The dark lord knew that navigating through the tunnels would be the quickest way to get caught. So what better way to go unnoticed than to have your own personal diamond dog dig you a path. Sure the husky tried to escape a few times but a few punches and kicks quickly squished that notion. So the Overlord and the diamond dog had come to a little understanding of sorts. If the husky digged where ever the dark one pointed then he would not pound the poor beast into the ground.

While the dark one was being carted away by the two legged hounds, he was able to identify several areas. The diamond dogs were estimated to be somewhere in the hundreds. The Overlord knew that he may be a superior warrior but even he could be overwhelmed by large numbers. So the he had to make their downfall precise and methodical in order to bring these dogs to heel.

The group of ponies from Brittlebuck have yet to find this den but if given enough time they will. Still time was of the essence so the dark one commanded his changeling minions to lead the group here. Even with those reinforcements they still will be outnumbered so the dark lord will need to tip the scales in their balance. The pony slaves would surely riot against their captors if they were freed from captivity. An attack from the inside as well as outside would surely catch the hound dogs severely off guard. But even then there still would be one more problem. The Overlord did not see many mares and no foals in the mines so it's safe to assume they are being held captive separately from the others. During an uprising the dogs could use them as hostages and quell this whole rebellion and even enslave the rescue force.

A plan was a well and good but it does nothing if the dark one goes in blind. So there he was in a side tunnel with the poor husky sod, digging a back entrance into another mineshaft. Luckily it exited into a dead end where a guard dog was beating a collapsed slave. The pony was gibbering on about water only to be struck over and over by the boxer dog. Seeing a golden opportunity in front of him, the Overlord hog tied his husky dog and exited the side tunnel. The guard was too enthused by his current activity to notice the large shadow looming over him until it was too late. Ironic justice was brutal and swift as the blunt end of a sword found it's mark. The downward arc of this massive weapon caught the dog square on the head and knocked him off his paws. Before the guard could even comprehend what was going on he got the ever living abyss beat out of him. Garbled calls for help and incomprehensible pleas for mercy, neither helped this poor fellow. With one final punch, the Overlord knocked the diamond dog unconscious.

While the guard dog would live, he would obviously be in so much pain when he wakes up. After looting the poor sod and tossing him into one of the mine carts, the dark one made his way over to the fallen pony. Judging by looks it was definitely a stallion, tan coat and an ivory mane with a horn. His breathing was shallow which meant he passed out some time when the dog was assaulting him, which was probably better because the stallion would have less reason to fear the Overlord. The dark one picked up the pony and went back to dragging the husky behind him in the side tunnels.

Eventually the Overlord brought the stallion to a secluded tunnel, the husky just whimpered as he was tied up once again. That other guard dog had a flask of water on him which was looted along with a bag of bits. Flicking the top lid off the flask, the dark one poured some of it's contents on the pony. Having water dumped on you is a sure fire way to be woken up, as it definitely stirred the poor beaten stallion back to life. Before the pony could get up the dark one shoved the whole water flask in his face. Not needing to be told what to do the guy guzzled the liquid life as if he was about to die, heck maybe he was.

"Ahhhhh!" The stallion sighed in satisfaction. His thirst having been quenched and now began to survey the surroundings. It didn't take long to notice the hulking armored figure that was standing in front of the exit. His pupils shrank to pinpricks and ears laid flat against the top of his head. The size difference was indeed noticeable and very prominent as the two stared each other over. The poor guy started to step a hoof back but only for the dark one to make a step forward. This pattern repeated itself over and over until the stallion was backed up against the cave wall without any escape. All he could do was cower and close his eyes, waiting for the end to come. But it never did.

The only thing that could be heard was a small whimpering sound. Opening his eyes the stallion finally noticed a diamond dog chained and muzzled on the cave floor. After a moment of confusion it suddenly dawned on the cowering pony that he hasn't been harmed yet. Gulping nervously the stallion struggle to find his voice and barely squeaked his question out. "Are you here...... to help... us?"

Whatever the big armored warrior was just nodded in acknowledgement, which calmed the poor guy's heart rate. Many more questions rose in place of the previous but he never got a chance to ask them. The pony was confused by the dark one's actions as he started to draw a detailed map in the dirt. Several tunnels and points of interest were correctly marked on the map by crude little drawings. The locations of the enslaved ponies and many diamond dogs littered the map. It was definitely clear this metal stranger did intend on helping the ponies. The stallion smiled to himself at the new hope that just rekindled in his heart.

Again before the pony could ask any questions the warrior pointed to a picture on the side of the map. There were several drawings of little foals and sickly ponies beside a giant question mark. It took a moment for the guy to get it but he eventually realized what it meant. "You'll find them here." The stallion said and pointed to a cave on the map. Afterward the warrior turned to leave and motioned for the guy to follow.

The poor diamond dog was not thrilled at the warrior's return and let out a fearful whimper. Once again under threat of a grinding boot the husky worked feverously to avoid it. Moments of digging and sneaking around the three eventually reached their destination. It was a solitary cave with a natural hot spring within. Originally there was only one entrance/exit but thanks to the husky a small side tunnel found it's way into the cave.

Luckily the stallion was indeed right about the occupants residing within. Dozens of ponies littered the cave and were seemingly unable to pull mine carts. Majority of them were foals, pregnant mares, old or sickly ponies. After scanning the crowd the Overlord spotted Lilly Scent's mother that helped her escape, she also was indeed pregnant. With only one exit the guards didn't feel the need to supervise their prisoners and were not within sight. The dark one pointed towards the prisoners and the stallion rushed towards them. Not needed to be told twice.

"Everypony! You need to get up cause we're here to rescue you." The stallion shouted while running amongst the others. Moments later one of the pregnant mares got to her hooves and shouted.

"Chump Change! Is that really you!" The stallion which was now identified as Chump Change faced the mare and ran to embrace her. The reunion was touching as both broke out into tears, as they both kissed and nuzzled each other. While it was all well and good for their moral, the Overlord had a schedule to keep. With a little nudging and pushing the entire group was finally on the move. After the ponies had vacated the cave he tossed the husky into it as he left.

With the one weakness the diamond dogs could exploit taken care of, it was now time to free the others. One by two like a domino effect, the slaves were freed. Each pony released armed themselves with whatever they could find and fought to free their friends. Every guard was overwhelmed by the sudden uprising and failed to sound the alarm. The process repeated itself until an army of angry pony slaves mobilized for revenge.

Life was pretty good if you were a diamond dog right now. It would be even better if you were the king of every wasteland pack, at least the Pack King thought so. Because of his above diamond dog average intelligence he was able to bring opposing packs under his banner recently. This king had taken to lounging on a couch with many female servants tending to his every need. Feeding him gems, fetching him water or perhaps something of a more primal need.

Whatever this Pack King was doing halted when an awful racket reached his ears. This irritated the dog as he yelled at the others to keep it down. "Stop making that noise you stupid mutts! I'm trying to enjoy myself in here!" Unfortunately no one seemed to hear him and the noise kept on growing in volume. Soon enough the king got extremely irritated and had to vacate his favorite couch. His servants begged him not to go but he just brushed them off. The Pack King made his way over to the balcony overlooking his underground domain. "Oi! Didn't I just tell you fleabags to shut up!"

No one heard him however. It was then this mutt king realized his kingdom was under attack and crashing down around his ears. Scores upon scores of angry ponies charging diamond dogs from the mines. Normally a few zealous ponies were not a problem, but every one at once was a different story. To make matters worse they were extremely organized. The pony mob was being directed by an armored figure at the front. With this creature's direction the ponies were countering every attempt the diamond dogs made. The Pack King could only watch on, baffled by this occurring atrocity being directed by this creature.

At this moment the armored monster stopped his actions and looked up towards the balcony. Both Kings locked eyes and stared into the other's soul. The only thing visible behind all that armor was two dark orange eyes. Great evil, so much malice. Such eyes could only exist on a predator, and this one had found it's prey. It was at this point another group of ponies appeared from the den gates. Led by a pony captain they charged and caught the dogs in a pincer. The diamond dogs were definitely outmatched now and the Overlord knew it. He wasted no time and lobbed a green fireball at the Pack King. Time seemed to slow as the jaded ball of fire soared through the air until it hit it's target.

The ball exploded in a great puff of fire and magic. The Pack King now aflame, dropped to the ground and rolled around feverously. By the time the fire was put out the dog had part of his fur singed off and skin peeling. It probably hurt like tartarus but the dog did not have time to lick his wounds. A giant metal gauntlet reached up and grabbed the balcony railing. Moments later the rest the creature was hoisted up and onto the balcony. Clad in armor from head to toe, this monster could give a minotaur a hard time. But the Pack King was furious and the small logical portion of his brain was overwritten with anger. "You jerk! Do you have any idea what it feels like to have your fur burnt off! You have a lot of nerve coming to my kingdom and trying to take it from me!"

The creature just walked towards the would be dog king, uninterested in his complaining. Several of the female servants cowered on the couch praying to whatever deity to save them. With each step the Pack King got more nervous. Such fear was inspired but anger was greater as the dog grabbed a sword from a treasure pile. "What's the matter with you!!! You think you're too good to talk back to me huh!?! Well I'll show you how to respect me!!!"

With a crazy war cry the dog charged in an attempt to catch the invader off guard. But the Overlord wouldn't be having any of that. The attack was intercepted as the two blades interlocked themselves inches away from their owners. The diamond dog clearly wasn't the strongest of his breed and was overpowered. The dark one practically threw him across the room but the dog landed upright.

Closing the distance the Overlord began his attack without mercy. Each swing greatly empowered and so precise the diamond dog barely parried each one. This war dance continued with each swing. With every thrust. The diamond was beginning to become frustrated at his own inability to defeat his opponent and started to get sloppy.

The Overlord made sure to punish each mistake the Pack King made with a cruel attack. When he would expose his side too much the dark one gave him a punch to the ribs. If a paw was too far forward he'd crush it with his boot. To the Overlord this wasn't a fight. Because for it to be a fight it would mean that both fighters had a chance of winning. It was definitely clear on who was dominating who and both sides knew it. However the diamond dog could not accept the fact that he was outmatched and kept attacking.

A feint was made by the Pack King in an attempt to kill his opponent. But the Overlord intercepted it and punched the dog right in the muzzle. Crimson red liquid flowed from the broken jowls of the dog. Such pain had never been felt before and the dog went over the deep end. He saw red. He felt red, and he would cover this invader with red for what he had done. "You belligerent buffoon! You'll be the death of us all! I am King of these diamond dogs and I will not be defeated here! I must not be defeated here! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!"

With one final primal roar the diamond dog charged with sword point. The Overlord just silently scoffed and just stepped to the side. Their battle had taken the two of them back to the balcony but only one of them had noticed. Unfortunately the second noticed a little too late when he found himself midair. The Diamond Dog Pack King had charged passed the Overlord and ran right over the balcony rails. His momentum propelled him far enough from any surfaces to grab onto. With a shrieking scream the poor sod fell until he landed with a sickening thud.

The fighting had come grinding to a halt as all turned to see what happened. It was now clear to all who had won as the Overlord stood watching from the balcony. The effect was immediate as the diamond dogs panicked and escaped into whatever tunnels they could. Cheers could be heard echoing clear across many tunnels and caves that the ponies had won. The dark one looked behind him to see his changeling minions standing behind him. It was time to return to Brittlebuck.

It took awhile to navigate the tunnels back to the surface with many ponies but eventually the setting sun became visible to all. Those that stayed behind in the town were waiting at the tunnel exits, praying to their princesses that their loved ones would make it back alive. They could not contain their happiness when the other ponies started to exit those damned holes. Families and friends rushed to embrace each other. Tears of happiness and cries of joy that their loved ones made it back.

The Overlord's disguised changelings rushed off into the crowd. Gathering much of the ambient love radiating from these ponies like a steam engine. The dark one remained motionless and emotionless as he watched the town reunion. He would have remained in that state if it weren't for a hoof tapping on his leg. Looking down he saw a little filly looking back up at him with tears in her eyes. Lilly Scent.

"Thank you very much Mr. Warrior sir. I was scared. I was so scared that I wouldn't see my mama ever again. Thank you." Lilly barely choked out while crying tears of pure happiness. She gave the Overlord's boot a firm hug and galloped back to her parents who embraced the filly fiercely. Iron Scent and his pregnant wife Aroma Scent were crying just as much as their daughter. The three of them hugged each other and said their affections repeatedly. Family. Such a concept was foreign to the dark lord as he tried to understand what was happening in front of him.

The Overlord didn't have much time to think about it as a sharp pain hit his left hand. At first he thought he'd been attacked but that theory was disproven as he looked at his gauntlet. Green crystal shards covered the once shiny gauntlet like a bad rash. The original crystal had exponentially grown from it's original slot and shortly after the pain vanished.

"Very intriguing. Master it would seem that you can also harvest love, but since you do not have the capacity to store love it automatically turns into changeling crystals. Perhaps it has augmented your magic even further. If it does not then at least you have an easy way to gather and store power." Emerald said to her lord.

Before the dark one could inspect it further he was brought out of his thoughts by a lot of cheering ponies. When he was distracted it would seem that the city had gotten some more visitors. Ranks upon ranks of ponies poured into Brittlebuck, armed to the teeth with weapons and golden armor. it was definitely clear they were armed for war but against whom was yet to be seen. Many of these new warrior ponies had fanned out into the city with supplies for the weary ponies. Their sudden appearance was well received by all except the Overlord. He viewed them as more obstacles in the way of his plan and silently cursed their arrival. The dark one thought he should cut his losses and leave but he stopped in his tracks when every townspony pointed their hooves at him.

A white unicorn with a regal helmet and matching armor made his way over to the dark one. Even with this stallion's big frame he still was dwarfed by the Overlord. While this mystery stallion was smaller, he was in no way shape or form weak. His very body sported many defined muscles that he probably got from his job. Whatever the case this stallion had his eyes on the dark one and seemed dead set on getting to him. Before the two of them met, Chrysalis finally spoke up.

"Oh no please don't be him! Those flowing blue locks. The shiny white coat. That shield cutie mark. Oh by the hive it is him! Run my lord! You need to get out of there now!"

Too late. The stallion had reached his mark and was now removing his helmet. Blue striped hair fell free from the metal and framed his face. "Hello there. My name is Shining Armor and I would like to personally thank you for saving Brittlebuck." This Shining stallion said while extending his hoof for a greeting. The dark one hesitantly grasp the hoof and gave a solitary shake. "We don't get many minotaurs in Equestria often. What's your name?" Shining got no response as the dark on just blinked at him. The guard captain was a little taken back but still tried to break the ice. "That's some nice armor you've got there friend. Where did you get it or did you make it yourself?"

Shining armor was frustrated by this stranger's refusal to talk, but he decided to be the better pony and let it go. He was about to walk away until his first Lieutenant came galloping up to him. "Captain! We have discovered trace amounts of changeling magic in the area!"

"Quick! Use the anti changeling counter spells we've developed!" Shining ordered all his soldiers to do. Before the dark one could react, a giant energy wave washed over him and every pony nearby. The spell apparently did nothing to him but his minions weren't so lucky. Several shrieks and screams littered the air as the changelings among them were now revealed. The guards wasted no time in pursuing the changelings in an attempt to capture them. The Overlord used his crystals to call them to his side and they quickly hid behind him.

Many of the guards ran into the dark one and he personal kicked each one away from his changelings. Shining Armor was confused by this stranger defending the changelings. Perhaps he believed them to be innocent and defends them like a gallant warrior. As much as Shining wanted to believe that excuse another more plausible one popped in his head. He protected the changelings because he was their leader.

While this stranger did risk his life to help the townsponies, the fact that he commands changelings was more worrisome. With no other choice Shining had to deliver his ultimatum. "Under the order of the Equestrian Tetriarchy you and your changelings are to accompany me to Canterlot! Stand down stranger! We would prefer not to have to hurt you!"

The Overlord just raised his sword and widened his battle stance. He would not back down and nor will he bow down. Still, no matter how steel his resolve is he was outnumbered. Unicorns and earth ponies encircled them on the ground while pegasi patrolled in the sky. Blocking any aerial escapes. Their circle got smaller and smaller as the guards stepped forward. Shining hoped to avoid violence so he would give them one more chance to see reason. "Are you sure you wish to do this?!"

His answer came when the Warrior lifted his left gauntlet, which ignited in a green infernal blaze. The changelings hissed and bared their fangs. The power that emanated from the dark one gave Shining Armor pause but he then ordered their arrest. Every guardspony began to charge until they were halted by a primal roar.

The roar echoed over the mountains and through the valley. Such a sound could only belong to a creature of immense proportions. A dark figure appeared over the mountain peaks. It grew bigger and bigger as it drew closer until it's size was unmistakable. The dark figure was a dragon, a large one at that. This dragon came so close to Brittlebuck that his very size blotted out Celestia's sun and cast a shadowy darkness on the town. Ponies began to panic as the dragon let loose another terrifying cry. After lapping the town a couple times, the dragon descended from the heavens and let loose his fiery wrath.

Flame rained down upon Brittle buck. Igniting anything unfortunate enough to be in it's path. Buildings burning. Ponies screaming. Such a sight was indeed familiar to the Overlord but he knew this dragon was a problem to him too. The captain and his warrior ponies forgot about the dark one and turned to engage the dragon. The wingspan of this giant drake created severe gusts of wind and knocked many pegasi out of the air.

After taking a deep breath the dragon wrought fire down atop the city hall. The bell tower was ringing within the burning hall but was silenced as the dragon landed on top of it. With scales black as the night, horns long and gnarly as spears. The dragon bellowed forth his anguish. "Where is my tribute!!!!!!"

"WHERE ARE MYGEMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Author's Note

"They have the loyalty of potatoes my lord." Gnarl - Overlord