Chains and Ladders

“Princess Twilight!” the Royal Guard ran up to Twilight, panting heavily. She stood on the balcony of her palace, watching the sky. Two streaks of light flew across, heading toward the disturbing energy she had sensed earlier.

“They’ve gone to confront him.” Twilight blinked slowly. The Guard stopped short as she flared her wings aggressively. “I need to help them!” Twilight took to the air, leaving a flabbergasted Earth pony guard behind.

She glided down to the center of town, where Melek stood awkwardly, watching the ponies pass. The citizens of Ponyville apparently had no inkling of his interrogation, so they would pass by and talk to him in a cheery tone, to which he would offer a succinct reply. He was supposed to be finding a job, but everytime he tried to approach somepony for one he got scared and backed off.

Twilight’s sudden appearance startled Melek. He began to form a question before the pair were teleported by her magic.

It seemed the Mazdans were bickering again. Discord cackled as he regarded the coming conflict. He had to given Daemon credit. Even though he was a Mazdanic entity, he could sow chaos with the best of them.

Sunning himself just outside Fluttershy’s house, Discord pondered his options. He wouldn’t stand against Daemon or Taus, but the presence rapidly approaching from the Griffon lands was another matter. Though supposedly an ally, Aquila’s motives were suspect. Discord wanted to make sure that no harm came to Fluttershy. Or her friends. She was currently out helping deal with some pests that had taken up residence in one of the pony’s attics.

Discord was blinded for a second as none other than Twilight Sparkle and some other unicorn appeared before him. He smiled as Twilight stomped over to him. “What can I do for you, friend?”

“Celestia and Luna are attacking Daemon. We’re going to go help them!” she locked gazes with Discord. Melek shuffled around slightly in the background, unsure of what to do.

“Oh, I’m well aware of the conflict” Discord yawned “but I see no reason to intervene. Besides, didn’t Celestia order you to stay put?”

“I’m a Princess too” Twilight reminded him “so I say we go. As for you, you wouldn’t want to disappoint your friend, would you?”

Discord rolled his eyes. “Puh-leez. I’m no use against Daemon and that thing he has with him.” He leaned over toward Twilight. “But I suppose I could give you a little help.”

“Dealing with djinn always leads to bad deals.” Melek muttered. Discord looked at him and laughed.

“Oh, I’m much worse than a djinn.” Discord licked his lips, as Melek shivered.

“The help, Discord.” Twilight insisted. Discord sighed.

“A little information, free of charge.” Discord snapped his fingers and conjured up a small projector and screen. “Please, class, pay attention.” Bullet points appeared on screen, and the sun suddenly dimmed.

The combatants are as follows:

-Melek Taus, Mazdanic, Child of Light

-Daemon, Mazdanic, Bastard of Light

-Unknown, Mazdanic, Similar aura to a Child of Light

-Celestia and Luna, Mazdanic, children of Titania

-Aquila, Mazdanic, Child of Ouranos

The projector flipped to the next slide as Twilight took out a scrap of parchment and took notes.

-Discord is clearly the best teacher ever

Twilight huffed as the projector flipped again.

-Discord, as a Mainyuan entity, is weak against Children of Light

-Therefore, Discord will not participate in the battle

“And that sums it up.” Discord snapped his fingers and the items disappeared.

“That doesn’t even help at all!” Twilight protested.

“You get what you pay for.” Discord filed his nails nonchalantly.

“Why did I even bother.” Twilight snarled as she turned back toward Melek.

“Uh, Twilight?” Melek looked at her nervously. She sighed and composed herself.

“I shouldn’t have brought you.” Twilight teleported away, leaving Discord and Melek behind.

“Ouch.” Discord winced as Melek’s shoulders slumped.

“What were you talking about, djinn?” Melek eyed Discord carefully. He was wary of the chaotic spirit, having grown up on tales of mischievous or outright evil beings.

“You’re much more special than you think.” Discord smiled deviously at the confused pony. “Takes one to know one, I suppose.”

“What-what are you saying?” Melek backed up several steps as Discord stepped toward him.

“Just some chaotic nonsense.” Discord cracked his knuckles. “Would you like to help Twilight and her friends?”

“I’m not making a deal with you.” Melek’s body began to shake.

“I’m not looking for a deal, little colt, just an answer.” Discord petted the petrified Melek. “Yes or no?”

“I-I want to help, but what use am I against gods?” Melek stopped his shaking and suddenly startled Discord with his resolve. It seemed that he could only be pushed so far.

“More than you know. Now then, shall I send you on your merry way?” Discord snapped his fingers and conjured up a small box with a big red button on it. “Just push the button of your own free will, and you’ll be sent to the battlefield.” Discord explained as he handed it over to the unicorn.

Melek hesitated for several moments before pushing the button. Discord burst out laughing as Melek vanished.

“What have you wrought, bastard?” Melek Taus looked at his shadowy brother with hate in his eyes.

“I have brought justice.” Daemon smiled. He was perched upon the shoulder of Halos, which sat opposing Taus on the desert plains. He felt the approaching entities, but wasn’t worried.

“Justice.” Taus laughed hollowly. "What justice is this?"

“You imprisoned my sister and banished her!” Daemon burst out in fury.

“After you imprisoned me.” Taus returned cooly.

“It doesn’t matter.” Daemon bared his teeth. “Soon, you’ll be smashed on these sands.”

“So what is this toy you’ve brought?” Taus pointed at the bronze machine, which vented steam in response.

“This is Halos, a creation of Mazda before it left.” Daemon smirked. “Designed to hold our dear father’s reborn soul, I’ve allowed the Sultana to rent it for a small fee.”

“So that’s why you wanted the Horns and madstone.” Taus yawned. “Even so, I fail to see why it’s a threat to me.”

“Because it was designed not only to hold Lucifer, but to kill any who opposed him.” Daemon laughed maniacally as Taus snorted.

“Bring it.” Taus gnashed his teeth.

“Wait Taus!” the suddenly arriving Celestia broke his concentration. Her sister trailed behind her, regarding Taus with a look of disgust.

“Just in time to see my victory.” Taus smiled at them. Aquila arrived without a sound, hovering over by Daemon. “Hello, little eagle.” Taus taunted the last demigod to arrive.

“Stand aside, Celestia and Luna.” Aquila’s stare was focused on Taus. “I’ll kill you if it means destroying that monster.”

“Aquila please. Daemon is the bigger threat here!” Celestia pleaded. Aquila didn’t respond, but Daemon broke out laughing again.

“Three on three, it seems.” Daemon closed his eyes. “Let the games begin!”

On a nearby dune, the demigods and machine failed to notice two figures appearing as they charged each other.