ZAE (Zeal and Energy)by Zealus6Chapters1: Winged Dragon of Ra2: Cirendomor!3: The Ancient Ones1: Winged Dragon of RaZAE 1: Winged Dragon of Ra The Winged Dragon of Ra flapped his gigantic wings as the land around him burst into flame. Trees, grass and dirt were all vaporized as fire rose up from everything around him. He gave a deep, rumbling laugh, then started to roar. He flapped his wings again as a the entire planet fused into golden flame. The Winged Dragon of Ra flew above the star he had created, and transformed into a large sphere. "Very impressive" came a dull remark. The golden sphere made no response, no movement, no sign that it had even heard. A small pony walked seemingly on nothing as it approached the sphere. "You are such an elegant egotist" said the pony. He was made of blazing stone, with fires burning in his eye sockets and a short mane and tail made of blue flames. Finally, Ra spoke. "Spare me your pride, mortal." His godly voice rang forth as loud as the sun. "Cirendomor emerged. I kicked him back to sogan." "Zealus. The shattered realms need a leader. The throne of Gaia has gone uninhibited for too long now. It's power is waning." "Do not speak to me of that hell! I left it far behind..." "After your defeat?" "Yes master, my crushing defeat." The sphere said nothing, but started to vibrate. Blood poured from the sphere, and as it fell down into nothingness it changed course as if on its own, heading straight for the fiery pony. As soon as the blood washed over him, Zealus could feel it start to wrap around him. It first covered him like skin, then stretched and expanded like rubber around his large, jagged, angular, rocky body. It covered his head completely. Zealus did his best to keep from screaming. The red cover around Zealus suddenly shrank him down to a normal size earth pony. The red liquid cooled and sank into him, becoming skin and flesh. Zealus could still feel that he was made of fire and brimstone within, but now he was wrapped in flesh. He hated the feel of flesh. It was so guttural, so weak. But it was what his master wanted, so Zealus was willing to bear it to see what his master had planned. Zealus had fully formed into a red earth pony with short black mane, a short black tail streaked with yellow, and no cutie mark. The sphere suddenly unfurled completely, revealing the Winged Dragon of Ra. It leaned close to Zealus before it growled "Good enough. They'll be fooled." Zealus took a simple step forward, and spoke up to the dragon. "What is your plan, Ra?" He asked. "Another sun god rules Equestria. We have clashed before, but I have a disciple like you now. Go there, and crush the hereatic Celestia. Make sure you summon me fully to that world. We will make it burn." Zealus' eyes grew wide. He smiled and said "Yes, master. It shall be done." "Good" came the reply. The dragon flapped his right wing, and everything instantly became pitch black. Zealus took a step backwards and nearly slipped. Dim light revealed thick stone all around him. He was in a cave. He looked it up and down, then froze when heard voices. "Sister, why are you wandering the shadow realm?" "Luna!" Came the slightly anxious reply. "I don't know, I think something is happening!" "Sister, I have a bad feeling about this..." "So do I, Luna-" Zealus decided to speak up. "Greetings!" He said with fake happiness. There was a small pause, then a reply. "Who are you?" "I am called Zealus. I am but a wanderer, but I seem to wandered off. Who are you?" "I princess Celestia, ruler of the world of equestria and raiser of the sun. What are you doing that has called me here?" In his mind, Zealus delivered harsh judgment to the princess. He called her a pushover and a weakling. In his mind, she had no right to rule anything. "May I enter equestria?" He asked pleasantly. "Of course, as long as you mean it no harm. Do you duel?" Zealus hesitated. "Well yes, it is helpful to have access to the ancient ones." Zealus started to walk around the corner and through a tunnel, trying to locate the source of the voice. As it started to speak again, he emerged into a large cavern. Standing in the middle were grown alicorns, one white and one dark blue. The white had been speaking. "Good", she had been saying. "I am Celestia," she said, eyeing Zealus. "This is my sister, Luna." Zealus looked around, trying to discern the source of the light. He then realized that Celestia was the source of the light. His eyes grew wide for a moment before he recomposed. "I have an offer for you," Zealus said carefully. Celestia betrayed no emotion, just slight interest. He continued. "I want to be a noble in your world. I want money and free roam of... Well, wherever it is you live. I would also like a brief history of Equestria, as well as a rundown of its current events." Celestia rolled her eyes. "You and everybody else. I simply can't do that. I am too busy with royal duties. The political atmosphere around me is poisonous, and you would never pass as noble. However, I would be willing to make certain resources available too you- "Be careful!" Luna interrupted. Celestia continued as if nothing had happened. "-If you beat me in a duel. I would also like to play you every week while you remain in my kingdom. We will discuss, in detail, your antics." Celestia finished. Zealus smiled. "If there's one thing I can do, it's duel! ...but just a simple duel, right? No shadow game?" Celestia gave him a warm smile. "I have so little time to play these days..." Luna spoke up. "I wanna play too!" Zealus looked at her. "You both play?" "My sister and I will team up against you," said Celestia. Luna nodded. Zealus took a step forward. "I accept your terms! I summon divine dragon Ragnarok!" He said proudly. A moment passed with nothing happening, then the whole cave lit up as a small section of the stone floor caught on fire, and a small divine dragon Ragnarok rose from the flames. He roared as they died down, the area becoming dim once again. I better be careful, Zealus thought. I don't want to go and reveal my full strength before I have a grasp of the situation. "I end my turn." Zealus said simply. Celestia gave Luna a look. "We summon the creator incarnate!" A golden pony wearing golden clothes and carrying a golden staff appeared from more bright light in the floor. "Attack!" Zealus whimpered as the creator incarnate shot a magic blast at his dragon, killing and turning it into blue mist. "Is that your best?" He challenged. Celestia smiled. "Not nearly. But for now, I end my turn." Zealus turned inward, looking at the five cards that made up his hand. When a duelist looks inside himself, he can tell the five cards he can play. "I summon the light-hex sealed fusion!" He said as he started to glow with white energy. "I activate polymerization to fusion summon King Dragun! Then I use his powers to special summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" The much bigger dragon roared as it swooped down from the shadows on the ceiling, followed by a Red-Eyes dragon. "Attack!" Came Zealus' order. King Dragun spat golden flame at the creator incarnate, killing the pony. "Surrender now!" Zealus said with a little more intensity than he intended. "Here in the shadow realm..." Celestia laughed. "Good show, Zealus! I surrender, I've seen enough." All the monsters disappeared. She looked at her sister. "I'm ready to wake up, Luna," she said. Luna returned the look her sister gave her. Her eyes lit up and she disappeared. Zealus gave Celestia a quizzical look, before blinding light flooded the entire cavern and Zealus felt something soft under his feet. He looked down as the light faded and he saw carpet and marble walls. The light faded more as Zealus looked at the walls and the ceiling. It faded more, finally settling to a dim glow coming in through the window. Zealus squinted and saw Celestia looking down at him. Zealus took a sudden step back and stood up straight. "Where are we?" He asked. "This appears to be my bedroom". Celestia said dryly. Zealus looked straight down at the floor. "Right... Uh... Where do you want me to go?" He asked, unsure of what to say. "Just step outside a moment, would you?" Zealus wasted no time bolting out the door. Celestia noted that his hoof steps were awful heavy, even for a young stallion. Great, she thought to herself. I've known him five minuets and already he's suspicious. Zealus placed his back to the wall of the hall and heaved a sigh. He hated being, in any way, social. Social skills could always be used for manipulation, but he didn't need to wield lies, and that was that. Zealus took a look around the hall. It seemed to him, very uninspired. It was a simple straight hallway covered in golden paint, velvet red furniture, and all kinds of art and stained glass for as far as he could see. Many doorways and arches were along the sides. He imagined burning the place down, sowing evil and hate among the ponies here, and warping the fabric of the landscape to his own will. He- "Alright Zealus," said Celestia as she exited her room. "Let's take a walk, shall we?" Zealus snapped out of his trance and moved to the other side of the hallway. "Very well-" "Greetings." Came Luna's voice. Zealus quickly looked left down the hall to see Luna walking towards him. "Greetings." Zealus said simply. Celestia, entirely unsurprised to see her sister, continued. "Why don't we walk these halls, while i explain some things to you?" Zealus looked up at her slowly. "That sounds lovely." He said with clearly forced energy. Celestia began. "Well, to start..." Celestia gave Zealus a quick overview of the history of Equestria under the rule of the royal sisters. She explained some of the laws of this world,the simple geography, and a few notable people throughout the years. "Well see about that." Murmured Zealus. "What?" Asked Celestia. "I said," began Zealus "that it is impressive how low your crime rates are around here." She stared at him for a moment, haven said nothing about the crime rates. "Bad things happen, but indeed, ponies commit little crime." She explained. "Monsters and creatures, however, are a different story. You would do well not wander the Everfree forest. Anyway, where was I? Ah, yes..." Zealus quickly decided on what he wanted to do first. He listened a little more intently as she continued, with even a few quips from Luna. As they arrived in the reception hall, she got to the political situation in Canterlot. Zealus gave it absolutely no mind. Until the last part... "And there is one exciting development," said Celestia. "I have seen fit to take a personal student, Twilight Sparkle-" What a stupid name, thought Zealus. "-under my wing." Finished Celestia. "Interesting. What makes her so special?" asked Zealus. "Raw arcane talent." Celestia said simply. "Could I meet her?" "Not any time soon. She lives in ponyville. It is in the plains down the mountain, just before the forest." Zealus' ears picked up. "Wonderful!" He proclaimed. "I'll get going immediately! I'll be back next week for our game, Celestia. Til then." Zealus walked straight out of the door. Celestia have Luna a look. "Drifters..." She sighed. Luna said nothing. 2: Cirendomor!Zealus happily trotted along the path to Ponyville, just as the sun was beginning to rise. He looked up at it, then straight ahead, letting out a slow breath. It has been awhile since anything this calm, this serene. He wondered if- Dragon Knight Draco-Equestie was standing right in front if him, with his back to Zealus. Zealus slid to a stop and looked around carefully. What's wrong, equest?" He asked quietly. The dragon whispered "He is here." "Who equest? Ra?" "No." Zealus' eyes narrowed. "But... How?" "I know not." "Equest..." Equeisie turned to face Zealus. His blue snake lips curled into a smile. "I want a stab at him..." Equestie vanished. Beyond where Equestie had been stood a valiant, defiant, posed pink pony with short yellow mane and tail. She was deathly skinny, with cold, hardened eyes that seemed somehow farther away than the rest of her. Zealus and the pony stared at each other for a moment, then Zealus blurted out "ha!" There was another pause as stared at large pink pony, with Zealus giving her a crooked smile. "I was honestly scared there for a moment!" He continued. "Equest has never let me down before." When the pink pony opened her mouth, the voice of a stallion came out. "He was right!" Zealus eyes went wide. "Cirendomor?!" "Yes, my dear, beloved friend! I am here, and you are finished! Leave now before foil all your plans! This world will never fall to likes of you!" Zealus put a hoof to his head. "For the last time, I don't destroy worlds. I am just here for a vague grudge match or something. Ra doesn't like competition. Now go away before I turn you into..." Zealus grimaced. "Why are you a mare?" Cirendomor looked down at his mare body. "It's a long story. I'll tell you if you win." "Cirendomor, no. If you lose, you go back and that girls body and soul belong to me. "Alright Zealus, but I only possessed her because of you. WHEN you lose, you forfeit your body to me, your soul to the shadow realm, and your power to Sogan." Zealus gave the most smug grin he could. "Don't you ever get sick of losing?" He asked. "I would ask you the same thing!" "I asked first!" Zealus said indignantly. "I-" said Cirendomor, "summon the agent of creation!" A yellow pony with long golden mane and tail and angel's wings appeared in front of the pink mare. "The agent of creation can create this mythical shine ball!" A small orb appeared next the golden pony and started to rotate around her. "Then I activate the sanctuary in the sky!" Far above them, a floating temple appeared. Zealus' eyes opened wide. "Somepony will see that!" "They'll never find out what it means. I end my turn." "Good." Zealus sneered. He started to glow with black energy. "I summon the Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb and Black Skull Dragon!" The two dragons appeared on front of Zealus. Zealus sneer turned into a full faced grin, his tongue peeking out of the corner of his mouth. "Attack!" He yelled. Each dragon pounced on its foe, the back dragon eating the orb and the golden dragon delivering a killing punch to the anent of creation. Meteor Dragon appeared next to Zealus. When the Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb attacks and destroys a monster, he can call out another dragon, at the cost of taking all it's attack and defense points, Zealus thought to himself. "All done," Zealus said out loud. Cirendomor looked down at the ground. "I set one card, and I'm done." Zealus eyes lit up. "I tribute that meteor dragon for a summoned skull!" The meteor dragon turned into energy, and then reformed into a summoned skull. "...attack." Zealus whispered more to himself. Each monster charged forward, Gebeb jumped and landed near a glowing spot on the ground. Nova summoner emerged and was destroyed by shock waves from Gebeb. Zealus slapped himself on the head. "Go ahead..." Cirendomor looked up. "I call air-knight parshath!" The move summoner transformed into the knight-fairy. Zealus gave his black dragon a sarcastic look. "We are terrified," Zealus said. The black dragon grunted. "You should be-" started Cirendomor. "Attack!" yelled Zealus. The summoned skull took a moment to gather lightning around himself, then shot it at the air knight. It simply fell over, and became a blue mist. "Now Black Skull Dragon... Have your fun!" The black dragon lifted himself off the ground with black, bony wings and flew towards the pink pony. "Do your worst," came Cirendomor's voice. The black dragon took in a deep breath as black flames leeched from its mouth. It leaned forward and spat out a sea of black light, shrouding the entire area in blue flame. The black flames completely enshrouded the pink pony, who didn't react at all. Over the inferno, Zealus said something to summoned skull. "Cirendomor is already gone!" In an instant, the monsters, the fire, and the sanctuary in the sky vanished, and Zealus stood over an unharmed, but passed out pink pony. "Good thing that wasn't a shadow game. But why is she passed out?" He asked nobody in particular. "Only one choice..." He said. Slowly, he hoisted the pink pony up onto his back. He grunted from the weight and struggled to balance her. "Oh Ra, this is gonna look bad," He complained. "I wonder who this girl is?" He continued to babble to himself up until Ponyville was in sight. As soon as it was, Zealus heard loud, surprised and worried voices, that quickly became suspicious, confused, even angry. Zealus heard ponies ask each other "who is that?" "Did he find her?" "Where did he come from?" "What smells?" Zealus grimaced at each question like it was an insult, his anxiety building within himself. He wanted to turn around and run the other way, but he knew that he had more to gain from facing the people of the town. This wouldn't be the first time Cirendomor wrecked a plan of Zealus. A small group of ponies from the town organized themselves and marched towards him. He stopped his approach to the town and stood perfectly still. He was sure that he would start sweating soon. The leader, a gray stallion, marched right up to him. Rage burned in his eyes. "Thank you for finding my daughter. Now turn around and go back the way you came!" Several ponies rushed forward and transferred the pink pony from Zealus to another, whom the group took into town, leaving Zealus, the gray stallion, and a yellow mare alone. As they did so, they started to ask each other "why is she hot?" "Why is he so hot?" "Why does he smell?" After they had left, the stallion grumbled at Zealus "I said to go away." Zealus started to speak up, but was cut off. "What part of go away don't you understand?" Continued the stallion. Zealus looked down at the ground, anxious rage feeding off his wounded pride. For the love of Ra, I'm in a good mood! He thought. Any day I get to squash that possessive punk is a good day. Zealus spoke very quietly. "I don't understand, why do you hate me?" The yellow mare shed a single tear. Zealus gave her a quizzical look, but the stallion glared at him. From behind the angry stallion came a voice. "That's enough." Zealus and both ponies looked in the direction of the town to see 7 ponies, six young mares and one who looked much older. The older one had spoken, and stated to speak again. "Doctor, I know your daughter's condition is a strain on you both-" The stallion shed a tear this time. Zealus made a face. "-that is no excuse to treat the first pony to wander into town like a monster... No matter how suspicious the circumstances. Have I made myself clear?" The gray stallion finally relaxed. He gave Zealus one more suspicious look before he turned back the older mare. "Look," He said "your clear, but if this ever happens again ill do what I need to do to protect my daughter." With that, he and the yellow mare marched back into town. Each of the seven mares grew visibly relieved, before growing serious again. A purple unicorn turned to the older mare. Zealus mouth dropped open, as he stared. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, though real beauty was something Zealus had no real experience with. He shook himself to banish his darker thoughts, and listened to what she was saying. "Well take it from here, mayor mare." Said the purple unicorn. Mayor mare sighed, then looked at Zealus. "Report to me when your done. I still want an investigation on the girl's condition." She seemed to be talking to the others. Mayor mare turned and left, and the others turned to Zealus. Each one had a different expression, from confusion to suspicion, to rage. Zealus just stood there, his eyes jumping from one pony to the next. The purple unicorn stepped forward. "Explain." She said simply, her expression unreadable. The pink hopped up in front of him and pressed her head against his face. He scowled. "Confess!" She said. Then she jumped off him and yelled out "ouch!" As she rubbed her burned nose. "Applejack, he hurt me!" She ran over to an orange-ish pony wearing a hat and she nuzzled the pink one. The orange one glared daggers at Zealus as she started to mutter to the pink one. Zealus blinked, and stood still for a moment. Nopony moved. Zealus let out a long breath, as he always did when he told his story. He briefly considered lying, but saw no good reason. "My name is Zealus." He began. "I am from far, far away." He looked up to an entirely pink pony, then shifted his gaze to a yellow one with pink mane. She avoided his gaze, and he smiled. He always felt so intimidating when he scared ponies in that way. He returned his gaze to the purple mare. "I have been wandering for a long, long time. I sleep in dirt-" Zealus got a few disgusted expressions, especially from the white unicorn. "-or if im lucky, in a filthy alley. I eat off the ground, or if I'm lucky, nobles give me their scrapes." He cleared his throat. Some of the expressions burning on him began to soften. "You could say that my world is entirely different from this one. It is of war torn struggles and political strife, where life means nothing and immortality is everything." He looked up at Canterlot, then looked squarely at the purple one. "Who are you? Why am I under such suspicion? I have done nothing to you..." The purple one blinked at him, surprised. "A long time comma patient suddenly recovered," she said. "Then she up an wondered off, some ponies say a monster with feathered wings helped her. Then a smelly stranger appeared carrying her on his back. Not to mention, a letter from the princess saying that somepony,l potentially dangerous, from a different land might be headed this way. We didn't know what else to do," She explained. Then her eyes narrowed at him. "What did you do to May Flower, that comma patient? What are you, exactly? How did the princess, of all ponies, know about you?" Zealus looked down. He wasn't sure he could talk his way out of this one. His mission had failed before it had begun. There was just something different about me, he thought with shame. I can't do anything right! Then he straightened up. Yes I can, he thought. "It's a long story. I'm hungry, I'm tired, I have no money, and I'm sick of being treated like a monster." He turned around. "I didnt do anything to anyone. That is all i can say. You wouldn't understand the rest. So, im just going to leave." He slowly started to walk. The purple one stepped forward. "Wait- She started to say, but was cut off by the orange one. "Twi," She said. Twi looked at applejack. "We may never have another chance like this again! I want to research him, we don't even know what he is." Zealus smirked, but he hoped noopony could see. He turned back around and took a step forward, trying his best to wear a blank expression. The white unicorn spoke up. "Twilight, darling, maybe it's best to let troublemakers go..." "Maybe," Zealus offered, "some things just shouldn't be learned" That seemed to steel Twilight's resolve. "Nonsense!" She declared. She looked Zealus straight in the eyes. "I want to learn everything you that think i wouldn't understand, and I won't take no for answer!" She said with pride. Zealus smiled. "That'll take awhile. But... There is a common custom-" he started to say. A blue mare with rainbow mane spoke up. "I don't like this,". She declared, and she flew right up to him and jabbed her hoof into his chest, "and I don't like you." Then she flew off. Every pony watched her go. "She'll come around," Zealus muttered. Twilight returned her gaze to Zealus. "Don't worry about her, she's just a little worked up she had to give up her training time to look for a wandering patient. Anyway, I'm Twilight Sparkle, personal student of princess Celestia." She beamed. Zealus smirked again. Ra, he thought. I am good. She continued, pointing out each of her friends one by one. "This is Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity-" Rarity pit her nose to the sky when Zealus looked at her, "-and Fluttershy," Fluttershy still couldn't bring herself to look Zealus in the eye. "Rainbow Dash flew away, but she'll be back. She always is," Twilight added dryly. "Twilight," said Applejack, "anything he does is your responsibility. We clear?" Zealus spoke up. "I cannot guarantee that I won't cause anymore problems, not that I've caused any, but I can guarantee that I'll clean up after myself. No muss, no fuss. At least, there are ways to get me to do so. Sound good?" Applejack walked away, grumbling. "Get a clear explanation out of him, ya hear?" The others began to follow her, all headed back into town. Except Twilight, who was quickly becoming Zealus' favorite pony in the world. This world, anyway. Zealus breathed a sigh of relief. Then he smirked. "Alone at last." He said, looking at her. Twiligjt looked after her friends with some concern, but quickly seemed to forget them in light of her new research project. "Now then," She said. "We have to launch an investigation. What do you know about May Flower?" Zealus grimaced. "Nothing much. I was walking the path to here when I came across her. She was just lying there, and there were all these burn marks on the ground. I couldn't leave her, so I got her on my back and we walked uneventfully here." Zealus lied. His face, he hoped, was unreadable and stone blank the entire time. She seemed to mull this over for a moment. "For years she lay there in comatose sleep, and you want me to believe that you know nothing about it?" "Um... Yes ?" Twilight put her hoof to her chin. "I wonder if your presence here is having affects on... coma patients? It certainly is a thing to be reaserched!" Twilight proclaimed. "Come," She said. "I'll show you where you'll be staying, we will get you fed, and then we have a long talk." Zealus eyes went wide when he realized he was being treated like a colt. "And-" She added "your not to leave my sight, and you must do exactly everything I say. Clear ?" "Yes mm.." He mumbled. "Great!" She beamed. "Lets get going!" And with that, the two headed straight into town, where everypony was staring at Zealus' blank flank. After a quick and lite meal, Zealus found himself introduced to Spike and a few very suspicious citizens, then he found himself laying on the floor of a library. Not exactly his first choice, but it was sure better than the dirt or trash he was used to sleeping on. Along the way, they had made little conversation, other than small talk. Zealus hated small talk, but he was more than happy to get some free food out of it. Finally, after a moment of silence, Twilight conversed with Spike. "Take a note, please," She said. Spike got ready to write. Zealus looked up with interest, wondering what was going to happen. "Today I met with an interesting visitor," She said. "He calls himself Zealus, and his presence here has caused quite a stir. Before he even showed up, a long-term coma patient started walking around like she was never in a coma in the first place. Her parents were crazy with happiness, until she vanished. Some reports came of a Pegasus pony helping her to escape. Then the stranger you spoke of showed up with her on his back, and he hasn't given us any explanation yet. I intend to launch a full investigation of this stranger and the event, so i have to end here. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." She smiled and said "send!" Spike breathed fire on the letter and it vanished. Zealus wondered what kind of spell that was, and also how she got a small purple reptile to serve her. "Hey Twilight," he said. "What is that thing?" "What, the letter?: "No, the small purple reptile?" "Oh," she said slight annoyance. "Spike is my baby dragon. I hatched him." Zealus stood up, walked over to the thing, peering down at him. He looked around like a deer during a hunt. Zealus smiled. "Why do you everything she tells you to do? You could crush her in an instant." Spike's resolve sharpened. "Well, I'm her number one assistant!" He said. "We are good friends, and friends don't crush friends." Zealus turned away, a confused look on his face. "That was so pathetic, i half expected you to die of embarrassment." Twilight stepped between them. "Don't talk to Spike like that! friendship is magic!" Zealus turned around again, looking her square in the face. "My little pony, friendship is many things, but magic is not one of them." "I wouldn't have expected you to understand. I have seen proof myself, that friendship can conquer even the bleakest darkness!" Zealus rubbed his temple. "You have much to learn." Twilight looked downright angry now. "I saw it! Me and my friends used the elements of harmony to banish nightmare moon and restore Luna to her glory!" Zealus smiled. "Do tell..." "its a long story..." "we have time..." "Well," (Twilight quickly tells the story of how she went to Ponyville, met friends, nightmare moon, running off, and blasting her away. Zealus sat down. His face revealed deep thought. Twilight looked happy again, and then he spoke. "So you bounded yourself to ancient magic, blasted a bad guy, and that makes freindship the best thing ever?" Twilight jumped a little. "No!" She said. "My friendship was what allowed me to use the elements to blast nightmare moon." "sounds to me like it was ancient magic." "It was the power of our bound!" "Alright, alright." Zealus relented. "it seems i have much to learn. But while we are on the subject, you know, binding yourself to ancient magic is never a good idea. You need to look into getting un-bound as soon as possible." "Perhaps," she said. "But for now we need to find out how May Flower woke up." "isn't it possible that she did just actually wake up? It isn't unheard of, you know. Actually, can we do it tomorrow? I'm kinda tired from being accused of stuff. Also, the traveling." "No." Zealus smiled. "Foiled again!" "That's not funny." "The most boring thing in the world can be found funny," Zealus said. "Even you." Twilight gave him an indignant look. "Haha." Zealus just looked at her. "where should we start?" "You tell me." Zealus sighed. "There is no way to get around this, is there?" "What do you mean?" "Gather your friends, the other elements. They need to be made aware of what I'm about to explain. Also, understand that i'm giving you an espionage mission." "Zealus..." "I promise, ill stay right here. If we both go to gather the other elements, I mean your friends, it will look suspicious, and they will accuse me of more stuff. Now go." Zealus ordered. Twilight seemed to hesitate for a moment. "If you hurt Spike, Ill never forgive you." Zealus gave the most malicious smile he could. "Wouldn't dream of it" he murmured. As she left, Zealus turned to Spike. "Lets have a chat. Just us guys..." 3: The Ancient Ones"...Just us guys," finished Zealus. Spike was seriously starting to regret not going with twilight as the monster in pony form leaned over him. He smelled like brimstone. "I know you know how to play," Zealus continued. "So, lets play. Go ahead and go first." Spike simply stared. Maybe he could still catch up to Twilight. Or, go anywhere else. But he had to stay and defend the library! "Sorry," began Spike. "I have no idea what your going on about." Zealus crooked an eyebrow at him. "Really? Then, unless your lying, you truly are the most worthless creature i have ever come across." Zealus turned away and lay on the ground. "Why do you exist?" Spike had no answer, just a scowl. Zealus cracked a smile. "As i thought." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, at least for Spike. Zealus was fast asleep, if the snoring was anything to judge by. Spike sighed and go back to work, doing his best to stay away from the red pony in the center of the library. "Sheesh," he said finally. "You'd think he owns the place." Zealus suddenly spoke up, making Spike jump and drop a bunch of books in a mess on the ground. "Give it time." Spike scowled again. "And wipe that dumb look off your face. Its poisonous." Spike had no response to that. Eventually, Zealus got back up. "Don't worry buddy," he said with a starling different tone. "We'll get you trained up in no time!" Spike just stared again. Zealus waited patiently. Spike spoke up "What?" It was Zealus' turn to stare. "Why, the game of course! I'm going to give you the powers of darkness!" Spike, once again, stared. "What?" Zealus sat down. "Okay... lemme start from the beginning. I am from a different world" He explained. Spike's eyes went wide. "A different world? Like, you mean far away in distant lands?" "Not exactly. I mean, a completely different universe. You have to use the powers of darkness to get from one world to another." Zealus suddenly realized that this little initiation was exactly like what he himself had gone through. "It all happens in the form of this game, the rules and powers and bets of which are all held together by, and draw power from..." Zealus hesitated. "the ancient ones." He swallowed, and looked around. Spike could have sworn the sun went behind a cloud for just a moment. Zealus continued. "I want to teach it to you. It will make you mighty," he said dramatically. "But, we have little time. I need to get you trained fast, so i have set up a little training zone, just inside the Everfree Forest. There-" "-Question!" Said Spike with a hand raised. Zealus said nothing. Spike said nothing, just continued to raise his hand. "...Spike?" "Yes?" "...What is your question?" "I'm not allowed in the Everfree Forest!" "That's not a question, Spike. Anyway, that's-" "-Zealus, seriously. I cant go into the Everfree Forest. Bad things happen in there." That's exactly why i'm sending you, thought Zealus. "Look, i'll explain to everypony, alright? I guarantee your safety. You only have to go in far enough that no one will see you when you meet my friend." "I thought you had no friends?" "Did i say friend? I meant slave." There was yet another pause between them. Zealus was starting to get sick of this creature. "Understand?" "I suppose..." "Then get going," Zealus said suddenly happy. "I'm excited for you, I really am." Spike hesitated, he opened his mouth, but Zealus cut him off. "It wont take long, you wont turn into a monster, and there will no powers of darkness that you have to embrace. This is just a quick session to ensure you don't get left behind." Zealus lifted an eyebrow at him. "You don't want your friends to leave you behind, do you?" "Well, no..." "Wonderful! My ally should already be waiting for you." With that, Spike slowly left the library, carefully closing the door behind him. As he left, "You'll explain? To everypony?" Zealus smiled. "To everypony." Finally, Spike closed door to the library and left. Zealus listened to his footsteps just outside as he left. He relaxed. "Equest?" He said out loud. "You know what to do." Zealus curled up on the carpet in the center of the library. He was hungry again, and now cold. His fire was getting weaker, he would need to duel again soon, or go back to the shadow realm, before the stuff Equestria was made of got inside of him. He wasn't laying there long before six ponies crashed in through the door, each of them shouting, especially Rainbow Dash. There each also wore a strange necklace with a different color except for Twilight, who wore a what looked like a tiara. Twilight was the mare who stepped forward and said "right where I left you." Then she looked around suspiciously. "Where's Spike?" Zealus slowly got to wobbly feet, He yawned, as if from a groggy sleep. Zealus looked around, feigning confusion, before he lazily murmured "dunno." Twilight and several others lifted an eyebrow at him. "You dunno?" "Nope." "I see." Twilight looked back at the others. "Somepony would have heard if he did something," she said. They started to discuss it, but Zealus could only stare at the perfect Twilight Sparkle. Even her name seemed to entice him, make him want to use every resource he had available, every power he could muster, every trick he could think of, to- "Anyway," said Twilight, "He better show back up soon. I'm sure he just went to buy some food, books, or something." She rolled her eyes. "Its not like I didn't leave him enough to do." Zealus sat down at gazed at each of them individually. Some glared at him, some seemed to hold him in apathy, and one (Fluttershy?) avoided his gaze completely. Finally, He spoke. "Thank you for coming. I believe you wanted an explanation?" Many of them nodded. "Well, here it is. A spirit has invaded from another world. I am a wanderer who vanquishes them. It got your May Flower, so i got it. That's as simple as it is." Immediately, there were shouts at him. Zealus was never good at multitasking, so he just looked at Twilight. He didn't even try to speak. Finally, Twilight said "Hold on, girls!" After a little squabbling, Twilight managed to get them to speak one at time, though Rainbow went first. "Why should we trust anything you say? After all, what about that big temple some ponies floating over the direction you came from?" "The result of our duel." Zealus said simply. "Did you hurt her?" "No," Zealus said, "But contact with me tends to leave ponies burned. It is a power I posses. As you may have guessed, I am more than just a pony. I am unlike anything-" He was interrupted by more yelling. "I can prove it." He said quietly "What did he say?" asked Pinkie Pie. "I said, I can PROVE IT!" That got them to be silent. Zealus smiled more at himself, and waited a moment. "Were listening," said an unconvinced Applejack. "You have to be silent," said Zealus. "This will be a lot to absorb." "I don't even ask to be believed, because before you leave, i will prove everything I've said, and everything I will say." Each of them leaned forward a little. Zealus stood up to his full height, which was not very impressive. He talked rather quietly, as if to deter listeners. "I am about to make you all duelists, like myself. That means something. A duelist uses the card granted to him to grow strong. But there is another reason. The more you duel a person, the deeper your bound can become." Zealus found himself thinking about Cirendomor. "The cards themselves draw power from the ancient ones," he said, thankful that were no questions. "The ancient ones are a group of monsters that live in the shadow realm. There, they have dominion over all that enter, even me. They hold this game together, decide that rules, create the cards, and enforce bets on the games. But not all the games are so simple. A heated game, or one agreed upon, can become a shadow game. The monsters used in the duel, the attacks that they use, and the bets placed upon the games, become very real. Any loser gives his or her soul to the shadow realm, and the winner gains all the powers that his foe possessed. My rival, the spirit Cirendomor, won a bet to gain the power to posses the innocent in the name of the common good." Zealus made a face. "After you've known that guy for just a few minuets, all words like common and good lose meaning. Anyway, where was I? He possessed May Flower to get at me, and he lost. I sent him to the shadow realm, and now her body and soul belong to me," He finished with pride. "Of course, being the gentle, heroic stallion that I am, I brought them back, instead of letting them become magical energy. Your welcome." While the arguing started up again, Zealus waved his hoof over the ground, and watched as the all-too-familiar cards appeared from his own energy. One of each of the different kinds of cards appeared before him, and he looked at them with pride. "Dragon's Rebirth!" He said more to himself. "Dragon-Knight Draco-Equistie, Red Dragon Archfiend, Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon, Blue-Eyes-" Zealus was being stared at. He didn't care. "Divine Dragon Apocralph, and Dragonic tactics." He didn't think he was missing any. "These are some examples of the cards we use to play the game. These cards, these dragons, are my soul. Channeled through my thoughts, feelings, and memories. I find it easiest to use thoughts, but every duelist is different. The truely strong can channel all three, but whatever." He looked up. "Any questions?" For awhile after that, he answered questions, explained the game, and walked each mare through a practice duel. Once they got the hang of the game, he got back to business. "Will Cirendomor come back?" Asked Pinkie Pie. "I dunno. Time is dynamic in the shadow realm. Sometimes a minuet here is a year, sometimes its the other way around." Zealus walked up to her. "These cards can make you mighty. Are you ready to channel your soul? I caution you, once you give into the ancient ones, there is no going back. But you gain so much more." Pinkie thought for a moment. "Why are we doing this again?" Zealus' eyes opened wide. "But...Mighty..." "Well, that's fine and all, but what the point?" Zealus sighed. "It'll be a great way to bound with your friends!" He said with cheer. "Sign me up!" Sang Pinkie. Zealus bent his head over, and everything got a lot darker. "Then-" Applejack cut him off. "How do we know this ain't some trick?" She asked. Zealus put a hoof to his head. "If this exact act is some kind of trick, I will happily give up my body and soul to you six. This is for the point of defending your land of others threats like Cirendomor." He said. "I cant be the only to do it. If any of you don't want to play and gain the powers of darkness, that is your choice." Applejack looked away. "If this is a trick, ill find out about it." Zealus turned back to Pinkie. "Then..." He said as he waited for another interruption... There was none. "Touch the power inside me." The light went dark, the room got cold and blank, and tons of eyes opened up from every shadow, every corner of the room. Each of the six tried hard to trust Zealus. He smiled at them. "Its just the powers of darkness! Nothing to be scared of!" Monsters from far away began to roar, and smaller ones started to crawl from the shadows towards them. Zealus made a sound that was like a bark and like and sneeze, and the monsters froze. Each of the six mares crept a little closer to Zealus. A golden eye opened on Zealus forehead as a loud howl could be heard. A rushing sound started as well. Somepony screamed. Applejack tried the door, but it wouldn't budge. "Its made of the shadows!" Yelled Zealus over the noise. "Hurry, touch my symbol so we can leave!" Pinkie Hopped over Zealus, and placed her hoof on the symbol on Zealus' forehead. "Pinkie no!" Shouted somepony. The symbol on Zealus shone brightly, and appeared on Pinkie's head as well. Then it was over. The light restored, the monsters vanished, and the door blew open, sending Applejack flying backwards and crashing into a bookcase. Pinkie rubbed her forhead before both her and Zealus' symbol vanished. "Anyone else?" Said Zealus.
1: Winged Dragon of RaZAE 1: Winged Dragon of Ra The Winged Dragon of Ra flapped his gigantic wings as the land around him burst into flame. Trees, grass and dirt were all vaporized as fire rose up from everything around him. He gave a deep, rumbling laugh, then started to roar. He flapped his wings again as a the entire planet fused into golden flame. The Winged Dragon of Ra flew above the star he had created, and transformed into a large sphere. "Very impressive" came a dull remark. The golden sphere made no response, no movement, no sign that it had even heard. A small pony walked seemingly on nothing as it approached the sphere. "You are such an elegant egotist" said the pony. He was made of blazing stone, with fires burning in his eye sockets and a short mane and tail made of blue flames. Finally, Ra spoke. "Spare me your pride, mortal." His godly voice rang forth as loud as the sun. "Cirendomor emerged. I kicked him back to sogan." "Zealus. The shattered realms need a leader. The throne of Gaia has gone uninhibited for too long now. It's power is waning." "Do not speak to me of that hell! I left it far behind..." "After your defeat?" "Yes master, my crushing defeat." The sphere said nothing, but started to vibrate. Blood poured from the sphere, and as it fell down into nothingness it changed course as if on its own, heading straight for the fiery pony. As soon as the blood washed over him, Zealus could feel it start to wrap around him. It first covered him like skin, then stretched and expanded like rubber around his large, jagged, angular, rocky body. It covered his head completely. Zealus did his best to keep from screaming. The red cover around Zealus suddenly shrank him down to a normal size earth pony. The red liquid cooled and sank into him, becoming skin and flesh. Zealus could still feel that he was made of fire and brimstone within, but now he was wrapped in flesh. He hated the feel of flesh. It was so guttural, so weak. But it was what his master wanted, so Zealus was willing to bear it to see what his master had planned. Zealus had fully formed into a red earth pony with short black mane, a short black tail streaked with yellow, and no cutie mark. The sphere suddenly unfurled completely, revealing the Winged Dragon of Ra. It leaned close to Zealus before it growled "Good enough. They'll be fooled." Zealus took a simple step forward, and spoke up to the dragon. "What is your plan, Ra?" He asked. "Another sun god rules Equestria. We have clashed before, but I have a disciple like you now. Go there, and crush the hereatic Celestia. Make sure you summon me fully to that world. We will make it burn." Zealus' eyes grew wide. He smiled and said "Yes, master. It shall be done." "Good" came the reply. The dragon flapped his right wing, and everything instantly became pitch black. Zealus took a step backwards and nearly slipped. Dim light revealed thick stone all around him. He was in a cave. He looked it up and down, then froze when heard voices. "Sister, why are you wandering the shadow realm?" "Luna!" Came the slightly anxious reply. "I don't know, I think something is happening!" "Sister, I have a bad feeling about this..." "So do I, Luna-" Zealus decided to speak up. "Greetings!" He said with fake happiness. There was a small pause, then a reply. "Who are you?" "I am called Zealus. I am but a wanderer, but I seem to wandered off. Who are you?" "I princess Celestia, ruler of the world of equestria and raiser of the sun. What are you doing that has called me here?" In his mind, Zealus delivered harsh judgment to the princess. He called her a pushover and a weakling. In his mind, she had no right to rule anything. "May I enter equestria?" He asked pleasantly. "Of course, as long as you mean it no harm. Do you duel?" Zealus hesitated. "Well yes, it is helpful to have access to the ancient ones." Zealus started to walk around the corner and through a tunnel, trying to locate the source of the voice. As it started to speak again, he emerged into a large cavern. Standing in the middle were grown alicorns, one white and one dark blue. The white had been speaking. "Good", she had been saying. "I am Celestia," she said, eyeing Zealus. "This is my sister, Luna." Zealus looked around, trying to discern the source of the light. He then realized that Celestia was the source of the light. His eyes grew wide for a moment before he recomposed. "I have an offer for you," Zealus said carefully. Celestia betrayed no emotion, just slight interest. He continued. "I want to be a noble in your world. I want money and free roam of... Well, wherever it is you live. I would also like a brief history of Equestria, as well as a rundown of its current events." Celestia rolled her eyes. "You and everybody else. I simply can't do that. I am too busy with royal duties. The political atmosphere around me is poisonous, and you would never pass as noble. However, I would be willing to make certain resources available too you- "Be careful!" Luna interrupted. Celestia continued as if nothing had happened. "-If you beat me in a duel. I would also like to play you every week while you remain in my kingdom. We will discuss, in detail, your antics." Celestia finished. Zealus smiled. "If there's one thing I can do, it's duel! ...but just a simple duel, right? No shadow game?" Celestia gave him a warm smile. "I have so little time to play these days..." Luna spoke up. "I wanna play too!" Zealus looked at her. "You both play?" "My sister and I will team up against you," said Celestia. Luna nodded. Zealus took a step forward. "I accept your terms! I summon divine dragon Ragnarok!" He said proudly. A moment passed with nothing happening, then the whole cave lit up as a small section of the stone floor caught on fire, and a small divine dragon Ragnarok rose from the flames. He roared as they died down, the area becoming dim once again. I better be careful, Zealus thought. I don't want to go and reveal my full strength before I have a grasp of the situation. "I end my turn." Zealus said simply. Celestia gave Luna a look. "We summon the creator incarnate!" A golden pony wearing golden clothes and carrying a golden staff appeared from more bright light in the floor. "Attack!" Zealus whimpered as the creator incarnate shot a magic blast at his dragon, killing and turning it into blue mist. "Is that your best?" He challenged. Celestia smiled. "Not nearly. But for now, I end my turn." Zealus turned inward, looking at the five cards that made up his hand. When a duelist looks inside himself, he can tell the five cards he can play. "I summon the light-hex sealed fusion!" He said as he started to glow with white energy. "I activate polymerization to fusion summon King Dragun! Then I use his powers to special summon Red-Eyes Black Dragon!" The much bigger dragon roared as it swooped down from the shadows on the ceiling, followed by a Red-Eyes dragon. "Attack!" Came Zealus' order. King Dragun spat golden flame at the creator incarnate, killing the pony. "Surrender now!" Zealus said with a little more intensity than he intended. "Here in the shadow realm..." Celestia laughed. "Good show, Zealus! I surrender, I've seen enough." All the monsters disappeared. She looked at her sister. "I'm ready to wake up, Luna," she said. Luna returned the look her sister gave her. Her eyes lit up and she disappeared. Zealus gave Celestia a quizzical look, before blinding light flooded the entire cavern and Zealus felt something soft under his feet. He looked down as the light faded and he saw carpet and marble walls. The light faded more as Zealus looked at the walls and the ceiling. It faded more, finally settling to a dim glow coming in through the window. Zealus squinted and saw Celestia looking down at him. Zealus took a sudden step back and stood up straight. "Where are we?" He asked. "This appears to be my bedroom". Celestia said dryly. Zealus looked straight down at the floor. "Right... Uh... Where do you want me to go?" He asked, unsure of what to say. "Just step outside a moment, would you?" Zealus wasted no time bolting out the door. Celestia noted that his hoof steps were awful heavy, even for a young stallion. Great, she thought to herself. I've known him five minuets and already he's suspicious. Zealus placed his back to the wall of the hall and heaved a sigh. He hated being, in any way, social. Social skills could always be used for manipulation, but he didn't need to wield lies, and that was that. Zealus took a look around the hall. It seemed to him, very uninspired. It was a simple straight hallway covered in golden paint, velvet red furniture, and all kinds of art and stained glass for as far as he could see. Many doorways and arches were along the sides. He imagined burning the place down, sowing evil and hate among the ponies here, and warping the fabric of the landscape to his own will. He- "Alright Zealus," said Celestia as she exited her room. "Let's take a walk, shall we?" Zealus snapped out of his trance and moved to the other side of the hallway. "Very well-" "Greetings." Came Luna's voice. Zealus quickly looked left down the hall to see Luna walking towards him. "Greetings." Zealus said simply. Celestia, entirely unsurprised to see her sister, continued. "Why don't we walk these halls, while i explain some things to you?" Zealus looked up at her slowly. "That sounds lovely." He said with clearly forced energy. Celestia began. "Well, to start..." Celestia gave Zealus a quick overview of the history of Equestria under the rule of the royal sisters. She explained some of the laws of this world,the simple geography, and a few notable people throughout the years. "Well see about that." Murmured Zealus. "What?" Asked Celestia. "I said," began Zealus "that it is impressive how low your crime rates are around here." She stared at him for a moment, haven said nothing about the crime rates. "Bad things happen, but indeed, ponies commit little crime." She explained. "Monsters and creatures, however, are a different story. You would do well not wander the Everfree forest. Anyway, where was I? Ah, yes..." Zealus quickly decided on what he wanted to do first. He listened a little more intently as she continued, with even a few quips from Luna. As they arrived in the reception hall, she got to the political situation in Canterlot. Zealus gave it absolutely no mind. Until the last part... "And there is one exciting development," said Celestia. "I have seen fit to take a personal student, Twilight Sparkle-" What a stupid name, thought Zealus. "-under my wing." Finished Celestia. "Interesting. What makes her so special?" asked Zealus. "Raw arcane talent." Celestia said simply. "Could I meet her?" "Not any time soon. She lives in ponyville. It is in the plains down the mountain, just before the forest." Zealus' ears picked up. "Wonderful!" He proclaimed. "I'll get going immediately! I'll be back next week for our game, Celestia. Til then." Zealus walked straight out of the door. Celestia have Luna a look. "Drifters..." She sighed. Luna said nothing.
2: Cirendomor!Zealus happily trotted along the path to Ponyville, just as the sun was beginning to rise. He looked up at it, then straight ahead, letting out a slow breath. It has been awhile since anything this calm, this serene. He wondered if- Dragon Knight Draco-Equestie was standing right in front if him, with his back to Zealus. Zealus slid to a stop and looked around carefully. What's wrong, equest?" He asked quietly. The dragon whispered "He is here." "Who equest? Ra?" "No." Zealus' eyes narrowed. "But... How?" "I know not." "Equest..." Equeisie turned to face Zealus. His blue snake lips curled into a smile. "I want a stab at him..." Equestie vanished. Beyond where Equestie had been stood a valiant, defiant, posed pink pony with short yellow mane and tail. She was deathly skinny, with cold, hardened eyes that seemed somehow farther away than the rest of her. Zealus and the pony stared at each other for a moment, then Zealus blurted out "ha!" There was another pause as stared at large pink pony, with Zealus giving her a crooked smile. "I was honestly scared there for a moment!" He continued. "Equest has never let me down before." When the pink pony opened her mouth, the voice of a stallion came out. "He was right!" Zealus eyes went wide. "Cirendomor?!" "Yes, my dear, beloved friend! I am here, and you are finished! Leave now before foil all your plans! This world will never fall to likes of you!" Zealus put a hoof to his head. "For the last time, I don't destroy worlds. I am just here for a vague grudge match or something. Ra doesn't like competition. Now go away before I turn you into..." Zealus grimaced. "Why are you a mare?" Cirendomor looked down at his mare body. "It's a long story. I'll tell you if you win." "Cirendomor, no. If you lose, you go back and that girls body and soul belong to me. "Alright Zealus, but I only possessed her because of you. WHEN you lose, you forfeit your body to me, your soul to the shadow realm, and your power to Sogan." Zealus gave the most smug grin he could. "Don't you ever get sick of losing?" He asked. "I would ask you the same thing!" "I asked first!" Zealus said indignantly. "I-" said Cirendomor, "summon the agent of creation!" A yellow pony with long golden mane and tail and angel's wings appeared in front of the pink mare. "The agent of creation can create this mythical shine ball!" A small orb appeared next the golden pony and started to rotate around her. "Then I activate the sanctuary in the sky!" Far above them, a floating temple appeared. Zealus' eyes opened wide. "Somepony will see that!" "They'll never find out what it means. I end my turn." "Good." Zealus sneered. He started to glow with black energy. "I summon the Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb and Black Skull Dragon!" The two dragons appeared on front of Zealus. Zealus sneer turned into a full faced grin, his tongue peeking out of the corner of his mouth. "Attack!" He yelled. Each dragon pounced on its foe, the back dragon eating the orb and the golden dragon delivering a killing punch to the anent of creation. Meteor Dragon appeared next to Zealus. When the Hieratic Dragon of Gebeb attacks and destroys a monster, he can call out another dragon, at the cost of taking all it's attack and defense points, Zealus thought to himself. "All done," Zealus said out loud. Cirendomor looked down at the ground. "I set one card, and I'm done." Zealus eyes lit up. "I tribute that meteor dragon for a summoned skull!" The meteor dragon turned into energy, and then reformed into a summoned skull. "...attack." Zealus whispered more to himself. Each monster charged forward, Gebeb jumped and landed near a glowing spot on the ground. Nova summoner emerged and was destroyed by shock waves from Gebeb. Zealus slapped himself on the head. "Go ahead..." Cirendomor looked up. "I call air-knight parshath!" The move summoner transformed into the knight-fairy. Zealus gave his black dragon a sarcastic look. "We are terrified," Zealus said. The black dragon grunted. "You should be-" started Cirendomor. "Attack!" yelled Zealus. The summoned skull took a moment to gather lightning around himself, then shot it at the air knight. It simply fell over, and became a blue mist. "Now Black Skull Dragon... Have your fun!" The black dragon lifted himself off the ground with black, bony wings and flew towards the pink pony. "Do your worst," came Cirendomor's voice. The black dragon took in a deep breath as black flames leeched from its mouth. It leaned forward and spat out a sea of black light, shrouding the entire area in blue flame. The black flames completely enshrouded the pink pony, who didn't react at all. Over the inferno, Zealus said something to summoned skull. "Cirendomor is already gone!" In an instant, the monsters, the fire, and the sanctuary in the sky vanished, and Zealus stood over an unharmed, but passed out pink pony. "Good thing that wasn't a shadow game. But why is she passed out?" He asked nobody in particular. "Only one choice..." He said. Slowly, he hoisted the pink pony up onto his back. He grunted from the weight and struggled to balance her. "Oh Ra, this is gonna look bad," He complained. "I wonder who this girl is?" He continued to babble to himself up until Ponyville was in sight. As soon as it was, Zealus heard loud, surprised and worried voices, that quickly became suspicious, confused, even angry. Zealus heard ponies ask each other "who is that?" "Did he find her?" "Where did he come from?" "What smells?" Zealus grimaced at each question like it was an insult, his anxiety building within himself. He wanted to turn around and run the other way, but he knew that he had more to gain from facing the people of the town. This wouldn't be the first time Cirendomor wrecked a plan of Zealus. A small group of ponies from the town organized themselves and marched towards him. He stopped his approach to the town and stood perfectly still. He was sure that he would start sweating soon. The leader, a gray stallion, marched right up to him. Rage burned in his eyes. "Thank you for finding my daughter. Now turn around and go back the way you came!" Several ponies rushed forward and transferred the pink pony from Zealus to another, whom the group took into town, leaving Zealus, the gray stallion, and a yellow mare alone. As they did so, they started to ask each other "why is she hot?" "Why is he so hot?" "Why does he smell?" After they had left, the stallion grumbled at Zealus "I said to go away." Zealus started to speak up, but was cut off. "What part of go away don't you understand?" Continued the stallion. Zealus looked down at the ground, anxious rage feeding off his wounded pride. For the love of Ra, I'm in a good mood! He thought. Any day I get to squash that possessive punk is a good day. Zealus spoke very quietly. "I don't understand, why do you hate me?" The yellow mare shed a single tear. Zealus gave her a quizzical look, but the stallion glared at him. From behind the angry stallion came a voice. "That's enough." Zealus and both ponies looked in the direction of the town to see 7 ponies, six young mares and one who looked much older. The older one had spoken, and stated to speak again. "Doctor, I know your daughter's condition is a strain on you both-" The stallion shed a tear this time. Zealus made a face. "-that is no excuse to treat the first pony to wander into town like a monster... No matter how suspicious the circumstances. Have I made myself clear?" The gray stallion finally relaxed. He gave Zealus one more suspicious look before he turned back the older mare. "Look," He said "your clear, but if this ever happens again ill do what I need to do to protect my daughter." With that, he and the yellow mare marched back into town. Each of the seven mares grew visibly relieved, before growing serious again. A purple unicorn turned to the older mare. Zealus mouth dropped open, as he stared. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, though real beauty was something Zealus had no real experience with. He shook himself to banish his darker thoughts, and listened to what she was saying. "Well take it from here, mayor mare." Said the purple unicorn. Mayor mare sighed, then looked at Zealus. "Report to me when your done. I still want an investigation on the girl's condition." She seemed to be talking to the others. Mayor mare turned and left, and the others turned to Zealus. Each one had a different expression, from confusion to suspicion, to rage. Zealus just stood there, his eyes jumping from one pony to the next. The purple unicorn stepped forward. "Explain." She said simply, her expression unreadable. The pink hopped up in front of him and pressed her head against his face. He scowled. "Confess!" She said. Then she jumped off him and yelled out "ouch!" As she rubbed her burned nose. "Applejack, he hurt me!" She ran over to an orange-ish pony wearing a hat and she nuzzled the pink one. The orange one glared daggers at Zealus as she started to mutter to the pink one. Zealus blinked, and stood still for a moment. Nopony moved. Zealus let out a long breath, as he always did when he told his story. He briefly considered lying, but saw no good reason. "My name is Zealus." He began. "I am from far, far away." He looked up to an entirely pink pony, then shifted his gaze to a yellow one with pink mane. She avoided his gaze, and he smiled. He always felt so intimidating when he scared ponies in that way. He returned his gaze to the purple mare. "I have been wandering for a long, long time. I sleep in dirt-" Zealus got a few disgusted expressions, especially from the white unicorn. "-or if im lucky, in a filthy alley. I eat off the ground, or if I'm lucky, nobles give me their scrapes." He cleared his throat. Some of the expressions burning on him began to soften. "You could say that my world is entirely different from this one. It is of war torn struggles and political strife, where life means nothing and immortality is everything." He looked up at Canterlot, then looked squarely at the purple one. "Who are you? Why am I under such suspicion? I have done nothing to you..." The purple one blinked at him, surprised. "A long time comma patient suddenly recovered," she said. "Then she up an wondered off, some ponies say a monster with feathered wings helped her. Then a smelly stranger appeared carrying her on his back. Not to mention, a letter from the princess saying that somepony,l potentially dangerous, from a different land might be headed this way. We didn't know what else to do," She explained. Then her eyes narrowed at him. "What did you do to May Flower, that comma patient? What are you, exactly? How did the princess, of all ponies, know about you?" Zealus looked down. He wasn't sure he could talk his way out of this one. His mission had failed before it had begun. There was just something different about me, he thought with shame. I can't do anything right! Then he straightened up. Yes I can, he thought. "It's a long story. I'm hungry, I'm tired, I have no money, and I'm sick of being treated like a monster." He turned around. "I didnt do anything to anyone. That is all i can say. You wouldn't understand the rest. So, im just going to leave." He slowly started to walk. The purple one stepped forward. "Wait- She started to say, but was cut off by the orange one. "Twi," She said. Twi looked at applejack. "We may never have another chance like this again! I want to research him, we don't even know what he is." Zealus smirked, but he hoped noopony could see. He turned back around and took a step forward, trying his best to wear a blank expression. The white unicorn spoke up. "Twilight, darling, maybe it's best to let troublemakers go..." "Maybe," Zealus offered, "some things just shouldn't be learned" That seemed to steel Twilight's resolve. "Nonsense!" She declared. She looked Zealus straight in the eyes. "I want to learn everything you that think i wouldn't understand, and I won't take no for answer!" She said with pride. Zealus smiled. "That'll take awhile. But... There is a common custom-" he started to say. A blue mare with rainbow mane spoke up. "I don't like this,". She declared, and she flew right up to him and jabbed her hoof into his chest, "and I don't like you." Then she flew off. Every pony watched her go. "She'll come around," Zealus muttered. Twilight returned her gaze to Zealus. "Don't worry about her, she's just a little worked up she had to give up her training time to look for a wandering patient. Anyway, I'm Twilight Sparkle, personal student of princess Celestia." She beamed. Zealus smirked again. Ra, he thought. I am good. She continued, pointing out each of her friends one by one. "This is Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity-" Rarity pit her nose to the sky when Zealus looked at her, "-and Fluttershy," Fluttershy still couldn't bring herself to look Zealus in the eye. "Rainbow Dash flew away, but she'll be back. She always is," Twilight added dryly. "Twilight," said Applejack, "anything he does is your responsibility. We clear?" Zealus spoke up. "I cannot guarantee that I won't cause anymore problems, not that I've caused any, but I can guarantee that I'll clean up after myself. No muss, no fuss. At least, there are ways to get me to do so. Sound good?" Applejack walked away, grumbling. "Get a clear explanation out of him, ya hear?" The others began to follow her, all headed back into town. Except Twilight, who was quickly becoming Zealus' favorite pony in the world. This world, anyway. Zealus breathed a sigh of relief. Then he smirked. "Alone at last." He said, looking at her. Twiligjt looked after her friends with some concern, but quickly seemed to forget them in light of her new research project. "Now then," She said. "We have to launch an investigation. What do you know about May Flower?" Zealus grimaced. "Nothing much. I was walking the path to here when I came across her. She was just lying there, and there were all these burn marks on the ground. I couldn't leave her, so I got her on my back and we walked uneventfully here." Zealus lied. His face, he hoped, was unreadable and stone blank the entire time. She seemed to mull this over for a moment. "For years she lay there in comatose sleep, and you want me to believe that you know nothing about it?" "Um... Yes ?" Twilight put her hoof to her chin. "I wonder if your presence here is having affects on... coma patients? It certainly is a thing to be reaserched!" Twilight proclaimed. "Come," She said. "I'll show you where you'll be staying, we will get you fed, and then we have a long talk." Zealus eyes went wide when he realized he was being treated like a colt. "And-" She added "your not to leave my sight, and you must do exactly everything I say. Clear ?" "Yes mm.." He mumbled. "Great!" She beamed. "Lets get going!" And with that, the two headed straight into town, where everypony was staring at Zealus' blank flank. After a quick and lite meal, Zealus found himself introduced to Spike and a few very suspicious citizens, then he found himself laying on the floor of a library. Not exactly his first choice, but it was sure better than the dirt or trash he was used to sleeping on. Along the way, they had made little conversation, other than small talk. Zealus hated small talk, but he was more than happy to get some free food out of it. Finally, after a moment of silence, Twilight conversed with Spike. "Take a note, please," She said. Spike got ready to write. Zealus looked up with interest, wondering what was going to happen. "Today I met with an interesting visitor," She said. "He calls himself Zealus, and his presence here has caused quite a stir. Before he even showed up, a long-term coma patient started walking around like she was never in a coma in the first place. Her parents were crazy with happiness, until she vanished. Some reports came of a Pegasus pony helping her to escape. Then the stranger you spoke of showed up with her on his back, and he hasn't given us any explanation yet. I intend to launch a full investigation of this stranger and the event, so i have to end here. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." She smiled and said "send!" Spike breathed fire on the letter and it vanished. Zealus wondered what kind of spell that was, and also how she got a small purple reptile to serve her. "Hey Twilight," he said. "What is that thing?" "What, the letter?: "No, the small purple reptile?" "Oh," she said slight annoyance. "Spike is my baby dragon. I hatched him." Zealus stood up, walked over to the thing, peering down at him. He looked around like a deer during a hunt. Zealus smiled. "Why do you everything she tells you to do? You could crush her in an instant." Spike's resolve sharpened. "Well, I'm her number one assistant!" He said. "We are good friends, and friends don't crush friends." Zealus turned away, a confused look on his face. "That was so pathetic, i half expected you to die of embarrassment." Twilight stepped between them. "Don't talk to Spike like that! friendship is magic!" Zealus turned around again, looking her square in the face. "My little pony, friendship is many things, but magic is not one of them." "I wouldn't have expected you to understand. I have seen proof myself, that friendship can conquer even the bleakest darkness!" Zealus rubbed his temple. "You have much to learn." Twilight looked downright angry now. "I saw it! Me and my friends used the elements of harmony to banish nightmare moon and restore Luna to her glory!" Zealus smiled. "Do tell..." "its a long story..." "we have time..." "Well," (Twilight quickly tells the story of how she went to Ponyville, met friends, nightmare moon, running off, and blasting her away. Zealus sat down. His face revealed deep thought. Twilight looked happy again, and then he spoke. "So you bounded yourself to ancient magic, blasted a bad guy, and that makes freindship the best thing ever?" Twilight jumped a little. "No!" She said. "My friendship was what allowed me to use the elements to blast nightmare moon." "sounds to me like it was ancient magic." "It was the power of our bound!" "Alright, alright." Zealus relented. "it seems i have much to learn. But while we are on the subject, you know, binding yourself to ancient magic is never a good idea. You need to look into getting un-bound as soon as possible." "Perhaps," she said. "But for now we need to find out how May Flower woke up." "isn't it possible that she did just actually wake up? It isn't unheard of, you know. Actually, can we do it tomorrow? I'm kinda tired from being accused of stuff. Also, the traveling." "No." Zealus smiled. "Foiled again!" "That's not funny." "The most boring thing in the world can be found funny," Zealus said. "Even you." Twilight gave him an indignant look. "Haha." Zealus just looked at her. "where should we start?" "You tell me." Zealus sighed. "There is no way to get around this, is there?" "What do you mean?" "Gather your friends, the other elements. They need to be made aware of what I'm about to explain. Also, understand that i'm giving you an espionage mission." "Zealus..." "I promise, ill stay right here. If we both go to gather the other elements, I mean your friends, it will look suspicious, and they will accuse me of more stuff. Now go." Zealus ordered. Twilight seemed to hesitate for a moment. "If you hurt Spike, Ill never forgive you." Zealus gave the most malicious smile he could. "Wouldn't dream of it" he murmured. As she left, Zealus turned to Spike. "Lets have a chat. Just us guys..."
3: The Ancient Ones"...Just us guys," finished Zealus. Spike was seriously starting to regret not going with twilight as the monster in pony form leaned over him. He smelled like brimstone. "I know you know how to play," Zealus continued. "So, lets play. Go ahead and go first." Spike simply stared. Maybe he could still catch up to Twilight. Or, go anywhere else. But he had to stay and defend the library! "Sorry," began Spike. "I have no idea what your going on about." Zealus crooked an eyebrow at him. "Really? Then, unless your lying, you truly are the most worthless creature i have ever come across." Zealus turned away and lay on the ground. "Why do you exist?" Spike had no answer, just a scowl. Zealus cracked a smile. "As i thought." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, at least for Spike. Zealus was fast asleep, if the snoring was anything to judge by. Spike sighed and go back to work, doing his best to stay away from the red pony in the center of the library. "Sheesh," he said finally. "You'd think he owns the place." Zealus suddenly spoke up, making Spike jump and drop a bunch of books in a mess on the ground. "Give it time." Spike scowled again. "And wipe that dumb look off your face. Its poisonous." Spike had no response to that. Eventually, Zealus got back up. "Don't worry buddy," he said with a starling different tone. "We'll get you trained up in no time!" Spike just stared again. Zealus waited patiently. Spike spoke up "What?" It was Zealus' turn to stare. "Why, the game of course! I'm going to give you the powers of darkness!" Spike, once again, stared. "What?" Zealus sat down. "Okay... lemme start from the beginning. I am from a different world" He explained. Spike's eyes went wide. "A different world? Like, you mean far away in distant lands?" "Not exactly. I mean, a completely different universe. You have to use the powers of darkness to get from one world to another." Zealus suddenly realized that this little initiation was exactly like what he himself had gone through. "It all happens in the form of this game, the rules and powers and bets of which are all held together by, and draw power from..." Zealus hesitated. "the ancient ones." He swallowed, and looked around. Spike could have sworn the sun went behind a cloud for just a moment. Zealus continued. "I want to teach it to you. It will make you mighty," he said dramatically. "But, we have little time. I need to get you trained fast, so i have set up a little training zone, just inside the Everfree Forest. There-" "-Question!" Said Spike with a hand raised. Zealus said nothing. Spike said nothing, just continued to raise his hand. "...Spike?" "Yes?" "...What is your question?" "I'm not allowed in the Everfree Forest!" "That's not a question, Spike. Anyway, that's-" "-Zealus, seriously. I cant go into the Everfree Forest. Bad things happen in there." That's exactly why i'm sending you, thought Zealus. "Look, i'll explain to everypony, alright? I guarantee your safety. You only have to go in far enough that no one will see you when you meet my friend." "I thought you had no friends?" "Did i say friend? I meant slave." There was yet another pause between them. Zealus was starting to get sick of this creature. "Understand?" "I suppose..." "Then get going," Zealus said suddenly happy. "I'm excited for you, I really am." Spike hesitated, he opened his mouth, but Zealus cut him off. "It wont take long, you wont turn into a monster, and there will no powers of darkness that you have to embrace. This is just a quick session to ensure you don't get left behind." Zealus lifted an eyebrow at him. "You don't want your friends to leave you behind, do you?" "Well, no..." "Wonderful! My ally should already be waiting for you." With that, Spike slowly left the library, carefully closing the door behind him. As he left, "You'll explain? To everypony?" Zealus smiled. "To everypony." Finally, Spike closed door to the library and left. Zealus listened to his footsteps just outside as he left. He relaxed. "Equest?" He said out loud. "You know what to do." Zealus curled up on the carpet in the center of the library. He was hungry again, and now cold. His fire was getting weaker, he would need to duel again soon, or go back to the shadow realm, before the stuff Equestria was made of got inside of him. He wasn't laying there long before six ponies crashed in through the door, each of them shouting, especially Rainbow Dash. There each also wore a strange necklace with a different color except for Twilight, who wore a what looked like a tiara. Twilight was the mare who stepped forward and said "right where I left you." Then she looked around suspiciously. "Where's Spike?" Zealus slowly got to wobbly feet, He yawned, as if from a groggy sleep. Zealus looked around, feigning confusion, before he lazily murmured "dunno." Twilight and several others lifted an eyebrow at him. "You dunno?" "Nope." "I see." Twilight looked back at the others. "Somepony would have heard if he did something," she said. They started to discuss it, but Zealus could only stare at the perfect Twilight Sparkle. Even her name seemed to entice him, make him want to use every resource he had available, every power he could muster, every trick he could think of, to- "Anyway," said Twilight, "He better show back up soon. I'm sure he just went to buy some food, books, or something." She rolled her eyes. "Its not like I didn't leave him enough to do." Zealus sat down at gazed at each of them individually. Some glared at him, some seemed to hold him in apathy, and one (Fluttershy?) avoided his gaze completely. Finally, He spoke. "Thank you for coming. I believe you wanted an explanation?" Many of them nodded. "Well, here it is. A spirit has invaded from another world. I am a wanderer who vanquishes them. It got your May Flower, so i got it. That's as simple as it is." Immediately, there were shouts at him. Zealus was never good at multitasking, so he just looked at Twilight. He didn't even try to speak. Finally, Twilight said "Hold on, girls!" After a little squabbling, Twilight managed to get them to speak one at time, though Rainbow went first. "Why should we trust anything you say? After all, what about that big temple some ponies floating over the direction you came from?" "The result of our duel." Zealus said simply. "Did you hurt her?" "No," Zealus said, "But contact with me tends to leave ponies burned. It is a power I posses. As you may have guessed, I am more than just a pony. I am unlike anything-" He was interrupted by more yelling. "I can prove it." He said quietly "What did he say?" asked Pinkie Pie. "I said, I can PROVE IT!" That got them to be silent. Zealus smiled more at himself, and waited a moment. "Were listening," said an unconvinced Applejack. "You have to be silent," said Zealus. "This will be a lot to absorb." "I don't even ask to be believed, because before you leave, i will prove everything I've said, and everything I will say." Each of them leaned forward a little. Zealus stood up to his full height, which was not very impressive. He talked rather quietly, as if to deter listeners. "I am about to make you all duelists, like myself. That means something. A duelist uses the card granted to him to grow strong. But there is another reason. The more you duel a person, the deeper your bound can become." Zealus found himself thinking about Cirendomor. "The cards themselves draw power from the ancient ones," he said, thankful that were no questions. "The ancient ones are a group of monsters that live in the shadow realm. There, they have dominion over all that enter, even me. They hold this game together, decide that rules, create the cards, and enforce bets on the games. But not all the games are so simple. A heated game, or one agreed upon, can become a shadow game. The monsters used in the duel, the attacks that they use, and the bets placed upon the games, become very real. Any loser gives his or her soul to the shadow realm, and the winner gains all the powers that his foe possessed. My rival, the spirit Cirendomor, won a bet to gain the power to posses the innocent in the name of the common good." Zealus made a face. "After you've known that guy for just a few minuets, all words like common and good lose meaning. Anyway, where was I? He possessed May Flower to get at me, and he lost. I sent him to the shadow realm, and now her body and soul belong to me," He finished with pride. "Of course, being the gentle, heroic stallion that I am, I brought them back, instead of letting them become magical energy. Your welcome." While the arguing started up again, Zealus waved his hoof over the ground, and watched as the all-too-familiar cards appeared from his own energy. One of each of the different kinds of cards appeared before him, and he looked at them with pride. "Dragon's Rebirth!" He said more to himself. "Dragon-Knight Draco-Equistie, Red Dragon Archfiend, Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon Dragon, Blue-Eyes-" Zealus was being stared at. He didn't care. "Divine Dragon Apocralph, and Dragonic tactics." He didn't think he was missing any. "These are some examples of the cards we use to play the game. These cards, these dragons, are my soul. Channeled through my thoughts, feelings, and memories. I find it easiest to use thoughts, but every duelist is different. The truely strong can channel all three, but whatever." He looked up. "Any questions?" For awhile after that, he answered questions, explained the game, and walked each mare through a practice duel. Once they got the hang of the game, he got back to business. "Will Cirendomor come back?" Asked Pinkie Pie. "I dunno. Time is dynamic in the shadow realm. Sometimes a minuet here is a year, sometimes its the other way around." Zealus walked up to her. "These cards can make you mighty. Are you ready to channel your soul? I caution you, once you give into the ancient ones, there is no going back. But you gain so much more." Pinkie thought for a moment. "Why are we doing this again?" Zealus' eyes opened wide. "But...Mighty..." "Well, that's fine and all, but what the point?" Zealus sighed. "It'll be a great way to bound with your friends!" He said with cheer. "Sign me up!" Sang Pinkie. Zealus bent his head over, and everything got a lot darker. "Then-" Applejack cut him off. "How do we know this ain't some trick?" She asked. Zealus put a hoof to his head. "If this exact act is some kind of trick, I will happily give up my body and soul to you six. This is for the point of defending your land of others threats like Cirendomor." He said. "I cant be the only to do it. If any of you don't want to play and gain the powers of darkness, that is your choice." Applejack looked away. "If this is a trick, ill find out about it." Zealus turned back to Pinkie. "Then..." He said as he waited for another interruption... There was none. "Touch the power inside me." The light went dark, the room got cold and blank, and tons of eyes opened up from every shadow, every corner of the room. Each of the six tried hard to trust Zealus. He smiled at them. "Its just the powers of darkness! Nothing to be scared of!" Monsters from far away began to roar, and smaller ones started to crawl from the shadows towards them. Zealus made a sound that was like a bark and like and sneeze, and the monsters froze. Each of the six mares crept a little closer to Zealus. A golden eye opened on Zealus forehead as a loud howl could be heard. A rushing sound started as well. Somepony screamed. Applejack tried the door, but it wouldn't budge. "Its made of the shadows!" Yelled Zealus over the noise. "Hurry, touch my symbol so we can leave!" Pinkie Hopped over Zealus, and placed her hoof on the symbol on Zealus' forehead. "Pinkie no!" Shouted somepony. The symbol on Zealus shone brightly, and appeared on Pinkie's head as well. Then it was over. The light restored, the monsters vanished, and the door blew open, sending Applejack flying backwards and crashing into a bookcase. Pinkie rubbed her forhead before both her and Zealus' symbol vanished. "Anyone else?" Said Zealus.
