Location: Everfree Forest

The group made up of three royals, five elements bearers, a baby dragon and forty guards are currently trudging their way through the infamous Everfree Forest.

As promised, Fluttershy was leading the group as the Royal Guards formed a protective formation around the group while the Night Guards provided support from the air.

The entire group was walking through the forest for what felt like many hours, searching for the one they came for. Early in their search Fluttershy talked with any (friendly) animals she came across and asked them kindly about the whereabouts of Twilight’s older brother.

So far, only a few animals that the group came across actually saw Dusk and were more then happy to point the group towards the right direction. However, as they ventured deeper into the forest, the group eventually came across a critical problem.

“Do ya’ll hear that?” Applejack asked as the entire group of ponies stopped to listen.

“Hear what AJ? I don’t hear anything.” Rainbow Dash replied in a confused manner, hovering just over the group.

“Exactly. Ah don’t hear or see any animals, crickets, nor Timberwolves. And they’re always prowling in large packs in this here parts of the woods.” Applejack pointed out as the others in the group soon realized what she meant.

“Yeah I noticed that too. Strange… Fluttershy can you find any animals!?” Spike asked, if anypony knows the answer, it would be Fluttershy.

However, the pink maned Pegasus shook her head dejectedly. “I’m sorry everypony, but I can’t find any of my animal friends. I tried looking, begging, bribing, but nopony would answer. It Is as if they all have-”

“Left. Yes, it would seem so. But the question we should be asking ourselves is, what made them leave in the first place?” Luna asked to no one in particular.

“There is only one reason why animals, both herbivores and predators, would leave their homes…” Captain Sun Shield said as everypony suddenly came to the same, horrifying conclusion.

“There is something really scary in this forest that made them leave.” Fluttershy said in a scared/timid tone, frantically looking around in fear.

Sun Shield nodded. “Exactly. I suggest we return to Ponyville. I will gather a squad to properly scout this section of the forest to make sure it’s safe enough before we conduct another search.” The captain suggested.

However, Twilight’s expression remained determined. “No! We can’t give up now! We still have to find my brother; he’s out there somewhere, alone.” Twilight argued as she trudged ahead of the group.

“Twilight, darling, wait! We’ve been searching for hours and I think it’s best we return to Ponyville and search tomorrow after we freshen up after a day at the spa? Plus there is some DREADFUL creature out there scaring all the animals. We wouldn’t want to run into it, right?” Rarity reasoned as the entire group went to catch up with Twilight.

Without stopping, Twilight replied. “I can’t Rarity, we’re so close to finding Dusk! I can feel it!” Twilight continued through the forest, not caring whether or not her friends are following.

She needs to find her brother before it’s too late.

The group finally caught up with the purple Alicorn as Captain Sun Shield is now keeping pace beside Twilight. “With all due respect princess. This forest is massive and our only way of traversing through it and finding your brother is now gone. I suggest that we return to Ponyville and call for more Royal Guards to do a wider spread search of this area. The numbers we have now is not enough and whatever is prowling through this forest might be far too dangerous for us to split up in smaller groups.” The Lieutenant reasoned, however, Twilight stubbornly shook her head.

“C’mon Twilight! You heard the captain. It’s too dangerous to be searching for Dusk any longer.” Spike said in almost a desperate tone.

However, Twilight refused to stop in her tracks. “You don’t understand! This is my brother we’re talking about! He’s already been through enough and I need to find him in order to-”

“Hey does anypony feel something sticky and squishy underneath their hooves or is it just me?” Pinkie interrupted.

Immediately everypony stopped in their tracks as they brought their attention to the ground below them.

“AAAAAAAH! EWEWEWEW! EEEEEEWWWWWWW! IT’S ALL OVER MY HOOVES! IT’S ALL. OVER. MY. HOOVES!” Rarity screamed as she jumped into the arms of Spike, much to the dragon’s pleasure.

The Mane six, royal sisters, and even the guards reacted in variety of degrees of disgust and horror at what they are currently stepping in.
Everywhere around them, the once grassy ground seemly disappeared and replaced with a strange purple mud that they’re currently stepping in. The mud completely enveloping their hooves with each and every step.

“What in tarnation is this stuff!? It’s like some sort of purple mud!” Applejack said as she lifted her right hoof out of the strange mud.

“Man that stuff looks gross. Sucks to be you guys right about now!” Rainbow Dash stated in a cocky tone, safely hovering over the group and away from the ground.

Everypony (sans Celestia and the Night Guards) gave the cyan Pegasus an annoyed glare.

However, unlike the others, Twilight grew curious of the strange mud beneath her as she magically levitated a handful of the unknown mud for a closer inspection.

“This is interesting. I never seen this type of soil in the Everfree before? Princess Celestia have you seen this kind of soil before by any chance?” Twilight asked in a curious tone, completely forgetting her previous objective for the moment.

Unfortunately for Twilight, Celestia shook her head. “I’m sorry Twilight, but neither Luna or I have ever seen such a strange phenomenon. But whatever it is, it might have something to do with the lack of animals in this forest.” Celestia said in a cautious tone.

Twilight nodded. “Yes, maybe. But what is this stuff? I can’t detect any magical properties within this mud. Could it be some form of new soil excreting from the ground reacting to the magical energies within the forest’s air?” Twilight argued in a inquisitive tone.

“I don’t know about you Twilight? But this stuff tastes AMAZING!” Pinkie Pie said as she gobbled another handful of the purple mud.

Everypony’s eyes widened in shock. “PINKIE PIE! SPIT THAT OUT RIGHT NOW! IT MIGHT BE POISONOUS FOR ALL WE KNOW!” Twilight shouted in panic as she magically grabbed the pink party mare, turned her upside down, and started frantically shaking her.

“B-B-B-B-B-u-u-u-u-t-t-t I-I-I-I-I f-f-f-f-e-e-e-e-e-l-l-l-l-l f-f-f-f-i-i-i-i-n-n-n-n-e-e-e-e!” Pinkie tried to explain, however, this did little to ease Twilight’s worries.

It wasn’t until Celestia directly canceled out Twilight’s magical hold on Pinkie was the party mare finally released back onto the muddy ground.

SPLORK!

Everypony gave one another worried glances as the pink party mare was covered from head to hooves in purple mud.

Then in a comically fashion, Pinkie Pie proceeded to lick herself clean of the mud with her comcially oversize tongue. Much to everypony’s disgust.

Pinkie licked her fingers clean while sporting a happy expression. “Mhmmm! This stuff tastes like my grape and strawberry stuffed donuts I made for Scootaloo’s thirteenth birthday. But BETTER!” Pinkie exclaimed in a cheery tone.

A strand of Twilight’s mane sprung out of place. “Pinkie! We don’t know what this stuff even is!” Twilight exclaimed.

Pinkie laughed. “Silly Twilight. Something this tasty isn’t poisonous. If it was then why are the plants looking healthy? Like the trees, flowers, vines, bushes-”

Twilight’s eyes widened as she looked around the vicinity and saw what Pinkie means. The surrounding fauna seem more… healthier, their colours more vibrant.

Is this strange soil the source of all this?

“-poison ivy, lichen, moss, fern, orchid, berry bushes, pine, currant bush, rose bush, lil-”

Applejack covered Pinkie’s mouth, cutting the mare off. “Ah think we get the picture sugarcube.” Applejack said as she removes her hand from Pinkie’s mouth.

Pinkie smiled. “Okie dokie lo-”

All of a sudden Pinkie stood ram rod straight, eyes widened as her entire body started vibrating rather violently, splashing mud everywhere.

The princesses and all the guards were surprised to say the least as they started to worry for the pink mare. Pinkie’s friends on the other hand immediately recognized the mare’s sudden condition.

After a brief moment Pinkie stopped. “Wow! That was a doozy!” Pinkie happily stated.

“What has happened, Pinkie Pie? Are you alright?” Luna asked in a worried tone. Pinkie nodded her head. “Yes indeedy! It was just my Pinkie Sense!” Pinkie replied.

The lunar princess quirked a confused eyebrow. “Pinkie Sense? I have heard of it once before, but what is it exactly?” Luna asked.

Twilight answered. “It’s Pinkie’s way of predicting events in the near future. When something is going to happen her body reacts in many different ways, depending on said event.”

“Yeah! Like twitchy tail means something is going to fall! And when my knees get pinchy then something scary is going to happen! And sometimes it comes in combos such as ear flop, then knee twitch, then eye flutter, that means the will be graced with a beautiful rainbow!” Pinkie explained, showing all of the motions she just mentioned.

Luna frowned in thought. “Your sudden shaking, what does that foretell?” Luna asked in a cautious tone.

Pinkie happily smiled. “I don’t know; it usually means something strange is going to happen or something really strange is nearby! That’s why I call it a doozy!”

The Lunar princess adopted a confused expression. “What do you mean? Did this not happen before?” Luna asked in a confused tone.

This time Spike answered with a laugh. “Yeah! The last time this happened is when Twilight first discovered Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense and tried to find a scientific explanation for it by observing Pinkie for the entire day until she finally gave up and accepted the truth. It was hilarious!” Spike explained, laughing at the memory and earning a glare from Twilight.

While Twilight was trying to set the young drake on fire through eyesight alone, Princess Celestia spoke. “Then this doozy must have something to do with what is happening within this forest. And I think I might have found a solution to our navigation problem.” The princess said.

Everypony adopted confused expression, especially Twilight. “What do you mean princess?”

“What I mean is, Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense only triggers when something strange is nearby. We can use this to find our way to the source of this strange phenomenon, and along the way we might also find your brother, Dusk.” Celestia explained.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Of course! That makes sense! Pinkie!” Twilight said as the pink mare saluted.

“Okie dokie! Twitchy navigator Pinkamena Diane Pie reporting for duty!” Pinkie exclaimed in a cheerful tone as she saluted.

The group once again made their way deeper into the forest, however, this time they were being led by Pinkie Pie.

The group made much more progress as Pinkie’s “Doozies” helped the group transverse through the forest towards the source of the strange mud. As they traveled deeper into the forest, the strange purple mud also became thicker and deeper, almost reaching up to their calves much to Rarity’s growing displeasure. Pinkie’s Doozies also became more frequent as they transverse deeper into the forest, signaling the group that they are getting close.

After an hour of traversing through the forest, the large group of ponies found themselves in front of a large cliff side connecting two large mountains together, almost like a natural wall of stone. At this point Pinkie was shaking non-stop.

“I think the source is on the other side of this mountain?” Spike stated looking up towards the cliff side.

“Yeah. Pinkie has been shaking non-stop since we all got here. Are ya sure yer alright sugarcube?” Applejack asked worriedly towards the vibrating mare.

“Yes darling, you must be feeling awfully DREADFUL shaking like that especially in all of this disgusting mud.” Rarity added with a hint of disgust. For the entire trip that Pinkie had lead, Rarity somehow convinced two of the stallion guards that was escorting the group to carry her in an almost regal fashion, much to the jealousy of a certain dragon.

Pinkie nodded her head, though it was hard to notice with all her shaking. “I-I-I-I-I’m-m-m f-f-f-f-i-i-i-i-i-n-n-n-n-e-e-e-e!”

While Pinkie was shaking up a storm, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Twilight approached the cliff side.

“Do you sense it sister?” Luna asked in almost a cautious tone.

“I do Luna. I felt it ever since we entered the forest. I thought it was just the forest itself, but I now know for sure that whatever is on the other side of this cliff is the source. Do you feel it also, Twilight?” Celestia asked.

Twilight nodded. “Yes I can sense it. It feels like whatever Dusk used to knock me out unconscious, but much larger.” Twilight answered.

Both Alicorn sisters nodded. “Then there is no mistaking it… your brother is on the other side of this cliff.” Luna deduced as she turned towards her flying Night Guards. “CAPTAIN NIGHT SWORD!”

Said captain immediately landed in front of the princesses and bowed onto one knee. “Yes your highness?”

“Take a small group of your best guards and see what’s on the other side of this cliff and immediately report back.” Luna ordered as the captain stood. “At once your highness! Bat Wing! Dark Sky! Night Shroud! You’re with me!” The captain shouted as three other Night Guards soon followed her towards the top of the cliff side.

Twilight turned towards her friends, specifically Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash, I want you to go with them and see what’s on the other side. But be careful ok, we don’t know what’s on the other side.”

The cyan Pegasus gave a dismissal wave. “Twilight, this is the fastest and the most awesome Pegasus in Equestria you’re talking to! I can get this done easy peasy!” Rainbow Dash boasted as she quickly flew and joined the scouting party.

As the scouting party of four Night Guards and one rainbow maned Pegasus disappeared over the top of the cliff, the entire group waited on bated breath for their return.

After what felt like an hour, the unmistakable mane of Rainbow Dash appeared over the cliff edge as said mare looked down towards the group.

“HEY! YOU GUYS SHOULD COME AND SEE THIS! YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT WE FOUND!” shouted the cyan Pegasus.

Both Celestia and Luna looked to one another before address the rest of the group.

“Everyone, gather around. My sister and I will teleport the entire group to the top of the cliff. Twilight, if you would be so kind to help us than we can get this done quickly.” Celestia said as everypony quickly gathered around the princesses.

As soon as everypony was ready, all three of the princess’s horns glowed with magical power. Soon the entire group disappeared and immediately reappeared at the top of the cliff.

Luna turned her attention towards Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow Dash, where is Captain Night Sword and the rest of her party?” Luna asked.

“They sent me back to get you guys! Come on! You all got to see this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she quickly led the group to the other side of the mountainous wall. As soon as they arrived, the entire group finally saw what Rainbow Dash had discovered.

Suffice to say many of the ponies’ eyes almost popped out of their sockets at what they are seeing, especially Twilight.

What the group saw was a large valley surrounded by four large mountains and natural walls of rock and stone hundreds of feet high. However, what caught their attention the most was what is currently occupying the valley.

Everywhere within the valley were strange alien-like structures that nopony in the group has ever seen before, not even the princesses. From their vantage point, they could see that each of these strange structures range in various sizes, shapes and colour as each of these buildings seemed almost alive, like a living being.

Every inch of ground within the vast valley was covered in the same purple mud that covered the Everfree Forest as the buildings themselves seemed to be built on this very mud, and possibly producing this strange soil.

Pocketing the entire valley were hundreds of smaller, but fairly large unknown structures from what Twilight could see. Unlike the other organic buildings, these structures seemed docile, not moving at all. These structures looked similar but yet the group could see two different kinds.

One type of these structures looked like exhaust ports but if it was made up of flesh and spikes. It shaped vaguely like a three column cake that Pinkie makes on a daily basis.

The other type was quite different as it has a single large bony spike protruding from it’s spiky base. It’s functions unknown to the group of confused ponies.

However, all these organic looking buildings paled in comparison at what caught the groups attention the most.

At the center of the valley is a massive alien structure, the various mountains and natural stone walls barely obstructing its view from the outside world. It looked like a huge tent shaped castle with five large towers of bone-like blades surrounding it with the tip of each blades meeting near the top of the castle. At the very top the group could see large teeth covering and surrounding what seems like the mouth/exhaust of the castle. And like the other buildings, the entire structure seemed to be a living creature as it is made out of flesh and hard looking carapace. The entire structure is also surrounded by 4 more smaller versions of it. At the bottom, the group could also see what looks like an entrance, a gaping fleshy mouth.

There was a brief moment of silence as the group tried to digest what they are currently seeing right before them.

“What in tarnation is this place!? An’ how in Equestria did we not notice this before?” Applejack asked in a tone of pure shock.

“I don’t know Applejack. But whatever this is, it must definitely be the source of the strange happenings within the Everfree Forest.” Celestia said, her tone just as shocked.

“But who could’ve made all of this? And when!?” Twilight asked, her mind racing to find the answer.

Rainbow Dash flew in front of the group with an angry expression. “It must be Chrysalis! She and her evil changelings must’ve built this place to take over Equestria!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with an angry expression.

However, Luna shook her head. “No this is not of Changeling origin. Chrysalis is far craftier and cautious; she wouldn’t dare to build a hive this close to Canterlot. This is something entirely different.” Luna said in a serious tone.

“Do you think it could’ve been Dusk?” Spike suggested, however, Twilight gave him an angry glare.

“That’s absurd spike. Do you really think he could build all of this by himself?” Twilight said in an angry tone.

Spike returned Twilight’s glare with a frown. “Then who else could’ve built all this? I don’t see anypony down there!” Spike pointed out, gesturing towards the alien structures down in the valley.

Everypony noticed what Spike meant. Everywhere the group looked they couldn’t see anypony or anything resembling a living being for that matter. It was as if this place was completely abandoned.

“We’ll soon find out.” Captain Sun Shield said, soon the group saw Captain Night Sword and the rest of her scouting party return.

The group of Night Guards immediately landed in front of Luna and bowed to one knee.

“Report.” Luna commanded.

“We flew around this strange colony and saw nopony, just more of these strange buildings. We dared not to venture deeper into this colony without proper back up. I’m sorry your majesty but we found nothing of significance.” The captain explained.

Luna shook her head. “No Captain, you did well. What do you suggest we should do?” Luna asked as she gestured for the Captain and her party to rise.

The Captain stood at attention. “I suggest we follow what Captain Sun Shield had suggested earlier. We return to Ponyville, call for more guards from Canterlot and return to this colony to do a more thorough search.” Night Sword suggested.

Both Luna and Celestia nodded their head in agreement as they turned to the rest of the group. “My ponies! We’re returning to Ponyville!” Celestia announced as everypony nodded in agreement.

Everypony except Twilight.

“B-But princess… what about Dusk?”

Celestia gave Twilight a somber expression. “I’m sorry Twilight, but we cannot continue the search for your brother any longer. It’s far too dangerous.” Celestia, seeing Twilight bowing her head in sadness, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I promise you, when we have the adequate forces, we will continue the search and find your brother.” Celestia said in a motherly tone.

There was a moment of silence as Twilight’s friends and the rest of the guard escorts waited for Twilight’s answer.
Finally, Twilight somberly nodded her head. “I-I understand Princess Celestia.”

Celestia nodded as she and her sister’s respective guards turned and started making their way back towards the other side of the mountainous wall. Twilight’s friends on the other hand surrounded Twilight to give her words of comfort.

“Cheer up sugarcube. We’ll find him in no time.” Applejack said, giving Twilight a one arm hug.

Pinkie popped up besides Twilight. “Yeah! With more ponies coming to Ponyville, we’ll have more ponies to find Dusk! *GASP!* That means I have to throw the biggest Welcome to Ponyville Party, EVER!” Pinkie exclaimed, hopping in excitement.

“Pinkie is right. Once the Princesses call for more Royal Guards, then we can all be safe and sound.” Fluttershy said in a gentle tone.

“Yeah! With more guards, we will find Dusk in no time! Especially if I’m leading them!” Rainbow Dash added with pride.

“Yes darling. You have nothing to worry about. The Princess Celestia promised that she will find him.” Rarity said.

However, Twilight shook her head as she gently pushed Applejack’s arm off of her shoulders. “Thank you girls. But as long as Dusk is still missing, I can’t help but worry for him.” Twilight said in a sad tone. She then turned her attention back down towards the valley.

“He’s out there somewhere. All alone with no pony to help him. The only reason we’re searching for him in the first place is because the Princesses think he could be the next threat to Equestria. And even before all this he lost his friends and the respect of the ponies around him all because of some stupid rumors. And the longer we don’t find him… I fear that he may truly become the next threat to Equestria. And it will be all my fault…” Twilight explained as she closed her eyes and bowed her head in shame.

Her friends looked to one another with worried/sad glances, not knowing what to say.

After a brief moment of silence, Rarity went to speak. “Twilight, darling. Yo-”

“I’m sorry girls, but I just want to be alone. Go on ahead, I’ll catch up.” Twilight said in a somber tone.

Rarity looked back towards the others with a worried expression. Applejack just simply sighed, nodded and started walking away. The rest followed soon afterwards, each giving their sad friend with worried expressions.

Only Spike stayed where he was.

Spike wanted to say something, anything. However, he has only ever seen Twilight like this a few time in the past, but even then she found a way to get through those moments. However, it seems the thought of her missing brother, accused and scorned for something he may not be, is taking a more emotional toll on Twilight then he had believed.

With nothing to say that could possibly cheer up his surrogate sister, Spike simply turned and walked away, albeit slowly.

Twilight scanned the entire valley once again with somber but desperate eyes, hoping to see her brother among the strange structures below. However, just like before she couldn’t find him.

Normally such an alien settlement would make her curious and excited beyond imagining, however, with her brother still missing there is only one haunting question in her mind at the moment.

‘Where are you big brother?’ Twilight thought. After a brief moment Twilight finally gave up and turned away from the valley, tears slowly forming in her eyes.

As she was walking back towards the waiting group, she couldn’t help but take one last look at the valley below.

However, something caught her eye.

Twilight frantically wiped the tears from her eyes and looked again, making sure it wasn’t her mind playing tricks on her.

Sure enough, in the far distance, a single figure was standing in front of one of the large alien castles’ gaping entrances.

A figure she knew all too well.

Twilight’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Dusk…”

At this point the group waiting for her made their way back towards her, both Princesses and everypony else sans the guards were wearing concerned expressions.

Princess Celestia was the first to speak. “Twilight… are you alright? Is something the mat-”

“DUSK!” Twilight shouted.

Throwing caution to the wind, Twilight’s horn glowed as she immediately teleported to the valley ground bellow. As her hooves immediately sunk into the purple mud, she made a mad dash towards the center of the valley towards where she last saw her brother.

The Princesses, her friends, and the guards frantically chased after her, shouting at her to stop. However, Twilight didn’t care, she saw her brother and nothing in Equis will stop her from getting to him.

All except a certain cyan Pegasus crashing into her at 100 mph.

“GOTCHA!”

“OOF!”

Rainbow Dash, using her superior speed, quickly tackled Twilight into the muddy ground face first.

“Twilight! What the buck has gotten into you!?” Rainbow Dash asked straddling Twilight’s back.

“Mff afff…”

“What did you say?

“Mff afff!”

“What? Can you say it louder?”

Twilight pulled her muzzle off the mud. “I said GET OFF!” Twilight screamed out in anger.

Rainbow Dash gave an embarrassed chuckle as she flew off of the angry (and now muddy) Alicorn. “Hehe… sorry Twilight.”

Twilight gave Rainbow Dash an annoyed glare as she stood back on her two hoofs and used her magic to clean herself off of the purple mud.

“Why did you tackle me!”

“I tackled you because you suddenly teleported into this place! It could be dangerous for all you know.” Rainbow Dash explained in an angry tone.

Twilight gave the cyan Pegasus a deadpanned stare. “You out of all ponies shouldn’t be lecturing me on safety. Besides, I have a good reason for coming here!” Twilight said.

“And what will that be? Twilight Sparkle.”

Both the cyan Pegasus and lavender alicorn saw both the Princesses and the rest of their group arriving.

Both Celestia and Luna leveled a stern frown on Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle. I am waiting for an explanation.” Celestia said in a stern tone.

However, Twilight quickly regained her posture. “Princess Celestia you have to believe me when I say that I saw my brother. He’s-”

“Your brother is here!? Where is he!?” Luna demanded in an angry tone. Twilight flinched, taken aback at Luna’s furious tone. “H-He’s just up ahead. Near the alien castle.” Twilight replied in a worried tone as she pointed towards said structure in the distance.

Both Princesses exchanged a quick glance before looking back at Twilight. “Then let us make haste before he disappears again!” Luna exclaimed as she spearheaded the Night Guards ahead while the rest of the group followed.

As they drew closer to the alien castle the group finally realized how truly massive the horrifying castle was, possibly rivaling the Canterlot Castle in sheer size. Twilight slowly realized her mistake of coming to the valley alone as other than the Princesses the rest of the group were slowly becoming nervous. The silent atmosphere only added to their paranoia.

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash were constantly looking around, expecting something to jump out at them at any moment. Rarity and Fluttershy were also looking around, the former in slight curiosity and disgust while the latter in wide eyed fear.

Pinkie stopped having her “doozies” awhile ago. However, on the other hand she wore a scared expression as she was walking strangely, her legs jerking as if she was in pain.

“Pinkie what’s wrong?” Twilight asked, concerned for her normally cheerful friend.

“Pinchy knees! Pinchy knees!” Pinkie whispered loudly in a fearful tone.

Twilight grew concerned, what was pinchy knees again?

However, Spike’s eyes widened in fear. “Pinchy knees! Does that mean…”

At this point everypony listened as Pinkie nodded. “It means something scary is going to happen.” Pinkie said in a fearful tone.

This made everypony suddenly paranoid of their very surroundings, even some of the Royal Guards and Night Guards escorting them became nervous as they observed their surroundings, spears at the ready.

Fortunately, the Princesses spoke. “Don’t worry my little ponies. We will not let anything come to harm you. Not as long as Luna and I are here.” Celestia reassured.

This did the trick as the nervous atmosphere plaguing the group suddenly disappeared and replaced with new found courage.

The group continued onward. As the group drew closer, they soon noticed a figure standing just a few meters in front of the fleshy entrance of the massive castle.

The figure was Dusk; the very pony they have been searching for.

However, as they got closer, Dusk made no move to escape or confront them in any way. In fact, he simply stood with both hands behind his back while wearing an expression that didn’t betray an ounce of emotion.

It was as if he was expecting them.

Soon the entire group arrived as the Princesses and Mane six stood just a few meters facing Dusk. Their guard escorts on the other hand started to surround Dusk, the Royal Guards forming a semi-circle in front of him while the Night Guards kept watch from the air.

Both guard regiments readied and pointed their spears directly at Ceres, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

Dusk was now virtually surrounded with no means of escape even through magical means as the Royal Princesses are present, plus the unicorns of the Royal Guards are also ready at a moment’s notice to apprehend Dusk.

However, even surrounded, Dusk’s expression did not change as he seemly ignored the guards surrounding him. His attention was focused on the Princesses the entire time since they arrived.

Twilight started to approach her brother. “Dusk! I’m so glad we found you! Are you ok-” However, Twilight soon found her path immediately blocked by both Princess Celestia and Luna, their gaze not breaking from Dusk’s even for a second.

“Twilight! That is not your brother.” Luna said, her tone dead serious.

“What do you mean princess? That’s my brother right there!” Twilight said in a worried/confused tone.

Celestia answered. “Twilight. Whoever this being is, he is not your brother. I can sense a powerful energy emanating from him unlike anything I have ever encountered. Can’t you sense it?”

Twilight finally noticed what Celestia meant. As she closely observed Dusk she could detect a strange energy emanating from him, however, unlike before in Ponyville where she only had a brief moment to detect it before she was rendered unconscious, this time it was coming out of Dusk like a tsunami of energy unlike anything she could recognize.

It was not magic, but something else entirely. Something powerful.

Twilight also noticed that while everypony (sans those who are currently flying) have their hooves at least a good foot deep into the purple mud below them, Dusk was actually standing on the strange purple mud.

This new observation of Dusk visibly shocked Twilight, something the Princesses noticed.

“I am sorry Twilight Sparkle. But do not worry, we shall handle this from here.” Celestia said as both she and Luna slowly made their way towards Dusk, who was standing stoically the entire time.

As both Princesses stopped just a few feet away from Dusk, there was a brief moment of silence as both the Princesses and Dusk himself seemly stared at one another, neither of them saying a word.

While this confused Twilight and her friends, both Captains and the few veterans within the Guard escort knew exactly what’s going on. Both the Royal Princesses and the black maned pony in front of them are observing one another, sizing each other up, looking for any signs of weakness in their stature.

While Princess Luna stood almost eye-to-eye with Dusk at 6’5” (with Luna being a bit taller), Celestia on the other hand was a good head taller than anypony within the vicinity, standing at around 6’8”.

Normally Celestia’s height alone would intimidate anypony to passive submission. However, if Dusk was intimidated he didn’t show any sign of it, his expression remained emotionless.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of silence, Celestia spoke, breaking the tense atmosphere.

“Dusk Shine. Do you know why we are here?” The Princess asked, her tone serious.

“I know fully well why you and the rest of your group are here. Now the question is… how did you find this place?” Dusk asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

Before Celestia could speak, Rainbow Dash butted in by flying up to Dusk’s face. “Fluttershy asked the animals in the forest if they saw you, and that’s how we found your base! Didn’t think we would find you, did you now!” Rainbow Dash boasted as she was immediately teleported back to the group curtesy of Twilight.

“Sorry about her, she won’t do it again!” Twilight said, giving the Cyan Pegasus a stern glare.

Dusk frowned, breaking his stoic expression. “I see… now that you are here, what are you going to do now that you all have found me?” Dusk asked.

Celestia leveled a stern frown. “We’re here to judge whether or not you are a threat to Equestria. So far you have shown that you are.” Celestia said, her motherly nature now gone and replaced with stern seriousness.

Dusk raised a confused eyebrow. “I was not aware that I was harming anypony. Tell me, what did I do that bring such accusations?” Dusk asked in a calm tone.

Luna’s expression turned furious. “Do not feign ignorance in our presence! You know fully well what you are guilty of! And you won’t fool either of us, we know what you truly are!” Luna exclaimed, pointing accusingly at Dusk.

Dusk turned his attention towards the Lunar Princess. “And what am I, Princess Luna.” Dusk asked, to Twilight and the rest of the group it was as if he was silently challenging the princess.

Luna pointed angrily at Dusk. “You are a demon from Tartarus and you’re here to take over Equestria!” Luna announced, earning shocked gasps from everypony sans Celestia and both of the Captains and their respective guards who tightened their hold on their weapons.

There was a brief moment of silence as everypony digested what Luna just said.

Then Dusk started to shake.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

Dusk continued to laugh for a few more seconds as everypony looked towards Dusk with mixed expressions between fear and anger.

Dusk then calmed himself as he once again leveled a stoic gaze towards Luna. “What I am is nothing like those pathetic demons from down below. I am far more powerful than any demon that Tartarus has to offer. In fact, what I am now is something that all of Equis has never seen before.” Dusk explained, both Princesses eyes widened in shock.

Dusk continued. “However, as I told the Princess of Friendship, I have no interest with Equestria or any other kingdoms of Equis for that matter. I have plans, plans that I can’t afford to delay because of two scared monarchs ruling a kingdom of naively peaceful ponies. Now that you know my intentions, I want you all to leave. You wasted enough of my time.” Dusk said, his tone dismissive and impatient.

Captain Sun Shield stepped forward, her expression furious.

“HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT THE PRINCESSES! YOU ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO THEM! I WOULD-”

“Captain Sun Shield! That is enough!” Celestia ordered in a commanding tone. The Captain immediately bowed her head and backed away, however, her furious gaze never left Dusk.

Celestia then looked back towards Dusk. “And as for you. I am sorry, but you are far too dangerous to be left alone. You will be put under arrest and confined within Canterlot Castle until we decide what to do with you.” Celestia said as two Royal Guards approached Dusk and grabbed him by the arms rather roughly.

“I hope you understand.” Celestia said, her tone serious but apologetic.

Twilight started to panic. Her brother admitted to being something more dangerous than the demons of Tartarus! Now he’s going to be locked in a cage! Or banished! Or locked in a cage at the place he’s going to be banished to!

She didn’t know what to do.

Twilight was then broken from her panicked state when Dusk started to chuckle.

“What is so funny criminal?” Luna demanded in a cold tone.

Dusk met Luna’s cold stare with his own. “What I find funny is how foolish you all are to think apprehending me would be so easy.” Dusk simply said as the guards (who are both Earth Ponies) holding him tried to move him, however, Dusk wouldn’t budge an inch.

This set off warning bells in everypony’s minds. “What do you mean? You are alone and we have you surrounded and captured. If you try to escape in any way, it will fail.” Luna said, her tone filled confidence.

Dusk shook his head as if he was disappointed. “That’s where you’re wrong princess…”

His eyes then glowed bright orange, shocking everypony. “I am never alone.”

That was all the warning the group received as the ground exploded all around them as monstrous creatures leaped from the very ground beneath them. The Guards were greatly taken off guard as the hundreds of creatures surrounded them on all sides.

These creatures are the size of a large dog, has dark brown carapace like skin for armor, decorated with spikes all the way to its tail. They also have glowing amber eyes with slit pupils, pincer like tusks and sharp teeth that looks like it can easily tear through flesh. they also have three pairs of limbs, the back limbs were large and strong looking digitigrade legs with two large toes each and a two pairs of large green colored bug like wings attached at the shoulders and thighs. Their front limbs were smaller but each has a sharp scythe like dagger and the final pair of limbs, and the largest by far, are attached above their front limbs with each wielding a large three prong scythe like claws.

Overall, everypony were shell-shocked at these creatures surrounding them.

“FORM UP! PROTECT THE PRINCESS AND THE ELEMENTS!” Shouted Captain Sun Shield, however, due to the panicked/shocked state of the Royal Guards it took them a full five seconds to realize that their captain issued an order.

However, it was too late as the creatures attacked.

“SKKRREIIIIIIIII!”

With a shriek of a hundred monstrous creatures, the lizard-like creatures started swarming the guards, catching many of them off guard. In just the first second of the attack, the lizard creatures incapacitated thirteen of the Royal Guards by stabbing/biting their legs or tackling them into the muddy ground.

Some of the guards tried to fight back, however, due to their panicked state they might as well be stabbing air as the lizard creatures dodge their attacks and destroy or disarm their only means of self-defense before incapacitating them with feral savagery.

Very few of these guards got a lucky strike, however, the lizard creatures would shrug off their wound and quickly attack the guard that wounded them.

As the Royal Guards were falling one by one, Captain Sun Shield managed to rally the closest of the Guards near her as they now surround Twilight and her friends. This group fared better as Twilight quickly erected a protective barrier around the survivors, staving off the horde of creatures for the time being.

However, it did nothing to prevent the group to observe their surroundings, and much to their growing horror they could see hundreds if not thousands of these creatures swarming the barrier. The creatures were literally throwing themselves at the barrier, clawing, stabbing, and biting Twilight’s barrier in order to break through.

And it was working as the stress of holding the barrier against so many creatures were quickly wearing Twilight down.

As the surviving Royal Guards prepared for the worst, the Twenty Night Guards in the air were doing everything they can to give the group below some breathing room as they were swooping down and attacking the swarm of creatures, including Captain Night Sword herself.

Fortunately, unlike their Royal Guard counterparts, the Night Guards carried crossbows as standard issue weaponry, using these weapons to great effect scoring numerous kills against the lizard creatures.

“KEEP FIRING! WE NEED THE SAVE THE ELEMENTS!” Shouted Captain Night Sword as she scored a hit on another lizard.

As all this was going on, both Princess Celestia and Luna were watching in mute shock and horror, watching as their ponies were being brutally attacked.

Luna was the first to break out of her shock as she quickly turned around and briskly made her way towards a stoic Dusk, her eyes filled with untold fury.

Both Royal Guards holding Dusk tightened their grip on him as the Lunar Princess raised her right hand.

SMACK!

“THOU WILL CALL OFF THY DEMONS OF TARTARUS AT ONCE!” Luna demanded using her Royal Canterlot Voice, glaring furiously at the stallion before him.

Dusk spat out a glob of blood as he simply smiled, the bruise forming on his left cheek seemly disappeared. “I warned you of this Princess Luna. I warned both you and your sister of what would happen if you were to cross me. You even saw in my dreams of what would happen. It seems years of peace made you think you can handle anything that is thrown at you.” Dusk said as Luna raised her left hand.

SMACK!

“I SAID! THOU WILL CALL OFF THY DEMONS OF TARTARUS AT ONCE!” Luna demanded, it was at this point Celestia stood beside her.
Gone was all form of understanding or warmth in her eyes. Celestia had an expression of cold fury as she looked down at Dusk, both Royal Guards holding Dusk were quivering in fear.

However, Dusk simply continued to smile as the bruise on his right cheek soon disappeared.

“You will call off these monsters or else I will be forced to take drastic measures.” Celestia said in calm fury.

Dusk’s smile dropped as he resumed his stoic expression. “Then it looks like I have to end this.” Dusk said as his eyes glowed.

Captain Night Sword was having a horrible day.

She and her fellow Night Guards were working throughout the day when they should be sleeping, trudged through a Faust forsaken forest to try and find one stallion only to find a colony of disgusting alien structures.

If that wasn’t enough, now they are currently fighting for their lives against an army of disgusting demonic monsters from the deepest pits of Tartarus.

“KEEP FIRING AND KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! THEY CAN’T SHOOT BACK!” Night Sword exclaimed as she and her fellow Night Guards pressed forward their attack.

However, no matter how many she or her Night Guards manages to take down, ten more would fill in the gaps. They were hopelessly outnumbered and she was quickly running out of bolts in her quiver, no doubt it’s the same with the rest of her guards.

“I’M OUT!”

“HERE! MAKE THEM COUNT!”

“THERE’S NO END TO THEM!”

“I KNEW I SHOULD’VE CALLED IN SICK!”

Night Sword growled in frustration as she scored another hit. “How can this day get any worse…”

All of a sudden the ground once again exploded as new and more horrifying creatures burst forth from the ground.

These creatures were four meters tall, their body mostly covered in a light brown colored carapace with maroon colored flesh underneath. they also have large elongated crown like heads with glowing red eyes, mouth filled with viciously sharp teeth and a pair of side mandible like jaws aligned with equally sharp teeth. It’s large serpentine body has large spikes along it’s spine all the way down to the ends of their tails, however, what caught Night Sword’s attention was the large, three prong scythe like bone claws attached to their strong looking arms.

“WHAT IN TARTARUS ARE THOSE THIN- AAAAARRRRRGGH!” Shouted one of the Night Guards as said guard was shot in the wing by one of the serpent creatures, bringing the guard crashing to the ground to be swarmed by numerous lizard creatures.

Soon the Night Guards started dropping like flies, greatly taken off guard as the new serpent creatures started firing what seems to be dart-like spines at them with deadly accuracy. The Night Guards tried to fire back, however, those that tried were quickly shot down.

Even if some of the bolts that do manage to hit either couldn’t penetrate through the serpents’ carapace armor or those that do only made the creatures even more furious.

Eventually it was just Captain Night Sword and five other Night Guards, the rest of her twenty guards were quickly shot down.

Night Sword was desperately dodging the incoming fire while trying to fire back. She then looked towards the sky and immediately thought of an idea. “NIGHT GUARDS! FLY TOWARDS THE CLOUDS! THEY CAN’T HIT YOU UP THERE!” The Captain barked as she and the remaining five Night Guards flew towards the clouds above.

Her plan is to hopefully out range the serpent’s fire and use the superiority of height and gravity to fire their crossbows at their monstrous enemies below them.

As the Captain and the remaining Night Guards flew higher into the sky, eventually the mass fire of spines soon dwindled to a halt.

The Night Guards stopped in their tracks as they all took a quick breather and a moment of blessed relief.

PLAK! POOF!

“AAAAAAAAHHH!”

Captain Night quickly turned and saw one of her Night Guards free falling back towards the ground in a trail of steaming smoke.

She didn’t have time to react as she saw as a ball green of fire explode near two of her other guards, bringing both of them down.

She quickly and frantically scanned the base below her, trying to find the source of the green fireball. She soon found the source, the once docile-looking columns of flesh and spikes that she and her scouting party saw from before are now fully extended, their exhaust ports are pointed towards the sky.

Directly where they’re currently flying.

Night Sword frantically turned towards her surviving Night Guards.

‘EVASIVE MANEU-”

PLAK! POOF!

Dusk saw how the Spore Crawler fired its acidic payload towards Captain Night Sword and her remaining Night Guards. The highly acidic projectile exploded right in the middle of their group, the explosion itself finally bringing down the captain and the rest of her Night Guards.
As soon as Captain Night Sword and the last of her Night Guards crashed into the horde of Zerg below them, the Hydralisks started focusing their fire on Twilight’s barrier, further pressuring the already strained Alicorn.

Soon enough the barrier that was keeping his Brood at bay was finally breaking under the sheer pressure of their relentless onslaught.

“YOU WILL END THIS NOW!”

There was a bright flash of light as Dusk brought his attention back towards the Monarch of Sun, who is currently giving him a furious glare.
Gone was her usual motherly demure, now replaced with what can be described as a literal Demi-God of the Sun.

Her flowing rainbow mane and tail is now replaced with a storm of furious flame, her eyes glowing bright white as she emanated heat and light reminiscent to the very star she rules over.

The very creep she was standing in was quickly burned away from her mere presence, leaving a good five feet wide circle of charred ground. Both Luna and the Royal Guards holding him were noticeably sweating under the sheer heat Celestia was emanating.

Speaking of the Royal Guards, both guards were shaking in absolute fear. In their entire service to the princesses they have never seen Celestia this furious, not even towards the worst of the evil villains in the past few years.

Dusk on the other hand frowned. He kept his gaze towards Celestia’s own.

At this point Celestia’s outburst caught the attention of every Zerg in the vicinity, halting their attack on Twilight and her group for the time being. Seeing Celestia as a much greater threat, his Zerg started to surround them, however, by Dusk’s orders they did not attack.

Seeing that his Zerg stopped their assault, Celestia reverted back to her original form, still leveling a hardened glare towards Dusk. “Now. You will surrender at once or I will have no choice but to- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!”

Celestia collapsed onto the ground, holding her head in pain. Dusk’s eyes are glowing with power as he is psionically crushing Celestia’s mind to unbearable levels.

“SISTER! YOU WILL RELEASE HER AT ONC- AAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!” Luna went to say, however, she was soon cut off as Dusk started attack her mind psionically as well.

“PRINCESS CELESTIA! PRINCESS LUNA!” Twilight shouted out in horror. However, in her moment of panic, she briefly lost concentration, thus her barrier disappeared.

Just as Twilight realized her fatal mistake, the Zerg surrounding them quickly capitalized on her mistake and resumed their attack.

Dusk watched as the group tried to desperately fight back, Captain Sun Shield and her remaining guards fought tooth and nail to hold his Zerg back. Even some of Twilight’s friends are fighting, using whatever physical or magical skills they had in order to fend off the Zerg onslaught.

Except Fluttershy. Who is currently cowering in fear.

The Royal Guards holding Dusk broke from their initial shock. “R-Release the princesses at once!” Said the guard holding his left arm as both he and the guard holding his right arm pointed the tip of their spears underneath Dusk’s chin.

“O-Or w-we’ll be forced to use d-deadly force.”

Both Guards holding him tried to put up a brave front, however, their voices and the shaking of their spears betray their true emotion.

Fear.

Dusk sighed. “If you’re going to make death threats at least point your spears not underneath my chin but towards my throat for a confirmed kill.” Dusk said, seemingly disappointed at their incompetence.

The right guard blushed in embarrassment. “S-Shut up! Release the princesses!” the guard demanded as Dusk noted that both guards subtly moved their spears towards his throat.

“That I cannot do.” Dusk replied.

“And why not?” The guard to his left demanded almost nervously.

Dusk’s glowing eyes pulsed. “Because I need to make a point.”

Suddenly the ground behind both guards exploded as two of the most feared creatures of the Zerg Swarm erupted from the ground.

The Hunter Killers.

The guards had no time to react as both Hunter killers were already on them, ripping them off of Dusk and viciously pinning them to the ground with their serrated claws through each of their shoulders.

Both guards screamed in agonizing pain, however, Dusk ignored their screams. They will live.

Now free from his captors, Dusk simply straightened out the wrinkles of his coat sleeves and started making his way towards the groveling princesses.

Shortly along the way, four more Hunter Killers erupted from the ground from both sides of Dusk, acting as his body guards.

Once he was in front of the princesses, Dusk released his psionic grasp on their minds, giving them a moment of relief.

At this point Twilight’s group were finally incapacitated due to Roaches burrowing and ambushing them from under their very hooves. The remaining Royal Guards and their captain were worse for wear as they had numerous cuts and gashes, each and every one of them were pinned to the ground by either a Zergling or a Roach. However, like the rest, they will live.

Twilight and her friends were better off, however, they didn’t come out unscathed. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash had the worst wounds, their bodies adorned with mostly shallow cuts, bruises and even less deeper cuts that requires stitching. Both mares are currently pinned to the ground by a Roach each, trying but failing to remove the large Zerg off of them.

Spike is currently unconscious with Rarity holding him for dear life. Spike had a large gash across his chest, no doubt trying to protect Rarity. Fortunately, from what Dusk could sense, his wound was not very serious, he will live.

Fluttershy was unconscious but obtained no wounds whatsoever, most likely fainted. Pinkie Pie on the other hand had a black eye and a few cuts as she was pinned by two Hydralisks covered in confetti, streamers, balloons, and cake batter.

Lastly, Twilight was pinned to the ground by two Hydralisks. She herself only had a few cuts and bruises but other than that she was fine.

However, she is currently observing her current situation with a horrified expression, no doubt fearing for the lives of both her friends and the other ponies that accompanied them.

Dusk then brought his attention back towards the princesses, who are still recovering from his previous psionic attack.

To think with all their power, they would at least have some form of powerful mental barriers set up to counteract his psionic abilities.

Dusk shook his head in disappointment. They have severely underestimated him.

With a telepathic command, Dusk ordered all the guards that are currently incapacitated to be brought to where Twilight and her group are. The Zerg around him immediately carried out his command as each and every guard, both Royal and Night Guard, were dragged or carried towards the group.

Some of the guards tried to fight back but were quickly silenced by a warning hiss from their captors. Others were not so fortunate as many of the guards were screaming in pain from their wounds or are currently unconscious.

Once the last of the guards were gathered to Twilight’s group, Dusk kneeled in front of the mentally exhausted Celestia, who is currently on all fours, desperately gasping for air.

After a brief moment of silence, Celestia finally looked up towards Dusk. Even in her exhausted state her eyes were filled with defiance.

“Now that you and the rest of your group has calmed down, we can now talk like civilized ponies.” Dusk said in a calm tone.

Luna growled. “Civilized!? You blatantly attacked us and possibly killed many of our guards!” Luna shouted, her tone furious.

Dusk didn’t even bother to look towards the Lunar Princess. “You came into my home, accused me of something I was not, tried to arrest me, lock me in a cell in order to wait for my judgement. All because you both fear for what I could do to you and the rest of your kingdom. And also, for your information Princess Luna, I took the great care of ordering my forces to only incapacitate. Not kill.” Dusk then stood, finally turning his attention towards Luna.

“I did not warn you and your sister because I feared for what you could do to me. I warned the both of you because of what I could do to you and your precious kingdom.” Dusk explained, his tone turned frighteningly serious.

“If I wanted to, I can consume all of Equis in a never ending tide of tooth and blades, and there will be almost nothing you or the other kingdoms of this world that can do to stop me.” Dusk explained, his tone calm but serious.

“Then why didn’t you, demon!?” Luna shouted out in anger.

Dusk held his hands behind his back as he started to pace on the spot. “Like I said before, I have much more important business to attend to. Plans that I can’t afford to delay any further. Plus, it would be a blatant waste of resources to wage a meaningless war with the denizens of this world.” Dusk explained in a stoic tone.

“And also… I am no demon. I am something far worse.”

“Then what are you?” Celestia asked, her tone serious.

Dusk turned his attention back to Celestia as he raised a questioning eyebrow. “What am I you ask? The question is what I am not.” Dusk said in a cryptic tone.

He continued. “I am not one of your little ponies that you cherish so much. I am not the weak and pathetic stallion that you know. And most importantly…” Dusk eyes glowed bright orange with power as his eyes bored into Celestia’s own.

“I am not some foolish villain that you can defeat so easily.” Dusk said as everypony winced at his telepathic message.

Dusk then spread his arms out, gesturing to all that is around him. “And to answer your question princess. We are the Zerg Swarm. An empire that rules over hundreds of worlds just like this one and we are rightfully feared for our power. And on that fateful night of my supposed death, I was chosen to lead this empire. What you see now is just a taste of what we can do.” Dusk telepathically said, shocking many ponies present, especially the Princesses.

After a brief moment of shocked silence, Celestia spoke once again.

“Then why are you here? What is your goal?” Celestia asked.

Dusk’s eyes dimmed as he gave Celestia a questioning look. “Isn’t it obvious. I want to leave this world and return to rule my empire, however, I first need to find my way back. Thus I wanted to keep what I was doing here a secret to avoid as much interference from this world’s populous. However, due to you and your sister rudely coming here uninvited, that is no longer an option.” Dusk said as he once again kneeled down onto one knee in front of Celestia.

He continued. “So that brings us to our current situation. I don’t want any further interferences and you don’t want any of your little ponies here to die today.” Dusk observed how Celestia’s expression hardened at what he said, however, he could care less.

He continued. “So why don’t we make a bargain? I’ll let you and your ponies leave here today and in return you won’t tell the other kingdoms of this world about what I’m doing here and never return. Do we have a deal?” Dusk asked, smiling as he was the devil himself.

There was an uproar among the Royal/Night Guards and even some of the Elements who were listening. Desperately shouting for Celestia not to take the deal and to not trust the stallion.

Celestia turned to look back towards her ponies, her hardened expression broke into a worry and hesitation.

Soon the guard’s protests died when the Zerg around them roared, silencing the protest once and for all.

Once the guards were silenced, Dusk said. “What do you say Celestia?”

Celestia turned her gaze back towards Dusk as she shakily stood on both hooves. “I accept your offer.” Celestia finally said.

Dusk then looked over towards Luna expectantly. “I also accept these conditions as well. Now release our ponies!” Luna said, her tone was anything but pleased.

Their was a brief moment of silence before Dusk waved his hand dismissively. With a mental command, the Zerg released the Elements and the guards, however, surrounded the group in case they try to do anything suspicious.

The Princesses immediately returned and started helping the ones who are injured, healing their injuries with their magic alongside with some of the other unicorns within the Royal Guard.

Dusk then spoke. “As per our agreement you will all leave and never come back. My forces will escort you all back to Ponyville. However, if any of you deviate from the group or try anything suspicious…”

All of a sudden a Hydralisk shot a Night Guard’s crossbow out of their hands, said threstral was about to shoot Dusk from amongst the crowd of ponies.

“… my Zerg will not hesitate to kill you.” Dusk telepathically warned, his tone deadly serious.

Aside from the Alicorn sisters, everypony were giving one another worried looks. Soon the Zerg behind them parted, showing them towards the exit of the valley.

But as the group started moving sluggishly towards the exit, Twilight remained where she was, looking towards Dusk with a heart struck expression.

Dusk met Twilgiht’s gaze. “Do you have something to say Twilight Sparkle?” Dusk asked, knowing fully well what Twilight is going to say.

“Big brother… why… why are you doing this? What about mom? What about dad? What about Shining? What about me? Are you going to leave all of us?” Twilight asked, her eyes slowly tearing up and pleading Dusk to say otherwise.

However, Dusk’s expression is cold and stoic. “Did you not abandon me when you became an Element of Harmony? When you became a princess?” Dusk questioned in an accusing tone.

Twilight was taken aback. “N-No! I-I didn’t mean to abandon you! I-I was just-”

“Busy? Busy with what exactly? Spreading the “Magic of Friendship” as you so call it? Having fun with your friends, ignorant of the real world around you? Everything you have achieved so far was given to you on a silver platter. Do not make excuses.” Dusk said in a firm tone.

Twilight tried to say something, anything. However, she couldn’t find the words to argue with what Dusk.

Dusk continued. “I have no obligations towards our family anymore. I could care less. However, unlike you I have far more important responsibilities to attend to now, and I can’t afford to be tied down by you or anypony else. Now leave and never return.” Dusk said as he turned away from Twilight and made his way towards the Hive, ignoring the cries of sorrow from the Princess of Friendship.

Soon the entirety of the Princesses group exited the valley, they are currently escorted back to Ponyville by a pack of Hunter Killers.

As Dusk approached the Hive, Broodmother Vash greeted him.

"My lord, congratulations on your victory." Vash said with a regal bow.

"Dusk shook his head. "No Vash, this was no victory. I underestimated Celestia and Luna, they have discovered us a lot earlier then I would've liked. I expected to reveal ourselves until we had at least our first Leviathan spawned. But now it looks like I have just complicated matters." Dusk explained.

"Then may I ask why you didn't kill the Equine Monarchs? You had them at your mercy, why spare them?" Vash asked inquisitively.

"Vash, you must learn that there are things on this world that even I hesitate to fight. This world is full of powerful beings, and only few of them can easily annihilate our forces this early into our development. And one of them just showed me what she could've done if pushed to far." Dusk said.

Dusk can sense Vash's surprise. "Do you mean..."

"Yes Vash. She is very powerful. Her mind is like a vast library that even someone as powerful as I will have to take some time to sort through. She is powerful enough that if she wanted to she could've easily incinerated this entire Hive Cluster with nothing but a thought. After all, she is the sole reason why the other kingdoms of this world dare not attack Equestria and it's ponies." Dusk explained, psionically observing the group through the eyes of one of his Hunter Killers.

"Then why hadn't she? If it were me, I would've done so and be over with it." Vash said in a questioning tone.

"The only reason why she hadn't done so is part of her biggest weakness." Dusk said as he watch Celestia through his Hunter Killer's eyes magically carrying three of the most heavily injured ponies.

"She greatly cares for her people like they are her own children and naively believes that every living being has some form of good within them. That is why I spared her ponies, or risk facing her full wrath." Dusk explained as Vash nodded her head in understanding.

"I see... we can exploit this." Vash said.

"Exactly. But for now, until they make the first move, we will have no quarrel with them. Is that understood Vash?" Dusk said in a commanding tone.

Vash nodded. "I understand my lord. What else do you wish for me to do?" The Broodmother asked.

"Continue growing our brood and monitor the progress of our Leviathan. Once it's complete then we shall spawn our air units." Dusk ordered.

He then started to enter the Hive. "Also, increase our patrols and spawn more defensive structures within our territories. Once that is done, expand our territories to encompass the entire forest and create more Hive clusters."

"Anything else my lord?"

Dusk was about to dismiss Vash until he remembered something. "Also, have our Zerg scour our territories and kill every single animal they find within this forest. The animals of this world are intelligent enough to be used as spies by the Princesses and her armies, see to it that this is done." Dusk ordered as Vash nodded.

"I shall begin immediately." Vash said as Dusk entered the Hive.

Nothing matters now. All that matters is his plan to return to the Zerg Swarm.

And if any of the denizens of this world stands in his way. He will show them exactly why the Zerg are feared across the stars.

Author's Note

Thank you all for reading this chapter.

Now to answer some questions:

Celestia' power: There are many speculations and theories on why Celestia is shown throughout the MLP shows to be considerably weak for somepony who can move the sun and moon.

I'm using the theory that she is so powerful that she deliberately holds back her immense power, least she hurts one of her precious ponies or they fear her for her god-like power.

Is this the same case with Luna? Yes but not to a degree where Dusk finds her to be a major threat to his Zerg.

If you enjoyed it, leave a like and a comment, review, question or suggestion.

See you all next time.