Chapter 1: The Unfair Deal
In deep space, the darkness was vast with the flickers of stars that appeared to never end. Countless worlds, both inhabited and uninhabited, stretched far beyond the view of the naked eye. It was hard to imagine anyone being able to travel between them. At least, it was difficult to believe if the technology wasn't available to certain worlds. The planet Equs, was one such world.
To the beings who lived there, they believed that the power of magic and other supernatural elements were among the most advanced and powerful forces ever. And, to some extent, they were correct. But, there were some things that even magic was powerless against.
It had been only two weeks since the warlord, Cylas, and his forces invaded the planet. There wasn't any parlay or provocation for an all-out assault on the peaceful world. Now, the Dragonlands was nothing more than ash and charred remains, Mount Eris was a massive pile of rubble, and several more nations were ruined in the destruction and chaos.
Only the land of Equestria and the Badlands were the least damaged. But, everyone who lived in these places knew that they couldn't hold out forever. And they only knew of one possible way to hopefully end the violence in peace. An ancient tradition from a far different time.
"Absolutely not!" Cadence protested, slamming a fist on the arm of her throne and burning holes into the royal advisor with her eyes.
"Your highness, please!" The advisor begged, going down to his knees, but holding his ground, "I know it's not what anyone would want. But, it's probably our best chance of saving our world."
"You're talking about sending our daughter into an arranged marriage with a tyrant!" Shining Armor retorted, standing an approaching the smaller stallion, "And you're basing this on an unsure possibility?!"
"It has worked in the past! And, if this Cylas is interested in any sort of negotiation, then perhaps Flurry Heart may be the key to earning the peace we need to secure our survival."
Cadence stood from her throne and joined them by her husband's side. Her expression alone made it clear to all present that she was willing to shield her child from anyone who chose to make her a bargaining chip. And, smite anyone who tried.
"Get. Out!" Cadence growled in a dark tone, only to look around and start screaming, "GET OUT!! GET OUT!! GET OUT!!"
Quickly, the advisor and all the guards in the room exited, partially frightened by what she might do to them if they didn't obey. The only one who remained was Shining Armor, who gently wrapped his arms around his wife to calm her as she started to cry.
"Is everything alright?" A voice asked, causing the couple to look up and see their daughter enter the room.
Neither parent said anything as they embraced the young mare, allowing their tears to to mix and fall together. But, deep down, there was a small sense that the advisor was right in thinking of an arranged marriage. However, their responsibilities of being loving, caring, and protective parents of their young princess daughter fought with that notion.
"W-What's going on?" Flurry asked, pulling away from the embrace to look into the eyes of her parents.
"Sweetheart, we need to talk with you." Cadence said in a somber voice, pulling the young mare close for another hug.
Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Princess Twilight struggled to break free from her restraints. The circular device she was restrained to, appeared to neutralize her magic, even though it was a combination of three powerful alicorns. The restraints weren't made of any metal or material that she was familiar with. The best description that Twilight could figure was that they were made of some sort of yellow energy. However, the device holding her wasn't her main focus. It was the creatures surrounding the throne room.
They were fairly big, bi-pedal, red and black, reptilian-like beings that carried strange weapons and wore dark grey spiked armor. Twilight looked around at them as they stared back with beady yellow eyes and barred sharp teeth. On their armor, Twilight was able to make out a symbol of some design. But, the design didn't match any she recognized. However, the sound of the throne room doors opening, pulled her attention away from the symbol and toward another group of the strange creatures. But, they were dressed differently and surrounded another who seemed to be the most decorated and had a large scar across its face.
The center creature took little notice in Twilight upon entering. But, after looking around the once grand room, the creature turned fully to her and began to speak. But, the language wasn't familiar to Twilight. It wasn't until one of the creatures standing guard over her began tapping a few buttons, the language became clear.
"I'll admit," the leader said, his mouth moving in sync with his words from what Twilight could see, "I was partially hoping your world would've put up more of a fight. In fact, I might've been impressed if you had. Yet, I'm a little disappointed."
Twilight narrowed her eyes at the leader, but chose to stay silent as the creature approached her.
"You should understand me." The leader stated, pointing at the cluster of flashing lights on her device, "The translator system on your prisoner disk is enabled and every word I say, you should hear perfectly. In turn, I can hear and understand you. I'm sure you have questions."
"I can hear you just fine." Twilight replied, trying to put some gravity into her words and fighting down the fear lingering in her mind, "And I don't have questions. I have demands. First, I want you to leave and never return."
The leader just smirked and knelt down to be eye-level with her. It was then that Twilight noticed that his right eye wasn't a natural one.
"So you can talk." He mused, using his artificial eye to scan her with a red light, "I was beginning to think that your world's language was just shouts and screams."
"Enough!" Twilight spat, trying to burn holes into the creature with her eyes, "I demand that you-"
"You are in no position to make demands! I'm the one in control, not you!"
The tone of his voice made Twilight flinch slightly, but she still held her ground as best she could.
"What do you want?" Twilight asked through gritted teeth, finally choosing to play his game with limited interest.
"Resources and rare materials, mostly." He stated plainly in a level tone and standing straight again, "But, like you, I'd like to have allies wherever I go."
"You have a funny way of going about that. Invading someone else's home, killing and destroying anything in your way."
"It's an effective method for positive results."
He turned and walked up to her throne, before seating himself in it, tapping the arms as he got comfortable.
"So, here's my offer;" he began to say, leaning forward and clicking his claws together, "I take any essential resources, materials, and two of your citizens of my choosing. And, in return, I leave your world without any further bloodshed. You'll earn a powerful ally that can protect you, while I secure a wealthy partner in certain requirements."
"The resources and materials, you can have." Twilight reluctantly said in a frustrated voice, "But, you won't be taking anyone, am I clear?!"
"I wasn't asking you... I'm telling you."
Author's Note
Hello, readers.
So, this is my first shot at a space-based fic and thought it would be a fun idea. Hopefully, I can pull it off, but I'll give it my best. I hope you all enjoy.
