Location: Main Hive Cluster

Dusk can be found standing within the heart of the Hive structure, eyes closed in deep concentration.

In front of him are three Zerglings, each obediently waiting as ordered.

The reason why these Zerglings were in front of Dusk is because he’s currently testing his own abilities using Equestrian magic. Since his confrontation with the Monarchs of Equestria, Dusk used whatever spare time he had to practice spells he memorized from Twilight’s own personal collection during the time he utilized her personal library for information.

Due to his previous biology as a unicorn, he should be able to use magic and utilize any spell he wishes. However,
So far he only succeeded using what was considered ‘basic’ spells. Such as telekinesis, illumination, and simple stun spells. Though he had no need for these kind of spells since his psionics can easily do the same but far more efficiently, it did confirm that he can in fact use magic alongside his psionics.

However, when he tried conducting medium to higher tier spells, he faced some difficulties.

Dusk concentrated as his horn glowed orange with magic. The first Zergling is covered in the same glow as it slowly floated up to Dusk’s eye level.

With more concentration, Dusk thought of a location, just outside the Hive, and initiated his spell.

Immediately there was a bright flash of light and an audible pop as the light immediately died down.

However, what was left behind made Dusk frown in disappointment. The back half of the Zergling still remained while the entire front half is now gone, it’s cauterized flesh smoked and burned filling the air with the scent of burnt meat.

‘Teleportation spell failed.’ Dusk thought in disappointment as he released the burnt remains from his magical hold. The other two Zerglings looked towards the deceased remains with instinctual curiosity, but made no move to investigate.

Dusk then moved onto his next test.

Concentrating, his horn lit once more as the second Zergling is now covered in his magical influence.

With more concentration and pooling more magic, Dusk initiated his second spell.

The Zergling shrieked but was immediately silenced with the flash and the audible pop of the spell going off.

Once again, the light immediately died down, reveling the second Zergling. However, to Dusk’s growing disappoint, the Zergling’s entire head is now stone grey and frozen as it soon collapsed onto the ground, shattering its’ head into a thousand pieces.

Dusk frowned. ‘Transmutation spell failed.’ Dusk thought as he looked towards the third and last Zergling, completely unaware about the fate that was about to befall on it.

Taking in a deep breath, Dusk concentrated, his horn lights up as he grasped the last Zergling in his magic.

Concentrating, he activated his third and final spell.

*POP!*

“SKREEEIIIAGLAGAGAMKLKDKADSALSAKSLKLKALSKSLASKJF!”

Squelch!

…

…

…

‘Transformation spell, failed…’ Dusk thought as he pondered on his failure.

He had tested these same three spells and many other spells for the past week, each test ending in a failure.

Dusk knew for a fact that it wasn’t due to his lack of concentration or lack of mana reserves. He had plenty of mana and due to his superior and highly evolved cerebral system, he can easily handle the mental stress of these spells on any level.

However, even with all this, he still finds himself constantly failing. And he may know why.

‘It has to be my biological make-up. Even though I have some Unicorn DNA, the vast majority of my biology is Zerg. It seems magic is only compatible with the biology of this world’s denizens, specifically the ponies of Equestria. I need to look more into this.’ Dusk concluded.

Just as Dusk finished pondering on his personal discovery, he received a psionic call from his Broodmother.

“My master, I have completed the task you have given me. The forest is free from any animals that can be used to spy on our Brood.” Vash reported.

Dusk nodded. A week ago since the confrontation, Dusk tasked Broodmother Vash with purging all animal life within his territories in light of what he learned a week ago from the one named Rainbow Dash.

When he learned that the one named Fluttershy could communicate with the animals and used them to find his Hive, then what’s not to say that the animals of the forest are spying on his Zerg and reporting their findings and movements to their Monarchs. Dusk wanted to make sure that all possibilities of spying for the Monarchs are taken off the table, even if it includes killing all the wild life.

Vash immediately went to work and sent his forces to scour their territory for any and all animals. None were spared, from adults to infants were rooted out from their homes and slaughtered to the last.

Dusk wasn’t taking any chances, not when dealing with the Monarchs.

“Good. Were there any difficulties in your task?” Dusk questioned.

The Brood mother replied. “It was a simple task of finding and killing any animals our forces could find. Unfortunately, some managed to slip through our forces while others proved to be more challenging to take down, such as the case with a Manticore.”

Dusk nodded. “That is to be expected. Did our forces give chase to any of these animals?” Dusk asked. “Yes my lord. Though our forces killed many, many more managed to escape the forest towards the equine settlement.” Vash explained.

Dusk frowned. “Then we must assume the Monarchs know what has happened and what we did. What is the current status of our overall Brood?” Dusk questioned. For the past week since his confrontation against the monarchs of Equestria, Dusk has been busy preparing his forces, growing his Brood and expanding his territories further into the Everfree Forest.

“Since we’re now using the full capacity of our Hive Cluster, our Brood grew tenfold. We have over ten thousand Zerg units and that number is constantly growing by the hour. If the Equines dare to attack our Hive Cluster, our forces will have grown to be more than efficient enough to wipe out their pathetic armies.” Vash explained, her tone filled with conviction.

Dusk frowned. “Careful Vash. Overconfidence can lead to defeat. We must always be vigilant, especially against these Equestrians, no matter how pathetic they may be. Any report from our spies within Ponyville?” Dusk questioned.

Just days after the confrontation, Dusk saw through the eyes of his Overseers a significantly large army of Royal Guards arriving into Ponyville, their numbers were around 500 at least.

Since then, Dusk sent in a dozen Changelings, each ‘replaced’ a guard and spied on the village and the army ever since. So far he learned that the guards were sent to Ponyville under the guise of protecting the village denizens from the monsters of the Everfree Forest and thus garrisoned the entire village and constantly patrolled the edges of the forest.

With this new revelation, Dusk strategically split his forces all over his territory and hid numerous Zerg units near the edges of the Everfree Forest nearest to Ponyville, in the off-chance that the Monarchs decide to do anything against him and his Brood.

“Our spies reported that the animals that escaped our forces are currently receiving medical treatment. These animals are located at the home of one of the Elements, Kindness if I’m not mistaken.” Vash explained.

Dusk frowned. “Fluttershy… the one that can communicate with them. This is concerning.” Dusk said. As he expected, the Monarchs will no doubt already received news of what has occurred and will no doubt draw conculsions.

They will not sit quietly.

“Do you wish to send in special task force of Hunter Killers to kill all these animals? Or have our spies to end their lives?” Vash asked.

However, Dusk immediately shoot the idea down. “No Vash. We shall do no such thing. If we attack those animals, the garrison will be even more alerted to our presence. Also our spies will be discovered, making it much harder for us to track their movements and drawing the attention of the other denizens of this world. The last thing I need is other kingdoms interfering with our plans.” Dusk explained, he can sense the Broodmother realizing the consequences of her suggested plan.

He continued. “We will closely monitor their movements. For now, we’ll grow our numbers and wait until the Leviathan is completed before we can move onto the next phase of our plan.” Dusk said.

Though the number of guards in Ponyville are of little threat to Dusk and his Brood, he still needs to keep a close watch on Ponyville. Even though the Princesses promised a week ago to leave him and his Zerg alone in turn for their lives and the lives of their ponies, Dusk wasn’t naïve to think they would actually keep their word for long.

Once his Leviathan finishes, he can finally move onto the next major part of his plan to return to the Koprulu Sector.

However, he still has another week until his Leviathan is completed. So until then, he will consolidate his power.

“I understand master. Like always, your wisdom and foresight knows no bounds. I still have a lot to learn from you.” Vash said.

Dusk nodded. “As long as you learn. Now we still need to-” Suddenly Dusk sensed a sudden intrusion deep within the gem mines where his Drones are located.

Vash sensed the same thing. “OUR DRONES ARE UNDER ATTACK!” Vash exclaimed through their psionic link.

Immediately, Dusk psionically searched through the Hive mind for the Drones that were being attacked. In mere seconds, he located a single Drone at the deepest level of the gem mines.

Dusk can sense the Drone is being attacked by dozens of unique signatures, however, these signatures were unfamiliar to Dusk, also he can sense that these same signatures weren’t actively harming the Drone either.

Concerned, Dusk melded with the mind of the Drone and observed through it’s eyes to finally see the identities of the attackers.

What he saw made him pause.

The attackers were dozens of bi-pedal canines, each and every one of these creatures had similar physical features of large thick arms, disproportionally small digitigrade legs, paws for hands and feet, canine-like snouts and ears, small club-like tails and fur covering their entire body.

Dusk frowned recognizing these creatures.

Diamond Dogs.

Through the eyes of the Drone, Dusk sense at least twenty of these canines wearing what appears to be crudely made armor and helmets obscuring their eyes. Dusk deduced that these dogs were soldiers as half are pointing crude looking spears directly at the Drone, and the other half are tying the large Drone down with ropes, albeit with some struggle.

However, what caught Dusk’s attention were the three Diamond Dogs in front of the Drone. Unlike the other Diamond Dogs, these canines weren’t wearing any form of armor and each looked uniquely different.

The first is the smallest out of the three, a small Diamond Dog with very light brown fur, a grey open vest and a black collar with blue studded diamonds.

The second is a medium sized dog with grey fur and wearing a red vest and a collar with the same design as the first dog but with a single orange gem hanging off of it’s collar.

The last is the largest of the three, a large iron blue furred dog with a grey vest and similar designed collar as the previous two.

These three seemed to carry themselves as the leaders of these Diamond Dogs, especially the one in the middle as said Diamond Dog was arguing with the other two.

“This crab thing is huge! And scary looking. Are you sure it’s right one?” The smallest dog asked.

The Red vested dog slapped the back of the smaller one’s head, almost throwing the smaller dog into the ground. “Of course it’s right one! I’m not blind! This crab thing will collect ALL gems for Diamond Dogs! Will make Diamond Dogs RICH!” Explained the red vested Dog, looking directly at the Drone.

Both dogs were at awe at their leader’s explanation. “Will make Diamond Dog RICH!?” The largest dog repeated, eyes wide in disbelief.

Their leader nodded his head with a sinister chuckle. “Yes! YES! Crab thing will make us RICH! I saw crab thing; MANY crab things collect lots of gems! We capture one, then two, then eventually ALL of them to collect gems for Diamond Dogs!” The leader said as he and the rest of the Diamond Dogs all howled in their apparent victory.

Soon enough the canines stopped their howls as the smallest one asked. “But how can we make it collect gems for us?”

The small dog received another slap to the head. “Idiot! We tell it to collect for us! Show it who’s boss!” The red vest dog explained as the smaller dog simply nodded as if he suddenly realized his leader’s plan.

“Ohhh… I see now… good plan. It’s nothing but a dumb beast!”

“Yeah! A dumb beast!” repeated the larger dog as both he and the smaller dog let out what possibly the most idiotic laugh Dusk has ever heard.

Fortunately, the red vest dog seemed to agree. “ENOUGH! Now let’s show this crab thing who’s boss!” The red vest dog said as he and his entourage approached the seemingly helpless Drone.

The Drone itself is currently staying stock still by Dusk’s untold command as it wasn’t afraid or actively trying to escape his attackers. Drones, like all units of the Zerg, have no concept of fear or self preservation, they will carry out any given task even under extremely dangerous situations, even if there are being killed by the enemy.

Drones are the backbone of the Zerg Swarm, carrying out important and mundane tasks such as collecting key resources and morphing into key structures for the Zerg Swarm, all at the expense of their lives.

A Drone will continue to do it’s given task until the Drone has completed the task, died, or given a new task. However, unlike other Zerg species, Drones are naturally docile, rarely a Drone would be used to fight against the Swarm’s enemies, only in the direst of situations are Drones used to attack the enemy, though will most likely die in the attempt.

However, a Drone is still an organism of the Swarm. their killing power must never be underestimated.

A single Drone is larger then a Terran Marine in full CMC Power Armor, it’s large pincers can crush the hardest of minerals, it’s acid spit is corrosive enough to burn through rock and hardened minerals alike.

And these Diamond Dogs dares to attack his Drone. Dusk will show these insignificant life forms first hand the folly of their hubris.

The trio of Diamond Dogs came face to face with the crab thing. Rover, the leader, looked dead in the (multiple) eyes of the crab thing.

“Now listen here crab thing! We Diamond Dogs are your masters now!” Said Spot, the smaller dog.

“And you will collect gems for Diamond Dogs!” Rover continued.

“FOREVER!” Fido, the large dog, finished rather menacingly.

Rover then pointed towards a mine cavern. “Now go and collect gems for us!” He demanded with his most intimidating voice he could muster.

However, the crab thing didn’t move. It wasn’t listening.

Rover fumed in anger. “I said! Go and collect gems for us, NOW!” Rover shouted, putting more anger into his voice.

Still, the crab thing didn’t move a muscle. Making Rover even angrier.

However, before Rover could shout at the crab thing again, Spot spoke. “Um… I think we have to release it so it can go and work.” Spot said, pointing the ropes tying it down.

Rover’s anger quickly vanished, only replaced with annoyance as he face palmed. “Why didn’t you say so! Guard Dogs! Release crab thing!” Rover ordered as the Guards Dogs immediately let go of their ropes.

The crab thing then started floating off the ground, probably using magic to do so.

Rover raised his right arm pointing to the ceiling, showing his authority. “Now crab thing! Go collect gems for us! NO-”

“GGGRRRREEEAAAAAA!” The crab thing suddenly roared and grabbed Rover’s raised arm.

“Wait! What are you-”

Crunch!

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!” Rover screamed out in pain as the crab thing crushed his right forearm in it’s pincer as it lifted him off the ground.

Rover desperately held onto his broken arm. “AAAAAAAHHHHH! LET GO! LET GO! GUARD DOGS! HELP!” Rover screamed out to the shell shocked dogs around him.

His orders seemed to shake the Guard Dogs out of their shocked daze as many of the dogs immediately jumped on the crab thing, howling out battle cries, stabbing their spears and beating it with their fists.

The crab thing roared out as it released Rover’s crushed arm as it started thrashing around, knocking of the majority of the Guards Dogs. As for the dogs that held on, the crab things started grabbing those Guard Dogs off it’s back with it’s massive claws.

As Rover quickly crawled away from the crab thing, he and his pack mates watched in horror as the crab thing grabbed a Guard Dog, one in each claw. The Guards Dogs in question tried to free themselves, but the crab thing’s claws refuse to budge an inch, in fact it raised its right claw holding the Diamond Dog for all to see.

Then with a sickening crunch, the crab thing crushed the Diamond Dog like a grape as blood exploded out of the dog’s mouth before going limp in it’s claw.

The crab thing threw the now dead Diamond Dog across the cavern before turning its attention to the dog in it’s left claw.

The Guard Dog barely had time to whimper before the crab thing grasped the torso of the dog with it’s right claw and ripped the Diamond Dog in half. Blood and gore showered the frightened dogs in front of it.

During all of this the rest of the Guard Dogs as well as the Diamond Dog trio froze in absolute fear. Unfortunately, in their shell shocked state two more Guard Dogs were brutally killed by the crab thing.

In their entire lives they thought they were the strongest, fearless and never have to worry about anything hurting them since they’re in Pony land. Ponies will never attack them because they were scary and tough.

But this creature did the unthinkable and is now brutally killing any Diamond Dogs within it’s reach. The Diamond Dogs have never come across such a horrible creatu- no- monster such as this crab thing.

They needed to escape. They needed to run as far away as possible.

“G-G-Guard Dogs! K-Keep attacking it!” Rover shouted in a scared tone, nursing his horribly crushed arm.

“Y-Yeah! We’ll go get more Guard Dogs!” Fido added, equally as afraid of this crab thing as Rover.

The Guard Dogs just stood frozen stiff or shaking with fear as the crab thing smashed another Guard Dog against the cave wall, splattering the dog’s blood all over the wall. Rover and his pack mates immediately ran for the nearest tunnel.

As the trio desperately ran through the tunnel, they could hear the loud pained/dying whimpers of the Guard Dogs ‘sacrificing’ their lives to give them time to escape and the gruttle but terrifying roars of the horrid crab thing.

Eventually the noises of the massacre soon faded away, but that didn’t stop the trio from running any faster.

Soon the trio burst into an open cavern, filled with Diamond Dogs of various sizes, most were Guard Dogs while others were like them, leading the Guard Dogs to dig up more Gems and pulling rusted carts filled with precious gems.

But that didn’t matter, right now Rover is absolutely scared for his life.

“EVERYONE LISTEN! WE HAVE TO SEAL ALL TUNNELS AND RUN AWAY!” Rover screamed out as loud as he can. Fortunately, he caught the attention of every Diamond Dog in the large cavern.

“Rover, what happened to your arm? It looks very horrible.” Said one of the Diamond Dogs as he pointed to Rover’s crushed arm.

However, Rover didn’t care. “YOU IDIOT! Forget the arm, we have to run away NOW!” Rover shouted in desperation and fear as the other diamond dogs gave confused looks.

Then Spot spoke up. “There is BIG crab thing chasing us! Killed all Guards Dogs with us! We barely escaped with our lives!” Spot explained in a fearful tone.

Fido vigorously nodded his head. “Yeah! Barely escaped with our lives!”

There were concerned murmurs amongst the gathered Diamond Dogs, questioning if what they claimed was true or not.

“How do we know what you say is no lie?” Spoke an unnamed dog.

Rover’s fear momentarily forgotten as he fumed with anger. “I no lie! Crab thing is coming for us and if we don’t run away, it will kill us all!” Rover shouted.

However, none of the Diamond Dogs seemed worried, in fact they gave Rover stares of disbelief. “Are you sure you didn’t just see spider like last time and ran away scared!” Yelled one of the dogs, inciting howls of laughter from the rest of the Diamond Dogs other then the trio.

Rover is now furious. Here he is trying to save their lives and they are laughing at him. He knows what he saw and he has a crushed arm to prove it.

Before Rover could shout out again, something behind him cut through the howls of laughter.

“GRRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAA!”

Every Diamond Dog went completely silent as the gruttle roars of an unknown animal echoed through the tunnel behind the trio.

“What was that?” Asked the same dog from before.

The trio started to immediately back away from the tunnel behind them in abject fear.

“It’s the crab thing!”

Just as Rover screamed out those words, the crab thing burst into the cavern startling all the Diamond Dogs,

“What’s that thing!”

“Run away!”

“NO! We Diamond Dogs! We will fight! It’s hurt!” Shouted one of the Guard Dogs as the rest of his Guard Dogs surrounded the large beast. True to his word, the crab thing was covered in scratches including a couple of broken spears sticking out of it’s back.

There were over a hundred Guard Dogs in total, all wearing metal armor and holding spears pointing directly at the large beast. But after witnessing the brutal capability that the crab thing can do, Rover still felt that these dogs were no match against the crab thing.

The crab thing spat out gruttle roars as it snapped it’s large claws at the Guard Dogs surrounding it. The Guard Dogs were cautious as many of them were trying to find an opening to attack the crab thing.

The rest of the Diamond Dogs watched, some were even howling for the Guard Dogs to kill the thing once the initial shock died down. However, Rover and his two pack mates were at the far back, distancing themselves as far away from the crab thing as possible all the while witnessing the possible end of the crab thing.

A Diamond Dog turned to Rover with a toothy grin. “This is the crab thing? Gotta say it’s very big!” The dog complimented, catching the trio’s attention as well as the surrounding Diamond Dogs.

“Yeah! Good for pulling carts and collecting gems!”

“I call first dibs!”

“No I called it!”

“ENOUGH!” Rover screamed out. “We must kill that crab thing or else it will kill us all!” Rover explained, his frustrated tone betrayed his fear.

A Diamond Dog scoffed. “We have it surrounded! There is no way it could-”

“GREEEEAAAAAA!”

“RAUGH! RAFF-” Crunch! Squelch!

Immediately there as panic among the Guard Dogs as the crab thing charged into their ranks, grabbing and brutally crushing any dogs within it’s reach.

After killing five dogs, the rest of the Guard Dogs pounced on the large beast doggy piling it and stabbing wherever they can.

However, the crab thing refused to go down as it started thrashed around, knocking off the majority of the Guard Dogs, catching and crushing any within it’s reach and even bashing entire groups aside with it’s large claws. However, as it threw dogs off it’s back, more took their place as their combined numbers is soon slowing down the large beast.

However, at the same time, the Guard Dogs were taking losses as strewn all over the cavern floor were dozens of still bleeding bodies of crushed Diamond Dogs.

But soon enough, as the crab beast crushed another guard in it’s grasp, a lone Guard Dog managed to raise his spear and bring it down upon the crab thing’s head.

“GRREEEAAAA!” The crab thing roared out before collapsing onto the ground.

The Guards Dogs kept stabbing away, making sure the beast was fully dead before finally back away from the spear ridden body of the crab thing.

There was a moment of silence as the surrounding Diamond Dogs waited for any signs that the creature was still alive.

Finally, a lone Diamond Dog, the same one that made fun of Rover earlier, carefully approached the crab thing and gave it a good kick.

The crab thing didn’t move.

The Diamond Dog nodded to himself and look directly at Rover. “See Rover! It ain’t so tough now since it’s dead! You’re scared for nothing!” The Diamond Dog mocked, however, he was completely unaware when the seemingly dead crab thing jerked and moved its head up towards him.

“Ruffles look out!”

The now named Ruffles quickly turned towards the still living beast. But before he could scream, the crab thing spat a glob of green liquid at his face.

“RAAAAAHHHHHH!” Ruffles screamed out as he held is face. The sound of sizzling flesh emanated throughout the vicinity as small trails of smoke emanated between Ruffle’s fingers.

The Guards Dogs immediately pounced on the crab thing, driving their spears into it as it finally collapsed back onto the ground dead.

Ruffles kept screaming as he ran through the crowd in pain, only to run directly into a stalagmite and knocking himself out in the process.

Rover cringed when he saw the condition of Ruffles face. It looked like something chewed the into dog’s face as red visible flesh now covered his face.

As some of the Diamond Dogs crowded around the unconscious dog, Rover and his pack mates stared directly at the body of the crab thing.

“I-It’s finally dead.” Spot said in a tone of disbelief.

“What a relief.” Said Fido, relieved that the terrible creature is now dead.

Rover nodded as a few Guard Dogs went to move the corpse. “Good. Now let’s go and get my arm healed. It’s hurting a lot.” Rover said, his arm throbbing in constant pain as it’s barely holding together as it is.

All the Diamond Dogs within the cavern then slowly returned to their business while the Guard Dogs started carrying the dead away to be buried.

Though they emerged victorious, what just occurred was more horrifying to the majority of the Diamond Dogs, especially a certain trio.

As the trio turned away from the corpse to leave, Spot suddenly stopped as one of his flabby ears twitched.

“What is it Spot?” Fido asked, mentally exhausted from today’s events.

“Can you hear that?” Spot asked in a curious tone.

Rover’s eyes squinted in frustration. “Hear what? I don’t hear any-”

“GGGRRREEEEEEAAAAAAAAAA!”

“GRREEEAAAA!”

“GGRRRRRREEEEAAAAA!”

The trio froze as did every Diamond Dog within the cavern. The frighteningly familiar roars echoed from every possible tunnel leading into the cavern.

It was then and there did Rover suddenly remembered as his blood froze in realization.

There were more crab things out there. And they just killed one of their own.

Before anyone could possibly scream, everything went into chaos as more crab things swarmed into the cavern by the dozen on all sides and from every entrance.

Dusk walked through the dark tunnels of the mines, passing many caverns and using the labyrinth like tunnels.

Barely an hour ago, one of his Drones was captured by a group of Diamond Dogs who were trying to use the Drone for their own purposes.

Dusk watched as the leader made a fool out of himself trying to order his Drone to collect gems for them. It was only when the Diamond Dogs foolishly released the Drone did Dusk ordered the Drone to attack the Diamond Dogs and watched massacre that followed with stoic amusement.

The initial forces of Diamond Dogs fell to the Drone due to the fact they were gripped with fear caught greatly off-guard. Due to this, the Drone finished the conflict with minor injuries.

Ceres then ordered the Drone to pursue the trio through the same tunnel they used to escape the fight. While leading the Drone through the tunnel, Dusk was simultaneously ordered 200 Drones into the same mining system and to scout out for any of the Diamond Dog trio in case they decided to split up.

However, his search ended as his Drone entered a large cave system filled with hundreds of Diamond Dogs. Through the eyes of the Drone, Ceres saw the trio of Diamond Dogs he was searching for earlier, he then ordered his forces of Drones to converge onto the cavern, taking time to maneuver his Drones around to cover every tunnel into the cavern.

While he was maneuvering his forces, a small army of Diamond Dogs surrounded the lone Drone, their weapons at the ready.

It was only when his Drones were in position did Dusk ordered the lone Drone to attack.

By Dusk’s mental command, the Drone immediately threw itself into the ranks of Diamond Dogs, killing any within it’s reach. However, as Ceres expected the Drone was eventually overwhelmed and killed, but the lone Drone served its purpose.

It was only when the lone Drone perished and when the Diamond Dogs thought they have achieved victory did he sent in his forces.

The chaos that followed cannot even be called a battle. It was simple slaughter of an inferior species.

When the slaughter drew to a close, Dusk decided to deal with the Diamond Dogs personally.

Now Dusk is entering the familiar tunnel towards his destination, however, he wasn’t alone as four Hunter Killers were following closely behind him.

When he exited the tunnel he was met with a cavern covered in blood with dozens upon dozens of fresh corpses from both sides strewn all over the cavern floor and walls.

However, Dusk’s sole attention was on the surviving group of Diamond Dogs huddled in the middle of the cavern, surrounded on all sides by Drones. Before he arrived, he ordered his Drones to gather all the survivors and watch them until he arrived. There were now only close to a couple hundred Diamond Dogs left as most of these dogs sported various degrees of injuries.

Though the crowd of Diamond Dogs is obscured from Dusk’s vision, he could still sense their fear, no doubt caused by the numerous Drones surrounding them.

If the present situation allowed it, Dusk would’ve laughed, the idea of Drones being the symbol of fear for the Zerg greatly amused him.

Unfortunately, he could not afford to break character. He has appearances to keep.

Dusk slowly strode forward, hands clasped behind his back as the Drones moved to create a path for him and his guard retinue directly to the huddled group.

Only the clopping of Dusk’s hooves against the cavern ground could be heard. A steady but powerful series of sounds, as if counting down the Diamond Dog’s demise.

Eventually the last of the Drones parted, revealing Dusk to the group of Diamond Dogs.

Suffice to say, the dogs were shocked.

“A Pony!? What is a Pony doing here!?” An unnamed Diamond Dog said in an confused tone.

Instead of answering, Dusk simply gave the Diamond Dogs a cold gaze as he slowly approached the group as his Hunter Killers moved to stand on either side. The Diamond Dogs nearest to Dusk desperately tried back away from him, their fear increased tenfold as they saw the Hunter Killers.

He then stopped just a few feet away from the crowd of canines, hands clasped behind his back and leveling a stoic gaze upon the group. His Hunter Killers obediently stopped as they towered over the large crowd of Diamond Dogs.

Dusk roamed his eyes over the various Diamond Dogs before him, analyzing them. The entire crowd of Diamond Dogs were male as Dusk didn’t see nor sense any females amongst the crowd. From what he could see, this group of Diamond Dogs was some form of bandit or mercenary group as the majority of these dogs were suited for combat roles while a small portion no doubt took leadership roles.

As Dusk scanned the crowd before him, his eyes soon landed on a certain trio.

Dusk’s eyebrows creased ever so slightly. ‘It appears they survived. Good. This trip would’ve been a waste of my time if they hadn’t.’

Dusk then finally spoke to the Diamond Dogs. “So you’re the ones that attacked my Drone.” Dusk simply stated, inciting confusion amongst the crowd.

“You mean the crab thing?” A Diamond Dog asked, fear evident in his tone.

Internally Dusk frowned at the simplicity of these dogs. ‘Of course…’ “Yes, the Drone I sent to these mines to collect gems for me. The same Drone that your group dared to try and take from me.” Dusk said in a stoic tone. Though he didn’t outwardly convey his annoyance, his Hunter Killers on the other hand did as they hissed menacingly at the group.

All the dogs desperately shook their heads. “NO! NO! NO! It wasn’t us!?” The same dog yelped out in fear as he waved his paws.

Dusk raised an eyebrow. “Oh… then who did?” He asked, feigning ignorance.

Immediately the trio of Diamond Dogs were thrown onto the ground in front of him by the crowd. “It was them! They attacked your crab thing!” The dog explained as the other dogs nodded their heads vigorously without an ounce of hesitation.

Dusk looked down on the three Diamond Dogs now groveling before him in absolute terror. These three were worse for wear, especially the red vest one as his broken arm is terribly swollen and already turning purple.

The red vest one spoke, meeting Dusk’s gaze. “Please spare us oh great and powerful pony! We didn’t mean to try and capture your crab thing! Honest!” The dog pleaded in a pitiful attempt for his life.

“Y-Yes oh g-great and glorious pony! We will never do it again! We promise!” The smallest of the three said in an equally fearful tone.

The large one instead of begging for his life, grabbed hold of Dusk’s right hoof and started desperately kissing it. Disgusted, Dusk wrested his leg from the large dog’s hold and kicked the dog in the snout. With a pained yelp, the dog was launched through the air and back towards the crowd of Diamond Dogs as said crowd managed to catch the large dog only to throw him right back in front of Dusk.

As the large dog regained his bearings, Dusk then turned his attention to the red vest dog. “You three tried to capture my Drone for your own purposes. Not only that but you three and the rest of these Diamond Dogs here killed my Drone. This cannot go unpunished.” Dusk said in a cold tone, much to the horror of the Diamond Dogs present.

Immediately the entire crowd dropped to their knees and each started begging for mercy. Some were smashing their head into the ground while begging, some started crying and many more gave pitiful reasons to be kept alive.

Eventually Dusk heard enough as the Hunter Killers roared in primal rage at the Diamond Dogs, immediately silencing their pitiful attempts of begging for their lives.

Once the Diamond Dogs were silenced, Dusk continued, staring directly at the red vested canine. “As expected of a pitiful race like yours. Begging for your worthless lives and sacrificing others when faced against something that you cannot even comprehend to understand.” Dusk said, staring coldly at the Diamond Dogs as none dared to look him straight in the eye.

Dusk then turned his attention back to the trio. “Fortunately for all of you, I don’t find any pleasure in killing inferior species. A waste of my time and resources.” Dusk said as many of the Diamond Dogs sighed breaths of relief.

Dusk continued. “However… I can you use all to set an example to the rest of the others on this world, so maybe I will kill you all after all.” Dusk said, his tone cold and emotionless.

Immediately the Diamond Dogs shouted out in panic.

“Please spare our lives!”

“W-Whatever it the oh great and powerful pony want; we Diamond Dogs will do it!”

“We’ll give you gems! ALL THE GEMS!”

“Yes! Yes! We’ll do anything!”

Dusk frowned at their pitiful begging. He has no uses for the large group of Diamond Dog, the gems they carry is already his and whatever they can possibly yield his Drones can do far more efficiently and without rest. He doubted these dull minded canines have any useful information about the denizens of this world that he already knows about. Using them for combat is out of the question as his Zerg are more then enough to face any opposition this world has to offer. The best they could offer in terms of service is an expendable army that can distract-

Then it dawned on Dusk. A plan quickly formulating in his vast psyche.

Dusk smiled. ‘This could work…’

Setting his plan into motion, Dusk then looked down at the groveling trio with a small smile. “However, I don’t take any pleasure in killing an inferior species such as yourselves. So in exchange for your lives, you all will serve me.” Dusk said as all the Diamond Dogs went silent, ears perking up at his offer.

Immediately the red vest dog nodded. “Yes! We Diamond Dogs accept oh merciful and glorious pony! Isn’t that right Diamond Dogs!” Immediately every dog nodded their heads in agreement.

Dusk raised an eyebrow. “And you swear to serve me faithfully?” Dusk questioned, knowing fully well the deceiving nature of Diamond Dogs.

The trio nodded. “Yes! We swear to serve you faithfully, oh great pony!” The short one said.

Dusk nodded his head. “Good. Now, I have one simple task for you Diamond Dogs to do.” Dusk said.

“Anything! We will do anything for the great and powerful pony!” The large one said almost too eagerly.

Dusk smiled. “I want you three to lead the Diamond Dogs to raid every village and town in Equestria.” Dusk said in a calm tone.

The trio’s eyes widened. “E-Every pony village and town?”

“EVERY town and village in Equestria that is located far from Canterlot or any of the major cities or towns. I want you all to raid these villages for all their worth and move onto the next town. Target villages and towns with little to no security, draw the attention of the Royal Guards away from the major cities, especially Canterlot.” Dusk explained in a serious tone.

The red vest dog raised a finger. “W-What about pony village near here?” He asked hesitantly.

Dusk leveled a cold glare on the dog. “Ponyville is currently protected by an army of Royal Guards. If you and the Diamond Dogs here attack it, you will all be defeated. However, other towns and villages far from Canterlot are most likely not protected and are prime targets for raiding. You Diamond Dogs will raid these villages and immediately move onto the next town before any Royal Guards show up. Am I clear?” Dusk questioned as many of the Diamond Dogs nodded their heads.

However, the short dog of the trio raised his right paw. “W-What about the loot we get from these villages? Do we return them to you?” The dog asked in a fearful tone.

Dusk frowned. “No… all the loot from any town you raid is yours to keep. As payment for your loyalty to me.” Dusk said as every Diamond Dog perked up at what he said.

“Then we will do it! We will raid ALL of pony country for you, oh great and powerful pony!” The red vest one shouted as the rest of the Diamond Dogs shouted in agreement.

However, Dusk frowned. “No you will not! It’s crucial that none of your raids are traced back to me. Do I make myself clear?” Dusk said in a dangerous tone as the Hunter Killers hissed menacingly at the crowd.

The trio nodded their heads in fear. “Y-Yes master! We’ll tell no one of you! EVER!” The red vest dog promised.

However, that wasn’t enough. “Good. But as insurance for your absolute loyalty…” Dusk said as his eyes glowed with power.

Immediately, every Diamond Dog collapsed onto the ground clutching their heads and whimpering in pain. Soon, Dusk’s eyes dimmed as the Diamond Dogs all groggily got off the ground.

“W-What was that?” The red vest dog asked in a confused tone.

“That is my insurance for your loyalty. I know the lying and deceiving nature of you Diamond Dogs, so let me make this clear.” Dusk’s eyes glowed as immediately the Diamond Dogs were clutching their heads in pain. “If any of you betray me or is captured, I will know and I will not hesitate to kill you.” Dusk psionically warned as he then released his hold on the Diamond Dogs, many whom were shaken by the ordeal.

The red vest dog shakily nodded his head. “W-W-We’ll do as you say. Oh great and g-glorious pony.” The dog said, his tone betraying his fear.

Dusk nodded. “Good. Now heal your injuries before moving out. I expect you all to be raiding your first village within three days.” Dusk ordered as he turned and started walking back towards the exit, his Hunter Killers following soon after.

Soon his army of Drones dispersed back into the tunnels as they all returned to their previous duties.

As for Dusk himself, he immediately contacted Broodmother Vash. “Vash, hear me. Did you get all that?” Dusk questioned.

“Yes my lord. Those foolish dogs will be useful in distracting the equines and their armies. But may I ask why use such an inferior species rather then our own forces? Our Zerg are more then capable.” Vash questioned.

“Vash, what is our top priority?” Dusk questioned.

“To return to the Swarm, to the Koprulu Sector.” Vash answered.

“Exactly. Our relations with the monarchs of Equestira is fragile at best and on the brink of war at worst. The only reason we’re not being attacked right now is because we are an unknown to the monarchs, thus they are consolidating their power and preparing themselves to fight against us.” Dusk explained as he can sense the Broodmother finally realizing his overall plan.

He continued. “That is why it’s imperative to distract the monarchs from us. By using the Diamond Dogs to divert the attention of the monarchs and their forces away from us, we can work in relative peace. This will also scatter their forces from any of the major settlements, making prime targets in case we do go to war with the monarchs. However, if we used our own forces for these raids, then we will force the hand of the monarchs and they will no doubt march to war against us.” Dusk explained.

“I understand perfectly now my lord. If it does come to war, then our Brood will crush any army that stands in our way!” Vash said with a tone of conviction.

Ceres smiled. “That, there is no doubt. However, we must never underestimate the enemy. Too many times had the Zerg been defeated due to overconfidence.” Dusk said remembering how the Cerebrates, the Overmind and even the Queen of Blades were defeated due to their hubris.

“Yes my lord. With your leave, I shall return to my duties.” Vash said before cutting off psionic communications.

As Dusk continued towards his Hive, his expression turned serious. ‘With this, there is no turning back. I will return to the Koprulu Sector and lead the Zerg Swarm, even if I have to go to war against Celestia and her chosen allies.’ Dusk thought as his eyes glowed with anticipation.

‘And when that day comes, when the day Celestia gathers the hopeless, the naïve, the foolish to face against me. When the day her armies marches upon my Hive with clouded courage in their hearts. I will show her and all of Equis the folly of their ideals, their hopes, their dreams.’

Dusk smiled in amusement. ‘When that day comes, I will show them the true fury of the Swarm.’

Author's Note

And that’s a wrap. If any of you have questions, comments, reviews, or suggestions then leave them in the comment section below.

Until next time.