"Lord Merciless." A voice echoed from everywhere. I could not see, for everything was encased in darkness. I could not feel my body, because I had none. Scratch that, I could feel something, gently cradling me like a child. I didn’t know what was going on. Where was I? Who was I? What was happening? Why is everything so dark? Why don't I remember anything of myself- Now that is strange! What the hell! The voice spoke again, interrupting my panicking thoughts.

"Be my prophet, ignite the forgotten light, and bring forth the birth of an Empire." Feeling myself being lowered I was gently rested into some sort of bed. But instead of soft mattress or warm blankets, I felt something smooth yet ice cold upon my back. I then felt pinches of sharp needles dig into my body. I tried to scream it all out, but any sound was deafened away in absolute silence. I couldn’t make a faintest of sounds even as I was being tortured. But at the same time, I felt electrified with power, yet my body froze with hate and pain. I couldn’t understand why I felt this way, or why this was happening to me. What sins have I committed to earn such torture? The twisted feeling of agony and might kept increasing as I struggled to get away from this horror. To my dismay, the dreaded voice slithered into my ear once again.

"Drench they fallow land in tainted blood with the ashes of the sinful. Thus blossom the world into a new age of burning beauty." The pain, that all I could think about at this point. The power flowing into me becoming so intense and overwhelming that it began overwriting everything I knew. My seemingly erased past, now flooded with the knowledge of hundreds. From the arcane arts to the might of a sword, I remembered everything that was bestowed upon me like a machine. And I helplessly took and obeyed it. Sadly, my relief from the pain did not last as it came back. This time, to horrifically remind me of the predicament I was in. Suddenly, I felt my body being shredded apart like burnt bark, flaking like that of kindling and spread across the cold metal table. My silent pleas for a quick death or mercy were met with the likes of Hellfire.

Why am I not dead? I'm being burned alive for all I know! Why is this happening to me?! What have I done to deserve this?!

But as quickly as it came, it ended as so. The pain subsided to nothingness as I felt much different. I felt as if my body was like the substance of clay, being molded by hands of a master craftsmen. But this feeling soon ended as felt burning heat across my body. Similar to that of a metal, I was nothing more than a material, being forged to create a masterpiece. My it be a long sword for battle or a crown fit for a king, I did not know. But whatever the purpose I may be for be, I was going to serve it till I was no more. Yet I felt as if I had a choice. Freewill, but guided to fulfill a destiny. I would either follow with my mind or follow blind. I decided to go the obvious route.

"And may none stand in your path, for all will fall in your vengeful wake. Rise where I have fallen. Now rise, Lord Merciless. RISE!" The voice echoed with might, awakening something inside me. My new body shook with burning energy as my senses were released with freedom of control. As I began to awaken from the darkness I felt being lifted up from the ground as I was yet again, merged with something. This time, feeling like a second skin, wearing it like heavy cloths rather than fusing with my bones. My body felt different, now completely devoid of any form of pain, same seemed to be with my own consciousness. But one thing was for sure. I felt much stronger, stronger the I should be having. Even as my memories were absent, I just knew that this was not normal or possible. My mind began to falter once again with fear. This still has to be a dream. I must to wake up! I need to get up! Now.

I then awoke, my body igniting with the presence of an unknown energy. This energy felt far more powerful than any mortal should have. I shut those thought away, my safety coming first than to ponder on these mysteries. As if on command, my sense of smell and taste activated. I instantly regretted that decision as all of my nerves were assaulted with the feral smell of death. The air was filled of a mix toxic decay and deadly chemicals. Wherever I was, hell must have passed through before I awoke. As on command, I opened my eyes, seeing the timeless sky. The sun was nearing it's dawn, as was the moon to soon rise, but neither were moving. I willed my body get up and strangely did so without any complaints. I looked down at myself, my entire body seemingly clad in dark demonic armor.

"Where on earth am I?" I asked, my voice sounding tainted by evil yet having some sort of wraith behind each syllable. If anything, I sounded like demonic being with a chilling metallic echo.

"You are on no earth my child." A voice slithered behind me. Instinctively I turned around, ready to kill whoever had one this. I was met with a cloaked ghost like being with a staff.

"Who are you! What have you done to me!?" I nearly yelled, letting my emotions run free. Yet for some reason, I did not fear the grim reaper like figure whatsoever. Could I fear? Bah! There's no time for that kind of thinking! I was pissed and ready to tear that ghost apart, if it is possible.

"I am Malus Messor, your creator and twin of sort. But what I have done to you is of greatness and betterment of the world!" He announced, praising me as if I was the final touch of a masterpiece.

"Twin?" I asked, unsure as of what he was going at. Or he was insane spirit. I'm gonna go with that.

"Yes. You are comprised of the last bits of my damned human soul. Yet I have created a whole new and more powerful being with the reminiscence of my dying sprite~" He sang with madness, sniping around as more of his body began to decay away with his movements.

"Sorry. My cursed parts and imperfections are tearing themselves apart! But before I become one with oblivion, you must finish what I have started!" He stated, keening my interest again.

"And what may that be?" I asked, feeling as if he was telling the truth. Even though how outrageous this guy seemed, this whole entire situation was completely bizarre. So I might as well get something out of him or figure out what exactingly happens to me. Yet as much as I out right kill him for torturing me, I felt restricted to listen to and heed his words.

"Bring my empire to life! I have slain the Sun Tyrant, yet I was slain as well..." He mumbled off staring into the frozen sun. Malus quickly shook his head, now gazing over the wasteland we were in. Man this guy is nuttier than Scratch from the Ice Age movie!

"But that matter not Durus Rex... Oh wait! That's also you name by the way! Dammit! I totally forgot to tell you!" He said with shock as he face-palmed himself for his idiocy. I merely stared at the ghoul, unfazed ad unimpressed by his actions. This guy must be on some aging mood swings or is just bit shit crazy. Scratch that, this entire situation is an absolute mindfuck... He began shuddering something about some 'Merchant', but I ignored his useless whispers. I began to think on how this was happening from a logical perspective. This is probably some sort of crazy dream or- Dammit! He talking again.

"Now that you who you are, let's get back to business! While I am condemned to fade away into the never ending void, in my ashes, you will take my place and bringing about the beginning of a new era. I have given you all of the tools, but you must use them to bring freedom and reclaim the eternal throne." He continued, waving his hand toward a structure in the distance. I merely glanced over to the fort off in the distance, not wanting this crazy ghost to get a chance at jumping me. Before I could ask where in hell is this place or demand him to take me home. None of this makes any sense!

"That there, is a spark. A single dwindling ember that will ignite the world into a blaze of revolution and war! And you must take it while you can. Tell them that you are my successor and that you will fulfill my dreams of greatness. Your empire awaits you Lord Merciless!" He said, striding away into a jet black portal that appeared out of nowhere. Right before he began fading away into nothing, he sang out.

"Please do live up to your name~" Malus finished, vanishing from the very plains of existence. The only person that could give me answers I had just vanished into his supposed death. The only thing going through my mind was "What the fuck just happened?" and "Why does this feel like some crappy video game intro?". Both of these questions not getting an answer anytime soon, I looked off into the distance, seeing the gray fort as the only piece of civilization, I marched onward.

-Two Weeks Latter-

Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship and Element of Magic. Those are title she is proud of and happy to fulfill. But of recent days, she's called at the levels of a murder and madmare. Thanks to the wide spread of rumors, lies, and propaganda by the media, she has been forced into hiding within her ow home with spike. But three weeks ago, the screams and reports of the known Slaughter of the Everfree Forest has brought Equestria into an uproar of utter chaos. Civil War, once a forgotten and unthinkable disaster was now roaring in every major city of Equestria. In basic terms, it was a war for control. Royalty and the Common Pony fighting in rabid and barbaric mobs. Factions have sprouted up all over the country, most for the Common Pony, few just for the Rich, and some other in between. But the largest fraction, the Equestria Shields of Safety (ESS) have made Twilight the number one enemy of the state. Now wanted dead or alive, she is on the run with the other five Elements of Harmony and their family members. Being driven from the north, east, and west, they have only one way to go. South. And the only trail leading south is through Everfree Forest. And may God help them all, for what awaits them is absolutely merciless.

Author's Note

For those who don't know or are too lazy...

Malus Messor (Latin) is equivalent to Evil Reaper
Durus Rex (Latin) means Merciless King.