Author's Note

Now it's back normal!

Edit: Man, I did not expect to take this long to upload this chapter. I apologize ahead of time for not getting this out 2 months sooner.

Chapter 10: "A Dog-Eat-Dog World"

For the first time in a while, I actually thought of myself back on my home planet cooking myself some food, chatting to myself, relaxing on the calm beaches of Agaustin. That thought soon came to pass hearing the alien chirping of birds on my opened window seal.

"Since when was that window opened?"

It clicked in my brain seeing the gaping hole in my house still there. It looked like a wild beast destroyed that half just to get to the second story. I groaned getting out of bed.

I used my magic to slowly regenerate the original structure of my house. Good thing I took the time to build this home myself. Before I knew it the hole in the wall was patched up like nothing ever happened to it. I did ended up feeling slightly drained because of sheer amount of magic it required though. Reguardless, I went down stairs getting myself a cup of coffee.

Coffee never let me down even when I felt like the shitiest being in the world. Drinking the delicious drink brought a small smile to my face. Three knocks came from the door, so I went to answer the call.

I opened it to find an old work partner at the doorstep. Agent Sweetie Drops (Bon Bon), stared back at me shocked in disbelief like she was seeing a ghost. I raised an eyebrow at her waiting for the reality to sink in.

"Are you alright, Bon Bon?" I asked somewhat concerned at how she stared at me.

She hugged me suddenly saying words so fast I couldn't understand what she was saying. Right, I haven't shown my face to the other ponies around here. I rubbed her back awkwardly whioe she explained how sad she felt hearing me pass on. It's kind of awkward since I'm in front of her in the flesh. I just hope this is not a reoccurring theme.

Once she finally got over my reappearance, Bon Bon let me go giving me a bright smile my way. "I'm fine now that you are here. You must have a story knowing you!"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Not really. I just kind of been in a magical coma for five years. Isn't today the day of the World Summit?"

Bon Bon gasped. "Oh, I forgot! I was sent to escort you to the meeting place of the World Leaders."

I figured that was the reason for her appearance. "Let's get going then. Don't want to be late. Let me get I few things real quick."

"Of course. I'll wait." She replied.

I went back inside to fetch a few things in the house before following Bon Bon to the World Summit meeting place.

International Meeting Central 7:25 AM

I wasn't too surprised to figure out that the rest of the sapient species on this planet, except for some rare exceptions of wild animals, were bipedal in naturally. I saw guards from Ponies to Zerbra to Yaks in there different countries. I even see a different group of ponies that looked more like bipedal horses with their shades of brown: Saddle Arabians.

"Talk about a cramped space of a planet."

When a stray guard laid their eyes on me, they would freeze in place carefully studying me of me turning feral right instantly. These soldiers had keen eyes.

Moving forward, Bon Bon and I finally made it through the hallway into the domed area. The round table inside that had about twenty-one seats in total. Only two of those seats were not filled.

Bon Bon guide me to the round table catching the attention of every diplomat inside.

"Attention Leaders of Equis, I would like to present: Shadow Faze, the Hero of Equestria and Equis' Champion." A guard near by spoke out.

The murmurs start spread in the room. I took my place to Celestia's left side sitting beside her. Princess Celestia glared with a hint of frustration behind its gaze, who sat in the direct middle of the round table.

I reckonized a few of the leaders, but most of them I learned from the records in the Canterlot library:

Emperor Razorbeak of the Griffin Empire, sat left from me, Queen Lapriza of the Diamond Dogs Kingdom, Prince Rutherford of Yakyakastan, Dragonlord Ember of the Dragon Kingdom, Empress Zafel of the Zebra Empire and her consort, Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire and her husband, Prince Shining Armor
The Saddle Arabia's rukers also Duke Azzam and Dutchess Fatina sat in the first half circle section of the round table.

Continuing from Shining Armor: Queen Dostan of the Deer Kingdom sat to his left, followed by King Thorax of the Changling Kingdom. Then the three Changling Hives (Not to be confused with the Changling Kingdom.) with their respective rulers: Queen Aracpora, Queen Celvic, and Queen Larvare. The one seat that remains empty today housed the fourth Changling Hive with Queen Chrysalis.

The last four were the first and only known Democratic nation on Equis: the Furry Republic which housed four representatives that ran the nation. Senator Hollowclaw III of the Wolves, Senator Fluffball of the Rabbits, Senator Slyvilla of the Foxes, and Senator Lybella of the Leopards.

I smiled awkwardly at all the leaders present before Celestia cleared her throat catching everyone's attention. "Let us officially begin the twenty-first world summit meeting. Our opening discussion is about relative news reguarding a newer threat. Empress Zafel, do you mind explaining what has required the attention of the world summit?"

All eyes fell on the Zebra ruler as her expression carried little room for her emotional baggage.

"Yes, I do have a small amount of information, Princess Celestia. This new threat is a creature of many faces. I don't know the particulars to the creature, but what I do know is that this creature lives off of other zebra like a parasite." Zafel said.

The unsettling visualization made most of the world leaders cringe in disgust. Apparently, this kind of villainary must be very rare on Equis.

"Now that the zebra tyrant mentioned it, yaks have been attack against their own for a while now. I suspected same creatuee is responsible!" Prince Rutherford blurted out.

Side conversations stirred up before Celestia placed her hand down on the table gathering most of the leader's attention. "Then a truce must be in order so that we can focus on-"

"And allow your Royal Guard members to surveillance my kingdom unchecked? Do you take us for fools, Celestia?" Emperor Razorbeak questioned folding his claws.

Celestia's eyes hardened visual hate being directed at the Emperor. It soon passed into a calm demeanor. "Of course not. I'm just suggesting we all join forces to stop this threat together. If we do so, then it would make it harder for the creature to do anymore damage then it already has."

"What an excellent idea, Princess!" Dutchess Fatina commented. Celestia gave a warm smile her way.

Slyvilla huffed. "It's a nice idea, Princess, but I think we should push more towards supplying each other with resources. That way, we can establish research facilities specifically examine to make cures from this creature."

I couldn't help but look back at the senator fox in amazment. She was able to come up with a solution like that in no time at all. I've only known of one other being with that kind of intelligence, but unfortunately, he sadly doesn't exist anymore. A wave of sudden sadness filled my head with more negative thoughts. The man was a villainous mad scientist, but his sinister reputation did little to conceal his love for exploring and discovering new techniques in the bioscience field. He was one of the few that I had no problem hanging out with once in a while. While I won't consider him as a friend, I did thought he was a nice 'evil' guy to talk to about the unknowns of the universe and how it works in impossible ways. I eventually shook myself out of my own despair to continue listening in.

Dostan's ears perk up. "I have facilities that could be of use for those resources. My kingdom has the finest mages stationed in the facilities, so they would be safe and in a controlled environment."

"Perfect! All we need is a piece of the creature." Fluffball said.

The Senators and Queen Dostan glaced toward the zebra and yak rulers.

"Yaks have no trouble with giving infected yaks to deer and Republic. As long yaks are treated fairly." Rutherford stated analysing their faces.

"Of course, you have my word, they will be cared for like our own citizens. Once our research of this cresture is done, we will cure the yaks back to normal." Slyvilla said.

A hint of a smile could be seen on the yaks buried face, but quickly turns stoic. I could tell Celestia was getting annoyed when they brushed off her idea.

"This deal sounds promising. How long will the research take to finalize?" Razorbeak asked.

"Well, the actual time is unknown since we have never seen this creature yet up close, but I can assume it would take seven months maximum." Dostan stated.

Hollowclaw leans into his chair more. "As long as we get some time to test out my skills against this creature, then I'm in."

"I would also like to provide assistance in researching this creature using my facilities of the Crystal Empire." Cadence announced.

"Plus, I can provide extre protection with my magic." Shining Armor added on.

Celestia seem to not disagree, but was not happy with her choice. "Excellent, I will provide the necessary equipment needed for the research." Slyvilla said.

"I suppose supplying the energy needed would help speed this process along. I'll make the arrangements when I get back to the hive." Queen Larvare stated.

The Zebra Empire, the Dragon Kingdom, the Changling Kingdom, and the ponies of Equestria joined in on the deal unfolding. All except Queen Lapriza, who wished to stay neutral in political matters, and the last two Changling hives.

I might have slept though some of the meeting.

"I don't know what you hope to gain in this, sister, but let us hope you made the right decision." Queen Celvic said skeptic of the other rulers around the table.

I would be too especially since opening massive resource trading could possibly make themselves vulnerable to attacks.

The last Hive Queen smirked. "While it is an interesting proposal, I would turn down this offer. I'll stay neutral in this matter." Queen Aracpora said.

"Very well then," Celestia said "eighteen of the twenty-one representatives of each nation has agreed to proceed with either provide resources to research this new creature, or house facilities for the research sessions. Any other worldwide news any of you have to update from last summons?"

Silence greeted the great halls in the meeting room. "Right then. Now it's time to prepare the feast."

I had no time to react when several portablle trays came out of the kitchen doors to greet the rulers of the world. I don't remember much else because it was just talking and dining to their hearts content.

While I was finishing my meal, Empress Zafel decide it was the right time to approach me.

"So your the infamous Shadow Faze that slayed Hades, right?" Zafel asked.

I gave her my full attention noticing her consort is not too far from her side. "Yes, I am, Empress Zafel. I see you have taken an interest in my accomplishments during my time in Equestria."

"Indeed. I was hoping if you could perhaps aid me in the combat field some time. Maybe even spar with each other." She suggested.

I had my suspicions with the rulers of the world. Working with nobles never really felt right with me anyways.

"That's a generous offer Empress Zafel, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline. Maybe some other time." I replied.

She wore an apologetic smile to mask her emotions inside. "I see. Carry on with what you were doing then." Zefel left her consort trying to keep up.

I paid no further mind to the disruption and easily finished the meal deciding to just mingle with the rest of the crowd.

Fortunate for me, the conversation came to me as the Senators of the first Republic nation came up to meet me.

"My, my, he really does look like a charmer for a stallion." Lybella purred softly.

"Are you Shadow Faze?" Slyvilla said.

I looked back to see three of the four senators of the Republic up closer than before. Senator Slyvilla is a ruby red fox with a pearl white under belly. Her eyes shown like embers in charcoal.

Fluffball had aqua colored fur on her body with a white round tail. Her eyes shown like sapphires with her whispers being white as her tail and underbelly.

Lybella, unlike the other two flurries, had a more earthy look to her. She had brown fur with black spots, the same pattern with her tail as well. Her bright orange eyes had to same wave of feriousity has her personality as she licked her lips together. I could tell she was eying me analyzing my every movement carefully.

It kind of was unsettling to see.

"Yes, Senator Slyvilla, Fluffball, and Lybella I presume. Where is Senator Hollowclaw?"

"Oh him? Don't worry about him. He tends to get antsy when it comes to peaceful political issues."

"Ah," I sympathized with Hollowclaw to some degree always wanting to cut as few corners as possible to solve an issue. "To what do I owe the pleasure of speaking to you three ladies?"

"Is it true that you took out King Sombra singlehanded?" Fluffball asked.

I scratched my mane. "Well, I did mortally wound him before the 'purge' happened, so I guess I did."

"Quite," the leopard furry got uncomfortably close fluttering eyes. "Just so that we are on the same page, I am more than happy to bed with a stall-"

Senator Slyvilla swiftly yanked Lybella away from me a bit irritated by her antics. "Don't mind her. She tends to do that in a teasing manner."

"Sure didn't sound like a tease to me."

"Sorry to intrude, but can you tell us where you were born? It's just we have heard so little about who you are in general. I'm not too sure if I have ever seen a dark toned stallion before now. If I'm not mistaken, Equestrian stallions are technicolor in fur design." Fluffball points out.

"Well. You wouldn't be wrong with that observation. You see, I come from Northern Equestria, also known as the Highlands. Every pony that lives there are slightly different due to the harsh terrain in the mountains." I lied.

"Really, you used to live in bat pony territory?"

I didn't expect the rabbit senator to know the Equestrian territory so well. "Yes, I lived alone with my mother."

Slyvilla seemed to be contemplating to herself while Lybella seem to sense the mood of the conversation changing.

"Well, looks like we should be on our way, stud. Business to deal with in preperation for the new trade lines" The leopard senator beckoned the other two senators to leave with her. They followed her lead. "Come visit the Republic when you have the free time."

"Sure. I'll be sure to come by."

Once they were out of voice range, I turned around looking for Celestia. I eventaully found her and the meeting went by quick after that.

We left for Canterlot after the meeting came to a swift end. All three of us seem to be glad we didn't have to deal with the constant threat of war looming over us.

Later that evening, the Celestia summoned me to her chambers. I went without question to her throne seeing as she was currently busy with something. She seemed to be talking at an open window.

The sun princess noticed my presence as she turned around to face me.

"Ah, just in time," she said reaching into her desk to pull out a sealed scroll.

I raised an eyebrow at her a question already forming in my head.

"I nedd somepony to deliver this to Empress Zafel for me. Apparently, an antimagic zone has been effecting the kingdom for a while now."

I stood there silent trying to figure out her reasoning. It seemed too simple of a task tp do, but I am still technically apart of the Royal Guard. I took the scroll stuffing it in my pocket.

"I will do as you ask. I'll be back before you know it."

"I'm counting on you my little pony." She said earning a small tick in my jaw. I hated being called that.

I walked out silently reguardless of however not really in the mood for any games.

Princess Celestia stared at the window once more thinking of the different ways this could play out. The sounds of wings flapping stirred her from her thoughts as the cloaked humanoid figure with white wings float in front of the window seal.

Celestia's eyes quickly shift to orange serpentine eyes and her previous calm expression turned into one of mild hatred.

"What do want Jehoel. I told you once to stay out of my way, but here you are with the nerve of showing your face to me again." Celestia said coldly.

The angel said nothing in her defense only staring into the alicorn's eyes. Her silence didn't last long. "You have no chance in killing a foe this pure with sin. You will surely perish in the fiery depths of hell itself if you don't correct your ways." she said cryptically.

Celestia gritted her teeth angerily at the angel gripping the railing to the point the smooth marble began to decay under her touch.

"You underestimate me, Jehoel. I was created by the Creator himself to purge anything I touch. This monster will fall like the rest and so will this pathetic world for what they have done to me." She seethed.

The angel took a moment to hover before a sigh escaped her lips. "I have given you a choice now you will suffer the consequences for your own actions in due time. Wrath brings upon utter destruction."

Celestia lights her horn before shooting a beam of fire at the angel. Jehoel caught the fire in the palm of her hand before exhausting the flame by clenching her hand into a fist.

"You think your so powerful, do you? We'll see who sits on top when Heaven burns as hot as Hell."

Celestia shuts the window closed preventing any further conversation. "I fear she has fallen into madness, dear Creator." the angel said before flying high into the sky out of sight.

The trip to Zebrican Empire was truely a pain. It took me months of tracking, crossing seas, and getting lost just to reach this place. That was until I came upon into the Empire. It looked ancient, but fairly well built with Imperial Guards placed all around its boarder walls.

I walked through the open archway seeing different striped zebra pass through main stone road. Some zebra honestly looked startled I made it so far into their territory, but otherwise said nothing to me.

Pondering their expressions of my visit, I assumed they didn't think a 'Equestrian pony' would come out this far from their main land.

Two Imperial Guards stepped up to me before attempting to stop me. "Halt, pony."

I made my stance as less threatening as possible. "I'm apart of the Royal Guard, gentlestallions. I'm here to deliver a message to the Empress straight from Celestia herself."

The two guards looked at each other with concern realizating just how important this message was.

"Follow us then." One of the zebra guards said as we walked deeper into the Empire.

I mostly did not care for small talk, so I ignored most of the conversation the two guards said. And on top of all of this travelling I grew quite bored with myself.

"How can Heros withstand so much talking and walking all over the place. It's quite an annoyance."

I grimaced inward focusing back on the two guards. "How much further?" I said bluntly feeling like we have been walking for hours on end.

One of the guards looked over their shoulder. "Oh right, the Empress's castle is just up ahead. You can't miss it."

I thanked the guards as they went their own ways, muttering how strangely familiar the Empress's castle is to me. Maybe it was the design of the castle? The castle is dark midnight blue and gold color that made it appear misplaced out of the bland peasant homes surrounding it like a maze.

It stood several stories higher than the homes around it too giving the fortress a superior look toward the building. I sighed before entering the castle drawbridge, which happened to be open at this time.

I was stopped by another pair of guards with halberds crossing each other to block my path. I showed and explained my presence allowing me to offically enter into her domain.

The castle was not as complex as it appeared having only three hallways to walk through. I chose the middle hallway leading me into the throne room.

Empress Zafel sat in her seat of power glaring into space, almost thinking of something in the distance. Her thoughts were disturbed when I came in causing her to pause in the thought process. She sort of glared at me until she recognized me, slightly shocked of my presence.

"Oh, it's been a while since we met at the Summit. I did not expect you to come all this way." Zafel said pleased I took the journey.

"Well, I am unfamiliar with the rest of Equis, so I thought 'why not explore it more in depth'?"

"I see. Well, I suspect you would require some refreshments for your long trek to my homelands."

I thought upon it feeling my sleep deprived mind swirl the question around in my head. "Of course. That would be wonderful actually."

Zafel gave a small smile. "It's an honor to have the Hero of Equestria as my guest. Servant? Fetch me and my guest some food."

A zebra stallion in some type of exotic uniform nod furiously before retreating into the kitchen of the palace. I couldn't help but feel welcomed into the zebra lands. After all, Empress Zafel rules all of Zebrica, right?

"So tell me, Shadow Faze, why have you brought yourself all the way here for?" The Empress asked.

"I simply came here to deliver an important message. Apparently, their have been antimagic interferences going on cutting your lands from magic mail. So I'm the delivery colt for Celestia." I said gaining the Empress's interest.

"A message and an antimagical interference?"

I simply gave the zebra the bound up scroll as she opened it up to skim over the context inside. She didn't appear to react to the message badly. Instead, Zafel grew a unsettling neutral expression.

Once she read it all, Zarel glanced back up at me replacing her previous expression with a smile. "It seems to be nothing of importance right at the moment," she hglanced to her right seeing one of her servants call out the food to be ready. "Come, let us eat."

I came without question heading into the 'dinner room' pf the palace. My saliva could be bately contained sseing the vast amounts of varieties of different food. All look absolutely irresistible to any starving eye.

I wasted no time sitting myself at one of the mant seats before stuffing my face up with food. The empress seemed to get really amused of my actions before properly placing herself at the long table. "I hope the food is up to par with your standards?"

I couldn't speak back as I simply nod to her direction going back to my devouring. The Servant seemed to be pleased with my response.

Before I even realized it, I ate four full meals of food before me. Patting my stomach giving a satisfied smile with a sigh. Having to go without descent food really sucked, not to mention I had no clue how to survive in Zebrica if it came to my own survival.

My instincts flashed in alarm as I felt something tingle throughout my entire body. Utter confusion and panic filled my mind. What was happening to me?

"Whau....is....gawing on?" I could barely say feeling my jaw and tounge go numb.

It got to the point where I couldn't feel anything anymore. I tried moving my arms, my legs, anything, but all I got in response was nothing. I couldn't move.

My eyes widen. The empress slowly got up before crouching in front of me. Her smile became wicked in nature eyeing me up and down like she is seeing me for the first time.

"My, my, I didn't expect a mighty hero like you to fall for a simple trick like this. But I guess being extremely hungry gave you no room to question me anyways," she leaned into my ear, almost breathing calmly into it. "Your Princess grew tired of your interferences. She brought you here with the attempt to remove you."

Shock and horror coursed through my body trying to figure out why would one of the princesses want to get rid of me. Why get rid of their best ally?

Zafel snapped her fingers calling for her servants. They respond as four zebra servants enter the room. She smiled wide gesturing toward me. "Pick up this stallion, servants. He may still have some use."

The servants did as they were told while my eyes darted around to see what was happening. The empress smiled while a sudden shiver went through me. Her cold, calculating eyes spoke of curiosity and sinister glee. Which made me wonder what she had in mind for me.

At the same time, it felt like I already knew the answer and was just denying the fact all together.

"I wonder what offspring can you make for me?"