Author's Note

I used the comics My Little Pony: Friends Forever 14 as a reference for the city of Filly Delphia

07 Filly Delphia

I let Bandit and Argos handle the interrogation of the enemy sergeant. Meanwhile, I prepared to welcome my new subjects, proudly displaying the Eternal Canine Diamond. Although their numbers were modest, about a dozen fresh recruits and a few slaves arrived willingly, bringing additional reinforcements along with crates of sulfur blocks.

Sulfur could prove useful if I find a way to manufacture catapults. After all, the sulfurous gas could terrify anyone, especially in a world where they have not yet experienced chemical warfare.

My Fallen was on my lap, still troubled by our last conversation. She avoided my gaze, which made me reflect on ponies' capacity for true violence. Perhaps I should simply push her to become more like me...

Ideas and plans raced through my mind until the arrival of my new subjects. Sergeant Rock stood to my left, Bandit to my right. I had drinks served to them upon their arrival, then signaled for Fallen to come down. Rising from my throne, I took off my helmet before beginning to speak.

"You have chosen to join the ranks of my empire, to place your trust in me, a stranger in your world. Yet, I seek not merely to conquer, but to build a world where freedom, strength, and loyalty will reign supreme." I scrutinized each of them, letting a heavy silence hang in the air. "Each of you holds a vital role in shaping our future. Your collective efforts will forge our destiny. The Diamond Dog will become the dominant race."

A solemn pause preceded my gesture of raising my glass. "My Empire guarantees you the means to thrive and excel in your roles. Whether you choose to serve in our ranks or contribute in different ways to our cause, opportunities for learning, growth, and development will be provided to you."

"Welcome to the Diamond Empire!" My tone was commanding, marking the beginning of their incorporation. I took a hearty sip and let my right-hand man and Sergeant Rock give a more detailed portrait of what they could expect now.

I, on my side, prepared for my expedition to Filly Delphia. My strength easily allowed me to carry everything I needed, although my foreign appearance could work against me.

Knowing I had no way of knowing the city, the alias Metal Heart, the Mercenary, could be useful to me.

"Bandit, I'm temporarily entrusting you with control of the empire," I said in a calm tone. Surprise was visible on his face, as well as on Fallen's. "I need to go fetch some... tools."

"Boss, are you sure?" he inquired. I looked at my right-hand man with an amused smile.

"Consider this a test. If the empire is still standing when I return, you will have proven that I can leave to accompany my men on the battlefields or for special operations." I approached him and whispered, "And give Fallen a really hard time."

Bandit didn't understand why, "Uh, yes, Boss."

"Perfect. I'll leave at dawn tomorrow. I should be back in..." I consulted the map, realizing that the journey to Filly Delphia would take about a day. "Four days," I told him. "You have carte blanche to handle any issues during my absence, except for death sentences."

"Understood, boss," he replied, visibly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task.

"One last thing: find someone to get the pony talking. I want to know everything he might say about Equestria's defenses." I sighed. "And relax. You wouldn't be my right-hand man if I didn't think you were capable."

"I... Thank you, boss." I signaled to him that he could leave before turning back to Fallen as a worried Bandit exited the room.

"I will be away for a while, my Fallen. Does the emperor in me have the right to spend a pleasant moment in your company?" Doubt was evident in her eyes. She didn't know if it was a test or if I genuinely wanted her opinion.

I removed my helmet, a slight smile on my lips. "Or if you'd rather we talk, Fallen, that works for me too..."

Fallen hesitated for a moment, then finally mustered a shy smile. "I... I would prefer to talk, Master," she replied in a gentle voice.

I scrutinized Fallen with a piercing gaze, observing every reaction, every subtle detail of her expression. "Very well, then we shall talk," I said in a deep voice. Fallen seemed more at ease, her responses becoming more assured.

We touched on various topics, but quickly I realized that the ponies' mundane matters held little interest for me. I knew questioning Fallen about her past would be delicate, so the conversation naturally drifted towards mine.

The dark gleam of my stories seemed to both fascinate and frighten Fallen. I shared bloody moments, but also times of pleasure in discovering historical places.

As night began to settle in, I stood up, my gaze still as sharp. "It's time for me to leave, Fallen. Tomorrow, at dawn, I must go to Filly Delphia." I took the initiative to gently hold her, placing a light kiss on her neck. "Goodnight, Fallen," I murmured.

She stammered a soft "Goodnight, Master," her eyes expressing a mix of confusion and gratitude. As I walked away, I once again felt that loneliness.

I rose at dawn, donning armor less imposing than my usual attire, leaving my face and arms exposed. This reduced the pressure I could exert but also softened my appearance, making me appear slightly less threatening.

I checked my supplies and took two pouches full of gemstones that the former boss had been polite enough to leave for me. I figured I needed a cape to complete my current attire. I would treat myself to this small pleasure in the city, if the ponies didn't flee at the sight of me.

I made a detour to the throne room, retrieving The Eternal Canine Diamond, while doing my best not to wake my Fallen. I watched her sleep for a few moments before departing. If Bandit followed my instructions, she would be happy upon my return.

I walked through the long corridors to the exit of my empire.

I traversed the forest, following the road, and reached Filly Delphia in less than four hours.

I thought that nothing could surprise me anymore from these ponies, but I was wrong. How, in a feudal era with limited technology, were they able to build such a modern city, complete with skyscrapers? From a distance, the city slightly resembled a city I had visited before... I wondered if this type of commerce existed here too. The sun was starting to set.

I approached the city without any trouble. I saw police officers, and citizens stared at me as if I were a monster, but no one dared to stand in my way or make any inappropriate comments about my appearance. They seemed to have a well-developed survival instinct, after all!

But I had to face it, I had to... ask for directions. I approached at a slow pace towards a police officer who seemed less fearful than the others, and in a calm yet imposing voice, I said, "Excuse me, officer. My name is Metal Heart. Could you point me to a place where I could rest?"

The police officer scrutinized me with suspicion, his eyes wavering between fear and curiosity.

"Metal Heart, huh?" he said, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. "You're new in town, I presume?"

"Indeed," I replied calmly, carefully concealing my intimidating aura. "I come from a bit further than most." The tension in the air eased slightly.

He seemed a bit more at ease after my response. "Well, I'm not sure the hotels would be to your size..." He hesitated for a moment. "...unless you'd prefer a luxury hotel." His words betrayed a hint of curiosity.

"I'm not really sure if I can't afford it," my voice conveyed a slight embarrassment, skillfully hiding the true nature of my origins.

"You're welcome in this city as long as you don't cause any trouble, Mr. Metal Heart," he declared, before our conversation was interrupted by a flash of light. A pony, armed with a camera and wearing a journalist's hat, had taken a photo.

I turned sharply to the journalist, giving him a dark look. "You could have at least asked for my consent." He stammered out apologies, clearly nervous, and hastily retreated, realizing he might have incurred my wrath.

I sighed, "Sorry, Officer. Just tired of being a sideshow, thank you for the information."

As I wandered through the bustling streets of Filly Delphia, I eventually arrived in a district that seemed to be the draconic counterpart of the city. Dragons of all sizes went about their business, creating a truly unique atmosphere. I had to admit, it piqued my curiosity.

I continued on, stopping from time to time to observe the shops and activities that presented themselves. I wondered if there were valuable resources or information to be gleaned here, in this part of the city that seemed less frequented by ponies.

Finally, I decided to ask one of the dragons if they knew of a place where I could spend the night. Strangely, the dragons seemed to be more open and less scrutinizing than the ponies in this city.

I settled into a hotel run by a pink and red dragoness, who preferred to be paid in gemstones...

As I settled in, I wondered if it might be possible to enjoy her hospitality more deeply.