Exodus- Rise of the Sillian Empire

Thomas POV

Everfree Quarry, 1 day after arrival at the quarry.

I awoke to the sounds of metal being hammered. Groggily I slowly sat up to be greeted by the sight of the smelter/furnaces. I helped the smiths make and now I can already see them working the first bits of steel. Smiling I slowly stood up and stretched before turning around to be greeted by the sight of snow sleeping up against a makeshift well.

"She must have propped my head on her legs." I quietly mused and walked up next to her in order to take a gulp of water. I stopped as I saw a.......strange reflection looking back at me. I....I looked different, like instead of a scrawny 15 year old with skinny steel rimless glasses, rosy cheek and a bunch of freckles. There stood a reflection of a man with pale white skin, sharp angular features, no glasses, and most of no freckles. My eyes stayed the same color of hazel but with a small tinge of red. I also notice that instead of a small close cut hair I had shoulder length dark brown hair and my ears had tiny points on the ends.

Strangely I looked like a cross between a human and dark elf from warhammer. I should have been panicking or at the very least distraught at my new body. But I felt different, proud, strong, like I can stand among the angels of heaven. I touched my face to assure myself that it was real and when I felt the smooth skin of my face. my mouth stretched to adopt a mischievous smirk and my reflection had the same smirk. shaking off this revelation I searched my bag for any clues as to how this was possible.

My effort was rewarded with a note that had impressive handwriting on it.

Hey kid, if your reading this then you made it to your destination. Relatively safe, anyway I decided to give ya abit of an upgrade from that scrawny look so your welcome on that end. Also that sword ya got has a bit of a nasty cost to it so I...uhhh..changed it so you won't have to worry about premature soul loss, buttt, you will have a really bad urge to slaughter and bath in the blood of your enemies. Soooo, pretty good trade off if I do say so myself. Before I forget you do have powerful magic, besides when you know drinking that fountain of youth drink and becoming immortal. But you have discords magic as well as equestrian magic. Though the equestrian will be hard to learn. brightside is that the discord magic is pretty simple just think of something whether it be knowledge, an item, food, etc. Just get a clear picture of it and snap your fingers and poof its there. Well that does it for the intros so I'll leave ya to do your things.

Signed-
A Friend.

I put the note down and with trembling hands and slowly reached into the bag. Feeling the around for abit, I felt the slick intricate curve and hand grip of a sword. Slowly pulling out the sword I watched as the black, red and gold coloration of the hilt was visible. Then pulling up some more I was greeted by the wickedly razor hook curved blade of the sword. It gleamed in almost a perverse dark aura.

I felt an urge to sate its thirst for blood, the hunger to bite into flesh and the perverse elation of bloodlust course through me. It took all my willpower to shove the blade back into my bag. I think I’ll only use it for.....severe battles. I take my hand off the hidden sword and move deeper into the bag and felt the soft velvety touch of cloth or silk. Smiling I ripped out two pure black silk gloves that made my smile grow wider. I quickly put them on and stretched my finger I saw a small glint of light then felt a stinging pain across my chest to see I cut myself. I closed my hand and decided to get more practice with the gloves maybe even attach the to some armor to give me a claw like appearance.

A quick shuffle made me turn to look at a sleeping snow. Now in a very.....interesting position, feeling a bright hue come on my face I quickly turned away from her. Only to be greeted by the mischievous smirk of Iron and Jorihl who looked ready to laugh while holding two plates of food.

“Wha? How did you...” I was cut off by iron raising his hand.

“You were too busy gawking at my daughter to notice or hear us round the corner.” He smirked. “I’m impressed son, you managed to get my daughters attention. Now I no longer have to worry about getting grand pups soon.” He bursted out in a hearty laugh that caused me to grow more embarrassed.

Jorihl who was visibly shaking from internal chuckling quickly recomposed himself. He soon adopted a wide grin and handed me one plate of food.

"Here you go my friend! I can't believe how easy we're making steel now usually we have to raid one of the nobles private guard storage's." He looked over to the small group of humans and dogs already refining and making more steel. "But this is incredible do you have anymore ideas like this?" I had barely started eating my food when he asked and when he did I soon paused in thought.

From what I saw the ponies seemed to be, technologically limited probably due to magic. When I escaped I did see a steam train but nothing else. no factories, no industry, no electricity. well the must have used magic to produce electrical power. But now here I am free and with a group of my own kind and friendly creatures who need help. Not only help but from what I have seen the dogs have a somewhat culture with packs, but the humans here seem....lost, demoralized. Like someone took all their pride, their history, their culture and just made it vanished or erased it. then I remember the sun bitch. she probably had something to do with this.

I looked up at Jorihl and noticed a twinkle in his eye, it wasn't just him it was also iron and some of the others around. they all had a twinkle, a spark of hope and determination. At that moment I felt my mind come together and smiled wide. Yes, I know exactly what to do, I shall reforge mankind starting with this small group. I shall reforge them in the fires of industry. to teach them the ways of logic and reasoning and to use all resources to further expand our industry.

"Yes, I do Jorihl if you know where we can get steam engine parts, bring it here." Jorihl quickly stood up straight and ran to perform his task. I turned to Iron.

"Iron, if you know where sulfur and saltpeter deposits are. can you mine them?" He smiled and nodded his head in thought. out of the corner of my eye I noticed snow was awake but still lying down trying to hide she woke up.

"I do my young friend, might I inquire as to why you need such material?" I smiled in glee.

"Because I will show you how to dominate your foes with fire." He looked even more intrigued and I saw the humans and dogs around chatting among-st themselves. "Also Iron if we can domesticate some wild creature I can show you all how to make saddles." That seemed to cause his eyes to widen in surprise and before he could respond Snow shot up and grabbed my arm.

"I know what creatures we can tame. Cockatrices and manticores, the ponies made up a stupid legend that cockatrices can turn you to stone. But really the just paralyze you for maybe an hour or two but if you can tame one their super fast and loyal." She inhaled and stared hungrily at me, which I found kinda of alluring. "Manticores just like cockatrices are loyal if you tame one or raise it when it is a cub. but their much stronger and can launch poison quills at a target 100 meters away."

I smiled and wrapped my hand around hers, which after her rant she noticed how close she was and blushed.

"That's perfect snow can you show me where they prowl? we might be able to tame some if we're lucky." As I finished she smiled and quietly nodded her head in agreement.

Smiling I gestured for her to show me the way and after nodding to Iron. Whom nodded back showing me he will get right on to acquiring the materials I asked. He slowly turned to move towards the growing group of dogs and people to try and calm them down. I turned and shouted his name getting his attention.

"IRON!" He turned to face me. "When we get back, I have an idea to build better walls at the entrance to the cavern and the three quarry ways." He smiled even brighter and nodded me off. I couldn't help but smile and feel excited as I was now embarking on what felt like and extraordinary path for my new life and future her. when I caught up with snow she pouted at me which I laughed nervously hoping to calm her down. But was surprised when she wrapped herself against my arm and began leading me away towards the woods and the beasts.

Iron Claw POV

I watched Thomas get dragged off into the forest by my daughter. I could only chuckle as I knew exactly what was going on. For us diamond dogs when we find our bond mate, we will try to get closer to them. Until they or we agree to become mates for life and it is impossible for us to leave them our lose our love for them. That's how I felt and still do for my wife. I start walking off to find the best digger of the pack. Half-way there I slowed down and looked back to where my daughter and Thomas disappeared. Along the small hidden path we made to climb up the cliff to the forest.

I continued to stare at the path when I began to think about the pack.....no everyone here. Both human and dog, I was only in-charge because I managed to save my pack and what was left of the others from. What those bastard noble equestrians call their "Sacred" duty in putting the lower races in their place.

I sighed as I remembered Jorihl and all the humans that came with him. Followed me here because it was long abandoned by the ponies and was forgotten. But now when I see him and the humans looking at Thomas I can see the same fire burning in my dogs eyes. As his steel making technique proved itself, Hope.

Turning back towards the cave I marched onward toward the diggers. I would help Thomas in his plans, and when he and my daughter return I....I shall ask him to assume the mantle. I have grown weary from making poor decisions but maybe with him at the helm. We can prosper.

Thomas POV

6 Hours later

Six hours.....six goddamn hours, of chasing around raptor chickens who kept paralyzing me and the tried to eat me. But Snow managed to tame them through....I don't know petting, treats, magic? I gave up trying to figure out and just went with it and now we have about 50 of the damned things following us. Thank god we didn't find any manticores. Cause I don't want to be a chew toy.

I looked up at Snow skipping happily along and found myself hypnotized by her swaying hips. Now that I was thinking about it I have seemed to be staring at her alot. She had almost a human face with a slight muzzle that was nearly unnoticeable. But her face held a soft beauty to it and her snow white fur sparkled like snow in the sunlight. she had long straight hair that fell all the way down to her tail and nearly touched her tail. Her curves were soft yet perfectly firm and round, she had a modest bust. But her softness hid the powerful muscles she held in her body.

All in all, I found myself wanting her more and more. Soon we made it back to the cliff path where I managed to shake my perverted thoughts away. She turned around and whistled getting all the bird creatures attentions. She then pointed done into the quarry and as if a powerful gust exploded behind me. all those bird things flew down into the open grounds of the quarry in front of the cave. Snow looked at me and shot an innocent sweet smirk then skipped down the path.

I pushed myself forward toward the path just chuckling at the quirkiness of the girl. We made it down after a few minutes of slowly walking down the steep path. When we began walking toward the cave maw, we noticed a large group of people gathering at the front of it. At first we started to worry that something happened and quickened our pace. But after awhile I noticed something strange, it was like there was an importance to this gathering that I saw on the peoples faces. They all stared into the middle of this ever growing mob where Iron stood tall and proud with a red cloak. Beside him was a woman with pale white skin and snow white hair, She must be Snows mother. I looked at Snow to see her grew more worried and quickly run on all fours towards the two. As she arrived they all hugged each and Snow visibly relaxed then seem to go wide eyed then nodded solemnly at her father. She moved next to her mother who seemed to be holding a small bundle that moved slightly. As I reached the group I stood five feet from Iron, who looked at me hard before drawing in breath.

"Thomas..." His voice audibly low looked at me softly. " I come before you with a request?" He got down on one knee and pulled out an ancient looking iron knife. I slowly moved closer to him, confused and slightly on edge.

"Y-y-yes sir." I spoke slightly nervous for an attack or something hostile. But it never came, instead iron got on one knee.

"Will you lead us. Not just my pack, but all of us both human and dog." I was stunned and looked at the ever growing group to hear them whispering to each other shocked. I looked at Iron confused.

"Wh-why me?" He smiled sadly then looked at the group. " I was blessed with the gift of foresight, it allows me to see the future and what I saw..." He looked at me with a relevantly smile. "I saw you, leading not just us. But all of the dogs and humans and what I saw was a prosperous, united, and powerful future for us." He took the knife and slowly opened his paw outwards in a open palm. He gestured for me to place my hand on his and at first I was nervous but then felt a wave of power, confidence rush through me. I placed my hand on his and looked at him.

"Will you Thomas Silvorin, take leadership of my pack and lead us to a better future?" I looked him straight in the eye. "I swear it on my blood and soul." He nodded happily to my answer and brought the knife down on both our hands piercing both and mixing our blood as it dripped down the knife.

" I shall hold you to that promise then." He looked at Snow and nodded before turning to me.

"As the new Alpha, you are to be wed to my daughter. to further seal your promise and duty by blood." Stunned and blushing I looked at Snow and saw she was blushing as well and try to look away from me. Her mother giggled at our expression and Iron roared with laughter. He soon pulled out the knife from our hands and handed me the knife. As I took it he and every diamond dog bowed to me.

"LONG LIVE ALPHA THOMAS!" I looked at the humans who seemed to be equally surprised and hopeful by this. As I stared at all the diamond dogs who slowly lifted their heads up to look at me. An idea popped into my head as I slowly looked at the dagger then to all the humans and dogs.

"Iron....everyone, I wish to make a pledge here." They all seemed surprised by this and stared intently at me. "I will not be know as Alpha!" They all gasped and talked to each other and Iron looked hurt then noticed when I shifted the dagger to face my chest. He realized what I was about to do and slowly stretched out to stop me. But I was too quick and plunged the dagger into my chest and pulled it down opening my chest. The dogs grew horrified as did the humans, Jorihl looked ready to bolt from the crowd to grab me and snow in silent horror. Watched waiting for me to fall.

They all stopped when I effortlessly plunged my hand into my chest and ripped my heart out still beating as my chest slowly began to close. They all looked on with amazement and trepidation.

" Dogs, Humans, Brothers, Sisters, Mothers, Fathers, Sons and Daughter of Man and Dog!" The were roused by my words and looked at me. "I will not be an Alpha. I shall strive to become more than that, I shall strive to become your king, NO! Your emperor." They were shocked by this proclamation. " I shall prove my striven title by freeing all of our enslaved brothers and sisters, and find those who were scattered and lost by the corrupt one who calls herself the sun queen!" They all began murmuring and pounding their fists against their hearts. " I will lead you to your deserved paradise, your chosen land. From here I shall reforge you all, I shall imbue in you not the hearts of free men and women. But I shall make you into conquerors, into revolutionaries, into kings and queens!" They all began standing tall and some began shout and cheering.

"YEA!"

"IT IS OUR DESTINY!"

"LEAD US!"

I sighed and looked at them. " I shall turn us from this mob of freed slave and survivors, an into empire benefiting to conquer the heavens and stars themselves." They all cheered and Snow looked at me mesmerized and Iron smiled proud smacking his fist against his chest. Jorihl looked at me as if I was sent from heaven as did the other humans. Taking a deep breath I continued.

" So on my beating heart and bound soul, do I pledge to you. not as just a group but an entire people, that I shall set you free and lead you to a land to build our destined paradise." I sighed and looked at them pleadingly. " Brothers, Sisters. Will you stand with me, Will you stand and help me build this future together?" They all went silent before a cacophony of voice screamed out.

"YES! WE WILL STAND WITH YOU! " I smiled and stood tall.

"Then by my heart, blood, and soul do I pledge here. The formation of the Sillian Empire and our march to free our people. I hereby proclaim, myself as emperor and the imperial dynasty of Silvorin!" I raised my heart before stabbing it into the ground with the dagger and looking at the now large group. once I returned standing the all stood tall and in one voice shouted out.

"ALL HAIL THE EMPIRE! LONG LIVE EMPEROR SILVORIN, LONG MAY HIS REIGN BE!" I smiled and walked towards Snow before getting on my knee in-front of snow.

"Snow Claw, will you become my wife and empress?" She looked stunned and looked to her mother and father for advice. She saw them smiling and then looked down at me crying happily before jumping into me.

"YES! I wou-would gladly become yo-your wife." I smiled and lifted us both up and was surprised when she kissed me. At first I stood there frozen but then returned the kiss and after a few moments pulled away. I turned to Jorihl who walked up and bowed down deeply toward me.

"Jorihl have you gathered what I asked?" He stood up tall and dutifully.

"Yes your highness!" I might need to get used to that. I was stunned by that response and remember my in the moment proclamation.

"Good, I will show you and all the other about how to make make more and a few other ones." He bowed down happily and stood up. As he did I turned to Iron and smile.

"Well now Dad! Have you managed to mine what I asked." He howled in laughter then smiled at me.

"Of course Son! Now why would you need those thing anyway." I smiled mischievously at him.

"Because I have a weapon that shall render swords, bows, and even magic useless." He looked at me wide eyed then broke out into a huge grin.

"I look forward to it." I smiled then turned to the rundown wall and the open quarry.

"Now then onto my other ideas? about the wall and the cave town!" I wrapped one arm around Snow who giggled and hung close to me. As we walked with Iron and Jorihl who listened intently to my ideas and projects, that I planned to do now. I soon looked at the soon disappearing sky as the cavern roof began blocking out the stars. One thing went through my mind as they soon vanished.

This is going to be fun.