Dragon Of Instinct, Become's The All Father.

by ShadowsInTheDark

Rating: mature
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Other, Princess Luna, Original Character, Princess Celestia, Crossover, Sex, Death, Human, Anthro, Main 6, Gore
Length: 100626

I've seen life, war and death. I have meet men, monsters and gods. Now I turn my eye to my old enemy, and I will eat his heart.

This is the next part to Asphyxious Hellbringer The Dragon Of Instinct. I'm not good at these long descriptions so I'll leave this as it is until I can come up with something better.

Published 2017-01-08 19:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-11-19 10:57:41 UTC

Heart Stones, Now We're One.

***Asphyxious pov***

After coming back from helping that Everblight displaced again, I made a call for Luna, Revan and the main six to meet with me. We then went to the Dog Labs as I’ve come to calling it, and set everything up for what I had in mind.

“You’re going to do what!?” Yelled Twilight as her friends looked at me in concern. I guess they should be worried, after all I’m going to fully consume my heart stones. And if something go wrong I could be the one who get eaten.

“Like I said, I’m going to fully merge with my other heart stones. Once that happens I should have even more control over my blight.” I explained, but at the same time I didn’t want to run the risk that the other dragons in the heart stones could control my body if they’re strong enough.

“We, I understand. I did find others with you in your dream scape trying to hide themselves. I wasn’t sure what they were until now. But this will be dangerous, they could see what you are planing and try and stop you. Or worse, work together to stop you from doing what you have planned.” Luna added looking at me with a serious expression.

“I understand you’re all worried, that why I have all of you here if something go wrong.” I replied with a smile. They all looked worried, hell even Sonya and I even noticed some of my dogs peeking in from outside the room. “If anything go wrong call Ava and Mum. If things go wrong, they should be able to keep me contained here.”

I looked at Revan as she gave me that look of, well. That look you get when someone saying you're doing something stupid, but you know it needs to be done.

“This is a boneheaded move.” Revan grunted. I smiled and shrugged as Luna and Twilight started their work on the magic circle.

“It needs to be done, or I run the risk of there other Heart Stones taking over my body and devouring my mind til there's nothing left.” I explained as I go into the circle. I looked at everything making sure all the runes were in there right placement. Once that was done, I sat in place and let out a breath of air.

“Are we ready to begin?” Asked Luna as everyone took their places. I closed my eye and remembered what Revan taught me in meditating. I nod my head as I focus on my breathing, I could feel the magic in the room. I could slowly feel the world around me being cut off, and then darkness.

Once I open my eye again, I was in the forest by the large lake. I got up and looked around, nothing was out of place and that what bothered me the most. I looked around and thought about something, if I was a dragon in a heart stone hiding from the one who ate me. Where would I hide? I looked back at the lake after that thought.

“It go against human instinct to go into the bottom of a lake. Humans naturally fear the dark for they do not know what's inside it.” I said to myself as I walked over to the lake and looked down into it. I never noticed how dark the water was before, if there was the mind and soul of the other dragons in those heart stones. They be hiding here.” After saying that, I started to walk into the water. It didn’t feel cold or warm.

It just felt like water the deeper I went, I took a breath as I took one last step as my head went under water. Only to break the surface of the water again, only this time I wasn’t in the forest any more. To be more clear I was in a dead forest, I was shocked at what I found as I walked out of the lake and took a look around.

“About time you showed up, King.” Spoke a voice that made me jump, I looked around quickly only to find a woman setting on a rock. I was confused by her long white hair, but when she looked up I saw an eye patch over one eye and a feral smile. I knew that smile, I saw it before.

“Instinct?” I asked confused by there new… Look. Before it looked like a copy of me, now it looked like a woman with long white hair, a black hoodie on with shorts and black knee high boots.

“You look surprised? What didn’t think I’d survive here or something?” She asked before getting off the rock and walking over to me. I was still surprised it, she show herself to me so soon after coming here. She then punched me in the gut knocking the wind out of me.

“W-What was that for?” I asked in pain as she smiled down at me. She points to the left showing a land on fire, then to her right to show a land of snow. Before pointing behind me to a land of sand and rocks.

“You let them take root in your mind, body and soul. That show just how weak you really are, how am I supposed to follow someone who didn’t even realize they were here?” She asked, it almost sounded like she was taunting me. I get it she was pissed at me, I let out a sigh as I get up again.

“So you going to help me out and removed them completely?” I asked looking at the three landscapes.

“No.” That simple word stopped me in my tracks. No?! I looked back at her in fear, what did she mean no?! As in she wasn’t going to help me? “You have to show me you’re worth keeping around, that you are the king of this realm inside of your mind and soul. If you can’t do that, I’ll just help one of the other dragons take over this place. Well if they're strong enough that is.”

She explained before pointing at the land of snow and ice. “I’d start there if I were you. They are the newest dragon to show them self.” Instinct explained before walking off.

“Wait!” I called out as she stopped. “I have a question. If I’m so weak, why talk to me at all? Why not side with one of the other dragons and help them take over my body and mind?”

Instinct seemed to stand there for what felt like ages, before laughing. She pulled out a sword and throw it to me. I caught it and looked at the blade, it was my cutlass. “Where the fun in that?” She replied before walking off. Next thing I know she was gone…

“Great… I have to fight three dragons and eat them… Just a walk in the park?” I asked myself before walking on. If what she said was true then this was the ice dragon from the dragon lands. This was going to be a long fight, it felt like a dream as I walked through the snow. But the cold and ice felt real.

“Nothing ever easy…” I growled to myself as I’m walking around this snow covered landscape. It felt like I was walking for weeks on end, until I heard a roar. “About time you showed up…” The snow ahead of me explodes as something large lands in front of me. I looked up at the large dragon before me.

“Hey there, nice to see you again. Not still mad about me eating you right?” I asked only to get a mindless roar in response. Yeah he was still angry…

I panted as I looked at my blood covered sword, but the blade was cracked in a number of places. I also almost lost my arm. I looked back at the dragon that was still alive in front of me. “Not bad, not bad at all.” Said Instinct as she walked up next to me.

“So, what do I do next?” I asked looking up at her. She smiled before helping me up, but that as far as it went.

“Place your hand on it heart, and the rest is instinct.” She replied before vanishing again. I was bloody and hurt, I looked back at the dragon as it whimpered at me… It didn’t want to die, I can understand that. But this was my body and soul, and no one was going to take that from me. I place my hand on it chest, the next thing I know a hundred lifetimes rush into my head. I saw everything, when this dragon was first born by Toruk hand.

The dragons fighting Toruk, the dragons hiding from him. How the world ended, then how it died. Then awaken again, then my fight with this dragon. The pain of my fangs biting into it body, my claws cutting into muscle. And then when I ate him… I dropped to my knees as it all hit me all at once.

“That was… Horrible, it seen so much yet it wanted what it could never have… That dragon, wanted to rule the world. Just like Toruk…” I let out a growl as the land around me disappeared. Now there was only two places left, a land of sand and a land of fire. I moved on ready for the next fight.

***Instinct pov.***

He was doing well, far better than I expected. I would think the emotional backlash from consuming the dragon, would have broken him. I was wrong, maybe it had to do with the loss of his daughter and family member. The dragons instinct’s were interesting, but these dragons were nothing like the equestrian's where in those dragons are driven by greed. These dragons are driven for a desire for more power.

Asphyxious however was not like them, being a human means he had the hope to change. I watched as he battled with the dragon over the sands. Unlike the last one, this one could talk. I’ll wait and watch, regardless who wins it all the same to me.

But I’d be lying if I didn't say a small part of me wanted him to win. After all it was his mind a soul that I was born from. It was also fun to watch him fight.

***Asphyxious pov***

I killed the second dragon, I felt sick. It was like every time I removed one of these dragons. My mind and body suffer for it. My cutlass was broken and I stared at it, I looked to the land covered by fire.

Every step I took felt like my body was getting heavier. Like I was wearing lead or something, unlike the last two dragons who attacked me. This one was waiting for me, the dragon looked up at me as larva ran down it body.

“I didn’t think you’d come this far, little human. Pretending to be a dragon.” It said in a deep booming voice. Everything in my body hurts, but I had to keep standing. I had to win or this last dragon would take over my body and soul! “Tell me, what is it you want most and I’ll give you the power to make it happen.”

This made me angry beyond anything, I could feel my own blood boiling in my veins. “The one thing I want most… Is something that was lost to me.” I replied glaring at it, the dragon looked surprised but I didn’t care about that. “What I lost was my daughter and cousin. I’ll never get them back no matter how much power I have or how much you can give me!”

“Impossible, how are you doing this? I blighted this part of your mind.” It asked as the land started changing all around us, but I didn’t care about any of that. I could even feel my body change as I stand just as tall as this dragon.

“This is my mind and you, Toruk and the rest of your kind. Have nothing I WANT!” I roared as I tackled the other dragon to the ground. I didn’t care about the pain in my arms, as we fell into the larva. I just wanted this dragon DEAD!

I could not remember how long the fight lasted, days, weeks, years? I didn’t care as I looked down at the dead dragon. After eating him I knew what this dragon lived through just like the other two.

“What’s wrong? You look upset?” Asked Instinct as she walked over to me. I didn’t say anything as the land changed again, this time the forest was back but covered in snow. I felt ill and sick, I now knew just how many lives those dragons had taken. And yet, I felt something hit my head. I blinked as I looked at Instinct. “Stop moping and wake up already, you’re worrying your wives.” Huh? I thought as I stared at her, before blacking out.

I woke up feeling like shit, my body wouldn't move. I then saw Pinkie looking down me before she gasped. “His awake!” She yelled before running off somewhere. As I was left alone I began to think. How long was I out for?

I heard the door open as a group ran in. First face I was was the main six, then Sonya and the others. Before Gwen and Revan came in next looking down at me.

“What happened!? You never tell me what’s going on!” Gwen shouted. Revan just moped. I slowly reached out and put my hand on Gwen’s head.

“Sorry to worry you, just had to clear out my head.” I laughed lightly, but my body felt like a brick. I then looked at Revan and see what she had to say. “So, was I any trouble?”

“You mean did you thrash? Yes, and you hit me in the gut.” Revan said grumpily.

“And your heart stopped.” Added Sonya with annoyed look on her face. “Then you stopped breathing, next thing we know your bones started braking all on their own.” Sonya went through a list of things happening to my body while I was out. No wonder I feel like hell.

“You’re an idiot. You should’ve placed some sort of protection spell on yourself.” Revan grunted. This made me laugh, I could not run the risk of that if I failed. So I just lay there with a smile on my face.

“Good news is, it just me and Sombra in my head now. No one else.” I added closing my eye.

“Wonderful…” Revan said sarcastically. “Here’s an idea, get rid of him too before you do anyone again.”

“No worried, I put him in a soul cage ages ago. Don’t mean I don’t hear him from time to time.” I replied resting, I looked at everyone before noticing something. “Where’s Luna?”

“She had to go out for a bit, but she said she’ll come back later to make sure you’re okay.” Said Twilight as she smiled, sheepishly. I wasn’t worried about it, all I know is I need a long nap.

“Someone get him to bed, he looks like he’s about to pass out after running a marathon… As a fat person…” Revan stated monotonously. I don’t know why but whenever she talks like that I find it cute. I was then helped to my room and put to bed, I hurt as I was laid down but I’d be okay. I then saw Gwen and Revan get in the bed and look down at me.

“Yes?” I asked tiredly smiling softly at them. When was the last time I felt this tired?

“Is there something you need?” Gwen asked sweetly as Revan just stared blankly. I could not help but softly pull them into a hug. I just purred as they were in my arms, I could stay like this all night.

“Right now this is all I need, by the way. Have you two decided if you want to marry me yet?” I asked trying to stay awake now. It was hard seeing how heavy my eyelids felt.

“I say yes, but Revan’s unconvinced.” Gwen said, kissing my cheek. I smiled and nod my head at her, then kissed Gwen and Revan on the forehead.

“That’s okay, there’s no rush.” I replied as I slowly fell asleep. The next day was, interesting to say the least. As soon as I woke up, let just say that Gwen and Revan wanted my help relieving some stress. By the time it was over all three of us was gasping for breath.

“Wow… How long were we doing that for?” I asked, between breaths. I did not expect to make love to them as soon as I woke up to day.

“Since nine AM, and it’s afternoon.” Gwen replied, tiredly. I did not expect that, I looked at Gwen as she smiled back. As she cuddled one side of me, I then looked to Revan who was hugging my other side.

Revan only looked away. I smiled and kissed her forehead. “Did you like it?” I asked, rubbing my hands down their backs.

“Yeah…” Revan muttered. I wasn’t sure if she was blushing or trying to hide that fact. But I understand she a strong woman and didn’t like to show weakness to anyone. Even those who care about her. As we lay in bed I them think about things, random at first then other things. So as my mind wandered I held them closer.

“I want to stay like this forever.” I said more to myself then to them. Call it a moment of being selfish. I was content and didn’t want this moment to end. I opened my eye and looked at them, as Gwen and Revan looked back at me.

“I know…” Gwen said softly. “But things change…” To true the worlds always changing, along with everyone else.

“I know…” I replied pulling them closer. I will do anything to keep them safe, I’ll do everything within my power to make sure no one harms them. “My heart belongs to you and no one else. The both of you.” I then felt Revan pull on my cheek, yeah it hurt. She even looked annoyed as she kept pulling on my cheek. “Why are you doing that?”

“Training. Now.” Were the two words that left Revan mouth. Oh boy, something tell me I’m in for a long week. I looked to Gwen and she just smiled at this. I’m doomed...

Author's Note

What happens next.

Looking For Cryx, Open The Gate. Part one.

***Asphyxious pov. Canterlot castle.***

Two weeks after Revan traning sassion, I found out Sonata was living with me and when I asked if she wanted to get married she said yes. After that I sent out word to my dogs that we needed to look for cryx. Not only that I gave them the name of my clan, We were now called the Wolves Of Cryx. The banner was the head of a dragon with diamond dog next to it. Not only that I got word from the other clans there was something that needed to be talked about.

It looked like they got word about my purpose to asking my hoard to marry me. However seeing as three of them were princesses, however it seemed they only knew about Twilight. And upon hearing this, they were jumping to all kinds of conclusions. This also brought something to my attention that I didn’t know about. I heard from the other clans that diamond dogs were not seen as residents of equestria.

This I didn’t like, I had spent the last few weeks setting up this meeting. Luna and Celestia were willing to hear me out. By the looks of things they were not ready to tell the rest of the equestria nobles that they were going to marry me too. I was trying to get a law passed so that diamond dogs could be seen as rightful civilians of equestria. The nobles didn’t like this, and they made this clear loudly. All but Blueblood who I’ve had very little contact with or talked to, but he did point out this could help equestria.

I think this surprised everyone, and I was happy about this. It looked like this Blueblood acted a little more grown up then the one in the show. He pointed out that not only would it give them more pony power. There words not mine, and it’ll help in lands were ponies and diamond dogs would fight or steal from each other.

We was all taking a hour break, that left me to talk with the other clan leaders. Twilight went with Luna and Celestia as some of the nobles were trying to point out their concerns as I went into the break room.

There were five main clans that came to the meeting to speak up for the many other and smaller clans. There was the Traders clan, Iron Paws clan, The Gemstones Clan, The Winter Wolf clan and lastly the Steel Miner Clan.

Each clan worked in order to support each other, I would not be surprise if the clans worked together in order to go to war. Luckily for the ponies they haven’t done anything to push the diamond dogs to go to war. The fact they had tunnels all over equestria added to this, but I easily found out that the fact they made tunnels everywhere was due to fact the diamond dogs who did. Were most likely ever leaderless or had more than one alpha.

I also pushed to have the Unliving to be seen as living residents of equestria. Moon Dancer was a huge help in all this. Seeing as I was no politician, I had to rely on the other diamond dog clan alpha’s to help me out and to keep me from falling into any kind of traps. That were set up by the pony nobility, it was clear not all the nobles saw the good in the diamond dogs. This was going to take more than a few hours…

I sighed as I stay in one of the guest rooms, why must politics be so boring… And Laws, talking about the details was bad enough but to weigh them down? Oh god I wish I could forget the day meeting, but some of the laws and things the nobles talked about was just so stupid!

“What the hell is wrong with them? 50 bits for a carrot in some land I’ve never heard of, when you could grown hundreds of them here and buy them for 2 bits?” I said out loud as I grown on my bed. I just want to forget all the politics and sleep, but this was important and if I gave up the nobles would have won. I was not about to just roll over and let them have there way, I’ll fight them every step and bring up some things to turn the tables at the meeting tomorrow.

“I am so glad all that is over with…” I said, as I made my way back to the den. It had been a long few days and I wanted nothing more than to sleep. I decided to check up on my kids and see to my warjacks. My kids were fine, Seether and Cankerworm were what looked like talking. If the sound of steam hissing and boiler boiling add to that the clicking sounds they give off were anything to go by.

I always found it fascinating to watch the jacks talking, ever to each other or myself. It strange to hear them, I could not call it talking more like thoughts. I reached out to them and they turn their heads to look at me. Master/Asphyxious. I heard inside my head ever at the some time or as one.

“Nice to see you two are doing well. Need any turn ups?” I asked going over to them and looking them over. I got a release of steam by Seether and clicking by Cankerworm in reply by the both of them. As I looked over them I was thinking on how to improve them.

First thing I did was look over there armor, claws and in Cankerworm case fangs. I noticed seether claws needed sharpening, Cankerworm armor needed replacing too. I was never good at keeping track of time. That made me a little worried at times, being locked away for so long must of damaged my mind in more ways than one.

I got back to work as I waited for news on cryx, they have been oddly quiet for a while now. It made me worried and I didn’t like how I’ve heard nothing about them. They must of been planning something but what? I thought to myself as I remade Seether rune covered claws.

The longer I worked the more I thought about it, as well as try and work out what the cryx was planing. They could wait for years long after everyone has forgotten about them. The main trouble with cryx was they had time to wait. There was two ways the cryx could get the blood the book was talking about, they could of gotten it from Toruk of another equestria or me.

I only knew of one from another equestria, and the displaced of Everblight was planning a war with him. But from my interactions with him and the locals, as far as I saw it they needed more planning. Or finding the Toruk and kill him…

For now Maia was staying in the badlands with Tibereon, for now at least. I was going to send them to the dead world but I didn’t think Maia would like it there. I’d have to wait until more life returned to that world before sending them there. I then thought about the other lands of this world. “Maybe I should explore this world?” I said to myself, then thought of something. Why explore this world when I can explore another?

It been a year since I last saw cryx and a lot of stuff happened, I had gone to the Lab to see about that warp gate. Once the large doors to the base opened I was greeted by a number of diamond dogs, hell even some of my unliving were working down here and I saw some mantis ponies to. As I started calling them, even if they started off as clones of Rainbow Dash. They each wanted their own name and acted outside of who they were cloned after.

Anyway once I reached the gate and looked to the diamond dogs working on it. “So what do we have?” I asked walking up to the runes covering the gate. I watched at how they glowed but there was no portal to be opened. Not only that two warjacks stood on standby if anything came through.

“Not much, we know we can open it but we will have no idea where it’ll go. Or what on the other side.” Replied the diamond dog. I rubbed my scaled chin as I thought about that. I looked into my echo to look at some tokens. I then saw Rin token and thought, if anyone can help me out it’d be her.

“Mum I call on your aid, I have something you’ll want to look at.” I asked holding her token in my hand. Rin portal opened up from the ground only for Pinkie Pie to pop out before the portal closed. This confused me greatly.

“Now let’s see, where is the exit.” Rin’s voice rang out. “Oh here we are.” And with that Rin’s head popped out of Pinkie’s behind…

“What… The… Hell?!” I yelled in horror as I stared at this. I think I’m going to be sick or faint, or maybe both.

“This isn’t right. One sec.” Her head retreated back into Pinkie’s tail and I could hear her mumbling and doors opening and closing.

“Take a left at the party armory.” Pinkie suddenly said.

“Is it this steel door with all the warning signs all over it?” Rin asked.

“No that’s where I keep my secret recipes. It’s next to the chocolate milk water fountain.” Pinkie answered.

“Okay I see it.” Rin said and a short time later Rin’s hops out of Pinkie’s main. “Hey Ax, what’s up?”

I just stared dumbfounded at her, I don’t know how to respond to what I just saw? I just walked up to the nearest wall and started slamming my face into it. To try and remove what I just saw from my head.

“Ax what’s wrong?” Rin asked in a concerned voice. Once I stopped I turn to look at her.

“Okay, One what the hell! And two why was you inside of Pinkie!?” I yelled. I still felt a little ill but at least I can think straight now.

“Oh that? You know how Pinkie keeps pulling things out randomly? Well I was curious and asked her about it but got no where so I asked her if she could put me in the same place she keeps everything. You won’t believe some of the things she keeps in here.” Rin said as she climbed out of Pinkie’s mane. “Thanks Pinks, I’ll send you back home now.” Rin said as she made another portal.

“Oki-doki-loky. See ya next later!” Pinkie exclaimed before jumping in. I let out a sigh as I rub my face.

“Is...that a stargate from SG-1?” Rin finally asked.

“That’s right I haven’t showed you this place yet. Well then mum, say hello to a Die Leucht base I took after it was abandoned.” I replied then point at the gate. “This is some kind of gate made of runes and I think it’s how those bastards move around.”

“Oh… what are we doing here now exactly?” Rin asked. I smiled at this as I walk up to the warp gate.

“For one I want help using this thing to go to other worlds, without worrying that I’ll run into those guys or lead them to another displaced.” I said before looking over the runes.

“Oh, like mommys new world collecting hobby.” Rin said with a nod. I looked back at her and smiled. “Some of them I even bring home.” She said as she summons a mechanical snowglobe looking thing with a tiny sun crystal and a tiny spinning planet. “You won’t believe how complicated shrinking a planet is.”

“Well you don’t have to shrink the planet, just the dimension around it inhabit that snowglobe.” I replied before pulling out a token of a bat plushie. “Besides I had a world in mind.” I added with a grin. “How’d you like to see an equestria full of monster girls?”

“Wait if you have a token why do you need the stargate?” Rin asked.

“Because I want to link our worlds so they run on the same time line. It called a warp gate.” I replied moving away from the gate. “So any ideas?”

“My portals are shadow magic not space magic and time is more Starswirl's thing. He always believed it was his best shot at immortality to become quantum locked.” Rin said.

“Immortality overrated, away we already have most of the things we need right here. All we need to do is get this gate to work safely.” I added rubbing my head. Rin just sighed and summoned a pony skeleton through one of her portals and explained what I wanted to it. It’s initial response was less than helpful.

“You’re an idiot.” The skeleton said to me. I blinked at this before crossing my arms.

“Die Leucht has weapons that can kill Ava, so you can understand why I’m not just jumping through this thing like crazy. It thanks to them, that I lost my eye.” I explained tapping my eyepatch.

“You’re an idiot because you want to make two worlds have the same time flow. That could cause disaster.” Well, when you put it that way…

“Okay fine I’ll settle for linking the two worlds, unless that even more dangerous?” I asked.

“Permanent links between worlds are possible. Rin has such portals set up though those are shadow portals and thus aren't affected by space or time. This…” The skeleton stopped to look over the runes on the gate. “Whoever made this thing was ether stupid or crazy. The way the runes are set up it can become highly unstable mid-use.”

“You have a point, I wouldn’t put it past them to make something that not safe for anyone. I mean they worked on the G and T virus from what they took from Ava.” I explained rubbing my chin. “So what you’re saying is I’d be better off taking this gate down and making a new gate from scratch?”

“ A system of runes to make a portal from one world to another considering you already have a token to that world would be much safer than using this thing and faster than fixing all this sloppy work.” The skeleton said as he glared at the gate as if it was offending him.

“Alrighty then, let’s get to work on this puppy.” I said with a smile.

I had to give a deadpan at Rin’s insistence that the room with the new gate we made into an exact replica of the stargate room from the show. I then looked at her and sighed. “Do we really need it to look like this?” I asked, I was starting to see a pattern here. Slowly Rin turned to look at me.

“You wanted mommy’s help so you must let mommy have her fun.” Rin said in a chastising tone.

“Okay mum, I’ll let you have your fun. Just one question, how it work?” I asked in the hopes she explain it to me.

“Oh, that’s easy, Once the gates are done they will act like cell phones. Each gate has its own number and and the controls have speed dial options, in case you wind up making more. This is shadow magic so you will pass through the Shadow realm. Light magic users my feel slightly itchy when passing through.”

“So that means we’d have to build one on the other side to huh?” I asked thinking about it. Rin face pawed.

“That is what Starswirl is doing now. Didn’t you notice him taking the token and leaving after we said out loud that he was going to make the other portal?” Rin deadpanned. Wait, he took one of my TOKENS!?!

“That asshole!” I yelled before growling. “No one take MY tokens!”

[One hour later.]

The timer finally dinged. “Alright dear you don’t have to stand in the corner any more.” Rin told me. I can’t believe that just happened.

I sighed as I looked back at her annoyedly. “Really Rin? I’m well over nine hundred years old you know?” I asked walking over to her.

“And yet you threw a temper tantrum like a two year old or a Canterlot noble.” Rin replied.

“Sorry, my dragon side flared up.” I felt a little embarrassed about that. But at least this gate done now. “By the way, did he put it somewhere hidden? I don’t like the idea of everyone finding it and flooding into this place like tourists.”

“Oh, I told him to place it somewhere...private.” She said that last part in a tone like it was a joke. Her eyes sparkling with mischief. I just deadpanned at her as if to say what did you do? At that moment the shadows in the dark room pulled to the giant ring creating a black disk in the middle signaling that the other gate was finished.

“Cool, oh wait there this armor I’ve been working on I want to try out.” I looked though my echo and equip the armor. It was rathalos armor from the first monster hunter game. But this armor was blue seeing as I used my own scales and blood to make it. “How do I look?” I asked lifting up the face guard.

“... Lake a dark overlord that’s doing very well for himself.” Rin replied. That made me laugh as I put the face guard down.

“So want to go in decie and see what on the other side?” I asked walking to the portal.

“By all means.” Rin said as I passed though it felt strange, walking through the shadows. It felt like walking down a path you’re familiar with, like walking down the same street all your life. Once on the other side I was confused.

“Where the bloody hell am I?” I asked myself in the small dark space. I casted a small fire spell to light up the small space I was in, I quickly realized where I was. I was in someone bathroom? I gave annoyed look back to the wall I just walked out of. “Rin…” I asked glaring at the wall. She was living up to her title of goddess of pranks, but I let out a sigh. My guess was she could not help herself, like breathing or drinking water.

“Why does the portal open into a shower?” I asked, hoping Rin can hear me.

“Because I couldn’t fit it in the toilet.” She shouted back. I was even more annoyed by that, I crossed my arms and waited for her to walk out of the portal. I took another look at the bathroom and thought for a moment.

“Peppita must have redecorated?” I said out loud, I heard the door open and when I turned around I was meet with the harpy in question. Peppita and I stared at each other dumbfounded, before we both screamed! I screamed out of fear as her talons came right for my helmet… Let just say the next five minutes was spent with me trying to explain while the harpy was trying to kill me.

I sat at the table while Rin giggled as she treated my wounds. I didn’t like being used as a scratching post on my face… But on the other hand I have no one to blame but myself. I should have known this would happen, it like everyone want me to be the butt of every damned joke.

“I had no idea you had such a good voice for singing soprano little Axy.” Rin teased. I groaned before hitting my head on to the table. “Hey, I just healed that.” I was hit with another healing spell after that.

“So, Peppita. Sorry about showing up in your bathroom. But someone thought it’d be funny to have the exit to the portal there.” I said shooting Rin a look. Rin just looked innocently around.

“It’s….fine….no worries.” The harpy replied.

“Is everything okay?” I asked blinking at her, before looking back at Rin. “Don’t worry about her. She's a prankster goddess.” I didn’t feel the need to add more, seeing as this was their first meeting.

“Yeah, I’m fine...but what are you doing here? Veronica didn’t summon you did she?” Peppita asked and I explained.

“I wanted to make a portal linked to our two worlds, so it’d be easier for us to see each other whenever we want. Also this was my first time making one, well Rin made it.” I then felt as if something was wrong but couldn’t put my finger on it. “So yeah, I wanted to see if it’d work and now. We can travel between both worlds, I don’t think it limited to displaced ever. I think anyone can used it to go to my equestria.”

I left out the part that I wanted to see monster girls living in my equestria. Well it up to them really, there no guarantee anyone would want to live there anyway.

“Hm….best keep this a secret between us for the time begin. I prefer not to have words spread out that other being can connect to different worlds. Lord know I prefer not to have one of the other kingdoms try to take over a world or something worse.” Rin just snorted while covering her mouth.

This made me laugh, oh they have no idea the crazy stuff I have to deal with other there. I’d have more to worry about stuff from home coming here then the other way round.

“I can just imagine an army marching forth to conquer the bathroom.” Rin said with a snort. That, okay was kind of funny.

“Don’t worry I don’t plan on telling anyone about this, at least not yet. Not until I think both worlds are ready to hear about this. Why do you think I was wearing the armor?” I replied, then something came to mind. “Say what Level is Veronica now? Last time i was here for the gala she was something like lvl 10? Or was it lvl 20?”

“Twelve from the last time we meet. She’s at level twenty now.” Peppita explained, to me it almost sounded like she was proud. Like a mother with her child, it made me smile. Rin just leaned back and summoned a bowl full of treasures and dangers. Taking a necklace she tossed it in front of her mask like face and sucked it in. I’m glad to see she’s getting the hang of that and not trashing the place when she eats.

“So anything else happen? I see your guild looks more, mondan?” I asked looking around, I’ve been living in tunnels and caves in the den for so long being in a normal house feels strange to me.

“Well thanks to my brother in-law Blueblood. We finally had enough money to upgrade the guild to a somewhat decent looking guild.”

“Wait this is a guild hall?” Rin asked as she looked around. I would have said something but I left Peppita to explain. I would think Rin would be more surprised about Blueblood myself.

“Well yeah, didn’t you notice the front desk when we just walked by it moment again before entering here?” Peppita asked pointing over to it with one of her wings.

“Yes but having a front desk doesn't mean guild hall it means business. There is an adventurer's guild in my city, I guess I expected for others to look similar.” Rin replied with a shrug. “Though it's a collection of dimension hopping adventurers so I guess it would look different.”

“I think I’ll leave you to get mum up to date about this world, me I’m going to have a look around.” I added putting the helmet on that was setting on the table next to me.

“Please no exposition.” Rin said while waving a paw. “Just like to know what kind of guild this is.” I heard as I walked out the door, before closing it behind me.

***Rin pov.***

I munch on another cursed artifact as I listen to Peppita explain things.

“Hm, how do i put this without trying to go into a full explanation of this world’s history and stuff….Okay, compared to most guilds where you come from. The guilds here are a bit different than the ones in your world. We go by a level system that you would mostly see in video games. Along with that, Guilds can be different. Some can be just like yours while some can be like this one. Seeing how it’s just Veronica and I at the moment, it’s pretty much like this.”

“I see. Aside from the small numbers that sounds like the guild system in my city.” I say with a nod. I then look around with a humm. “What kind of guild is it though? An adventurers guild? Certainly doesn’t look like a merchant’s guild.” I say.

“Each kingdom has a beginner’s guild. This is Dokapon’s only guild for beginners seeing how we get a lot of those that are new around here.”

“So basically a jack of all trades guild. You deal with everything just at a lower level than those who specialize?” I ask.

“Pretty much yeah when you think about it.” Peppita replied.

“This place gets government funding? Guilds make money from their members and what you described would get inconsistent low income because the members would be crappy low levels and when they get good they would leave for a specialized guild.” I say as I scratch my head.

“.......Wow, talk about cheap shot.” said Peppita looking a little depressed. I could see the dark cloud hanging over her head. I could feel the seat drop on my head.

“I meant no offence. I’m a Dungeon Keeper displaced which is a management game. So I know how business works as I need to keep my coffers full to pay my minions.” I said to her.

“....Still….” said the harpy as she still looked a little down.

“Hmmm… Maybe I could help you out. Show me what resources you have and bills you pay. I’m sure I can find ways to boost your income.” I say reassuringly as I place a paw on her shoulder.

“Technically we don’t have to worry about paying bills or income. We get all we need from the forest outside of the kingdom, that or exploring dungeons.”

“Oh, so fetch quests and underworld treasure banks hmm?” I ask as I use the create gold spell for the raining money affect while making the ‘cha ching’ sound. “Well then why so depressed?”

“....I’m pretty sure you know.” I just tilt my head in confusion. I genuinely don’t know what’s wrong here. “Seriously? You pretty much just cheap shotted my guild!”

“I did?” I ask as I scratch my head. “I just asked a business question because it made no sense to me financially.” I reply. “Well… I’m sorry?”

“Hm….I guess I’ll let that comment slide...for now at least.” she said. This has gotten so awkward so fast. We just sat there in uncomfortable silence for a while.

***Asphyxious pov.***

My god, this can not be… Can something like this even exist? It must be a lie, but I can not hold myself back. It’s just, soooo. “How can this taste so good!” I said out loud as I ate another bean roll. It so sweet… How can this be so good~. I thought as I took another bite into my roll, I felt like I was eating heaven.

“Sir would you like another?” Asked the dragon like woman who was dressed like a maid. I had no idea why she was dressed like that, but I nod my head yes for another bean roll. I pay for it by using gems, before leaving. That was really good, now then where to go next?

I thought to myself as I took another bite of my roll, when I heard a group talking about something as they walked past. “Did you hear one of the royals from the other kingdoms is coming here?” Said the naga as she slivered past with her friends.

“I know. I can’t wait to see them, maybe there a prince!” Said the girl with bat like wings on her back and had a scorpion tail. I may need to ask Peppita about what all the races who live here are called.

“Dream on, for all you know it just some noble coming here to try and look good.” Said the one leading the group who was a earth pony. I thought about this as I took another bite out of my roll. Well it got nothing to do with me so I move on and look around.

I looked into some shops and just looked around. I also wondered if Peppita will ask Rin to move the portal so it not in her shower? The last thing I want is for the harpy to take a shower and fall into the portal.

“I wonder who could be coming here?” I asked as I walked around before setting at a table. This place was never dull as far as I could see. No matter where I looked there was always something interesting to see. “Maybe I should do this more often.” I added before eating the last of my bean roll, it was only once I was done eating that I saw someone walking up to me. Then sat at the table to face me.

“Maid, I would like to order medium rare blood fish with a side of wine please.” The woman ordered, as I saw a maid go off to fulfill the order.

“Anything for you sir?” Asked another maid, this one looked a little wolf like. I blinked for a momant before replying.

“I’ll just have water if that’s okay.” I asked, I then looked back to the one who was sitting with me. “Umm, nice evening isn’t it?” I said as we waited.

“I prefer the nighttime better than the day to be honest.” She replied, I for one can agree with that.

“True, there something relaxing about looking up at the night sky. All the stars and a full moon.” I added with a smile behind my helmet. “I could just look up at it all for hours.”

“Indeed.” She said sounding wishful, I blinked for a moment before and laughed a little.

“Sorry I don’t know your name, I’m… Asphy. Asphy Bringer.” I added holding out my hand to her.

“Really? That’s your name? You sure it’s not Asphyxious?” She asked with a smile. Oh crap, how did she know?! Wait don’t panic, there no need to panic.

“Heh, looks like you got me. I was trying to not get noticed so I could have the day to myself for a little bit.” I replied as I rubbed the back of my head. No point in trying to hide who I was now. “So how did you know of me?”

“Oh it’s not that hard to get information on you when you appeared the first time here in our world. I am always keeping an eye on Displaced that appear from off worlds. It’s still my job even if I’m no longer a citizen of Dokapon.” I wasn’t sure if I should be impressed or afraid right now. But for now things were fine, so there was no need to run away like a headless chicken.

“I’m not sure if we’ve meet before? Unless you was someone from the gala I came here to last time.” I asked, the cloak she was wearing was making hard for me to tell just who this was.

“No, but you do know a certain Vampire with two souls within herself.” This was setting off all kinds of warning bells inside my head. But I remained calm just so I could hear more.

“Who are you?” I asked as my drink was put on the table and her food. We thanked the maids as they walked off. Before going back to our, talk…

“The ruler of the Crimson Kingdom.” She said as her eyes glowed scarlet red. “Remilia Scarlet.” She removed the hood of her cloak so she could eat without it getting in the way, as I was mentally screaming at myself to run away. But the more logical side of my mind won out as if she wanted to hurt me Remilia would have done it by now.

“So what can I do for you Remilia, or should I call you your highness?” I asked, before sipping the water.

“Oh nothing really. Just wanted you to give a little warning to Veronica.” Remilia said as her cheerful expression quickly change to that of a serious one. “I don’t normally get involved in the other kingdoms, but after freeing the underground kingdom from the curse placed upon by the six heavenly kings….she made a very powerful enemy with one of them.”

“I see, may I have the name of this king?” I asked calmly before feeling Remilia foot hit my leg. I stared at her as she stared back at me.

“Bahamut, The Heavenly King of the Sky.” I nod my head slowly at her, as I felt the foot move off my shin. I felt like I should be running, but as far as i can see I was in no danger.

“Well it was lovely speaking to you miss Scarlet, but I should be going. I hope the next time we meet is it a full moon.” I said before getting up to leave, I felt really strange as I walked away. Like I could feel Remilia eyes on me. I'll worry about that later, I need to find the others.

“And that what happened.” I explained to Rin and the others, luckily for me Veronica was back. But what I found odd was what Rin was doing. It looked like she was making living cookies.

“Oh this is bad. Really, really, really bad.” Peppita said as she floated back then forth around the room. I sighed at this as Peppita was flying around.

“Look calm down I’m sure who ever this Bahamut is we can deal with him.” I said in the hopes to calm the harpy down.

“No, you can’t deal with him. Especially seeing how he’s in a different league then we are. Oh this is bad on so many levels!” She yelled, making me think she was about to try and fly through the roof.

“Would you like some comfort food?” Rin asked as she presented the harpy with a creepy looking gingerbread man that almost looked like it was giving her a peddo smile.

“Hiiiiiiiiiiiiii” It said in a creepy, drawn out greeting. “Want to have a bight of my sweet body?”

“Mum, now not the time.” I asked before looking to Veronica. “How are you holding up?”

“I...don’t know really. I’m mean what I did didn’t seem like a bad thing for breaking the seal and freeing the underground. I think being stuck underground for the past 1,500 years is enough of a punishment if you ask me. My real question is who are the Heavenly Kings?” I stared at Veronica as she asked that. Oh I knew I forgot to ask something, I thought as I facepalmed. “You forgot to ask Remilia didn’t you?”

“Yes…” I groaned as I scold myself. At times like this one of my dogs would remind me to ask about stuff like this. What was I going to do, it not like I can ask Remilia about them. She most likely gone home by now. Didn’t help that creepy feeling hasn’t gone away yet.

“You really need to ask questions more than just getting that much information.” Veronica said to me, as I was still scolding myself for being a idiot. “Normally we would ask Peppita...but given her status right now.” She said as she looks over at Peppita who was facing down on the floor passed out due to panicking. “I doubt we could get anything from her now.”

“Maybe you can look him up in the library?” One of the cookies offered. “With a title like that and being old enough to have laid a curse that old someone had to have written something about him.”

“That, a good point.” I say before getting up. “Let put Peppita to bed and head for the library.”

“You guys do that. I’ll meet you at the knight’s guild. That’s where the library is at.” said Veronica as I get up to leave.

“Okay meet you there.” I added as I walked out the door.

Rin just looked around. “So… no one wants any of my cookies?” She asked sadly to the empty room.

“Hey maybe those knights would like to eat us!” One of the cookies cheered. And with that the cookies lept from the plate and jumped out the window.

[Third pov.]

Asphyxious was reading book after book, trying to find something about these kings. Meanwhile Rin Cookies were trying to get the knights to eat them. Asphyxious let out a deep sigh as he moves on to the next book.

“Okay, why am I getting compliants of cookies chasing the knight’s around he-” Upon making her way down the stairs, Charlotte would see a familiar face in the library along with a few ponies running away from the cookies. “I fucking knew it. It was you, yeah boney bastard.”

“Run run run as fast as you can! You can’t out run a gingerbread man!” Asphyxious let out another sigh, grabs one of the cookie men and takes a bite out of it head as he was reading.

“They're my mum’s cooking go see her about it, she over there.” Asphyxious said with his mouth full, pointing at Rin who was reading 9 books at once.

“I’ll let my daddy deal with that. What are you all doing here anyway?” Asphyxious looked to the, young knight as he takes another bite out of the cookie.

“We’re trying to find out more info about the heavenly kings. Bahamut to the point, to find out why his after Veronica.” The dragonlich informed as he moved on to the next book.

“....What did you do to piss off that guy….you hit on his daughter didn’t you Asphyxious?”

“Not me, Veronica.” Asphyxious pointed out as he reads. “She broke the seal on the underground from what I heard. I’m also surprised you haven’t attacked me yet.”

“Normally I would, but right now we have more important matters to attend to.” Asphyxious looked at Charlotte as she said that. “What do you need to know?”

“Well, who he is for a start and why he's got a bone to pick with Veronica.” Asphyxious asked, as he ate the rest of his cookie.

“I’ll try to make this short and simple. I have told Asphyxious that there are six different kingdoms when he got here. But there is a place that resides in the sky that mostly of us can’t go unless you are a decendent of the heavenly kings or are one of the kings of the kingdom’s chosen champion. That place is called Avalon, the kingdom of the heavenly Kings. They rule not only their own kingdoms, but they also guard the monster kingdom from those who would try to take over it.”

“Fascinating.” said Asphyxious as he sat and listened.

“Sadly the underground kingdom was one of them that tried to do that and was the first and last to ever do that. Bahamut was the one that sealed that place away years ago as a way to teach all of us a lesson. But seeing how Veronica broke the seal….well let’s just say things are going to be difficult.”

“How long was that place sealed off for?” Asphyxious asked thinking about all the things that could live down there.

“Don’t know. I wasn’t born during that time. But my great grandmother was alive during those years.” Asphyxious let out a sigh as he knows who they will have to talk to next. “

“So who is your grandmother?” He asked, as Rin was right behind him. With Veronica who was setting on one of Rin tails.

“Grandmother Abigail is pretty much the oldest monster in town that pretty much knows almost everything from the roaring wars years ago. She’s kinda like a monster library for all your information.”

“That sounds like a really awesome granny to grow up with. She must have told the best bedtime stories.” Rin said as Veronica rubbed her face against Rin’s side while purring.

“Where can we find her?” Asphyxious asked, paying no mind to what Veronica was doing.

“At the moment she’s off on a business meeting with the King of the Crimson Kingdom. She won’t be back for a few weeks or so.” Asphyxious gave a look that just screamed something was wrong.

“Umm, there wouldn't be a queen Remilia would there?” Asphyxious asked hoping he was wrong.

“She prefer to be called King Remilia. Wait how do you know her name when I never even told you about her?”

“You see, Remilia the one who told me about Bahamut in the first place.” Asphyxious explained playing with his tail. “And she kind of here… In town… Right now.”

“I doubt she’s in town now seeing how you told me about her warning.” said Charlotte.

“Maybe she still in town and can tell us more?” Asked Asphyxious. In the hopes to salvage what was going on.

“How should I know where she is? I’m not her maid and I can’t sense people like most folks do.”

“Okay we split up and go look for her, how hard can it be?” Asked Asphyxious.

“She’s in the north west part of town near the edge.” Rin said in an innocent tone. Asphyxious just nodded and left to go find her. “You know I’m starting to get the feeling that these knights don’t like sweets.” Rin said as she looked around at the knights fleeing from the cookies.

“They do, but when it comes to something like that.” Charlotte said as she points at the gingerbread men running around. “They don’t mess with that.”

“Oh, don’t be like that. We’re delisas crunchy and filled with a sweet creamy filling. Won't you… take a bight?” One of the cookies asked Charlotte while waving its arm in front of her mouth.

“I don’t eat anything that is brought to life with magic.” The little knight said as she turns around and walks back up stairs.

“They weren't brought to life with magic!” Rin called up to her. “They’re possessed by ghosts with a vore fetish!” Upon hearing that, the knight quickly scattered around even more as they bolted out of the guild.

“That’s even worse!”

Author's Note

Crossover with https://www.fimfiction.net/user/Clockworklich and https://www.fimfiction.net/user/ElementBrigade keep an look out for part two. Mite take a while to make.

Super Baby.

***Asphyxious pov. On the train to the crystal empire.***

“I am surprised I was invited to this little get together.” I asked sitting next to Spike as we played card games. I have called Rin over to come to, seeing as I was married to Twilight and Shining armor was kind of my half brother now. It made since we’d all meet up. My only worry was that if Velvet was there I may need to hide from her.

“Well you’re apart of our family Asphyxious.” Said Twilight as she looked over at me from Starlight, To me the unliving looked worried about all this. I get the feeling Twi over working the poor girl. “Although I must ask, what kind of gift did your mother bring?” I blinked at this before looking back at Rin. The box was as big as she was and much to the unease of the other passengers it would occasionally move on its own and make strange noises.

“That kind of what I want to know, but I’m sure it not dangerous… It not is it?” I asked as I saw Rainbow looking it over.

“Oh no, it’s perfectly safe.” Rin assured. I just took her word for it before the train stopped. We all get off and on to the station, oh good lord what happened to him? I thought as we meet up with Shining armor. The poor guy looked like he didn’t sleep in days.

“You okay there buddy?” I asked, he kind of went on and on talking in rambles for a while. Before he fell asleep standing up... I kind of feel his pain but I didn’t say anything. Rin just picked him up in a soft magic bubble and started walking towards the palace.

Once inside Cadence walked us inside to the room were the baby was. “We just like to warn you, she maybe a bit strange.” I rolled my eye at this.

“Strange please, I’ve lived it how bad can it be?” I asked walking behind Twilight and her friends.

“I’m sure whatever it is we can handle it.” Twilight added as we all looked at the baby. I for the lack of a better word was surprised, I knew I would be an uncle what I didn’t know was I’d be the uncle to a baby alicorn.

“Okay… That different…” I say blinking in confusion, how were her wings that big? “Okay Mum explain please?”

“What’s to explain? When two parents make a baby the dominant genes are used. So it makes sense that she would get most of it from her mother in this case.” Rin said with a shrug. I face clawed at this, not what I was on about but good enough.

My Luna and Celestia were here to and started to explain they didn't know how a alicorn was born. Mum being the troll that she was interrupted them by telling them about the birds and the bees. I asked why didn’t Faust tell them, they replied with she was busy. Busy doing what I had no idea.

We was then taken to the heart and had the caromay explained For some reason Rin put up a barrier around the heart which she said was to stop the sonic vibrations from breaking it. How did she know!? Oh gods that is loud!

“My ears won’t stop ringing!” I called out holding my head, next thing I know the small filly was hugging my face… “umm, hello?” I said as she giggled.

“Well it looks like she likes you.” Said Shining with a smile. Oh crap I knew that look, I am not babysitting.

“We can get everything ready while he looks after Flurry heart.” Said Cadence with a smile. She’s your kid, why are you powning her off on me?! I thought as everyone was looking at me now… You to mum? What’s with that look like you know funny things are going to happen? Suddenly Rin’s head snapped to look at Flurry Heart and she tensed then back peddled.

“Incoming!” She cried out. Oh gods what now? I thought as I looked at the kid with panicked eyes. She was making faces so I thought she was ether going to burp or throw up so I lifted her up and faced her away from me. That was a mistake. Suddenly her diaper expanded like a balloon and I was pinned under it. In a manner of speaking, I saw how everyone left the room leaving me alone to change her.

I sighed before looking at her. “Well let get you a clean nappy and cleaned up.” I said as she giggled. I was just lucky everything I needed was right here.

***Rin’s Pov.***

Troll,lool,lool,lool,lool,lool! I thought to myself as we walked out of the area. Perhaps in time he two will learn how to predict the disasters of the super babies.

“Oh I brought a gift for Flurry Heart.” I said to the exhausted parents as I lifted the box. “Thought I should show you first so that you don’t jump to conclusions or freak out.”

“Well alright, what is it?” Asked Shining, as Cadence walked up to the box.

“Every kid should have a best friend.” I said as she pulled on a ribbon and let the box fall open. “She’s already been trained and great with kids.” Once they saw what was in there everypony backpedaled and even Shining looked wide awake.

“What the buck is that!?” He demanded.

“It’s a dog.” I reply. Well… okay it’s a monster dog, like a hellhound but it’s not like its demonic or anything. I look over to see the black dog with glowing green eyes. It was as big as Cadence and its mouth was full of wicked looking sharp teeth. Under its black fur it’s vanes glow a toxic green color and its tail was long and ended in a second mouth.

“It so… CUTE!” Yelled Cadence as she hugged it. To the surprise to everyone else, but Fluttershy who was smiling. “But first let get you cleaned up and put a collar on you. Does it have a name?”

“Her name is Hope.” I said with a nod. I could see most of the ponies looking at me like ‘really?’ “Her spices are highly intelligent, more so than any normal dog, and she was well trained for kids. You’d be surprised how much she could help you look after her. She’ll be Flurries best friend and bodyguard.” I say with a nod.

“Well, at least it’s not a Argus.” Said Shining as he slowly moved closer to Hope. “So what do we need to feed her?” He asked before a commotion was heard. Everyone saw Asphyxious holding on to Flurry’s hooves as she was dragging him down the hall. Hope immediately honed in on Flurry then looked at me questioningly. I just give her a nod letting her know that that was her new owner.

“Woh!” Cadence said as Hope ran over to Flurry, carrying the alicorn of love as if she weighed nothing over to the child. Flurry stopped to look at Hope curiously until Hope opened her mouth and an absurdly long tongue shot out and licked her on the face.

“You have… No idea the trouble I went though to keep an eye on her.” Asphyxious said from his place on the floor.

“Oh believe me son… I do.” I told him as I gave him a pat on the back. Flurry was now giggling as she hugged Hope’s face. “Take cover!” I cry out as I back away. Ax immediately followed my example this time. BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP! Flurry let loss strong winds that knocked over the ponies in its breath but Hope took the full force of the wind without being fazed by it. Good thing most monster dog species are so sturdy.

“My lord the pipes on her… Where did she get that from?” Asphyxious asked as Rainbow was sprawled out on top of his head. Luna laughed as her sister sighed.

“Oh this is nothing. I used to babysit two kids with the same power all the time.” Rin said as she watched Flurry and Hope happily playing. Though it didn’t bother Hope everyone could see that Flurry could have easily killed a normal dog with some of her playing.

“So what do we do now?” Asphyxious asked after helping Rainbow wake up. Twilight had shielded the rest of her friends from the baby burp, so they were fine.

“Well Hope can easily keep Flutter occupied and keep her from running off so she could look after the kid as needed.” I say and I see Shining look at the Hope with… well, hope.

“Oh as for your previous question, You might need to get the dog food shipped from the griffins. I’ll give you a few large bags of what she eats so you can get a steady supply.” I say with a shrug. “The name of this dog’s spices… is Bone Eater.” I say as I summon a large bone and toss it to Hope who eats it like it was a dog biscuit.

“Well then seeing everything in hand, let’s get ready for the crystallizing.” Said Shining Armor. Everyone agreed as they went through on what should happen.

***Asphyxious pov.***

After seeing the light show and everyone turned crystal again, I wasn’t impressed. However I’d be wrong if I say it didn’t make my lovers look more interesting.

“I...am not amused.” Rin deadpanned. I looked at her and laughed. Her fur stood strait up and spiked so now she looked like a crystal hedgehog. I then felt Luna stand next to me, and I swear I felt her hand on my hip. I looked down at her and smiled as she smiled back at me.

“I’m just going to take a nap in one of the guest rooms.” I said out loud as I walked off, I looked back from time to time to see Luna was following me. I smiled as we both entered a room and locked the door.

I woke up in the middle of the night, I didn’t know why but I felt restless like something was wrong. I looked down to find a sleeping Celestia to my surprise. I finally got out of bed, then after getting dressed I went out for a walk around the palace.

It all looked so different at night, but I didn’t like how fake the sky was. It should be colder than this. I thought as I continue my walk. No matter how nice it was in the crystal empire, it felt like one big cage to me.

I then smelt something, something unfamiliar? I followed the scent as I walked softly. I followed the smell to a room. I used my eyeless sight to look inside, sadly it didn’t work. The palace was full of magic and it was blocking my sight.

“Looks like I’ll have to find out the old fashioned way.” I calmly said as I opened the door. As soon as I did something felt wrong… Once inside I saw this was Flurry’s room, the first thing I saw was Hope was missing and blood was on the floor.

“RIN!” I yelled as I go down to where the blood was, as soon as I touch it I felt something was wrong. The blood was sticky, old and going by the smell had a number of chemicals in it. I then smelt rot, it was Cryx! How did they get in here, where did they go now!? I didn’t wait as I jump out the window and land. I look up and follow the smell of death, I had to find them and fast!

I didn’t slow down as I ran, I followed the trail until I heard fighting. I saw Luna was fighting some kind of undead minotaur. It gave out a roar as it swing it axe at Luna shield. “Hurry they took the baby that way!” Luna called out as she was fighting, I did as she said and kept running. I know she could take care of herself, I was more worried what they will do to Flurry.

I still remember the old books I used to read about cryx. As well as the books I have now, with the right training. Flurry could be turned into a powerful warcaster one day. But if cryx got their claws on her, they turn her into a deadly necromancer. I heard a howl as I saw Hope fighting something. Something tall, familiar and glowing green.

“Get away you beast!” Yelled the lich as it swings it staff at Hope who bit the tip off and ate it. This didn’t seem to deter the Lich as it fired a spell at her the lich missed as she jumped out of the way. It skull was that of a unicorn.

“Damn it where is Rin!? Did she go home?” I ask as I pull out her token. “Mum get your fluffy ass over here now!” A portal opened up in the ground which Rin popped out of wearing Batman Pjs. “Alright I’m here what’s the…” Rin stopped as she looked around. I saw the lich was holding some kind of cage in it other hand. And from the way he was looking at mum I get the feeling he can feel the dark power rolling off of her.

“You would make a fine bride for our lord and master.” It said.

“Your lord? You’re giving off a familiar aura. Wait, do you work for a demigod dragon with a thing for death? I remember that guy from devine high school! He was always going on about how he was going to be king of the dragons or something like that. Poor guy kept getting his head dunked into the holy toilets by the war gods.” Rin said as if recalling something from long ago.

“I see the one who killed Dagger is here as well.” It said bring my attention back to it.

“Wait, how do you know that lich?” I asked looking at the sleeping form of Flurry in the cage. The lich laughed.

“I was his teacher.” He replied snapping his metal fingers as two helljacks dug their way out of the ground. “But he was to inpatient and well, you know the rest.” Rin looks up at the two jacks before opening another portal and out came Vinyl and two of Rin’s giant flesh golems.

“Vinyl want to play with your new model?” Rin asked and Vinyl jumped around excitedly. The lich back away as the two Helljacks walk forward.

“Aw heck ya! Wait till you guys check out my jack!” Vinyl cheered as a black and blue warjack climbed out of the portal before it closed. On its back were long metal spikes with balled tips with arcs of electricity jumping around them. Vinyl then jumped onto its back and let the energy shoot through her with a manic grin. “I named this model, Shock Box!” At those words music started playing from a pair of speakers on its chest that was so loud it made my teeth rattle.

“A lightning jack? Cool.” I said as I watched the Iron lich backing away. I saw one Helljack run at the flesh golems, before driving it claws into their fleshy hide. The golem being a souless undead could feel no pain so it just raised its massive hammer to bring down on the jack. The other one ran at Shock Box who Vinyl had decided should have a grappling contest with the other jack. As soon as they touched electricity shot through the Helljack while the speakers amped it up making the entire Helljack vibrate.

I saw the Iron Lich make a run for it past the barrier and I ran after him. Once on the other side I was worried Flurry wouldn’t last long in this cold when I saw the cage in the Iron Lich hand had it own shield.

“I know when to cut my losses.” He said, the next thing I saw made my eye widen in terror. He throw the cage into the air! I ran past the Iron lich without thinking and cate the cage. I let out a sigh as I saw Flurry was okay and was awake, I then felt pain… I slowly looked down to find the end of a blade sticking out of my gut. I slowly looked back in rage, as the Iron Lich looked into my eye. "Thank you for your contribution.”

I felt the blade pulled away as I fell in the snow holding the cage, I could hear Flurry crying, the last thing I saw was the Iron Lich wipe the tip of the blade into a glass vile. Then everything went black.

I slowly woke up in a bed surrounded by black crystals and Rin sitting over me. “Am I dead?” I asked blinking slowly, my gut still hurt and so did my back. Just what the hell did that Iron Lich stab me with?

“No your not dead.” Rin deadpanned. “I found you laying in your own blood and that other lich picking up that cage from your grasps." Rin told me. Oh god don’t tell me they took her. I thought as I felt like my heart was going to brake, I failed… “Stop! He didn’t get away with her.” She reassured.

“He… Didn’t?” I asked as I felt relief fill my mind.

“No, Hope saw to that.” Rin said as she used her magic to lift the now empty cage, with the lich’s arm still holding on to it. “He got out of there pretty fast when the faithful dog fetched its owner.”

I laughed a little at that, I then looked up at her. “I thought you stay the night, I didn’t know you went back home.” I said smiling at little. “Thanks for coming back… Twilight and the others are worried aren’t they?” I asked knowing full well after almost being killed by a Iron Lich they want to know I was okay.

“You could say that.” Rin said as she looked over to a hole in the wall. I stared at it before looking back at mum. “Fluttershy broke down the door. And the wall around it.”

“I… Guess we can thank my blight for that… I never did know how much it changed them physically. I only thought it changed how they looked.” I explained looking back at the wall. Note to self, never make Fluttershy angry.

“And Twilight tried to learn dark magic so that she could curse the lich through his arm.” Rin added. I sighed at this as I rub my face. “Tell her it pointless, the arm is just a tool. A part that can be replaced at any time, that why he didn’t stay and fight. The members of cryx can lose an arm or leg without a care. Once their task is done there no need to stay.”

“I did. Items only work if the owner felt attached to it. And I already informed her that he didn’t after trying it myself.” She said. I then thought about something. “Also” Rin then whacked me on the head making me yelp. “That’s for not telling me Flurry was in that cage!”

“Cryx aren’t known for giving up, they’ll try to take Flurry again. Not right now but they will try.” I said trying to set up and grunt at the pain.

“I figured as much. I’ve been thinking as building a dungeon heer and claim the entire empire. Even before my ascension a keeper is a god on their own land. I can hit them with spells and if they attack or break anything I’ll know they’re there.” Rin said. “My only reasons for hesitation are the fact it will taint the empire and crystal heart with dark magic and the crystals turning black might evoke a negative reaction in the locals. Also should any of the Cryx figure out how to make their own dungeon hearts. Imagine what they could do. Each caster will be like fighting their master in their territory.”

I can understand that, but something was bugging me. “I saw something before I blacked out. The Iron Lich took some of my blood… What’re your thoughts?” I asked.

“The blood of the brother.” She said without hesitation.

“Right but I’m not his brother… And I damn well not call myself his son. That thing does not have the right. So why take the blood? Maybe they think it’ll work?” I asked thinking this over.

“You’re being too literal son. Magic doesn't care if you’re born related or even adopted. It just needs the connection to work. And with all those hearts you ate to make yourself one of his kind there is a strong possibility that it will work.” Rin answered. She right, I am a fool.

“We still have time, they need to get things ready. That will gave us time to find them.” I added thinking on that as I look at my belly. “By the way, why hasn’t this healed completely yet?”

“You know Horny’s synth is the same way. It’s called a cursed wound. Until the curse is removed nothing can heal it. And even when it is removed it never heals right.” Rin said. I sighed as I realize what it was.

“Grievous wounds...” I said out loud. “It a rune spell used on weapons. Magic won’t close the wounds so it’ll have to heal the old fashioned way. Looks like I’m stuck here for a while.”

“Hmmm, must have been one of the things you left out of my copy.” Rin said with a head shake. To be far there was not a lot of rune plate designs in the book. I left out the ones I didn’t think she could use.

“The vault I found that you saw with me. Some of those books talked about rune plates. That leaves a question, how much do the pony cryx know?” I asked thinking about that.

“Their master is the original dragon right? So whatever he feels like giving them. Which is whatever he gave the human ones.” Rin said with a shrug. I guess she was right, that didn't make me feel any better.

“How was Flurry, she alight?” I asked looking up at Rin. She just smiled as she looked back down at me.

“Never better. The whole thing was just one big amusement park ride for her.” Rin told me. I looked at my belly and point at it.

“Even this part? I heard her crying before I blacked out.” I added, then saw a shadow on the floor next to the hole in the room. Guess someone eavesdropping. I thought as I closed my eye.

“Well she’s sleeping peacefully with her puppy now.” Rin said. I smiled as I nod my head, that was good. Some uncal I turned out to be, couldn't even stop them from taking my own niece. “Anyways I think it’s time the others come in and talk to you. So you can all stop hiding back there.”

I smiled as I opened my eye, and this time I saw everyone poke there heads out from the side of the wall. Fluttershy on the other hand ran in and hugged me. I hugged her back as she started to cry on my shoulder.

“I was so scared!” She cried as I rub her back. I then saw Twilight and Pinkie looking on. I rolled my eye and wave for them to join in. Pinkie balled her eyes out as she joined in on the hug. Twilight just smiled and held my head, I then saw Rainbow smark at this as Applejack. Grabbed her by the tail and walked off with her.

Huh, wonder if they’re an item? I asked myself as I tried to calm my three wives down. “Girls I’m fine, I just need to heal up for a few weeks is all.” I said only for Pinkie to put a finger to my lips.

“If you ever scare us like that again, I swear I’ll get Muad to use the Bolder Holder on you!” She yelled before hugging me. I blinked at this as I looked at Twilight questionly. What the hell is the bolder holder? “But I’ll never do that to you, If Muad did use that move on you. How will you give me and Twilight fillies.” Wait, WHAT?! I now have a new found fear of Muad… And some how found it kind of hot, what is wrong with me?! I looked back at mum as she started to cross her hind legs reflexively.

“Well darling you know what this means now that your, old coat is ruined?” Asked Rarity, oh god no. I liked that coat, I do not need a new one. The look in her eyes were sparkling, why can’t I say no to those eyes? And why do they all have to look so hot?! I just sighed as she went on on what to add to it. I hear Twilight, Pinkie and Fluttershy laugh at this. I then thought of something, I look at Rarity’s outfit and think about what my wives would look like wearing that dress.

“Here make him some of these too. One for each wife.” Rin said as she pawed over a picture before leaving the room. Rarity studied the image with fascination and I can see the gears turning in her head. Thin she read something at the bottom.

“What does a dark mistress even do?” She asked and that made my face go red. Oh god why, I asked myself as i cover my face with my wings. As I could not stop Twi, Pink or Shy from taking a look.

“Oh, those give a lot of freedom for the legs. I can wear those for my hops around ponyville!” Pinkie said with a smile. Kill me now, please. I thought as I cover my face with my hands now.

“I’d like one t-too.” Said Fluttershy and I just tried to sink into the bed. For the love of all things good, make them stop!

“What do you think the whip is for?” Asked Twilight. Oh god now I can’t get that image out of my head! It so wrong but so sexy, someone make them stop!!! “You know, I bet Cadence would like one to.” ...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

***Rin’s Pov.***

I suddenly stop when I felt a disturbance in the force. It was like millions of pent up horn dogs suddenly cried out in anguish, then were silenced...HA! I continue on my way to the couple’s room where I found Cadence laying with the dog in her bed curled up and acting as Flutter’s bed while daddy dearest was standing guard over them.

“Hope I’m not interrupting.” I say as I slink in. Armor smiled and shook his head as he looked back at his wife and daughter.

“I’m just making sure there sleeping, Cadence wouldn't stop worrying.” He said setting on the side of the bed. “I never imagined something like this would happen. Right under our muzzles to.”

“Actually that’s what I came to talk to you about. Security for your family.” I told him. He looked up at me and nodded his head.

“I’m all ears, I looked into this when Flurry was brought back. Nun of the guards saw anything out of place. So they must of used some kind of magic to stay hidden until they were ready to… try and take Flurry.” He said.

“I have two options that could help. The first is gifting this place with a dungeon heart. It is a powerful artifact that will turn the empire into my territory. Once an outsider tried any trouble in a dungeon keeper’s territory the keeper will know about it no matter how well they can cloak themselves. The keeper can then cast spells in that territory whether they are there are not with pinpoint accuracy and transport their troops around it like pieces on a game board.” I told him.

“Sounds almost to good to be true, what the downside?” He asked.

“The artifact is a dark one. The crystal heart will be tainted by the stronger artifact and though it won’t affect the citizens I don’t think they will react well to the crystals all turning black.” I told him. Shining Armor had a thoughtful look on his face.

“What the other option?” He asked looking up at me.

“If I claim her as my minion then I can move her around as I can them, like pieces on a board. She stays here and if she’s attacked I know about it instantly and pull her into my world. However if she is caged before I can do this I can’t pull her out so if they bind her fast enough I can only send troops and they fight normally. As the land will not be mine I can’t get a heads up and nore will you. The drawback to this one is nothing can be done untill they already have her.

He locked his fingers together thinking long and hard before looking up at me. “How large does your territory need to be before you know somepony entered into it?” He asked.

“I know when they interact with something in my territory. Simply opening a door will do.” I reply.

“What if, bear with me on this. What if we had this Dungan heart somewhere far enough away it won’t affect the land. But you clame small areas of land as your territory, like say the main gates to the empire? Or the front door of the palace, Could that work?” He asked.

“I could build a heavily fortified dungeon outside your lands and have my imps claim bits and pieces of your land and only chunks of the palace. But that dark power moved through any claimed land I have. Think of the dungeon as a literal heart and the dark magic as its blood. It will still get into the crystal empire even if not all of it goes black.” I informed him. He let out a heavy sigh.

“What do I do, on one hoof I can keep my daughter safe. On the other I can keep the crystal ponies piece of mind. If the crystal ponies start seeing dark crystals showing up all over the place they’ll think Sombra is back or worse. They’ll think we’re using dark magic, I don’t know what to do.” He sighed putting his hands over his face. “I wish dad was here… He always knew what to do.”

“If you're stuck on this you can always look to the more experienced and ask the sisters. Or try explaining things to the crystal ponies and see if you can get them to understand.” I suggest.

He looked up at me, with worry in his eyes. “There no guarantee, all I can do is ask them and if they say no then… I’ll have to ask Cadence what she thinks is best for Flurry.”

“I think this was the kind of thing Celestia was worried your son would do. Now we’re finding out ponies are more than willing to turn to the dark arts. When did things go so wrong for them? Why are they even doing this, are they unhappy we’ve tried to lived for and keep peace for so long?” He asked as he looked back at his sleeping wife.

“I’m not sure myself. I became a creature of darkness against my will and I was always immune to the negative effects of using it. I didn’t even know about them until a unicorn brought it up when he caught me using necromancy.” I say with a shrug.

“Well thank you for the offer miss Rin. I’ll talk with Cadence about it in the morgan. I think we could all use some sleep.” He said letting out a yawn.

“Of coarse. I’ll leave some sleepless guards if it will help you sleep better?” I ask. He nodded yes before laying down next to Cadence. “...Keep them safe.” I order as I leave I can see creatures made from pure darkness move across the ground like spilled ink before blending with the shadows on the wall.

“Yes your higness…” He mumbled before falling asleep. As the doors closed behind me I heard the sound of someone running? It was Rarity running towards me.

“Miss Rin I’m so glad I found you!” I quickly seal her mouth shut with my magic.

“Shhhh! The baby and her parents are sleeping.” I tell her while pointing to the door. I then let her mouth go.

“Oh, I’m so sorry I didn’t know. But anyway I want to thank you for what you gave me. It gave me so many new ideas and… Well, I need more material please.” She asked smiling at me with those big eyes.

“I’m not much for cloths. I just gave you something humans already made. That’s really all I can give you unless you want to make some orders for raw materials. Spider’s silk is the biggest trade material my city produces for trade.” I tell her. Rarity hummed rubbing her chin.

“I’ll need to make a demo before agreeing to order this spider silk in large volumes. But want I wanted to know is if you had any more works like this?” She asked holding up the picture I gave her. “Or something like it if you can?”

“I’m sure you will order in bulk. Every Rarity I’ve ever met has gone gaga over spider's silk. Softer than any other silk and stronger than steel. It always makes the Rarities cloths into must haves. As for other pieces of human fassion... Allow me to introduce you to a little thing called, anime.” I say as I summon some silk and let her feel it. Rarity eyes went wide as soon as she touched it before asking.

“What is Anime?” She asked as Rarity found herself taking the silk. I respond by conjuring paper and imprinting images of different anime characters in their outfits from all sorts of different styles. Rarity smiled as she looked through them but stared at one.

“Oh my, that leaves a little to show doesn't it?” She asked looking back at me. I just shrug at this. “Well ever way I can work with this.”

“Not all anime is clean. Some of these I gave you to make into bedroom where.” I answered. “You should be able to tell which is which.”

“So much to make so little time.” Rarity purred as she walked off with the art work I gave her. It even put a sway in her step. Hook, line and sinker. At this rate I’m going to need more spiders.

***Next day. 3ed pov***

“Everything looks in order, are you sure there no side effects to using this miss Rin?” Asked Rarity, as she looked at the spider silk in her hands. I wasn't surprised she had gotten to work on new outfits already.

“What side effects could you possibly be expecting? Spider silk is just the highest quality of silk there is. As long as the spiders don’t cover the webs in that sticky gunk it won’t even stick.” Rin deadpanned.

“Well that take a load off my mind, thank you darling. Oh do you want to see some of the new outfits?” She asked getting excited.

“Not even remotely.” Rin answered in a cheery tone.

“Oh come now, I want your opinion on these before I give them to Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie.” She asked before using her magic to bring the dresses. With a wave of her tail Rin had that look on her face that most guys get when their girlfriends make them go clothes shopping with them.

“I just want to know if you wanted to order more spider silk.” Rin said as she shifted backwards as if getting ready to run the moment she got her answer. That when the first manikin was brought out.

“Well, yes I think I’ll order more. Just not a lot, I want to try it out with some more things before I work on a full dress.” Rarity replied as she looked over the dress.

“Okay I’ll send a imp to get your order later bye!” Rin calls out as she runs like the devil was at her heels out of the room and down the hall. Rarity pouted as she looked back at where Rin was, before looking back at the dress she was making.

“I’ll have to make something for Miss Rin one of these days. As a thank you gift.” Said Rarity with a smile as she went back to work.

***Rin’s POV***

Dodged a bullet there. When I was woken up this morning and told that an important, life changing decision on an offer I gave was made I expected to be taken to the happy couple not to Rarity.

“Oh there you are, I’m happy we found you.” Cadence called over as she walked up to me. She was still wearing pj’s and slippers.

“I trust this is not about clothes or anything frilly?” I asked hopefully. Cadence looked confused before giggling at this.

“No this is about your offer.” Cadence explained.

“Okay, so do you want to talk somewhere private or what?” I asked her. Cadence shook her head before speaking.

“I wanted to know something, this dungeon heart. It’ll turn crystals dark not evil right?” She asked sounding hopeful.

“No not evil. Dark magic will flow through the earth in areas I’ve claimed but it's just raw power, the only sentient influence that would affect the crystals would be me. It won’t affect any ponies near them...Unless they were dumb enough to eat them.” I add.

“There… Have been cases like that.” Cadence replied sounding embarrassed. “Anyway I was talking to your son and he had an idea that might make the crystal ponies more agreeable to this. One was to show them around, the other was he could farm any wild dark crystal that might grow outside of an area you control. What do you think?”

“If he wants to harvest the crystals that’s fine. Though the only things he can do with them is using them in dark magic rituals or making dark or cursed artifacts.” I say with a shrug.

“He said something about that, he asked me to ask you. What if he broke them down, could they be used as fuel for his machines?” Cadence asked who sounded like she wasn’t sure about that idea.

“Fule? You mean he wants to make them into mana batteries?” I asked. “Hmmmm, Well energy is energy. My jacks run on my dark magic with no problems but he should only use them for the cryx models or custom ones with their energy system.”

“I’ll let him know that, by the way how long will you be staying with us?” Cadence asked.

“At this point I’ve just been waiting on you guys to decide.” I told her. Cadence nodded at this before smiling.

“Well then, by my right as princess of the empire I will take your offer to place a dungeon heart in our lands.” Cadence replied. “Now come on, Flurry just found your Son and won’t leave him alone.” She added with a giggle as Cadence started to walk away.

“Sure, would you like it in the palace itself or out in the frozen wastes and just work my way over?” I ask as I follow.

“Outside is fine, it’ll also give us time to explain everything to the others.” Cadence said as she opened the room to Asphyxious room. In side Flurry was setting on his head, as Hope was laying on top of him.

“Nice hat.” I compliment before summoning some imps. “Head out into the frozen wastes, preferably at the bottom of a chasm or around ice spikes to better hide it and start digging down, the Riddler special.” I told them and the saluted and ran off.

“So about my ideas? Will they work?” Asphyxious asked, as Flurry found one of his horns on his head to hug. “Or do I have to worry about them exploding? ...More than usual.”

“Your jacks are exploding? You know to check the finished mana batteries for any cracks right?” I ask. Asphyxious let out a long sigh, before Flurry start to climb down from his head.

“Yes but that's not why they explod, three words. Gear Shift and Kat. My best engineers, they like to try and find new ways to improve the warjacks. Sometimes things get out of hand… That’s why I gave them a area with a lot of space to work in and only one reinforced door. Big enough for a warjack to walk out of, but locks from the outside. With lots of normal doors for anyone inside to get away.”

“I can understand that. But i that’s the case it’s best if you don’t use them for mana batteries unless you forbid them from using them when experimenting. Unfocused dark magic in the air can cause nasty mutations.” I warn.

“That’s my plan, I also set up the jacks engine into a engine block. Can be easily replaced with the older steam powered stuff. I only have like Ten jacks that use the mana batteries, the rest use the standard.” Asphyxious explained as Flurry jumps on Hope. “I also make it a point with those two if they're going to experiment with jacks, they will have to build a jack from the ground up to use. They’ve taken to naming the testjack as they call it Junk Rat. That thing cortex survived so much it ridiculous. There a pool on what’ll happen to it next in the den.”

“Well as long as you follow that simple rule they’re useable as mana batteries.” I told him as I created a barrier around me and Cadance. Asphyxious looked at me confused before slowly looking to Flurry.

“Mum, you do know I’m still healing right?” He asked as Flurry looked like she was about to sneeze.

“Oh fine you big baby.” I say as I open up and pull him in and closing it. But my entertainment wasn’t lost as Twilight entered.

“Hey g- why are you in there?” She asked as she walked up to us. That was when Flurry sneezed. Launching Twilight into the wall of the barrier. Slowly she slid down the barrier wall while making that squeegee on glass sound before falling onto the ground.

“Constitute!” I call out to Flurry as I let the shield drop. Asphyxious just face palmed at this.

“Oh so this was what you meant?” Said a male stallion voice. As Starlight the unliving walked in followed by a orange unicorn with a cloak and a lot of books. Nooooooo!!!! My entertainment! I saved the Crystal Heart so he wouldn’t come!

“Who’s this?” Asphyxious asked a Starlight smiled sheepishly. As she explained he was her old friend.

“This is my old friend Sunburst, he has a lot of books and when I started telling him about what happened to me well… He really wanted to meet you.” Starlight said as Sunburst was looking at his books before handing a piece of paper to Cadance. Damn it! So many funny situations wasted!

“Hey mum you okay? You look like you're about to pop?” Asphyxious asked looking up at me.

“Nobody has more books than me!” I say in an accusing tone while pointing at Sunburst hoping Ax thinks that’s what it was about.

“I’m sure that not the case Mum, everyone knows you have the largest Library in the multiverse.” Asphyxious said as Sunburst played with his glasses.

“You have the largest library in the multiverse? I’d love to see that some time, if that of course it alright with you?” I puffed up my chest in pride.

“It is. I’m sure you will be impressed. Billions of books on the arcane and other subjects gathered from countless worlds and it’s still growing.” I inform him. He smield calmly as he had a thoughtful look on his face.

“Fascinating.” He said as Starlight rolled her eyes before smiling.

“I am the goddess of lost and forbidden knowledge. So most of my followers are wizards. Any knowledge they get or discover a copy instantly goes to the library. Though their is a limit placed on any Twilight Sparkles as they would starve to death if we didn’t kick them out after so much time.”

“I find it hard to believe any pony would take their work that far to starve to death?” Asked Starburst.

“Want to meet one of my librarians. She’s the reason that the rule was placed.” I said as I create a portal and pull in an undead twilight.

“Hey! I was reading!” She cried with her rotting mouth which was missing its lips showing her teeth.

“I,umm… I’ll take your word for it. But why is she so different from Starlight? Aren’t they both the same kind of undead?” Starburst asked. Asphyxious smiled at this before looking at Starlight as she blushing.

“No Twilight here is a rotting zombie who starved to death while literally there was a place to eat in the next room over. Starlight became what she is because some bastard did that to her.” Rin answered.

“I don’t understand?” Starburst began but Asphyxious stop him there.

“Let just say before she looked like this, she was missing a lot more body parts. That a friend of mine help get back.” Asphyxious explained as Starlight was blushing even harder. She even held her cloak closer to herself. Starburst looked confused before his eyes widened a bit.

“Oh… I see.” Starburst began before finding the rest of the room more interesting right now.

“Anyways my imps have dug a good thirty miles underground and have already started making the labyrinth now so I’m going to set up the dungeon heart. You might want to give the heads up soon as imps work insanely fast. It won’t take them too long to claim territory at their level.” I told Cadance.

“Mind if I come along to observe?” Asked Starburst. “I’d like to find out more about how your magic works. Don’t worry I just want to learn more about magic.” I hum at this. It’s not like you can learn how to make a dungeon heart by watching one be made. I shrug and create another portal to the depths.

“Sure but don’t touch it.” I warn before hopping through. Starburst followed landing on his flank. He ground before getting up and collecting his things. “Stay in the corner.” I order as I summon a lot of gems, a crystal orb filled with life force and a knife. Once he was hugging the walls I began. I whispered the dark ritual and I transmuted the gems and held up the orb to feed life force into the artifact as I cut myself and bleed black, tar like blood into the swirling mass as it sank into the ground and solidified. ‘Bubump bubump bubump’.

“Wow, so that it then?” Starburst asked as he looked at it from where he was standing. “Hmmm, I wonder if it anything like the crystal heart?” He asked tapping his chin thoughtfully.

“In the strictest since it’s the dark magic equivalent and much more powerful. Though it’s function is far more complex and thankfully so is making it. It may appear easy for me but I’m a goddess with years of experience.” Okay that and it was force fed how to make them into my brain but no need to tell him that.

“I think I understand, the crystal heart was found. Whoever made it had a fixed point and limit in mind for it use. This dungan heart is like taking the base idea and expanding on it.” Starburst said as he walked up to me.

“Actually the first makers of dungeon hearts never heard of the Crystal Heart. The idea when taking them was to simulate god hood. Even a mortal with a heart is very powerful in the land they claimed with it. Such as being aware of all that happens in your land, being able to move minions around on your land like pieces on a game board and casting spells with pinpoint accuracy in your claimed land even if you yourself are nowhere near the target are just a few of the abilities a dungeon heart allows.” I lecture as I summon more imps. “Claim, fortify, dig.” I order and they get to work.

“Amazing, you wouldn't mind if I document this would you? I understand if you don’t want me to. I can see a lot of ways somepony could abuse the dungan heart powers.” Starburst asked as he was taking notes of the imps and what they were doing.

“You may not. Even though this room is many miles underground and will be protected by miles and miles of complex tunnels and deathtraps the dark power of a dungeon heart is not something I want getting out. Imagine if the Cryx figured out how to produce these things.” I told him.

“I see, Starlight told me about them and the time she spent with them... Alright I understand.” Starburst said as he handed the notes he already started on to me which I burn right away. It was mostly just theory work anyways.

“Yes well even if a good pony wanted to use it dungeon hearts flood their owners with tones of dark magic so I can’t see many of them being able to handle it anyways.” I told him as we moved on to a large room down a long hall as I created steel door after steel door finishing with a secret door to hide it which I locked. “Now for a boss monster.”

“Umm, what?” Asked Starburst confused. It was like he never played rpg games.

“A boss level monster is a powerful minion that acts as the last and strongest guardian.” I inform him as I look through my options in my head.

“Oh I see, well I guess i should leave you to your work. Umm, Miss Rin how do I get back?” He asked before seeing one of the wall drawings. “Wait, is… Is that miss Twilight?” I facepaw at this.

“For some reason imps like to carve porn in the walls.” I groan as I make a portal. “Just go through that. You’ll get lost and die if you try to navigate the multi layered several miles in all directions maze.”

I found him staring at one wall drawing that was of Starlight and he was blushing so hard it looked like his fur turned red. Considering it’s freezing down here I’m surprised he can feel like that. With a sigh I pick him up with my magic and float him over the portal before stopping. Carefully I put him back down where he can go back to looking at the starlight porn and took some pictures of his reaction to it. I then send the pictures to Starlight. Having done that I slam dunked him through the portal and closed it leaving him in Starlight’s room. Well I got work to do.

Author's Note

Another crossover.

That Was Unexpacted.

***Asphyxious pov in his workshop.***

After helping Palutena I then go back to sleep, after waking up I vaguely remember something about her having her babies or something? I was half asleep and panicking to much to care at the time. Looking back on it I was useless.

“This year has been crazy…” I said to myself, before working on my warjacks. I have been upgrading them for a while now. Mira likes to visit my den from time to time, she a sweet worm… thing. Twilight twins ran me ragged when she came over from Everblight world. Still enjoyed when they came over, Twiblight as she started calling herself had a field day when her other self came over.

“Maybe I’ll just read books today, what do you think?” I asked Seether. The warjack looked at me after I asked that. I sighed shaking my head hearing my warjacks simple reply. It was a mix between a purr and a growl, well it did have the soul of a big cat in side of it. “Maybe you’re right… I need some time off.”

I then had a thought, maybe I should make Ava and Palutena a warjack? That could be fun. After that I started to work on a few things, the more I thought about it. The more I tried to make the warjacks I’m working on, fit with Ava and Palutena style…

“Maybe I should work on my magic?” I said putting Seether armor back on. After all the crazy stuff that happened, I could do with a holiday. “Hmmmm, that’s something to think about.”

I went off to Palutena's temple to see if I can take a week off in her Equestria, it looked like she was starting to get some followers already. I could see some diamond dogs around, now where do I call her from? “I’ll just use her token. Hey Palutena you busy?” I asked after getting her token.

A long drawn out sigh greeted me, guess she had her hands full with the kids. “I wont be able to come over if you need help Ax, however if you promise not to break anything I guess you are welcome to come over.” Palutena replied and then after a pause “Oh and no scaring the foals with detachable limbs.”

I raised my brow at that, what makes her think I’d do something like that? I don’t do that to my own kids. “I’m cool with coming over and no worries, I don’t plan on having my limbs being removed.”

“Oh and while I remember no hitting on Galaxy-eyes prime photon dragon or me while in her presence. It won't end well for you,” Palutena added a hint of worry entering her voice. I was just confused, was this Galaxy eyes some kind of monster card?

“No worries I have my hands full back home with Twiblight and Twilight.” I replied waiting for the portal. I’ll have to be careful once I get there, but hey I was going there to chill out not start trouble.

[Palutena’s world]

Palutena paced around the portal room, waiting for Ax to appear for his visit. She hummed as eight foals floated in her magic or were carried in her arms. The portal room now directly connected to the font of worship a font of faith that Palutena created and could call upon if needed and allowed her to hear the prayers of her worshippers.

When Asphyxious walked out of the portal he was dressed oddly. He was wearing sun glasses, had a straw hat on and was in shorts. “Hi.” Asphyxious said with a small wave, he looked like he was ready to stay for a while. If the bag in hand was anything to go by.

“Haywaii is about three hundred KM off the east coast of Equestria, that a way,” Palutena deadpanned, while pointing east. Asphyxious laughed as he walked over.

“I don’t need sand and hot sun to have a good time.” He replied before noticing the foals. Asphyxious looked a little confused at that before just shrugging.

“Yes well try and keep it in your metaphorical pants while your here, especially around my foals, okay?” Palutena replied seriously.

“Look who’s talking, unlike you and Ava I can control myself.” Asphyxious said as he started to walk. “No worries I’ll behave, now where a good hotel?”

“Oh so you finally stopped being a tease around mother then?” Palutena smirked.

“I never said that.” Asphyxious replied with a grin.

“Yes, well one of these days Mom will trap you and you won’t escape and then all the frustration will be unleashed upon you. Anyways, follow me I will show you to the private library/lounge,” Palutena explained as she moved to leave the room, outside Asphyxious noticed two spiral staircases one leading up and the other leading down, he followed Palutena who was working her way up the staircase leading up.

“Is it just me or has this place gotten bigger?” Asphyxious asked as he followed her.

“My private rooms, the ones not open to the public are all apart of a pocket dimension which became a necessity once it became clear that I’d need more space for portals, books and bedrooms, like the Doctor’s Tardis,”

“Please tell me your rooms are not like Ava’s. Let just say… Well no need this is Ava we’re talking about.” Asphyxious asked looking a little worried.

“There isn’t a milking room or a sex dungeon,” Palutena deadpanned. He gave out a sigh in relief at that.

Palutena rolled her eyes and continued up until they reached the third landing and balcony which held the Library/Lounge. Palutena walked over to a set of recliner chairs and eight cots where she laid her foals down in. Palutena turned and looked over to Asphyxious who was gaping at her collection of books.

“So many…” He said looking at said books in awe. And then the poor soul noticed four Twilight’s all looking at him. Asphyxious looked back and gave them a little wave.

“Right there are four revive twilight’s in the library, one who was an alicorn princess who died from autoerotic asphyxiation.

Another was a demon Twilight that was Luna’s daughter and was killed and impaled on the palace walls.

The third one captain Nova Flare is the Twilight from survival is hell, not magic.

The fourth is a vampire twilight from a scarlet reverie displaced world.

Oh and I am not sure if you know but palutena impregnated dark magician dragoness,”

Asphyxious had a look of horror at that last part. “You slept with… pervy girl?” He asked.

“Yes and Dark magician watched,” Palutena added,

“...And she calls me the prevart.” Asphyxious said in a deadpan tone, as he noticed the twilight’s staring at him..

“And which ‘she’ do you refer to?” Palutena asked with a hint of danger in her voice informing the lich that he had better tread carefully.

“The dragon you slept with.” He replied simply.

“Those two just get off watching things, and really it was my fault for kissing her as a surprise gift, that escalated.”

“They do spy on other displaced.” Asphyxious added. “But why are the Twilight’s staring at me?”

“Because you’re a human, or DM or DMG has been spouting gossip about you,”

“So in others words making stuff up about me… Lovely. Well i mite as well go to my room now and unpack.” Asphyxious said before the goddess stopped him from leaving.

“Don’t just stand there girls come and introduce yourselves, and explain the staring,” Palutena ordered, they shivered slightly but complied,

“We watched a movie about you…”

“Called The Porn lord and his Horny Hoard…”

“Wow talk about an upgrade, I thought most mages hated to use something besides books or book based tech, oh you girls would cream yourselves if you knew the technology I had access to over a millenia ago.”

“Oh god… they watched the dvd F.A.U.S.T. made.” Asphyxious groaned with a hand over his face.

“Oh really, my tier mate made a DVD about you this should be hilarious!” Palutena chuckled

“This is hasmon jack’s F.A.U.S.T. we’re talking about, Sonya mum.” Asphyxious explained.

“She’s still a goddess yes? Then she is still my tier mate.”

“I’m going to lay down. Wait… What a tier mate?” He asked confused.

“A tier mate is a goddess or god on the same hierarchical scale, this scale is based on what aspects the god/goddess has, fundamental forces of the universe/multi-verse are tier one,” Palutena thought for a moment and continued to explain.

“At the top tier is Faust, Celestia and Luna's mother, and Cosmos, who is their father. Also myself, goddess of light, dark, order, chaos, harmony, wisdom and craftsmanship, and Discord, who is also god of chaos.

Tier two; Gaia or Viridi, mother of life and nature,Thanatos, god of death and destruction, and Hades, god and king of the Tartarus.

After them is tier three, being Celestia, goddess of the sun and day and Luna, goddess of the moon, stars and night.

Then tier four is Nightmare moon, goddess of nightmares, the king of the Griffins and God of storms Valfyre, the dragon lady, goddess of fire, lady Evyrfyre, the minotaur king Runehorn, God of earth and mountains. Princess Cadance goddess of love, the goddess Rin who isn't an official goddess of this world yet and my second mother, Avarice, goddess of fertility and sex. Did I miss anyone?” Palutena asked Celestia,

“Yes, Queen of the katians Bastet, goddess of Luck and stealth. Alabim, king of Saddle Arabia and horses, god of speed and endurance. Queen Abyssia, of the seaponies and sirens and goddess of the seas. And Nemesis, goddess of revenge, those are the only ones officially part of the pantheon here,” Celestia replied.

“So… kind of like me and Everblight?” Asphyxious asked, it was clear this was new to him.

“More or less, but generally less hostile. Well most of the time,” Palutena sighed as she remembered she had devoured Runehorn during her less than stable possessed state of mind, “Minotaurs do taste like beef by the way,” Palutena added absently.

“Follow me you don’t even know the way,” Palutena said shaking her head and as she went to leave through the door she turned to the captain, “Watch our foals Nova, I’ll be showing my friend to his guest room,” this caused Nova to nod and blush in embarrassment.

“So anything new since the last time I was here? I remember being half asleep through most of it.” Asphyxious asked as he walked with her.

“Last time you were here you were running around like a headless trollkin, related to a crazy hat wearing troll,”

Asphyxious stared at her for a moment. “How do you know about-wait, didn’t I ask you that last time?”

“I am an omnipotent goddess Ax,” Palutena explained exasperatedly. “Even if it is limited,” she muttered to herself.

“I’ll never understand women, gods/goddess and ponies.” Asphyxious said to himself.

“Gods aren’t much different from mortals, we think, feel and we make mistakes. We tend to have take a long outlook on things and our morality is different as it has to be,”

“Think mortal mind in a dragon body.” Asphyxious replied thinking about it. “Don’t mind me just thinking out loud.”

Palutena shakes her head as they reach a non descript oak door with iron hinges and a twisted ring handle. She pulled the door open, it creaked as it hadn’t moved much, Palutena pulled Asphyxious into the room. To the right of the room sat a king sized mahogany four poster bed with a generic burgundy curtain and canopy, and white duvet and cotton lace covered pillows, out in front of them was an open air balcony, to the left was a cubby kitchen and couch and TV, “The balcony is covered by a privacy screen enchantment no one will see you even if you decide to go au natural,” Palutena explained.

“Why do I feel like Ava had a hand in helping you make this room?” Asphyxious asked looking at the room. “It feels… Like she’s standing right here.”

“It’s your imagination, it was Rin’s minions who built it.” Palutena corrected Asphyxious. He didn’t seem to mind as he looked around. Asphyxious even looked under the bed just to make sure Ava wasn’t hiding somewhere.

Palutena rolled her eyes, “Ava is back home dealing with the problem’s I caused, when I annihilated the yak and altered the environment.”

“I remember that, I got my head shot off.” Asphyxious added rubbing at his neck. “I did not enjoy that… A little terrifying now that I think about it, no brain, no way to see or hear. Couldn’t even talk.”

“Yeah regenerating heads is not fun, took a fifty calibre anti-material rifle round to the thinking dome,” Palutena added conciliatorily.

“I’m okay, I’ll just take a nap for now.” Asphyxious said as he started to unpack. “Maybe go out and look for somewhere nice to eat.”

“There isn’t much to eat here outside of mortal food,”

“I like mortal food, if the alcohol strong enough to knock me out which I need now more than ever.” Asphyxious replied jokingly. That was a thought, how much alcohol did it take to get Asphyxious tipsy?

“As long as you don’t drink all of ponyville’s booze my poor subjects need it just dealing with me.”

“They don’t have anything strong enough to make me do that.” He added before looking at the door to the bathroom.

“Well they do have a strong whiskey, I may have had a hand in creating, ‘lumine dea est 'amore’ or love of the light goddess,”

“Cool, I’ll have to try a bottle.” Asphyxious replied. Palutena left the room while bidding Asphyxious good night.

Next morning, Asphyxious woke up with a long yawn before getting up and getting dressed. After that he went off to look for something to eat. After following his nose, he walked down a hall into a mess hall. The room was rather non-descript and spartan, there are four banquet tables, with two pushed together on either side of the room.

On the far end of the room was a long rectangular window leading into a kitchen, that was filled with ponies cooking food for the city guards. There was a line forming alongside the window and a wide assortment of meat, veg and other assorted foods were lined up, with ponies working the counter, each person in line had a tray with several compartments ready for food to be placed in them. Asphyxious noticed a large trolley that held the clean trays.

“Interesting.” Asphyxious said to himself as he walked over. “What do we have today?” He asked picking up one of the trays and got in line, he flinched as a ladle suddenly entered his vision and splattered mashed potatoes on his tray blinking as he was sprayed with it. Next up he got so carrots, sweetcorn and broccoli less violently this time and as he neared the end he got Trottingham puddings and several slices of lamb with mint sauce.

“Thanks you.” He said before taking a set.

Asphyxious left the line and looked over the tables and wasn’t sure where to sit, when a familiar rainbow maned mare waved him over to her table, where she sat alongside a mare he didn’t recognise with a blunted horn and butterfly wings. Her coat was pure white and her long mane and tail where a light shade of blue. She wore a simple robe and looked to be conversing with the Rainbow mare.

“Mind if I sit here?” He asked at the space on the table.

The Rainbow mare arched an eyebrow at the dragon, “I wouldn’t have waved you over if I didn’t want you to join us,” Rainbow Dash replied watching him, Asphyxious raised a brow when he took a set and started to eat.

“So what are your names?” Asphyxious asked as he continued to eat.

Rainbow Dash puffed up her chest with pride and pointed her right thumb to herself, “Captain Rainbow Danger Dash at your service,” she then pointed to the mare next to her who was retreating behind her mane meekly, “and this is Chrysanthemum,”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Asphyxious Hellbringer.” He replied smiling before Asphyxious went back to eating. “So is there anything fun to do around here? Or a nice place to relax?”

“Relax? You must be new here? This is Ponyville, the only chance we’d get to actually relax would be if Princess Palutena put up a great big shield around the city and even then we might not get to relax because she would only do that if the city was under threat, it’s a good thing the walls and the city was expanded with the farms encompassed in the walls our food, water and Alcohol supply are secure and self sustaining,” Rainbow explained waving a fork at Asphyxious.

“Is the alcohol strong?” Asphyxious asked leaning in with interest. The way his eye sparkled was like a man full of hope. “I need a drink strong enough to get me hammered. The closest I got was some stuff from Everblight world or drinking huge amounts of the stuff from Ava world.”

“Sorry, we don't have any sulfur brews. Only dragon in Ponyville is a baby. You could try making something from that Eridium stuff that's been spreading around like a pair of rabbits hopped up on Viagra.” Rainbow suggested, while Chrysanthemum blushed at the mental image.

Asphyxious just let out a long sigh. “That not a good idea, You’d more likely die from it then get drunk. And that just from trying to break it down, trying to turn it into a liquid is a whole another story.” He explained before looking off to one side. “Maybe I should just buy drinks from Ava and Everblight.”

“Palutena's mother?” Rainbow shuddered, “so. much. milk” she said absently when Chrysanthemum shook her to snap Rainbow out of it, “oh thanks Chrysanthemum.”

“So what do you do? Do you have any mates? I have noticed you around Palutena a few times.” Rainbow asked hoping to distract herself from a certain milk related trauma.

“Hmmm~ That takes me back, it tasted so good.” Asphyxious purred as he started to daydream. Before snapping out of it. “Oh yes, I have a hoard back home. Kind of went out of control before things calmed down. I’m getting married to Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Twiblight just to name a few. As well as Chrysalis.” The dragon had a daydreaming look again after he said that.

Chrysanthemum’s eyes widened as her face turned from creamy white to scarlet crimson. Rainbow looked at her funnily as Asphyxious raised an eyebrow at her reaction, as the meek butterfly mare withdrew behind her mane.

“Why is she acting like fluttershy now?” Asphyxious asked, in confusion clearly not knowing what was going on. “By the way, why didn’t you react to that name? Did the invasion not happen here yet?” He asked Rainbow Dash.

“Oh Chrysanthemum has always been shy and introverted, she says she is here for redemption for a sin she committed but won't elaborate, and what invasion?” Rainbow asked having her interest piqued, she missed the shamed and crestfallen expression on Chrysanthemum.

“If it hasn’t happened yet I shouldn’t say, but I will ask Palu about it later.” Asphyxious replied as he ate some of the lamb.

“ask me what?” Palutena asked as she suddenly appeared behind Asphyxious causing him to jump, He looked back at her annoyed.

“Please don’t do that, I get flashbacks of Zecora jumping out at me when someone does that. And I was talking about the canterlot invasion, I didn’t know if you wanted the others to know about it. Seeing as it hasn’t happened yet.” He explained not noticing the look of dread from Chrysanthemum.

“Oh that?” Palutena replied disinterestedly glancing over to Chrysanthemum, “a changeling will try and invade Canterlot either on Princess Cadance's and Captain Shining Armor's wedding or mine and Celestia's though I'm more worried about her ruining our wedding and not so much about the foalnapping of my dearest Celestia or myself.” she continued in that disinterested fashion.

“Yeah, Queen-” Asphyxious didn’t get to finish as something large was stuffed into his jaws. He could not talk seeing as his mouth was now full. Asphyxious was now trying to free his mouth of the object from his jaws.

A partially transformed dragon hand held his mouth shut and the glare he received from Palutena told him enough.

“Well why didn't you say anything about it?” Rainbow asked rubbing her temples. “Because Dashie, you couldn't stop it from happening, changelings are shapeshifters and are masters of mimicry.” Palutena explained to the exasperated mare.

“Ouu Bow Mimoo Shulcans..” Asphyxious tried to say and failed.

Palutena’s glare hardened on Ax again and so she bid the Captain and Chrysanthemum good morning and dragged Asphyxious through a portal, when they returned to his room Palutena let go of his face and re-shifted her hand to an anthro one, “so want to tell me what that was all about?”

“I was just making small talk. Ouch…” Asphyxious replied rubbing his face. “Besides when I saw that changeling I thought the invasion already happened.”

“No it hasn't and she isn't a changeling anymore, that was mason/martial’s Chrysalis, she’s been exiled because she fused with yu-gi-oh monsters and wanting to be supreme leaders etc. Ad nauseum. So I reformed her both figuratively and physically. She seems happy enough crushing on Dash and living a simple priestess’ life atoning. For her crimes.”

“Wait what? Doesn't he like… Already control his Equestria or something and pissing off every grim reaper from other worlds?” Asphyxious asked sounding a little confused. “Unless this was him before he met me… Gods damnit the void give me a headache. Okay I get it now, don’t talk about the invasion.”

“No this was Chrysie from season six.”

“Yeah… I was displaced before I got to see season five.”

“Oh i’ll inform you then, starlight glimmer becomes Twilight's apprentice in friendship, she befriended Trixie of all ponies, eventually in the finale she was invited back to her town with trixie and noticed ponies were acting weird, turns out changelings struck again and were replacing everypony. Discord, starlight and Trixie find the changelings hive and a huge anti magic field and save the day, with a changeling called thorax who was spike’s friend. Eventually the changelings undergo a garish and frankly offensive to color theory transformation, leaving chrysalis about to be reformed, but instead she runs off and swears revenge against Starlight Glimmer.”

“Yeah… That hasn’t happened yet. The cryx got to Glimmer town before Twiblight and her friends showed up.” Asphyxious informed rubbing the back of his head. “Also never heard of Thorax ever and seeing as Chrysalis is living with me, along with her kids I don’t think that is likely to happen. Oddly enough I haven’t met Trixie yet… That makes me a little worried now. I hope the cryx didn’t get their claws on her.”

“Well I shouldn’t be thinking like that, I’m here to relax not worry about things outside of my control.” He said before walking to the door. “Say, know any good pubs around here?”

Palutena sighed, “Ax, you're not going to find anything here that’ll affect you, my whiskey tastes great but it's not going to knock you out.” Palutena paused thinking for a few moments, “hmmm, perhaps if I add magic to boost it?”

Palutena created a screen, that floated contained the recipe regarding her malt whisky, “add a hint of zap apples, sugar, honey and infused with a little harmony and light magic for that added kick.”

“Well while you’re doing that I’m going to have a walk around, later Palu.” Asphyxious said as he walked out the door. Once outside and out into ponyville Asphyxious spent most of the day seeing if there was any difference from this ponyville and the one back home. Most of it was the same, only for one or two things here or there.

Asphyxious had just had some cake from sugarcube corner. He then opened the door to leave only to be swarmed by ponies. Oh no, it was the paparazzi and they were swarming him with questions. Asphyxious didn’t know what to say or do, he pulled the old art of leg it! He teleported away. His first hiding place was Rarity shop, Asphyxious didn’t think anyone would find him there. He was sadly half right.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chique, unique and magnifique. I am Rarity Belle the proprietress of this establishment,” Rarity welcomed with a smile, then frowned in thought, “Hmmn Idea!” Rarity exclaimed excitedly dragging Asphyxious into her workshop where she began to choose fabrics levitating each to check against his coloration. She smiled as she seemed to figure it out, suddenly out of nowhere his clothes were removed and replaced with a light blue bra and panties with a white lace trim and a tiny bow in the center before he could voice his confusion, he was wrapped in a under dress, then an elegant sky blue dress with a white corset, it had bunched up shoulders, the skirt had sky blue rounded panels on top of a white layer with the front cut out. The under dress was then given a ruffle down it's front where it was visible. The hem had a lace triangular border with large bows every so often. The collar was a triangle cut that would have revealed cleavage if he had any, the collar was ruffled and there was a large bow with an emerald in the center on the breast above the corset, the shoes were a pair of strappy heels matching the dress his arms were then covered by elbow length white silk gloves. Rarity had stepped back to observe her work but frowned again before another smile replaced it. She levitated a case of makeup and hair products and barber's tools, and stalked over to Asphyxious who was beginning to understand what she was planning, she began to cut and style his hair. She covered his horror stricken face with makeup.

Just as Rarity finished Asphyxious heard the doorbell go, “Ah Princess Palutena! What bring you to my humble business?”

“Hello Rarity, I am looking for a strange looking dragon,” she explained walking into the shop she spot Asphyxious, “oh my apologies for interrupting Miss. I was just looking for my friend, who seems to have wandered off. I’ll just get out of your mane, if you find him Rarity be sure to…. Wait that magical signature,” Palutena turned around and looked closer to the mare, who was making an effort at hiding her face, But Palutena saw it, and her grinned widely as she made her discovery, “Asphyxious?”

“Yeah,” came his defeated and muttered reply accompanied by a blush she was unsure was make up or embarrassment. Palutena pulled out her cellphone a gift from Celestia and took a picture with the camera, “oh Miss Asphyxious you shall make a fine bride for some mare or stallion one day,” Palutena commented with mirth as her grin became wider. Rarity looked at Palutena in confusion and so Palutena began to explain, “Rarity, Asphyxious is male.” Rarity's eyes widened in shock, as she blushed profusely.

“don’t worry Rarity, you didn’t know,” Palutena reassured as she smiled pleasantly, but the dangerously mischievous glint in Palutena's eyes unnerved the mare slightly. Palutena then conjured a bag of Platinum bits and handed them over to her as she pulled a reluctant Asphyxious behind her, Palutena sighed “would“ it help if i turned you female?”

“Wait you can do that?” Rarity asked with a shocked expression.

“Please remember who you're talking to Rarity, I am Light, Darkness, Order, Chaos and Harmony such a change is paltry party trick compared to what I am capable of,” Palutena offhandedly replied.

“Well… There no need for that because I can do this.” Asphyxious said before his body go up in blue flames, as a female dragoness stands in his place. “Well when I look at it this way, I do look kind of hot. I’m sure Revan will love this~” She said in a husky tone.

“I am surprised you never had any of your own womens clothes, anyway that cost me platinum so you and me are going on a girly day out.”

“I mostly just stick to what I know, I also only use this form for one of my hoard mates back home. But it is sometimes nice to be in this form, I can see why Ava stays in her female form most of the time.” Asphyxious replied as she moved her tail from side to side.

“Eh it's the same for me I just got comfortable and never switched back.” Palutena shrugged.

“Hold on what about your foals?” Asphyxious asked worriedly.

“oh the revive Twilight's and my daughter Twilight are all watching them.” Palutena reassured.

Meanwhile back at the temple, Twilight's were running around panting trying to capture the foals, Captain Nova was in the fetal position rocking back and forth in the corner muttering, “I am never having foals of my own.” Repeating it like a mantra as several alicorn fillies and two colts fly about and play with the aspects they received from their mothers.

“I am sure they're fine,” Palutena smiled with complete confidence in her little family.

“Why do I feel like ’s morethat's of a hazard then it should be?” Asphyxious asked as she was now trying on a dress. “Sorry Rarity but dresses are not my thing. Do you have anything like, maybe knee high shorts?”

Rarity looked aghast at the idea, “no, no, no a Lady must always wear a dress or failing that a cute skirt.”

“You forget, I’m still male under all this.” Asphyxious replied smiling.

“Why are you even trying to argue? Just get a skirt and a tank top or blouse.” Palutena twirled in place, “you know i love my dress but I could use a new one,” Palutena remarked, Rarity’s eyes sparkled and gave Palutena the best puppy dog pout she could. Palutena saw and rolled her eyes, “yes Rarity you can design me a set of lingerie(socks, stockings, bras and panties), Casual clothes as well as dresses both formal, casual. Including daring, with matching shoes and accessories.” Palutena replied as she was engulfed in measuring tapes. “Okay done, i shall get to work straight away!” Rarity left giggling.

“While she was doing that.” Asphyxious said as she put her old clothes. “What up with all the ponies asking me questions?”

“Paparazzi, we have TV as well as the internet somepony must have seen us together and informed them.” Palutena sighed.

“YOU HAVE TV!” Asphyxious screamed, before jumping around in joy. “Yes, yes,yes, yes,yes,yes!” He stopped jumping around and blushed after realizing what he just did.

“That TV in your room wasn't a prop or decoration you know.” Palutena deadpanned. “And are you sure you're not related to Twilight,” Palutena smirked

“Ummm, she is apart of my hoard back home.” Asphyxious explained as he coughed into his hand.

“who are we kidding ax the whole of your world is your horde you horny bitch,” Palutena ribbed Asphyxious playfully.

“Careful I do bite.” Asphyxious replied playfully. Before poking her tongue out at her.

“Rawr, careful I do absorb,” Palutena retorted playfully bumping Asphyxious with her right hip while poor Rarity dissolved into a puddle of embarrassment.

“Any way come with me, we have shopping to do and some spa work to be done, have you seen your claws they're a mess you need an emergency manipedi,” Palutena commented as she dragged Asphyxious out of the shop.

“What? My claws are fine.” Asphyxious defended, her protests go unheard as she was pulled away. “Although a hot tub does sound nice.”

Back at the temple, Twilight had called on Luna, for help.

“What hath mine sister and Palutena wrought upon the world!” Luna exclaimed melodramatically as eight foals were using her as a climbing frame.

Rose Quartz, flew up in front of her and booped Luna on the nose causing Luna to scrunch her muzzle up, which also made the foals giggle at her face. Luna's heart melted when she heard them and she then grabbed all of them in a hug, and then began to tear up,

“What's wrong Luna!?” Twilight asked her distraught marefriend.

“I want one too!” Luna wailed as Twilight paled. Captain Dash, who had just arrived in the room. Gave Twilight her condolences and rested a hoof on her shoulder.

“Well the water’s nice.” Asphyxious said as she relaxed in the water. “Although I wish they had the stone hammers that Ava spa had. That was really relaxing, Sorry Bulky but I have thick, and hard scale’s.”

Palutena rolled her eyes as she melted under aloes fingers, “you girls have really adapted well to the new forms, bravo!”

“Thank you Princess, we aim to please,” Aloe replied,

“You can go lower if you like.” Asphyxious added, making the other mare blush who was working on the dragoness back.

“No! Bad Asphyxious, no hitting on the staff, we’re here to relax not traumatise the mortals,” Palutena chided but muttered, “much.” Asphyxious giggled before playfully pokes her tongue back at her.

After their massage and more incorrigible flirting from Asphyxious, they were lead to a VIP steam room, “we’ll collect you in a couple of hours.” Aloe explained before hurrying away when she noticed blood and gore seeping off of Palutena and Asphyxious.

“Ahh that feels good,” Palutena sighed in relief.

“I don’t remember there being this much blood?” Asphyxious noted at the small puddle of gore around her. “I hope this isn’t my blight, shouldn't be seeing as I can control it now.”

Palutena looked over at the puddle, “it’s blood and gore.” She stated before leaning back.

“Weird…” Asphyxious replied before leaning back to. “But this is nice, kind of makes me miss Ava for some reason?” She noted before moving her tail to Palutena ready to poke her.

“honestly I don't get you and mom, your not dating and Ava seems to find you frustrating. Why do you care more than a friend would? I mean it's getting to the point where it seems like she's more an addiction for you.”

“She my friend, I want to keep it that way but. It’s hard to describe, it like we fit too well and I don’t want to ruin my friendship with her… Also she gave me blue balls for a while, that was more annoying then fun. She also stronger than I am, I guess that what I like the most about her. It make me feel safe and I don’t have to worry about going out of control. Or going power crazy.” Asphyxious tried to explain.

Palutena sighed, “How’s Rin been?”

“Mum? She’s been fine, she enjoys seeing my kids come over to play with there favorite nanny.” Asphyxious replied as she smiled.

“Perhaps I’ll visit with our Fillies,” Palutena mused with a finger to her chin.

“Oh god Trixie will go nuts.” Asphyxious start laughing after she said that.

“I worry how her Celestia will react, sure she knows I am lesing out with her alternate self but don't think she’d be ready for what is essentially her foals,” Palutena shrugged, the Doom marines Celestia broke down when she found out, I think it's because she was made barren or something.”

“Why not ask Ava for help? She can fix that just like that… Or you could ask jack once you get his token.” The dragoness replied as she moved over to Palutena. “I’m sleepy.”

“It’s not that simple, the Doom marines do not like accepting help or gifts, seriously I had to practically force one on them, then beat Murphy to shit because he tried to block me! A goddess! The nerve of that little man!” Palutena ranted

“Hmmmm, I’ll never understand all this crazy stuff.” She replied as she leans on Palutena. “Wake me in a few.” Asphyxious asked as she cuddles up to her.

Palutena shook her head ruefully at the dragoness.

Hours passed.

“Hmmmm~” Asphyxious purred as she hugged something warm and soft. “So comfy.”
Palutena rolled her eyes, when there was a knock on the sauna door. A familiar purple, dragoness called through the door, “Mom!” Theia called, “help!”

“Hmmm? Who the cutie?” Asphyxious asked as she wakes up, then blushes at where she was resting her head in Palutena chest. “S-sorry.” She apologized as she get off.

“That's Theia, my daughter used to be called Spike. You see Ponies misgendered her as a drake,” Palutena explained. Asphyxious nodded her head in understanding with the blush still on her face.

Raising an eyebrow she added, “the same Spike who is Twilight's assistant.”

“I know who Spike is, he’s my son back home.” Asphyxious replied trying not to stare at Palutena.

“so you are aware you just you just had incestuos thoughts then?” Palutena deadpanned.

“What?” Asphyxious asked in surprise. “N-no! No… I wasn’t thinking about that, I just forgot you was there before I woke up…” Palutena eyebrow rose skeptically but remained silent.

“What is the matter Theia?” Palutena asked choosing to ignore Theia's own blush.

“Oh!” She exclaimed, “You got to help! Aunt Luna is freaking out and having an emotional episode, Twilight asked her to help with the foals and then she devolved into tears and Twilight's and her revive clones have gone catatonic and Captain Rainbow Dash has devolved into laughing her flank off!”

“Oh by Dox! That's never a good thing.” Asphyxious spoke up facepalming at this. “Reminds me of the time my Luna found out they won’t be making a Mareio Kart three.”

“Why would that matter? Mareio kart eight is out here.”

“Can you sell me a copy?” Asphyxious asked. “My Luna would love that.”

“what platform?”

“Not sure… It looks like a ps2 but has a cartridge like a saga.” She explained before being interrupted by Theia’s voice.

“Mom help!!!” Theia exclaimed in panic, Palutena rolled her eyes. She lead the way out and paid the bill and left with Asphyxious and Theia following.

“Wow… This looks, kind of bad?” Asphyxious said looking on poking her head inside the doorway. “Should I wait out here?”

“Just hold on,” Palutena walked through the door the chaos reinvigorating her more than that spa visit had, “Luna? Twilight?” Palutena called not receiving any answers she made her way in, she found Captain Nova in the fetal position muttering to herself all the Twilight's were knocked out the foals climbing over them and a frozen pale Twilight stood over Luna who was now currently tied down to the floor crying and begging Twilight to let her impregnate her.

“Okay, let’s leave your mum deal with this. Want to go and play video games?” Asphyxious asked Theia.

Theia shrugged and followed the elder dragoness.

“Okay, what is going on here!?” Palutena demanded as Luna froze and paled with Twilight running behind her, “Mom help Luna wants to impregnate me while she was playing with the foals she started to cry and then exclaimed that she wanted one, then she started begging me to.. to let her impregnate me. What's wrong with her?” Twilight asked, sighing and rubbing her head.

She moved forward and untied Luna before pulling her up and then hugging her. Luna started sobbing again as Palutena comforted her.

“Twilight, Luna's biological clock is going off, it means that she wants foals of her own and her hormones will basically make her pursue having foals. It can happen at anytime in an adult mare's life, but it is usually triggered by an external factors, including exposure to foals. Sometimes even after they have had foals and those foals leave the metaphorical nest. Talk and discuss it with her but don't outright deny it as a possibility as you could lose her Twilight. It's a powerful driving force and it doesn't exactly leave room to be rational or patient.” Palutena explained as she continued to comfort Luna who had devolved in spluttered begging for Twilight not to leave her and for forgiveness.

Twilight took a step forward and then all but ran and embraced Luna reassuring her as Luna kept saying, “I’m sorry, don’t leave me.” As she sobbed.

Palutena sighed, “you can come in Asphyxious.” Palutena conjured a copy of Mareio kart 8 for each format, “ and here are those games.” She added. Only to find Asphyxious was gone, and so was Theia.

Palutena groaned, “what part of stay does that girl not understand!” Palutena groused. In the end she did find Asphyxious again, but not where she expected she would be.

“Yes, yes! Yesyesyesyes! NO!!!” Asphyxious screamed at the TV, as she and Theia were playing video games. “How are you so good at this!?” It was kind of entertaining, seeing Asphyxious losing her mind over something as simple as a game.

Palutena walked in with her arms crossed, “what part of stay here, did you misunderstand?”

“Ooooh! You're in trouble!” Theia taunted Ax,

“You are too young Lady, you heard me say it and didn't remind her,” Palutena chided her

“Now what have you two got to say for yourselves?” Palutena demanded.

“Ummm.” Asphyxious said as she looked back. “I didn’t want to be in the way and thought it be better to stay out of trouble? And we’re sorry?”

Palutena turned to Theia to hear her excuse, “sorry mom,” she said remorsefully as Palutena sighed.

“Well the problem is on its way to being fixed,”

“...Like to join us?” Asphyxious asked, holding up a controler.

Palutena rolled her eyes and grabbed the proffered controller, after a few hours of fun, Palutena ordered food to be sent to the royal dining hall and after they entered a banquet, they were joined by Luna and Twilight and the revive Twilight's. Celestia showed up shortly and took the high back chair next to Palutena's at the head of the table. Luna and Twilight at the other end.

One of the revive Twilight's gagged at the lovey dovey Luna. While Crescent flitted in and sat on Palutena's other side. A tail with a blade end reached out from under the table, before taking some food then retreating back under the table.

An hour passed as light conversion pervaded the dining hall, Twilight whispered in Luna's ear causing the older mare to blush and teleport out of the room with Twilight. As Celestia and Crescent leant against Palutena.

Asphyxious would pop out now and again to ask questions, before disappearing under the table again. One revive Twilight looked under there to find Asphyxious was hoarding food. The revive Twilights excused themselves leaving Ax, Celestia, Palutena and Crescent alone.

“This was fun.” Asphyxious said as she got out from under the table. “So what do we do now?”

“We don't do much after dinner, watch TV, read a book, snuggle.”

“Can I join you? Back at home I don’t get a lot of time to relax.” Asphyxious asked as she looked at Crescent. “I got my eye on you, hehehe get it?”

Crescent gave himself deadpan

As they made it to their private seventy inch plasma screen TV As they sat down, Celestia, Crescent and Palutena, removed their food and bra's Palutena summoned her foals handing them two each to them before pulling off Ax’s top and gave Harmony and Pandora to her, having to grab the fillies as they matched onto her nipples,

“I… Don’t know how to feel about this.” Asphyxious said with a blush.

“consider it practice or an experience,” Palutena said as Rose and Serenity latched onto her own.

“I’m not used to this…” She added looking down at the two fillies. “But they’re cute, so I’ll put up with it. But don’t expect me to do something like this again.”

Palutena smirked, “Oh once is enough and you’ll soon be begging your hoard to let you do it.”

“As long as it my hoard doing it, I’m fine with it.” Asphyxious replied smiling back at her. “Revan also loves this thing I do with my tail.”

“None of that tail talk, you. Just relax and watch TV,” Palutena chided.

Author's Note

This is just a crossover with Neokiva

Lost Lifes And The Return Of Lord Toruk.

***Asphyxious pov. Wolves of Cryx Den***

I could not move, I could not see, the weight of rock and stone that fell on me must have knocked me out. All I could do was wait and hope my diamond dogs could dig me out. What had happened? How did a cave in start throughout the den? It didn’t make any sense, all I do know is after waking up I have been stuck here for hours. But the worst feeling was not knowing what happened to the others.

Were my diamond dogs even alive? Were my family and friends alright? Were any of them hurt?! I had to know, I NEEDED to know! No, panicking won’t help me now I needed to remain calm wait for Rex and the others to dig me out. I could hear them digging right now, I really wish they hurry. I can’t stand this!

“It can’t be…” I asked staring at the destroyed eggs that Chrysalis and Ditto had been laying. Ditto and Mawile were taken to the healers after they tried to stop the attackers but chrysalis. My sweet chrysalis…

She was dead, my chrysalis was dead and I wasn’t here to stop this. It took my dogs three days to free me and in all that time equestria was under attack. Cryx had at last made there move. I reached out and looked at her face. “She can’t be gone…” I said, out of both hope and despair. I knew better than anyone what the cryx would do with the souls of the dead. Worse than that they have taken our children the dragonlings.

“Rex, what happened to the others.” I asked, as I felt the pain grow even deeper with in my soul. I could already feel the death even this far underground, there was fighting and dying.

“We had moved everyone out of ponyville and through the shadow gate. Fluttershy and her family went through the gate first, We got word that Rarity and her family were next. Applejack family went after them but Applejack herself was not with them. Rainbow Dash family and her little friend just went through yesterday. But Rainbow said she stay and help fight. Twilight, her mother and Spike are waiting to go through the gate but Twilight say she could be of more help here. Sonya had taken Pupa and her young with her though the gate. No one knows where Pinkie Pie is.”

I wasn’t sure if this was meant to make me feel better or worse ever way I knew Rex was trying to help. Knowing AJ and RD they’re off somewhere fighting the cryx. God damnit do they not understand how dangerous they were?! They were a band of insane lich’s with a deadly army of zombies and helljacks.

“We need to act now, Waiting three days may have given them all the time they need to enact their plans.” I said picking up Chrysalis body and handing it to a group of the unliving. “Please look after her.” I asked still feeling numb, I could not grieve right now I needed to save our children who were taken.

That when I saw two fox imps running up to me. “We found them, we found them!” They both called up at once spinning my mind into action.

“I want every dog armed, I want all the unliving ready to move. I need the mantis ponies to protect the ponies going through the gate. I want every warjack up and running yesterday! Show me where they are!” I ordered walking through the tunnel as the fox’s quickly followed, I’ll cut down every last member of cryx I can find no matter what happens. This ends today!

“Your going the wrong way it that way!” Both Fox’s yelled at me as I turn back, seeing the way they were pointing. Right, find cryx first, then kill everything in my way.

***Kat the diamond dog pov. ponyville.***

“Now! Smash that thing!” I shout over the sound of the other diamond dogs using dragon rounds. I was still young for a diamond dog but right now I and Gear Shift were the only ones in ponyville when all this started. We got lucky when a group of unliving showed up with a laberjack and some diamond dogs who were looking to have lunch.

It didn’t have any weapons but it was strong enough to carry a few tons of rock and heavy enough to crush anything under foot. The jack brought it steel fist down on another of the undead ponies that were attacking us. We were still fighting, dogs had been pouring into the little town endlessly trying to push back these things. No one had got word what happened to Asphyxious.

All we could do was fight and keep our pack mates alive, I saw one of the things look my way and let out a horrible scream before charging me. It used it large metal fists to smash anything in it path. I swing with my spear and sent it flying under the jack foot, the jack looked down and brought it foot up before bringing it back down on top of the thing crushing it.

I then remembered something from Asphyxious book, the one he had me and Moon Dancer safeguard. It took a quick glance but I saw all I needed to confirm my suspicions. Mechanithralls a mix of dead and machine, this meant one thing the ones Asphyxious feared so much had finally come for him.

“We need to kill as many of these things as we can! Make sure to keep a lookout for warjacks that don't have our colours, they’re the enemy!” I yell as we moved on down the street to take on another group of thralls. “Come, there more this way!” I yell to the laberjack it squirt head looked up at me after pulling another thrall in two before discarding the remains in it large hands and followed after me. It may of had a limited understanding but I hoped it understands that everyone was in danger and I needed it help.

That when I saw two ponies fighting one had sent a thrall flying with a powerful kick, the other was a pegasus who was moving so fast she sent the thralls falling to the ground. But this didn’t last long before the thralls got back up again.

I then noticed the claw marks over the thralls bodies that were attacked by the pegasus, wait there was only two pegasus that had claws that she knows of one was already going to the shadow gate thing and the other was.

“Dang it Rainbow these critters won’t stay down no matter how hard we hit em!” Yelled Applejack as she gets ready for the next wave to attack them.

“I know! Even with these super cool claws taking these guys down, they just don’t know when to quit!” Yelled Rainbow Dash as her scales started to stand on end. That when the other dogs let loose a blaze of dragon rounds at the undead thralls. They both seemed shocked that a small army of dogs showed up to help.

“I thought you two left though the gate?” I asked I thought everyone had left already. Why were these two still here?

“This is our home, you think we’re gonna leave while these thing invade it?” Said Applejack as she cracked her knuckles.

“Yeah and besides, with me on your side you’ll look cooler saving the town.” Said Rainbow as she puffed out her chest. I see now they were defending their home, well I guess we could use all the help we could get.

“Are there any more of you out here fighting?” Asked one of the dogs loading his blunderbuss. I took this moment to have a quick drink of water while there was no more thralls to attack us right away.

“Well you know of Octavia and Vinyl Scratch that Asphyxious brought back from another world right?” Said Rainbow as she smiled at that. “You know the ones who have Asphy dragonblight like me.”

“I’ve heard of them but haven’t meet them why?” I asked getting the feeling I knew where this was going. That when I heard what sounded like a bolt of lighting and a blaze of fire coming down one of the streets, then the sound of music?

“Let just say those two are stronger than anyone thought. Their counterparts are also helping with the fight to.” Added Applejack who was smirking.

“Well then I guess we better get to work.” I said resting my spear on my shoulder. One of the dogs had handed a spear to RD and another handed a blunderbuss to AJ and showed her how to use and load it. I smiled as we started our march to meet up with these blighted ponies. Maybe we could win this after all.

***Asphyxious pov.

Something was very wrong, I felt a pain in my chest I have never felt before. What was this? Why is it the closer we get to the cryx base the stronger this feeling was becoming. One terrifying thought entered the depths of my mind making me move faster down the tunnels. I almost stepped on the Fox imps who were leading the way.

“Move faster we have to hurry!” I shout back my diamond dogs as they tried to keep up with me. My warjacks had no trouble keeping up as they kept up with me. This feeling driving me was dried and fear, fear for the dragonlings safety. They had to be alright! I thought desperately as we saw a green glow at the end of the tunnel.

“Here we are!” Said the two fox imps as I ran past. “Wait! Don’t you want to know-?!” I didn’t hear the rest as I ran through the tunnel, Fear for my brood driving me to act. I saw a Mechanithrall turn and looks dumbly at me. Before my sword came down and crushed it in two.

“Kill them all!” I roared running deeper into the cryx base with my warjacks close behind. The Dogs were yelling something but it didn’t matter to me, I had to save my kids no matter what. I already lost Chrysalis I won’t lose our children as well!

“Where are you!” I called out in the hopes one of them could hear me, I heard nothing. Only the undead cries of the cryxs minions rushing to face me. I cut them down one after the other, while my warjacks let loss there rage destroying everything in there way.

I then smelt something on the wind, the world around me slowed down as I turned down one tunnel. The smell was blood, my mind raced as I ran down the tunnel I was hoping they were okay that at least one of them was still alive. For all of them to be alive, Once I reached the end I was left shocked and despaired.

They were dead, all the dragonlings were dead. I lost all feeling in my legs as I fell to my knees staring at them. “It is not real, this can’t be real!” I screamed before falling over myself to reach them, I searched and searched but there was no life from any of them. They were all dead.

“At last.” I heard a voice call out, that didn’t matter. There had to be a survivor, even if it was just one! One of them must still be alive! “The ritual is complete, come master! We await your return Lord Totuk!” I froze at those words. It can’t mean, I thought as I looked around at my dead brood. Then looked up at the iron lich on a platform, there an opening high above but I didn’t care about that.

What I cared about was the bloody dagger in the undead lich hand, covered in fresh blood, my eyes followed the drip of the blood. Making me look back at all of my dead brood. Rage. Nothing else mattered any more, Chrysalis is dead, my brood is dead, they all died by the hands of this monster and I want him dead!

Whatever sanity I scraped together all these years at last broke, I transformed into my dragon form and roared in rage. I was breathing white hot flames as I climbed up to the platform then looked at Iron Lich. Even though he had no skin, no flesh, no face of any kind. All I saw was the bone white skull and I knew, he was smiling, the last thing I saw before being blinded by nothing but my uncontrolled rage before incinerating him into molten slag.

A huge rift opened up in the sky, as it split in two as green lighting strikes down from the sky. Then an earth shattering roar fills the air as a dragon fly out of the rift. The dragon as soon as it lands the land itself dies around it.

This dragon was Lord Toruk, The Dragon Farther. The dragon looked over the land before letting out a snarl as he could tease the life of this world. "Soon, I will turn this world into nothing but ash." Said Toruk as he took to the air and let out a mighty roar, the war had begun.

Author's Note

Well here it is, I got to finishing this chapter at last, no clue if I'll make another one but for now this is it for me. Hope you like it if not, oh well i tried.

The Battle With Out There Master.

***Asphyxious pov.***

Pain, all I could feel was an agonizing pain and a blind rage as I tore my way out of the ground. Fire licking at my maw as I looked for the monsters who did this to them, they had to pay. All of cryx will pay! My mind was shaken out of my thoughts of killing them when I saw canterlot city burn.

“No…” I said in horror, fear and rage as I knew what this meant as a large shadow cast out from the flames. “NO!” I roared as my wings took flight carrying me into the sky as fast as they could.

No more, I can’t lose any more of what was precious to me! Not again, please not again!

***3ed pov canterlot castle.***

The city was burning, the dragon had destroyed everything in its path. Celestia golden armour was broken, her wounds were many but not life threatening. Celestia before the battle made Luna take their children and take them to safety.

A large claw reached down and gathered her up from the remains of a ruined house, as she saw the face of the dragon who attacked her city. “Who are you?” Celestia asked, trying to gather as much strength that she had left to get ready for one more attack. The dragon laughed.

“My, my, has little Asphyxious not told you my name?” The dragon asked, it fangs almost seem to be grinding at her. She then remembered, the one Asphyxious feared the most, the one who would bring ruin and death to her little ponies.

“Lord Toruk…” She spoke, the smallest lick of fear in her voice and the dragon laughed. Trouk smiled as he brought her up to eye level.

“So he has spoken of me, tell me. Did he tell you the horrors I inflicted on him while he was once human and still living? The endless nightmares I poured into his mind, the torcher I had done to his body, fooled him into taking his own life in some hopeless attempt to escape me?” Toruk laughed as a painful look crossed Celestia face. “It matters not, for I am now free to retake this world. This world that once belonged to me, all will know my name and die.”

Once he was finished something landed not far from them, Celestia saw it was Asphyxious in his dragon form. He looked more like an enraged beast looking for blood, tears fell from his eyes as they boil away into steam on his scales.

“Asphyxious, this is indeed surprising. I never thought you could take an athanc stone for yourself. Or are you one of my foolish kin controlling his form?” Toruk asked only to get a growl in return.

“Put her down.” Asphyxious snarled clawing at the stone rubble under his feet. “I will not let you take anyone else from me!” A number of thoughts flooded Celestia mind at these words, worry and fear filled her mind at what could have happened.

“Oh? Is this about how I was summoned?” Toruk asked, getting a roar of anger from Asphyxious in return. “How many of your lesser spawn did they kill to bring me back?”

“They were my children! Your minions killed them and Chrysalis! I won’t rest until you’re all dead, you hear me!” Asphyxious voice was filled with rage, grief and warth. Toruk marley laughed, moving his claw to hold Celestia up by her wings.

“Then come and take back your precious toy.” Said Toruk smiling. Asphyxious roared as he charged at the dragon, flames licking at his fangs ready to drive them into toruk throat. Asphyxious leaped up claws at the ready wings spread out one thought driving into every corner of his mind.

Before Asphyxious could reach Toruk, he suddenly coughed up blood as his body was overcome by pain. “Asphyxious!” Celestia called out as blood was flowing freely from his mouth, Asphyxious tried to stand but could not. Asphyxious did not understand what was happening to his body, the more he tried to push his body forward the more pain he felt.

“What… is this?!” Asphyxious gasped out as blood bubbled in the corners of his jaws. He looked up and saw something he didn’t notice before, it looked like a necklace around toruk neck. What hangs from it was a soul cage with a glowing light within.

“What is matter Asphyxious? Do you not understand what is happening to you? Your body is dying.” Said Toruk as he walked around the fallen dragon. “I knew once you were sent away as soon as you got the smallest lick of power you'd turn on me. You will not obey me, so I made a leach to make you obey. The part of your soul that is missing is here, in this soul cage.”

Asphyxious eyes widened at this as he looked up, a part of his soul, the missing part of him was there. Around toruks neck, the dragon laughed again as he faced asphyxious. “Your soul is trying to reunite with it missing piece, even if it means dying to do it. Now then, if you obey me. I may see fit to return it to you, do we have a bargain?”

Asphyxious would rather die than do anything Toruk say, however he had other lives to think about not just his own. Toruk noticed this, and reached up to Celestia with his other claw. “What are… You doing?” Asphyxious fear pulling on every word.

“It seems you need convincing.” Toruk replied as he held celestia wings in one claw and her body in the other. Then slowly began to pull.

“No stop this!” Asphyxious stouts out only to vomit more blood as he tried to drag himself closer. Toruk paid him no mind as he slowly pulled more, celestia was trying to hold back the pain she was feeling trying not to make asphyxious choose to have his freedom taken away again.

There was a pop and celestia screamed in pain, Asphyxious called out pleaded, begging for toruk to stop the dragon didn’t listen as he was about to pull the wings free from her back. Then in a flash of light celestia was gone.

“What!?” Toruk said in surprise looking at his claws before growling in anger. “She knows how to teleport, it matters not.” He then looked down at Asphyxious who was gasping for every breath trying to stay alive. “Well I can still devour your athanc stone, then maybe turn what left of your soul into a mindless thrall to hunt down the rest of your pets?”

Asphyxious quickly changed back into his lich form however that didn’t help as his body was still dying. Toruk however was surprised again. “You can change your form as well? That is a surprise.” He said slowly following asphyxious as he tried to get away.

“You can try and flee like you always do but it won’t help. Your soul belongs to me asphyxious, no matter how far you go or how hard you run I will always find you.” Said Toruk as asphyxious was trying to reach the edge of the city, however it was too far and he could not move fast. Asphyxious could not even use his magic as it started to fade along with his life.

“Why do you weak humans continue to struggle when it is hopeless? Why fight if you know your end will come, I do not understand you mortals or care. I will take back what is rightfully mine!”Toruk brought his claw down and picked up asphyxious, his breathing became labored and struggled to even look up at the dragon. Toruk opened his jaws ready to devora the dragon lich right then and there.

“Asphyxious!” A voice called, clearing Asphyxious mind for a moment. “Sonya?” He asked before Toruk snapped his jaws shut and ate the lich. Sonya could not believe what she just saw, as soon as Asphyxious life signs started to drop she went out to find him. She was too late to save him, she then saw the necklace around the dragon neck.

Toruk smiled as he then reached for the soul cage around his neck, only for something fast and pink to snach it then fly away. “What!?” He growled seeing the pink thing fly away at high speeds, it didn’t matter. He thought as toruk looked to the rest of the land, now his eye was on his next target.

***???***

It was dark, there was green fire everywhere, there were voices calling out. Offering their souls to the dragon father, why did that sound familiar? I? I then saw hundreds of people, one by one throwing themselves into the lave below. Why were they doing that? Didn’t they know they would die?

My vison moved and I saw a robed man with a familiar staff, walk to the edge of the lava pit. He was a blackclad, Someone from the circle orboros. What is he doing here? I? Was laying in, why was I laying in lava? And why did my body hurt?

The blackclad put down his staff and offered his loyalty and servitude, in return for power and to cheat death. “You know what must be offered.” Spoke a powerful voice, something was wrong. I saw the man walk up to the edge and then jump into the lava, I was shocked, as the man pained screams were quickly died off.

A moment later a large hand? No claw, reached in and pulled something out of it closed fist. When it opened it there was the bones of the man, and they had a green glow to them. Something wasn’t right, something like this happened before. It was different…

Everything was different now, the pain was gone, the followers who were giving up their souls to, him? Were no more, that when I saw a young man? A boy? Running from the nightmares and horrors of cryx. They had tortured him for days now, pushing him to the brink of death. No, he had to stop running.

The man stops at the edge of the lava pit, his soul smelled of fear. Turn back, please! I felt! Something was horribly wrong, that when I realized who it was. He was, me. And before the cryx could fall on him, he jumped into the lava. I could feel it now, the burning pain as the heat ate away at everything. Then it was gone, the pain and fear were gone.

I saw the claw reach out again, a new fear builds up inside of me as I saw it pull it closed fist out of the lava again. This time a different set of bones was in it open claw, My… Bones… These were my BONES! I needed to scream but can’t! Why can’t I look away?! What is happening!?

Then the voice spoke once more. "You will no longer have a name, you will serve me and free me. I will give you a new name, one from my most cunning of Lichs. You will be called Asphyxious Hellbring, and you will free me!" All I could feel now was blinding terror, As an over powering thought entered my mind. That, was my name, wasn’t it?

***Sonya Pov.***

I had to save him, save my mate! I had already called mother and had a small army of Louder bots sent to me. However this would mean nothing with out a plan, I had to speck to Asphyxious clan. I was sure Rex and the others would help, but that dragon was already on the move. Burning everything in it wake, I needed to gather as much help as I can.

Logically I scanned for Celestia, she could not have gotten far with those injuries. So I looked to the lower city of canterlot. Lucky for everyone living there the dragon took no notice of them before flying off. I found her, Celestia was being tended to by her ponies however they seemed reluctant to touch her wings. They were clearly dislocated, so I walked up and got to work.

"I-it is you, you're one of-?!" Before she can say more I grab one of her wings before pulling it back into place, there was a loud snap and pop. As Celestia cried out in pain, I already moved to work on the other wing. As the ponies were yell at me, we didn't have time for this we needed to act now not wait for that dragon to burn another city! There was another snap and pop but this time Celestia did not cry out in pain. "a-Asphyxious wives yes?"

"That right, right now we need to act quickly. I don't know what happened to him, I can't get though the dragons scales. I've already sent for aid, we just need a muster point before we can stop that monster." I told her as my mind was busy, mapping out possible targets along the dragon path. Because I knew if I stopped working on this, I would break down at the thought of Asphyxious being... Gone. No, he was alive! I won't give up on him. That fool has too much work to do to die by being eaten by some stupid dragon!

***Asphyxious pov.***

I watched as the humans flee like rats, as I burned the land and feast on there souls. I was king, I was a god! I rule this world and all in it! Let these bugs run and tell there pitiful kingdoms of my glory! For I am-!

Asphyxious.

Wait, what was that? That voice, that... name? What was that name, I feel like I've heard it before. But where, what was that, who was that? I've heard this voice before. I'm sure of it, I saw the army's of man changing to meet me and die by my-.

Asphyxious!

Again! I heard it that time, my head it hurts! Why my mind full of some much pain! What is this, what is happening!? I am a dragon, no one can harm me for I am Lord-!

Asphyxious!

I woke up and scream in pain! My very soul was on fire as light from a green glow filled the space I was in. I quickly reached out and tried to rise, only to see to my horror. My claw like fingers were eroded to stumpy nubs. My own armor was being eaten away as well, that when I realized where I was looking down at the floor that was wet and pulsating. By the gods, I was inside him!

About time you woke up! I've been trying to wake you for days now! Asphyxious we need to get out of here!

Wait did he say days!? I've been inside this, this, stomach? No, no. Toruk had no need for such a thing, that right Toruk ate me. And this monster been trying to absorb me! Consume my heartstone, my mind and soul until there was nothing left but him! I quickly look around for away out, until I saw where the light was coming from. That when I saw it, Toruk Athanc - the crystalline heart that formed the core of his divinity. That right, the cryx believe he was the first god of Caen!

I quickly look to my ECHO to find it was smelted slag at this point and draw my other weapons, My cutlass that was made with my own blood and my sword that held Sombra soul. I had an idea, but it wasn't without risk. What other choice did I have, I wasn't about to sit here and wait to die! I had to make sure everyone else was safe, I didn't even entertain the idea they were already dead!

"Sombra, I need to ask something of you. I need you to fight this dragon and destract him for as long as you can."

Have you completly lost your mind!? You want me to fight this beast?! For once you have truely gone mad.

"Do this for me and I will give you your freedom. Your soul will no longer be bound to me. I think that would be worth the risk."

I could feel him, Sombra would do anything to be free right now. I looked at my own soul cages and saw they were already eroded to rust, broken glass and shattered crystal. We didn't have a lot of options left, well not any good ones. We heard Toruk roar as I could feel the dragon land, sounds like someone pissed him off. We didn't have much time we needed to act now!

Fine! I have your word once this is done you will free me!

"You have my word, now hold on this will get messy!"

I growled, dragging myself to the wall of this fleshy prison. I then found the gap where the under belly should be between the ribs, I activated the rune plates inside my weapon. Grievous wounds one hit with it cannot heal or be healed for one hour, Balefire give me a boost to damage agent undead, and lastly Corruption it rots the flesh and rusts metal. So let see what happens when you use all three at once!

I used the full weight of my body and stabbed my sword though the wall of flesh! I could hear him roar in pain as I drove my sword deeper and deeper, until I could feel my blade reach the other side! My arm snapped as I lost my grip on my sword but that didn't matter. Sombra was outside, I turned back to Toruk heart as I pull what was left of my steel ribcage open, I held my cutlass in my hand as I walk up to the heart of this monster.

It was time that I was the one who did the eating of souls around here! Then I remembered, they murdered my children to bring this monster here! Before I would have said vengeances was pointless, however right now, being in the belly of the monster who took them from me and my queen! It was looking like it had a lot appal right now, I will have my revenge! Or die trying!

As I moved closer my legs were already falling apart, I jumped as I sunk my sword into it. Yet everything below my waist fell away. Leaving me with only one arm, I opened my jaws and bite into the heart. Pulling and tearing away a shard of Athanc, I could feel it burning in between my teeth. Yet I was resolved, I would end this monster or die trying. I then swallowed it!

***Lord Toruk. pov***

I glide thought the sky's as I leave another city a burning ruin. I land on a montane top looking for my next target, my plan was simple yet effective. Destroy every nation capital city and leaving the masses in a state of fear and panic. After leaving the city I had burned down I was going to make my way to the next city, however much to my surprise a human stood in my way with there war host.

It was the circle of orboros, being lead by Baldur. I do not know how he survived the fall of our world yet I did not care. I cut them down, I burned every beast, crushed every wold construct. And lastly I cut down their worriers. I was closing in to kill Baldur myself when a skinwalker with a horn growing out of it forehead distracted me. I noticed to late there plan to escape, it mattered not.

I would wipe them out later, next was the nation called New Khador. It was a joke, I smashed my way though there warjacks and there single colosssals. I much to my surpried saw another human leading these beast men. I burned him to nothing as he tried to run from the flames.

Next was the land of griffons, that were much smaller than there orboros cousins. They put up more of a fight and again, there was another human from the iron kingdoms here! What was going on, I made that deal with that being to escape the fall of this world long ago. Did it make the same deal with them as well! Once I've establish my rule of this world I'll make him pay.

These attack were made within the first day, he has burned many more lands after that. That when he heard a roar, I frowned at this. I turn to the sound and saw a flock of dragons, no. These beasts were lesser beings, not true dragons like myself. I could tell by there sent no matter how much they have changed, their blood was that of the drake's. I snarled as they land around me one by one.

However I smiled as the largest of them all landed at the foot of this montane, at last something like a challenge. Than I saw a smaller blue drake fly in front of the largest one holding a staff? A warlock perhaps? Controlling this large beast?

"I am Dragon Lord Ember, leader of the dragon lands. In my name I order you to stop this mindless massacre!"

"Yeah you tell 'em Dragon Lord!"

I turn my gaze to the small red one flying, it noticed me and quickly hide behind one of the larger drakes. I snort at this, dragon lord? The only true Lord of dragons was I and I alone! I turn back to this, Ember and smiled a cruel smile. I will make an example of them all.

"I'm afraid you must be mistaken, I am Lord Toruk. The Dragon Father. And I rule over all, submit and I will let you flee. Do not and you will die, here. And I will turn you into my new undead legion."

The other so called dragons roared at this, yet the largest of them all remain silent. That one was a worrier, the only true fighter among them. Ember looked at her staff in confusion. That when I noticed it, the red gem on the top of the staff. It was an Athanc stone, one of my stones!

"You!" I roared pointing my claw at this, insect pretending to be a dragon. Who were dare call them self lord. "That stone belongs to me, hand it over and I may let you and your rabble live!"

Ember looked surprised however, the larger drake shield her with it body. I narrowed my eyes at it. I was ready to attack ignoring the rest, once this one falls the other will soon obey. I glide down and land before them, as fire licked at the corners of my maw. "Who are you?" I asked, slowly making my way closet to them.

"I am the former Dragon lord Torch, and I will end you here monster!" Torch growled as flame gathered within Torch chest. I smiled a twisted smile, as I took a breath. "Good, you have chosen death." I attacked, I will enjoy rising this dragon remains once his dead, he will be my first of many. The Nightmare Coast will rise again!

Asphyxious Tomb

***Ten years later.***

A tomb was built in the remains of a dead world, it was built on the sorrow, blood and pain of Asphyxious. His body has been long dead, but his heart stone remains. His blight fed the runes in this dead place. The throne room looked more like a catacomb, the walls had names inscribed into them. Friends, family, his own children.

For the most part this dead dragon sleeps and rests in this tomb, the only time he awakens is if his followers have need of him. Or if a intruder come into his tomb, his grave if you will. A few of his loved ones survived on other worlds. Sonya, Sonata, Moon Dancer, Luna, Pizazz better known as Zaz and Gwyndolin also called Gwyn. But time waited for no one.

Asphyxious for now sleeps until he is called upon or if someone being a big pain in the neck. The most interesting thing was his tomb acted as a portal, a gateway to other worlds. Creatures and powers from other worlds can come here, to speak with others. Or visit the temples of gods, and some of Asphyxious old friends. For now he sleeps, for now he waits until a voice awoken him, a voice he knew.

Asphyxious opened his eye that slowly focused. His eyeless site set in, mapping out the throne room and who was standing in it before his eyesight came back it was his hearing first, and the first thing he heard was.

“So, still moping around? How much longer are you going to wallow in self pity?” Rin’s voice came from the fox imp standing in front of him. The toxic green glow of its eyes showing that it was possessed. Asphyxious stared at it, before letting out a deep sigh as dust fell from his form.

“I never wanted any of this, I didn’t expect to outlive my own children.” Asphyxious replied looking at the wall. Asphyxious even reached out to his warjacks hidden in his tomb he wondered how they still worked after all this time. “So what wrong this time? Some fool trying to destroy the world again?” Asphyxious asked as his joints screeched in protest after not moving for so long. His limbs snapped back into place as Asphyxious could move again.

“No... son I’ve given you time to grieve but this is getting ridiculous. Ten years is far too long to wallow. So...I’ve called an intervention.” Rin said as all of my surviving loved ones moved in from the shadows as well as several foxes carrying crystal balls covered in runes drawn in blood.

“Ten years, was I asleep for so long?” Asphyxious asked as he started to move, slowly muscle and bone started to grow back, as his flesh started to cover his more metal parts of his body. “I didn’t think I’d sleep that long.”

“We know you don’t want to talk about what happened, but it time to put the past behind you now.” Said Moon Dancer as she walked up to him. Putting a hand on his arm, Asphyxious looked down at her. She had aged but to Asphyxious it didn’t show, he slowly nods his head at this.

“You’re right, Ten years is too long I’m the all father now... I need to get used to that. So what happened while I slept?” Asphyxious asked, as his skin and scales started to grow back.

“Well how do we put this.” Said Pizazz or Zaz for short as she bit her lip, looking to her clone sister, Friend? Asphyxious will have to ask Ava for more details about these two another time.

“Your followers have started a crusade.” Said Gwyndolin or Gwyn for short. Asphyxious stopped and blinked at them confused.

“Agents who?” He asked as Asphyxious belly rumbled. “I need something to eat.” He grumbled looking around. Asphyxious always knew he forgot something when making this place, he forgot to put a fridge in here. Rin just sighed and created a portal which gushed out gems for him to snack on. “Thank you.” Asphyxious thanked before eating.

“You’re welcome. Now listen about the Cryx.” Rin said while pointing at Gwyndolin.

“Well after you dunk yourself in your pity party. The Cryx and your Diamond dogs went on a crusade to bring all Cyrx under your banner.” Gwyn finished as Asphyxious started at them.

“Oh gods don’t tell me, they used the shadow gate to go to the other worlds didn’t they?” Asphyxious putting a claw over his face. “Okay where are they now?” He asked going off to look for his old armour and weapons.

“What are you going to do?” Asked Sonya as she watched him get changed. Asphyxious walked out with a old friend, that friend being the Deathjack and two of his closest warjacks.

“I’m going to find them, then bet it into there heads the last thing I wanted them to do was go on a stupid crusade! Then maybe poke fun at Everblight not sure yet, or see how my old friends are doing.” Asphyxious replied as he walked down the hall.

“That’s what happens when you leave your followers alone for to long. They do stupid things.” Rin said with exasperation. “I made that mistake once and somehow they decided that I wanted virgin sacrifices.”

Asphyxious could not help but laugh a little at that. “They should have sacrificed cake and sweets.” He said making his way to the gate room. “Anything I need to know before going there?”

“Um, well you’re planet is alive again. So there’s that.” Rin said offhandedly. Asphyxious stopped looked confused before looking back at the fox imp. “I’ve been refurnishing dead worlds back into living ones for a while now. You think I wouldn’t do the same for yours? Gave it a black sun, had my imps import plants from other worlds to grow. Ava even chipped in by helping the imported animals repopulate faster.”

“Wait, you did what!?” Asphyxious yelled looking like he in a panic. “Do you have any idea what Ava would do if left to her own devices? Oh gods I fear at what I’ll find back home waiting for me.”

“Well...I must admit having all animal life including reptiles and water animals having huge boobs does take getting used to.” Rin said sagely as her imp body nodded. Asphyxious face clawed again, he hoped she was joking.

“...I’ll deal with that later... Send me to my stupid followers before they kill a planet.” Asphyxious asked as he walked up to the gate.

“Again.” Rin added as she ran up to the control with that imp speed. “So, you’re good now? You’re not just going to come back and stew again when your done?”

“I’m good, and seeing all the trouble I made by shutting myself off. I need to fix this before it get any more out of hand.” Asphyxious replied pulling out his sword and looks at the blade. “I’m ready.” With a nod the imp poked a few buttons on the gate controls causing it to open for him. Once he left and the gate closed the imp looked to the others.

“Do you think we should have told him that his followers have adopted the naked party as a way of celebrating each victory? Because that’s what was on the other side of that portal.” Rin asked the others.

“And ruin the surprise?” Asked Luna with a smile. As they all giggled before Luna want up to the Imp fox. “By the way, is my moon still there or?...”

“Which one?” Rin deadpanned. Luna looked confused for a moment before remember what Asphyxious told her a long time ago.

“The one I had control over, wait are you saying I have more than one moon now?” Luna asked blinking at the imp.

“You didn’t do that? There are three moons out there now.” Rin stated. “They’re a little cracked from crashing into each other's few times with no one to control them but nothing that can’t be fixed.” Luna smiled before hugging Rin and screamed in joy... In the royal canterlot voice.

“GA! Not in the ear!” The fox cried.

***Asphyxious pov.***

“What the fuck...” I asked at what I was seeing. My brain must have stopped working because I was having trouble understanding what I was seeing right now. And seeing as I’ve lived in equestra for more than twenty years that saying something. I wasn’t even bothered that they were bipedal. “Why in the hell is everyone naked?”

That one question seemed to go unanswered for a whole minute before, everyone started bowing. Okay, I saw Diamond dogs, Ponies, Griffons, Mantis ponies, some minotaurs, Changelings, Thestral and Unliving. And oh look, they have dragons with them too. I thought to myself as my warjacks looked at me. It was to early to deal with this, I just woke up and was still hungry.

“Who is in charge and what are you all doing?” I asked trying to not stare, kind of hard when you’re in the middle of some kind of salabrasion where everyone was naked. “And please don’t bow, it make me feel like a prick.” At this they all stood up straight and saluted which resulted in them flashing their collective privets at me... I face clawed at this. I walked right into that one didn’t I?

“We are my Lord.” Said a woman voice, I turned around to see a huge minotaur in robes I think? From behind him walked out a mare in slimmer robes. “I am High Priestess Iron Buns! And this is head priest Long Horn!” She said in a over dramatic tone. I sighed at this, I forgot about how ponies name each other...

“Okay, from now on you’re Lizzy and he’s Fred.” I tell them getting confused looks from them. I knew they find some why to fuck it up but for now I just didn’t care.

“As you wish my Lord, I will be known as Lizzy Iron Buns.” She said as I ground, I walked away as I looked around. At least they’re keeping the warjacks I made in working order, hell they even made some new ones.

“Alright pack your things we’re going home.” I told them as they all stared at me. I didn’t care as I walked around with my jacks following me. I had to go back and find out, what happened to that world I left behind.

Things had changed so much, and yet felt so familiar. Walking around with an army behind you was a pain. I saw how the land healed, but to me the scars were still there. I then found ponyville, it looked like they were rebuilding Twilight old castile. It made my heart feel heavy, or that was the heart stone. But I moved on, told the army to do what they can to help.

I left to find old battlefields, old gravestones, then my old home. The Diamond dogs there were surprised to see me. They even held a party, it looked like my Den was untouched by the two year war with Toruk.

I found my way to my old work shop and to my surprised, my old warjacks sat waiting for me. I smiled at my old friends, I walked up to them and hugged Seether head. I never thought I’d miss them so much.

The smell of metal and smoke, the familiar sound of there engines humm. I was home again, the only thing I was missing now was. “Daddy?” a soft voice spoke, it made every muscle in my body teases as I slowly looked to the source of the voice. It was a filly who looked part dragon, she had blue scales but her mane was a soft pink.

“Gentle Shade?” I asked as she ran up and hugged me crying her eyes out. I couldn’t move or think as I looked down at my and Fluttershy child, I couldn’t help but kneel down and hug her back. That when I saw everyone came in and I saw them, Fluttershy, Sonata and my Puparium. They all rushed in and joined in on the hug, we were all overwhelmed by emotion I was never more happy to be back, at last I was home.

Bonus chapter: Hidden in the dark.

Asphyxious after one miss adventure on Ave world found out just how bad things where with her enemy. Die Leucht, so Asphyxious went in search for away to help. And found one soul could get the ball rolling, after all he was the Dragonfather. And he could not wait to see how his works unfolded.

80 years later.

It took years to build up and careful planning, with a few grave robbing of the few sites that were left. However they only took the best minds who once lived, and hired criminals to raid morgues making it look like it was black market dealers looking for organs and body parts.

This was how Cryx was slowly building up, attacking remote places years apart. Or biding their time before carrying out their plans. Even hiding their attacks as one of Die Leucht monsters getting loss.

Yes it took time, but by using the underground caves and cassems to hide their movements. Even underwater tunnels were used, as well as natural toxic gases or scolding hot heat veins to block any living thing from following them.

Helljacks were only rarely used, because their lord didn’t want to risk the technology falling into the wrong claws. Many undead were made from the remains of those who were trapped in cave ins and the sinkholes that were carefully dug out for years. After they were sure the locals were not going to try and retrieve the bodies. Or just blocking a stream and waiting for years for it to take effect turning into a landslide.

Many mechanithralls were used as well as Scrapthralls as the main digging force, yet when it came to bedrock only then did they use the helljacks. The first undead to be made and awakened was a griffon who started out in humble beginnings, he thought he could change things for the better. Yet it never happened, he was imprisoned for anti government views. When all he wanted was to pass a law to give their people more legal protection, to provant what had happened to him.

He lost years of his life and health yet he didn’t give up, he still tried and then he was killed. Not quickly ever, he still remembered being locked in a chest and dumped in a hole unable to move. Then he realised what was happening, he was being buried alive! He died soon after.

When he awoke again, he was something else. His body was changed, his body was made of iron and steel now. His skull with it witchfire eyes looked up at the one who brought him back. That when he saw his new master, no. His lord gave him a new life as an iron lich. An undead, with a greater understanding of the world. His new lord made it clear that because of the Orichalcum it was too risky to openly attack Die Leucht, so they will hinder them.

Attacking their mines, their railways, slowly changing the landscape making it harder for them to resupply their armies. Yet it would be too suspicious if these attacks happened regularly, so they were biding their time. Waiting years for these events to be all but forgotten about, before attacking their next target.

His name was Grimscythe, his lord gave him that name. He found others to join the cryx’s legions. Engineers who became Necrotech’s, helping to build more helljacks and assembling their new work force/army. Yet this was just for the risen dead, they were not ready for living members to join yet. As they slowly start to believe in their new god, The Dragonfather.

Grimscythe knew to keep an eye on some of their necrotechs, the ones who were still loyal quickly changed their minds. When told they could be just sent back to whatever afterlife they had come from. The few who would not turn on Die Leucht, were simply turned back into lifeless bones. Yet still they kept them, it was better to keep them around in the event they needed a spare soul. Or to make them into Iron Lich Overseer. Three souls, one body.

For now things were slow, it always felt like this after the first decade. They used ghosts as scouts in the wilderness above ground. They knew how to stay hidden from the living, sometimes they would come across lost souls. Living or otherwise, the Dragonfather gave them a simple task. Guild the souls of the dead, so they could pass on to the next life. However not all souls were willing, so they were brought into the ranks of cryx.

It would take two weeks on foot to get anywhere close to where they were set up. Not only that, the air was replaced by deadly gases as well as the temperature dropping the deeper you went. That is not even going into the heat that would slowly build over time once you passed a certain point. However, it would take another few days of travel to reach that point.

The problem was making contact with the living, the ones who were found dying were easy to tempt into joining. The healthy and fearful would not be so easily convinced, he remembered his Lord left them a gift. A drop of the dragonfather blood, Grimscythe was told to give it to a true believer. And they will be the first to spread the word of the dragonfather. But there was risk, they had to be sure they were faithful. If not, the dragonfather blood would kill them.

They made sure to keep a low profile and hidden, never going to the surface unless they had no choice but go above ground. It rarely happened, even so they knew how to avoid the living. Yet Grimscythe always felt like someone was watching them, not the dragonfather, no. When the dragonfather watched them, Grimscythe felt like their lord was watching with interest. As if waiting to see how they would deal with events and examining their choices.

It didn’t matter in the long run, after all they knew their mission. And he would make sure they would not fail, it was night and raining. Meaning it was perfect for them to go out and start their next plan. They were going to destroy the rail track that passed though this forest, sometimes they would even tip off the freedom fighters to do their work for them. Nothing too risky, they were no good to them dead.

He stops and spreads his metal wings out as he hears the caw of a carrion thrall. The undead crow flew down and landed on his arm. They were the best spies, they could not transmit information in detail. But they can transmit images and some sound if they’re close enough. Yet he ordered the undead bird to never do such a thing, it was too risky to lose something so useful.

“What have you found?”

He asked, yet it did not wait to send him the information. It flew away and caws for him to follow. Grimscythe turned to the two necrotech's who were travelling with him. And the small horde of undead.

“Continue with the mission, make sure to leave nothing behind that we were here.”

He told them and followed the bird, the rain was coming down harder now. As he followed he started to hear a sound, it sounded like, crying? When he saw the body, he followed the sound. Using his staff he carefully moved the body over and saw a griffon chick, They couldn’t be more than a few weeks old.

While the chick was crying, he looked at the body. The mother, maybe? He thought as the crow flew off to keep a lookout, he looked down to the face of this griffon and saw they were still alive!

“Please… Save her…”

They asked holding out the crying chick to him, Grimscythe was shocked. Why, why would she hand over her own child to a thing of death like himself? Then he quickly took the chick as the griffon gave her last breaths of life. The chick started to cry even louder, as he carefully wrapped it up in the blanket the griffon had held it in.

There was no time to ask questions, as the crow caws a warning! It was time to leave, he shielded the young chick and took to the sky’s! He was much faster than any living griffon, yet what to do with the little one? It was too dangerous to have it live with them, yet he knew a place where it would be looked after. Looks like he had a detour before rejoining the others.

The rebel fighters had many names and groups, they had a lot of reasons for wanting to fight for their freedom. However on a night like this, many just wanted a warm fire and a roof over their heads.

“Is the plan still the same? We’re moving out at first light to a new campsite?”

Asked a griffon with a bow on his back, as he tried to warm himself by the small fire box that was keeping them warm in the small tent. The others nodded as if they had done this before. One griffon was sharpening a spear, before sticking another log in the fire box.

Lately they have been getting letters dropped off by crows, telling them about when Die Leucht would be on to them or giving them a target to attack. It wasn’t like they needed help, the first time they got the letters they ignored them. Thinking they were a trap. Until they found out later what was inside, it was about a target they were hunting. And where they would be staying.

They all stop what they’re doing when they hear the crow, that was strange. It never showed up in the middle of a storm before or at night. They quickly left the tent and went outside to find out what was happening, weapons at the ready. They heard the crow again, then they heard a chick crying.

They saw the crow on a log it caws at them before flying off into the night sky. They quickly followed the sound and saw in the hollow of the log was a baby griffon!

“Okay what is going on here? Information one thing. But we’re not an orphanage!”

“How can you be so cold!”

Growled one griffon as she quickly picked the chick up and brought it back to the tent to keep it warm. Grimscythe watched them as he slowly disappeared into the darkness of the woods before taking flight. It would be safe with them for now, yet a part of his mind wondered, was this fate?

Grimscythe and the others returned without incident, it will take Die Leucht a few weeks to find out about the damage to the track and even longer to fix it. That pulls both time and resources away from other areas. For now they had an intruder to deal with, the shocking part was they didn’t have any trouble breathing in the toxic air around them. He didn’t understand how they were still alive, unless they weren’t.

“Who are you?”

He asked the pony who was in a business suit and had glowing eyes. This being whatever it was, could be an enemy yet he waited.

“I am diplomatic contact unit Mable, I am here to make contact with the followers of Asphyxious. Lady Aventurine told me they would be… Undead? I take it you’re them yes?”

Grimscythe, was surprised because the dragonfather told no one but him of his full name. So to hear it from another so casually was strange to him, however Asphyxiosu did say if they ran into trouble make contact with Aventurine a goddess. He even said they could trust them.

“You know of the dragonfather, he has told me if my focuses ever needed aid I should make contact with this, Aventurine. How did you get down here?”

“It was easy, you only accounted for anyone who was not modified to deal with harsh environments. I was designed to make contact even in the middle of a war zone.”

He was starting to understand, this Mable was changed not unlike himself. He was brought back from the sleep of death, this one was made more while still living. If they were still living, he wasn’t sure. Yet having an ally was useful, and Asphyxious did say he could trust them.

“I see, why are you here then?”

“To make an offer, we can trade in goods to help you with your goals. We have the same enemy. And Lady Aventurine knows Asphyxious… Entmantly.”

Mable brought out a holo list of the kinds of things they can offer, as well as weapons. The Necrotech’s were eager to get hold of such weapons, yet at the same time their lord said they should work on making new weapons themselves. However, never turn down a weapon you can gain through trade. Grimscythe agreed with this Mable, a trade was made, in time they could become friends. For now, he had an idea for a new cannon for the helljacks that could be very useful.

Mable left a machine behind, before using it to teleport away. It seems it could fold up and be moved, that was very useful. For now the necrotech’s were busy taking these new weapons apart and finding out how they work. Things are going to be very interesting from now on.

Turns out it was harder than they thought, forget about the weapons effects. Like setting a target on fire or freezing them. The weapons themselves were so complicated, the only way they would get any real use out of them would be to graft them to the helljacks.

So Grimscythe asked for help, and the dragonfather gave it. A portal opened in a remote location, where even if someone did know about it. They would be gone long before anyone was sent to investigate.

What walked out was a number of Iron Lichs, Necrotech’s and helljacks. There was Ponies, Diamond dogs, and even a changelings. As they quickly went to Grimscythe and he led them away back underground. It was very surprising to him, Grimscythe thought he was the first to be given a gift like this. However he may have been wrong, the other iron lich’s welcomed him like a brother.

The necrotech’s were even more eager going over every inch of the new helljacks that were with them. Grimscythe explained his plans and the other lichs were in agreement. They had brought up how they could shield the cortex of the helljacks. That would be a boon in itself, because the jacks could run on anything as long as it made heat.

So the necrotechs scrambled to come up with new ways to power the helljacks that were not coal or dark magic powered. Grimscythe was shocked that the dragonfather would use dark magic as a fuel for such machines. Yet the crystals grew in the crystal empire back on Asphyxious world.

It would take a few years, but they did manage to make a helljack engine that ran on other fuels. Such as one for methane gas, however that was mainly used for the smaller or light helljacks. Seeing as it was too dangerous to loud up a heavy helljack with such a thing.

Another was powered by refined oil, its smoke was less noticeable yet it burned through the fuel faster. Another used hydration, it was tricky and could only be used in small amounts. It gave impressive speed, so it was only used for their flying helljacks. Something that still surprised Grimscythe that they could build one that fly's, yet he could fly and he was just as heavy as a bonejack.

However there was one resource the new lich’s warned him about, necrotite. It was unlikely they would come across it on this world. But if they did find it, they were given strict orders about how to handle it. One make sure the living do not go near it as it could poison them and even kill them, two harvest it and remove it from the area as quickly and quietly as possible.

Necrotite was only found in places of great slaughter, the coal would be slowly bathed in the blood and death of the living. Making it into a potent fuel, that once set alight will not stop burning even under water. Until it runs out.

Grimscythe grew worried, if all it needed to form was coal and slaughter then it was very easy to make necrotite. It would take years of battle for necrotite to form. They needed to adjust their plans, first look into places of battle with the most heavy loss of life. Then search the local coal deposits if any to make sure there is not a trace of necrotite, if it is found. Then they will do as their Lord warned, harvest it and move it away from the living. For if Die Leucht were to find out about this, it would give them a deadly new weapon. That the living were not prepared for.

While this was all going on Asphyxious used the fact time did not run at the same speeds to his advantage. Modifying and improving his helljacks and their weapons. He knew this would mark him as a mad king, even going as far as to say a warlord of death. Yet why should such mortal labels matter to him anymore? He was the Dragonfather now, mad or not there was nothing more dangerous than a dragon's wrath.

Yet at the same time, he had other problems to deal with. Such as his followers' little rampage while he was gone, it turned out they even pissed off a few displaced while bringing the other cryx to heil.

Yet some of these displaced brought new thoughts to mind, what if they did manage to end him? Would it mean the end of him or maybe, the next step in his evolution? Asphyxious was in no hurry to find out, so he was going to prepare his followers. After all, if they were wiped out what was the point in him gaining so much power in the first place?

He smiled to himself, maybe he truly was mad. Asphyxious could not help but laugh, he was going to bring hell to them all. His last name was Hellbringer, it was about time he lived up to that name. It was time to show the other displaced, what war really means.

Grimscythe cryx have started to call themselves the Vipers of Cryx, much like how the dismonad dogs under the dragonfather call themselves the Wolves of Cryx. Grimscythe thought it was appropriate. Seeing as they mainly lay in wait and only strike when their enemy is alone and unaware.

It has been 30 years now, and they have made a vast tunnel network. They hid much of it in the already existing underground caves and caverns. Just to be sure, they moved there necrofacttorium deeper underground, they only just got this new one built five years ago. The necrotech’s designed it so it can easily be taken apart and moved at a moment's notice.

For now they had to stay away from the battles of the frontlines. As much as going to such a place would be abundant of replacement ‘materials’ however it was too risky to even think about it. However they did manage to get lifeless clones from Mable, so it wasn’t that bad. The problem was the clones didn’t have any souls, and because they were made raver then born. They had to find a way to program the violent behaviour that would have been found in the revived dead.

Lately the criminals in the griffon lands have been dropping, no doubt Die Leucht had something to do with it. The vipers of cryx were careful to make it look like any criminals who went missing by their hand, were few and had a large sum of coins on them. To make it look like they made a clean getaway.

The criminal masses unaware they were added as just another body to the scrapthralls. Grimscythe would much like to attack, cut down all in their path and harvest the fallen adding to their numbers. Yet it was not time, they needed to wait. They needed away around the orichalcum, there must be a way to ever remove its magical absorbing properties. Or to protect themselves from it. But how?

“Excuse me, Sir Grimscythe?”

Asked one of their newly risen unliving, she was one of the few who were found abandoned in an old mine that was quickly closed. Because of a cave in. When the vipers of cryx found them a week later there were only three survivors, who lived by eating their dead co-workers. It left them scared mentally but thanks to the dragonfathers knowledge, they saved them. However they could never return back home.

“I have the reports, are you alright?”

Grimscythe sent to her the feeling of smiling as he took the report, the war was still a slow grind. According to the group that was sent to keep an eye on things, Die Leucht sent back a number of trucks filled with dead griffons. Wait, trucks? He thought about that, they would need to transport them across vast distances. Thanks to the sabotage to the railway, large areas of it were cut off until they were repaired. Grimscythe turned to her and asked.

“Do our people still have burial rights for the dead?”

“Y-yes, why?”

“Because I think we have just found a way to boost our numbers.”

A transport convoy was driving through the night, they couldn’t stop until they reached the next settlement. The driver couldn’t keep his eyes open much longer, if they didn’t find a place to stop soon he was going to pass out. The griffon turned to his navigator who had fallen asleep, he frowned and hit them with his wing to wake them up!

“I’m up sir!? Ready to run drills sir?!”

The younger griffon yelled, making the driver laugh at him. The younger griffon growled at him but it was worth it.

“Good of you to join us, if I can’t sleep that means you can’t ever. Are we close yet?”

The younger griffon grones, as he starts pulling up maps. He looked back to the road, it was a dirt road. Worse the headlights were almost useless, you couldn’t see anything until it was in front of the truck. He also didn’t like the idea of transporting bodies. It was unsettling, worse if the boxes were not sealed properly. He heard stories about how one box wasn’t and it was only opened once it reached one of the main cities. It was called the fly box horror incident.

“Take this next right, there should be a village we can stop for the night.”

“Good, it's starting to rain. I hate driving in the rain, more likely to crash than find our way back.”

The three trucks made their way into a little village, at first it looked abandoned until they saw one torch light hanging from an inn. The six soldiers got out of the trucks as two of them made their way to the inn.

They went inside and found it was almost as cold inside as it was out, at lest it was dry. They looked inside and only saw two hooded griffons playing cards in the corner. One of them they saw was missing a leg, while the other was missing both of their wings.

“Vets of the war, most like.”

Said the older griffon to the younger, the younger one smirked at that. They rang a small bell at the desk and a griffon with a hood over their head walked out feeling their way to the counter.

“Yes? Can I help you?”

They quickly worked out the griffon was blind and could not see. The younger griffon smiled and quietly went round the counter while the older soldier talked.

“Yeah, we need six beds for the night.”

“Well you’re in luck, not many come here any more. It's been years since we’ve had visitors. What is your name sir?”

“I’m Razerbeck and this is Ribs, we call him that for his love of anything that meat.”

While the Inn keeper talked, Ribs was looking for anything of value and smiled as he found a bag full of coins. He saw Razerbeck look at him, Ribs just smiled and was carefully taking a few handfuls out of the bag.

“We hope you enjoy your stay, I’m sorry about this. I won't be able to make you breakfast when you wake up.”

“It's fine we’ll make our own.”

He said as the others walked in and followed Razorbeck, round back to their rooms being led by the inn keeper. Little did they know, the other two occupants of the inn watched. One turned to the window and their eyes glowed.

The six soldiers had to share one room, it was fine by them as Ribs was already splitting up their ill gotten gains with the others. Razorbeck was one of the few who thought of themselves as a real fighter. He watched how they made fun of the griffons who could no longer fly or walk. Razor saw much of the same thing happen to his own friends.

As soon as you could no longer fight, it was like you were an outcast from everyone. The worst case was when they were abandoned by their own families. When did things turn out this badly for them? Everygriffon was getting ready for bed and went to sleep.

Meanwhile as they slept, the blind griffon made sure they were sleeping. Before the bandages over his eyes glowed. As he cast a silence spell on the building. He turned away and went back to the others, and nods his head. The other two nod and one waves at the window.

That when the vipers of cryx moved in, they gathered around the trucks. The unliving get inside and start reading off the marked boxes, pointing at one as the scrapthralls started taking them out one by one. Once they were moved away, a diamond dog necrotech started carefully opening the boxes once they reached him.

The bodies were then taken away as they carefully changed the papers for copies, with the body listed as missing. Only leaving behind whatever uniformed were on the bodies. It will take them a few hours to be done, by then the drivers will be none the wiser. They were careful to put the boxes back the way they found them, however one body could not be left behind. It was the body of a general, they knew what to do. They had to take this one with them!

The next morning, Razor got up early and woke the others as they woke up. They found the blind griffon was making tea. As they made themselves at home. Razor felt bad for the blind griffon as the others joked, and were openly stealing from him in the open. Taking as much food as they can with them. As they were getting ready to leave they saw the wingless griffon was trying to grow crops. While the one with a missing leg was watching out a window.

“Come on let’s go, I got you some ham!”

Razor looked at Ribs as he handed the meat to him. Razor took it and looked at it, he didn’t feel like eating. In fact he felt sick looking at it.

“Don’t you feel bad about taking the inn keepers food like that?”

“Oh like who’s he gonna tell? It’s not like he can tell anyone what we look like!”

Ribs laughed, as Razor started the truck up and took a bite out of the ham. It was good ham and started driving away leading the convoy of three trucks away. Unaware of the footprints in the mud. That one of their trucks drove over.

General Ironclaw or Irons for short, was a proud griffon as he stood and smiled to himself. He was standing before his commander as they waited to hear his report, Iron was sure he would get a medal for this.

“As you can see sir, we’ve pushed them out of the edge of the city. All we need to do now is keep going on the offensive and we’ll take the whole city by weeks end.”

He said confidently, as the commander stared at him as if looking through his soul, It made Iron a little worried when the commander got like that.

“Good work, now tell me how many griffons are already on their way to reinforce your battalion?”

Ironclaws was confused for a moment but quickly answered anyway. Surely this was a test, to make sure he could remember what was asked and what was being sent to the front lines.

“We lost over four thousand, but we can easily replace that number in a few days thanks to the draftees from the outer settlements. We can send them in first to take the worst of things until reinforcements arrive.”

The commander nodded, as Irons smiled more sure than ever now. Yet he couldn’t help but get this nagging feeling, like he forgot something important. It was on the tip of his talon he just could not remember what it was?

“What about the other movements of the army. Where are they moving now?”

Ironclaw went on telling him everything, yet the longer they talked the more things felt out of place. He stopped at one question as he looked at the doors behind him, leading into the office.

“Something the matter, Ironclaw?”

Asked the commander, Iron wanted to say no but stopped himself. No, this was wrong. Somegriffon should have come in by now. It was unusual for no one to see the commander, let alone Iron by himself. The commander never did one on one meetings with anyone, in fact the commander never waited for Iron to talk this much. He would always yell at him to get to the point!

“Who’re you!”

Ironclaw shouted, reaching for his sword, only to find it was missing along with his gun! Iron then started calling for the guards, only no one responded. Ironclaw ran for the doors and tried to open them. Only they wouldn’t open!

“I see… There is no point in pretending any longer.”

Said the commander as he waved his hand, as his voice started to change. Iron turned back and saw the commander form melt away like fog as a tall metal thing stood where the commander sat. Its head was only the skull of a griffon staring back at him. As the room changed into a vast cave.

“W-what tricky is this? Where am I? Where is the commander?!”

“Forgive me, when calling back a soul it’s simpler to just go alone with their strongest memories of their lives events from before. It also was much easier for you to answer my questions if you believed you were still living.”

Ironclaw didn’t understand, just what was this monster talking about?! Iron thinks as he thought of escape. He turns around and tries to fly only to find he is not moving. He is still in the same place he tried to fly away from, what was happening? What was going on!? Ironclaw panics as he tries to fly faster.

“You will understand soon. Just look down.”

Ironclaw felt a horrible feeling in his guts, every impulse in his mind was screaming at him not to look. Yet he did and what he saw made the battle hardened general scream.

“What is that!?”

What he saw was his own body, in a magic cycle. With runes carved into the flesh and bones. Grimscythe walked around the ghost that was brought back to speak with the iron lich.

“It's simple, I brought back your soul to get information. Now that I have it, you can go back to your eternal rest.”

It was only now that reality was crashing down on his head he remembered everything. He had died, a pegasus had run him through the neck. He remembered laying there bleeding out in pain. Trying to call for help only to die. And he was about to be sent back to wherever his soul came from!

“No wait! Hear me out, I can be useful! I know more than what you asked, I-I know about an ops unit that is going to kill off a town! I can tell you where it is! When they’re going to attack! All you need to is-!”

“Goodbye.”

With that one word, Grimscythe cancelled the spell and Ironclaw soul was sent to whatever afterlife he came from. With the knowledge he had just betrayed everyone, worse he was sent back with the knowledge this wasn’t the first time his soul was brought back! Grimscythe walked away from the body. As he stops next to an iron lich with a dog’s skull for a head.

“So what do you want to do with him? Turn him into another scrapthall?”

“No, I believe we can find another use for him. I’ll leave the body in your capable paws.”

The Diamond dog lich laughed as he went over to Ironclaws body and dragged it away. Grimscythe had a lot to think about. It was already too late for most of the info to be useful, however they can find use in other ways. He went up to the new-u and made a call, after all information was just another weapon. If used properly.

Nine years later.

The Vipers of cryx have made themselves into a ghost story among the Empire troops. Of shadowy figures moving in the darkness of woods, when a heavy rainstorm hit. As well as residents in small and what they thought were abandoned villages would be populated one day and then gone the next. It was just hearsay, ghost stories, yet it was annoying that some info did leek about them. For now it was just gossip. They will need to lay low until these stories die down.

Grimscythe was overseeing the contraction of a new helljack, the dragonfather offered the idea of using magnets to make a projectile move faster. At the time he didn’t really understand it, but as his Lord explained in more detail he slowly started to understand. The faster an object moves the greater the impact once it hits something. He tested it on a small scale and was shocked by the results.

Normal steel armour was punched though like paper, a hole no bigger than his own claw. Yet the biggest shock was how the steel reacted once it was hit, it was like the armour turned in on itself. If someone was wearing that, their rib cage would have been broken or worse crushed. And that was with just a small block of steel.

This new weapon could be lethal, the better question was how would it react to orichalcum? Could something moving that fast do the damage he was seeing? The first test destroyed the weapon, yet even so. The attempt to build a working prototype was worth it. The problem was they needed a way to deal with their enemy quietly, not load and call everyone to where they are.

Magic could help, but the Vipers of Cryx wanted to leave the smallest magical footprint as possible. They didn’t know if they could be tracked, but it was batter to assume they could. And to cover their tracks, the news Grimscythe got today was… Worrying. They got news that Die Leucht was taking prisoners again, he knew full well what would happen to them. The prisoners would be taken to work camps or worse test subjects.

They needed to lay low, yet felt conflicted as he watched the image on a hologram from the newu. Grimscythe knew he shouldn’t feel anything, yet a slow burning anger was building inside of him. To be brought back had risks, the dragonfather said they could lose their empathy for others. Or maybe some other emotion, Girmscythe wished he had lost it then he wouldn’t feel such rage at how his own people were treating other living beings.

He wanted to act, yet remind himself they were playing the long game. To be nothing more than a story was perfect for them, he stopped as he thought about it. Yes, being nothing but a boogeyman was perfect for the vipers of cryx. They could use this and spread such terror that Die Leucht would have no choice but to try and silence anyone who knew, pulling griffon power away from the front!

Another image popped up and this was what pushed him to action. The image was of a family being pulled apart, the kit taken away while the parents were sent to camps. Grimscythe acted, it was risky and could expose them. But he could not stand by anymore, they needed to act now! He only scolded himself for not doing something sooner. He walked into the necrofactorium at the assembly lines as a new Helljack awaked and stepped off to be called for by a warcaster. It was time for the Vipers of Cryx to show their fangs.

Three years later.

It was raining, the guard outside hated the rain. It made it hard to fly and their feathers would get water logged. It seemed pointless to him, because no one else knew about this building in the middle of nowhere. It was once a place for their war prisoners, now it was something else. The young of many races were brought here, to be for lack of a better word brainwashed.

For every failure a new method was thought up, he hated it but this was war. Better to turn them to the griffon empire as new citizens, or they would be sent off to some unnamed lab or so the romer goes. Even he didn’t know what happened to them once they’re taken away.

“Ewww, how much longer do-o-o-o we have to stay out here for?”

Asked the guard standing next to him, he looked at the fat griffon who was wiping their beck and trying to stay dry in this down pore. It was a hopeless attempt as he saw the guard using his own wings to try and keep himself dry.

“Another ten minutes, give or take. To be honest, I’d rather be out here than inside.”

“I know what you mean, the brats w-w-won’t stop crying. How a soldier meant to get any s-s-s-sleep!”

He frowned at the fat griffon, at that thought. He couldn’t believe this guard thought of himself as a soldier. At least the bunks were warm and dry, yet because this place used to be a prison. The large open spaces echoed, it was a depressing experience. It made him question his life choices, maybe he was better off working at his mother's meat shop. He wouldn’t be standing here wet, cold and miserable.

“W-what’s that? c-Chopper?”

Chopper looked out and saw a light, a single lonely light in the woods. Chopper looked to the other guard, as they looked at each other. Chopper didn’t know, maybe some other guard got lost?

“Don’t know, better call it in Mordan.”

Chopper replied, as Mordan ran off inside. Meanwhile Chopper watched as the light slowly moved out of the woods, yet it was still unclear what it was. It was too dark and the light looked wrong. It took five minutes because a group of armed guards walked out with their captain.

“Report.”

“Unknown sir, whatever it is. It’s waiting at the edge of the wood.”

The captain looked annoyed and waved for his group to move out. Chopper watched with Mordan as they stood in the rain. They moved closer once the captain waved them over, when they got closer they saw a hooded… Thing. There was a glow under its cloak and it seemed to be swaying from side to side.

The captain ordered for it to surrender yet it just stood there, one of the guards moved in to grab it arm. When suddenly it screeched and wrapped its arms around the griffon that approached it! There panic as the group tried to free their comrade, the captain had enough and pulled out his sword and stabbed it.

The light faded as it fell on top of the griffon dragging him down with it. The griffon yelled in pain and for someone to get it off of him! The captain pulled the hood off, to show a griffon skull with a glass lens over one eye as well as a number of tubs and metal grafted to its bones holding it together.

“You two, get some tools and help. Looks like we got one of the lab birds' pets running around.”

They nodded and ran back, Chopper then heard the trapped griffon yelling about hearing a noise? Then there was an explosion! Chopper and Mordan looked back in horror, the group of guards were screaming in pain as some rolled on the floor on fire. While another had what looked like a metal claw stuck in their chest. Others were crying out they couldn’t see or hear. As some got up confused about what was happening.

Chopper ran back to get the dazed griffons to get the wounded inside, the captain was the worst one off by far. As Chopper saw a part of the beak of the thing in the captain's eye socket, he was already dead. That said nothing about the shrapnel in the dead captain's chest. Chopper wasn’t sure which bones were the captain’s or the monster?

While he was getting them back to the facility, Chopper then saw Mordan pointing and waving his arms. Chopper looked back while carrying a blind griffon and saw more glowing lights, some looked like eyes. Then larger siloets light up something big glaring at them with glowing eyes!

“Get inside! Hurry and set the alarms!”

Chopper yelled, as the glowing eyes watched them enter back inside the building. Once inside other guards had shown up demanding what happened. Chopper yelled back they needed to arm themselves and lock down the building. Chopper didn’t have rank but a half dozen wounded griffons meant only one thing. They were under attack!

The building was made of two parts, the main entrance and the courtyard before entering the main building. In the event of an attack the main building can be used as a fort, Chopper knew they needed to lock the gate then head for the main building. For now it was the only safe place here.

“What do we do with the wounded?!”

“Leave them! We need to think about ourselves!”

Two griffons talked before everyone started leaving, Chopper couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Leave them? There were more than ten griffons wounded here, they can’t just leave them here. Three have already died on the way, the rest were crying out in pain and for help.

“Help us!”

Called out one Griffon, as the ones who were deaf still tried to help. Chopper only left when another griffon pulled on his shoulder and he started running as well. Once outside, it was chaos. The watchtowers were being attacked by birds?! He had no idea what was happening, as he watched one griffon fall out of one watchtower as the flock of crows followed. Pecking at the griffon face and any exposed part of their body, the birds were even picking the griffons wings clean of feathers before going after the flesh underneath.

One griffon tried to fly away, there was a roaring whistling sound before something large knocked the griffon out of the sky! It was some kind of large metal bird, only the glow coming from it chilled him to the bone. It let out a horrible screeching sound before diving on their group!

“Duck now!”

Chopper yelled, as everyone dived for the floor! Chopper could feel the rush of air overhead before hearing a scream of pain! He looked up and saw one of the guards was in its metal claws while being pecked at by it, before flying over the forest, as another flock of crows was following. It then drops the griffon and the birds go down after them into the woods.

“Move!”

Somegriffon shouted and everygriffon got up and ran for the door, once inside they sealed the door shut! They all gasped for air and struggled to understand what was happening, they were deep in griffon territory. No one should be able to attack them this far away from the front lines!?

“Someone get in contact with command! Tell them we’re under attack!”

“We can’t, the line is dead!? We’re trying to fix it!”

“Somebody wake up the dayshift and get there captain!”

“It's the storm wraiths, they’ve come for us! They’re the dead and fallen of the war come to make us pay for our sins! They’ve come to take us to the eternal abyss where our souls will never see the light of day again!!!”

“Shut up!”

Yelled one griffon, as Chopper saw the one yelling grab the frightened griffon by the scruff and shack him. They were shaking them so hard he was afraid they would snap his neck.

“They’re just stupid stories! Storm wraiths aren’t real!”

“What is going on here?”

That is when the captain of the day shift showed up with all his troops. Some of them looked half awake, it brought Chopper some relief that he was here. It brought order in a sea of panic and fear. The panic and fear came flooding back as they heard the scratch of the flying monster outside, as it sounded like it was flying over the building!

That seemed to wake up any who were still half awake, as they looked around alarmed and holding up their weapons. Chopper told them what happened and about the death of the night shift captain. The captain told everyone to get armed in the armoury however they didn’t have enough armour for everyone. The armor was meant for dealing with riots in this place when it was still used as a prison.

“You two warn the scientists about what is happening and get them into the basement!”

Chopper did as he was told and found Mordan who was clutching at his chest breathing hard. Chopper got him moving as they went off to carry out their orders.

Grimscythe watched as the living ran inside the prison, they had already cut the landline making it look like an animal did it thinking it was food. The light helljack called a Shrike was finally getting some use, they’ve had it sitting around for 20 years. He made sure to have it maintained for the day it would at last be able to take to the sky’s.

They had brought three, having them take turns flying back into the clouds. The carrion thralls were used to distract and help slow down anyone trying to escape. There were several others joining this fight. Helping to coordinate the undead horde, as they moved in slowly.

The wounded who were trapped can be dealt with over time, the prison was the main target. They had a time table to keep, this needed to be dealt with before the storm passes. Lucky for them it should last for a few more days.

The prototype wasn’t ready for this fight, however the helljacks they did have would do for their needs. He looked to the others as they gathered around him to hear his orders.

“This is a recuse, save who you can. We cannot let one innocent soul be lost, understand.”

“Shale we harvest anyone we find… useful?”

Asked the iron lich with a changeling skull, their metal body looked much like a praying mantis. With it long limbs. Next to him was the Iron Lich Diamond dog who had a new thrall standing next to him, Grim noted how it was modified to act much like the iron lich overseers. Only it had two heads, as he knew who this once was.

“Yes, the necrotechs will join us. After all, we’re trying to become a horror story. Leave anyone who you think won’t be believed or taken seriously if you can. After all, fear of the unknown is the worst enemy one can have on their mind.”

Chopper was looking out a window with a rifle, it felt useless to him as he saw the birds were picking at the dead. And even using the watchtowers as their new nests watching them. That when the metal bird landed on one of the towers, now that it wasn’t flying around at high speeds. He could see more details.

Its wings ended in blades as it stood on thin legs with hook like blades for feet. Its body was fat and round as the glow could be seen from its ribs? Or was it a spine? Its narrowed head turned with the glowing slits for eyes, it looked right at him and screeched loudly! Chopper hid behind the wall, hoping it didn’t see him.

As he looked to the other guard who was on look out with him. This wasn’t a normal attack, there were no reports or even news about monsters like this. They would know if these things started showing up on the battlefield.

“Think they’ve given up?”

Asked the other guard who took a peek out the window. As Chopper looked to the others who held their own guns watching, waiting for movement. It was nerve racking waiting like this, it hasn’t even been a full hour yet and every one was on edge.

“Movement!”

A yell called out as everygriffon started smashing windows to point their weapon barrels outside. They may have orichalcum bullets, but they didn’t have enough of them for everyone. The armor and swords were given to their best fighters, he saw them at first. The almost walking half skeletons of metal and bone walked towards them almost casually like going out for a daily stroll.

Then he noticed the others walking among them, hunched over with large fists. Once they got closer he saw to his horror they were metal fists and claws, the garnet thing looked at them with a deep hunger that gripped his soul. It screamed as it ran ahead, and an army of similar monsters quickly followed!

“Fire!”

Everyone started shooting, the monsters didn’t seem to care if they were wounded or not, as they mindlessly kept moving forward, they trampled the fence ignoring the barbed wire they were tangled in. They were strong enough to pull themselves free or simply tear the wire off.

“What are these things!? I’ve shot one in the chest and it won’t go down!”

Chopper was having the same problem as he shot one in the leg and only made it stumble before it went back to running again, did they not feel pain?! He thought then shot one in the head, he got lucky as it fell twitching. Another was shot and it glow went out, that one must have been hit with oricalcum bullet.

He then noticed a slightly taller one of these monsters pick up or drag it dead away and went back the way it came. That was strange, these taller ones didn’t act like the rest. He tried shooting it in the back of the head, only for it to side step and take off into a run. How did it dough his shot?

That when he saw something with four glowing eyes, at the back of the hoard. With its arm out, before a shot was fired it moved it hand and the tall monsters followed. Like a puppet on strings!

“The one with four eyes, it controls the rest! Somegriffon shoot it!”

Called out a voice, chopper was glad he wasn’t the only one to notice. The ones who had taken aim, knowing they were somehow magical. The orichalcum bullets would kill it and end this. They fired and Chopper heart filled with hope, before something large stepped in the way getting hit instead. It looked like some kind of huge metal insect or crab, it held up one arm that had three barrels on the end and they were slowly turning, picking up speed!

“Take cover!”

Chopper shouted before it started shooting back at them, there were screams and yells of surprises as it quickly end’s before starting up again. One of it round smashed through the window and he looked up and saw a metal spike in the wall, magic runes glowed on the spike and it quickly turned to dust.

He didn’t understand as it kept shooting and there was a short gap between shots. He waited for the moment it stopped shooting and looked out at it. He saw what he thought was it louder and saw the spike-like rounds reappear into it louder, he ducked back inside as it started shooting again!

“The damn thing got a teleportation spell on its bullets!?”

Chopper called out, as he heard a cry of pain from somegriffon being hit. In one way, it was a good way to save ammo. Having it teleport back to you in its louder. Whatever it used, they needed it gone but they didn’t have any heavy weapons. Just then a metal hand reached in through the barred window trying to grab his beck!

Chopper fell back looking up at the thing as it opened and closed it beck screaming at him, before he got up and started running. Everygriffon else started to run too, as he saw one griffon grabbed by the arm and got it pulled off. As one of the monsters tried to pull them through the window bars. Chopper just hopes the others are doing better than he was on the east wing.

In the east wing was overrun by mechanthralls, they screamed and roared at the closed doors that locked them out from the rest of the prison. Trying to force there way in. There was one survivor as they tried to crawl away from the mad hoard, the griffon was doing everything in his power to get away and live.

He stopped as something climbed through one of the windows, then another. As they entered through the new hole in the wall next to the window. That the monsters had dug out by hand and under fire. They were all wearing hoods and started looking over the dead. One picked up a orichalcum knife it almost seemed to be stung by just holding it before wrapping it up and putting it in a bag.

The griffon didn’t get to see more as he felt something piercing his back and quickly died. The unliving looked sadly at them, they were the ones who came with the reinforcements to help the vipers of cryx. She turned to the undead and gave one command and they stopped, to look back at her dumbly. A few growled but did as they were told.

The changling walked over and went down to one of the bodies and picked up a ring of keys, as she walked over to the door. More mechanthralls were climbing though the windows or climbing up to the upper level where gun fire could still be heard. She saw one light helljack push it way though one of the openings making it larger for it to fit though. They made room for her as she walked up and unlocked the door, gently pushed it open and said one word.

“Go.”

They rushed past like a pack of wild dogs, she turned away and looked at the bodies as the soul cage on her hip started to glow. Drawing the souls to her and trapping them inside it. Before looking out a window, she saw one of the iron lich’s and signalled to them they’ve breached the east wing. As the light helljack walked up to her for orders.

The lich gave a mental command and the scrap thralls started to move to the north of the building. Along with a number of their heavy helljacks. It wasn’t that hard to hide in a horde of undead, when they’re all wearing cloaks to help keep them dry from the rain.

Flinch was a griffon who was a crack shot with pistols, right now they had the monsters in a choke point. He wished they had a machine gun nest, they could use the fire power. Yet he settled for blocking them off and keeping them here.

What he didn’t understand was how they broke in, the door was reinforced and locked. So how did they get in?! He shot another of the monsters in the head, as it fell over in a heap. The only way they could get in is if one of them stopped to look for a spare key, these things didn’t seem the, stop to think type’s. These monsters were just mindless violence and nothing else, willing to take down their target even if it brought harm to them.

He saw one missing an arm but it did little to slow it down, Flinch pulled back after running out of bullets. On his way he passed another group acting as another choke point, he reached the ammo box and took out a few more clips. Each one held eight rounds each, he was about to go back when Flinch heard screams.

Flinch saw the guards running, one wasn’t fast enough as a metal beast with bone jaws fell on him. Biting down and shaking the griffon violently, he could see how the things tusks tore open the griffon body like wet paper. It threw the dead body to the ground and snapped its bone like jaws open and closed. Looking there way, as smoke bellowed from its smokestacks on its back.

“What is that thing!?”

Yelled one of his co-workers, Flinch didn’t wait for an order as he opened fire with the others! The bullets didn’t do much damage to it. The most they did was scratch the armour or their bullets left small dents. Flinch didn’t stop shooting, as it ran through their choke point and down the halls deeper into the prison! Knocking over or stepping on whoever was in its way.

He realised just how lucky he was, the fact this monster could crush a griffon arm by just stepping on it meant it weighed a few tons. When he heard the screams of the other monsters and cursed, he didn’t have time to go after it. He would have to trust the others could handle it.

The deathrippers were doing their job of being a distraction and breaching deeper into the prison. They were giving a few orders, kill any griffon guard you find, push deeper into the building, if you can’t find an enemy return to the warcaster.

It was interesting how each helljack intrepid these simple orders. Some would take it as killing anything they find, others kill a few and move on. And two or three look for the biggest threats and kill them. Or kill everything in their way. They only had five of them running around and only two of them had already found a way inside.

As a necrotech Overbite understood the inner workings of the helljacks and how they run. The scrapthralls were already busy trying to dig their way though one of the walls by hand. It helped some had a hand replaced by a pickaxe or drill. The point of this attack was to attack from many points at once. Making the griffons inside split there focuses.

The necrotech pushed his mind into one of the deathrippers that were in the building. He saw it was in the middle of goring a griffon to death, before the helljack saw the last few embers of life fad out. It dropped the body and started to run again, it was on the hunt eager for another blazing light to snuff out!

It stopped as it saw a group standing in its way, yet these were different. They were wearing something that seemed to void all magic, the helljack was growling as if some part of its cortex understood they were the real threat. As they pulled out their magic devouring swords.

The deathripper roared as it charged! The necrotech tried to send it a command to return but it was too late, they moved out of the helljacks reach as its jaws snapped shut. One stabbed it and it roared not in pain but anger, as it used the weight of its own body to slam the griffon into the wall! The necrotech was sure the deathripper would have killed them given enough time.

However one sword reached the cortex, as another griffon stabbed into it. Cutting off the link and silencing the helljacks core. Without the cortex it was just a lump of metal, the necrotech had to step back and rub their head in pain! Being forced from a link between warcaster and jack was a very jarring experience.

Overbite looked up angry now at the fact they had just destroyed the helljacks mind, did they have any idea how much work goes into building a cortex! The scraptralls had at last broken though, good he thought as he followed after them. It was time to end this little game.

Verbal pulled his sword free from the metal monster, the griffon in orichalcum armour had suffered a few broken bones. The armour may protect them from magic, but that did little good agent something that was several tons of raw metal running at you. One wrong move and its wright alone could have crushed any one of them.

“It's dead sir, don’t know what I cut but its not moving any more.”

He called out as they had to spelt up earlier in order to move from fight to fight to help where they can. It wasn’t easy, Verbal looked down the hall at the bodies of the griffon he had eaten with not long ago.

“Can you still fight?”

“Sorry sir, I think one of my wings is broken along with my ribs!”

The wounded griffon called out trying to breath while wincing in pain. Verbal was worried as he looked back to his group. There was only enough gear for 20 of them and they broke up in groups of five to cover more ground.

There should be over a hundred griffons working as guards, not counting the doctors who work here. There was no telling how many had already died in this opening attack, and they couldn’t be everywhere at once. They didn’t even have enough orichalcum bullets, this building was meant to be kept secret so how did these things find out?

“Hurry get him down stairs to get patched up.”

There was another hoard of screams as the sounds of metal feet rushed to meet them. Everygriffon got ready even the wounded griffon who stood up and readied his own sword. Verbal was not happy about this, these things were not going to even give them time to rest!

Mordan was in a panic, the monsters had breached the north wall and were now flooding into the building. Why did he agree to be posted in the middle of nowhere? They were so worried about anyone finding this place that he had a bag over his head for the trip.

Mordan was on the catwalk aiming his rifle and shooting at the monsters, the half skeleton and metal ones were slow and easy to shoot. Somegriffon got lucky and hit something that made one explode and kill a group of them. The dangerous ones were the fast ones that were trying to climb up the walls to reach them, they had metal arms and legs. Mordan saw one of these things crush a griffons head!

He panicked and dives for the floor as gunfire almost hit him! He looks back at the spider like monster, it had four metal legs and a metal jaw. It had goggles over its eyes and was wearing a hood. What shocked him the most was that this thing was a diamond dog. It held one of their machine guns in one hand and a strange staff in the other. It looked strange, as it looked like a half ranch and half blade.

How did they get a hold of one of their weapons?! Mordan though then remembered the night shift captain and his griffons were armed before they were attacked, the monsters had simply took them and are now using them. The thing that used to be a diamond dog threw the weapon away once it was empty.

It was making hand gestures to something outside, as something big walked through the wall making the new hole bigger. Just as Mordan thinks the metal beasts can’t get any bigger, unlike the small ones that were he thinks six feet tall. As tall as a griffon, this new monster was around ten, maybe eleven feet tall! It had metal tusks under its head.

The monster of a machine walked inside, its right arm was long and ended into a long spike. While it left arm, was that a harpoon gun? He asked himself, as the large thing just looked at everything that was happening. Then Mordan started thinking, it didn’t look that dangerous. In fact it looked slow and a bit pointless, whatever it was used for there was no way it could hope to hit a griffon flying. Unless…

They were him?! Mordan was told time and again his overeating would get him killed one day! He was both overweight and stopped using his wings to fly, he was more than out of shape. He made a run for it before hearing more of the wall being torn down! Once he was behind a pillar he risked looking back and saw what it was doing.

It looked like they were making the breach wider, so even more monsters could enter the building. When a group of griffons in armour and swords arrived, some even had the orichalcum bullets. One of them opened fire, as Mordan watched as without being given a command the metal monster quickly moved to put itself between the shots meant for the diamond dog.

One round did get through and the diamond dog called out in pain, holding it shoulder. Wait, it didn’t react when they were shooting it before. That didn’t mean the diamond dog was just standing there letting them shoot at it. Whenever they did land a shot it just looked at them as if annoyed but had no real concern. That means orichalcum can hurt them!

What walked in next Mordan filled him with both horror and fear, what walked in was a griffon with a second head grafted to their neck. But that wasn’t the worst part, he had seen this griffon in the newspaper saying how he died years ago. It was general Ironclaw, now he understood what these things are. They were undead!

The undead general then pointed with it talon, as one of the griffons moved in to try and kill him! Then another metal monster walked through the opening in the wall, it walked on four spider-like legs and then pointed the large tube-like weapon at the attacking griffon and fired! The griffon used his sword to try and block it, before the projectile even reached him. It exploded but there wasn’t the spray of fire, force or shrapnel.

What hit the griffon was a spray of sticky liquid that covered them and the griffon started screaming in pain as they fell to the ground! Mordan watched in horror as the griffon flesh was being eaten away as smoke rises off their body, yet left the orichalcum metal behind. What made it worse was the sudden sound of the blade revving up on its right arm. He then saw its head, that was the top of a beast skull covered in armour.

Mordan wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take, it was just one horror show after another. The rest of the team tried to charge all at once but after the slow death of their comrade they quickly forgot about the first one. That fired it harpoon and impaled one of them mid flight, and started to reel them in as the griffon struggled to try and free them self from the large metal spear in their chest.

The three who could still fight, tried to distract the one who could shoot at them while the other two dealt with the harpoon one. While it was swinging its spike arm at one, the other landed on its back, then Mordan saw the diamond dog staff reach up and close around the griffon leg pulling him off the metal monster back. As he was quickly dogpiled on by the numberless undead.

Mordan ran, he couldn’t stay here any more. To stay here meant he was going to die! He didn’t look back as he heard another scream of pain, and tried to block out the sound as he reached the doors. He was already trying to shut them as he saw another group of guards fly over to his side of the catwalk, as everything was being overrun.

Once they reached him they joined him in trying to stop the monsters from following them, they heard a number of screams and pleas for help and sealed the door shut. Mordan gasped for air as he tried to understand what happened, but that wasn’t important anymore as he looked to one of the cells and saw the young ponies staring at him. In fear as they huddled together in the corner of their cell.

Mordan didn’t think about them as he started running again, he needed a place to hide. Somewhere safe! However, he wasn't sure if there was a thing as safety anymore. They quickly ran to the lower level to lock those doors as well, before they were overrun again.

Overbite growled as he worked his tools into his shoulder digging around for the metal, then smiled as he found the bullet and pulled it out. He frowned at it, as a scrapthrall walked over with a box as he dropped the bullet into it.

“So this is orichalcum, the dragonfather was right to warn us about it. If this had hit me in the head I’d lose more than just my unlife.”

Overbite said, as he looked at the remains. The Reaper looked at the griffon it stepped on in order to pull it harpoon free, it left a big mess but that was nothing next to the Desecratot that was using its vivisector trying to dismember bodies. There was something wrong with that helljack, he would need to look over its cortex once this battle was over.

He called it over to get it refuelled. As it walked over he opened a hatch on the helljacks back, as the scrapthralls started loading bags of coals into them. They used a simple charm on the bags to make them waterproof, the jacks needed it. After all, they didn’t know how long they would be stuck here for.

Overbite saw his packmates get to work on the dead bodies, making repairs to the mechanithralls. As well as replacing their numbers, he smiled darkly to himself. If the guards thought this was all they would throw at them, they were wrong. His smile turned into a wicked grin as he saw the iron lich making his way over to join them.

Flinch was fighting for his life gasping for air, one of the undead monsters had punched him in the chest and it caved in on itself. He was sure a number of broken bones had already punctured something inside.

It wasn’t enough to kill him outright, however it was enough to put him out of the fight. He didn’t even know what they were after. He then saw how the things were taking away their dead before moving on to the griffons he was just fighting besides. He pointed his pistol at one when it walked up to him and shot it.

It did nothing to the undead skeleton, as it reached out for him but Flinch didn’t give up as he kept shooting at it! Then a clawed metal hand rested on the thing's shoulder and gently pushed it aside.

“Well look at you.”

The thing was tall and stood on four thin metal legs, like some kind of nightmarish stick insect. With a spine of smoke stacks sticking out from it back. The thing's head was the skull of a changeling. He was always told they were wiped out, yet this thing was looking over him like a prised meal! Flinch took aim and pulled the trigger again and nothing.

Flinch looked on in horror as he had already run out of bullets. The undead monster just tilts it head to one side looking at him. It then reached out over to the other empty pistol next to his crushed arm and looked at it.

“Interesting, do you pride yourself on your skills as a gunman?”

Flinch didn’t understand what it meant, yes he had skills with a pistol. Sometimes he would even do tricks with his weapons when on brake. He coughed up blood as he had trouble breathing.

“I will offer you a choice, you’re free to turn it down. But I will find another use for your corpse once you’re dead. You can join our ranks and aid us in our mission to free your people from being controlled. It may take years, lifetimes even, you may linger here longer than you would want to. All you know and love will pass before you, this is still a choice. You may not have much time but please think carefully now.”

Flinch didn’t understand why this thing was giving him a choice at all, he didn’t have any family. And all he had was his skills, yet even so he was pushed to be a guard in the middle of nowhere. Yet he had questions, questions he wanted real answers for. What was really going on, what was the point of the war? Their own lands were vast and they had more than enough room to expand their cities.

Flinch reached out to it as he struggled to speck, his life was already fading. Yet his talon was soon enclosed by the long claws of the undead changeling. It moved over him, with a number of spider-like arms with tools attached to each one.

“Do not fear, for soon you will understand and once you do. You will have no need to fear death.”

The captain of the dayshift did not expect to deal with a night attack, sure maybe a small raid by rebels, that wouldn't last long. However this was a full on assault by an unknown military power. He was on the third floor that was made to help hold off attacks, but the enemy was relentless!

Everygriffon quickly worked out they were fighting undead, in some parts of the prison his troops were holding out. In others they were forced back or made to retreat. It didn’t sit well with him, three guards just told him about the massacre in the cafeteria. As well as the fall of both the east and west walls. They had no choice but to give up the outer parts of the building to better defend from attack. Even if that meant fighting in the cell block. For now the doctors were safe in the basement until they got help. If any was coming at all.

“What of our magic slayer teams? How many are still fighting, what are our total losses?”

“Unknown sir, the unit sent to the cafeteria only one came back wounded. Another team has not reported and one of the other two teams sent a runner saying they have wounded.”

It was just one mess after the next, everygriffon ducked as they heard the sound of the enemy machine gun that shoots spikes at them! It was a damn good shot whatever that thing was, by the time somegriffon saw it. The thing would run off to attack from another angle, worse any griffon trying to escape outside would get attacked by the birds. Or shot down by that metal monster.

They were trapped with no way out, yet the enemy had not made any demands. He still didn’t understand what they wanted, what was their goal. There was one way out of this, but they needed everygriffon to follow there orders .

“Tell everyone to lock down the cell block, and have guards posted at every door. Then get me all the sergeants, looks like the only way out is to make a push!”

“Do you see anything?”

Asked a young voice in one of the cells, the one trying to see was an earth pony filly trying to find out what was happening. The first warning that something was wrong was when the alarms went off and woke everyone up, then all the guards started running around turning on all the lights. Then the alarms were turned off, it was quiet for a long time before they heard yelling and shooting.

She heard one of the big doors being locked before a group of griffon guards ran past and didn’t look back. They didn’t even stop to scold her trying to stick her head out the bars.

“No, I still don’t see anything.”

She said turning back to her friends, one was a pony unicorn who wasn’t old enough to use magic and a pegasus who can’t fly yet. As well as a few yaks who looked worried, apart from one who was the oldest.

“What do, pony friend. Starburst think happening?”

Starburst wasn’t sure, maybe they were being rescued? But she wasn’t sure, she could see some of the older ponies take notice in the other cells. Unlike her friends the older unicorns had a ring on their horn, or if they tried to escape or use magic had their horn cut down. She felt bad for the pegasus because they had their flight feathers clipped. Meaning they could never fly again.

Starburst looked at her friends, she was worried what would happen to them once they’re old enough. She saw the guards were in such a panic on the lower levels they were dragging boxes. She really didn’t understand what was happening, but she took notice how everypony in the other cells was trying to hide under their beds. Apart from the yaks, as a few tried to ram the bars to break free. They’ve tried before and it didn’t work.

“Maybe we should do what everypony else is doing and hide under the beds. I think something bad is going to happen.”

They agreed and did their best to hide under the bunk beds, it wasn’t easy as these cells could hold up to ten filly’s or three ponies and three yaks. The guards didn’t seem to care about them having enough space. Or if too many are kept in one cell. Starburst waits with her friends, unsure what will happen to them.

Chopper was trying to calm down after watching one of his friends be mobbed and pulled apart. Like a pack of dogs on raw meat, he got word that they were dealing with undead. It made sense now, that's why these things were so hard to kill.

For now it has been a few hours, they could hear the monsters outside the sealed doors but they aren't attacking. The time was four AM, and they started the attack two maybe three hours ago? Chopper wasn’t sure as his mind was only now being given the time to understand what had happened.

It was unnerving just to wait after seeing first claw what these things can do. Chopper was given ammo and saw it was orichalcum bullets, as he loaded it into his rifle the griffon warned. As the guard gave him a meaningful look.

“This should be the last of it, so make sure you don’t miss. Captain orders.”

He said before handing it out to the others and walked away. If what he said was true, that was a worrying thought. Not everygriffon got inside as another group of griffons was put in charge to protect the armoury. No telling if anygriffon was still alive or not, not like they had any other choice right now.

Chopper looked behind him at the cells, as he saw a pony looking at them though the bars. Lucky an older one quickly moved the younger one deeper into the cell out of sight. Chopper for the first time questioned what they were doing here, and why they were doing this?

Chopper jumped as something hit the doors, everygriffon took up arms and aimed at the door. Thud thud thud, it sounded like they were trying to get in. Then more sounds were hitting the door at a faster rate. It worried him as he saw the door was starting to vibrate. Like hundreds of fists hitting all at once!

“Hope the captain can think of a way out of this.”

Chopper asked himself, as the sounds were getting louder. Then a large metal spike like claw burst through one part of the door. They were getting though. He then heard a number of gun shots behind him as griffons fell over dead. He turned back and saw a ghostly griffon standing over him with two pistols in their claws.

As Chopper looked at it, he saw something about it look familiar. Like his seen it before, he then noticed the rank and it uniform as he realised who this was.

“Flinch?”

The ghostly griffon didn’t answer, as it moved the barrel of its gun to Chopper head and pulled the trigger.

Verbal was panting, most of his team was dead now. They were unlucky to be trapped outside when everygriffon else locked them out. At first he headed north but quickly hid when he saw the large number of undead in the cafeteria. He wasn’t sure what they were doing at first, but left when one of the monsters started opening the chest of a dead guard.

Verbal was making his way back to the south, it was as far as he knew the only place that wasn’t hit. With the loss of both east and west wings, surely someone made it out alive? He was in the middle of making his way back, when something felt wrong.

On the way the metal monster he had killed was gone!? That was impossible, he was sure it was dead. Well yes it still had power in its engine but it wasn’t moving. So where did it go? That didn’t matter as he made his way in deeper back tracking. He at last reached the south wall and saw nothing, nothing but blood stains on the floor.

That wasn’t right, where were the bodies, he carefully made his way into the hall. He could see the damage of a fight but still no bodies. Verbal held up his sword as he looked around, as he got half way into the hall. The door he entered slammed shut and locked, then the other door did the same!

Verbal held up his sword ready for an attack, yet still saw nothing. Then he heard something and quickly ducked into a roll! Verbal was lucky as he looked up and saw a pony clade in strange slim armour, while holding a large sword of their own.

Then another pony fell from the ceiling, unlike the first one. This one’s armour was bulker and had an engine attached to their back. As well as carried a large hammer and what looked like a blunderbuss hanging off her hip. They were also wearing a large gauntlet over their left hand. He then saw the pony face as one of their eyes glowed, before smiling.

“It appears I missed, sister.” Said the one in slim armour.

“Ha! Told ya it wouldn’t be that easy. This one got their fantasy magic eating swords. Unlucky for him, we’re ready for it.”

The pony in the bulky armour swung their hammer, Verbal looked between them quickly. The bulky one was an earth pony, however the other one he wasn’t sure. But going by the spike on their helmet that covered half their face they must be a unicorn. Verbal at last found a face to the attack, it must have been the enemy.

“Alliance scum! If you surrender now and call off the attack, you’ll at the very lest get to live.”

Verbal maybe looking at the one with the hammer, but kept his sword pointing at the other pony. The earth pony laughed and the unicorn giggled to herself.

“You silly sod, we’re members of cryx. We’re not part of any alliance, you daft prick!”

“We’re followers of the dragonfather, he welcomes all who are willing. If you like, we can save your soul as well.”

Verbal didn’t know what a cryx was or who this dragon father was ever. But the way they talked was odd, they said they follow a dragon? Were they some kind of mercenaries or cult? If they were, they were reckless, attacking this deep into the griffon empire. Before he could say more they attacked!

Verdal had to dash into the air up above some rafters, standing on a metal beam. When he looked down all he saw was the earth pony. Where was the other one?! He jumped back using his wings to keep his footing in the rafters. The unicorn was standing on one of the support beams and smiled at him. How did she get up here so fast?!

Verdal question was pushed aside as she attacked, she was fast. If nothing else worse she had skill. He had to dive back down to the floor, then the earth pony charged with their hammer! Verdal managed to dodge by a hair as her hammer slammed into the wall, cracking the wall and leaving a small crater.

If that had been his arm or wing he was sure it would have been broken. Verdal took to the air once more and was met with a sword strike! They were working together, he knew that he was having a hard time with it. They were meant to be an anti-riot unit, fighting armed trained soldiers. Wasn’t part of their training.

He managed to knock the unicorn off the beam, only for her to fall into the floor and pass though it?! He looked confused as he saw her land on a beam ahead of him. Was this some kind of magic and if so what kind?!

He was so forced on her he didn’t register the sound, boom! His wing explodes in both pain and gore, as he falls. Verdal looked at his wing and saw it was a ruined mess of meat and bone. Before hitting the floor! Pain ran through his body as he quickly got up and locked swords again.

“You know what the big problem with your armor is lad?”

Before he knew it, Verdal felt a gantlet hand close around his hamlet. He thought nothing of it until he felt the pressure slowly closing down on his head! He parried thinking of the best way to attack, until snap! His leg was broken at the knee joint as the earth pony used her hammer on his leg!

“Sure it gets stronger, and harder when it makes contact with magic. But like any other metal it has weaknesses. The fillies and clots back home have been looking over that crap for years now. And you know what, it's so simple.”

Verdal in order to get free cut the strap holding his helmet on his head with his sword. He fell to the floor gasping as he heard crunch. He looked back and saw the orichalcum helmet was crushed like tinfoil.

“Any metal can bend and break, you just need to apply enough pressure.”

Just then the room spins as Verdal blinks in confusion, why was he laying on his side? Why couldn't he feel anything? It wasn’t until he saw his own headless body fall in front of him that Verdal was having his last thoughts. He understood now why his body was over there, it was because his head was just cut off.

Overbite smiled as they flooded the halls, he left the heavy helljacks behind. They were more useful outside, being moved to open another path into the building. As he walked passed a pistol wraith.

It must have been summoned from one of the dead. He was surprised how one of the guards was so willing to be brought back to kill his own co-workers. Still Overbite didn’t question it, it is not like it could disobey its new master now.

Overbite was going to follow the others when he saw something, it was a stairwell going down. He frowned at it, even after becoming an unliving, did nothing to take away his sense of smell. What he smelt down there was antiseptics, drugs, blood, waist and burnt flesh.

Overbite growled as he stopped a few nercotechs then had them gather some scrap and mechanithralls. Before taking control of a Ripjaw, its body build was the same as the deathripper. The only difference was the ripjaw had a whirling saw that was inside of its mandible jaws.

Overbite led them down to find out just what they were doing in this place. Cryx could do some horrible things to the living if they wanted too. However Asphyxious had made some clear rules about how to handle the living, and even told them he was not perfect. Sometimes he himself would act without thinking, and inflict such suffering that their lord would then ask to be punished for his own actions.

Overbite felt sorry for their king, Asphyxious was willing to take on such actions that it would only bring himself harm. It didn’t matter if the rest of the clan thought he did the right thing or not. Asphyxious held himself to the same standards as the rest of the pack no matter how much power he had.

Overbite didn’t know what he would find in this place, yet if he did end up disappointing his lord. Then he will face his punishment, just like the dragonfather.

Mordan had pulled himself away from the rest of the unit, when he started to hear sounds from one of the doors. He was trying to find a good place to hide, the only place to go was the basement. Mordan passed through the doors and rushed down the hall, the lights only lit up the floor leaving the ceiling and walls dark. As Mordan was making his way, he saw a griffon in a lab coat carrying a cardboard box full of papers. The doctor jumped before yelling at him.

“Don’t just stand there, hurry up and help!”

Mordan didn’t know what they were doing but grabbed a box full of papers, and then followed after the doctor. The doctor led him past a number of rooms where other doctors and their assistant were helping them. Fill up cardboard boxes and then find what looks like the main boiler room.

He saw they were all throwing boxes into the fire of the furnace, he joined them as he helped. Not really understanding why they were doing this. Then Mordan stopped as he saw something burning in the fire, Mordan quickly backed away as he saw bones in the flames!

“There's a body in there!?”

“Of course there is, it is one of the failures. What did you think we did with the dead ones?”

Mordan didn’t know what to say as he stared at them in horror, he had no idea what was really going on in this place as he backed away. As he backed out he saw the first room on his right had a small body on a table, and he vomited all over the floor.

Mordan had no idea, he didn’t pay any attention to the sounds coming down the hall. Or the screams as both doctors and assistants ran past him. Mordan dropped to his own knees no longer caring if he lived or died any more. He turned his head and looked up at the undead looking down at him.

It was the diamond dog with one of those metal monsters next to him, growling by revving it saw at him. Mordan didn’t care any more as he just sat there, waiting to die. Meanwhile Overbite looked at the fat griffon over, he looked broken and knew why as he looked at the open cadaver in the room.

Overbite told one of his pack mates to watch him, as he walked past into the boiler room and saw the panicking griffons. Most stopped what they were doing and dropped any boxes they were holding. Only a few kept burning papers, seemingly ignoring him and his pack.

Overbite grabbed one by the throat with his vise claw, having the griffon dangle in the air. And pins him to the wall, the griffon cries out in pain as one of his wings hits the boiler. Yet Overbite ignored his begging and grabbed a handful of papers. It was mostly about brainwashing, using drugs and bombarding their minds with propaganda over and over again. There were also experiments, if you could call it that. Even the cryx had a logic to their craft. This was nothing more than butchery.

“I take it you’re in charge?”

He asked yet the griffon was still screaming, his screams only grew louder as he pushed the griffon whole body next to the hot metal of the furnace. Until he heard a voice from the group cowering in the corner.

“No I am.”

Overbite threw the griffon aside and let him go, the griffon was in so much pain they tried not to move. As it sent waves of pain throughout their body. The doctor held up his claws and Overbite walked over to him and grabbed him by the throat and pulled him close.

“Do you have any idea what you have done? I can smell the fear in this place, I can taste the suffering. I can hear the souls screaming for help…”

Overbite growled, as he dragged him into one of the operating rooms. As the others were forced to follow in order to watch. Overbite pins the doctor to the table and the scrapthralls started to tie the griffon down. Only then did he let go and started looking around at the room to see what he could work with.

“Y-you won’t get away with this, once the army finds out we didn’t report in, you'll be hunted down. You and the rebels will wish you were dead!”

Overbite started to collect a number of tools, a number of scalpels and bone saws. As well as a few drugs as that should work for what he had in mind.

“What are you doing?”

Overbite put each item down on a small table next to the bed, as two scrapthralls carried over a deathripper that had its cortex destroyed next to the table. Before taking it apart. Overbite smiled as he started moving things around and pulled up a metal claw. Then held it up next to the griffon arm before putting it on the table.

“You see nercotechs like myself always push the limits of what we can do with our knowledge of both. Necromancy and engineering, sometimes we get a case like yourself who think they can play god with the living. Or think life has no value, a large number of them end up like this. As we have to work on the move as it were, working with whatever we find on the way.”

He said tapping the shoulder of the scrapthrall, as the griffon looked on in horror at what the unliving had in mind.

“You can’t do this!”

“Oh I can, by your own people laws might make right? Those with power make the rules, the ones without must obey. You don’t have any power at this very moment and are under my mercy.”

The other griffons looked away as the doctor that was tied to the table could only watch in horror, as Overbite picked up a scalpel in his metal claws and smiled. Mordan was numb to it all as his mind shut down from finding out the truth of this place.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’ll live through every moment of this.”

The captain was making his leave with the riot unit, what was left of them. As they sneak out when the undead breached the cell block. They managed to get out the windows and climbed down the side of the building. Everygriffon else was told the captain was going to get help and that they should hold out for as long as they could.

That was a lie, he was using them to save his own skin and wasn’t about to die in this place. It turned out the birds were gone, he didn’t question where they went or where they were. But quickly took to the skies so they could all escape. They got about halfway to the forest, as a flock of birds burst out of the woods heading towards them!

“Fall back!”

The captain yelled, as two of their number fell to the birds, one griffon tried flying away. Only to be intercepted by the large metal birds, he only got word from the guards there was one not three! The captain watched as the griffon was pulled apart like a scrap of meat.

“Congratulations. I didn’t think you would get this far.”

Said a voice behind them, they all turned to the voice as they saw something tall standing behind them. Standing in their way back into the prison, it also had the skull of a griffon for a head. They all turned their weapons on the undead yet he remained calm.

“Open fire!”

It took to the skies on metal wings, before they took aim. The large metal birds dive at them! Some got cut by their wings with blades on the ends of them. Or were picked up and thrown into the building behind them, one monster had pinned down one of his griffons as it used its metal beck to try and pry their armour off while stabbing their large beck into their neck.

The ones who tried to fly were attacked by the crows, as the birds were going after every opening in their armour. The captain took aim when he heard the main gate opening. They had managed to kill one of the metal monsters, three of their group were injured while one was dead.

The undead who can talk lands in front of the doors as they open, and then to his horror he sees that every slan griffon walking out as an undead horde. With blank looks on their faces. The captain could do nothing but stare as the horde as they moved in on him and who was left. Then the undead monster that was leading it all spoke again.

“My name is Grimscythe the iron lich, I am here to set you free. For we are the Vipers of Cryx!”

Three weeks later.

It took two weeks just to clear the roads, then another week to send out a unit to check on the building in the middle of nowhere. The location wasn't even named, they arrived only to find the building was destroyed. It looked like a fire broke out making large parts of the building fall in on itself.

“Sir we’ve found the bodies of the griffons station here however they’re having problems IDing the bodies. Because of how badly burned they are. Also half of them are still missing.”

The aid said as the investigator was looking at the ground. He could see faint marks as if metal was dragged over the concrete floor as well as soot. The griffon stood up and looked at the building. The idea that the building somehow burned down didn’t sit right with him, not only that he didn’t even know this building existed until he was sent here.

The investigator lights a cigarette and starts smoking it, not only that the fire was so strong. According to the other teams it burned the prisoners to dust. They don’t even know who the prisoners are, or where they came from.

He walked away from the aid as he looked at one of the bodies, well the armour of one body. Some of the orichalcum looked stained or warped? It was hard to tell, it was like someone dropped a liquid on it and there was a reaction. Not enough to badly damage it but enough to mark the armour.

He moved on walking into the building despite the warnings of the aid it wasn’t safe. The investigator walked over the rubble looking at the damage, nothing stood out to him. It was just a feeling he had, along with the notice they got from another team the main lines to keep in contact were destroyed by wild animals.

That was unlikely, wild animals don’t dig up buried wire lines for communications. It was very unlikely, he found something that looked like a half burned teddy bear and picked it up. He blew smoke out from the counter of his mouth as he made his way back. Once he reached his aid he saw a new group arrived giving out orders.

“Don’t you think it's strange? The number of trees that blocked the roads were just enough to hinder our way here?”

“Sir?”

“I mean it's bad enough that the rains have washed away anything meaningful, not only that we’re late to the scene. Meaning any evidence we could find has long gone cold. The head office will just write this up as another rebel attack.”

The investigator blew out another breath of smoke as he watched everygriffon moving. It looked like they were in a hurry, as his aid looked confused before he added.

“Did you know anything about this building? What was it used for or who was even out here? Seems odd to have griffons all the way out in the middle of nowhere.”

“I don’t know sir, maybe they kept pow’s from the war?”

“Pow’s don’t carry teddy bears with them, my guess is something rotten happened here. Best to not ask questions and keep what you hear to yourself. Just agree to whatever they think happened here, understand?”

His aid nodded as he dropped the half burned bear and walked up to the new group. His aid quickly followed. As they met the griffons in uniform.

“I am lieutenant Dreed, I take it you have news about what happened here?”

“Only guess work at this point sir, ever a freak act of god. Or rebels broke in and burnt the place to the ground. Nothing useful at this moment sir.”

“I see… Here is what you will report. A lighting strike hit this weaver monitoring station, everygriffon inside sadly lost their lives. But they will be remembered, understand?”

“Yes sir.”

The investigator replied and walked away with his aid following in worry, as they both got in the car. Once inside the investigator put out his cigarette and looked out at the griffons where being told to leave, as a large number of workers were brought in with tools and a bulldozer.

“I don’t understand sir, we’ve only been here a few hours. Why are they telling us to lie about what happened here? From what I saw there wasn’t any equipment like the lieutenant was saying.”

“Remember what I said, agree to whatever they say happened out here. You’ll live longer, to be honest. We’ve been getting cases like that a lot lately. Not like this but, gangs going missing or a new group pops up out of nowhere and suddenly they get a big pay off. Whatever is happening, it's best we lay low and not get involved.”

He said starting up the car and started driving back home, it was an eight hour trip to get here. And now it will be another eight hours before they get back home. Sometimes he hated his job.

“What do you mean you can’t take them?”

Grimscythe asked, confused about this. It was hard enough to get the prisoners out of their cells. Let alone trying to keep an eye on hundreds of hatchlings who were scared of them. The only ones who could get near them were the unliving, well most of them.

“I’m sorry it’s out of my hands, it would be too risky for both the children and our own troops to try and get them out. And the newu was never meant to transport hundreds at a time. Also mother has some concerns about letting children use them.”

Replied Mable on the holo screen, Grimscythe had left the others behind in one of the liveable levels of the tunnel network. They took all the food and water from the prison before destroying it, doing their best to make it look like an accident. They also made beds that could hang off there helljacks. It was a good thing they cleaned them off before doing that. Some children were even riding the deathrippers as long as a warcaster was on hand.

“Well what do you want me to do? They can’t stay here and we can’t hand them over to the rebels ever. They will tell them about us and that is too much of a risk to our lord plans.”

“Well like lady Ave would say, take responsibility for your actions. You will need to raise these children.”

“What?”

Grimscythe thought she was mad, they can’t raise them. They were undead, they weren’t even ready for living members yet. It was meant to be a slow build up, not getting a few hundred youths and being responsible for their upbringing. He was worried, it was bad enough the unliving were already getting attached to them. One kid called one of them their mother.

“Talk to Axphyxious, I’m sure he can help you work this out. Goodbye.”

Mable said in a sweet tone before closing the line, leaving Grimscythe alone with his thoughts as he makes his way back. With a million thoughts at once. He really didn’t want to waste his lord time with such things. Maybe asking for guidance would help him come to a decision on this matter.

Author's Note

A little idea I've been playing around with GameJunkie7 story. This is just Asphyxious cryx helping out where they can, to deal with Ave enemies on there world.

No worries I had the green light by GameJunkie7 and had him look it over before hand. So everything should be cool. With small edits here and there. Nothing lore breaking so it should be find, I'm sure they will tell me if I missed anything.

Enjoy.

Bonus chapter: Hidden in the dark part 2.

When Starburst first saw them, they looked like monsters out of a ghost story. They opened the cells but did not try to get them out, when the others came. Talking in soft tones saying everything will be alright now. They encouraged them to follow and had them all dressed warm with whatever they could find.

They led them away, as the monsters walked past or tried to move out of the way. As to not scare everypony, that was over two years ago now. Starburst found out they were called cryx, and the ones who were helping them were called unliving, a kind of undead.

The cryx lived underground, but knew she and her friends could not stay living underground forever. Yet they had thought of that, they moved everyone into an abandoned village that had overgrown trees all over it. The cryx made sure any roads to it were blocked off, lost or removed, they were teaching her and her friends a lot.

One of Starbursts friends asked when they could go home, or see their parents. This made the unliving sad, Starburst understands now why they couldn’t send them back. They were in the heart of the griffon empire, with little hope of leaving without being found out. Yet it wasn’t completely hopeless.

The unliving were hoping to send them home one day, however for now they will teach them, care for them. And make sure they were safe, Despite all this Starburst couldn’t help marval at the large metal golems they used. Some of the older Ponies or Yaks asked if they could join, Starburst played with her amulet that was given to her by one of the unliving.

It was the symbol of their god, the dragonfather. From what she understood, their lord wanted the living to live happy peaceful lives. Yet also offers sconed chance for the dead, to redeem themselves or make up for past sins.

Still they were not safe and they understood that, they knew about every escape route, hidden tunnel and knew the woods better than anypony.

“Starburst, lunch is ready!”

Called out one of her yak friends, Starburst smiled as she put the amulet around her neck. As she jumped off a rock and ran back.

“Coming!”

She called with a smile, as she ran home to her new family. Yet offered a prayer to the dragonfather thanking him, and the cryx who saved her and her friends.

It was the middle of the night as a doctor and a watchman waited outside the hospital, while assistants and nurses were moving their patients ready to move them. A number of trucks drove up and parked in front of the hospital. One griffon who was a tiger-hark got out of one truck and walked over.

“This them?”

He asked the doctor, as other griffons started leaving the trucks and loading them up with the sick, crippled and anyone else who was seen being a waste to treat. The doctor nodded, as the tiger-hark griffon handed over a bag, as the watchman took it and opened it to look inside. The watchman closed it up and nodded to the doctor.

“I am glad we could do business together.”

“Yeah, yeah you know the deal. Don’t ask questions, we were never here, and your patients died in another hospital.”

The griffon added giving them the paperwork to the doctor, then was about to go when he saw a young griffon that looked like they were half starved and lost all their feathers.

“He is surfing from a rare disease we can’t cure. The only reason he lasted this long is because his family is paying the billing.”

“Sucks to be him, you know how to contact me. Just remember we can’t do big jobs like this everyday, once a year at the most, no more.”

“You’re the ones paying me, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

Replies the doctor as the tiger-hawk walks back to the truck once they’re all full. The trucks started up and drove off, the tiger-hawk griffon looked back in the mirror as they drove away. It would be an hour to leave the city border, another three to get to their meeting point. The annoying part was it was never in the same place.

They took an old road off the main road deeper into the woodlands, it wasn’t easy to drive though. But they were almost there when they saw him. The hooded griffon stood in the middle of the woods with a lantern in their claws. However the griffon wasn’t alone as two other hooded griffons stood ever side of him.

“Unload the trucks.”

He told the driver, as he got out and rubbed his talons walking over to the hooded griffons. He heard thunder, it was going to rain soon.

“Hello there, my name is Rout. And-”

“No names.”

“Right, right! Sorry, didn’t mean to upset you mate. I take it, you want to see the stock?”

Rout said, as his men started pushing the patients out of the trucks and told to stand in one place. Rout was worried, he had been working for this griffon and didn’t know anything about them. As the hooded griffon watched them.

“There some younger griffons this time around?”

“Oh yeah, the doctor said he couldn’t do anything for them. So I took them off his claws, that won’t be a problem will it? I mean you only asked for anyone who was sick or dying, so I thought-.”

“It’s fine.”

The hooded griffon said, as the other two hooded griffons walked up and dropped bags in front of Rout. They then stepped back, as Rout carefully opened the bag and smiled. Gold bars and cut diamonds, Rout knew this would be a good payday. Most of the time it was one or the other, but never in this large amount.

“Thank you sir, same time next week?”

“No.”

Rout stopped what he was doing and looked at the hooded griffon, he was about to reach for his knife when they told him why.

“They’re getting suspicious of your group, you can’t go back the way you came.”

“Shit, there must have been a rat! Or one of the birds got roasted.”

Rout hissed, waving for his men to grab the bags and load them up. The patients looked confused and worried as they huddled together. Watching what was happening.

“There is a way out, take that road deeper into the woods. Keep driving once the road ends and you’ll find freedom. It’d be better for you to split up.”

“Thanks mate, once things cool down. I’ll look forward to working with you again!”

Rout said, as the trucks drive deeper into the woods. They drove for an hour, and it was already raining. They had to stop because they were lost, when he noticed one of the trucks that had split off earlier was speeding up towards them!

“Hey stop!”

Rout called out waving his arms, he took to the air as the truck cracked into the parked one. Rout was livevid then landed as one of the griffons opened the door and fell out of the truck. He lands and walks up to them but then stops, as he sees the blood.

“What happened!”

“We were shot!”

Called out the griffon crawling over to him. Rout then saw the mess all over the windshield from the passenger side. They were shot at going by the holes in the glass, yet why didn't he hear any gunshots?

His minion was already helping up the wounded gang member as he saw something sitting in the truck. As he slowly got closer, he saw a griffon sitting in the driver set, next to the dead body. Loading a pistol, Rout quickly took out his knife and threw it at the griffon but it passed though them like water and stuck into the dead body, it was like they were a ghost. It turned its glowing eyes to him and he realised he was wrong, it was a ghost!

“Get in the truck, get in the other truck!”

Rout shouted, as they hurried. While the ghostly griffon slowly steps out, watching them, get into the other truck. Rout got in the driver set, he started the engine but it stalled. He looked back as it slowly walked toward them.

“Come on boss start the truck!”

Yelled the other gang member in panic, while the wounded griffon was bleeding out. He managed to move the truck forward but it now had nowhere to go. Rout quickly changed gears and reversed thinking he could run it over!

And he did, he stopped once the back of the truck crashed into the other truck again. Rout looked up and saw nothing, he was starting to relax until he saw it rise up from out of the ground. The ghost waved a boney talon at them as it pulled out its sconed pistol.

“Boss, start the truck…”

Rout struggled to get the truck in gear, however the gearbox was not responding.

“Boss, start the truck!”

“It's stuck!”

He yelled back, as he was trying to get the gear box to work. The ghost griffon took aim and started shooting at them! It wasn’t even trying to hit them, as Rout had to deal with his men screaming in fear and keeping his own fears under control.

Rout at last got it in gear and ran over the ghost again, driving deeper into the woods. Rout pants as he thinks they’ve got away, he smiled turning to his underlings only to find one was dead. And the other had a hole in their neck trying to keep the blood in and breath at the same time. He turned back to the woods trying to find a way out.

“Shit, I’m going to need to hire replacements now. Do you idiots have any idea how hard it is to find good help!”

Rout turned back and saw sitting next to him, loading there gun again while the dying griffon holding there bleeding neck was pointing at it. There was a snap as the ghost was done and pointed its gun at Rout, the last words he said as the truck was about to run into a tree was.

“I don’t want to die…”

“Don’t worry everyone, you’ll be alright now. We’re here to help you.”

Said Mordan as he guided them back, they were already feeling the bite of the cold. The rain didn’t help, they didn’t have much choice but to follow him. As he showed the way with his lantern, the two mechanithralls brought up the back of the group. These ones were ordered to catch them if one of them tried to run.

They reached a small camp, this was the stop gap. This is the point where they can choose what they want. They were all given hot soup to help warm themselves, the weak were being helped by the unliving who hid what they looked like.

“Now then, you’re wondering why you were brought here?”

Mordan asked, keeping his hood over his head. As they gather the sick and injured looked at each other, confused.

“I think I know, we’ve been deemed too weak and you’re going to kill us?”

Said the crippled soldier, as it was clear he was missing both an arm and wing. Mordan shook his head no as he started to speck.

“No, we’re not going to kill you. Why would we take you to the middle of the woods to do something so simple. When the doctors could have just poisoned you in your sleep?”

That got everyone's attention as they looked at each other, it was true. There were far easier ways to kill them then taking them into the middle of the woods. Yet they did not understand why they were here.

“I’m here to offer you something we were never given, a choice. Come with us and we will cure you of your sickness, we will return your lost limbs stronger than ever. We’re offering you a second chance at life, you may not be able to return home. But if you do not want to join us, we understand. You can remain here, and hopefully someone will come for you.”

There was meaning to his words, they all knew no one would come looking for them. And it was clear they were sold for some unknown purpose. Yet the one who looks the worst out of them all, tried to stand on their boney legs, as they were helped to stand.

“What you’re saying is, we can become strong again if we join you?”

“No, I’m offering something far more powerful than being strong. We’re offering you freedom. Freedom to choose how to live, what you believe in, wanting the simple things as someone to say. It's okay to be weak.”

“Then… I’ll go with you.”

One by one they agreed, as Morda put out the fire and led them the rest of the way. They found the cave, it was so overgrown it looked like a wall of plants. They had to carry the stick in as they were getting tired or could no no longer walk. That is when they met the vipers of cryx.

“What are you?”

Asked an elderly griffon, as they looked up at the tall form of Grimscythe. To them it was like looking at death itself.

“I am an Iron Lich, it is understandable for you to fear us. After all, undead defy the laws of nature. Yet even so, we’re offering you a chance no matter how small. Now then what is wrong with you all?”

As worried as they were they told him their problems, a failing organ, a lost limb. These can be easily replaced. However diseases are more tricky, he was drawn to the sickest of them all and used his magic to ease their pain.

“I’ve only dulled the pain, however to treat this we need to find out more. Take him to Limelight and see what they can do for him.”

Grimscythe watched as they took him away, as the others were sent to see the necrotechs. To look after their new charges. Grimscythe followed after the sickly griffon, the unliving who tended to him looked worried. Limelight walked over to Grimscythe to tell him what she found.

“This sickness, we can cure him however his body won’t recover. If we had found him sooner we could have done something for him.”

“Have you already given him the medicine?”

“Yes.”

Grimscythe saw the griffon was breathing more easily now. Yet their body was so weak, he asked Limelight to watch over him as he went to get something. When he came back a few hours later she knew what he had brought back.

“Is that? The blood of the dragonfather?”

“Yes, he told me such blood should be used for one who believes in the dragonfather. However, he also told me it should be used for saving a life. It has risks, it could kill them. Or worse, turn them into a mindless beast.”

“Don’t tell me you intend to use it on that child?!”

“No, it is his choice. All I can do is offer it and nothing more.”

Grimscythe walked over and looked down at the young griffon who looked back at him. They smiled and thanked them for easing his pain. Grimscythe told him what he had in mind and the risks, this should not be a decision made in hast. He should think and then decide for himself. Besides, they had other options.

The third truck got lost as they tried to find the other two trucks, they found one but it looked like it crashed. They then found one of their gang members dead, they got back in the truck and tried to find their way back.

While they were getting the truck in gear, they stopped when they saw ghosts watching them. There must have been hundreds of them, they all watched. Most carried a dagger or spear. Very few had guns, and they were watching them.

Then the ghosts were in the truck with them, they were too afraid to act. As two ghosts went inside of them, the griffons bodies jerked terribly as one neck snapped back while the other slammed their head into the dashboard. Then they go limp in their set’s as the ghosts disappear.

That when cryx moved in to take the damaged truck apart, then the griffons bodies twitched. One beck snapped shut, while the other claw twitched. The two griffons sat up and looked to each other smiling as they got out and walked over to the cryx. One necrotech saw them and smiled.

“How are they? Any trouble possessing them?”

“Not at all…”

“Like… Gliding on… Air.”

“Still having trouble with talking, that will pass in time. You know what to do. Spread word, send miss information as to why their boss is missing. The more they don’t know the better.”

Both possessed griffons nodded and got back in the truck and drove off with it, even if the ghosts’ new hosts were killed they would stay hidden until it was safe to sneak away. The necrotech oversaw the recovery of the truck, the parts would be sold off all over the empire making it impossible to track any one part down.

The necrotech frowned at a small parting of the clouds over head, the rain clouds would soon close it up, they had to hurry now. The risk of being found out was one danger they could not afford. Not yet at this time, they would need to wait a few more years for everything to be just right.

Six years later.

The investigator, a panther-crow was reading the news in his office, his name was Maxves. It has been some time since he has done any meaningful work yet he still got paid for his work. It was reported another depo had caught fire. The news said it was rebels again, but to him something didn’t feel right.

This attack seemed to have more purpose, the effects from this would be felt on the front lines. Making it harder for the empire to supply their armies. He was over 40 now, yet he would notice these things every few years. Someone was sabotaging the empire but he had no evidence to prove it. So he kept it to himself.

Any griffon who spoke up with such things were ever told to keep their beck shut or were sent to the frontlines. His assistant was naive, and believed everything he was told by the paper. Including how the empire was fighting for its own right to rule, until we saw that building eight years ago. And how we were told to report it. The kit was new at the time and he had eight long years to find out how to survive our culture, even if he was a lion paw. He had a good head on his shoulders.

“Sir! I’ve found something!”

Shouted his assistant as he barged into Maxves office, Maxves put down the paper and started to light a cigarette. As he waved his claw to shut the door, they did and took a set at the desk.

“Well, what did you find?”

“I’ve been looking over the reports, I mean the original reports from eight years ago. I found out one of our teams took a soil sample at the site. And well, there wasn’t much but I had it… tested?”

Maxves took a puff and looked at the younger griffon who was trying to smile back trying to look innocent, it failed and he could tell the young idiot did something he shouldn’t have.

“What have you done, Chilly.”

“Now hear me out, I haven’t broken any laws. I just asked a nice hen in a department to give me her thoughts on it. I just asked if she knew anygriffon who could tell me what kind of dirt it was, very innocent not an investigation at all.”

Chilly explained, Maxves rolled his eyes and nodded for him to continue seeing if he could run some damage control over what this idiot was thinking. He then saw the small tin that Chilly put on the desk, Maxves picked up and opened it and saw a very small bit of dirt.

“She told me to go to the local bar where miners go in their off hours and try my luck there.”

“The pub? Are you sure she wasn’t trying to ask you out on a date?”

“No, I’d have to take her out for dinner later in the week. That's what it cost me to get the info from her…”

Maxves laughed, the poor lad was about to pinch his pennies for the next few weeks. He thought as he closed the tin and looked it over, Before Chilly spoke more.

“Anyway, I had to wait a few days before the miners showed up and made my way over to them. I made something up like one of my neighbours was digging up their garden and started dumping some of their dirt in mine. I said to them I thought it looked strange and wanted to ask someone who knew what they were talking about. To tell me what it was.”

Maxves was starting to think Chilly was wasting their time and hoping he would get to the point. Luckily they were getting there.

“He told me it was a mix of subsoil, clay, limestone and soot. As well as small amounts of bedrock. I think the ones who attacked were diamond dogs.”

Maxves mind was now working, piercing together this new information as he looked at the small tin in his claws. He was impressed that he managed to get so much info, there was only one problem.

“What makes you think it's the diamond dogs?”

“It is the only thing that makes sense, I mean sure I don’t know how they got into the empire. But they would be the only ones who could attack and disappear before any griffon saw them. I mean we have caves sure, but no griffon bothered to map them out have they?”

Chilly was right, Maxves thought as he rounded the tin over in his claws. Then hands it back to Chilly and tells him to put it back, before any griffon finds out and has his head. Chilly smiled and did as he was told.

Maxves smokes as he leans back in his chair thinking about all this new information. The kid was right, diamond dog attacks would make the most sense even if they didn’t know how they got there. More importantly, what did they bring with them to attack and destroy that building?

This was a mystery, and he loved a good mystery. He was about to get up when someone walked in, it was Dreed. The military officer from all those years ago, the day was about to go bad. He thought and sat back down.

“Can I help you sir?”

“Yes, we have some reports of missing griffons and I want you to find out what you can. Your kind are good at that.”

Dreed drops a stack of files on his desk, Maxves picks one up and reads it. They seemed like low level criminals, corrupt soldiers who were taking bribes or deserters. However they were all missing, he then noticed the time they went missing

“Sir? These files are at least three or five years apart from each other. And in different regions of the empire. I don’t understand?”

“I don’t care if you understand, find answers. I don’t expect you to find anything useful, this was an order from HQ. Find something!”

Dreed said before leaving, Maxves was about to take another drag of his cigarette until he saw it had gone out. This was going to be a bad day. He thought, looking between the paper and the files.

He remembered the words his father would say about their order, that once controlled everything, until a monster destroyed it all. That never mattered to him, to him the monster was a mystery. A legend that he wanted to find out more about, he took his pen and cycled around a article about a new mine being opened.

“Diamond dogs… You will have to wait until I deal with this crap.”

Grimscythe walked as he had gotten word of something strange, one of the digger teams far to the north had found something. They were in the middle of building an underground train network, to help move things around more quickly. In the middle of one of their dig’s to find more iron, they found something that shouldn’t be here.

Grimscythe saw what they found, it was concrete. A concrete wall this far underground? All digging was stopped, as ghosts were sent out to find out what was above ground to gather more information.

The ghosts report there was a small town above them, however there was one building they could not enter. It was clearly made to keep anything with magic out or to stop them from going inside though the walls.

At least on the surface, they will need to get more information before acting on this. Meanwhile, once he got back he used the newu to ask Mable if she knew anything about this? From what he was told, there was info about secret labs but this would be the first one found.

Grimscythe had an idea, a way to breach the lab and still be under cover. There was a lake nearby that was at risk of flooding, it has been known for years yet no griffon has done anything about it. The lich had a way to get into the lab and have some cover at the same time.

One year later.

The town was flooded after one bad rainstorm, most griffons left but lost most of their valuables. You couldn’t even see the roofs of houses any more, the only building that could be seen was the main information department. At least that's what it looked like on the surface.

The Vipers of cryx travelled at night under the water surface of the flooded town. They only brought a few light warjacks with them, and walked their way through the doors of the main building.

They didn’t see anyone as they looked for a hidden door or lift, they found a door that read main office staff only and made their way down. Papers were floating everywhere as the water had knocked open cabinets days ago.

When they found their first corpse, the griffon looked like a swollen fruit that was ready to burst. The ghosts told them about the uniforms of the griffons who worked here, and this one wasn’t one of them. The cryx used the glow of their own furnaces to guide them, as they found one cabinet ajar from the wall.

It was a door hiding an elevator, they started up the two deathripper's that were modified. One with more powerful jaws, the other had a harpoon gun set in its jaws. Once they started up they were eager to move. They opened the doors and went down one by one, the light helljacks simply walked down the walls of the elevator shaft to reach the bottom.

They told both jacks to stop before they reached the bottom of the shaft, as everyone reached it. A unliving climbed through and opened the elevator doors, they saw an orichalcum door. They used hand gestures to single what they found, a necrotach signalled for the jacks to jump down once the unliving got out of the way.

The weight of both jacks crushed the elevator. As they looked at the door, the one with the powerful jaws bit into one side of the door! Pulling on it like a dog that won’t let go of a bone, it slowly managed to move it and too there surprised air rushed out and water rushed in.

The new deathrippers were the first to move in followed by the others once inside and passed the rushing water. They heard the screams of griffons who were still alive? The door was sealed enough to keep the water out, unless something opened it. A big flaw in design, the necrotech thought. As the iron lich that joined them was trying to close the large door behind them.

As the deathripper with the harpoon mouth started shooting at any living griffon it saw, while the other helljack ran after the rest. There weren't that many, about ten or twelve of them in all. An unliving saw a discarded wrapper of a mre floating on the water, looks like they were waiting to be rescued. Yet where were they getting their air from?

The deathripper only had around three harpoons but thanks to the magic runes they returned to the jack. However one harpoon did not as one griffon still had the spear like weapon in there back. The helljack was about to run the griffon down and simply step on them when the iron lich in their group spoke up.

“Wait, I want words with this one.”

While the others were being killed or taken prisoner before the jacks reached them, the unliving brought this wounded griffon over. The iron lich was the one with a dog skull for a head. The griffon was in pain yet why did the harpoon not return to the helljack? It was only after reaching down and moving the griffon shirt aside he saw they were wearing a orichalcum vest.

“Clever, my name is Voltear. That may stop magic but you can’t stop a spear of metal flying at you. Over a hundred psi, I’m sure you understand what I mean.”

The water was still flooding in, it only stopped once the difference in water and air pressure were roughly the same. They had to move to an upper level or risk their new prisoners drowning.

Voltear saw they were going into shock, he ordered them to remove the vest and spear. The vest was the first thing they took off. It wasn’t hard, the spear was the problem for now. A unliving grabbed it and with one pull, it was free! The griffon gasped in pain as his own life blood was pouring out of him, the lich cast a spell on the griffon and the pain was gone.

“Feel better?”

“Y-yes, what did you do?”

Asked the griffon, as he looked back at the monster that looked down at him. Voltear had no face to smile, but that's what the griffon thought the diamond dog was doing.

“I simply used a spell to block the pain, many members of my order know how. But I have a question, what are you doing down here? And how are you still alive?”

“This place was built to be a bunker, in the event the war went poorly. I won’t say more than that…”

Voltear knew of ways to get answers yet for now it was unneeded, as he saw a unliving wave him over. He dragged the griffon with him as he went into the next room. There were maps, and files in boxes. It looked like the griffons here took some effort to save the more valuable information. Voltear let the griffon go and looked though some of it.

“What is this? Hidden labs, secret plans for the war, the subjugation of other races? Oh my, your empire is very bold. Not every smart but bold.”

“You know nothing! With the doctor on our side we will win, with his invasions we will crush the other kingdoms and rule this world!”

Voltear stopped listening once the griffon started his rant, he was smart but seemed ignorant about the facts. One of the biggest ones standing right in front of him now. Voltear got annoyed and cancelled the spell, the griffon body suddenly went rigged and he fell over dead. The spell was the only thing keeping the griffon alive. He rubbed his chin and ordered them to take some of the files.

They were put in glass jars so the water didn’t ruin anymore of them, it was time for a change of place. He ordered for the rest of the griffons to be killed and to take their bodies with them. Even if ignorant, a brilliant mind is still useful to them. As they took the last corpse Voltear looked back and smiled to himself, as he opened the large door letting the room flood and destroy anything else useful.

It will be weeks or even longer before anyone could get down here and try to look for survivors. The vipers of cryx had new targets, and they were planning to hit every last one. But first, he had a new minion to build.

The last thing he remembered was dying, and falling into the dirty water. After that was nothing, yet he could still think? Why? He should be dead, shouldn’t he, yet if he could still think that means he's alive!

I’m…

Curse them all!

Don’t hurt me!

I was left shocked by the sudden intrusion of my mind, what was that? Who was that, where did the voices come from? Why can’t I see anything!

Who is there?

Please I didn’t do anything wrong.

Who are you! Why can’t I move!?

W-why can’t I feel anything?!

Calm down both of you, now what are your names?

My name? My… name… I can’t…Remember…

What is happening? Why can’t I remember my name!

Alright, alright calm down! I’ll tell you my name… It’s…

You can’t remember ever… Can you?

No, no I know my name. I know I know it, it just. It is just the blood loss that makes it hard for me to remember that all. I need to calm down, I need to get back and tell the others about the new threat and then I can. Suddenly I could see, it was dark and the soft glow of lights was all there was. I was underground, I could see the stone ceiling and floor.

I saw a number of undead walking around, cutting, drilling, attaching metal to other bodies. It was like I was in some mad workshop! Then one of the things walked over and looked at me. It blinked and then wrote something down on its clipboard.

“My lord, the overseer is awake.”

It said before walking away, I couldn’t think clearly as other thoughts started bleeding into my mind. Thoughts that were not my own. I didn’t have time to be a prisoner! I needed to get revenge on that captain who sent us all to die! I can’t be locked away again, I can’t take the pain, please just let me die!

Shut up, I can't think like this!

You shut up! You didn’t get to watch all your friends die to a metal monster with cannons for arms!

I just want to go home, I don’t want the doctor to cut me open again!

Wait, doctor. What doctor?

D-doctor I don’t remember his name but he wasn’t a griffon, he said he’d make us stronger. All he did was cut me open and put things inside! It hurt, I begged him to end the pain, but all he did was smile! I knew he didn’t care… At that moment I realised what we were… Guinea pigs. We were lab rats to him!

I think I know him, he was there on the day we were about to be sent off to die. He said, just send us ahead anyway. And his test batch will clean up the rest. He will pay! I won’t rest until he suffers for what he did!

I needed them to calm down, their anger and fear were not helping. As I felt some of it bleed into my own being.What was happening to me, to us? That when I saw him walk over, it was him. The monster I saw before I died, Voltear!

“Good, very good. You’re aware, yes? Attach their vocal systems. Let's see what they have to say.”

There was a mechanical click as he felt something and found his voice. He wanted to speak but the other two spoke up first.

“What did you do to us!”

“Are you going to use us like lab rats!”

“Calm down now, I need you to answer some questions first. Do you know who I am?”

“Voltear…”

“Good you remember me. I have turned you into an iron lich overseer.”

Voltear explained, I was shocked at what he had done. He has taken our three souls and stuck them in the same body, letting our souls mix together. I didn’t believe him/Why do I know things I didn’t before?/So that is what happened to your friends… I’m so sorry. What?! No. Nononono! What is happening to my mind!?

“We normally do this with souls that are compatible with each other, best friends, triplets, and families who work in the same field. I wasn’t sure how you’d turn out, Nuk.”

“Nuk?”

“What a Nuk?”

“Your name, it is best to remove the names of an overseer's past. We don’t normally, however we thought it best in this case. It makes it easier for the souls to mix together.”

“That is not my name!”

Voltear looked at one of the others and said something. I then felt my limbs for the first time, it was wrong. I could feel my new arms, all three of them and metal tentacles. I felt my form flout under my own power and looked at Voltear.

“Will I get revenge for what they did to us!”

“Will I make them feel the pain we felt.”

“No! I am loyal, we cannot betray die leucht!”

“They left us to die!”

“They toured us! We’ll never go back to them!”

“We, no! I… Am loyal!”

Voltear watched with interest, two of the souls were binding much faster. However one soul was resisting, if it kept resisting it would only drive itself mad while the other two grew stronger.

“I welcome you into the Vipers of cryx. Tell me will you pledge yourself to cryx? Will you join us in bringing down the ones who wronged you so?”

“Yes/Yes.”

“No! We are, I… I am! L-loyal…”

“We’re loyal to Cryx, to the Vipers of Cryx. And we will be, Die Leucht end.”

My mind was splitting, as memories not my own flood my mind as I lose some of my own. I had to hold on, to something so that I can still warn everyone about this new threat! I am loyal to/Cryx. No! I am loyal to/Volter. No! I am/Nuk. I am Loyal, I work for… What is happening? Why can’t I remember!? I am loyal, I am loyal! I am Loyal! We are/loyal to!/Voltear and the Vipers of Cryx.

I wanted to scream, but couldn’t as this new being that was made of the other two was growing stronger. It then started taking parts of our mind, pulling away anything it deemed useful. All my mind could do was scream in fear, as we became smaller, lesser. Soon fear started to fade, before… Before… We’re born, we’re Nuk, we will have our revenge.

Maxves had found some leads, but most of them led to dead ends. Yet he was putting together what had been happening. He talked to anyone who was willing to talk, friends, family, co-workers, locals in pubs. It wasn’t easy, Maxves almost used up every favour he ever had to find something useful.

These griffons were criminals, gang members or corrupt officers. Yet the leaders and their important members of their groups would go missing. Ever before or after the local enforcers try to bring them in. The problem was there wasn’t any useful information about where they are now.

Too many rumours and not enough evidence to say where they are or if they were working for anyone else. He managed to trace some of the money, but it only ended up back to other gangs who were wiped out before. And all their stolen gains went missing, after a convoy was attacked. Close to 80 years ago.

“There must be a pattern, gang leaders don’t just go missing. Without some griffon trying to replace them.”

Maxves sat down and started smoking again, his already gone through three packs in this week alone. He scratches his neck looking at the files and the info he has gathered. Whoever is behind this, they’re keeping a low profile. He thinks to himself as Chilly bursts in and looks panicked.

“Sir it that griffon, his back!”

“What? The lieutenant? I’m not even finished my investigation yet?”

“I don’t know why he is here, he just showed up and ordered for you to see him.”

This was just what he needed, it only a year and his only started a few weeks ago, because of work. Maxves hadn't even laid down the groundwork yet. Still he couldn’t keep Dreed waiting.

“Alright I need you to go downtown and ask what happened to the gang that went missing 15 years ago. They were called the broken talons, find out what you can and get back to me once you're done.”

“Wait, downtown? The dock by the river? You know there aren’t many enforcers down there right?”

“It will be easy, don’t ask who you think killed them. Just ask around what happened to them, just be respectful. Ask what they think, not who did it understand?”

Chilly nodded quickly with a worried look on his face as Maxves walked out, Maxves walked down the stairs and saw Dreed with two soldiers with him. Maxves walked over and stood in front of Dreed.

“Lieutenant Dreed, I’m still investigating the missing griffons. I know it's only been a year, however I’ll need more time to-.”

“That is not why I’m here, I need you for a different matter. Come with me.”

Maxves followed Dreed out, not much he could do about it. And going by the fact the commissioner wasn’t yelling up a storm he has been informed about this. Maxves got in the car with Dreed, as the soldiers got in the front and started driving.

“Tell me, you know about Goldenclaw valley?”

“Yeah? Heard it got flooded a few weeks ago. Everything was destroyed, homes, banks, shops.”

“One of our information facilities was hit there. I want you to come with me to look over the site. See if we’ve missed anything, this site is top secret so you will not tell any griffon about this site or what is inside.”

“Wait, we’re going to goldenclaw valley? Sir with respect, that's months of travel by car.”

“We won’t be taking the car, we can be there in three days by train.”

Maxves was surprised by this, he wasn’t expecting that also how could he help? Not only that he had to keep his beck shut about anything he finds, including about this top secret location.

Three days later, Maxves saw the damage for himself. Some houses were washed away, while others collapsed in on themselves. Maxves saw families picking at what was left of their homes trying to find anything that was important to them.

Dreed walked on, as Maxves followed. They walked into the main part of town and he saw the ruined shops and places for business. That is when Dreed walked into a building with a large number of soldiers standing around and outside it. The strange part was there was a huge machine that was pumping water out of the building. Maxves followed right behind him as they entered the building.

They were both patted down before being allowed to go on inside, Maxves saw the damage to the inside of the building. They walked down a flit of stairs before reaching a scaffold of ladders, and down they went through an elevator shaft.

Maxves had no idea how deep it went, once they reached the bottom. He saw a lot of griffons in uniform walking around. And carefully trying to recover the wet papers that were stuck to everything. Whatever was written on them was probably ruined by now.

“Lieutenant Dreed! What do you think you’re doing! You can’t bring a civilian down here, especially one of them!”

A soldier with the same uniform as Dreed stormed over. They looked to be the same rank, Maxves was looking at the room, anything important was most likely already removed. He didn't think Dreed would have brought him down here anyway, if there was something important still here. Maxves could see the water line where the water stopped before flooding the whole room.

Wait, if the room was flooded why is there a clear watermark from where the water settles. That meant this room was somewhat sealed, before the room flooded. So why did the room fully flood?

“It is fine, he is under my supervision. All classified files and materials have been removed. Or were destroyed during the flood?”

“That is not the point! You will not get in my way and-!”

“Hay!”

Maxves called out standing in front of the wall and looking at the water line. He stared at the dirty wall as he tried not to step on any still wet paper.

“How long could the griffons live down here for?”

“A year, but we never thought the town would be flooded so we never accounted for that. So a few weeks, if the supplies aren’t ruined. The door was made to keep magic users out, not water.”

Maxves walked around soldiers as he made his way to the door, he was carefully looking it over looking for anything amiss.

“What is the theory about how this room flooded?”

Dreed looked to the other griffon who looked back at him in anger then had a thought and a smug look on his face. Dreed could tell the other lieutenant was going to try and find a way to use this agent him.

“The ventilation shaft, water lines show water started coming in from there and flooded the room. Killing everyone before the others escaped.”

“Doesn't fit, the water line on the wall shows where the water stopped. Best guess the vent collapsed from all the derbies and mud from the flooding. Also, how many griffons were down here? And how many did we find?”

“On record 23. Nine of them are unaccounted for…”

Dreed answered not missing a beat as he watched Maxves work. Before the other griffon could speak up Maxves asked a question that made everyone look at him.

“How far is it from the surface? I don’t mean from the elevator shaft, I mean from this room to outside. Above the water level, don’t need to give me numbers, just tell me would they survive?.”

Everyone looked at each other, as they did the maths. It would be hard enough to open the door, someone would have to wait until the room was almost flooded before trying to get out. The most a griffon could hold their breath for was 42 seconds, water wasn’t a griffon best friend.

Throw in things like their feathers being heavy with water, and how far it was from the surface without any kind of light to guide them. It was unlikely the griffons got out alive.

“They wouldn’t have made it out, they would have drowned before leaving the elevator shaft.”

Said a random soldier talking out loud, Maxves thought as much as he found what he was looking for.

“Did any griffon notice these teeth marks?”

“What?!”

Both lieutenants walked over and saw what he was talking about. One of them moved a lantern over and saw clearly teeth marks on the metal. They were big, yet they had no idea what kind of animal could have done this.

“I also noticed this, the seal around the door was pulled out from the room. Meaning something outside opened the door.”

Maxves stepped away as he went back inside looking over the whole room. Using his mind to rebuild what the room once looked like. It wasn’t perfect, however it was enough for him to get a picture about what happened here.

“My guess is only around, 17 were originally here in this room at any one time, somewhere between 15 of them were trapped down here. Some griffon panicked, tried to get out and was hit in the back of the head. That didn’t kill him, them landing on the corner of that table did. Crack their skull.”

“Then they agreed to wait it out, they had enough food and water down here to wait for help. What they worried about was air. Going by the water line on the wall they were waiting down here for, 15 days into the flood. Around the 17th day, is when the door was forced open and flooded the room. Without more information that's all I got. We’ll need the missing bodies to find out more, if whatever did this didn’t eat them.”

Maxves told them and everyone was staring at him, Dreed thought about it. That was one theory, It was better then they all went crazy and tried to get out and died.

“Dreed, take your friend and leave before I call the MP’s, and have you both locked up until the war is won!”

Dreed just nods and waves for Maxves to follow. They left the building and stopped at the train station for the trip home. Dreed watched as Maxves lit a cigarette and started smoking. The lieutenant then asked something.

“There is something else, isn't there. You have another theory. Other than some kind of new monster came here and ate them?”

Maxves blew out the smoke and looked up at the sky, he rolled the cigarette in his claws looking down the train tracks.

“My other theory depends on my next question. Was there anything in the way to that room?”

“No… In fact, the reports say the way down was already cleared. As if some griffon else cleared the halls to get down there.”

“My other theory is we’re dealing with something new and unknown to us. At first I thought sea ponies but the lake is locked off from the sea. Nowhere for them to go or to get here in the first place. Whatever we’re dealing with, got what it wanted and left. It didn’t need the files when it could just grab the griffons who saw what was on them every day.”

“Are you saying our officers were kidnapped?”

“I don’t know, I don’t have enough information to work with. Anything else would be guesswork at best...”

Maxves replied, taking another drag of his cigarette. He could see the train now as he blew out another puff of smoke.

“I'll see if I find anything else. If I do, I’ll send it your way.”

“Why?”

“Because I believe, sometimes the best griffon for the job. Is the one who never gets any credit.”

“By the way, what happened to the elevator?”

“We think the flood water crushed it, it was the first thing we removed.”

Said Dreed, as the train stops Maxves get on but Dreed stay behind saying he had more to look into. And for Maxves to get some sleep, Maxves took a seat and closed his eyes. His mind is a maze of information. Trying to work out this puzzle. Missing gang members, information officers bodies going missing.

Unknown force that could be hiding in the shadows. He needed more information, the only way he was going to get it. Was if he let himself fall into the abyss and look for himself. Everything he worked for, his job, even his standing would be at risk. Should he risk it just to know the truth?

Two years later.

A transport train was in the middle of its 9 hour journey, the soldiers inside had already spent six hours in the train cars. Many were talking and chatting about going to the front, the recruits were the most eager to prove their worth. The older ones had a more grim outlook about the war.

The strange part was a new unit that was assigned to them, they were called legion company. Strange name for 30 soldiers, they didn’t even make up a third of the full force that was going to support the front. They weren’t even that big, about two hundred bodies and four train cars of supplies in total.

They were all being sent to a muster point, there should be over three thousand griffons in total once they get there. Before moving on to the battle.

“Your turn.”

Said one of the squad mates who was playing cards, they were using a supply box as a table. As they sat on their bags of gear as makeshift chairs. There wasn’t a lot of room in the cars, they could pack 40 bodies in each one. There was hardly any room to lay down, and the bathroom was a small room with a set and a hole in the floor.

“What do you beat? Will we fight ponies or yaks first?”

“My beat minotaur's, they know how to fight smart. If you let them, yaks are dumb but can take a few hits.”

“No, no no. The ponies are the smart ones, but are cowards. They make the dumb ones fight for them.”

“I heard some ponies are fighting at the front though?”

“Like I said, they make the dumb one fight. The ones who know magic know they can’t stop us!”

They laughed, as they played while their captain heard it all. He looked out a gap in the wall and saw the sun was setting, he looked at his watch and saw it was time to check in with the lieutenant. He got up and stretched his back before walking past the game.

“Going to report to the cry baby captain?”

Asked one of his troops, the captain smiled back and told them. He could report them if they weren’t careful about that kind of talk. They laughed and nodded their heads. He grins and walks into the next few train cars. The captain gives a friendly greeting to his fellow captains as he walks through to the car that had the lieutenant staying in.

The lieutenant was newly ranked and had a lot to prove. The problem was he tends to throw a tantrum when things don’t go to plan or something is delayed. It was a problem, the lieutenant was already getting a reputation for being a winy, stuck up, loud mouthed, peacock.

It was not flattering at all, if he was honest with himself. But as long as the captains kept their griffons in line, and made sure they didn’t say anything out loud. They should be able to move on to the front and earn their pay.

“Good you’re here Captain Brimstone, how are the troops?”

“Good sir, they’re in high spirits.”

“Good, good… Tell me, have you met the new unit that is joining us today?”

“The New legion unit sir? I haven’t spoken to any of them yet sir. I saw their captain earlier today but he said nothing. Why is something wrong?”

The Lieutenant looked uneasy, as he picked up a bottle and started drinking straight from it. Brimstone looked alarmed as the Lieutenant had downed more than half of it. They gasped for air before saying more.

“I don’t trust them, they don’t talk. They don’t relax, they don’t even make jokes. The insane thing is, I don’t think they sleep! They creep me out, I can’t stand being in the same room as them! Their captain is the worst of all, he finds faults with everything with every unit! He somehow expects every griffon to be perfect, yes that is the dream but even I know that is impossible!”

Brimstone tried to calm him down, as the train suddenly stopped. The lieutenant almost fell over as he dropped the bottle to save himself, however the liquor was lost. Brimstone first made sure the lieutenant was alright, before opening a window to look outside to see what was happening.

Rain clouds were coming in as he saw the train wasn’t moving. Before the lieutenant could say anything. Brimstone said he’ll find out why they stopped and report back. He steps out and flies to the front of the train. Once in the sky he saw why they stopped, the tracks were damaged. He lands next to the train as the train driver steps out to have a look too.

“What happened here?”

“You guess is as good as mine, the track all busted up that what!”

Brimstone ignored the train driver and walked up the tracks, the tracks looked twisted and bent out of shape. One side of the track was twisted up and snapped from the metal. It looked very strange, he couldn’t think what could have happened. Maybe a troll got so hungry it tried to eat the train track?

“What's going on here, why have we stopped!?”

Yelled the lieutenant, as Brimstone gave his best. I am following your orders and will go with you till the day I die face on. Before reporting.

“Sir the track is damaged, we don’t have the means to repair it. We will need to go back and take another train sir.”

“You can’t be serious! We’ve spent six hours getting here! We can’t turn back now, can’t we fly the rest of the way?”

“Sir, I don’t know how to tell you this. If we were going by truck or car, it would take two or three weeks to drive to the meeting point. To try and fly will take even longer, we also have the supplies and equipment that needs to go there too and-.”

“Yes, yes! I understand! It will take even longer then going back, fuck!”

Brimstone made his way back to his team, he saw how low the sun was on the way. The soldiers were now turning on the lanterns in and on the train cars as it was starting to get darker.

Brimstone went inside and saw the griffons look at him, he told them it was nothing to worry about. The track was out and they had to go back, every one complained as the only thing they’ve had to eat for the past few hours was bread and canned cold meat. Brimstone was never sure what they put in the tins, but half the time he was sure it wasn’t cow or chicken. Meat was never meant to be yellow.

The train had to move more slowly going backwards, meaning it would take longer to get back. And the griffons were going to have restless nights ever staying in the train cars. Or staying up all night waiting for the next train.

It was about half an hour into the journey and every griffon was settling to sleep for the trip back. Brimstone heard there would be look outs, then there was a shudder and got up. The train was picking up speed. That wasn’t right, he quickly woke every griffon up.

“I want two of you to check the last car in the back, make sure the look outs are alright. You two come with me, we’re going to the train to find out what's going on!”

Brimstone hurried as he walked though the train, his first worry was when he didn’t find the lieutenant in the logistic car and moved on past it. He passed several more, as the other captains had woken up their own griffons. However one captain and a few of his griffons were missing. The train was picking up more speed!

By the time he reached the train cabin, Brimstone was shocked by what he found. Two soldiers were holding the train driver and his assistant while the captain of these griffons and the lieutenant looked smug.

“What are you doing! Do you have any idea how dangerous this is! You could derail this whole train!”

“Captain, I am not going to spend the night in this train, I am taking us back quickly. And I am going to find a nice hotel to sleep in. Then we will worry about getting another train to the muster point! I will not be made a fool of because of some idiot! Didn’t bother to find out the track was broken!”

This went on for about ten minutes when one of Brimstone griffons, pulled on his arm to look at the last car. There was a bend in the track and they could see them, they were waving their lights.

“Something wrong, stop the train!”

“Oh I don’t think so I am not stopping this train for any-.”

Suddenly it was as if the world stopped, as the last train-car suddenly flew into the air. Then the next one, then two of the supply cars were next. Both Brimstone and the other captain rushed for the controls, even the train driver was yelling and the soldiers who were stopping them acted to help them. They all grabbed the brake and pulled.

The horrible screeching sound was all any griffon could hear. Brimstone looked back, as he saw griffons try to fly out. Only to be pulled back by the speed of the train, making them slam into it and hit the ground or roll under the train-cars. Brimstone looked up as he saw more than half the train-cars were already in the air at this point and more were about to join them.

“Hold on!”

Brimstone yelled, as every griffon grabbed a hold of something solid. The lieutenant looked on mouth agape at the chaos that he had made with his own claws. He looked back at Brimstone with a look of dread.

“I’m… Sorry…”

The last thing Brimstone saw was the train in the air spinning. The lieutenant was gone and he lost his grip. He felt pain as one of his wings hit something hard, the last thing saw was the ground then. Darkness.

Brimstone jerked awake gasping for air and in pain. He looked around and saw a number of wounded griffons in a half smashed train car. Some were crying in pain, while others were moaning for help. He also heard rain.

Brimstone pushed himself up and walked out, he couldn’t believe what he saw. There were a number of fires and destroyed train cars, the train itself was on fire and the front end was buried in the dirt. It was raining hard, not a good night.

“Captain!?”

Brimstone saw one of his troops as they ran over to him. They were thanking the sky god that he was okay, Brimstone was still confused about what happened. And winced at the pain in his wing, and found it was tied up to stop him from damaging it more.

“Slow down, slow down! Now tell me what happened, is every griffon alright?”

“No, no sir. Most of us were lucky, one of our guys tried to fly out the door when the train-car hit something. Next thing I know, we’re spinning in the air before the car rolls. Most of us got away with a few bruises, but three others went missing. By the time we got out… It was like this. You were out for an hour sir.”

Brimstone looked at the carnage of it all, this wasn’t even a battlefield it was an accident. The error of that lieutenant stupid.

“Wait, where is the lieutenant?”

“Sorry to say this sir but, his back is broken. If we can’t get him out of here soon…”

Brimstone ordered for him to show him. They made their way to a gathering of griffons, who were collecting the supply's that didn’t get destroyed in the train wreck. The other captains who survived were giving out orders, while a medic tried to treat the lieutenant. Brimstone saw the lieutenant had a far off look in his eyes, it didn’t look like he would last much longer. So he fell back on his training and spoke up.

“Gentlegriffons. What’s our plan?”

“Holy shit, Brimstone up and about. About time!”

“We’ve lost more than a hundred griffons. Wounded or dead, the rest are gathering what is left of our gear. Hopefully they will find out we’re missing and send help, in a few days. A week…”

“You can’t be serious can you? I just woke up in a damaged train car full of wounded soldiers who need help now! We can’t just ignore them!”

“No griffon is saying that, besides we have another problem.”

Brimstone looked confused when he saw where they were looking, he turned too and saw the 14 survivors of the legion unit. Their captain was giving them orders like nothing happened, he turned back to the others as they explained.

“They want to push on and meet up at the muster point. And take every able body with them.”

“You’re joking. We can’t drag the wounded with us, they won’t last a week let alone-.”

“You misunderstand, they said they want to take every ‘able’ body. Not the wounded.”

“They can’t do that, they don’t have the authority. They’re only a single captain with the same rank as us, they can’t… What is it?”

The captains looked to each other with grim looks, as one of them held out a letter. Brimstone takes it and reads what is on it, in the event the lieutenant was ever killed or is not able to command, captain Cross of the legion unit will be promoted and take command of all units to reach the muster point on time.

“This is insane, they’re a new unit. They don’t even have any experience at command of such a large number of griffons. Surely this is a fake?”

“It has the command seal on it, along with high commander Cromwell and commander Frostclaw. Claw writing, We have to follow their orders.”

“What about the other captains?”

“Dead.”

Brimstone could not believe this, had command lost their minds. There was no way they could get whoever left to the muster point in the next four hours, it can’t be done. Besides that the army would only be staying there for a few days, enough time to feed the troops before moving on. They were lucky if any griffon went looking for them. That was when the newly promoted lieutenant Cross walked over to them.

“Good, another captain survived. We’ll need you to start gathering the troops and sign them tasks to start carrying equipment with us to the muster point.”

“Sir with respect… look around, do you really think we can make it in this state?”

Asked one of the other captains, as Cross stared back at him. It was unnerving at how Cross stared back at them, even the proud tiger-hark captain backed down from this griffon. As far as Brimstone was concerned that wasn’t a good sign.

“You have been given your orders, ever follow them or I will find some griffon who will.”

Brimstone looked to the others, as they too had grim looks on their becks. He took one last look at the griffon who was on the ground, their late lieutenant as the medic covered their face and got up to try and help another griffon. Brimstone nodded, he didn’t like it but there should be some time.

“Understood, can we at lest gather the dead? They don’t deserve to be left out here for the scavengers to pick for weeks at a time.”

“Very well, make it quick. You have your orders, ready our supply's for transport and put the bodies where you think they will be safe from carrion feeders.”

“We can use one of the train cars that is still intact, somewhat. At least the crows and rats shouldn’t get to them.”

Cross turned away, as the captains were left to send out their orders. Brimstone went with his griffons to try and find the rest of his missing squad mates. They started dragging dead griffons into a train car one after another, most of them he knew. And others he saw talking to their captains, the train-car could fit 60 bodies if you started piling them on top of each other.

Once it was full they started on the next one, it was a grim task and crushed the griffons morale. Brimstone started to hear a commotion as he walked over to a group of soldiers, they were arguing and some looked terrified.

“What is going on here? Get back to work!”

“Sir there gone!”

“Gone? What's gone.”

“The bodies!? I saw three of them right here, I was going to ask my friends to help me move them and now they’re gone!”

Brimstone looked at where the bodies once lay, there was blood from the bodies. Yet it looked like something dragged them off. He took a soldier lantern and held it up, offering little help in the pouring rain. It didn’t help that they were surrounded by forests on every side of the track.

“Captain!”

Called out one of Brimstone griffons and they were waving to him, he told them to report this to the others and get back to work. Once he got there, in the centre of how this all started, they were pointing at the track that was bent. It looked like something grabbed the track and pulled it up.

“What is it? Found something?”

“Sir, look at this.”

They said and parted some long grass and they found a large footprint. It was large and sunk into the earth. Whatever it was, was heavy, yet something about it was off. His griffons had worried looks.

“Sir, I think we’re dealing with a rogue dragon. You know they don’t listen to anybody. Not even the dragon lord, if one of those monsters is around here.”

“Then we’ll kill it.”

Brimstone said coldly as he went back to tell the others. On the way he heard a scream! He stopped what he was doing and started calling out, one soldier called out to where the wounded were being kept. They rushed over with lanterns and touches as they found one of the wounded was awake and pointing. They saw five wounded were missing and a trail of blood.

“What is going on, what happened!?”

“We’ve got something taking our wounded and dead.”

They had a meeting, Cross didn’t want any delays and said to leave the dead and wounded for whatever was carrying them off. However Brimstone and the others told him, if Cross wanted to get to the muster point, he was going alone. Unless they dealt with this beast. As much as Cross own unit would follow his orders, he was not sure about the rest who were watching and some griffons had their weapons at the ready.

Cross at last agreed they would slay the beast, they started moving things to get ready to ambush the dragon. While a group of soldiers were stacking boxes, they saw something. It looked like a hooded griffon stepped out of the woods and was walking over to one of the dead.

“Hay, hay you! Identify yourself!”

The soldier called out, as the hooded griffon simply grabbed the dead body by its leg and started dragging it back into the woods like a child's toy. The soldier kept shouting as their captain heard what happened. They sent out a hunting party to go after the hooded griffon, now they have a bandit who was grave robbing. Just what they needed.

Ten-lin was working on his new batch of undead, he may have been a changeling in life but under cryx he had a new master. The plan was two fold, one group would destroy the tracks up ahead, it would be an hour away by the train speed.

His job was to simply have the Slayer helljack tear up the track once they were out of sight. It was a bountiful harvest, so many bodies and so much to work with. He was also assigned Nuk, who was very useful. As he was a big help managing the large number of helljacks in their group.

“They’re coming.”

Spoke up Nuk, the Iron lich overseer. As it three skull like heads started talking in turns.

“Many of them, two squads of 12. Maybe more?”

“I cannot wait to sink my blades into them! Make them feel such pain.”

“Loyal… Loyal… t-to… Y-you. Orders?”

Ten-lin was fascinated by Volter work, yet that didn’t matter for now. As he waved a claw the helldivers spring into action, following after a necrotech with his horde of mechanithralls. They would make light work of the search party. However just to be safe, he sent out his pistol wraith after them.

“Do not let them get away, they may have weapons that can harm us. As well as you, do your best not to be destroyed.”

The ghostly griffon said nothing and faded away, Ten-Lin looked back at the dead griffon he was working on. He then looked to the next line of mechanithralls that were waiting, then at the wounded griffons that were brought to him. There was always room for improvement.

The soldiers were following the trail of blood, the thing that worried them was the fact there was so much blood. It only meant that all the bodies were dragged down this same path. They haven’t found the thief yet, but there was still talk about a dragon being out here.

It didn’t matter, with their weapons they were sure to deal with whatever came their way. There was a snap, as they all stopped rifles up pointing into the darkness of the woods. Their own lanterns doing nothing to reveal their foe.

“There, see that?”

One of them spoke up as they saw the hooded griffon laying in the mud face down. But the body they were dragging wasn’t there. They carefully move in, watching out for ambushes. They got closer and started to smell something horrible. Like rotting meat, or someone tried to cook with old fish.

Once they were close enough, they pulled the hood back and gasped in horror. It was a griffon, or once used to be. Its lower jaw was missing, it had one milky eye and for the other was a metal tube with a glass lens over the end.

It had a number of tubes going under its skin, they then found its arm had been replaced with a large metal fist. They were trying to report what they found, lucky for them the short range radios were not destroyed in the crash. But the rain was interfering with the signal.

One griffon bent down to get a better look, then the milky eye turned to look back at him. It suddenly springs to life, swinging its iron fist out hitting two of them and reaching out to grab another by the throat!

They shot at it, but it only seemed to slow it down not stop it. Until one griffon used his axe and chopped it head off. It was a bit of trouble. As the monster had a bit of metal in the way that made up it spine. In the end they managed to behead it! One griffon got a broken beck out of it, the other shoulder was dislocated.

“What was that thing!?”

“Must be some kind of undead?”

“You’re kidding right? I thought making such a thing was outlawed?”

They heard a scream, as they all took cover and took aim into the woods. Whatever it was they had the numbers to deal with it, that when they saw the glowing eyes. And things started walking out one by one. They were trained to fight the living, they were not trained to deal with the horrors of the undead.

The mechaithralls swarmed forward, as the soldiers returned fire! They brought down a few but the undead had no sense of fear. Why would they? The undead monsters had no such thing to stop their push, they had no need for food and never needed rest.

“Pull back, covering fire!”

They started to pull back, just then one soldier felt the dirt under his paw move. The griffon looked down as the ground under him exploded! And out came a machine, its boney jaw was lined with blade-like tusks. Its front legs were bladed claws, the griffon cried out in pain as he was stabbed in the leg once on the ground. It mercilessly ran its blades into the griffon chest armour.

The griffon couldn’t call out for help as each blow knocked the wind from his lungs, then a spike of pain in his chest! As one blade punched through the armour, the metal monster brought one blade up ready to go for his head!

Machine gun fire peppered the thing, as it eyeless head turned to the new attacker. It hissed and dived into the wet earth before digging down through the mud and it was gone. Two griffons quickly help their wounded squad mate, shooting back at the monsters running them down.

Brimstone watched the forest as he heard gun fire, as much as he wanted to send more griffons in. They didn’t know what was going on, all they could do was wait. Things were more organised now, griffons were trying to make meals. And set up barricades, not much you could do with wooden crates. But it was better than nothing.

More gun fire, Brimstone was getting worried as the radio that was found in the supplies. Kept cutting out in the middle of soldiers yelling over the other end of the radio. The few bits they did hear clearly were. Made contact, monsters, killing. Anything else was hard to make out.

Brimstone made sure there was a firing line of griffons ready to attack anything that came out of the forest. The shooting was getting closer now, they could see the flash of light from their guns.

“Get ready! Make sure not to hit our own griffons!”

The first group they saw had lost a few in their number, and once they were safely in the campsite. Some started throwing up where they stood, others threw their helmets away having panic attacks. The veterans did their best to tell Brimstone what they saw.

Then another much smaller group fell out of the woods, there were only five of them and two of them were clearly wounded. He saw one had his wing missing! While the other had a clear hole in their armour.

“What happened!”

Brimstone demanded, while the medics saw to the wounded. He heard word of undead wrapped in metal, with iron fists and claws. Tearing into them with metal monsters, they could still kill them but there were too many. Brimstone then heard yelling from the woods. He saw a single griffon covered in blood yelling for help.

Before they reached the edge of the tree line, something big grabbed the griffon leg. The soldier cried out in pain and fear. As Brimstone saw the metal monster biting down on the griffon leg and started dragging them back into the woods. Brimstone ordered everyone to stay where they are! He didn’t know what he was dealing with, more importantly he was two squads short of the search party.

The griffon held onto a tree screaming and begging for help! As Brimstone watched, then a single gunshot was heard. The griffon was shot in the head, as he went limp being dragged away into the woods. Brimstone turned and saw Lieutenant Cross who had taken one of the soldier's rifles and used it to kill one of their own.

“Captain, I will need you to ready the troops. It seems we have a… Change of plans.”

The helldiver was dragging the body behind it and dropped it in front of the necrotech, the once griffon looked down at the soldier and rolled them over. They were shot in the head, annoying as it were, the griffon could be turned into another thrall. They haven’t modified all the bodies yet, the other three helldivers geather around him.

As he looked back and saw the camp, and the lights they were setting up. The necrotech scratch at a tube in it neck, as the rest gathered behind him. One mechaithrall walked up with its arm hanging limp from a dagger in its shoulder.

He pulled it out and the thrall could move its arm again. The necrotech hissed at the blade, as he ordered another to take the blade back to Ten-lin. That is when he saw the ghost appearing next to him with its arms crossed.

“Funny isn’t it? We used to be just like them, not knowing what was really happening. The crimes we carried out under orders. Our new lord may have given us a second chance but… Our souls are already condemned aren’t they, even if we somehow make up for it, for everything we’ve done. We’re still doomed, why fight it?”

The necrotech said out loud to himself. The pistol wraith looked at him then back to the living, who were still getting ready for an attack.

“Because, we want to be redeemed. Even if it is futile, it will give us a small part of our soul back. Isn’t that worth fighting for?”

The necrotech stared at the ghost, not expecting them to answer his question. He nods and picks up the body and drags it away, as his horde follows him. It was time to get the others and plan their next attack.

The rain wasn’t letting up at all, as everygriffon was cold from the rain. Yet the thing keeping them focused was their fear. They haven’t rested in two hours, yet they would see shapes in the dark, at the edge of the wood.

They didn’t know what was there waiting, they had to not waste a single bullet. Even if they had enough to waste them. They had a few weapons that would make these monsters think twice about attacking them.

“Our new plan is to hold those things off and wait for help. It is unclear if they’re in large numbers of just a small group. Going by our losses, it will be risky trying to leave. So we will hold them off here.”

Brimstone watched Cross lay out his plan, it wasn’t a bad plan yet they had to protect the wounded. While holding off these monsters. He was worried, these things could have kept attacking following them out of the woods. Yet they didn’t, that meant something was controlling these monsters.

“I believe they have a limited force. If they truly had the numbers to swarm us they would have done it already.”

Spoke up Brimstone, crossing his arms. As soldiers were still trying to clear the dead, keeping as far away from the edge of the woods as they could. Yet this was a temporary plan, as far as he saw it. After hearing word the metal monsters could dig underground and burst out of it. They could be digging under there very paws now and no griffon would know it.

“Contact!”

Brimstone moved as did the other three captains, going to command their troops and hold their makeshift defence. Once he got there, his griffons were ready to fight anything that came out of the woods. First they saw the lights, as something was glowing. Then came the shapes with glowing eyes.

That when he saw his first mechaithrall, it stepped out to the very edge of the forest. Its hollow eyes seemed to burn with hate. His only ever seen in the most fanatic of griffons. Yet these monsters waited, one after another looking out at them. They had no feathers, all griffons could see was their pail skin. And the stitching where organs had once been were removed.

Metal replaced paws and talons, pipes snaked in and out of their bodies. Some didn’t even have their lower beck, or their eyes anymore. It was like some kind of nightmare industry line of horrors had been sent out to end them.

It got worse as he saw a bloated griffon held up by four short stubby metal legs. Like some fat tick, its ribs were exposed. As it held up a staff that had a drill on the end of it and a clamp, that would not look out of place in a factory. While tubes went in and out of it body, there was a large one in its neck. It wore a hood and had goggles over its eyes. There were no words, no shouting for them to surrender, no boat or demands. It simply pointed a metal talon at them, and the horde roared as one surging forward!

Captain Corevid was yelling orders left and right, as his troops fired on the horde of monsters heading for them. Some went down in the first shot, others used their iron fists to block the shots going for their heads!

However the true fight came when they reached them! The undead monsters would snap bone, or slash out with claws. Three fell on one griffon and simply pulled them apart! This was a nightmare, this wasn’t a battle. It was butchery! Violence in its most raw form, Corevid shot a monster in its head and it went down.

“Just how many of these things are there?!”

He yelled to take out his frustrations. Normally he would belittle his troops to make himself feel better, right now he needed every last one of them to live through this! Corevid lost his footing as the ground under his feet shifted, and exploded as a 8 foot tall metal beast threw itself out and attacked the first griffon it saw. Before running off into the rest of the camp!

The wounded griffon had a broken leg and a hole in his arm. Yet he couldn’t do anything about it now, Corevid had to maintain the line here. Any breach could mean death for them all! Lieutenant Cross was using his own troops as a kill team, going after anything that got past them.

There was shouting and a scream, as he imagined another metal beast burst out of the ground. As it attacked another griffon somewhere, going by the screams there must be a few of them running around. He saw one dragging a griffon behind it by their wing, as a number of griffons were trying to shoot the beast.

The fighting had already turned into a melee, as griffons tried to fight off the undead monsters. Using their orichalcum weapons that did have an effect, it drained whatever magic was used to keep the undead alive. He ran his own sword though one, as it was quickly being drained of the magics used to animate it. Before cutting it head off!

Captain Corevid had lost track of time, as an explosion go off, that sounded like one of the rocket tubes. That was in the supplies, Cross must have ordered some griffon to use it. Then the monsters started to pull back, they won? They had won! His brief moment of hope was shut out as two metal monsters ran though his unit, before diving back underground!

He saw one limping back to the woods, after losing its back legs. How could it still move? He thought as the undead that could still move left their dead behind. Every griffon cheered! They had won! He thought with a smile, that smile quickly faded as he looked at the dead and wounded griffons around the camp.

He told his troops to keep a look out and half of them to help the wounded. As he was doing that he saw Brimstone rushing over.

“I need you to come with me, now!”

Brimstone was a griffon of his word, not a rare thing but not common ever. Corevid followed as they went to the train-car that held their wounded from the crash. Only to find they were all missing!

“What happened! Where is everyone!?”

“I don’t know! We need to report this to everyone else first before we make our next move.”

Brimstone said, just then another captain found them and said Cross wanted everyone to see something. They followed the captain as they met with Cross and what he was looking at. It was a blast crater, not a very big one, as they saw one of the metal beasts damaged sparking and still moving! With half of it metal guts hanging out.

“There were two of them, one saw us before my troops could fire the rocket. The other one had borrowed underground. This one wasn’t as lucky, find out how it works and how to kill it.”

Before Cross left, Brimstone told him about the missing wounded. Corevid stared at the thing, as three of it legs were no longer working and it still had a mouth to bite with. The captains looked to each other as they tried to work out the best way to dispatch it.

The necrotech had lost one of the helldivers and one was damaged, Yet they fulfilled their task. The wounded griffons were taken in the middle of the chaos, it wasn’t hard. They were so forced on what was in front of them and the danger, they didn’t think about the danger they couldn’t see.

Some of the griffons were already dead, others were begging for their lives to be spared. He looked down at one that was being dragged along by one of his thralls. He lost a good number of them, but they could always make more. Then Nuk appeared in front of him as it looked to the damaged helldiver dragging itself along.

“This did not go to plan?” “Yet you managed to gain much in this attack.” “They-y… L-live?”

He nodded his head, as the sounds of heavy helljacks walked towards him. Ten-Lin walked over as the helljacks followed behind. The Slayer was covered in plates of armour, this one had a large blade like horn instead of tusks like all the rest. It also carried a shield and axe in its claws.

The second one was a Reaper, that looked like it was modified. Its left claw hand had a twin tube like device attached to it. With a pilot light attached to the end of each tube. The necrotech knew it was a flamthrower.

He then saw what the iron lich had been doing with the first group of wounded. New machaithrall, these once didn’t seem like they were made for combat. As he noticed the large bloated gut of each undead. Ten-Lin had an odd habit of tinkering with the undead, it took both Grimscythe and Volter to get him back on task. Without one of them around he was free to invent as much as he wanted.

“So much new material. Oh the things I can make with them, they’re young? Interesting, maybe I can try making that!”

Ten-Lin was very animated as he crawled over and looked at the griffons like a prized meal. Waiting to enjoy every mouthful. There was a gunshot and the necrotech grunted in pain as he was shot in the back! He turned back and saw one wounded griffon still had their pistol. Ten-Lin didn’t even notice the danger as he watched the griffon then point their gun at him.

Suddenly a blade swung down and cut the griffon talon off, their claw still holding the gun. It was the necrotech Overbite. He growled at the griffon that was going into shock. While Nuk was busy removing the bullet from their comrade.

“Overbite, so wonderful of you to join us. I have a lot of work for you, did you bring your new pet with you?”

Overbite said nothing, as he whistled to something behind him. Three things walked out from the shadows, they looked like scrapthralls however it was clear they were still alive and in pain. They were called the Twisted Horrors, Overbite didn’t have any real plans for the first one he made. Yet a necrosurgeon said it was a good way to store healthy organs. And a punishment for the truly wicked.

And so they kept them, they were also useful in keeping prisoners alive. It was hard to escape when your blood bag could stop you and keep an eye on you.

“K… Kil… ill… me…”

Crooked one that had the eyelids to one of its eyes peeled away, and its raw skull could be seen from the top of its head. Overbite turned to it and laughed.

“Now doc don’t be like that. We still have some work for you, you know how to prepare them, yes? I showed you how, remember.”

It couldn’t shake its head, however its eye was looking anywhere other than the wounded and dead griffons. Overbite walked over and pat softly on its shoulder, as it recoiled by the touch and felt pain throughout its flesh.

“Scalpel, when I first made you I wanted you to feel nothing but pain. How many years has it been now? How long have you endured the feeling of every little contact, every movement, making you feel pain. Even moving around is pure agony. If you want, I could end the pain?”

Scalpel turned to Overbite with a new fear in its eyes and flinched at the new pain from moving its neck, the once doctor who took the lives of the young. And used them like lab rats, feared death more than this endless painful exisdance. The Twisted Horrors stepped forward, over the griffons who could not move or run away. As surgical tools unfolded from under their cloaks revealing the metal holding together their fat bloated forms.

Muscles that looked too many for any single limb. As if they were simply attached to each other, over and over again. There were glass orbs that held organs inside keeping them alive. They screamed as Scalpel worked, as he had no control anymore. Only the pain and the fear.

“Once they’re ready, I want you to start on the new line of machaithralls. These ones will be stronger and faster. However, we still need to deal with their weapons…”

“What about your new ones? What do they do? My lord.”

Overbite asked, as Nuk was finished stitching up the other necrotech who was just as interested. Ten-Lin giggled to himself as he clapped his claws, and the thrall's bloated forms started to tremble and glow.

“You will see, it should stack the odds in our claws.”

Brimstone and the other captains were looking at the remains of the metal beast, they couldn’t work out how it worked. The soldiers managed to kill it by cutting one of the many pipes in its body, once they did it lost power.

It was too heavy to bring up in one piece so they took it up in parts. They had most of its inner workings on display and its head. Brimstone has never seen this type of skull before, he wasn’t even sure what it belonged to.

The troops were already burning the undead that no longer moved. It was annoying, because as soon as a griffon pulled their sword out of one, the damn thing would slowly start up again. So they cut off its arms and legs first, seeing as the wings were already missing.

“What are we dealing with?”

He asked, as they looked at the body of an undead that was lying next to the monster. This one had its head missing, and they opened its ribcage to find pumps and tubes. With a small engine in its chest.

“Necromansy, clearly… As to what kind of griffon could do this...”

“Who said it was a griffon? It could be any number of our enemies doing this!”

“This deep into our territory? No it has to be a griffon, we saw that thing? It was giving the orders, yet how did they get so many? We don’t even use graveyards anymore.”

Brimstone looked over at Cross who for the first time looked, worried? It was clear he didn’t know what to do, who would? They were never trained to deal with undead. Yes they learned about it and how it was outlawed, but they never got any training about how to fight them.

What they were doing was working so far, but the number of wounded was growing. And if this kept up all night, there would only be 40 of them left by dawn. However, that was the best case scenario. The worst is they all die here and no griffons find out about these monsters.

“Contact!”

They rushed to their positions as soon as any griffon yelled that. As soon as Brimstone met up with his troops, he saw that waiting for them was the one who led the first attack. It didn’t move and seemed to be alone, until another one walked out from the woods. But this one was different, it was larger. And it looked like a.. Diamond dog? The two looked to each other, as the undead griffon called out.

“My name is Gaston! My lord has a message for you, offer up your dead and dying to us. And my Lord will speak terms for your passing!”

Brimstone, told one of his troops to get the other captains and Cross. He didn’t trust this thing and now there were two of them. It took a few minutes for the other captains to gather as they saw the two monsters waiting for them.

“We should kill them while they’re in the open.”

Said Lieutenant Cross, as much as Brimstone agrees. This may be their only opportunity to get their troops out of here alive. So far the monsters only want the dead and dying, yet he doesn't trust them. They attacked and murdered his comrades in cold blood.

“We should send some griffon out to talk to them. Even if this is a trap, we can at least kill them before they can spring it.”

Said captain Corevid as he started scratching his beck. That was a bad habit, Brimstone thought as he saw the monsters hadn’t moved.

“I’ll go, at least this way I can kill one of them if they make a move. I’m sure Cross has an idea about how to kill them both if I fail?”

“I’ll have rifle griffons ready to support you, make sure you kill one.”

The Tiger-hawk smiled as he held up his long sword and walked off. He told them if he dies his troops are to follow orders. It was unsettling for the captain as he walked alone, he could see them more clearly as he got closer. They were ugly things, he was sure they smelt of death and rot. They could attack at any time and yet they waited. Once he reached them, he was surprised.

“What is your name?”

Gaston asked, he smiled back at the undead. They were strange, they weren’t looking at him in hate or even seeing him as weak. It looked more like pity. He didn’t understand why they were looking at him this way. So he will give them the honour of his name, as he pointed his long sword at them.

“My name is Lorggent, the family head of house Tevottor! Captain of the 73ed combat regiment! So tell me monsters, what do you want, you honourless pigeons!”

Overbite looked confused, while Gaston looked insulted. Yet even so he kept a respectable tone.

“It is as I’ve said, my lord has no interest in the living. Just hand over your dead and dying, then we can speak of terms for your passing.”

“No interest in the living? Then why try so hard to kill us then. That tells me you’re trying to keep yourselves secret, because you’re weak! If the empire found out about your little group. You’d be wiped out in a single day!”

Just as Gaston was starting to get angry Overbite spoke up, asking a question that made Lorggent think twice about fighting them.

“You’re trying to bait us into the open, not a bad strategy but there are a few holes in it. For one, you seem to not understand our meaning. When we said, we’d talk about your terms for passing. We didn’t mean we’d let you leave, we meant how you would want to die?”

How would he want to die? Lorggent took them more seriously now, so they were planning to kill them all. Still he wasn’t about to die from these things, he took his helmet off as it was in the way. It was also a signal for the others to get ready for an attack.

“Ha! I can’t speak for every griffon else, but I will die with honour. I will die in battle! For you see only the strong can lead! The strong are the only ones with the right to do so! I am strong, our empire is strong! We are the strongest in the world!”

Meanwhile the holes into the camp had wooden crates put into them to block them off, hoping it would keep the enemy from using them to attack them from behind. One griffon soldier who was guarding the wounded, they started to hear a sound coming from the hole. He slowly went over to try and make out the sound.

“We see, so only the strong have the right to say what is good or evil? Not the action you have taken? So if you murder someone it is right? Yet if someone weaker then you dues it, that makes them wrong? The Dragonfather would never understand that kind of thinking. For you see, no matter how much power he gained, he always saw himself as weak.”

Lorggent looked confused at the diamond dog, he didn’t understand what they were talking about. Dragonfather? What was that? Were they following the orders of some dragon? That when he heard an explosion and turned back to camp, when he saw another much larger explosion goes off lighting up the whole camp!

Suddenly a harpoon shot out of the woods and hit the train-car full of dead soldiers, the chain then started to pull back. Dragging the train-car with it! So that was their plan, Lorggent turned back ready to attack! When he saw standing behind Gaston was a ghost with their arm stretched out over Gaston shoulder. Aiming it pistol at Lorggent.

“I’m sorry to say this, but you will not die the way you wanted. You shouldn’t have taken off your helmet.”

Lorggent was about to use their sword to try and block it when he felt something bite into his arm, he saw Overbite had used his vise claw to stop him, all he could do now was watch as his pride died right there, as the pistol wraith shot him in the head.

Author's Note

I'm going to leave this on a bit of a cliff hanger, as to what will happen next. Don't know if I will add more here. Or make another chapter, you'll have to wait and see to find out.

(update) By the way Twisted Horrors was just something I made up off the top of my head. No clue if that will be a real thing or not lol.

Bonus chapter: Hidden in the dark part 3.

Corevid looked on in shock, his mind didn’t even take in the fact one of their supply cars was just blown up. He was staring at Captain Lorggent’s dead body as it fell, while the monsters dragged it away into the woods.

Lorggent troops roared in outrage and charged after them, it took a moment longer for him to realise what was happening and quickly started yelling out orders!

“Stop! Stop this at once you idiots! Stand down you fools, this is what they want! I said stand down! Stop! Get back here!”

Corevid words reached a few but most had already run into the woods to avenge their captain. One of them even brought back his sword. He only then noticed one of the train-cars was now sitting next to the woods. Was it always there? He thought before hearing another explosion he didn't have time for that, so he ordered his troops to stop any griffon who tried to go into the woods!

He meanwhile went off to find Cross who had run off! Protecting the equipment was more important right now, then the life of one captain. He stopped dead in his tracts as he saw a thing standing in the middle of camp.

Cross and his troops had their weapons aimed at a monster, while Brimstone was trying to talk him down. The undead thing was twisted, its wings were turned into long metal legs. He saw how bloated it was, and a strange glow from its gut. Worse than that, it held Captain Vowtan in its claws!

The undead monster looked his way, and he was left speechless as he saw its face, he knew this thing. It was one of the griffons who were first taken. Corevid slowly stepped forward toward them.

“Private Torrent? It’s me. Captain Corevid, you remember me, don’t you? You’re part of my unit.”

It turned its head to his voice while it had a firm grip of Vowtan neck and arm. Brimstone was yelling to get back, yet he walked closer. He could smell something now, and his eyes lit up in fear. As he saw the thing was bleeding fuel. Vowten wasn’t choking from their neck being held, they were choking from the fumes!

“No griffon fire! If you do, you'll kill us all!”

He called out, holding out a shaky talon as he got closer. It hissed at him, holding it captive closer now. As its belly started to glow brighter!

“You remember what you told me! About your family, y-your friends? How they threw you a party before joining the army, h-how proud they were. You won’t be punished, we… We’ll try to help you turn back, just let the captain go. They have a child; she will be three this year. The captain hasn’t shut up about it. You’re not a monster, you wouldn’t take a child's father would you.”

Its head turned from side to side as if not understanding, suddenly it started to shake. It looked like it was having a seizure, its eyes glowed and it suddenly stopped. Before looking right at him.

“LeT… ThEm… gO?”

It asked in a distorted voice, as it drool from its beck. It then started laughing, it adjusted itself to get a better look at Corevid. It no longer had the empty eyes from before. Now it was being controlled by something intelligent.

“I wonder how many said the same thing to you, before you ended their lives? How many did you and your kind murdered them in their sleep, or did you just skip to the part where they’re used as lab rats? I guess you can skip the consent if the parents are dead or locked away in a camp.”

“Let the captain go or die.”

Ordered Lieutenant Cross, as the possessed monster turned to him and smiled. Corevid was hoping the others could distract it long enough for him to get closer. If he could get closer.

“Such care for the lives of your comrades. Or do you not care what happens to this one?”

It suddenly let the arm go and drove its claws into the captain's eye! They could do nothing but watch as Captain Vowten screamed in pain! As they tried to pull the monster arm away.

“We’re all ready to die for the Empire.”

“Or so you say…”

It said pulling it claws out of Vowten eye, as they held there bleeding eye. Trying to stop the pain as the monster moved away from Corevid.

“All of you say you’re ready for death, yet you have so much you don’t want to lose. Your loved ones, your homes, your rank, your riches, even power and yet you willingly throw the lives of your people away for what? A bit of dirt?”

The thing said as Brimstone was next to speak up, offering a deal. One life for another.

“Take me, let them go and you can have me!”

“Oh, I don’t think so, I have so many test subjects already as it is. I also got hold of a new body that is very interesting.”

Every griffon heard gunfire in the woods, as the monster smiled to itself while pulling out a claw full of feathers. Out from Vowten's neck, making them scream again in pain!

“It sounds like I’m about to get more. Besides, we only target the military, unlike you. There are no civilians for you to hide behind. And each last one of you are legitimate targets. I must go, please pray to your gods. I’ll be meeting you very soon.”

With that the monster suddenly started shaking and started to glow brighter, Corevid was the first to run for cover, as every griffon else watched from safely behind cover as the monster exploded. All that was left was a crater and a burned body of the captain. They were all left shocked, as Croevid, Brimstone and Cross walked away and talked about a plan.

“How many did we lose this time?”

“From the first attack or this one? In total, we lost about 40 give or take.”

“There are going to be more of them, they got a hold of the car full of dead griffons. We’re going to be outnumbered soon if this keeps up.”

They didn’t say anything until it finally stopped raining, but now it was getting colder, and fog was rolling in. Brimstone checked his watch and saw it was almost 7 in the morning. No griffon has had any sleep, they couldn’t hold this place they needed to escape.

“What equipment do we have left?”

“More than enough bullets to put them back in the ground. The problem is their speed, if we could slow them down it would make things easier for our troops. Or if more than half of them can fly, but every griffon is soaked.”

“I had my unit take out a few rocket tubes, they used one of them on the metal beasts after the first attack. We have five rockets left and only three launchers. I have a new plan.”

Cross told him his plan was to make a push into the woods and try to find the leader of these monsters and kill them. Corevid and Brimstone looked at each other, they understood what it meant. It meant they would all die out here, they both nod as Cross walked off.

“He's insane, you know that.”

Said Corevid as he looked at who was left, two hundred reduced to less than a third of that number. He saw Brimstone was having his own fears.

“We can still get out of here. Take our most trusted griffons and escape, all we need to do is leave behind enough griffons so Cross won’t notice we’re gone!”

“Are you mad? You can live with leaving all these griffons to die or worse, be turned into more monsters!”

“If it means I live, I will sacrifice every one of my own troops if it buys me time to get away. Be smart, we need to warn HQ about these new monsters. Before they spread!”

Brimstone looked to the troops, the way they were desperately rushing around. Clearing the dead, seeing to the wounded needs and saving whatever ammo or weapons they can find. He couldn't abandon them, even if he was going to become a father soon himself. He can’t turn his back on them.

“Do what you want, I’ll... Tell Cross you’ll be taking who you can from the line and try to flank the enemy.”

Corevid looked surprised and understood his meaning. They were quiet for a while and both captains shook their talons. And agreed to the unsaid plan. Brimstone went to his troops and had a meal with them. The sky was still dark, and it could rain again at any moment. So, he wouldn’t tell them that this may be their last moment of their lives. Because he knew, they were not going to get out of this one. If he can’t save his troops, then he will make the enemy pay for each life they take.

Ten-Lin was engrossed in his newest subject, this griffon had a powerful body. He was perfect for their next line of mechanithralls, his already built three brute thralls. More powerful and could fight a minotaur one on one. Yet that wasn’t as important as rebuilding their losses.

“You think they will try and run?”

Asked Gaston while working on the helldiver that was missing its back legs. Meanwhile Nuk and Overbite were working on finishing up their own work, there was a moan as Overbite walked over to a line of wounded griffons who haven’t died yet. Overbite waved over another member of their group who had been looking after the wounded. He told the necrosurgeon to make sure they don’t wake up any time soon.

“Why keep them alive? We can make so much more useful things out of them dead?”

Gaston spoke up once more, whale Overbite watched. The necrotech rolled his metal jaw, before turning back to his comrade.

“They’re young, they joined a war without knowing all the details. We will give them a choice, hear us out. Join us or…”

“Die.” “Death!” “K-kill?”

Spoke up Nuk, floating over to look at the wounded griffons as it claws twitch. Overbite growled, yet they both knew better than to start a fight here and now. Besides it was rare for members of cryx to get into fights with one another, the Dragon father preferred they used their words then their weapons or power.

“In the end it doesn't matter,”

Said Ten-Lin as one of his arms turned into a saw, as he worked. Cutting into the body and removing the head, as Nuk floated away to bring the Iron Lich a skull.

“In free choice, in life or death. All join cryx as ever friend, vengeful spirits or as mindless thralls. We only calm souls when it is needed, we’re not showing our full might. If we did, this enemy would be looking to hunt us down. For now, we wait and build, we have all the time in the world.”

Once Ten-Lin attached the skull to its new body and its chest thrummed with power. The skull's eyes glowed as it sat up in its new body and stood up. It opened and closed its new claw, then held up its other arm that was a blade of metal. The Iron Lich pointed, and it moved over to the others that were a head shorter than it.

“What do we do with this one I wonder?”

Ten-Lin asked, holding up the tiger-hawk head. The Iron Lich held it with such care as to not damage the skull itself. There was a rumble from the Helljack as it slammed its shield into a tree, knocking it over.

“Oh, don’t worry my friend, you’ll see battle soon. After all, I saw something special in their little army we’re fighting. Our little friend told us about these so-called super soldiers, we have a few of their bodies here. However, we had to deal with them…”

They all looked to the one pile of bodies that no one touched, they removed the armour before burning the corpses. When one got up on its own and tried to attack them, before the helljack split it in two and the helljack was given the job of keeping them dead.

If any of them were still alive, they were stronger and faster than normal griffons. These griffons were a new breed, the only thing they lacked was experience. That was their downfall, yet they were dead now, so it didn’t matter anymore.

“Remember to burn those bodies again before taking them with us. We may find a weakness we can exploit.”

Ten-Lin added before walking over to look at their army of undeath, as they were ready to end this fight. It was now 10 am, and the fog was already heavy. Good it was time to end this little game, the Iron Lich thought as he sent out Nuk, Gaston and Overbite to end this. As the helljacks followed them. However, he kept the Helldivers close, one could never be too careful.

Brimstone watched Lieutenant Cross leave with his unit into the woods, they moved down wind in hopes the undead won’t notice them. There were only 10 of them left, but he wasn’t going to argue with him.

He was looking after the remaining 60 or so griffons who stayed behind. Well, he should say less than that. Seeing as a small number went off with Corevid, he was given the long sword that belonged to Lorggent. It rested on Brimstone's shoulder as he stood at the front of the barricade with his griffons. He didn’t feel like he should be carrying it, let alone use it in battle.

“So, what are our plans for after we’re dead? Get drunk and make poor choices?”

This got a laugh out of his unit, Brimstone laughed with them. The jokes kept coming after that as they all laughed, they may have belonged to different squads and captains. But today they were brothers. That when they heard a new laugh, one that came from the woods. They got ready as the two monsters from before came back and following them was a floating metal monster.

It was like some mad octopus as its skull-like head stared back at them, then the undead stepped out with them. Hissing and growling, he swings the sword into a guard stance. He got a shock as two huge metal things pushed their way out of the woods. One had a harpoon gun where its arm should be and the other slams its huge axe into its shield.

“Who speaks for you!”

Calls out Overbite, as Brimstone calls back, keeping the fear out of his voice. As one of the metal giants looked, for lack of a better word hungry for battle.

“I am Captain Brimstone, part of the 43th combat Legion! If you’re looking for an easy kill, why don’t you come down here and kennel!”

The griffons laughed as they yelled their own insults back at the undead. Yet these mattered little to the necrotechs as they were searching the line they noticed a few griffons were missing. Overbite turned to Nuk and spoke softly to it.

“Take the Reaper with a few thralls and head north, go around the camp. I think a group is trying to escape to get help.”

“No!” “We want blood!” “I d-don’t want too…”

Overbite rolled his eyes before, taping his weapon, then looked back at Nuk. Nuk souls were violent, vengeful, with a bit of madness but great intelligence. Sometimes the best way to get Nuk to do what you wanted was to play into its spiteful nature.

“Very well then, I guess they will escape your wrath. Even if the nearest village is three weeks away. I guess they will get away, on the bright side. If you did go after them, you wouldn’t need to worry about I or Gaston telling you how to deal with them. You’ll be free to do what you want…”

Nuk was at first angry, then calmed down as he listened to Overbite speck. The Iron Lich Overseer understood and started to crackle so loud even the griffons could hear it! Nuk reached out and made a link to the Reaper helljack and sent out his orders, as they moved away from the battle that was about to start.

“You know what Nuk will do to them once it finds them?”

“That’s if anyone did try to escape. I’d raver Nuk hunt down stragglers or go chasing his tail, then inflicting a painful end on the living here. This way it keeps him out of trouble.”

Brimstone didn’t know what the undead were talking about, for a moment the metal octopus looked like it was going to attack one of them. It then started laughing, it was a horrible sound. Like two griffons were trying to laugh at once while being strangled, it reached out to one of the huge machines. Then they started moving away from the camp. Where are they going? Were one of his thoughts.

However, Brimstone didn’t have time to work out what their plan was as the undead started to move. And once the hulking metal monster left the woods, he saw just how tall it was. It was around 10, maybe even 11 feet tall! This was it, they had to buy time for Cross to go after the leader of these things and for Corevid to get away.

“Glory for the empire!”

Brimstone called out, as his brothers in arms roared with him as they opened fire! This may be his last battle, but he was going to make these monsters remember it!

Cross managed to sneak around the army of undead. He underestimated their numbers, as well he saw a few newly risen undead from their own soldiers. He moved on with his unit running deeper into the woods, the monsters he saw before didn’t seem like they were giving orders.

Merely following orders, meaning something else was in charge. They found the old blood trail and followed it when they were attacked! The helldivers burst out from the earth, yet two of his griffons tackled one to the ground. Trying to hold it off with little luck, seeing as it was a few tons of metal.

The rest of his griffons attacked the other metal beasts trying to hold them off, one griffon had their guts ripped out. As another griffon drove their sword into the monster, they managed to kill it, yet they had two more and three of his troops were already wounded.

“Go lieutenant, we will deal with these ones.”

Cross didn’t reply as he ran off deeper into the wood, the scent of blood was heavy in the air. He could still hear the gunfire and the yelling from his team, yet he felt nothing. Finally, he found what he was looking for, an area of ground covered in blood however not a single body in sight.

Standing in the middle of it all was a tall metal monster on four insect-like legs. It had three spine-like smokestacks sticking out from its back. Its head was a skull he had never seen before, it almost looked like a unicorn but had fangs. Along with six pairs of arms four of them folded up on its back.

“Welcome, I was expecting more of you? My name is Ten-Lin the Iron Lich, I am most humbled to meet you.”

Cross brought up his machine gun and fired, the sound of bullets hitting metal could be heard. He did not let go of the trigger until it was empty. The monster had covered its head with four of its arms that unfolded from behind its back. It made a small opening with its arms to look at him.

“You didn’t even let me finish? Or why am I here, aren’t you just a little-.”

Cross didn’t even let it continue as he pulled out his pistol and started shooting at it again. Once that was empty, he threw a grenade at it! It screamed in pain as it went off and crawled away like a spider. Cross ran after it, with his short sword and dagger out ready to kill it. Suddenly something stepped out from behind a tree and almost crushed his head!

Cross backed away before looking up and saw it was another undead monster, but it was bigger and had more muscle. It growled as it pulled its huge metal fist out from the tree. As its smokestacks bellowed toxic smoke from it back.

“This my friend is called a Brute Thrall, unlike its smaller counterparts. This one is armed with heavy steam-fists. Almost as powerful as a jack, so it is more than strong enough to… You’re not listening, are you?”

Cross ignored the monster's words as this undead brute was swinging it fists at him. However, he was smaller and faster, cutting at its flesh. The Brute Thrall roared not in pain but anger, as it threw another punch, and it missed but smashed through a tree trunk! Cross needed to kill this thing quickly.

It may have been powerful, but it wasn’t smart, as he ran between two trees and got it stuck. It wasn’t powerful enough to break free. Cross took this moment to stab it in the head! Its eyes went out, yet its body still rumbled with power, the griffon pulled his sword free letting the body drop before stabbing it again.

This time aiming for the engine inside and it stopped, he pulled his sword out again then saw the undead monster was watching the fight, hanging upside down from a tree.

“Interesting, you have enough power to temporarily stop a helldiver. But not out right, fight it one on one. Oh sorry, I was controlling them while you were fighting. Good news is there are three survivors of your little group.”

It said climbing down from the tree to stand on the ground, it gave off the impression it was impressed. Next its arms unfolded into blades and tools, one of its arms unfolded into a saw and another into a drill. The lich looked eager to fight.

“The bad news is, I sent the other two Brute Thralls to deal with them. Don’t be sad, I’m sure I can turn you all into more interesting thralls. Maybe, just maybe I can turn you into a Bane Lord?”

Cross pointed his sword at the lich. It didn’t matter to him; his mission was to kill all of Die Leucht's enemies. No matter who or what they were.

“I will kill you.”

Ten-Lin giggled to himself, as the saw blade and drill spin to life.

“I looked forward to seeing you try.”

Corevid was walking quickly, his small squad had enough food and water for three days. They could already hear the fighting even now, yet they had to keep going. Five more Griffons joined him on his way out, that was more mouths to feed but he could always use more bodies between him and the monsters.

They couldn’t stop no matter how tired they were, he looked back and started yelling at them to keep moving. Any griffon he lags will be shot! It was enough to get them moving, in all honesty. He wasn’t going to waste the bullets.

They all heard a scream and looked back, when they saw the first few monsters. They dropped whatever they were carrying and started shooting. The undead monsters started rushing toward them, like hungry animals.

One landed on a griffon and started beating them to death with their metal fists, Corevid shot the monster in the head. And yelled for them to hold their ground, he was thinking of the best way to get away when something slams him into a tree! Making him drop his gun.

Corevid gasped for air as he tried to get up, only for a steely claw to grab him by the neck and left him up. He stared into the undead eyes of the metal monster as its skull-like head stared back at him.

“You are not him, yet you look so much like my captain all those years ago.” “It could be his son. A descendant maybe? They do have the same eyes.” “Spare them, p-please… I b-beg you…”

It spoke in such a haunting manner, with three different voices. Corevid clawed at his attacker. Trying to get free yet the monster didn’t even flinch as it leaned in closer. Corevid feared for his very soul as it stared into him.

“Maybe we should kill him slowly, make him regret ever taking a life!” “No, we should cut off his limbs, then send back his animated head! I’m sure that news will spread like fire!” “M-make it quick… Make it p-painless, I beg you…”

Corevid in a moment of clear thought between his gasps for air. Remembering these things were brought to life by magic, without it! He quickly grabbed his dagger and plunged it into the monster skull, for a moment it seemed confused. Until Corevid twisted the dagger and the skull shattered!

The monster clawed at its missing head with its other two hands before throwing Corevid away. It rolled on the ground screaming in pain! Before it regained control of itself.

“You will pay!” “You will suffer!” “You will die!” “Over!” “And Over!” “Again!” “We will!” “Make sure!” “Of it!” “The pain!” “We will!” “Never forgive!” “Never forget!”

It stopped as he saw in horror, it had another two heads. It turned its body so one faced him, before it was being shot at. It roared before crawling away! Two soldiers helped him up as they carried what they could and started running. Corevid looked back and saw a giant of a machine walking over to the rest and set half of his griffons on fire! It was a nightmare, just a nightmare. He will wake up in his warm bed and all of this will be over!

Brimstone was fighting for his life, cutting down another undead. The big problem was the huge Gollum wreaking havoc, they have already waisted three rockets on it. But the damn thing would just raise its shield and hide behind it from the blast. No not hiding, it was blocking the attack!

Before it would swing its axe and cut down whoever was too close. Brimstone had to think of something, anything to turn the tables to win. They still had a few explosives left, if he could lead it away and get it to follow him. He had a plan!

“4th platoon! Sure, up the east side! Heavy’s watch out for swarming from the forest, you two hold your fire! Wait for the gollum to get trapped then shoot it!”

The two soldiers with the rocket tube looked confused yet followed orders, Brimstone watched as the gollum swung its axe down on a group of griffons shooting at it from behind a barricade. Brimstone roared as he swung his sword into its leg, it barely noticed it as it turned and looked down at him.

Brimstone saw something behind those glowing eyes, this thing wasn’t mindlessly killing. There was a form of intelligence there. If it could think he hoped it could get angry too.

“Come on monster! You want a challenge so come and get me!”

It let out a rumble before slamming its axe into its shield three times and stepping forward. Good that worked, Brimstone thought as he ran from it. It was picking up speed as he ran behind a turned over train-car.

The metal gollum just shoved it aside with its shield as it kept up. Knocking the car over and the frame was crushed under its own weight. Brimstone ran into the half empty train-car making sure it saw him before trying to close the door.

Once inside he opened crates throwing hay on to the floor and opening boxes of explosives. Trying to pile them up, the gollum stopped outside and swung its axe into the ground before pulling a door off with its free claw. It poked its horned head inside looking around and saw another door was left open.

It pulled its head back out and saw the griffon running back to the battle. It was going to run him down, when it saw the two griffons with the rocket. They shot it, the helljack brought up its shield ready for the attack. But the aim was off and missed the helljack, it turned to watch. As it couldn't work out in time they were aiming for the boxes of explosives!

The explosion sent Brimstone flying from the shockwave. His ears were ringing, as all he could see was the fire and turned to the ones who managed to kill it. The two griffons were cheering! Brimstone let himself have this small victory.

When suddenly both griffons were crushed by the huge shield! He turned back to the fire and saw the Helljack walking out of it while on fire! Its left arm was limp, damaged and it was looking for its weapon.It stopped once it saw Brimstone and roared! It turned back to the wreck, stomped its foot on a part of the train-car before tearing out a twisted beam of metal with its claw!

Brimstone got up quickly as it ran over, a few undead were already closing in on him. Brimstone cut them down, yet he didn’t have time to deal with them! In a few short strides as he killed the last one the helljack was already on top of him. It swung the twisted metal down at him, he jumped out of the way. But the helljack twists and swings it at him at an angle! Brimstone was sent flying back into the camp, gasping in pain sure his ribs were broken.

Yet he didn’t give himself time to worry about this, as he crawled away over to dead soldiers who still had their weapons. The helljack took it time walking towards him, as he rested his back on the barracuda and took the dead griffon rifle. Brimstone took arm and started shooting at it, it didn’t really matter. He didn’t have the weapons to harm this thing.

Once the rifle was empty, he took the other dead griffon pistol and started shooting! Each bullet bounced off the armoured body. He started aiming for pipes and hoses; however, they were protected by its armoured body. He kept shooting until it too ran empty and threw it at the monster!

Brimstone was finding it hard to breathe now, as he looked at it. As the helljack stood over him with its beam of twisted iron. It stared at him, and turned it head sideways. He didn’t understand what it wanted, yet he wasn’t going to beg. He then heard nothing. Brimstone felt regret, every griffon must be dead. He thought as he heard a sound.

The two necrotechs walked over to look at who was still left alive, Gaston turned and saw the dying griffon. And looked surprised, as he pats Overbites shoulder.

“By the dragon’s teeth, he is still alive.”

“I'm just as surprised as you’re. Normally Rampage here kills anything on site. More so after being damaged by someone. Yet it hasn't tried to kill him… Think something broke in the explosion?”

“Let’s hope not, fixing a cortex is not easy. Still…”

Brimstone could hear survivors, calling out in pain or for help. Brimstone growled in pain as blood ran down his beak, before coughing up blood. He stood on his feet and looked the two undead in the eye and spoke.

“We… Surrender, if you spare our lives… I will go with you, and… And you can do what you want with me.”

Overbite and Gaston looked at each other, this wasn’t part of the plan. They didn’t think any of them would be willing to surrender. They got another surprise as a number of wounded griffons were stumbling towards their captain and stood in front of him.

“You want the captain… You’ll need to go through us!”

“That right, you’ll… need to kill us. Before we’d let you lay a claw on him!”

Now they were truly impressed, these dying soldiers were ready to die for their leader. Even if two of them couldn’t walk, one was blind, another had their guts hanging out, and one lost an arm and their wings.

“We… Can’t make such an agreement, however we can treat your wounds until one of our leaders arrives. Until then, we cannot guarantee anything.”

Said Overbite as the helljack still looked down at the captain. Brimstone nodded and lost all power in his legs. The other wounded griffons fell or yelled for their captain to hold on! Gaston looked to Overbite.

“Think we will get in trouble for this?”

“We’ve done worse, taking in strays is what we do. Even if they tried to bite us first.”

Overbite said with a chuckle. As they got to work, it was going to be a long day, and the rest will pass out soon anyway. So, it wouldn’t be any trouble taking the wounded with them.

Ten-Lin was learning so much from this griffon, as they fought. His movement and skill were something, it was almost supernatural. And yet the griffon wasn’t even tired yet!

“I almost forgot! I didn’t ask you for your name!”

“Do you ever shut up?”

Ten-Lin noticed the griffon was getting annoyed, it seemed this one didn’t like talking. It was a shame really, Ten-Lin had so much to talk about. It would be nice to get a fresh perspective from someone who had no knowledge of their work.

“No, I enjoy talking too much! So, I will give you the honour of becoming my bodyguard!”

Ten-lin lashed out with his drill arm before, attacking with a scissors like claw. Yet Cross blocked the attack, it was getting annoying. The griffon didn’t seem to tire at all, he wondered where the griffon was getting all his stamina from. Then Ten-Lin lost one of his arms!

The iron lich jumped back and looked at the stump of metal that used to be one of his arms. The feeling of pain from the stump was something new, he thought this new body would never feel such a thing again. Ten-Lin stared back, as Cross prepared for his next strike.

“Odd, I assumed your weapons were newly forged. And hadn’t had any contact with magic yet? Could it be that your army has taken weapons from the front and given them to your troops?”

Ten-Lin blocks an attack aiming to try and behead him. Before moving around the griffon and slashed out with the saw, there was a spray of blood as the blade bites into muscle and bone. Rendering one of the griffon wings useless.

“No, there would be no point in doing that. They’d never know if you would live long enough to get any real use out of it, elite units maybe?”

“I grow tired of your rambling monster!”

Cross shouted ignoring the wound to his wing, Ten-Lin was watching the griffon the whole time. The way he acted and reacted, the way he moves, and talks. The fact he was ignoring the pain said something to him, a test was in order. And he attacked!

Cross made several jabs, slashes and parries trying to find an opening. Whenever his weapons did strike the monster, it would recoil in pain. It moved too quickly for anything lethal. Even if his attacks only scratch its metal body it still felt pain.

Good, if it felt pain then he could kill it. The grenade from earlier proved his point, as its shrapnel was orichalcum. All he had to do was drain it over time and it would die! Cross cut off another arm, as it fell to the flood lifeless as the metal monster backed away swinging it arms out in fear!

Now! Cross thought as he threw another grenade right at the monster's face! There was a scream before the explosion went off. Cross closed in ready to kill the wounded monster, the griffon was then sent flying into a tree by a powerful kick! Cross gasped for air, as his armour saved him. He saw to his surprise; the monster had a long metal spike as long as its leg sticking out from its foot!

That wasn’t the shocking part, its head was enclosed in a hood like helmet. The metal spike retracted back into its leg before putting its foot down.

“I must say that it is very interesting how your armour works. High speed impacts or even normal speeds such as swinging a sword or club even bullets, triggers its hardening properties. We’re still trying to work out how it all works. However, slowly bending or crushing the armour works! Yet this is still inefficient for our-.”

“Cross…”

Ten-Lin stopped confused, looking at the griffon through the slits in his helmet. The griffon got back on his feet, as the sound of bones moved back into place.

“My name is Lieutenant Cross. I am part of the Endless Legion project, however that is not important. You will die here, because we will kill you.”

Ten-Lin had an uneasy feeling as he slowly backed away. We, why did he say it like that? He asked himself when he felt a bullet hit his armoured shoulder. Ten-Lin turned back and saw the other two griffons! One lost an eye, while the other only lost a wing, what was going on? Where were the brute thralls?!

Ten-Lin didn’t have time to think as he was attacked again! Now Cross had reinforcements, Ten-Lin was not a fighter by nature, he was a planner, someone who had backup plans for every event. But he didn’t think the other two would still be alive!? He cursed as he tried to block another attack, one of them closed the gap and tried to stab him in the head!

The iron lich's quick thinking was what saved him just for a moment longer, as he picked up a log and tried to use it as a shield. It did nothing to stop the blade. But did slow it down enough for him to grab it! The tip of the sword had already breached his helmet, Ten-Lin could see the tip of the sword just over his eye.

He quickly kicked the griffon away and fell back trying to wrench the blade from his helm. Ten-Lin pulled it out just in time to be shot in the leg, as Cross was moving in to try and stab him. But swings a claw out to parry the sword away. He fired a bolt of magic at Cross, but he just cut the spell away with his sword!

“I should have listened to Volter and brought more support!”

Ten-Lin scolded himself, trying to keep the three griffons at bay. Cross roared as he charged at him, Ten-Lin needed to get rid of their swords. He wasn’t going to try and use magic while they still had them. Ten-Lin planned for everything, yet he did not plan for this. So, he ran!

“I can’t… I can’t run anymore!”

Corevid yelled, tripping over his own paws, the two soldiers who saved him quickly helped him back up and kept walking. They didn’t say anything as they kept moving, one would always look back to make sure they weren’t being followed.

They stop behind a fallen tree and rest, all three griffons painting as one of them started pulling out Ammo from the bag they were carrying. Corevid saw this and the other griffon getting out a rifle.

“Wait, wait a minute! Give me that!”

He took one and dumped its contents on the ground, he then emptied the other bag and to his horror they had nothing but weapons in them.

“You idiots! Where is the water and food!? Did you two think we can eat bullets now suddenly!?”

Corevid started screaming at them as he got up, they needed supplies not weapons! They needed water and food! How were they going to last long enough for search parties to find them. He looked at his watch and saw it was the middle of the day, he rubbed his face trying to think of a way out of this.

“Let me think, y-you two. Do you remember your survival training!”

The two griffons looked at each other, they both had the look of ‘what training?’ this made Corevid swear up a storm! The one time the military started making cuts to the training. They pick the one thing that could save their lives! Corevid looked up at the cloudy sky and froze as he saw a crow looking down at him. It had a metal wing, talon and a glass eye.

It caws at him, as Corevid takes a step back as he looks around. And saw another three birds in another tree. He got worried when he saw more landing on trees around him. The fog was gone but the sky was still dark.

“Get up, didn’t you hear me? I said get up! Pick up this shit and get up, we’re moving on!”

Corevid yelled, feeling like death itself was staring at him. The only time he ever felt like this was one campaign when they were dealing with the ponies. Some of them were out of their minds, he’d have nightmares about this one earth pony. It didn’t matter how many bullets they put in him or that he had three swords in his chest. He would just not stop fighting!

In the end the pony didn’t die by their talon but by their wounds. Corevid looked back at the griffons and froze.

“Hey, where's the other one?”

“His right-what? Hey where did you go!?”

They both started yelling, calling out to the missing soldier. Corevid had a terrible thought, before he quickly picked up and rifle-loaded it, and started walking away before he started running! He ignored the soldier who was now yelling for the captain to come back, he heard a shunt sound before a thump! He turned back and saw the soldier who was yelling now had a huge harpoon in his chest pinning him on to the tree!

The chain attached to the harpoon slowly became taut as the griffon was pulled from the tree and was being dragged away. The last thing Corevid saw of the griffon was him reaching out and trying to call for help. Corevid kept running!

The muscles in his legs were burning now, he saw more of the crows in the trees looking down at him. He finally had enough and roared into the sky and started shooting at the crows! The birds scattered, flying away, as Corevid only managed to kill three of the birds out of his 7 shots.

He heard a snap and fired on the first thing he saw! Blood sprayed over Corevid's face as he saw the missing soldier, who now had a bullet wound in his chest. The chest plate was removed, and out from behind the tree holding the dying griffon was Nuk. Corevid quickly looked for another bullet, yet in his hurry to get away. He only loaded one magazine of 8 rounds into his rifle.

Corevid tried to use the rifle as a club, but Nuk just stabbed Corevid in the leg with his trident. The captain dropped the rifle and cried out in pain, Nok dropped the dying griffon and grabbed Corevid by the throat before pinning him to the tree. His third arm reached up and took the helmet off.

“How should we make you pay!” “We’re not whole anymore!” “We need a third, another!” “Information?” “Yes?” “Yes!” “We need knowledge!” “We need a smart mind.” “One who schemes!” “One who knows secrets.” “Do you know any griffons like that?”

It asked, as Corevid was going to reach for his pistol on his hip. When he remembered, he dropped it. The lich twisted the trident, making Corevid cry out in pain.

Nuk restrained Corevid with his tentacles. Before he started dragging him away, Nuk also grabbed the foot of the dying griffon. Taking him as well, Nuk called to the Reaper. It was looking at the dead soldier on the end of its harpoon. It looked to him, and he gave one silent command. And it followed, forgetting about the dead griffon on the end of its weapon.

They were going back now; it will take them a few hours but that was fine. Nuk had ways to entertain itself. After all, there was nothing more joyful than hearing the screams from the ones he hates.

Ten-Len managed to remove some of the shrapnel from his body while on the run, he no longer felt drained, yet they were still chasing him. Worse, it was only a matter of time before they ran him down.

Ten-Lin was trying to use every trick he picked up to lose them, he even threw a rock at one that crippled one of them in the arm! However, the damage of a broken bone didn’t seem to deter them at all! What kind of mental training did they undergo to ignore pain!

One griffon landed on him and stabbed him with a dagger, the pain was worse than any he had felt when he was still alive! Yet he still ran, as one claw closed around the griffon wrist as the saw blade spins up and is driven into the griffon neck! Just as the griffon let go, Ten-Lin was knocked over a rocky out cropping and fell!

The griffon fell away and took the dagger with him, the lich rolled to a stop as one of his legs stopped working yet still used the rest of his limbs like a spider. If he could get away, that is when Cross and the other griffon with the missing eye land in front of him. Ten-Lin slowly looked up at them.

“I suppose it's too late to negotiate?”

He asked slowly, pushing himself back up to stand, and ready every weapon he had left. His normal arms unfold from his sides, as his last two working limbs are held up ready to attack. The claw snapped open and closed as the saw spins.

“If I am to die, I will take your rotting souls with me!”

Cross didn’t say anything, as they attacked. Ten-Lin fight was desperate as he tried to fight, yet these two were better trained than him. He managed to wound them yet in return they did more damage, then both griffons kicked the iron lich at the same time

Ten-Lin rolled across the ground before stopping at the iron feet of Volter, the iron lich diamond dog held out his hand. And a sword by his side, he then helped Ten-Lin back onto his feet.

“I wasn’t sure you’d make it?”

Ten-Lin said in surprise as both griffons looked shocked there was another iron lich to deal with. The other lich seemed to appear out of nowhere, as Volter looked them over.

“We can use our magic in the middle of the woods as much as we like, if there is no one around to report it. Who are your friends?”

Volter asked, pointing with his sword, at the two griffons who were getting ready for another fight. Ten-Lin looked back at them before replying.

“Would you believe me if I said elite griffons? I hope you brought a helljack with you.”

Volter laughed, as he stepped forward and flipped a switch on his sword. Charging up it mechanika as it lets out a soft hum, the blade lets off a hiss as raindrops land on the steel. Both griffons roared and ran at them, Volter walked forward completely at ease. Not worried by the two griffons that were charging at him. Volter held up his claw and spoke.

“Rise, Barathrum.”

The earth explodes in front of the iron lich. As a steel talon smashed into Cross beck and sent the griffon rolling back in pain. The helljack was a breaching monster of a machine. With it two curved tusks and grinning jaws of bone and teeth. Its shoulders had sharp blades sticking out of them, along with it back and shoulders.

The helljack stepped out from the hole taller than Cross and held up its shovel like talons ready to fight. As Cross squad mate hangs limply from the steel talon dead. Cross roared as Volter suddenly stabbed out with his sword into Cross' chest, sending him back. Cross had to stop as he heard a hissing sound and saw where the blade stabbed was a mark on his chest armour.

“You could have had a chance of beating Ten-Lin, if you didn’t let him run away. You should have cut off anyway for him to retreat. Then attack him all at once.”

Volter said, but Cross just screeched before he was hit by the helljack again! Volter moved in, between attacks. Cutting at ligaments, reducing Cross’ ability to move. Volter moved like water between the Barathrum attacks. Cutting, slashing, stabbing, with each attack looking for a weakness.

Between blocking and dodging the helljack attacks, Cross was given no time to react to Volter. Who was moving in like an expert swordsman. Cross was gasping for air, as he was bleeding from his limbs. Then looked down at his chest plant, he didn’t understand what was happening. The armour should absorb all magic so how, how was the lich stabbing a hole through the chest plant?!

Volter had no need to tell the griffon what was happening or how his sword was made. The Mechanika inside only had two jobs, one was to make a reaction inside the sword, a chemical mix inside. Made to heat up the blade, they would have used rune plates but didn’t want to run the risk of the sword being drained of magic. The heat from the blade was slowly warping on contact with the orichalcum.

Volter ran the griffon though, as he at last pierced the armour! It took time, and you had to fight a certain way for it to work. The slashes had to be long and maintain contact, after a thrust you had to push the sword just a little bit deeper. If one was quick and had spent the time watching their opponent moves, one could end the fight quickly.

Volter pushed the dying griffon off his sword, as the smell of burning meat filled the air. Volter looked down at the griffon, he admired their sprite. Fighting an iron lich with no backup may have been brave but not smart.

“You had a good time making your way here, I was worried I’d miss you. We should hurry back, there are more survivors. And if they were as strong as these two.”

“Don’t worry Ten-Lin, we’ll get back quickly. And the Wolves of cryx, never leave a packmate behind.”

Said Volter as many of his forces moved out of the shadows. As three more helljacks joined them, before Volter opened a portal. They entered to support their comrades; they were done here. It was time to return to the shadows.

She was 23 years old, all she knew was the life of the rebels. Living off the land, she didn’t know her parents or what happened to them. They were walking through the mountains; griffons hadn’t been here for years.

Griffon pilgrims used to travel these mountains, but very few ever do this nowadays. Only a rare few do so now, but the rebels make use of these old places to spend the night or take shelter. But they never stay long.

This will be her first meeting with the resistance leaders, she felt scared as they visited these old temples. That looks like they have been left to ruin, it made her sad as she followed the one who helped raise her.

They saw the others, there were ten griffons, one leader and a bodyguard each. She was the bodyguard to her leader, and as soon as they reached them the meeting started.

“If you’re here that means you weren’t followed, otherwise you wouldn’t risk our movement.”

“We all know what we’re doing. Now let's start, what about the army movements, what do we know?”

“Before that I have something to bring to our attention. Amber, show them.”

Amber, named for the colour of her eyes, walked forward and handed them the letter they’ve been getting for years. Each of them looked at the letters and one even read one.

“Some griffon is helping us, so far, the info can be trusted. They use crows and only send these letters at night. Whoever there, not even our informants in town can contact them. They can find out and send us a target we can handle or warn us about a trap.”

“Could they be some griffon from the alliance?”

“No way, if they could do this. They would have acted sooner. How many years has this been going on?”

“About 40 years.”

Amber watched as they talked, ranging from possible informants in the military. To spies, yet it is very hard to infiltrate the military. Unless you fully believe in what they’re doing and have no concerns about their actions. Then you wouldn’t even make it into the command stretcher. Any griffon with empathy for the enemy will never be promoted in Die Leucht ranks. Yet many didn’t even know they even exist.

“So, some griffon is contacting us, they don’t trust us enough to keep who they are a secret. Yet they know more about us and our movements, to help us aid our kinsman. Should we trust them?”

“They’ve had years to stab us in the back. The fact they haven’t done it yet means, they’re acting with caution. They could be a high-ranking griffon who can only act in this way to help us?”

“If that is true, then we may have some hope. But at the same time, if this is the only way they can help us they must be acting alone. With no other griffon they can trust, so even if we tried to make contact. That alone could compromise them.”

“So, we don’t make contact and trust they’re not trying to hang us all in our sleep? I don’t trust any griffon I haven’t met myself.”

“You need to stop doing that, if one of our cells gets captured and they point you out. It will just be a matter of time before they close in on you, we can’t risk that.”

“Relax, if it ever comes to that. I ordered my bodyguard to kill me if that should happen.”

Amber looked alarmed, as she looked to the griffon bodyguard who had a grim look on their face. The meeting moved on to other matters, and strange stories about strangers walking through the woods at night. This only happened in the most remote of places where no griffon lived, no griffon but them.

The meeting was closed, and they all left one by one until she was alone with her leader, she looked at him as he led the way back down the mountain. She would look at the temples feeling sad, she didn’t understand how griffons could abandon such a place with some much historical importance to them.

“Don’t worry Amber, even if every griffon else has forgotten the Sky god. We haven’t, even if we have lost much of our history. We still believe in them.”

Amber smiled at that as she followed, she heard a crow and thought it was strange. Crows don’t normally fly this high up the mountain. So, she ignored it and went back to her life trying to help her kinsmen. To one day bring freedom to them all.

“So, they were a one off? Whatever these griffons are? We should do more testing to be sure.”

Asked Grimscythe, as Volter had brought the bodies with them. Well, what was left of them anyway. Cross body was displayed like a decision. Organs were removed and muscle was cut away exposing bone. They have found a few interesting things, some of these griffons looked like they were bred while others were modified. In a crude fashion, they sent some of them to Mable though the newu. To see if she can find out more.

She informed them, it was a poor attempt to improve their soldiers. Yes, it made them more physically powerful. But it puts a huge strain on the body, so it was a short-term failure that could be fixed over time. However, they did find one interesting fact, the griffon's ability to feel pain was dulled.

“Most likely, I really can’t think of why they would do this to their own. They want to become stronger; I can understand that but to make so many changes to their body like this. What do you think, Ten-Lin?”

Asked Volter, as the changeling lich was being worked on. Having shrapnel removed along with other damaged parts being replaced. Even in a half-disabled state, Ten-Lin would not stop working. Working on one of the dead griffons.

“I’m not sure, it’s clear they have not only been born to be soldiers but also had surgery to help with this. Yet still the long-term effects are unknown, they could drop dead in ten years’ time or not live past forty. I’d need more data.”

Grimscythe looked on in worry but knew he would be fine. Besides there was another body next to the one that was called Cross. This one was not improved and showed several scars most likely a failure of the same program. It was a slow process, yet in time they could become deadly. These new griffons would need to be targeted first before they push on.

Yet this didn’t interfere with the plan, just added another target to it. They needed to find out where they were being trained. Unless these griffons were made like this, ever way they were going to deal with them.

“I’ve been looking into something that has been bothering me. One of our hunter teams found a group of griffon soldiers in the wilderness.”

“Were they searching for us?”

“No, they were searching for someone else. Someone they believed was a reincarnation of a god. At least that's what they told us. That is strange because the only being griffons are allowed to worship are the king and queen. Even so, there are still places where the practice takes place of worship of the sky god. It's just in small groups and away from other griffons.”

“Think what they’re saying is true?”

“It doesn't change our plans; we’re moving up the time table. We’re going to attack openly this time, we’ll wait a few more weeks before heading out. We’re going to attack the eastern harbour in their main trade hub. And we’re going to sink the city.”

When Brimstone woke up, it was dark, and the soft glow of lights was all he could see. He was laying on a mat, as an VI drip was attached to a glass bowl full of something keeping him alive. He turned his head and saw the rest of his troops like him. Laying on mats resting peacefully.

He then looked to his right and his breath caught in his throat, as a twisted monster of flesh stood next to a griffon with tubes attached to it and the resting griffon. Brimstone was about to sit up when a metal hand rested on his chest to stop him. He turned and saw a pony with three arms.

“It's alright, just a twisted horror. Something newly made by one of our necrotechs, it is a punishment for the cruellest of the living. They must now live on to serve others, replacing the griffon lost blood. Don’t worry, he should be out of the woods soon.”

She told him, adjusting his drip feed. Brimstone was very confused, as he looked around there were others like the pony. They were griffons who had replaced limbs, or tools on claws to help with the wounded. There was even a diamond dog helping.

“What is this place, why are you helping us? What did that thing do?”

She turned to him, and Brimstone saw one of her eyes was replaced. And she had a necklace around her neck. She wrote something down on her clipboard. Before replying.

“This is the medical ward, it's not much but we can treat the living here. It is our job to save who we can and harvest who we can’t. As for that monster, it thought there was nothing wrong with cutting up young ponies and yaks like lab rats. If you ask me, keeping it alive was too good for it. Stay in bed and don’t get up, I’ll send for someone to meet with you.”

She told him and then walked away. Brimstone felt very out of place here, he didn’t even know how long it had been. Or if he and his troops were safe, still why would undead monsters bother to save them? Why keep them alive? It had been an hour, and a griffon with metal wings asked if he needed anything, he turned them down as he wanted his troops seen first.

Then at last the thing walked in, they were tall, had large metal wings and lastly. The skull was that of a griffon staring back at him, their whole body was metal. And then it spoke.

“I am Grimscythe, the leader of the Vipers of cryx, tell me. Do you believe what your nation is doing is right?”

Brimstone was confused, these monsters attacked them, killing so many soldiers. Then treat their wounded and are now asking questions? He guessed he was a prisoner now and looked to his resting griffons. He could tell what would happen if he didn’t cooperate.

“Yes. We’re protecting our homes, our kinmen.”

“Did you know just in this week alone, you have already lost over twenty-eight hundred griffons? That number will only grow as the war drags on; do you even know how it started? Or how long has it been going on for?”

Brimstone feels very confused now, when he thinks about it. Even as a child every griffon talked about the war and how it would end soon, yet it never did. Even now, when he met new recruits, they would talk about how they would end the war. Yet it still went on, and he didn’t even know why?

“This war has been going on for hundreds of years now, yet still there is no end to it in sight. I am asking for your help.”

“My help? Why should I, we would raver die before helping the monsters who-!”

“I see, Nuk, would you come in please?”

The Iron Lich Overseer floated in with a new skull replacing the one that was lost. But it was dragging something behind it in its tentacles. It was Captain Corevid, who looked horrible and pale.

“Do you remember your last battle? Before being sent off to replace your losses?”

Asked Grimscythe, now they had Brimstone full attention. As Corevid looked up with bloodshot eyes, full of fear.

“The cryx can inflict unspeakable cruelty, yet the dragonfather forbids us from doing so. But sometimes even we can be missguided. Did you know, the captain told me something interesting. You were given orders to kill unarmed civilians. And yet you didn’t follow those orders, you lost your rank and Corevid here was promoted to captain and did what you would not.”

The Iron Lich looked deep into Corevids eyes, as the griffon whimpered and broke down begging for his life. Grimscythe simply waved Nuk off, Nuk then started to leave, dragging away Corevid still begging for his life to be spared.

“I want to know why, why would you not kill them? When the rest of your army would have done so without a second thought.”

Brimstone felt uncountable under this monster's glare and yet. All he can remember is his colleagues berating him about not following orders, saying he was weak. Until one of his troops thanked him for what he did. They said, thank you for not making them murder them in cold blood. Brimstone remembered what they said, and the reason they were thankful.

“It is because, if the alliance ever pushed our army’s back. And reached the cities, they would do the same thing to us that we did to them. That's why I disobey orders, for the future of the griffon empire.”

“That will do, I too am fighting for our people's future. Right now, the lives of thousands are at stake, a plan that is ready to be carried out has only one problem. We need the city emptied. What would be the fastest way to do it without loss of life?”

Brimstone didn’t understand, these monsters were more than willing to try and kill him and his troops. Yet stay their claws when it comes to a city full of griffons? He then remembered what the monster said before blowing itself up.

“You don’t want to attack civilian targets… You’re only after the army, not the griffons living in the city. Why?”

“Because like yourself, you understand it is wrong to attack those who cannot defend themselves. To murder the innocent who live in ignorance, it is not their fault they’re being lied to. They must understand the truth, they must see it for themselves. Once you tell me what I need to know, I will tell you, our plan.”

Brimstone thought long and hard about it, there weren't many reasons to ever empty a city. More than that he didn’t trust this monster, yet it could have killed him and his troops but didn’t. Brimstone didn’t want to give anything up, so he will only pass on information any griffon should know. The only reason he could come up with emptying the city was if the city was under attack or…

“Emerum exposure… It is the only thing they cannot ignore and would act quickly enough to get every griffon’s out. Ever that or a gas leak. But I have no idea how you’d fake that; you do know what emerum is don’t you?”

“We know it is toxic to the living, nothing else why?”

“Basically, small cuttings of Orichalcum, without any magic to drain, start to melt. But that only happens to a small piece of it, not whole swords or armour. I have no idea where you’ll get so much of the stuff. We keep it stored away from any griffon, and it is even more difficult to make.”

“Thank you, captain, you have been most helpful. And have given me much to think about. The plan is to sink a harbour, that is all I can tell you for now. Rest you’ll need it.”

Grimscythe said as he turned to leave, back outside Volter and Ten-Lin who waited, one of whom had been upgraded to take more of a punishment in battle. With a few others like themselves. The large gathering of Iron lich’s followed Grimscythe as he moved on.

“Find out if Mable knew about this, inform her about the emerum. The rest of you, start finding ways to mimic its effects. Once that is done, we will move on to sink the dockyard and attack the fort. If we can’t fake it, we will stick to the original plan. Make sure to take out the radio towers in the local area first, we can’t let a single alarm sound off about what is happening. The longer we can keep them blind the better.”

They walked into a large opening full of hundreds of helljacks and thousands of undead. They were all waiting, as the iron lich’s spread out. Grimscythe flew up and landed on top of a colossal helljack. A Kraken as he took control of it, making it stand up so he could see all.

“Things are moving much faster than we planned, but we can always go back into hiding. We can wait for another hundred years if we must. However, this is a rare opacity, to test ourselves. And our enemy, how they react in our next battle will dictate all our battles to come. We’re the Vipers of cryx, and we strike from the shadows!”

There was a collective roar in agreement and howls. Grimscythe looked at the vast horde of undead and jacks. It took them years to build up just this much in this area, there will be three other attacks that will go in line with this one. However, they were less risky than the dock. Because that is where they will be most exposed.

Grimscythe couldn’t wait any longer, he needed to act to save as many lives as he could. Even if it meant he would make life harder for the griffons.

It has been a year now since Golden claw valley was flooded. Some at the harbour had family there, yet work was not slowing down. Ships would come down from the river, drop off cargo, go back and ships from the sea would come from down river and pick it up.

It was a weekly happening, in a way they understood why. The factories were upriver, and it broke off into smaller rivers that only a single ship could move though. Yet supplies moved through here almost every day.

Maxves was at the pub drinking, it was a good place to get information. As well as drink away his troubles. For now, he had finished his investigation and came up empty. WIth no idea what happened to the missing griffons, the few groups who would talk said they would meet someone outside the city. With no info about who they were meeting or who they talked to.

Chilly walked into the pub and quickly made their way over to him and sat next to Maxves. Chilly pats himself off to get the worst of the rain off his choate.

“Rain is starting to ease off outside boss, so you are alright. You’ve been hitting the drink a lot lately.”

“I’ve hit a dead end on the missing griffon case. So, I’m drinking my sorrows.”

Maxves replied as he took another swig of his drink, Chilly hated seeing his friend like this. So, he helped his friend up and led him away, as he paid for his drink.

“Come on Maxves, let go and get something to eat my treat. We can go wherever you want.”

Maxves didn’t feel like arguing, he just let the kid lead him outside as they walked. They both jumped when a rat ran over their paws. Chilly swears as the rat ran away, but then Maxves saw another one run past. Then another and another, then the street was swarmed with rats!

Maxves watched as the rats ran, he looked to where they were coming from. Yes, they were coming out of storm drains, but they were all coming from the harbour. He knew only one thing that would make the rats flee like this.

“Chilly get the chief and tell him something is wrong at the harbour, now!”

Chilly flies off back to the station to tell every griffon what he saw. Meanwhile Maxves took off to find other enforcers who were off duty to warm them as well. He already saw rats fleeing the city, having no regard for their own lives as cars ran them over. Forcing most to stop and watch in confusion.

Maxves had to hurry, they needed to find out just what was scaring the rats. Because if they didn’t, then it turns out to be a gas leak. With these many rats running in large numbers this could be huge! Worse deadly.

Unknown to all, in the swears light helljacks walked scaring the rats out as toxic smoke bellowed out from their smokestacks. As the heavy smoke drifts to the floor of the sewer. They all moved at the same time to scare the locals into running, meanwhile at the harbour cryx had dug under the foundations of the harbour. While heavy helljacks carefully moved with their warcasters to sever the chains to the ship’s anchors. Just enough to cause some chaos.

Once everyone was in place, and outside of the blast. All they had to do was release the build up of gas pressure, and the foundations would crumble under their own weight. A ghost had told Grimscythe that the plan was working, and griffons were already leaving the area near the coast. The Iron Lich looked at the pipes that would feed the gas underground.

He gave a nod, as a necrotech released the gas as rubber pipes filled up and sent it down the tunnel. Grimscythe walked away as they were ready to move. As a single scrap thrall holding a small flame slowly walked down the tunnel.

The harbour griffons were doing their jobs, the cranes and trucks were so noisy one could not hear themselves think. Kueb was a tiger-hawk, but he had no fighting skills, and he wasn’t like the rest of his family.

Some griffon was making a fuss at the main gate, but that was nothing new. Griffons were worried about everything when it came to their cargo.

He liked working on the docks, it was simple. He didn’t have anything to prove, and no griffon asked him too. Kueb was helping lift crates into the back of a truck, once it was in, he hit the truck, and it drove off. He saw an older griffon staring at the water.

“Is there something wrong there, old timer?”

He asked as the older griffon waved him over, Kueb walked over and looked at the river. He always thought it was strange to call it a river. It was too big as far as he was concerned. Then the old griffon spoke.

“Do you hear that? Like boiling water?”

Kueb thought the old griffon was hearing things, then he started to hear it too. A bubbling sound, other griffons started to hear the sound as well as a few stepped closer to the edge of the dock.

“Stay here old bird.”

Kueb said as he walked over to the edge of the dock as well to look down. Every griffon was talking now in worried tones. It looked like the water was bubbling all along the harbour, he watched a moment longer and saw the water level was rising?

Kueb stepped back and looked at the ships and saw they were still sitting where they were on the water. The chains were slowly going tense as the ship was being pushed back by the water, only then did they realise what was happening. Some were slack meaning the water level wasn’t rising!

“We’re sinking, the harbour is sinking!”

All the griffons started to panic as they ran or flew, some tried to save cargo while water rushed over their feet. Kueb ran as he picked up the old griffon and took to the sky! Kueb looked back in horror as he saw the harbour was sinking, and some ships were being pulled under while others crashed into each other.

It was a disaster on a level no griffon has seen before. He then saw a crack run along the line of houses that were by the harbour. Then they slowly started to sink with it.

“We have to warn every griffon, we have to tell them what is happening here!”

Yelled the older griffon. Kueb agreed and flew down into the city hoping to find some griffon who could help.

The garrison at the fort saw everything, the harbour sinking and the chaos it was bringing. They are already on the radio calling for aid. For a moment it felt like no griffon would answer, then they heard a click.

“Thank the royals crowns! We have a disaster here! The harbour is sinking, and it looks like it is taking a part of the city with it. We need aid!”

“We hear you; we will call for aid. Hold for orders, repeat hold for orders.”

Spoke the griffon on the other end. While the griffons in the fort now had hope for help to deal with this. Unknown to everyone the griffon at the radio tower was already turned into an undead puppet. Repeating to outgoing calls everything is fine and to all incoming calls they will call for aid. As the radio tower was full of dead griffons.

An Iron Lich held onto the collar of his helljack that was underwater, the sudden collapse of the harbour almost swept him away. He was lucky the helljack grabbed him before he was out of reach, now the helljack was climbing up the road that was once part of the harbour.

Once they breach the water surface, they could see the houses and roads slowly slide into the water. It wasn’t sinking quickly just as they planned. The helljack then walked out of the water onto slowly sinking stone. The iron lich got down and started walking besides his helljack.

Others soon followed as they started setting fires, to the buildings and the iron lich turned to the fort. As more undead climbed out of the sunking harbour to follow him. The Iron Lich turned to its fellow undead and pointed at the builds that were being set ablaze.

The Iron Lich turned as several warwitch sirens appeared next to him, this time they all wore masks.

“Save whoever is trapped, say nothing to them. Let them be confused and not know who we are.”

They all nodded, as they walked past as shadows concealed them one by one. As the Iron Lich looked at the fires, and the black smoke that filled the sky.

Maxves was already helping griffons leaving their homes and to get to safety, it was chaos. Word already spread that the harbour was sinking, and it looked like fires had broken out. The city could end up following the harbour into the river.

This disaster would do more than lose the docks or the harbour, it could block off the river itself cutting off a major supply line for years to come. For now, that didn’t matter, saving lives did.

“Maxves!”

Called out a voice, he turned and saw a big griffon hurrying to meet him. It was the chief of the enforcers as he stormed over. Maxves was so busy trying to keep everyone calm that it was a surprise when the chief grabbed his arm.

“What is going on out here! First, I got a report that a plague of rats is overrunning the western part of the city. Now I hear the harbour is sinking! And what is all that smoke from the east side!?”

“My guess sir a gas pipe broke and caught fire, and it spread to the local housing. Sir we need to get every griffon to safety!”

Chilly flew over and was gasping for breath, Maxves looked worried as his friend looked like he had bad news.

“Sir, it's bad. It looks like the east side is slowly sinking as well! It is not sinking quickly but if we don’t get every griffon out of there soon.”

“I get it, I get it! Tell all enforcers we’re evacuating the east side of the city. And if any griffon thinks they can skip this because it is their off hours, I’ll have their wings nailed to my desk!”

Maxves looked back at the smoke coming from the east side of the city, he wondered how the fires started. But for now, most griffons had the common sense to abandon their homes and travel light. For now, that wasn’t important right now, they can find out after they have dealt with this madness!

The fort was under attack, the city was in too much of a panic to notice. The griffons inside were not expecting a sudden attack! Let alone right from under their own fort! They may have had orichalcum bullets, but not the armour as command saw no need at the time.

Yet they were not prepared for the helljacks, tearing their way through the floors and walls. They didn’t know where they came from, what they were, or how to deal with them. It was like a nightmare.

In a bigger shock, griffons who try to escape out a window to fly away were shot! They didn’t even know where the shooters were or how many! The griffons were being forced deeper into the fort with no way out.

Then the fighting just stopped, it was worrying. It stopped for a full hour when they heard the fort starting to make sounds. Like the whole building was rumbling, then the building started to list to one side, they were falling! The whole fort was sliding into the river!

It was chaos as every griffon was trying to escape, only to be cut down by pistol wraiths that waited for them outside. All the while the bodies were taken as the cryx dragged them back into the river. Taking them into underwater tunnels that can be collapsed later.

Grimscythe was watching everything from the other side of the river, as cryx boarded the ships that were sinking or soon to be sinking. As Helljacks in the shallows punch holes into the ships and move on to the next one.

The loss of so much material will set back the war, not only that they will need to clean up the river and remove the ships that now block the way. Follow that with a small part of the city falling into the river, to remove everything will take years. He even watched the fort that was now sinking into the river next. Grimscythe than said.

“So much chaos.”

“Feeling guilty?”

Asked the unicorn warwitch who stood by his side. With her helmet off and letting her long mane flow in the soft breeze.

“No, no I do not Moonshade. I should feel something, but I do not.”

Answered Grimscythe, as the fort reached the water and slowly went under. As Griffons tried to escape by swimming, only to be pulled under. Or to be shot at by pistol wraiths, floating over the water. Like fishing birds waiting for the right moment. The iron lich then saw she was holding his steely hand.

“The dragon father did warn this would happen. If you were brought back, you could lose something of yourself. Maybe you lost the ability to feel guilt for your actions?”

He only nodded to her, as buildings burned filling the sky with smoke. It would be time to melt away into the dark soon. Before the dawn rises, before all who live here will try to find out why. It was time, time to speak with Asphyxious. He would need to after this night.

The aftermath was not as bad as it first looked, sure the empire lost the harbour and the beach line for the city. Along with a few miles of housing. Apart from the soldiers in the fort no one had died, yet.

It took a few days, but the locals found out the griffons at the radio tower were missing. The only sigh that anything happened was the blood left behind. It puts the disaster in a new light, yet no one could point to who could do this. Let alone carry it out without notice, so everyone just assumed it was a coincidence the griffons died at the radio tower.

Grimscythe, Volter and Ten-Lin. Gave their reports to Asphyxious, who sat and watched them. Out of the three iron lichs, Volter is the oldest. Ten-Lin was newly risen, little more than a year old by undead standards. Yet his mind for improvising was very useful, however Asphyxous was hoping Ten-Lin would learn some tact.

“Hmmm, I’m not sure how to feel about this?”

“Did we anger you in some way my lord?”

“No, no nothing like that. Tell me, why did you take this action? Why did you destroy the harbour the way you did? You even went as far as sinking the fort and a part of the city? Why did you do this? Why go so far?”

They said nothing as Asphyxious watched them, he would not push them into answering right away. He would give them time to think about it and come up with their reasons why. In fact, it pleased him that they took so much time to think about it and not just come up with something off the top of their head.

“I… I thought it was the fastest way to move things forward. I thought it would help slow down the war and spare more lives in the long run. I have a few other plans for crippling the empire, it will take years, but we can-.”

Asphyxious held up his hand. And Grimscythe stopped, the dragon gave them a moment and started to speck.

“I understand, but this won’t help end the war. Only delay it. Lady Aventurine informed me much about Die Leucht and how they move. Much of the griffon empire is unaware of them and their actions. I wouldn’t be shocked if the royals or the military are unaware of them. If we wish to destroy Die Leucht, we need to make life for them much harder than it already is.”

The three Iron Lichs look on paying attention to his words, this would need to be planned very differently. The way they attacked, the way they gathered support. Everything needed to be replanned and worked on. Everything needed to change.

“They work in the shadows, out of the spotlight, behind the backs of others. Pushing other griffons to do their work for them. What we need to do is force them out into the open. Force them to be exposed, force everyone to see who they truly are. For that to happen, we need to make everyone aware of them. The question is how do we do this?”

It was indeed an important question, how to expose Die Leucht. How do they root them out? How to expose them to their own people, if the griffons found out a group such as them was doing as they please behind everyone's back. It could cause a civil war, that could be a problem.

Even after a hundred years, they’re still no closer to dealing with Die Leucht. Asphyxious however had another concern.

“By the way, why did you call everyone here?!”

The three lichs looked around at the many followers who gathered here to meet their lord. Yet these were not who Asphyxious was talking about.

“I meant the griffons who’re pissing themselves!”

Asphyxious asked, pointing at Brimstone and his troops, who looked like they were going to pass out from sheer terror. Asphyxious reached into a pocket portal and put his ring on, to block the effects of one of his abilities. The griffons started to calm down now, yet they still were on guard.

“I take it you have heard who we’re fighting, agent?”

“Yes, but we need proof before we agree to do anything. Regardless of what that will mean.”

Replied Brimstone, Asphyxious nodded to the griffon. That was no guarantee Brimstone would help them or not, he could just as easily re-join the griffons and tell them all about them. However, Asphyxious saw ways around that.

“Understood, it may take years. We hope you can stand being in my follower’s ‘care’ until that time comes.”

Brimstone agreed to this as he and his griffons were escorted out, there was no need for them to be here for the whole meeting. The planned attack to hit three places may have been too effective, the griffons will be looking for answers as to how this happened. All they needed was to find a link between the targets no matter how outlandish it may seem. Then Asphyxious remembered something.

“Say, you still have that thrall you made? The two headed griffon, what's his name?”

“Yes sir, we do. Why?”

Asked Volter as the dragon smiled, if the griffons wanted to find who was responsible for these events. Then they will give it to them.

It has been two weeks and Maxves was watching the clean-up, most were just digging though the ruins of their homes trying to find anything that survived the fires. The worst part was the river, it was clogged up with some much debris. That it will take even longer, and trade ships were stranded on every side of the river.

Shockingly no one has died, that they know of yet. No one has tried to find out if the griffons in the fort were alive or dead. Going by the lack of soldiers helping it didn’t look good, also a strange story was going around.

While some griffons were trapped by the fire, strangers in armour went around saving them. They said nothing, only pointed to the way out from the flames and then vanished like ghosts. He was looking at a sketch artist drawing of what was described to them, a helmet that covered their face, only the shoulder to the elbow, from the thigh to the knee were exposed with no armour.

They had blades sticking out from their backs and the eyes of the helmet glowed. There were small differences with each scratch, one helmet had a horn, one hand wings and another had claws.

Maxves didn’t know what to make of it, whoever they were they didn’t talk and if they did the only thing that they said was ‘go’ were these strangers in armour the ones responsible for the missing gang members and other griffons?

The more worrying thing, a few days after the disaster enforcers were sent out to find what was going on with the griffons at the radio tower only to find that every griffon working there was gone. Nothing but blood was left behind, after they got in contact and asked for help. More aid had been flooding into the city for the past week, no one knew what was going on, what was happening. Or how did this happen?

Why did the harbour sink into the river, why did the city start sinking next, how did the building catch fire? Maxves looked at the empty packet of cigarettes and threw them away. At least the train line wasn’t hit, if they had lost that things would have been much worse for the city.

“I see the rebuilding efforts are going well.”

Maxves turned to see Dreed standing next to him, the panther-crow looked over his shoulder and saw several soldiers keeping a lookout. Maxves looked at Dreed and noticed he had an off look on his face, something was wrong. He just didn’t know what.

“Walk with me.”

Ordered Dreed, Maxves followed and knew the soldiers would follow. What he didn’t understand was what Dreed was doing out here. Dreed bent down and ran his claws in the dirt. Before he started whispering.

“Act like you’re telling me about what happened here and listen.”

Maxves wasn’t sure what was going on but did as he was told, pointing out with a talon about the river looking like he was telling Dreed what happened.

“Two other places were hit the same night as this harbour. A military base that caught fire and a depo that fell into a sinkhole. However, there is no information about what was in the depo or the base. Or who was working there, I was only told to send a report to the high command. By a griffon I didn’t know, who had a lot of bodyguards.”

Maxves was surprised by this, this wasn’t normal, and he knew that. But he then pointed at where the fort used to be and whispered back.

“Who was he?”

“I don’t know, I was only told to hand in the report they gave me and forget I saw anything. I don’t even know what they were talking about. I don’t want you to act on this yet, I’ll try and find out more on my own however I’ll need you to do your job in the meantime. I’ll send you a file on what I have found. I’ll send more if I can find anything else. You’re good at finding things other griffons don’t. Once you know something, call this number and ask for fish pie, I’ll be waiting.”

Dreed got up and shook Maxves claw and thanks him for his time. Maxves watched as he left with the soldiers, Maxves slowly opened his claw with the paper in his hand and the number on it. Something very wrong was going on and it looked like he was stuck in the middle of it all.

He puts it in his pocket and gets back to work. Once he goes home, he finds mail and brings it into his house. It was a large package, he opened it to find a file and some pictures. With a few notes as well. Maxves took it to his private study and started to read.

The report said Dreed was sent out to oversee damages to the base, and another griffon was meant to look over the depo. They both bring up things about these places that didn’t fit with the buildings. For one thing the depo had a deep basement, far larger than it was needed. And the military base had strange equipment on the site.

A lot of it Dreed has never seen before, Maxves opened a secret compartment in his desk and took out his diary. He may not be a part of that crazy cult his father always talked about, but he did pick up a few tricks that his dad told him once. And started writing.

He kept Dreed's name out of it, and any other names that could point to who was writing this. He went through theories about what this could mean, one photo had what looked like lab equipment in part of the depo that they managed to dig up. Before they were ordered to bury it.

The base had many cells going by the melted bars and doors. Yet what could burn hot enough to warp the metal like that. Yet throughout all these reports they found some griffons dead, but more were missing. Maxves put his dairy away, before putting the file, notes and pictures in the bin and setting them on fire.

Maxves was smart enough to cover his tracks, he even destroyed the packaging they all came in. He knew he shouldn’t get involved, he knew this was nothing but trouble. Yet it was a mystery, and he needed to solve it.

Bonus chapter: Hidden in the dark part 4

“We’re blessed, truly the dragonfather has smiled on us all!”

Called out an old griffon, standing on a wooden box. In the middle of the street, on the edge of the collapsed part of the city. Calling out to the gathered griffons who were standing and watching, some just walked past ignoring the old griffon yet this didn’t stop the griffon from his improved speech.

“We are given a second chance, a chance to be better, to live up to our old code of honour. We should not waste this, yes lives were lost, our homes were lost but we gained unity. We became stronger together, we helped one another. The dragonfather asks not for temples, or for riches, merely that we do what is right!”

Enforcers noticed the gathering and stepped forward to find out what was going on, the old griffon saw them yet did not stop.

“The dragonfather offers second chances, for us to make right those we have wronged. For a mistake of the past. Do we not have the right to redeem ourselves? He asks nothing from us, only to choose for ourselves. Choose to do the right thing, or to stay as we are and have no hope for our future. For our children's future, if we do nothing our only path is to be used like fodder!”

The two enforcers were trying to push their way past the other griffons, however the old griffon had everyone's attention now. Now was the most important moment.

“The ones behind this, are the liars who hide behind our leaders! Who are blind to them, the dishonoured who use these lies to send our sons off to die! Yet who are they? We follow the strong yet if they’re so strong why do they hide themselves? Why do they not lead our army’s? Where are they now? Tell me, if you’re so strong, why do you not show yourself!”

“Alright that's enough!”

Called out one of the enforcers as they at last got to the front of the crowd, as one of them waved for everyone else to leave.

“You old bird, you’re under arrest!”

“What is my crime?”

The old griffon asked calmly, it was a little creepy how the old bird's demeanour changed so suddenly. Yet the enforcer did not back down.

“It is illegal to preach religion in a public space. And if you want to not get anything broken you’ll get down from there right now!”

“Very well, I’ll choose the path of the strong!”

The enforcer smiled thinking he was about to put this crazy old bird in his place. Then the old griffon hopped off the box, then slowly made his way to the enforcer and held out his wrist. The enforcer was confused.

“What is this?”

“You are arresting me are you not? I must follow our laws, even if I must preach behind bars. Do not worry, the dragonfather understands you do not know what you do.”

The enforcer grunts and puts the handcuffs on the old griffon and starts yelling for everyone to leave and go about their day. Many leave, some stay to watch. One young griffon pulls on his mother's claw and asks.

“Why are they taking the old griffon away? Did he do something bad?”

The mother didn’t know what to say, the old griffon wasn’t hurting anyone. In fact some in the crowd thought the griffon was just plane mad. But it felt like the old griffon truly believed in what he was saying. She didn’t know what to say.

“Come on, let’s go home. Dinner won’t start itself.”

As they walked away the child couldn’t help looking back. As the words the old griffon said stuck in his head, the strong lead. If they’re so strong, why do they not show themselves?

Maxves was swamped with work, it was just one thing after the next. He had to stop smoking because he was going through whole packs in a single day. He drank his coffee, it was more bitter than it normally was.

Yet the work wasn’t what was stressing him out, it was the information he was slowly getting from Dredd. It was another year, and it seemed Dredd was finding clues but then it would turn into a dead end. As if someone already removed key information about the subject matter.

Maxves got a knock on his door and he hissed to himself. He looked up and saw Chilly looked how he felt.

“Chief wants you to integrate some old griffon who was preaching about some religion or something. And before you ask, no he has no other griffon to spare.”

Maxves sighs and gets up, he is feeling his age now. As he followed chilly out and made their way down stairs, as they walked every griffon was busy. It was chaos, outside things may seem normal but the truth is things haven’t slowed down at all.

Maxves walked down into the basement as they called it. Where cells are dubbed as interrogation cells. With a single small barred window to let sunlight in. The cell door opened and Maxves saw an old griffon, a very old griffon. Who was playing with an amulet around their neck.

“Seriously?”

Maxves asked, Chilly just handed him the report and smiled. Maxves shook his head and shut the cell door behind him. Maxves looks at the griffon sitting at the table, he takes his set and starts reading the report.

“Let see here, preaching in a public space. Insisting the act to rebel, insisting to attack the crown. No ID, trying to form a cult, trying to recruit members into said cult. And lastly… Refusing to stop singing?”

“I was merely speaking my peace, I was not seeking to add more members to my flock. Is that so wrong? To speak one's mind? And I would never rebel against the crown, only the ones lying to them.”

Maxves rubbed his eyes, he didn’t need this. He had more important things to do and think about then some crazy griffon who was too old to understand. Sometimes Maxves just wished he could drink his troubles away.

“Look, I know you guys love to preach about the sky god and all that. However it is a dead religion and the crown has forbidden anyone from openly preaching about it. What you do in your own homes is fine, just keep it there and.-”

“I believe you’re mistaken, I am not a follower of the Sky god, I am a follower of the Dragonfather.”

“The what?”

Maxves perked up at this, this didn’t happen very often. Some have tried to bring new religions into the empire and were, if lucky, exiled or unlucky executed for heresy. Yet this old griffon wasn’t worried at all. Then the old griffon spoke up.

“What if I were to tell you a secret? A secret that was so well hidden you would call me a liar, for just speaking the truth. Call it heresy of the highest order, call me mad. But I will not fault you for thinking like this. You have been raised in a world where you wear a blindfold. And told, if you remove it you will die.”

Maxves frowned at this, he didn’t like this griffon. Yet they were getting off topic and this was meant to be an interrogation. Not a debate.

“I’m the one asking questions, you’re meant to answer them.”

The old griffon smiled and bowed his head, as if understanding his place in this room. Maxves frowned, the old griffon didn’t seem senile. Or stupid ever, something was up as if the old griffon wanted to be here.

“Let's start from the beginning. This, god… The Dragonfather. I assume it is some kind of dragon? What can you tell me about it, and keep it short.”

“All I can tell you is, he was brought into the world cursed. Denied the right to die as a mortal being. Then found he could speak to the dead, mortals feared him. For he was seen as a monster. In the end he told them things, to put their fears to rest about their loved ones who have passed. Their family, their friends, even their own children. He gave them closures.”

Maxves wrote this down, looking a bit worried. It sounded like this dragon was some kind of god of the dead. Maxves looked up as he thought about his next question.

“What's so good about this, god? Sounds like it is praying on your fears of death.”

“Untrue, he offers a second chance for all of us. Both in life and death. Wouldn’t you like a second chance, to make something right that you knew was wrong?”

Maxves rolled his eyes as he tried to think about his next question. He then frowned about who would worship this kind of god?

“Does your god have a name?”

“I cannot tell you.”

“Because I am an unbeliever?”

“No, because the ones in control of your nation seek his death and will kill anyone who knows of him.”

Maxves stopped as he looked up at the old griffon, at first he thought it was a joke. But the look in their eyes said they truly believe what they say. The Old griffon lends forward and talks in a low voice.

“They’re ever lying to our rules or they’re under their control. If I tell you who they are, you will be at risk. I will not allow harm to come to another for my own actions.”

Maxves is interested now, even if this old bird was out of his mind. Before he can ask what he meant, just then Chilly bursts in saying he needed to come outside! Chilly sounded alarmed, that wasn’t normal. Besides, the old griffon wasn’t going anywhere.

Once outside Maxves got an unwelcome surprise, it wasn’t the griffon who had papers under one arm with the robes clearly marking him as part of the RCG. And it wasn’t the MP’s ever, it was his brother. Logos.

“Brother. What are you doing here?”

Logos smiled at Maxves before walking up and giving him a hug, Maxves reluctantly returned the hug. Logos then explained himself.

“I work for the magical studies college now brother. Sadly, I have been called for my. Skills.”

“The only skills you ever got from grandfather was how to inflict pain on someone. Again, why are you here?”

“I can answer that!”

A new voice called out, it was an old griffon. Couldn’t be more than 50, they were part of the religious control group or RCG for short that was meant to keep other religions out. In fact, some stories say they were the ones who destroyed the old sky gods temples. They were less of a religion and more of an organised group. He didn’t look well, the officer carried a large number of papers under one arm.

“We’re here for the prisoner.”

Maxves still didn’t understand, as he turned to Logos who nodded his head. Yet he didn't seem pleased about this.

“New insurgents of a cult have popped up all over the eastern part of the kingdom. They’ve been popping up all week. So far we found 48 reported sightings of these griffons trying to preach about some god. And captured about 14, the one you have will make number 15.”

Maxves looked alarmed, he never understood the ban on other beliefs. Yet he didn’t think this old griffon was doing any harm. The older griffon puts a paper in his claws and then waves for the MP’s to get the prisoner. This was madness! Yet it was all here in the document. Maxves tried to stop this.

“I haven’t finished my integration yet, I still have more questions. Besides, he is old and sick. I don’t think he really knows what he is talking about.”

“Brother I understand, but my claws are tied. The only reason I was able to find him was because one of his neighbours reported him. I was to use my magic to track him. I am…”

Logos stopped for a moment as he saw the MP’s dragging the old griffon out. Maxves also saw they also had his report with them!

“You can’t take that! That file for-.”

“You won’t need it anymore. Forget what you saw here, and find some gang to deal with.”

Said the sickly officer, as he hobbled back to the truck. Maxves didn’t like this, they had laws for a reason and this flew in the face of it. They legally can’t do this. Before they put the old griffon on the truck, he called out.

“May I have one last word with you?”

He called out, Maxves looked at Logos who just shrugged at him. Maxves made his way over and the old griffon smiled at him, then reached out to hold Maxves talon.

“May the blessings of the Dragonfather be upon you.”

The old griffon smiled as he was pulled into the truck as the doors slammed shut. Maxves watched them go as Logos left with his student in tow. Maxves stood there for a while, then felt something wet in his claws. He opened them and saw a bloody print in the palm of his claw.

It looked like the skeleton of a snake trying to eat its own tail. Only the head was wrong, the skull looked like a dragon head. He quickly closed his claw when he heard someone walking up behind him.

“Everything alright?”

Asked Chilly, Maxves shook his head as he looked at the mark in his palm again. He quickly memorised it and wiped it away. Before talking to Chilly.

“No, no I am not alright. The next time we get another case like that, we need to make sure no one else can take them before I get all my answers.”

His name was Raggal, he was old. He had been in war before, but was too old to keep fighting. He heard his son was going to war, and he died. His grandson wanted to be just like his father, once he was old enough. Once he was, he too died and he was alone. He wanted to believe they died with honour.

He wanted to believe they brought them a step closer to winning the war. Yet it still went on, more griffons were sent every day to fight. And what brought back to families who have lost their fathers, brothers and sons. Nothing but a jar of ash.

Raggal left his home and got lost in the woods. He was too old to fly anymore, his wings were too weak to carry his body. Two days of walking endlessly and he no longer cared about living or dying, on the third day he passed out. Then he was saved.

“I will never understand fools like you.”

Spoke up the officer, as Raggal opened his eyes to look at the sickly younger griffon. Raggal was in his 70’s. And seemed in better health then his fellow griffon. Raggal looked to the MP’s who were sitting on ever side of him.

“Where are we going?”

“You don’t need to know that, the less you talk the longer you get to live.”

“A shame. I was hoping we could talk about our faiths. What brings us hope, what we can learn from it and what we have in common.”

The officer looked annoyed, as he turned to one MP then pointed at him. The MP hands over his baton. The sickly griffon looked at it and smiled before using it, and struck Raggal's knee! He gasped in pain, trying to hold his leg as he jerked in response. The MP’s held Raggal in place as he gasped in pain.

“You should do as you’re told. Maybe, if you’re lucky we will just leave you somewhere no griffon will find you.”

Raggal took deep breaths as he softly spoke, the MP’s looked confused. The officer was just as annoyed. As he moved closer to hear what he had to say.

“Pain is the whetstone of the soul. This body is a vessel for the soul, what we see, hear and feel are remembered by the soul when we’re long forgotten.”

“Are you praying?”

“Do you not?”

Raggal's question earned him being struck by the baton again. This time his other leg below the knee. Raggal bit back the pain, as he reminded himself why he was here. The officer pulled his head back and moved closer. Raggal could smell the alcohol on his breath.

“You will not question my faith for the royals again, are we clear? Now who do you work for and how many are you? How did you spread to so many cities and towns so quickly!”

Raggal smiled as he leaned closer so he could whisper a word into his ear, the officer looked afraid and confused. The sickly griffon dropped the baton and quickly moved up to the driver cabin. Opening a slide door and started giving out orders! The MP’s were still confused about what was happening, they were only told to follow the officer orders. Raggal was just one of many sent out to be bait. All to be taken prisoner to find out one thing.

It looks like Raggal was the lucky one, as the truck quickly changed its path picking up speed. The officer came back and took his set, reaching into his robes and pulling out a flask and greedily drinking from it. Once he was done he stared at Raggal. While Raggal sat with the amulet hanging from his neck, smiling.

The Vipers of cryx were busy, bringing followers from other worlds to aid in their plans. They all understood the risks, and what could happen to them. The Vipers were already modifying their weapons to generate more heat. Seeing as the orichalcum had the same heating point as bronze, Ten-Lin was busy looking for other ways to kill the living metal as some started to call it.

Volter was sending orders for the western gathers to ramp up collecting the dead. The undead thrall once known as Iron Claw was being modified to be a more useful puppet. They had big plans for him, it may make their plans harder in the long run. Hopefully it should also make things harder for their enemy.

Grimscythe was looking over the list of things that were forbidden to be used in this shadow war. Helljacks that run on the souls of the living, deadly gases that could destroy someone's lungs, blood magic that can force the living to do as they were ordered, agents there will, the most important of all using souls to power their magic.

Yet all these things pale into the more deadly of weapons they could use, there must be something they can use. Something to help them find what they’re looking for, trying to ask the dead was pointless. Seeing as the griffons incinerate their dead, sometimes the bones survive. But even then there isn’t enough for a summons to work.

As for the followers who were sent out to be captured, they had special runes marked on them. That was well hidden, when one of them dies they will be summoned to one of the Iron lich's and give them all the information they have gained. Including locations of where they died and have been.

The soul will always know where it has been, even if its living body was blinded and rendered def. It still remembers, and that soul will be their guide.

Maxves made his way into a bar two hours before closing time, dressed in an overcoat, wearing a flat cap and a scarf. Making his way to a table in the less lit part of the bar. He made a call the day before on the number Dredd gave him and used the code word, he was told to come here and wait.

A griffon he didn’t know sat at his table, with three drinks. Maxves played the part of his down on his luck griffon. When another griffon sat at his table, it was Dredd putting down a bag by his chair.

“I have new information, I’ve found inconsistent reports. And missing griffons, more than we thought. As well as resources going missing, yet the reports say they’re there.”

Maxves said nothing as he drank his beer in small sips, as the stranger started talking next. They sounded like they came from the capital.

“I’m finding something like that on my end. More worryingly powerful griffons in both magic and research are missing from their workplaces. Only a few and from key research branches, I’ve tried getting in contact with their work staff but they have been moved. And are now missing. I’ve sent reports to the head of intelligence, I haven’t heard anything back yet.”

They explained taking a long drink from their beer, Maxves watched and listened; this was a bigger problem than he thought. This meant one of a few things, one the reports aren’t reaching the head of the office, or they’re a part of it.

“I think someone is intercepting my reports, too many griffons between me and high command to know for sure. I’ll need to lay low before I can gather more info.”

Maxves saw how the griffon was eyeing his drink and pushed the mug over to him. As the griffon downed the rest of it. Dredd looked like he was deep in thought, then gave a nod. The griffon slowly got up past Maxves before patting him on the shoulder then walked out, looking like he was very drunk. At least putting up a good act.

“I have more files I want you to look through. They’re in the bag.”

Dredd spoke softly, pushed the bag over with his foot while drinking his beer. Maxves nodded and waited for Dredd to leave next, Maxves had another beer before picking up the bag and paying for everyone's drinks.

Maxves took the less lit streets back home. It was better no one knew what he was doing out so late. Besides he knew everyone patrols and where they should be, including the ones who were dirty. Sometimes it was useful to know one enforcer who was not on the up and up. More so for undercover work.

Once Maxves was home and made his way to his hidden office, he got to work. Reading file after file. Some of them were medical reports, the problem was some of these griffons seemed a bit young. As well the files didn’t say what they were treated for.

The next one talked about the number of soldiers, the numbers were not adding up. The numbers were bloated, ever someone was lying about the number of troops being sent out. Or someone got the number of dead wrong. At the same time no one knew who these other griffons were or where they came from.

Maxves was getting a clear picture, however he was still missing information. This was big, this wasn’t normal. The griffons army was all about honour and telling the griffons what they were planning. No details just enough to earn everygriffon confidence. Still something was very wrong, it didn’t add up. No matter how much they said otherwise.

He hid his diary, and burned the files in his metal bin. Maxves sat there thinking for a long time. Who was behind this, who was really in command, what was. He then remembered what the old griffon said. He cleaned up and went to bed, he will need to find that old griffon. Hopefully he wasn’t exiled yet.

Raggal had a bag put over his head before being out in another truck. He overheard the officer staying to explain something before he was told to leave. They travel for hours before he is taken somewhere, Raggal was a prisoner for three days.

For three days he only knew this small cell, and the small opening in the door that food and water was was placed though. Even then it wasn’t much, he was then taken into a room with a single light over head.

Raggal carefully looked around, he hid his amulet by swallowing it. He didn’t want to risk them taking it from him, Raggal prayed for strength for this will be the hardest task of all. He closed his eyes trying to calm his heart and heard the door open.

Raggal didn’t know who this griffon was, they were big as a tiger hawk. Yet not a tiger hawk, then Raggal was given a beating. Once it was over his eye was swollen, and he was sure a rib was broken, maybe two? Then another griffon came in, then came the questions.

Who are you, what is your name, where do you come from. Raggal knew these were meaningless questions, they wanted to build a profile to use later for some other meaningless act to keep their control. Raggal asked a question of his own.

“What is Die Leucht?”

Raggal got hit in the face for his question. He spat blood and found it hard to breathe, yet he knew. He knew his brothers and sisters were being treated the same way.

“Where did you hear that name!”

The integrator was getting angry now, Raggal smiled as he had nothing to fear. Raggal told them nothing but asked questions of his own. They tried drugs, but thanks to the dragon father's blessings, his mind was clear. They tried magic yet he knew nothing about what they wanted.

So there was no risk when he was taken, his mind was like a clear stream. Yet they wanted an ocean of information he didn’t have. He didn’t know who they were, what they were, only that they gave him a chance to talk to his son again. That was enough, Raggal was a mess after two days of being worked over. Yet he held on, they said they would kill him if he didn’t tell them what they wanted. Raggal smiled at them.

They drowned him in a bucket, his lungs filled with water and his heart was failing him. When the end came he welcomed it with open claws. His soul was free, it was like lightning; everything rushed past him as his soul was being guided back.

Raggal appeared in front of one of them, only now did his soul understand they were a lich. No, they are an iron lich. Grimscythe turned to Raggal soul as it stood before him. Raggal smiled as his mission was complete.

“I know where they are.”

Grimscythe moved closer and looked deeply into Raggal soul, looking for signs of any mistake. There were many, yet this will bring them closer to their foe. Grimscythe voice was hard as if he had done this many times before, and then he spoke.

“Show me.”

Another body was being pushed into the incinerator, the griffon job was simple, she just burned the bodies and got paid. She didn’t look at who they were under the white sheet that covered them. Or the spots of red that stain the fabric.

It was easier to sleep at night if she didn’t look, on the way back to the morgue she thought she was done. Just as she thought she could go home, another body was brought in. She filled out the paperwork and pushed another one to the incinerator, she had to wait for the last one she put in to be done.

She opened the door and pulled out the bed for the incinerator, she stopped finding the bones were still intact. That wasn’t normal, normally the bones would have burned to ash by now. She saw strange markings on some of the bones, yet they were too badly damaged to see what they were.

She then saw something else, she got some tongs and pulled out a strange necklace. It was too dirty to see what it was so she put it to one side and was going to put the bones through a second burn. She then bumped into the trolley when the body arm fell from its side. She really didn’t want to touch it, she was about to put it back when she saw something.

There was a scar on its arm, hidden between the fur and feathers. She was confused. She went back into the other room and looked at the paperwork. It said the griffon died from drinking too much, there was nothing about the scar on its arm. Or going into surgery, she reported it, it was part of protocol after all. If they found anything that wasn’t on the report.

It will be a few hours before some griffon comes to see her, meanwhile she cleans the necklace. She had never seen something like it before, it was carefully made to not be too heavy yet not too light. However, why wasn’t it removed from the body? She guessed it didn’t matter and pocketed it, so she could sell it for a few coins later.

A few hours passed and a griffon came in tired, annoyed and carrying a bag full of tools. He adjusted his glasses and let out a yawn, he was raver scrawny for a panther crow.

“Do you know what time it is? I have to go to work in three hours.”

“Don’t blame me, just following the rules. I’m meant to call someone if I find something.”

Being a Lion Eagle she had a slim body, yet she guided him to the two tables. One with burnt bones, the other hasn’t been touched yet. He looked between them before she explained.

“One body, after running it through the incinerator I found marks on the bones. The other body has hidden scars with nothing about it in the report. I need you to look it over and fill out paperwork about what you find.”

He frowns at her and walks over to the tables. He gets out his tools and puts on gloves over his claws. He takes out a tape recorder and starts it.

“Investigation report, full filling protocol 12 of discovering anomaly on the bodies. Subject one. Already went through the cremation however bones are still intact and showing markings on the bones. Maybe from an animal bite, strange markings on the ribs, femurs, forearms and the back of the skull close to the neck. Too many to be just from an animal attack, report reads subject died from falling on their head. Yet the skull is intact.”

He then looked to the other body and pulled the cover off, he read through the report and frowned at it. He parted the fur and saw a large number of scars on the chest. All of them neatly lined up along the bone.

“Subject two. Shown to have abnormal scars all over their body. Looks like medical scaring yet the report does not mention anything about it. Reports also say the subject died from alcohol poisoning. Yet the state of the body doesn't match the report. Moving to an exploratory autopsy to find out why the body has these scars.”

He got to work, cutting into the dead body as the other griffon looked away. It will take awhile and he liked talking to someone.

“What is your name? I'll need it for the report.”

“Really? My name Linda, just hurry up and do what you need to.”

“Nice to meet you, Lenda, I’m Worbal. My family were doctors, they had high hopes for me but I didn’t make the cut. Pardon the pun, I just couldn’t work with patients. They were too loud or violent. So I moved to where my skills could be used elsewhere.”

He said, parting the skin and finding some scarring on the muscle, he got his scalpel and started to cut into it to follow the scarring.

“You’re joking right? No griffon picks this kind of job because they’re good at it. They do it because they don’t have any other choice. You come from a low bearing. Any job is seen as the best you can hope for. For any griffon who comes from a noble house, the best is demanded of you. There is no place for second best, you win or you’re a disappointment.”

Worbal didn’t say anything as he used a tool to push the dead muscle aside and his eyes widened in shock. As he stared at the unknown writing carved into the bone.

“Subject two, has unknown carvings made directly to his forearm bone. I am now making a cut into the chest to expose one of the rips. I have found more of the unknown writing, I do not know what I am looking at. This is outside of my field, I should make some calls to find out more. But…”

Worbal stopped then stepped away and quickly washed his talons, Lenda watched him and he then had a glass of water and rubbed his beck. She took a peck and saw the bone, and how clean the carvings were. Like someone took a drill and used it like a pen.

“You ever… Seen something like this before?”

She asked, while Worbal cleans his glasses. He looked frightened, like he found something he shouldn’t have. He started picking up his things and stopped the tape then took the tape out of his recorder, then gave it to her.

“Burn everything, you hear me. I wasn’t here, you made a mistake. And you didn’t get enough sleep, understand.”

“Wait, hold on. What is going on here? Why are you freaking out?”

“Look just, a few years ago a friend of mine got a report about something strange about a body. He came back a few hours later and was talking crazy before telling me he made a call to the head of our department. Telling them what he saw. I told him to go home and sleep on it, he’ll feel better after a night's rest. Next day, I heard his house burned down and they didn’t find his body. I don’t know how much of what he said was real, but if I were you. I’d forget what you saw and burn everything.”

Worbal left in a hurry, Lenda looked at the tape and stuck it in her pocket without thinking before dumping the burnt bones on top of the dead body and shoved them both into the incinerator. She set it going three more times just to be sure. Before filling out a report nothing abnormal happened and went home.

It was only once she was home and remembered what she took with her, Lenda went to her room and put the tape and the amulet on her nightstand. She stared at it, fearful of what Worbal said. She didn’t sleep that night and hid both the tape and necklace under a floorboard in her room. Hoping no griffon would find out about what she knew, but she knew nothing. And that wasn’t the problem, going to work and acting like nothing was wrong would be easy.

At the same time, she wanted to know. What was going on, who were those griffons? She never cared before but now, now she wonders. What she was burning all this time and who were these griffons. More than that, who did she even work for? It is only now she remembers where they were coming from, on every file it said they came from a military hospital. A hospital that didn’t exist.

Ten-Lin moved up following the soul, along with a small horde of undead. Once they found what they were looking for their next plan was to make a big splash. They found a bunker, the others were already moving to other places. The local radio tower should have its power cut soon in a day or two and the landlines should be cut soon after.

Ten-Lin saw very few guards outside. The tactics of leaving a scapthrall to be found and then blowing it up was effective. This however would be more of a problem, they had blast doors. That will take time to tear down and open, too long for their needs and this rainstorm wouldn’t last long. A few days, a week at best, they needed a better way in and quickly.

The Iron Lich had an idea, the bunker was meant to stop things from getting in above ground. Did they even bother with underground attacks? He smiled to himself as he got Nuk to send out his orders to the other helljacks.

In the bunker griffons guarded labs and research projects that Die Leucht was in control of. Many didn’t even know they were working for them. They knew nothing of the truth or why they were really here.

A group of guards were playing cards before their next shift. A number of prisoners were taken in for interrogation, many left in boxes. The ones in charge scared most who worked here, others didn’t care. Most of the soldiers were true believers who worked here, or were easily manipulated into following orders.

One guard was questioning his place in this base. He was a Tager Hawk, he was meant to be a griffon of honour. There was no honour here, not in this place. Yet his family had a debt to pay to the griffon who sent him here. He went to his bunk, as the guards traded places. Some went to bed, others left to take up patrols in the bunker.

He rested his head and closed his eyes, two more years. Just two more years and he can leave this place. He thought falling asleep. Alarms blear as every griffon got up and grabbed a weapon. He worked on one of the lower levels, there were seven levels to the bunker he worked on level three.

He ran to find out what was happening, well he wanted to but they were trained to hold choke points to stop an attacker from getting deeper into the bunker. He stopped at a map that had a level and a light next to it, to show what level was under attack. He thought it would be level one where the main doors to the surface are.

What he saw was level two light flashing, he didn’t understand. That didn’t make sense, how could they bypass the main gate and level one jumping to level two? He didn’t have time to think about that as griffons were giving orders, he soon joined them as he took aim with his rifle.

A mass of bodies fell from the stairs as they quickly got up and hissed before attacking! They were shot down before they could get within reach of a guard, he soon joined them. The defence didn’t last long as a metal monster jumped over the undead mass and charged the guards with its jaws of teeth wide open!

Ten-Lin was in a hurry, normally he would have liked to take his time but they couldn’t wait. As soon as the bunker's communications were cut off they began their attack. Before they were already digging to reach one of the main rooms underground. They had somehow broken into the armoury of this level.

He wasted no time sending the horde out and had Nuk control the light helljacks, sending them off to kill everyone in the upper levels. Only sending a few to the lower ones. The scrapthralls were already gathering the dead, while mechanithralls swarmed the lower levels.

He looked to one of the maps, as another body was thrown on the pile. Ten-Lin stopped when he heard a scream, he glared at Nuk as the Overseer was pulling the feathers off a griffon head. Ten-Lin walked over and unfolded one of his arms. The end unfolded into large scissor blades.

The Iron Lich said nothing as he beheaded the griffon on the spot. Nuk hissed at being denied his games, Ten-Lin pointed his blade at him and snapped it shut in front of Nuk's face.

“We don’t have time for your spiteful games with the mortals. We must move quickly and efficiently, we cannot linger here longer then we must. Understand me Nuk!”

Nuk growled but he understood, as he moved away to get to work making new undead. Ten-Lin didn’t understand how the others dealt with them, but in the end it didn’t matter. As he moved on looking at the dead who were still scattered in the halls. Ten-Lin even looked into a random room now and again.

One of his legs stepped on something and he moved it aside, it was papers. He bent down and picked one up at random. Before reading what was on it, it was nothing important. Not to him or cryx at least. Something about being pushed out of a territory, a front line pulling back. He stopped, as he felt a tingle in the air. Even after becoming an iron lich did not remove this one important feeling.

There was magic in the air, someone was casting magic in this place. It smelled wrong if he still had a nose. He could taste it on the air, they needed to move more quickly. As the armour in closed around his head. They could no longer waste any more time!

They had set up machine gun nests on the fifth floor. The fourth floor had to pull back because of the monsters, the third and first were lost. No one could communicate outside of the bunker. Inside however, they can.

Vibrim panted as he could still see that thing jump on one of the guards and crushed them under its own weight. It turned and bit another griffon's arm off, it then bites a griffon on the leg before dragging them back up the stairs screaming. The bullets just bounced off its armoured hide.

Vibrim wanted nothing more then to make his house proud, but this place. After seeing monsters like that, he wanted to go home. He got up as griffons moved quickly, getting as much ammo as they could from the lower levels. He soon joined them running down two flights of stairs to help take the next crate of ammo up the stairs but was stopped by a metal staff.

Vibrim looked up and froze in place, the robed griffon had a necklace of horn’s around his neck. Unicorn horns, Vibrim felt fear from this griffon. A sick feeling in the pit of his stomach, his family said magic was for the weak. However right now, this griffon he saw was anything but weak. This griffon was the living embodiment of fear.

“What is happening?”

Vibrim felt like he had lost his voice, not able to find the words. But was broken from this as another griffon pushed him aside. As a new voice spoke up.

“Are you daft! We’re under attack, we need every able body we can get to fight them off!”

The griffon with the staff didn’t seem bothered at all. He waved them off as he turned to go back to the lower levels. Saying something about how they shouldn’t be disturbing his master. Vibrim didn’t care, he just grabbed the ammo box and ran. He didn’t even know there was a mage down here, or why they were wearing unicorn horns. Wait, wasn’t that illegal?

Vibrim thoughts drift to other things that have been happening in the base. Little things here and there, prisoners he saw but never saw leave the base. A random body pushed down the hall on a table. He was restricted from going past level five.

By the time he got back to the fourth floor, machine gun nests were set up and already shooting at something. Two of the machine monsters were running down the hall, but one turned back as a bullet hit something and a jet of steam shot out from it back. It turned back as the other one stopped and roared at the griffons, before its tusk was hit breaking it off and it then turned back. Following after the other one.

Vibrim smiled as they managed to push the things back, but only with heavy weaponry. He then saw the number of bodies laying in the hall, Vibrim noticed most of them were just bones and metal.

Another metal monster ran down and tried to charge them, but the two machine gun nests opened fire. Overwhelmed by bullets, they took out one of its legs before it ended up falling over; they didn’t stop until it stopped moving. They had a small cheer!

Then they heard rumbling as if something heavy was being moved around up stairs. Then a strange screeching sound, like some griffon was dragging metal across the floor. Vibrim tried to find the noise at first, when a griffon ran from the other side of the base where the living quarters were.

“There's something digging through the ceiling!?”

That made everyone panic, before they heard a rumble from the ceiling collapsing. Vibrim heard bone metal monsters and other things jumping down from a hole in the ceiling from another griffon who ran past. These monsters were not stopping, as griffons regrouped to try and block off the new breach!

Nuk made his way down into the new breach following the undead masses, Nuk wanted to find/kill any griffons that were close by. Yet he shouldn’t forget why he was here, his task/mission was to gather information. They needed to act before the griffons destroyed it all.

This level seemed to be the barracks, the light helljacks followed after them as they looked for any threats. Nuk stopped when he saw a stairwell going down. He questioned if they should go down or not.

They then heard the gun fire as Ten-Lin was pushing his own attack. They didn’t have time to wait. They must hurry, they must attack!

“Go! Cut down the living, murder/kill them all!”

Nuk watched as the horde surged on, Nuk however took one deathripper and went down the stairwell. Nuk was pleased when a griffon ran into them and he cut them down. Nuk turned as a few griffons started shooting at him. Nuk sent out the deathripper to attack!

Nuk was pleased, as the griffons were split open. They didn’t have armour, why would they. They thought they were safe in this place, they were wrong. Nuk had a mask made for his skulls to help protect them. Just like Ten-Lin, he was going to push on but found a room with a door left open.

Nuk moved over and pushed the door open with one of his tentacles, Nuk saw a griffon. Their wings were stripped of every father, leaving the wings exposed and bleeding. This wasn’t one of them, this was… Not a threat, not a friend, a prisoner? Yes, yes that's right. This griffon was a prisoner.

“I won’t… Talk…”

The griffon spoke surprising Nuk, as they backed away. Nuk would turn so each skull could look at this griffon. The newest skull moved its mask up to get a better look at this griffon, who had blood bleeding from their eyes. No, they were wrong, the griffon's eyes were removed.

“I won’t betray them… Kill me...”

Nuk said nothing as they stared at this wounded freedom fighter, they were meant to help them. They were not meant to make contact, but the griffon was blind so they could not see. Nuk will have no choice but to bring this one back with them.

“No.”

Nuk said, their three voices talking at once as they started to free the griffon. The rebel was confused and in pain as Nuk started dragging them out. They had no care about the griffon demands about where they were going, but stopped when they were going up stairs. The deathripper followed letting out growls.

By the time Nuk reached Ten-Lin, it looked like the Iron lich had taken prisoners of his own. The lich looked annoyed as Nuk came back with a blind griffon, but then took another look at them.

“Not your handy work, they would be still riving in pain if it was. Where did you find this one Nuk?”

“Bellow, maybe others. Alive/dead we do not know. Found this one alone and blind, not disobeying orders if they can’t see us.”

Nuk was smug with itself. As the Iron lich couldn’t do anything about this for now, they moved on. After making sure their new prisoners couldn’t escape. Nuk led the next attack, they were enjoying themselves, drinking in the death and screams as the soul cages collected the souls of the recently dying.

Once they reached the seventh things felt different, they could feel a change to the air. Like something was gathering power to it. Nuk didn’t like this and reached out to the slayer up stairs and ordered it to come at once!

That is when Nuk saw a lone griffon with a staff walking down the hall. Nuk didn’t know why but he felt danger from this griffon, and ordered the hordes to attack! They ran down the hall screaming, the griffon touched something around his neck when suddenly lightning danced between scrapthralls and mechanithralls.

They all shook before collapsing onto the floor one after another. Nuk backed away, fear gripping his souls. Something they thought they were freed from after becoming one of the cryxian undead. Nuk was about to turn back when the slayer slid down the stairs, scraping it hunched back and shoulders agent the ceiling. As its small head turned to the griffon with the staff. Nuk didn’t wait as it gave one order, all three voices speaking as one again, in fear.

“Attack!”

He wasn’t sure what he was looking at first, until he used a lighting spell and could smell cooking rotten meat in the air. Undead, he thought. As he still rubbed one of the horns he was wearing. The unicorn horns were a focal point. Without them he would need to remember his spells. This was much easier and faster, just teach the pony the spells he needed and then harvest the horn.

Novat looked at the monster that was leading these things, he didn’t rightly know what he was looking at. He was expecting a lich, a thing of bone, skin and old robes. One of their enemies, not a metal thing. It looked like it was going to flee, until a much larger machine fell down the stairwell and turned to it. The smaller one pointed at Novat and yelled.

“Attack!”

The larger machine head snapped towards him and let out a roar of its own. Novat frowns as he was not sent here to fight. He used his wings to back away as the large machine charged him, Novat cast a spell that stopped the machine. But then the spell was broken as it started moving again!

Before the machine could strike him, the griffon touched another horn and teleported away. Before the griffon would become crushed meat, Novat looked at the small crater in the floor as it pulled its large claw free from the floor.

“How?”

Novat asked, confused, then noticed the glow of magic behind it, to the metal octopus. As one of it three arms held up glowing runes of magic he hadn't seen before. He could not understand the script. A fundamental part of magic was understanding three things.

Intent, type and lastly the wording of a spell. If you can understand these three things, you could in theory learn any kind of spell or magic. But there was one thing that almost all mages forget to take into account. Language. If the same spell is made in a different language, then it changes its meaning and intent. Or the whole wording of that one spell. So how did it stop his magic!?

Novat didn’t have time for these questions, as he dropped his staff. He felt relief as a new surge of magic filled his body. Holding one of the horns again and casting a more powerful lightning spell at the larger metal beast! It stopped at the new surge of power feeding into it, the machine struggled to move yet didn’t stop pushing forward!

Novat growled at how stubben it was being, he just wanted it to fall! Novat pushed even more power into the attack, ignoring the high pitched whistling coming from the machine body. How it eyes seemed to burn with pure hate, it dropped down on one knee reaching out with a shaky claw and then, it exploded!

Novat blinked as he could not hear anything, or feel anything at first. He was seeing spots as he coughed on smoke, and felt the heat from the fire. He slowly sat up and gasped in pain! He looked at his belling and saw a twisted peace of sharp metal sticking out from his belly. Novat looked on in shock, before looking at the burning remains of the machine he had destroyed. Novat then heard a voice.

“My, oh my. Looks like someone burst the main boiler. Forcing the water inside to evaporate quickly and making it explode. Not even taking into account the furnace and the fuel it was burning. That would make things worse.”

A large thing stepped over the flames, it was a nightmare metal spider. As it picked at the wreckage. Before pulling out a metal orb with something melting off of its surface.

“The new insulation worked, protecting the cortex. Still melts to overheating but we can fix that later.”

It turned its armour heard to Novat, quickly walking over to him and before Novat could act. The metal monster snatched the horns from around his neck to look at them. One of the spider legs stabbed into one of his wings pinning him there as the griffon cried out in pain!

“Greetings, I am Ten-Lin an iron lich. I have questions, are you a member of Die Leucht?”

Novat was shocked to learn that name. Only his master knows who they were and what they wanted. His master told him he was not ready to know their plans yet or become a member. How did this monster know of them!

“I’ll take that look on your face that you do, wonderful! You have no idea how hard it was to finally track one of you down. We have so many questions.”

Novat saw the metal octopus crawling over to the lich, as Ten-Lin handed the metal orb to it. As he then left, Novat growled at this thing as his anger grew. This iron lich, he would not betray his master. He would die before telling them anything.

“My master will kill you! I am nothing more than a humble aculite, an apprentice! If I could destroy one of your machines. He has more than enough power to stop you, you cannot win. For we’re-!”

Ten-Lin saw the metal in Novat's stomach and without warning, reached down and pulled it out! Novat cried out in pain as he held his belly to try and stop the bleeding. He glared at the undead who just didn’t seem to care. The lich was looking at the jagged metal before he spoke once more.

“It was a failure on our part, not your power. We didn’t know a warcaster was here, but now we do. If you know of them, I’m sure your master knows far more than you do. You will be very useful once added to our ranks.”

“If you think I’ll join you, you’re mad! I’d… Rather die than help, you…”

The lich laughed, as if that was a joke. Novat was confused as he saw shadows moved as the fires started to die down. And the only light source was from the lich’s own body. It glared at him before its metal helmet peeled away to show its face. A skull of something long dead, as its eyes glowed with a fire that will never die out.

“There are many ways to join cryx, alive, willingly or dead. Not in that order, but once you know what we do. You will be more than willing to join our ranks if not, we can find other uses for you.”

Without warning, the bladed claw that looked like suckators with one side sharpened like a sword. Reached out and cut the griffon throat like a weed, as Novat life blood left him he saw the glowing eyes of the scrap and mechanithralls watch him die. As more metal monsters growled waiting in the dark. Ten-Lin leaned in closer looking into Novat's eyes as the last thing he heard was the iron lich’s voice.

“Do not fear, we will take care of you. My new apprentice.”

Moregal looked up from his work, on the last floor. He frowned as the doctors continued their work. That was an explosion inside the bunker. He sent his apprentice to find out what was happening.

The old griffon rubbed one of the horns around his neck, he had more than his apprentice. Moregal found himself rubbing at the Null ring on his talon next, a ring made from orichalcum. If he were to take it off his powers would be ten fold. Sadly, he was old. He wasn’t sure if his body could handle that much power all at once. He needed a new ring but put it off for later.

Moregal started to get annoyed when a griffon soldier started yelling that the enemy had breached the seventh floor and were pushing to the eighth! He hissed before picking up his staff and turning back to the doctors who stopped their work.

“Keep working, I’ll need that horn as soon as you’re done.”

Moregal said before walking away, leaving behind the griffon doctors who were about to start the unicorn horn removal. Griffons ran past or set up barricades, the last floors were cargo holds. Where they kept their supplies, he was on the ninth floor; it was the most heavily guarded floor throughout the whole base. He grew annoyed at the lax of discipline in this place. Most important of all, no one past level eight knew about it.

However it could not be fully staffed with griffons loyal to them. The only way down to this floor was the frat elevator. And a single stairwell where only one griffon can walk down it one at a time. It was made that way to make it harder for someone to breach the lowest level.

The sound of the elevator started to move and filled the space, Moregal frowned as griffon soldiers ran to try and stop anyone from leaving once the door opened. They waited as at last the elevator at last stopped at the ground level. Once the elevator door finally opened, it was full of smoke.

Moregal narrowed his eyes, as the soldiers carefully moved closer. They see three glowing forms, before a jet of flame shoots out setting two griffons on fire! Moregal hissed in anger at their deaths, because he had less meat shields between him and the enemy now. As two other machines ran out into the storage area running away quickly and setting fire to other crates!

“Fools stop them! We cannot let them destroy our work!”

Moregal screamed, if one of those monsters reached an ammo crate and it set off an explosion. The damage could bring down the upper floors on top of them. If it wasn’t for the fact orichalcum was used in the building of the base to stop intruders from just teleporting in. He turned back to the one who attacked first and saw the metal thing walking out on two short legs. It had two tubes attached under its skull. Ending in a nozzle still dripping fire.

Moregal charged an ice spell but as soon as he saw it, the monster ran! It ran though crates, jumped on top of them or crushed them if they could not support its weight. Moregal caused the fools who were in the way, as the thing fled. Running off as griffon soldiers ran after it. Moregal didn’t stop charging his spell out of pure hate as he heard the chaos and saw the glow of fire behind boxes.

He was going to kill every last one of these intruders if it was the last thing he ever did! Moregal stopped as he had a sudden thought. Something was off, these things could have killed more griffons if they worked together. Instead they spelt up and started setting fires? Moregal saw the thick smoke hadn’t left the elevator yet, Moregal looked at the spell in his talon and fired it into the smoke!

Out of annoyance. It hit something as ice formed on a large metal arm, Ten-lin steps out as he casts his own spell to quickly melt the ice from one of his arms. He is still holding the necklace in one of his claws. Moregal saw it and pointed his staff at the lich in a mix of confusion and spite.

“Where is my apprentice? What have you done to them, monster!”

“Dead, I killed them.”

Moregal frowns as he looks at this thing, stepping out from the smoke. It had what looked like instance burners hanging from its body. But nothing burned inside of them, they only gave off a soft glow from within. It wasn’t neutral, he knew that much. Some kind of magic perhaps?

“What do you hope to achieve here, destroying this base will not lead to anything good for you! We will hunt you down and destroy you all! This will change nothing for the war!”

“Oh I don't think that is true, you work for Die Leucht. You little apprentice told us as much.”

Moregal looked surprised, not that his now dead apprentice told this monster about them. But it looked like they were seeking them out. Impossible, there was no way they were exposed. Their group was careful, too careful in fact. Borderline paranoid at most. Moregal needed to escape this place and warn the others. Yet the lich fired a spell at him that rots one of the wooden crates behind him into mulch.

Moregal only got out of the way in time by teleporting. Short range teleportation worked, but he could not leave the base. His greater fear at this moment was the quickly melting wooden crate. There were very few spells that acted like that. Dark magic and necromancy. Dark magic can be stopped by ever light or harmony magic, Necromancy can be blocked. But to cancel it out or stop it you needed holy magic. Something they didn’t see as needed.

The one time they needed a type of magic as a weapon and they didn’t have it! Moregal would have screamed in rage if he wasn’t fighting for his life. He was switching between spells to try and attack Ten-Lin. The Lich was slippery, as he climbed over, behind or even threw crates back at the battle mage. The fires were already starting to spread as smoke crawled across the ceiling. If he didn’t end things quickly he could end up dying in this place!

One of the light helljacks had looped back, and sent out a jet of flame at the griffon! Moregal used one of the horns and casted a barrier spell to block the fire. Moregal turned in time to see the iron lich chargeback, with its suckator claw snapped out at the griffon! Moregal used a teleport spell but only once he got away, why did he feel pain coming from his claw?

Moregal looked at his left claw and saw two if his fingers were missing. That thing just cut off two of his fingers, Moregal wasn’t angry anymore he was levied! Ten-Lin noticed something shiny on one of the severed digits. The lich reached out and picked one up, finding the null ring still on the finger. The iron lich’s head snapped back to the old griffon who growled, as magic surged around him.

“This was a mistake…”

Ten-Lin could tell this griffon held a lot of power, and he had inadvertently just cut off his limiter. So he did what any changeling would have done before becoming a lich. He ran! It seemed like Moregal had no restaurant and was using a number of ice, fire and even lightning spells to try and hit Ten-Lin. It was clear the griffon wanted the lich dead, and was more than willing to use all his power to do it!

Meanwhile the light helljacks were setting fires or running though groups of griffon soldiers who got in their way. Crushing or setting them on fire before running off to continue their last orders.

One revived a new order by its warcater, the iron lich had ordered it to ambush the lich's attacker. Obeying the next set of instructions. The light helljack moved between crates, waiting as it triggered a vent to reduce the smoke that was bellowing from its smokestacks. It hid and waited, waiting for its order to attack.

Ten-Lin tried shooting back a few spells in the hopes something would weaken the barrier of magic. Yet using unicorn horns could still hold magic, but at some point that magic should run out. There were many ways to use a horn from a unicorn, shortcut to using spells was just one side of it.

Another was to leech magic from the pony if they were still alive, if one could call that living. It would be like a changeling being unable to change forms. Trapped in their true form unable to gather love. He can still remember starving to death, because he was too injured to change.

Then he was brought back, and saw the face of his new king. The one they called Asphyxious, the lich lord, the dragon father. A bolt of magic sent pain though Ten-Lin's body as he didn’t slow down and throw a crate at the old griffon. The crate bursts as a fireball hits it, sending jars of jam to hit the floor. Before the jam quickly vaporized as the griffon passed it.

The iron lich did not slow down, when he ran into the path of soldier’s running with buckets of water. The first one he swats aside, the next one he beheaded without thinking, the third he grabs and then throws them at Moregal! The old griffon swats the soldier aside with his staff.

The griffon soldier hit a crate with a snap! Bones braking, cutting off the griffon's ability to speak as they slid to the floor unmoving. Ten-Lin found another soldier that was hiding and used them as a meat shield to block Moregal next attack, the body quickly burned as Moregal landed with magic and fire dancing over their robes.

“You’re willing to kill your own? I thought you would care about one of your own?”

Ten-Lin asked, slowly backing away, dropping the body. As the scent of burnt flesh and smoke filled the air.

“Fool, they can be replaced. We’re fighting for something more, so much more than you can imagine. True power, this world will bend to our might. We will rule everything!”

Moregal shouted in rage, wanting nothing more than to end the lich here, he quickly pulled up a barrier as the lich used the horns Ten-Lin still had in his claws. Ten-Lin didn’t like using them like this, it made his soul feel ill, sick even. Like he was forcing himself to eat the bitter taste of despair and hatred. The horns he used to fire off one powerful bolt of magic started to crack! He threw them at Moregal and retreated as the three horns let out a magic explosion.

That pushed them both away, Ten-lin was surprised at how much power the three horns held. He had a plan, but this new information painted it in a new light. Moregal stepped out from the smoke and dust. A small cut over his eye, as his injured claw charged a new spell with more power than before. Ten-Lin was sure this next attack would do some damage to him.

“Are you ready to die?”

Moregal asked as lightning danced over his talon with its missing fingers. With a smile over his beck, taking pleasure in watching the lich on the floor like a wounded rat! Ten-Lin did not get up, after all he still had a few tricks to play.

“Done that, but would you like to try it?”

The iron lich asked, pointing a metal finger at something. Moregal only turned when he heard something running up behind him! When he turned he saw one of the metal beasts run up and let out a jet of flame at him! Moregal swings his staff and then quickly casts a barrier spell, after finding out the flames were not magical by nature. The griffon smirks as he knows what the lich was trying to do but would not fall for it!

Moregal spins readying to cast another spell at the lich, suddenly he heard two gunshots! Moregal at first thought one of the soldiers at last dealt with the problem and were doing their jobs. Then he saw one of the horns around his neck shatter! The magic from the horn was going out of control as three more horns started to crack, Moregal looked over his shoulder confused as another horn was missing from his staff.

Then he saw it out of the corner of his eye, a ghostly griffon with a pistol in each talon. Moregal mind was racing at this point asking himself, where did that come from! What was this griffon doing!? Were they a traitor?! It didn’t matter as the horns he was wearing were starting to go into magical overlord. Moregal dropped his staff, and tried to pull the necklace of horns free only to get a gut shot as the ghost faded away.

If he did not free the necklace from around his neck soon, Moregal laughed as he freed the horns from his neck and was about to throw them away! The horns then exploded!

It was bright, loud, and crates were left destroyed all around them in the explosion of magic. Ten-Lin slowly got back up once it was over, as a dozen boxes were on fire now, the Defiler survived as it limped over with its armour dented and cracked.

Ten-lin then saw Moregal broken form face down, bones were broken and fragments from the horns were now buried inside the griffon body. Moregal coughed on his own blood, Ten-Lin knew what he wanted to ask as he walked over and turned them onto their back.

“That was a pistol wraith. I find them remarkably useful, unlike the others I use trickery and deception to win my battles. So don’t start preaching to me about honour, or being strong. You need to be smart and if that is not enough, you need to be underhanded enough to cheat.”

Ten-Lin didn’t wait as he stabbed the griffon in the chest going through his heart. The fires were spreading now, however he noticed something of interest. The iron lich made his way over to a room, it was clean. A surgery room maybe? He thought before seeing the griffon doctors who had stopped in the middle of their task.

Backing up and crying out in fear, Ten-Lin ignored them. He was more interested in the unicorn that was on the table. Part of their skin pulled back to expose the skull and horn. It seemed they were in the middle of removing the horn. They already had all the tools right here, there was a small cut into the horn from where they started and stopped.

“Flinch, kill them, try not to aim for their heads. I may need them later.”

The ghostly griffon appeared and let loose four gunshots, as each griffon cried out before dying. Ten-Lin washed his claws, as he set Flinch the pistol wraith to get Nuk to collect their spoils of the dead. Once his claws were clean, he got to work attaching skin and flesh back to bone. Covering the skull back up, there will be scars, but the pony will live.

If they join the ranks of cryx is another question, but it couldn’t hurt to ask. Besides, when one has everything they care about taken from them. They’re willing to fight back, with even more bitter vial intent than any undead. He carefully moved the cloth aside that was covering the pony face. If it wasn’t for the new stitches he was using to hold her head together she would be pretty. She still can be, once the scar heals.

Ten-Lin shook his head, this wasn’t the time for idle fantasies. Or foolish feelings of fancy, he had a job to do. And bringing back survivors was just another part of it. Ten-Lin could not help but brush a strand of her mane aside, he regrets he can no longer feel the warmth of flesh anymore. He brushed that thought aside as he pushed the table outside, as scrapthralls gathered the bodies. Getting ready to leave this place.

It was all over the news, about how a secret bunker was attacked. It was only found days after the attack itself. Because of the fires that were left and its main doors were open. The news was struggling in trying to find anything about it, what was worse some of the local news outlets found out the army in the area had no idea it was even there!

However the information control stopped the news from spreading, this was a problem. Not for most griffons who’re told only what they needed to hear to carry on with their lives. But because many investigators were trying to find out what had happened. Only to be blocked and turned away.

A number of small towns were concerned that such a bunker was so close by and was attacked without any griffon noticing. All their questions and concerns were ignored. Not out right but in the wording of replies, saying they will look into it and nothing happens. Even the soldiers were starting to get restless, they wanted answers and no one seemed to have any.

Some towns were reporting being attacked by zombies, there were only minor injuries but homes were damaged. For the past week, the problem was the army couldn’t track down where they were coming from.

One night a large town was attacked, this time the griffon soldiers were ready. But what they saw horrified them. The zombies were their own troops, their own kin wearing their uniforms. And leading them was a two headed griffon of a long dead general.

The fighting lasted three days, as news outlets got wind of this battle and went to record it. They were shocked when they first saw the fighting. Thinking the empire's own soldiers had rebelled. Until they saw the zombies first hand, as one tried to fly up and attack them. It was quickly killed but this was a story they wanted to see.

The news spread like a wildfire about a zombie outbreak. By the time it was over, they had subdued the general who was laughing. Only now they found out he was general Ironclaw.

“How are you alive?”

Asked a captain who was here to bring him in, three days of fighting left it mark on all of them. To face their crime for using their own people like this. Ironclaw looked up smiling while the skull head dropped down.

“They remade me, gave me a gift to continue the war. To bring back our soldiers!”

It screamed, for all to hear. Even while the news griffons were being kept back for their safety, they could still hear the undead griffons voice. They were here to record the last words of a traitor to their own kingdom.

“They are everywhere, every office, every branch of our military, in the sets of our law and every shop, even have the ear of our king and queen. And you don’t even know it!”

The captain looked worried after hearing this, it was inconceivable. Yet could it be true, not all griffons were driven by honour. He had seen more than a few driven by greed, be it coin or glory he had seen it. The monster's smile only grew as the skull-like head looked up with its glowing eyes.

“We’re Die Leucht, we control everything, you’re all cattle for the war! We will build on the death of our own children! To rule the world, all in the name of Die Leucht! All hail Die-!”

Ironclaw was then shot in the head! Every soldier turned to the one who did it. A single griffon who quickly shot another two griffons next to him before trying to fly away, they were tacked and pinned down! Before the captain could give the order to do so. As he marched over to get any answers about what the private was thinking or why they just killed the undead. The griffon bit something in their beck and suddenly started to froth at the mouth and their eyes rolled back.

They poisoned themselves, the captain was shocked about this. The soldier was dead. Then to add insult to it all, Ironclaw's body caught on fire in bright green flames! Burning the body to its bones, turning into melted slag and bubbling remains. The Captain didn’t know what to do, but if anything Ironclaw said was true. They needed to get the word out and fast, he turned to the press.

“You all heard that! What that thing said, I want you to tell everygriffon about this. About this group called Die Leucht, I don’t care if you have to spread it by word of mouth, use everything! Understand! Get the word out, the kingdom is under threat by a group called Die Leucht! Go! These terrorists will be put down!”

They didn’t stick around as every news griffon scrambled for a car to get back or a phone to call their place of work. To tell the story, for every griffon to hear and read. The captain liked to think of himself as a griffon with honour, but if this was true, if their own commanders or worse their own leaders were being lied to by these traitors they needed to warn them.

“Sir, is this wise? We don’t even know anything for sure."

Asked one of the soldiers as the captain moved to send a report to everyone he could think of. The fact they knew nothing and they were able to amass a horde of zombies was something to worry about.

“That's the problem, we don’t know anything. As much as we can’t have a panic on our claws we don’t have a choice. If anything Ironclaw said was true, that means these mad birds are everywhere. That soldier who killed himself, he's been under my command for six years. And I didn’t notice a thing. Only when Ironclaw started talking about this group did he act and shoot him without orders or for the care of the chain of command. We need to act quickly, who knows how deep this goes. We need to warn the commander and if need be the king and queen as well. We’re soldiers, we’re to protect the empire and its griffons! We must not fail them.”

The next few days would be a mad rush on one side trying to warn about a group who was turning their own kin into zombies soulless monsters, the other trying to stop the spread of the name Die Leucht. This madness would be a chaotic mess all over the eastern region, however the capital and the Weston region of the empire will not get word of it.

This would last for years to come, making it harder for the military most of all. Because they were cut off from command, and the few who tried to report to HQ about this. Didn’t come back, as the information was slowly being silenced only one small region to the east would keep trying to tell every griffon to ask. Who were Die Leucht, why did they attack towns with zombies, why did they do this to their own honourable soldiers turning them into soulless undead.

Most important of all, why didn’t they know about them, why didn’t their military know about them, do their royals even know who this group was? They asked again and again, with silence painting a terrible picture. A picture that could lead into civil war, if no one could answer them.

Grimscythe got reports about the chaos on the surface. It looked like the eastern region would be destabilised for years to come. It would take time, and they needed it to plan their next move. While they hunted for Die Leucht members. Now that they had Moregal soul, they could ask all the questions they wanted.

Ten-Lin had a new unwilling apprentice, the griffon neck was stitched closed. And followed behind the lich, as an undead with a new staff and carrying a number of soul cages on their person.

“You will doom us all. Stop these monsters and you will have a place in our order!”

Grimscythe turned to Moregal, as the ghostly griffon was floating over there own body. Unlike Ironclaw, they may be able to still use Moregal. Maybe going as far as turning him into another iron lich. Maybe, but not for now. He was too much like a fanatic, they were the worst kind to make into an iron lich. Too prone to making mistakes and needless risks.

“You already did that, I am merely trying to offer our people a future where we can be proud of who we are. So we can be honourable again!”

“Lie to yourself all you want, traitor! You will never have a place under our royals-!”

“Quirt.”

Spoke up Voltear as he stood beside Grimscythe. Moregal soul was forced to obey. Unable to resist the magics in place, keeping their soul here. Moregal can struggle, thanks to his living body once holding magic. However for a soul to resist this kind of spell, required mental discipline and an indomitable will. Moregal didn’t seem to have these, ever they were lucky. Or they were just arrogant, thinking no one would bring one of their own back from the dead to get information.

“How many of you are there?”

“I do not know.”

“How many do you know by name?”

“42 by code, 13… I know personally.”

“Their names and where they live?”

It went on like that for hours, days, weeks. They asked their questions, and in the end Moregal stopped resisting. It was too painful to try and lie, to hold back on what he truly knew. Yet his soul would not know rest, for every soul had value. Even one as rotten as Moregal.

Moregal could only watch, as maggots and beetles ate away the dead flesh from his bones. And the lich’s did nothing to stop it, they asked their questions. Cutting and digging out every scrap of information they wanted and more.

Then the day came, where he had nothing more to tell. Moregal saw them dragging something hollow over, it had four arms. Long metal spines on it back, a long neck with no head. The mix of undead griffons and dogs and ponies of all things. Started taking it apart there were gaps in the metal frame, to put something inside.

“What are you doing?!”

Moregal demanded, as the necrotech’s worked. Collecting Moregal bones and putting them into the new frame, before putting the metal body together. Voltear looked at Moregal watching the necrotech’s working.

“They’re building a Soul Trapper, this unit's sole goal is to collect the souls of the recently slan. You will become one, you’re not loyal to cryx, or follow the dragonfather. Our king, our guide, our god. So we have little choice but your skills with magic would have been useful. However we cannot risk so much on you trying to warn your masters. Do not fear, you will no longer feel that any more once it is complete.”

Moregal watched in horror as they took his bones one by one, and implanted it into the new body of metal. Moregal started shouting in protest, demanding to be set free. He cursed, threatened, begged and lastly tried to bribe them. Yet they continued with their work, until only the skull remained.

Once they took that and placed it on the empty neck of the body was it complete. Voltear suddenly grabbed Moregal’s soul, pulling them free from the magic holding them in place, but a new feeling of horror and fear held him as they got closer to his new body. It felt like a hollow never ending maw, wide and hungry, dying of hunger it can never fill.

“I’ll give you anything you want! Gold, spells! Just name it, I’ll give you everything, just let me go!”

Voltear turned to the soul in his hand, for a moment thinking. Then said something that made his soul feel very cold.

“We already have everything we need, the only thing of value left is your soul. Welcome to your new body and home.”

Voltear simply held Moregal soul out to the soul trapper, as the griffon soul was slowly then quickly sucked into their new body. At first the soul trapper didn’t move then it gasped, in panic as if they were drowning. Then it slowly started to rise from the floor floating on legless feet, looking at its four claw-like hands. It looked up at Voltear who gave off the impression he was smiling at it.

“Welcome Gal. To the vipers of cryx.”

The new soul trapper stared up at the iron lich, as all its soul knew was fear and horror. But there was a hollow feeling inside of itself, that made it all so much worse. The only sound it made was an ear splitting scream!