It had been a week since the hippogryphs had made their way to Aku’s growing nation. After he had sat with them and given them a place within the nation, he had decided with the council and Iron that it was time to expand further. To build more cities and grow their nation ever larger. Little did Aku know that he was being put to the test to see if he was leader material. And so far, he was unknowingly passing with flying colors.

--In The Council Chamber--

Iron and the five council members sat at a large table with paperwork in front of them, conversing about the future plans of the nation of Kazoku. They spoke about both financial and political matters until it was time for them to bring up the subject for which they all came for. Aku taking the reins as the nation’s leader. Iron was the first to speak out. “If you ask me, Aku has proven himself more times than I care to admit. The kid has helped us grow from a tiny run down campm of refugees into a growing nation. Do you know how hard it is to have him take any of the credit for it? I sometimes think he might be too humble for his own good.”.

The council member two seats down nodded in agreement, the older mare speaking next. “I wholeheartedly agree. With his knowledge of his world which he came from, we have advanced further than any of the nations outside of our own. Not only commercial and living wise, but military power is ever growing as well.”.

The gryphon across from her raised a hand up to speak.”This is all well and good. But look at what has happened to the young stallion over the course of recent events. Haven’t you all noticed the physical change of his body? Who is to say that it hasn’t also altered his mind and heart as well? The way he looks now...he has mentioned something from his world before in passing. He called it an…’oni’. An ogre which is a monster that is not to be trusted and is extremely dangerous. He is doing well as a military leader. But, to make him the leader of the nation? Don’t you think that is putting too much trust into someone like him?”

Iron looked over at the gryphon with a rather suspicious gaze. Before Aku’s transformation, he was all for Aku taking the position and the council had decided that it would be a wonderful idea for Aku to take charge. Now he decides to go against everyone’s decision in the room? “Aku has more than proven himself beyond any doubt. And now you base his morality and alignment on just how he looks? If that is the case, then your ideas are no different than the very ponies that looked down on us and drove us out of Equestria.”.

The gryphon quickly came to the realization that that was exactly what he was doing and lowered his head in shame. He places his hands on the table and clasps them together. “You...you are right. Simply because he has gone through a physical change. I shouldn’t judge him and his further actions into the future. After all, he is the one who helped give us a future in the first place.”

Iron nodded and stood up before making his way to stand in front of the large window behind him that overlooked the city. He places his hands behind his back as his eyes scan over the numerous buildings below.”As I have told you all before, being a leader isn’t my kind of deal. I have only maintained this position by the majority vote which included his. But, I have a plan that will ease all of our worries to show if he is truly ready to become this nation’s next leader. There is a summoning for all equestria leaders a month from now. And our nation has been invited for a possible peace treaty between Kozaku and Equestria. Will they try and absorb our nation into theirs? Possibly. But, I am quite sure that Aku will make the proper choice in the matter. The kid is quite smart after all.”

--A month Later in Canterlot--

“The sultan and Sultana of Saddlearibia!” Announced Shining Armor as the two rulers of the country walked down the red carpet of the main entry way of the castle with the guards they had brought along as escorts and protection. The crowd behind the ropes whispered and watched as the royalty walked up to Celestia and Luna, bowing their heads in respect to the two princesses. “So good to see you again, Sultan Sandrunner. And you too, Sultana Dream Oasis.” They both smiled back and returned the greeting before heading off to go and meet with the other leaders.

“And now, the ruler of the nation, Kazoku! Iro-!” There was suddenly the sound of what could only be described as rolling thunder getting closer and closer to the castle. Then several jigabachi helicopters surrounding a slightly larger transporter helicopter came flying into view. QUickly surrounding the area with their mounted guns spinning and ready to fire at a moments notice before the larger craft landed. Several armored and armed soldiers came out with their rifles in their arms with kevlar armor on before Aku stuped out dressing in a long military leather duster which rather fully worn on his arms, just rested on his shoulder like a cloak accompanied by a sleek and streamline set of armor under it all.

He brings his index finger and middle finger up to a piece in his ear and looks up at the attack helicopters above. “Take the birds to where I told you to. No one will look there.”. “Yes, Sir!” they replied back over the radio before taking off in the other direction. As he walked forward with his five soldiers behind him, the crowd fell silent as they watched him approach the princesses. The look of pure shock on everyone’s face made Aku chuckle to himself in his mind.

“Aku..”. The sun princess spoke after having watched the spectacle before for. She immediately noticed his changed appearance, the fact that he now stood at eye level with her wasn’t what really caught her attention. It was his rather...wicked appearance. “If you are wondering where Iron Heart is, he couldn’t make it. So he sent me in his place instead.”. He looked between Celestia and Luna before bowing his head slightly “You both look well. But, how long does this little gathering take? I have a military to run back home.`` Celestia shifted her eyes from Aku as she felt extremely nervous around him now that he seemed like a very different person. The way he presented himself and his new appearance screamed ‘No nonsense and better be upfront’ kind of attitude.

“I-it will be a few days at the most. We have prepared rooms for you and your guards for the duration of your stay of course. Follow the others into the meeting room and My sister, Twilight and myself will join you all soon.” She said as she held her hand out in the direction for him to go. Aku gave a light nod and placed his fingers on the earpiece again “New orders, we will be here for a few days. Take the birds home and rest up. Be here early in the evening on the last day so that we may depart early the next morning quickly.”. “Yes, Sir! Heading back to base!”. Aku looked back to his soldiers and nodded for them to follow him. As he made his way past several of the royal guards, he looked down at them with absolute disdain, a sharp glare with shrunken pupils to show just how much hatred he had for them. The only one who didn’t receive the death glare was Shining Armor as Aku still had respect for the knight captain.

Shining looked up at Aku as the man passed him. He wanted to speak with him, even tried to reach out to grab at his arm to stop him. But, one of Aku’s soldiers pushed the arm away and glared at Shining under their visor before turning their attention forward. SHining and the princesses knew what his entrance meant. They were flexing their military muscles. Showing off what could be turned against them should war be declared.

After all the rulers had convened within the large room which had both drinks and food for everyone to enjoy, the two sisters and Twilight came in with a few of the royal guards at their sides. Aku took immediate notice of the lavender mare now possessing wings. SHe had become royalty in his absence? She must have done something pretty amazing to get that achievement. Not that he’d know since this nation’s affairs weren't any of his problems..possibly anyway.

Twilight took immediate notice of Aku as well, her eyes wide with confusion, slight fear and concern as she gazed upon his changed form. But, remained quiet for the time being as Celestia started to speak. “Greetings everyone and thank you all for coming to this summit! I am very pleased to have you all here so that we could further discuss the future of our great nation. I imagine that all of you are tired from your journey here. So the actual summit won’t happen until tomorrow. So please, eat, drink and relax!”. All the leaders in the room except for Aku clapped after the princess’ speech. Knowing what he knew, he wasn’t exactly moved or impressed with those kind words of welcome.

As he made his way to the table of food, he grabbed a few pieces of chicken and steak before polling the rice and curry next to those on his plate and began to scarf down the food like it was the last thing he’d eat. All the while maintaining his clothing. Not a speck of food dropped on his outfit. Soon, he went back for seconds, thirds, foruths, even fifths. The man’s appetite wasn’t just a myth. Especially now. By the time he had finished eating, over half the food was gone and his stomach BARELY even had a bulge. If he didn’t have to cook it or pay for it, you better believe he was going to eat all he could. The leaders just stared on in a conflicting mix of “Wow...he can put it away!’ and “How uncivilized!”. Of course, Aku didn’t care.

After Twilight had noticed he’d stopped eating, she slowly made her way over to the man and lightly tugged on the sleeve of his coat. Aku lets out a small ‘hmm?’ before turning around and shifting his gaze downward to her “Hello, Twilight. You are looking well.” he simply said as he sipped a drink in his hand. “Hello, Aku. You look like you have been through some..changes. What happened to you..?”. Aku shook his head “Nothing that concerns you. Suffice it to say I have become something that is a myth in my world. Though, I see you have gone through a change as well. Nifty wings.”.

Twilight fluffed them up to show them off to Aku and nodded “I have become the princess of friendship. Things have been quite hectic here in Equestria for my friends and myself. But this..princess business. I don’t really think it is for me. I am not sure if you noticed me, but I was the one dropping the banners from the balcony up top as the leaders arrived. I just...smiled and waved. It seems like that was all I was brought here to do.”.

Aku gave a light shrug as he listened to the now alicorn speak. He wasn’t sure how he should feel about her predicament. A part of him felt sympathy for her, but the other was just plain indifferent about the matter. “Sounds rough. Though, I don’t know of any advice I can give you, Twilight. Perhaps you should consult your friends or your teacher over there. I am currently running a military that is constantly building and improving quickly so I can understand your worry of being a leader. But that is all I can say.”.

JUst as he turned away from her and started walking away, she suddenly grabbed his hand with both of hers before starting to shake. Her head was down before she lifted it up to gaze at him again. This time, her eyes were filled with tears getting ready to burst. “You...you never acteds this cold towards me when you first came here, Aku. I miss that you so very much that it hurts. You were a little distant from me and everyone else, sure. But not like this!” she exclaimed before burying her face into his stomach and hugging him as tightly as she could.

The scene caught the attention of everyone there, even Celestia’s. Aku gently but firmly placed a hand upon her shoulder and pushed her back. “You know exactly why I am the way I am now, Twilight. Because of this country’s prejudice and hate for someone like me. While I know you didn’t have a hand in driving me out, the general consensus of this country did. I was deemed a threat that needed to be snuffed out. That is enough for me to hate every fucking noble, politician, and corrupted royalty here. I am only here to make nice in some summit room.”.

He looked around at everyone who was staring at them before looking back at Twilight and leaned in to whisper in a hateful tone “This country can die screaming for all I care…”. That tone, that dark voice, made Twilight shake with fear as her ears pinned down to the back of her head, her tail tucked between her legs and her eyes stared wide as she backed away from Aku with a hand over her muzzle. She was now genuinely afraid of Aku. To her, the man had truly become an ogre of japanese legend. “But, for those select few..I would protect. A promise was made when I first came here between your brother and I. And I will not break that word.” he said as he then walked away from her “Tell Fluttershy I said hello and I hope she is doing well.” he said before exiting the room with his soldiers following suit.

--Later That Evening, Canterlot Streets--

Aku walked along the slightly busy roads of the now sleeping city. Most of the residents are now in their homes, sleeping away and enjoying the dreams that the princess of the night was giving them. Aku took a turn down an alleyway to explore a bit more before he came upon a scene which really should have worried him...if he cared of course. There stood a spindly centaur creature doing what appeared to be draining a unicorn of his magic before dropping him to the ground in a heap. Aku arched his brow as he watched him eat the magic away.

“Another magic eater? How interesting.” he said as the centaur turned to face Aku with a slight jump at his sudden appearance. He began to make his way toward Aku with an outreached hand in a hurried attempt to grab him. But, Aku pulled out the shotgun and placed the barrel right into his face. “You come any closer, I shall make your head go scanner…” he said as he cocks the gun once and places his finger on the trigger. The centaur didn’t know why, but he felt that he should do as Aku said. The weapon truly did look rather imposing.

As he looked Aku over, he didn’t notice...any kind of magic flowing through him “Ah..forgive me. You do not possess any magic it seems. But your energy..you give off a power of your own that seems highly desirable. And you are certainly no pony.” he said as he stepped back to give Aku some room, but that didn't make him lower the weapon. “Just watched you eat that pony’s magic. I thought I was the only one in this world who could do that.”.

The centaur arched a brow before smiling wickedly at Aku. Not because he had any malice towards him now, but because he may have found a partner to help him do what he had set out to do now that he was free. “You look like a sensible...person. How would you like to help me take over all of Equestria? You and I...with our magic eating abilities..we could put those two sisters in their place. We could rule together..”.Aku titled his head slightly as he looked the centaur creature over before speaking “what’s your name…?” he asked. He chuckled slowly before lowering his hood.

“I am called Terik…and I believe you and I have something in common...”

Author's Note

Here is another one guys, enjoy. :)

May the darkness grant you peace.