Reign of the Diamond Emperor

I moved through the town, irritated by this pony's lack of respect for my presence. He had failed to understand his own position, and it gave me a rather straightforward idea. Among the six, Twilight was undoubtedly the most formidable, but what if they were reduced to five?

Of course, dealing with the princess was a priority, but the Friendship Journal also mentioned the Apple farm. Sending a package to that address in this world shouldn't be too difficult.

I went to a store, determined, and bought a large quantity of nails. Then, I headed to a prank shop to pick up a triggering mechanism.

This was the first time I attempted to create such a device, and probably the last. While most ponies faced little risk in making their own pranks, I was dealing with the potential of a 360-degree explosion with nails.

I wasn't entirely sure it would work, and at worst, the explosion might occur during transportation. Once at the equivalent of a post office, I affixed a small "fragile" sticker and hastily wrote: "Ponyville, Apple Farm, For Applejack only !"

The postman assured me the mail should be delivered within the week.

I quickly gathered my belongings, then headed to the train station without even needing to ask for the schedule. A brochure was there, offering overnight trains, perfect.

All that was left was to craft an explosive charge, maybe even add a bit of sulfur to destabilize all of Equestria.

Ideas continued to swirl in my head as I started to leave the town. The ponies were truly easy targets, how could so many people lose to them?

This question remained unanswered in my mind.

I entered my mountain, greeted by the guard as I entered the secret passage.

"Welcome back, my Emperor," he greeted me. I gave him a grateful smile before heading towards my quarters. It was time to change, I couldn't stand being so exposed any longer.

After a quick shower, I put on my full armor again, adding my new cape that matched perfectly with the ensemble.

Leaving behind what I had retrieved in my mountain, I went out for a walk in the city. I greeted my people and my soldiers, picking up two takeaway meals for lunch. Finally, I headed to the throne room, ready to face my responsibilities as Emperor.

The door was finally straightened, allowing my entrance. Bandit, upon seeing me, stood on his hind legs, exclaiming, "Boss, you're back!"

"Yes, and I expect a comprehensive written report on what happened during my absence, Bandit..." My gaze swept the room, searching for Fallen. She was in her usual spot, but she seemed particularly weakened. Strangely, a faint smile graced her lips as she looked at me.

It seemed that Bandit had deprived her of sleep and food in my absence. I didn't like such methods being used on her, but it appeared to be yielding results already.

"I want Sergeant Rock, Argos, and you to convene in four hours to explain everything that happened in my absence." I gestured for him to leave as I took my place on the throne. Setting my helmet to the right once more, I signaled for Fallen to approach.

She came slowly, but with a slight glint of happiness to see me again. I helped her onto my lap, giving her a light kiss on the forehead before handing her one of the two meals I had taken for her. I began to eat at the same time.

"How are you feeling, my Fallen?" I asked softly, stroking her mane. "You look exhausted." Although my methods were unscrupulous, her response affirmed the picture her fruits had painted.

A tear trickled down her cheek as she looked up at me. "I'm just a little tired, but I'll be okay. I'm so glad you're back, Master," a sincere smile on her face.

I held her gently against me. "I'm glad to be back, Fallen. Finish your meal, I have something for you." I continued to caress her as she ate.

She finished eating, and I handed her the small box containing the heart-shaped pendant, delicately adorned with a small diamond at its center.

Fallen's eyes lit up with astonishment and emotion as she opened the little box and discovered the heart-shaped pendant. Her delicate hoof gently brushed the smooth surface, then slid over the small diamond that shone like a star.

She looked up at me, her eyes shining with deep gratitude and surprise. Words seemed to escape her.

"For you, my Fallen," I murmured softly, my voice carrying a tenderness I didn't know I was capable of feeling.

She nodded gently, the emotion evident in her gaze.

It was a simple moment, but laden with meaning. It was my way of showing her, or perhaps convincing her, that even in my brutality and bloody past, there was still tenderness. And she would be like me.

I wanted to see her by my side, strong and determined, leading our army with the same fervor as myself. To feel that fervor burning in her eyes, and most importantly, to see her embrace the dark part that resides in me.

She whispered a sincere "thank you," her voice soft and melodious echoing in my ears. Yet, words seemed to struggle to convey the full extent of her feelings. Then, with tranquil grace, she stood up and nestled against me, her head naturally finding its place on my shoulder.

With a calm and determined gesture, I fastened the necklace around her neck. My lips sought hers with an intensity heightened since our last encounter. She responded with equal passion, showing no reluctance as I swiftly cleared the table to lay her delicate form upon it.

The echoes of her pleasure-filled sighs resonated in my throne room.

I had made progress, taking another step towards fulfilling my purpose. However, I knew the road ahead was still long. It would take time and patience to see her fully become the person I wished her to be.

Fallen slept peacefully against me, oblivious to the dark realities unfolding around her. Argos, Sergeant Rock, and Bandit presented me with written reports, which I quickly skimmed through. The literacy rate of my people was improving, and our first school had opened its doors. The books I owned had been copied and reworked for teaching, and the military equipment had been standardized and optimized for my soldiers.

"Has the pegasus officer spoken?" I read, waiting for the answers that came too slowly for my liking. The silence persisted, until Sergeant Rock spoke in a deep voice.

"No, my emperor, we have not been able to make him talk." I looked up from the report to see that the sergeant had his tail between his legs.

"I will handle it then" My cruel smile would have frightened anyone. ...