Pinkie Pie who was standing on a dried mud mount. This distraction was enough for the lost guard-mare to reappear and yell at her guards for a retreat.

Meanwhile, Twilight was helping the stallion heal from his wounds with his magic, while Rarity cleaned him up. Fluttershy just stood in place. She saw what the creature had done. She knew that some of her animal friends were ruthless killers when they hunted, but that was too much. Then it hit her, the guards had charged at her and her friends with their spears out. Perhaps it saw them as a threat and defended itself, thinking that they were trying to kill it. She would be sure.

"Twilight, I'm going to go calm that monster."
"What? Are you crazy Fluttershy. That thing is amonster!"
"*cough* She's right you know. The Yumis is a beast of war. Everypony knows that." said the stallion. Twilight and Rarity tried to keep hm down.
"I don't care. I'm going!"
"NO! WAIT! DON'T!" the stallion had cast both Rarity and Twilight off of him as he ran to try and catch the yellow pegasus.

It was too late. She was facing the beast in it's face. It had stopped moving and it was breathing heavily. It suddenly roared at it's new opponent. The only thing that moved was Fluttershy's mane. Fluttershy lift a hoof. The beast readied itself. All the local ponies popped out of their hiding places to watch what these outsiders were going to do. Fluttershy tapped the Yumis on it's head. It duddenly stopped moving.

"What in the name of...?" whispered the stallion.
"Poor little guy! You were being attacked by those meanie old stallions. Well, I forgive you. You were just defending yourself. Weren't you?"

The Yumis roared again, but it didn't attack Fluttershy. Instead, it grabbed her with a claw and put her to it's chest.

"Awww. You're jut a softie aren't you?"

The stallion stubbled forward as Applejack and Pinkie Pie returned near Twilight and Rarity.

"I've been working in the monster taming business for 20 years, and I've never seen anypony do that before."
"Well, that's just Fluttershy for ya. She has a way with the critters."
"Hmmm. Well, seeing as she befriended it, I suppose I could help you five. Could you help me get to my house? I'll direct you to where it is."
"Sure. Karm says that he'll help."
"So it adopted the name I gave it, huh? Wait, YOU SPEAK TO THEM TOO?!" roared the stallion.
"That's just how she is." affirmed Applejack.

The creature grabbed the five other ponies and put them on it's back. It hissed at Pinkie Pie and Applejack, but was scolded by Fluttershy for doing that. The stallion knew more about the Yumis thant the mares, and was hesitant to move, let alone breath. He still managed to direct the group in a direction through the forest. The surrounding ponies just stared at them as the Yumis walked by and went into the forest. The multiple stomping sounds of it's needle legs quickly died out, and they started rebuilding the destroyed store. It would be ready when the stallion returned.

The beastmaster

The Yumis kept plowing through all the trees in the forest, barely stopping to go around a rock as Fluttershy kept complimenting it. The stallion from the shop sighed as the Yumis finally arrived at his hut in the forest. It was rather big compared to those the five had already seen. It was sitting in the middle of a small patch in the forest that had obviously never seen trees grow on it. A bit of the sun shone through the trees, giving off a rather unique shadow-lighting on the house. Fluttershy stopped the Yumis, who lowered itself so that everypony could jump down. The stallion still struggled to walk quickly towards the door of his hut. He obviously hated the Yumis and took the closest opportunity he had to escape it. He knocked violently on the door. A gentle voice answered:

"Yes? Who is it?"
"It's me darling."
" Spearow? It's still early? Why are you back so early?"
"I can explain later. Just open the door."
"Okay."

As the door opened, a rasberry mare with a bright blue mane came out of the door. Her mane was kept against her neck, giving it a slender look.. Her eyes were colored just like her mane, and gave a sense of sensitivity to them. Her cutie mark look like a pot with bubbles. Something strange. She screamed when she saw the Yumis. The stallion tried to calm her down, but the beast got riled up and charged at her with a roar, until Fluttershy stopped it and scoled the creature, who started moving back.

"Wha-? How? Why?"
"Yes. I know. I don't get it either. But, perhaps these mares can enter our abode for now?"
"I...I suppose so." she was shaking like a leaf.

"It's good girls. You can come in."
"Finally! Something that goes calmly today. I suppose you have showers?"
"Showers? What's that?"

Rarity looked utterly horrified at this remark.

"Why, it's where you bathe!"
"Oh! We use the river downhill to clean ourselves up. If you want to do it now, I suggest you hurry up. It's the time where the Aqua fangs come out and they have been quite active."
"I...I prefer not to know what those things are. Do you have soap?"
"Soap? No. There are red berries on the nearby bushes, though. They are very hygenic, and most citizens of the Empire use them to bathe. Just smash them up in your hooves and you'll be ready."

Rarity hesitated, but seeing herself all mudded up in one of the tall skinny mirrors against the wall of the hut quickly forced her to go bathe. Pinkie Pie stayed outside to play with the Yumis while Fluttershy tried to learn more about it. All that was left were Twilight Sparkle and Applejack. The mare brung a platter inside the room they were in. It was filled with things made from the skin of animals. The middle of the room had two large brown couches facing a small glass table which held old fashioned tools made from wood and stone. The mare was shocked once again by Her husband's wounds. They were still there despite Twilight trying her best to heal him in the shop. He lied down on the couch as his wife put bandages on him. He yelped every now and then.

"So...who are you five? OW! What was that for?" he yelled at his wide.
"Isn't it common courtesy for the Stallion to present himself to the mare before asking names?"
"*sigh*. You know best Rasberry."
"Yes I do."
"I'm Spearow hooves, a beastmaster."

The stallion did remind the two mares of a certain mailpony that worked at their hometown. He had the same gray coat, and the same blonde mane and tail and the same eyes. The only difference being his cutie mark, a spear.

"There we go." said Rasberry.
Spearow mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. So, what are your names?"
"Well, mine is Twilight Sparkle. My friend here is Applejack."
"Howdy."
"The two mares out there are Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. I'm sure you know which is which."
"Are...ARE THEY PLAYING WITH THE YUMIS?!"
"Well, yeah. Pinkie Pie there is real good at parties and ah've never seen 'er get scared of anythin', and Fluttershy's special talent is workin' with animals." said Applejack.

The couple both looked at the two mares in a stunned but impressed way.

"And the pony you saw leave her for a "bath" was Rarity. Her special talent is in fashion." finished Twilight.
"Really? And what are your special talents?"
"Well, mine is with apples. Ya ask me to grow apples 'n I'll grow ya the best apples ever!"
"APPLES?! We haven't seen ny in generations! Perhaps that talent of yours could be useful.I could get you a job in agriculture while you all settle down here. Now, what about you...Twilight was it? What is your special talent?" asked Rasberry. She was sure that this mare's talent had something to do with stars.
"Magic."

The couple stared at her, then laughed.

"Haha! Unicorns haven't been seen for over five senturies since the Empire's founding. They have all been hunted and captured. Now really, what is your talent? And why do you wear that ridiculous horn?" laughed Spearow.

He was exhilirating himself. Forcing his laughter out. Twilight moaned and performed a little magic to lift the tray with the cups of tea in them. Spearow and Rasberry's smiles faded away as they realized that this wasn't a trick.

"I wasn't lying. Now, we have several questions that need answering."
"Then one final one from me. Is that "Rarity" gal from your group also a real unicorn?" asked Spearow.
"Yes. More importantly, I need to know the date."
"You mean you don't know?"
"We kinda arrived here but some wierd means. We don't know where we are." replied Applejack.
"...okay... It's 1025 E.B."
"E.B.?" the mares asked.
"Empire of Blood. You definately aren't from around here if you don't know our Empire. Where do you come from?"

Twilight and Applejack qtill didn't know when they were. "E.B." is an unknown time measuring system to them.

"Equestria." said Twilight Sparkle.
"Never heard of it. You have more questions to ask us before we help you settle into the Empire? Time is money, and lost money means lost lives here."
"Not a very fun place ta be." mocked Applejack.
"No. It isn't."
"Have you seen a cyan pegasi around here lately? She's our friend and we lost here...on our way here."
"Cyan pegasi...cyan pegasi...with a rainbow colored mane and tail?"
"You saw her?!" yelled Twilight in joy.

The couple looked at eachother after Rasberry finished the bandaging. They were worried.

"I...I'm sorry but, she arrived here a few days before you did. She was caught by the army and was taken to the Crimson city, that giant place surrounded by walls over there."
"Oh no..." Twilight flopped back down on the couch. If the soldiers were as bad as the ones they met earlier, then that would mean that...
"But I do not think she was killed. The guards saw more interest in that particular speed and energy that she had. I wouldn't be surprised if she was turned into a general right at the spot."

This reassured the two mares in some form, but the idea that their friend joined that army was unthinkable.

"What's a beastmaster?" asked Fluttershy.

She had been at the door for quite awhile now. Spearow just looked at her with joy and intrigue. He would make her a beastmaster. The best the Empire would have ever seen.

"A beastmaster is somepony who tames wild and dangerous creatures like the Yumis out there."
"It isn't dangerous. In fact, it's just a little dear that was scared."

Rasberry was about to complain against this, but Spearow shook his head so that she wouldn't say anything.

"I still don't know how you did it, but Yumis are used as creatures of war and slaughter. They were basically created by the Empire to be used as a forefront during our wars. If you want to be a beastmaster, you will have to learn what each creature likes and hates, and how to control them. Although I believe that controlling is in your natural abilities."
"I prefer "befriending"."
"Whatever you say. Do you want me to train you? You could help me at my shop tomorrow. The ponies of the village must have rebuilt it by now."
"What? That fast? That's impossible!" Twilight yelled.
"Like I said earlier, time is money, and lost time means lost lives. We all look after eachother to make sure that noone dies for disobeying the Empire. Times may be harsh, but that's how things are. Now then, Fluttershy, do you want me to train you?"

Fluttershy hesitated for a second. She would be near alot of monsters, and this would be hard work, but she would learn alot about the creatures that lived here. She accepted.

"One last thing, to become a full beastmaster, you must tame a full grown dragon."
"Eep!"
"Pahaha! You won't be doing that now. Maybe in ten years or so, IF you work hard enough."

Fluttershy exhaled in relief. Suddenly, screaming was heard outside.

"Rarity?" said Applejack.

They all left the hut to see the white mare dripping in water running as fast as she could. Behind her were some strange fish-like creatures. These things had large fins on their heads, backs, and tails. They had clawed feet and a mouthless face, Although what could be some kind of extending, poisonous thorn was flailing about the area their mouths should be. They looked like they were made from water.

"Shoot! Aqua fangs! Quickly! In the house!"

Rarity didn't think twice before getting inside the house. The creatures started to scratch at the door until a rock was thrown at them. They were five. They turned to face their attacker. It was Spearow along with Twilight and Applejack.

"Why don't you pick on somepony with a better challenge?"

They made some sort of bubbled growls as they started to move slowly towards the mares. Fluttershy flew right in front of them.

"Wait! I can stop them."
"Fluttershy, I know you are very good with animals, but those things are soulless." spewed Spearow.
"Oh, I'm sure you just think that because you could never "befriend" them."
"No Fluttershy, I'm serious, get away from them."

Spearow was acting unusually calm and quiet in his warnings. Fluttershy started to compliment the creatures and pet them. The one recieving these treatments looked annoyed. It was about to strike at her until Spearow rammed into it.

"What are you doing? It was calming down!"
"Look out!"

The beast ran and jumped at Fluttershy, hoping to get her jugular. A swift punch to the neck had it falling down in coughing. The other four growled and attacked the group. Applejack jumped on one then kicked it far away, while Twilight picked one up with her magic and intercepted a charging Aqua fang with her "projectile"." The things just kept coming. The group tired out but wasn't ready to give out. One question arose within Twilight's head, however.

Where's the Yumis and Pinkie Pie?"

A sudden loud roar was heard, followed by a "CHARGE!". The Yumis burst out from the trees and impaled one of the aquafangs with it's tail. The creature started to bubble up and quickly dissolved into a puddle. Pinkie Pie had some sort of sword attached to her hoof while she wore a wierd hat.

"Get me closer, I want to hit them with my sword!" she yelled.

Karm roared and grabbed two more of the fangs as they charged at it. It threw them into the air, allowing Pinkie to slice at them with her sword. The biggest of the group bit one of the Yumis' legs, causing it to roar in pain. It stared at the Aqua fang in pure anger. It grabbed the beast and crushed it between it's claws. It then put it in both claws, and slowly ripped it in two, water splattering everywhere as the two sides flopped onto the ground. Fluttereshy was still disturbed by Karm's actions. The last two Aqua fangs, the ones cut by Pinkie Pie, fleed in fear. The Yumis roared one last time and let Pikie off it's back.

Spearow went to Pinkie Pie who had jumped off Karm. Fluttershy was hugging it. She certainly knew what she was doing with animals.

"Where did you come from? And where did you get those?"
"We just went to walk around in the forest and I found these on the way."
"But those belong to the dreaded Jonchu of the Empire."
"Jonchu?" asked Pinkie Pie.
"Yes. They act as both replacement commanders and assassins. I don't know what could have killed something like a Jonchu, but it must've been very powerful. Now then, I know things have been rough for all of us today, but how about we just spend the rest of it quietly in my house, discussing everything about eachother. I'm sure we all need the rest."

Fluttershy came back. The Yumis was walking away into the forest.

"Wh-where is it going?" asked Twilight.
"It's just going to find a little nest to sleep in. It'll be back tomorrow."

Spearow was still astonished by that Pegasus' ability with animals. He had never seen such a thing. It would certainly come in use later on. The group entered the hut, just to see Rarity designing something for Rasberry. She really never stopped. It's like she had already forgotten about the fangs. The door closed as Twilight worringly asked about the "unicorn hunt" that Spearow mentioned earlier.

Yer first job

Many things were cleared over during the long chatting seesion in Spearow's hut. Rarity had her plans for Rasberry's dress in mind, and was eager to create it. Twilight explained where her friends came from and who reigned over them and protected them. However, the response Twilight recieved was completely unexpected. The couple didn't know at all what an alicorn was and seemed more stressed by what they could do. The only reason for this lack of knowledge of alicorns, coupled by these buildings that were unknown to everypony back home, could place Twilight and her friends somewhere around six to eight thousand years in the past. What were they even doing so far in the past? Some more things were clarified as to the living status of the current time.

They were right in the middle of the Empire of Blood. It was a ruthless army that would go to war very often and take the prisoners of war to sacrifice them to their god of blood, Ghorandras. Their blood always seemed to swirl underneath the sacrificial chambers. Apparently, this blood strengthened Ghorandras and, when he would awaken, he would destroy everything and everyone who wasn't a faithful part of the Empire. Noone knows what he looks like, but rumors have been leaving the crimson city about what his appearance was. If rumor was true, then Ghorandras was actually a mixture of both dragon and pony. It was extremely huge and was chained up in the lowest levels of the blood temple.

As for the mare that had attacked Twilight and the group, as well as the guards, they were a Gore patrol. Patrols that wander around randomly through towns and villages belonging to the Empire of Blood in order to search for worthy sacrifices. The guards were high ranking bodyguards that could easily kill several gryphons if given the possibility. The mare, however, was a special case. She was a general of the Blood army. She was one of the elite of the army, and had the highest value among current generals. There were others above her, but her experience in battle gave her the rank she currently possessed, as well as her "gift". Her name was Carnifex. It was actually a nickname, but hence, her teeth and thirst for battle gave that name it's reputation. She was well feared because of her participation in the gryphon wars, as well as the yellow battles. The yellow battles were against the remaining gryphon soldiers who had allied themselves with the minotaurs. The battles still rage today, despite them lasting for over thirty-five years. It is said that, despite the low survival rate in the gryphon wars, she participated in the beginning, and finished the war by her own hooves.

She was rewarded for her servitude with a new rank and a "gift" that would match her personality. Canine teeth that were incredibly sharp and intimidating. It was common to see a general with these things. For example, if one were the type to charge into a group head-first, without thinking, they would obtain either an increased mucle-mass, or hardened skin. How they recieved these mutations is completely unkown, and those who did know...well...they weren't heard from again.The one who led the entire Empire during Ghorandras' slumber was Redsky. He was greatly feared and worshipped at the same time. Any who opposed his rules were killed by a Jonchu assassin.

This time period was completely frightening for the five. It was no wonder that it was hidden away from the future. After the discussion and dinner, the group was allowed to sleep in Spearow's living room until the cabin was rearranged. The "cabin" was just the name of a smaller extension of the house. However, each of them would need to find a job if they wanted to stay at his home. No freeloaders. Tomorrow, they would all go to their respective locations for work...if they were found.

It was now night, and the five mares were sleeping tightly. The moon was shining brightly through the trees as it embraced the world in a hug of silvery light. Twilight suddenly awoke. She didn't know what awoke her or why. She carefully got off the couch and went to the closest window to see what was going on. She was surprised to see that the smokey creature from before was there. It seemed to be sitting in mid-air, with it's legs crossed. It was staring directly at Twilight Sparkle. She didn't understand what that thing was nor how it had appeared there. Didn't it come from their time? Twilight was about to get out of the house, when it roared loudly, that screeching waking up everypony painfully.

"What was that?!" yelled Applejack.
"It's that shadowy creature from before." replied Twilight.
"What? How did it git here? Did it follow us through that thing it created?"
"What's going on out there?!" yelled Spearow.

He came rushing down the stairs, a spear attached to his right side. Rasberry followed behind him.

"What are you girls doing? What was that?"
"It's that...thing that sent us here." said Fluttershy. She was terrified by the creature.

Spearow pushed everypony aside, a fierce look on his face. He stared out of the window, eyeing every corner of the forest around him.

"What are you talking about? I don't see any-"

The creature popped right in front of the window. Spearow fell backwards onto his back s he started to pant heavily. Rasberry seemed to do be panting just as quickly.

"What? What's wrong?" asked Twilight.
"Impossible. It was reported dead in the gryphon wars."
"What?"
"That is the Drayvis."
"What in Equestria is a Drayvis?" asked Rarity.
"The...the Drayvis is a being with incredible poweres. Some say that it can kill our god if it put any effort into this action. It has been tormenting and destroying our Empire for years. That thing was said to have been killed in the gryphon wars by Carnifex. I guess it was a fluke."
"What does it want?" whispered Fluttershy.
"I don't know, but it seems to like you five."

The Drayvis was lookng around frantically through the house.

"If it's so powerful, why hasn't it broken through the walls yet?" asked Applejack.
"I don't know. Is it looking for something?"

The drayvis seemed to be panicking. It took two steps back and pointed at the window, carving temporary forms into it. The first that appeared was the element of loyalty. This surprised the five mares still there, but estranged the couple. Then Rainbow Dash appeared, before finally dissappearing as well. Everypony was unsure at what it wanted, except Pinkie Pie. She jumped to the window with a large smile on her face.

"We went don't know where she is. Apparently, she got caught by the meanie soldiers around here. I hope I helped you!"

The couple just looked at her strangely. They certainly weren't used to a pony acting like she did. The Drayvis seemed to have silently cursed as it thrust it's arm down. It gave a sign of thanks to Pinkie Pie as it quickly dissappeared into the trees. Some disturbances were had shortly after, but everypony went back to sleep. Just because that creature had reappeared didn't mean that it would attack them right away. They still had much to do if they wanted to survive in this new world.

It was already the crack of dawn, and Spearow had awoken everypony. Only Applejack, who was used to waking early to tend to her apple orchards, was full of energy. Even Pinkie Pie was still a bit tired. After a simple berry and hay breakfast, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy left with Spearow to his beast shop, while Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity left with Rasberry.

After a bit of travel back through the forest, Spearow and the two mares finally arrived at the shop. It was completely rebuilt.

"Wow. You work fast here." said Pinkie Pie. Spearow started to smirk.
"Yeah? I thought we were kinda slow. Nowthen, back into-"

Another piercing scream followed as Karm ran out of the forest to grab Fluttershy and hug her intensely. Everypony in the street first started to run away, but came closer to the Yumis as it rubbed a laughing Fluttershy against it's face. They came to close apparently, as the Yumis roared at them, causing the ponies to run away. Fluttershy scolded Karm once more. He was going to need alot of teaching to act properly. Spearow reassured the crowd, who quickly swarmed around this new prodigy with animals and beasts alike. The stallion asked everyone to step back as the group went into the shop. Karm was told to not attack anypony and to stay in the surrounding area. Fluttershy wasn't going to keep it in place forever. It was against her way of thinking. The inside of the shop was just as woody as the rest of the building. A few counters and trophies here, a few things needed to ride monsters or control them there, it was pretty bland for a beast shop. Fluttershy was still disturbed by the skins and furs everywhere. Spearow reassured her that they were still either fake, or from already dead creatures. This didn't seem to help much.

As Spearow rearranged everything a bit Pinkie Pie started a conversation with the stallion:

"So...what DOES a beastmaster do?" Spearow answered this question while still rearranging his things.
"Like I said, we capture monsters and tame them for the Empire. Sometimes, our hunters find extremely rare creatures and bring them back here for us to tame and sell for several thousand Cins."
"Cins?"
"Our currency."
"Is Karm a rare creature?" asked Fluttershy.
"No. Not really. The Yumis are rare to capture and fewer are those who have been tamed, but they are generally common creatures."
"Then what are the rare ones?"
"Follow me and you'll see."

Spearow went towards a huge metallic door that was at the end of his shop. He gave a smile as he unlocked it and let the two mares through before locking it back again. There were strange luminescent rocks attached to the walls.As they went down the cobblestone steps, Spearow started to smile even more when he started to speak.

"My shop is known to have the most rare beasts in the entire Empire. This is why many ponies come to me for a beast if they need help in agriculture, building, or mostly just wars. That is what they are mostly used in."
"Oh my." stuttered Fluttershy.
"I know. But it's better to have them on our side than anypony else's. Now see and be amazed at my "collection"."

Spearow opened two extremely huge doors to reveal a room full of giant cages, aquariums, and other contraptions. There were so many different beasts that all looked so strange. They all ranged in size and shape. Pinkie Pie was all giddy about this.

"Okay then. So, Fluttershy, you will take care of the Dru, while Pinkie Pie plays with the monsters to keep them from becoming restless."
"What's a Dru?" asked Pinkie Pie.
"It's a strange creature actually. We confused them for gryphons during the war. They look exactly like them, although they are more of a blue chrome color all over their bodies. Strange things, really."
"I'm not sure if I can. I had a bad moment with a certain gryphon..." said Fluttershy.
"NONSENSE! If you can tae a Yumis, you can certainly deal with a Dru. Come on then, it's time for work."
"Come on Fluttershy, this'll be fun!"
"I hope you're right."

In the vast zone of agriculture that could be seen, several ponies were currently watering the newly growing plants. Many wore hats and overalls while taking care of their cultures. Strangely, there was a large spot full of trees that were being observed by a giant earth pony. This stallion was a purplish, lavender color, just like Twilight Sparkle, but he had a roughed up blonde mane and tail just like Applejack. He had a shovel on his flank.

"There. That's the big boss, Carmite. He's not too kind to outsiders, so I'd be quiet if I were you." said Rasberry.
"Oh! This dreadful heat is just KILLING me! I can't believe you didn't let me get a hat or something to protect my beautiful mane."
"Will you be quiet Rarity?!"
"Wait, are those the apple trees?" asked Applejack.
"Unfortunately...yes. Now please be quiet while I talk to Carmite."

Rasberry carefully walked towards the giant stallion. When she opened her mouth, he started to speak, with a rather intimidating voice:

"It's been so many generations that these trees have not given a single apple. I have tried everything, but they will not give. What am I doing wrong? Would you happen to know, Rasberry?"
"Um, well, I-"

Applejack look mighty frustrated as she walked towards the trees. Rasberry tried to make signs for the cowpony to move away, but she wouldn't have it. Carmite's hollow eyes started to fill with anger and fury at this outsider, until he saw Applejack's cutie mark, and started to give the benefit of doubt. His eyes resembled yellow stars, scary, yellow stars.

"Now what yer doin' here is all wrong! Appletrees are supposed to be in a fertile area full of grass, not this dry place. It doesn't allow the water ta seep in properly. The trees should be in a shaded area too. They're gettin' the full front of them sunrays, so they sweat too much! It doesn't allow it to get enough sap through the branches!"
"You seem to know an awful lot 'bout appletrees there missy. How?"
"Mah brother 'n eye worked on an apple orchard. We made the best apples ever." Applejack said her last words with great pride.

The stallion's face paled. The other working ponies around the area also stopped to look at Applejack in awe.

"What happened to your orchard?"
" It...uhhh...got destroyed during a raid."
"Those accursed gryphons! Well then, I believe you will be our the one to take care of these appletrees. Tell me what you need and I'll give you whatcha need."
"Thanks alot sir! I'll get ta work right away. Ah just need to see the trees first. They dun look in good shape."

Applejack went off to inspect the trees more thoroughly in order to grow the best apples with these sickly things. Carmite turned around to face a shocked Rasberry who was staring at the abyss with her jaw open and her eyelids twitching.

"RASBERRY!"
"AH! What?"
"And who are these two?"
"They are Twilight Sparkle and Rarity."
"What are your talents? I'll see if I can put them to use. YOU, go first." He pointed at Twilight sparkle. Rarity was certainly mumbling something about manners.
"Well, I'm very good at organization and-"
"GOOD! We need somepony to help organize our tools and fertilizers. We would also need you to help us plan out when we need to water certain plants, start to plant the needs, and so forth. I'll walk you to the place. Now...for you..."

Carmite didn't seem too happy with Rarity's appearance. He knew that she was too sophisticated for farmwork.

"Well, I'm great at designing clothes and-"
"I'll stop you there. We don't need you here. Maybe somewhere else."

Rarity couldn't say anything until Rasberry pulled her away. They'd find someplace for her to work at, but, for now, everypony had a place to work and was starting right away. It would be a tough first day for them all.