The Prime Elements

"So..." Rainbow Dash questioned, eyeing the two strangers, "You're from another world, huh?"

"That we are." Killian replied, looking from one pony to the next, "But, as we said before, we didn't have much of a choice. Once we dispose of Mortese, we'll leave."

It was early afternoon and the other ponies had arrived at the castle. At first, they weren't very sure about why they were there, but when they saw Matthias and Killian, it all became very, very clear. They had heard about two odd looking figures in Ponyville, but they never saw them, until now. And when they did, none of the ponies could fully understand how creatures like these could exist.

"What makes ya'll think he's here?" Applejack asked, hearing the intimidation in his voice, "I mean, he opened a portal to get here. What if he opened another to leave?"

"Like most things," Kilian replied, "magic can be traced. The problem is knowing where to find a magical disturbance. As far as we know, we're the only disturbance in the past two days."

Knowing more than her fair share of magic, Twilight looked at the map as a thought entered her mind.

"I've got an idea." She said, illuminating her horn, "If I can combine a detection spell with the map, I might be able to find the most recent magical disturbances."

Her horn glowed brighter as she began putting her plan into action. The map flickered as lines crossed the detailed surface. From all different areas of Equestria, they saw coloured dots in random places. However, most of the dots were small and light coloured, except two.

"There." Twilight said, pointing at the two dark red dots, "The first one is in the Everfree Forest, where you two appeared. The second is on the very edge of the ocean part of the map. But, where it is, there's nothing there."

Everyone looked at the point on the map, that was so far, it almost looked like it might've been going beyond the edge.

"Is there anything beyond those waters?" Killian asked, walking around the table to where the dot was.

"Hang on." Twilight replied, focusing on the map as the surface began to move, until it reached the exact point the dot had appeared.

However, where it was didn't look very comforting or welcoming to anyone. The place they were looking at was littered with volcanoes, canyons, bodies of water, and mountain ranges that would be perfect for channeling strong wind currents. To the Vandlgradian warriors, it wasn't anything new to them. But, to the ponies, it looked like a dangerous and terrifying place, not meant for the lighthearted.

"Well done!" A deep voice boomed, making everyone look around the throne room, "You've found my little home away from home."

"I know that voice!" Matthias said, feeling a sense of anger inside him.

"Well, how about that? The mighty warrior and his pet."

"Where are you?!" Killian growled, quickly grabbing the sword that had been resting against Twilight's throne.

"Right here."

Suddenly, the map surface began to twist and bend as the mountains and valleys disappeared. In their place, a blurry figure began to take form. As they watched, everyone could see a tall man with long hair, wearing a dark purple robe, holding a staff with a blue gem in one hand, with a devilish smile take shape. However, he didn't become solid. Once he was fully formed, he was still somewhat transparent, which only told them that what they saw was only a manifestation, not a real being.

"Mortese!" Killian growled, taking a battle stance, "How did you know we were here?"

"It wasn't difficult to know that you followed me through the portal." The manifestation said as his smile grew slightly and his eyes narrowed, "And using magic to find me was more than easy for me to confirm it. And now I know where you are too."

"If so, then why don't you come and face the judgement you deserve? I'll make it swift."

"As tempting as that sounds, I'm afraid it would interfere with my plans. But, since you now know where to find me, you're more than welcome to stop by."

"I'm not going to someplace that allows you to have the advantage, Mortese."

"No? Then, perhaps, this will give you some motivation."

The blue gem on his staff glowed and a young woman appeared at his feet. Her frayed hair draped over her face as she sat in front of Mortese. Her outfit consisted of a white blouse and gown that appeared to be slightly battered, while her skin was dirty, but unharmed. Her hands looked as though they had been dragged across stone, while on her feet, she had nothing to protect them from the cold, rough ground, making them match her hands.

Even though none of them could see her face, it was all too obvious that the woman was frightened.

"Rise." Mortese said in a deep tone, causing the young woman to stand, "And introduce yourself."

Once she was at a complete stance, everyone saw that she was quivering uncontrollably.

"I-I am Princess Katrina of Vandlgrad." She whispered, pulling back her hair and revealing her face.

Killian kept his composure as he looked upon the frightened princess. But, for Matthias, there were no words to describe the thoughts and emotions he felt when he saw Katrina. His glowing blue eyes flickered lightly, his muscles tensed tightly, and his heart beat like a war drum. However, he didn't make his reaction obvious. He knew how to control his anger, but only to a certain point. And this was pushing his limits heavily.

"I don't really care when you get here." Mortese said, waving his hand, signalling Katrina to leave, "But, know this, the longer it takes for you to come to her rescue, the more difficult and dangerous her stay here becomes."

"You hurt her," Matthias growled, showing his fangs, "I'll rip out your heart and eat it!"

"I have no interest in harming her, myself. But, considering where I am, she might bring harm upon herself if she's not careful."

Lowering the sword, Killian glared at the sorcerer as he finished his sentence with a grin.

"What is it that you want, Mortese?" Killian asked, keeping a sharp eye on the manifestation.

"Isn't it obvious?" Mortese chuckled, "I want to rule worlds and gain more power than anyone can dream of. And, after I drain the magic from this world, I'm going to return to ours and erase humans from existence, before moving on to the next and doing the same."

"You can't handle that much power."

"Just watch me."

With that, the manifestation disappeared, allowing the map the return to it's true form. But, everyone had heard and felt the gravity of what the sorcerer said.

"Your highness," Killian said, addressing Celestia, "is there a place where we can resupply ourselves? Preferably, armor and weapons?"

"Yes." Celestia replied, "I have a friend in our capital city who can help you."

"Thank you, Princess."

Killian turned to look at Matthias, but found the half-demon gone.

"Matthias!" Killian called, receiving no answer.

"I'll go see if I can find him." Starlight said, turning towards the door that was ajar.

Leaving the throne room and heading towards one of the guest rooms, Starlight kept her ears open for anything that might tell her where Matthias was. But, when she got there, she found the room empty. Seeing no one inside, Starlight continued to search through the castle.

"Where are you?" Starlight asked, speaking to herself.

Shortly after, Starlight heard the sound of footsteps walking through the halls.

"Matthias?" Starlight said, turning a corner and finding him on the balcony, looking over the landscape, "Are you alright?"

"He stole her." Matthias said in a threatening tone, keeping his eyes on the horizon, "He stole her and I wasn't there to stop him."

"You were in the middle of a war, Matthias. How could you have known?"

All at once, the fire in Matthias' eyes exploded into an inferno that rivaled the strongest volcano.

"IF I WAS THERE, SHE WOULD BE SAFE!!" Matthias shouted, tears flowing out of his eyes and catching Starlight off guard, "EVERYTHING I'VE DONE, I DID FOR HER!! I'VE GIVEN BLOOD AND METAL TO ENSURE THAT SHE WOULDN'T GET CAUGHT IN ANY OF THIS!! AND YET, MORTESE MANAGED TO GET HIS WICKED BLOOD SOAKED HANDS ON HER!!"

Starlight was so surprised she took a step back and illuminated her horn.

"Matthias, please, calm down!" Starlight exclaimed, seeing Matthias turn towards her and revealing his raging expression, "I can see she means something to you, but acting like this isn't going to help her. Just settle down and then all of us can come up with a plan. Okay?"

Matthias stared hard at her for a brief moment, before breathing heavily and slightly relaxing. But, Starlight could still see the fury that burned in his glowing blue eyes. Dimming her horn, Starlight approached Matthias cautiously as he fell to his knees.

"She's all I have left, Starlight." Matthias said, lowering his gaze to the floor, "The only person who has cared about me, since my mother was executed, is now the prisoner of a monster."

"It's obvious that you love her, I can see that." Starlight said, "But, are you prepared for what's about to happen?"

"All I need is some new armor and a sword."