Chapters The collapse of the universe
The beginning of an Invasion
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 2: The beginning of an Invasion
Astounded, Fiddlesticks observed his arm. His trusty scythe had completely merged with it. As for the right one…no trace of fingers was found. Judging by Annie’s appearance, both of them had taken some kind of horse like forms. Tails, hooves and all the other features. The things that seemed to be the odd ones out we’re but two. The first was the fact that Annie had a horn on her head, and he had but a stick that came out of his.
‘It probably resembles the same thing.’ He thought.
And the other were the strange marks on their flanks. Annie was still in her dress, wearing a purplish mane with a white coat. Her flank’s mark was a flaming teddy bear. Fiddlesticks had not changed that much. Without the scythe arm and the horse body shape he was still a wooden skeleton, covered in hay bags with their typical brown, greenish and orangy coloring. He still managed to keep his key necklace and the lantern on his waist. On his flank was, what looked more like it was stitched there, a flock of four glowing crows.
“Uncle Fiddle, why did we become horsies?” The confused little filly asked.
“I don’t know Annie, but we have to make that a secondary priority. First we have to find out how to get back home.”
For someone who switched bodies as often as him it wasn’t so hard to learn how to control this one. Annie on the other hand kept on dropping down when she tried to walk. That frustrated her, but looking from the side it was somewhat adorable. At least her “uncle” was the only one to see her as they were on a stony road and a smooth morning breeze was going through the golden cornfield that surrounded them. To the scarecrow that seemed kind of ironic. Soon, a smile got on his face as he saw his crows gathering around them.
“Can you use your magic?” He asked her, wondering if they had lost that ability.
“I tried while you were sleeping. It worked but for some reason the spell came out of my forehead.”
‘Interesting. So these horns work as magic manipulators. Basically instead of your hands you use the horn to cast spells.’ He reasoned as he blankly stared at the corn behind him.
“Are you hungry uncle Fiddle? Why are you looking at the corn?” Annie continued to be clueless, not even trying to guess what was actually going on in that hay bag the Harbinger of doom bore as a head.
Then he replied. “No. I was just thinking. Maybe we should—“ Suddenly, his speech ended as he saw two figures in the distance, coming towards their direction.
“Annie, grab Tibbers and hide in the field. Do not come out until I tell you to.”
He was being serious. Annie knew not to question her friend when he used that tone. So she bit her teddy bear and got in the cornfield and vanished from the perimeter of the untrained eye. On the other hand Fiddlesticks was going to hide in plain sight, in order to probably learn something about the people who were getting closer by the minute. He stepped in the cornfield, but just in front of it, where he could be well seen, and froze in a typical for a regular scarecrow position, awaiting the couple. To make things even more realistic some of his loyal crows swarmed on his arms.
The wait was at its end when the two figures came close enough to reveal themselves, unsuspecting of their watcher. The two were also horses. One was orange with a hairstyle that probably passed as a ponytail and wore a hat like the one of Twisted Fate. The mark on her flank were three red apples. Strangely she did not have a horn like the two of them. The other one was blue, with hair and tail in all the colors of a rainbow. A simple memory of Lux came to the scarecrow’s mind. Her flank was decorated by a colorful lightning that came out of a cloud. The big surprise however was that this one did not have a horn, but wings instead.
“Oh I can’t wait to see those meteors!” The blue one stated excitedly as the two trotted by.
“Oh shucks, out of everypony you to be so exited Dash? Come to think ‘bout it, I am kinda scared of meeting Pinkie. Celestia only knows what new levels of hyperactive has she discovered!” The orange one chuckled.
‘Meteors, ponies, excitement, Pinkie, Celestia? What are those two talking about?’ The scarecrow thought to himself. The conversation definitely sparked his curiosity.
“Yeah it’s gonna be pretty wild when we meet up. She has probably already got on Twi’s nerves. Do you suppose--”
“What in tar’nation?” The orange horse interrupted the blue one.
She then walked slowly towards and took a good look at Fiddlesticks from top to bottom. The situation was very intense, so he had to play his best hide and seek in plain sight game, in order to not be detected.
“What’s wrong AJ?”
“Where’d this scarecrow come from? Ah don’t recon puttin’ it up?”
“I don’t know but it obviously isn’t doing its job properly.” The winged horse pointed at all the crows that had set on the wooden arms of the surprise guest. Then proceeded to chase them away.
The pony (as Fiddlesticks reasoned these creatures we’re called) with the hat grinned and said with a somewhat understanding tone. “Prob’ly Big Mac put it up when Ah was away.”
That statement received a quick reply. “Yeah, now that this mystery is done with, can we go and meet up with the others?” The winged pony insisted.
Her friend nodded with a little hesitation and they continued. Before they could no longer see the strange piece of wood and leather the orange pony turned around, and looked suspiciously at it.
With that done, and the pair disappeared on their marry way, Fiddlesticks stepped on the road with his three hooves and scythe, and called Annie to come out. The little filly trotted back to the stony road with a smile on her face, only to lose balance at the very last step and belly dropped, chin first, on the ground in a very cute way.
“Who were those two uncle Fiddle?” She asked with interest.
“I don’t know, but I think we should follow them and find out.” The Harbinger of doom stated with a strange smile on his face. “You’ll need to learn how to walk properly in that body. But until then summon Tibbers and have him carry you for most of the way. Be sure not to ride all the way and go down to walk a little so you get the hang of it yourself.”
The advice of the scarecrow was met by Annie with a nod and an expression which showed that every word was understood. With that done, the giant bear came out, put the little filly on his shoulder and they began to follow the couple from a while ago at a safe distance.
--
The small hall where the Living nightmare dwelled was as always pitch black. There were no windows and no lamps. The only thing noticeable was the low illumination of the crystal, Nocturne used to be imprisoned in. The freed convict sat, put his back on a wall, and stared at his previous cell. In the dark, where you could barely see your own hand, Nocturne was practically invisible.
The calming silence was broken as the door to his quarters was opened. Light came in from the outside but it barely made more than a meter inside the room.
“Boy, why all the gloom and doom friend?” A maniacal voice with some sort of giggle talked to Nocturne, even if he did not know where the nightmare was.
“I’m not in the mood for you jester.” A sight came as a response.
“Oh come now. You shouldn’t go over your head like that. Every little girl cries when she loses her favorite dolly.” Shaco continued.
In what seemed a heartbeat Nocturne charged to the door and stabbed the jester in the chest. The body quickly dematerialized and dropped on the ground as a pile of daggers.
“If you’ve come to mock me, then do so with your actual face.” The darkling stated as the real Shaco showed himself right behind him.
“What happened to you Noc? You used to be so much fun. That damn puppet really got to you, didn’t he? You’ve become just as boring as him.” The Demon jester sighted, not even trying to hide how bored he was about the subject.
“So is it bad that I am no longer a homicidal maniac? Is it bad that I don’t have to be locked up in that crystal after I am done with a match? If you talk bad about Fiddle I am gonna become your co-madman and split your body parts and insides all over the Institute, all over Valoran even!”
When it came to expressing anger, Nocturne was one of the finest, even if this example was quite in his control. The jester did not take that lightly.
“That so? Listen dust for brains, I may have openly admitted that the only thing I fear is that wretched scarecrow, but I have a newsflash for ya…You…are…NOT…him! So if you wanna go sleeping beauty, let’s go, right here, right now!” Shaco said as he poked Nocturne in his the chest plate.
The nightmare was just about to answer the challenge and go berserk on the jester, but was stopped by a sudden knock, followed by a voice.
“Am I interrupting something?” Leona was standing by the door, giving some of her own light to the black empty space of the room.
“What do you want?” Nocturne asked with a contemptuous tone.
“Yeah, we were settling something here.” Shaco filled up his part.
“What I want is to talk to you. As for your “something”, you can settle it in the upcoming match. So why don’t you beat it red nose?”
The somewhat threat slipped and was right on spot. Clown stereotypes had somewhat of a…negative effect on Shaco. The Demon jester mutered something to himself and did not even bother to wait for Leona to move away from the door, and just teleported right through her.
“What are you so eager to talk about spark fly?” the darkling asked as he looked at the shining champion of the sun.
“I hear you’ve giving summoners hell about finding the missing champions.”
“What of it?”
“I’ve been doing a campaign about finding them myself. Heimerdinger is already backing me up. Really wants that hunk’a bolts Blitzcrank back for study. Ezreal and Caitlyn will probably come on board too later on. I think that if you joi--”
Before she could finish her sentence the Living nightmare interrupted.
“What? You want someone else to join up and help you find your boyfriend?” Nocturne chuckled in a creepy sort of way. “Heimer is with you just so he can get the “greatest breakthrough in science” as he calls that golem. I am trying to rescue the being who helped turn my life for the better. You on the other hand are just looking for the guy that bangs your south sea from dusk ‘till dawn when you feel like it. Who to think the all so noble champion of the sun is so selfish, right? I guess that Diana had you Solari figured out quite well.”
Leona was stunned by the somewhat truthful monologue. All the courage and determination she had build up for the talk went to ruin after it. As she stared blankly with a shocked expression, Nocturne pushed her to get through. Once in the illuminated by torches hallway he said with a scaringly calm tone.
“You better be on your game today. I am mighty pissed and I don’t care from which team he or she will be, but I am going to take it all out on someone!” And left the silent warrioress behind, caged in her thoughts.
--
“Oh come on, come on, come on, come on….” Pinkie sounded like a broken record as she jumped all around. She was a lot more hyperactive than usual.
The four mares were gathered right at the border between Ponyville and the Everfree forest. Birds were giving their morning concerts as the wind gently passed through everything. Twilight caught her in a telekinetic field and lifted her from the ground.
“I…think you should clam down a bit Pinkie.” The purple mare stated.
“Honestly dear, how much time could it take Applejck and Rainbow Dash to get here? It is not polite to keep a lady waiting.” Rarity said, with a little bit of frustration in her tone.
“COME ON!” The trapped pink hurricane screamed, bursting with excitement.
“They better come here fast, cuss I don’t think I can hold her for much longer.” Twilight sighted.
“I know it is very important to find the meteors,…but..is it really a good idea to go in the Everfree forest?” The almost invisible Fluttershy, quietly spoke.
“Darling there is nothing to worry. But still we will need to visit Zecora for some bug repellent.”
“Yes we can do that. Her hut is on our way and I still need some time to finish these final calculations on the meteors’ trajectory.” Twilight agreed as she switched several sheets of calculations, maps and the barely stoppable force that was Pinkie.
“Hey ya’ll!” Applejack’s voice was heard from a distance.
“Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but AJ here had an argument with a scarecrow.” Rainbow Dash laughed.
“Really? Really? What did it say? What did his voice sound like? What was his name? Does he like parties?...” Pinkie continued to ramble.
After she could get to say something the southern style mare answered. “Sorry to disappoint ya sugarcube, but Ah haven’t been talking to no scarecrow. Me and Dash just saw one in the cornfields, which Ah had no memory of seeing there before and it seemed kinda odd to me. Still…sorry to keep ya’ll waitin’.”
And so with everyone there, the six mares began their journey. From the very moment they stepped out of Poniville a change was felt. The wind became slightly stronger, and the sky darkened. They went past the Poison joke field, and headed straight for Zecora’s. The brownish hut, surrounded by a few strange looking wooden masks, was dwarfed by the big trees it was stationed between. Twilight removed several layers of charts from her face and knocked on the door. A friendly face opened up.
“Hello Twilight Sparcle, and my dear pony friends. Come in, where have you headed with all these trends?” The pleasant rhymes of the zebra began the conversation.
As the group entered the hut, with its peculiar décor of masks, herbs and potions, their map pony answered.
“Hi Zecora, long time no see. Well if you saw last night’s meteor shower, you probably know that two meteors fell in the Everfree. We’re trying to find them.
“An interesting task indeed. What from me might you need?” Zecora asked.
“We, or at least I, was hoping that you have some sort of bug repellent I could borrow. I must say darling, the forest has this sort of charismatic, smashing décor but the creepy crawlies that live here have never been in my linking.” Rarity gracefully said.
“Yes I think I have a concoction that might have the desired effect. Pinkie do not drink that, it is something I’m still trying to perfect.” The zebra stopped the pink mare from drinking a purplish potion she randomly picked from a shelf.
Twilight yet again buried her face in a long sheet of paper with lots and lots of numbers on it.
“That’s quite the list. Here is your potion, is there anything else with which I can assist?”
“Thanks Zecora, this is good enough.” Rarity remarked.
“Say wouldn’t you like to come with us?” Pinkie asked.
“I am sorry, but I can not. There are matters here, that really tie me in a knot.”
“Too bad. We will be sure to bring you back a piece from the meteors!” Rainbow Dash stated with a smile and a wink, as she was flying in what space there was in the hut.
They went out in the forest, said their goodbyes with the zebra and headed towards the direction Twilight had calculated. All of a sudden Pinkie began to shake and jump up and down.
“Oh please don’t tell me.” Twilight sighted.
“We’re going to get in quire the DOOZY!” Pinkie responded. “And either Rarity is going to get hit by a coconut cream pie, or we are being followed.” Was the final forecast she made.
“A pie?!” Rarity squealed. After burying herself behind Fluttershy and Applejack she screamed. “Protect my mane!”
“Oh come now Rarity, even if you wanted to you would find no pie in miles.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.
“But..if that’s the case,…does that mean..that we’re being followed?” Fluttershy barely said the sentence and it put Twilight in to thinking.
“There’re lots’a critters in the forest. You can say we’ve being followed ever since we stepped in.” The southern style mare calmed her yellow friend.
“Even so, remembering the last “doozy” Pinkie had predicted, I am somewhat scared to find out what this one will be.” Twilight confessed.
With that done they continued their journey through the dark “hallways”, surrounded by flora and fauna, of the Everfree.
Soon they went pass the ruins of the old castle of the two sisters. The broken stony walls, shattered windows, cut off bridge and the thick layer of mist that surrounded the old building brought creepy chills on the backs of everypony, aside from Pinkie. The memory of Nightmare Moon bringing them there and almost succeeding with her plans, added even more to that discomfort. Luckily they quickly passed by it. After about half an hour the purple unicorn told her friends that they were almost at there. The place where the supposed meteors should have landed was a small open grass land, around the center of the forest. As they approached, Fluttershy was getting nervous. Throughout the path, there were always sounds of animals around them, but the closer they got to their destination the sounds began to vanish, until at a point there was only the wind brushing through the leaves.
“Maybe we should leave.” Suggested the kind pegasus.
“Why? We’re almost there?” Her blue friend asked confusedly.
“I don’t know but I really, REALLY think we should go back!” She insisted.
“Alright we’re….here….”
Their guide’s excitement vanished as the grass land revealed itself before them. Instead of the expected craters from the meteors, Celestia’s sun was shining over some sort of purplish goo, that smelled really bad. At this point there was no sound of anything! Even the wind that travelled with them had been gone. With a mistrusting gulp, everypony stepped inside the gooey circle.
“Ugh, disgusting. And I thought getting hit by a pie was bad. Now my hooves are going to get awful.” Rarity squealed with repulsion in her tone.
“I think our hooves are the least of our problems.” Twilight replied. “Rainbow can you fly up and see if there is any sign of the meteors?” The unicorn turned to the pegasus.
“Ook…” Dash agreed with uncertainty.
As she flew up she noticed a big bump in the ground. The goo however made it unclear so she could not determine what it was.
“There is something up ahead, but I couldn’t get a good look at it.” She reported to her friends.
“Well I guess we should go and check it out.” Twilight sighted.
As they made their way through the sticky slime, covering the ground the view of the so called bump, made everpony’s manes straighten. Those were the lifeless corpses of several timber wolves covered by the goo. Rarity somehow managed not be reacquainted with her breakfast, and Fluttershy almost fainted.
“What in Celestia’s name happened here?” Applejack was stunned.
After a moment the ground beneath them began to shake. All of the mares got tossed at a distance by a giant creature that erupted from it. Its lower body was somewhat serpent like, the top was a small head with a strange mouth that had jaws on the side, connected to a very large neck, covered by spines. It had two arms, armed with giant scythe like claws. The ponies tried to run but their bodies were frozen in terror. The thought of this being their end came across all of their minds, as well as some short flashes of their whole lives.
Fluttershy barely managed to quietly say. “I knew we shouldn’t have come.”
As the monster approached closer, drooling from seeing the large amount of prey it had caught, something completely unexpected happened. Another creature charge-jumped from its side, kicked it in the face and landed on the other side. The second arrival seemed like a minotaur but the fact that it walked on two legs and had hands was the only thing the two species had in common. Its legs had three joints and two fingers. No tail could be found. The head was somewhat rhombus. It had no mouth and a long, thick black mane came out of its head. It wore some kind of golden armor with glowing blue crystals on it. The serpent monster immediately forgot about the ponies and turned towards its attacker. He on the other hoof straightened his arms and two shining blades came out.
“ENTARO TASSADAR!” Their two legged savior shouted at the beast, despite his lack of a mouth.
In response he only got but a hiss that transcended in to a roar. He charged again, and cut the giant serpent in the hip. It screamed with pain as it turned around and fired several of its spines against the gray skinned opponent. A few of them disappeared as they met the shining blue blades, but one found its way in the shoulder of its target. The gold wearing creature groaned and kneeled. The serpent charged towards him. The fallen creature raised its head and determined expression was shown. He jumped right at the giant monster. It swung its clawed arm as a response. The two legged creature crossed his blades and cut off the headed towards him limb. The serpent gave out a roar unlike any other they had heard, and some were ready to bet that even the manticores and hydras in the area began to flee from it. Both the cut off arm and the gray creature glided behind the monster. The blades of the creature that helped them disappeared. He grabbed the clawed arm and stabbed the serpent in the back. It fell on the ground groaning, until the victor jumped on the arm with which he had stabbed it, and thrusted it deep enough to nail the monster to the ground. It continued to struggle, until its opponent came in front of it. One of his blades reappeared and he stabbed the creature in the head, forever ending its life. Afterwards he proceeded to remove the spine, which fortunately had not pierced the armor, while glaring at the corpse with disgust.
Twilight and her friends lied shocked from what they had just seen. The one remaining alive walked towards them. He stopped in front of the purple unicorn.
‘Did he kill that thing so he could have us? Is he going to kill me now?’ That kind of thoughts ran rampant through her head as she blankly stared at him.
But instead he squatted, reached his hand and asked. “Are you hurt?”
For reasons unknown to her, the mare felt that she trusted him enough to reach her hoof towards his arm and reply panting slowly. “Yes…*pant* yes, we’re ok.”
As all the ponies stood up, Rarity slowly asked. “You…you killed it?!”
“Every abomination must be destroyed! If not by its creator, than by the executioner fate assigns to it.” The strange person replied.
“I’ve…never…seen anyone kill anything before.” Dash was thinking out loud again.
Their mysterious savior looked confusedly at her. He turned around and spoke to them all. “I will have to ask you to step off the creep.”
“What in the hay is creep?” Applejack asked.
“The purple substance you are currently standing on.” He sounded as an egghead just like Twilight.
His voice was very strange, as if he talked through a defective microphone.
“Why should we remove ourselves off this…creep?” Twilight was confused.
“Because I am going to purge everything on it.”
“There is no need. The local flora and fauna will take care of it.” Fluttershy mustered the will to speak up. But her recommendation was instantly refused.
“That is exactly what I’m trying to prevent.”
The six decided to listen and stepped off the purple gooey substance. The gray person took some sort of a devise from his arm plate, placed it in the center of the creep ring. He turned around and began walking in their direction, while pressing some buttons on his other arm plate. When he was off the creep himself, with a last pressed button the devise exploded. A giant blue light was emitted in the sky. When it ended nothing remained. The bodies of the timber wolves, the monster and all of the creep were gone. The grass land this once was, had returned.
“What did you do?” The curiosity of the science lover overwhelmed the purple mare.
“That devise was created to vaporize any zerg DNA it could find in a given radius, which I dialed in.” Was the explanation of it.
Rainbow Dash had putted on an angry expression and flew to the tall creature’s face. “Listen buddy, you have two seconds to explain yourself! What the heck is a zerg?! What the heck was all that with the Tassadar and the killing?! And most importantly who, or should I say what, are YOU?!"
“I am busy, but if you would follow me to my ship I would explain.” He turned and began walking away.
The sound of crows could be heard from the distance. Not the prettiest sound, but at least it was something. Determined to get to the bottom of this, Twilight and her friends followed.
‘If not anything, this was quite the doozy!’ The purple unicorn thought.
--
“Well that was intriguing. Maybe that two legged fellow can help us out.” Two glowing eyes peaked at the whole scene from the dark bushes of the forest. “These so called ponies are too peaceful. He is definitely not from this world. But I doubt he is from ours. I have never seen either the likes of his kind, this sort of fighting, and this kind of equipment.”
“Uncle Fiddle, what should we do now?” Annie wondered as she looked at the distancing figures.
“We need to press on with them, and see this thing to its end dear. Come on, we need to get moving.”
--
Pantheon was cuffed to a metal chair. The man with the white shirt walked back and forth in front of him.
“Ok fashion boy, I’m going to give you another chance. Tell me everything you know about our current location, anything about your associates and how did your partner get such an old fashioned suit.”
Pantheon looked him with contemptuous eyes and repeated that which he had been telling after every question.
“Pantheon ,the Artisan of war, of the Rakkor. Greatest warrior to ever grace the steps of the League with his presence.”
“Ugh, you are really going to do that?” The man asked.
“That is all I have to tell you, and it’s all I am going to tell you!” Pantheon said with a heavy strong voice. He then continued. “My mind is a brick wall.”
“Literally speaking!” Blitzcrank yelled from the other end of the room.
All the men in the mechanical suits as they came to understand, that were in the room gave out a laugh. Even Pantheon’s interrogador chuckled.
“Once I am free I am going to melt you down tin can!” The Artisan of war threatened his companion.
“Yes, well let me brighten this up for you o’mighty artisan of war, unless you start talking I don’t think our generous host here will even bother to look for the key.” The golem had undertaken a serious tone, if it could be called so. His voice made almost every word sound like a joke.
“You’d be smart to listen to your pall back there.” Their “host” stated, afterwards he asked a guy with a mechanical claw for an arm. “Swann, how close until you open him up?”
“Might actually be a while. How did you even manage to get inside? This stuff is sealed like with magic.” Swann was frustrated.
“Oh you don’t even know.” Yet another robotic chuckle came from the golem.
“Aight I think she’s opening up.”
The man with the claw used some sort of torch to cut through Blitzcrank’s chest plate. When he opened it up, everyone in the room, but the cuffed prisoner, gave out sounds of surprise.
“It…its empty…” Swann said.
“Nice observation. What, now you’re going to tell me that my buddy has a head under that helmet of his? Actually that is still under investigation.”
“But how could it possibly be empty?”
The awkward situation was broken as the doors opened. Nothing seemed to come through, but in a short moment after a red light a man materialized in front of them.
“I’ve got news brotha’. Bad ones.” He said.
“Spill the bean Tosh.”
Just as those words came out, something shaked the whole vessel.
“Those are it.”
“Attention everyone, we have engaged a Dominion squadron. Prepare for boarding!”
A voice announced the beginning of a battle throughout the ship.
“Oh great, this is just perfect!” The man in the white shirt said, as he began giving orders to his people. “Tosh gather what ever specters and troops you can and defend the cantina and the lab! Stetman and the rest of the crew will back you up!”
Without a second to spare the man had disappeared in thin air. He then proceeded to talk to a devise on his wrist.
“Matt if you can hear me, get the guards from the upper levels and defend the bridge, I’m on my way to you. Damn it, we shouldn’t have sent all those troops to buy us new schematics. We’re cut too thin!”
“You know…we could earn our keep, by helping you out. Believe it or not, but that dunderhead over there is quite the capable fighter.” Blitzcrank suggested. If he had a lively face, a smirk would probably be coloring it.
“Oh really? I don’t think that shield of his will do any good against bullets.”
“I have stopped bullets before, what difference will these be?” Pantheon asked.
“What if you put him in one of your fine suits? Will definitely be a major improvement of his current wardrobe.”
“Never!” A quick decline slashed through the air.
“Why not? They boost you physical abilities.” Swann was very confused.
“That is it. A true warrior needs nothing more than a good weapon and his own strength!”
“Your idea is actually not the worst I have ever heard…or made. Ok, if you help us defend our ship I will let you loose.” The so called “captain” of the ship agreed.
“We never got your name. If I am to fight for someone I should know who.”
“Name’s James Raynor, but you can call me Jim if you so like. Swann what how fast can you make a custom fit metal shell armor for our merc here?” “I might need arround twenty minutes. That fast enough for ya’ cowboy?”
“It’ll have to do. All right, I’ll put on mine and try to win you as much time as possible.”
Raynor said and went through a door that led to some sort of a bridge, surrounded by machinery. Once he got out he was inside an armor, like the ones of his guards.
“Ok, put that shield, spear and helmet of yours in that tank.” Swann referred to a big pool filled with a strange liquid as he uncuffed Pantheon. “There I’ll merge them with the alloy we use to make our vehicles. As for you, step in that capsule over there.”
The Artisan of war followed the instructions. As he left his weapon, shield and helmet to be improved, he went inside the capsule. It was very spacious from the inside. The man with the claw began to work a board with buttons and leavers. The tank with the liquid began to bubble. Inside several robotic arms covered Pantheon is some kind of thin layered coat. Once that was done, hot metal began to pour over his body. The covering protected him from it. Other tools began to nudge the metal on to his body. Water sprays began to either warm or cool his new armor at certain parts so they could be fitted more properly. Other, flexible materials were inserted at the joints of his arms and legs. After the whole process was over the capsule opened. From the tank a stronger helmet was extracted and cooled with water.
Jim was shooting his way to the bridge. More and more troops found their way against him.
‘Damn it, has Mengsk brought every Dominion unit here?!’ He thought as the next enemy fell.
He ran forward. As he stepped out from a corner he was cut off by a several non friendly marines, led by a ghost. When he tried to fire, the fact that he was out of ammo shined out.
“Take him down!” The stealthy assassin ordered.
A swarm of bullets was fired towards Jim, but they all fell on the floor, after meeting head on with Pantheon’s improved shield. Its bearer was fully covered with metal. The role model of Rakkor ferociously jumped at the small squad, deflecting bullets and speared every single one of them. The ghost managed to cloak himself but Pantheon had memorized his position. Just as the field made the assassin invisible the giant shield hit him and knocked him unconscious. After following the sound of the falling body, the bloodthirsty spear found its way in it.
“Well I’ll be…You are actually almost as good as you say, aren’t you?” Raynor said as Pantheon pulled him on his feet.
“You have no idea. Your boy Swann said you might need this.”
Jim received several clips of bullets.
“Now I will do my end of the bargain and help you, then we’ll talk.”
The Artisan of war pressed forward through the steel hallways with zeal. Every wall he went by was painted red and soon the lower decks where he began his spree, were covered by a carpet of bodies. Pantheon was overjoyed to be once again in the heat of battle. Only this time, the kind of battle which his elders taught him to fight in. The one in which, those unworthy to challenge him did not rise after he brought them to their knees.
--
Deep within the Everfree, a queen ordered one of her three workers to sacrifice himself so that she could have herself a palace like the ones her kind was engineered to create on every world they had found. During its construction, her hounds of war brought several creatures who would die, but the best of them would live on to serve her.
The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 3: Universal Traversal
The six mares had been following the strange person through the forest for several minutes. The various sounds of the local fauna could be heard once more. He hadn’t said a word throughout the whole road. Twilight, Applejack and Rarity were discussing something between themselves. Pinkie just skipped around the group. But Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were walking with frustrated expressions and didn’t talk at all.
The silence continued, and after a while Dash decided to give a piece of her mind to the mysterious guy.
“All right! You said that if we followed you, you’d tell us what is going on. So better start explaining!” She said with anger.
“Exactly what would you have me tell you?” He calmly replied, not even bothering to turn his head.
That made the blue pegasus even angrier. She flew in front of him and gave him a death stare.
“Hey, nopony talks to me without looking me in the eye!”
“Dash, I think you should calm down.” Twilight tried to loosen her friend’s pressure.
“No. I won’t calm down until this guy tells me who and what he is!” She yelled.
“Darling that is very rood of you. This fellow saved your life and you treat him like so?” Rarity asked.
“Well…that is a different matter. Thanks and all but we demand answers!” The mare continued.
“Currently y’r the one making demands.” Applejack stepped in.
“Oh come on AJ, out of everypony I thought you’d back me up.”
The pegasus was cut short by the stranger. “I am Klastnar. Captain of the Omega squadron of the united protoss military, one of the few surviving defenders of Auir and a veteran from the front lines, of the war on Shakuras.” He said with a little bit of anger in his tone. “Any more questions I can answer for you?” He asked.
“Did you really have to kill that thing?” Fluttershy asked as she the person with her special stare.
“More than you can possibly imagine!”
“But..why?” The yellow mare continued.
“I feel there is a back story to this, which you aren’t telling us, Klastanar?” Twilight asked.
Klastanar sighted. As they were walking he began what seemed a lesson in history.
“Many millennia ago my people - the Protoss were discovered by the Xel’Naga. A race that was incredibly developed, they had the knowledge to create entire species via genetic engineering. We worshiped them as gods. The Protoss at that time were separated in many tribes. We were a warrious species, and we were born with many talents. A protoss can not die of age, but that mattered little because of the constant wars between the tribes. We were also very gifted when it came to our minds, but bothered not with it. That changed after the gods found us. They took great interest in our abilities and began living beside us. The wars ended, they shared some of their technology and knowledge with us. Eventually though, we strayed away from their teachings, and they decided to abandon us. We did not take that lightly, and used the technology they gave us to fight them. Many of the gods fell, but much more managed to escape. The fate of our people turned for the worst, until a prophet began teaching us once more to use the power of our minds, both for control and to accomplish our goals. Soon after, the way of the Khala was made. To use our powers we extracted energies, enhanced them and eventually perfected them. Still there were those who believed the Khala strayed us away from the old ways, they protested against it, and discovered the older power the protoss had wielded. Thus was the beginning of the way of the Void. The long lock of hair as you see on my head is our devotion to the Khala, and because the protestants rebelled against it, and followed a different path they cut off theirs. That’s how the protoss people were once more devided. The followers of the Khala were superior in number and they took on the control of our home world of Aiur. A council was formed, by the oldest and wisest of our people. Some were about fifty thousand years in age.”
That astounded the mares. It was hard to believe that there were beings older than even the Princesses.
“Eventually the Council decided that the protestants were becoming a problem for the control over the populace, so they ordered Executor Adun to wipe them all out. He however was noble beyond imagining. He could not bear killing his kinsmen. So instead he gathered the survivors, boarded them on their few remaining ships and allowed them to escape in to the cosmos. Eventually they found a shadowy world known as Shakuras, which they made their home and continued their development by the way of the Void. That day they became known as the Dark Templars, and soon after were forgotten by the populace of Auir. Eventually the protoss began to follow in the footsteps of the gods. They had gone from world to world, observing and protecting local species. We began the same campaign until we created an empire. Like the Xel’Naga to us, may other cultures worshiped us as their gods and protectors. In the recent century a new civilization came to the sector of the galaxy where we observed. They called themselves Terrans. You can say history repeated itself. They too had, even if not like ours, quite the psyonic potential. We began to study them from a distance, not allowing them to even know we existed. Until one day our observers detected some kind of virus had infested the populace of the world of Char Sara. After a close study we found out what had happened to the gods.”
Twilight’s eyes opened as she was nervously exited to hear what had happened.
“Once they left us, they had found another “jewel” to adore – the Zerg, a highly adaptive form of parasites. They did not want to make the mistake of making the species too smart for them to handle, so instead they created the Overmind. A gigantic hive mind that was probably the size of a city. Its purpose was to think for every single organism with zerg DNA. The Xel’Naga observed the advance of their new protégé’s as the parasites wiped out and assimilated everything the Overmind thought would bring better genes to the colony, and by so doing, the zerg became the dominant species on the planet. That however did not satisfy the thirty for knowledge Overmind, as it turned its gaze to the stars. When it found a kind of creatures that lived and thrived in the cold of space, it lured them, to be consumed. Thus the Zerg could venture to other worlds. That day the Overmind discovered the Xel’Naga who remained a secret to him. As millions of zerg swarmed at their ships the gods tried, but could not repel them, even with their advanced technology. When they were consumed, the knowledge for so many other worlds, with so many other life forms that would add so much useful genes to theirs. And for our people. A threat we did not even know existed. For some reason the Overmind could not find a way for the zerg to consume us. We were the only race that posed a threat to them. So it decided to sweep across the galaxy, assimilate various species until it could find a solution. Thousands of worlds were devoured. And the zerg swarm was created. One day the swarm discovered the Terrans. With their psyonic potential, the Overmind found out, that if it could consume them, its abominations could finally assimilate the protoss.”
The story was making each of the ponies nervous.
“In order to stop the infestation of the terrans we had no other choice. We destroyed the world of Char Sara.”
A shocked, grim expression was seen on everypony’s face.
“Destroyed it? How can you possibly destroy an entire world?” Twilight asked with regret.
“Five of our capital ships concentrated their full fire power at the surface, that made the core to overheat until the planed exploded, scattering in to pieces.”
The situation got stranger by the minute.
“And because that was the first contact the Terrans had made with both us and the Zertg they went to war against both races.”
“Not so surprising, I mean one of you infected all of the people on a world, and you blew it up! I think everypony in that situation would go to drastic measures.” Rainbow Dash was being REALLY serious.
“Fortunately some of the Terrans accepted us as allies. We really needed their help, when the Zerg found out the location of our home world. Most of our fleet was in the far corners of the sector. So when the damned parasites attacked at full force, there was no way for us to repel them. Even with the help of the Terrans, we we’re forced to evacuate. Many of our finest warriors fell, defending the civilians. They became known as the defenders of Aiur, I was one of the few who survived. During their onslaught, the Overmind embedded itself on the surface of our world. We had made contact with the Dark Templars not too long ago, and began evacuating to their world – Shakuras. A great warrior known as Zeratul had thought our Executor – Tassadar how to use the power of the Void. That way he was able to wield both powers.”
“Wait a minute. While you were fighting with that thing you shouted the name Tassadar, why?” Rarity wondered.
“He was the strongest amongst us. A true GOD. He combined both powers of the Khala and the Void, and transformed his flag ship in to pure energy, rammed it in to the accursed Overmind and killed it.”
“Was his ship as big as the ones you used to blow up a planet?” Pinkie wondered.
“Even bigger.”
Everypony’s jaw dropped.
“He must have been really strong.” Twilight gasped.
“Even with that done, and the evacuation complete, the Zerg followed us to Shakuras. There I stood at the front lines. After we used two crystals in a Xel’Naga temple, all of the Zerg on the planet were vaporized. After that we began fighting them back, in order to save the galaxy. You see now why I had to kill that thing. If it was left alive, it would have began to infect your world, and who knows what would have had to be done in order to stop it.”
Ten minutes in silent thinking passed, until Rainbow spotted a big golden structure in the distance.
“That your ship?” She asked.
“Yes. A phoenix, the pride and joy of protoss engineering.” Klastanar answered.
He went inside, and the mares tried to peek in, but could not comprehend any of the machinery they found. The protoss began pressing buttons in front of some kind of screen.
“What are you doing?” Twilight asked.
“I’m trying to send a distress signal. Also I am scanning the forest for any more Zerg life forms.” He replied.
“Ya think there’s more of ‘em critters out there?” Applejack got worried.
“Klastanar, what exactly happened to you? How did you get to Equestria?” The purple unicorn was trying to squeeze out more information, which she could think over.
He sighted. “I was in a fleet that transported several Zerg sub species to a deserted world. While we were transporting them, we were attacked by a hybrid, which self-destructed and created a space-time anomaly through which my ship, and the specimens it carried, fell.”
“Why in the buck were you transporting Zerg?” Rainbow asked with a suspicious tone.
“On that world we made controlled colonies, on which we experimented so we could find more efficient ways to deal with them.”
“So you give them time and environment to grow in, and then you kill them, just so you can kill others like them.” Fluttershy sighted, as she was looking blankly in the sky.
All of the ponies had very mixed thoughts after all that had happened, and all Klastanar told them. They had not even imagined war, so its concept was completely unknown to them.
“Well…we should be going. Thank you for helping us.” Rarity tried her best to be as mannered as possible.
“Would you like to come to town? I can lend ya the barn to have some sleep if ya want?” Applejack offered.
“Thank you, but I will have to decline. I still have much work to do, and should be getting to it.”
The six mares took their goodbyes and headed for Ponyville. After such a long and exhausting day, Rarity promised she would pay for a full procedure for everypony at the Ponyville spa.
As they walked through the dark forest, they could yet again hear crows. Their constant cawing added to the stressed situation. All of a sudden Applejack heard something like a voice that came from a nearby bush. The farm pony got out her lasso, and threw it. At the other end, something was definitely caught. When she pulled the catch, her heart stopped for a second. Rainbow Dash was shocked as well.
“Guys what is it?” Twilight was worried.
Applejack barely managed to answer.
“That…that’s the exact same scarecrow…we saw on our way to you guys.”
“How in the hay did it get here?” The blue pegasus added.
“Hmm it looks…weird.” Pinkie Pie said as she began poking it in the eye.
“Would you stop that?!” The scarecrow said aloud.
All of the ponies backed up with terrified expressions.
“Oh boy…” The piece of wood and cloth sighted.
--
It was a very awkward situation. Grim was coloring the faces of the ponies. Fiddlestick decided to break the silence.
“Uh…Hello.”
“Y-y-you can talk?” Rainbow Dash stuttered.
“Of course I can talk. You can talk, so what’s the problem with me talking?” He replied, a little frustrated.
Twilight coughed to attract everyone’s attention. She then proceeded to speak with the most classy manner she could use.
“I am sorry for the…misbehavior of my friends sir. My name is Twilight Sparcle.” She reached her hoof to help him get up.
“Pleasure to meet you miss Sparcle, I am Fiddlesticks.”
As he got up, he shook her hoof. Afterwards he yelled in the distance.
“Annie, come out, their friendly.”
“Calling more of your scarecrow buddies?” Rainbow Dash pickled with him.
Both the sack of hay and Twilight looked at her with disapproving eyes. Out of the bushes a small filly came out, holding its plushy bear. It wore a dress Rarity adored, a lot.
“My dear,… where did you get this lovely outfit?” The white mare asked with excitement.
Annie blushed and stayed silent, with a nervous expression on her face.
“Come now Annie, be polite and answer the good lady.” Her uncle chuckled.
“Well…my mommy made it for me.” The girl fought off the feeling of mistrust.
“I didn’t catch your name madam?” Fiddlesticks addressed the glamorous unicorn.
“Rarity, Mister Sticks.” She modestly replied.
“Just Fiddlesticks Miss Rarity, or Fiddle if you prefer.” He continued.
“Well there is no need to address me as Miss, Rarity will do just fine my good jentlecolt.”
Formalities were exchanged. Soon after the scarecrow found himself shaken completely by the pink mare.
“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie. Where are you from? How can you talk? Do you like parties?” Pinkie was the pure meaning of hyperactive in that moment.
“Alright Pinkie, let the good stallion take his breath.” Twilight smiled and put a hoof on her friend’s shoulder.
When the party thirsting earth pony allowed Fiddlesticks to regain consciousness, AJ made an introduction.
“Howdy Mr. Fiddle. We didn’t get to talk ‘lot on our first meetin’. Mah name’s Applejack. That yellow ball of sweetness there is Fluttershy.” She pointed in the curbed, behind Twilight pegasus. “The sour puss over there is Rainbow Dash.” The orange mare turned her eyes towards the other pegasus, who was still looking with an angerish grin at the scarecrow.
“Rainbow Dash, huh? Your name doesn’t quite suit your persona.” He remarked.
What was given in return was but a huff.
“Oh, don’t mind her. She can get a little grumpy from time to time, but she sure’s a nice pony.” AJ reassured him.
Fiddlesticks felt kind of loosened out by the warm welcome he had not anticipated and decided to officially introduce his little companion.
“This here cutie is Annie. Now I suppose you have many questions, so I will be glad to answer them, over a drink.”
“Oh, ooh, we can go to Sugarcube corner! I bet Mr. and Mss. Cake can wip us something reall yummy.” Pinkie shot her good mood out, trying to cheer Annie up.
“What kind of food is there at this..Sugarcube corner?” The purple maned filly asked.
Pinkie gasped with terror! ”You have never tried any of Mr. and Mss. Cake’s cupcakes???” She grabbed Annie, put her on her back and charged forward!
“Pinkie! Ponyville is in the other direction!” Twilight shouted.
The whirlwind blew them again as the pink mare charged in the opposite direction. The others simply followed.
Once in Ponyville, many stared at the group. Not at the rushing Pinkie with the small filly on her back, no that was something pretty usual. The living scarecrow that walked beside the 5 mares put the residents in uncomforting mood. Twilight had to cough at several, so they would turn around their creeped out stares.
“I am so sorry for the inconvenience Fiddle. It’s just not every day that a living scarecrow visits town.” The purple unicorn apologized.
“It’s not much of a problem really. From where I’m from, people in large masses stared with fear at me. I am pretty used to it.” He said.
“No pony should be used to this.” Applejack tried to cheer their guest up.
The doors of the Sugarcube corner opened violently as Pinkie charged inside, carrying the little filly and shouted.
“Mr. and Mss. CAKE EMERGENCY!”
“What is it Pinkie? Is something wrong?” The yellow stallion asked worriedly.
“This little girl has never tried any of your pastries!” The rampant pony continued.
“Hello, can you please tell her to let me go?” Annie asked calmly.
“Honey I think you need to let her go, you’re making her uncomfortable.” Miss Cake stepped in.
“Alright…” Pinkie sighted.
The couple’s jaws dropped as Fiddlesticks entered. Twilight quickly told them that it was okay, and they shouldn’t be worried. Afterwards everypony ordered.
On the table a lively conversation was being started.
“So where exactly are you two from? I’ve heard that there were some experiments with life giving magics going on in Manehaton, but I never knew there was something to it.” The purple mare began.
“I think that we’re from not so close around. See we come from a world known as Runeterra.” He chuckled.
“Yer’from another world? Boy has this been quite the day for you folks.” The orange earth pony giggled.
As he began to sip from his drink Fluttershy asked.
“I didn’t know scarecrows could drink?” And then squealed, expecting him to be angry.
“Exactly how did you come to life?” Twilight dug deeper in to the subject.
Fiddlesticks tried to answer them both. “In my world there was once a powerful mage. He wanted to make himself immortal so he tried linking his spirit to a body that could not age. Both fortunately and unfortunately something went wrong. When he tried to put his soul in to the body standing before you, it was overcome by power. Thus once it was inside its new host all the memory of the mage was gone. And a new living being was created – me. My own mind, my own consciousness, filled by the power of the mage. Eventually I came across a field of dying crows, thousands. I decided to put them out of their misery and they were…thankful, so to say. Then all of their souls and the magical essence they possessed took refuge in my body. So you can see, that life has taken root in my very being, and life needs to be fed. Every meal or drink I consume is completely absorbed by my spirit, and there are no side effects from it. That’s how I got the title of one of the best drinkers in Valoran.” He laughed.
A laugh that made Fluttershy curb in to a ball.
“Wow this is delicious!” Annie stated with a big smile as she ate a cupcake.
“Told ya’ didn’t I?” Pinkie laughed too.
“So I take it you two are magicians?” Celestia’s student continued.
“Pretty skilled too. Well this little one needs to master a few more things. She is a natural though. By her teen years she will probably rival the power of the elite summoners.” A smile colored both of the stranger’s faces.
“What are these…summoners of which you speak darling?” Rarity wondered.
Fiddlesticks felt that he had made a wrong step. He decided to say the truth, but cover some of it.
“There is an…Institute in our world, where the finest of mages, warriors and other creatures, like myself show their talents. They are assisted by other very strong sorcerers who run the place. They are known as summoners, and the most elite of them are extremely powerful.”
“It’s pretty fun there.” Annie giggled. “Especially the bedtime game, everyone plays there.”
Fiddlesticks barely managed not to spit out the liquid in his mouth.
“What’s this “bed time” game?” Rainbow Dash took interest.
“It’s sort of a competition.” The scarecrow tried to fix the little girl’s mistake. “There are two teams. Each has a building which they must get to before the other team. During that time players put opponents “to sleep” for some time, so they have time to press forward.”
He looked at Annie with his right eye, and she understood not to talk about the game more than that.
“So Annie, who teaches you to use magic?” Twilight asked nicely with a smile on her face.
“Oh, at first no one, I just randomly used it. That’s how I got Tibbers.” She showed them her teddy bear. “When I was a little older my mom and dad taught me a little, but when I was six and I went to live in the Institute, uncle Fiddle has been helping me with studying.” The little filly giggled as she snuggled in the scarecrow.
“Oh, I did not know you are a tutor, uncle Fiddle.” The purple unicorn giggled as well.
As the others smiled, he put on a nice face himself and replied.
“Yes, you can say that this little one is my protégé of a sort. She is my pride and joy!” He said as he ruffled Annie’s hair with his hoof.
Seeing how the two enjoyed each other’s company, warm memories of her and her teacher almost made Twilight shed a tear of happiness.
“Very interesting place yer’ from. Wonder what sort of talents people there have?” Applejack thought.
“Well talents there are many, but I can’t say they are all good. For example mine isn’t something much to behold.” Fiddlesticks smile somewhat disappeared.
“And what sort of talent do you have?” The pink typhoon asked.
He sighted. “I can… scare anyone, or anything out of their pants, so to say.”
“Yeah, everyone but Pinkie here.” Rainbow Dash mocked him.
“Nope, her included.” He replied, not showing any effect of the small insult, and drank from his cup.
“Right. I am ready to bet fifty bits that no one can make this pony scared!” The pegasus continued.
“Yes that is right, I am just too positive for fear.” Pinkie giggled.
The scarecrow put down his cup.
“Who else is ready to make that bet?” He gathered confused looks, from everypony but Annie, who was still munching on a muffin.
“Sorry mister, but Ah have to go with Dash on this one. There ain’t nopony out there that can make her afraid. So yeah, I would be willing to make that bet as well.” The mare with the cowboy hat chuckled.
“Well you seem to forget the fact…that I am not a pony.” A small giggle came out.
“Really? All right girls, everypony put up fifty bits right here.” Dash laughed and began collecting bits.
After a few minutes of hesitation five of the mares had put down money, just for the sake of fun.
“Let’s see how you fare Fiddle.” The blue pegasus mockingly said to the drinking scarecrow.
“Yeah, it’s impossible to scare me!” Pinkie jumped on the table right in front him.
Fiddlesticks just finished his drink, and slowly opened his eyes and looked at her. The very next moment the pink mare was on the floor, curbed in to a ball, hugging her tail with a terrified expression and stuttered.
“Th-th-that w-w-wasn’t fun-n.”
Everypony, the owners of the establishment as well, could not believe their eyes.
“Ho-how did-how did you do that? You merely looked at her?” Rainbow Dash felt her brain “itching”.
Annie couldn’t keep herself from laughing.
“Barman, I’d like another drink. I’m paying for everything.” Fiddlesticks raised his cup.
“What did you do to her?” Rarity forced herself to ask, even if she did not really wish to know.
“Like I said, special talent. She wasn’t prepared for it, and I didn’t use the full capacity of the skill so I recon she’ll be back to normal in an hour or so.”
After the bets were collected, and the payment for the meal was done with, Fiddlesticks turned towards Twilight.
“Do you happen to know if there are musical instruments sold in town? I am looking to purchase…a fiddle.”
As the group made their way through trough the streets of Ponyville, Dash and AJ were carrying the still stressed out Pinkie.
“Here we are, Octavia’s house.” The purple unicorn stated.
Octavia went downstairs to open the door. Upon doing so she saw a big scarecrow and immediately shut it closed, pressed her back on it and began panting. Afterwards she heard a familiar voice calling to her from behind.
“Octavia, it’s me Twilight. Don’t worry he’s friendly. Open up.” The door opened slowly.
“Where did you find…him?”
“Yeah…that kind of a long story.” She cleared her thought.
“Octavia I would like you to meet Mr. Fiddlesticks. Mr. Fiddlestick – Octavia.”
“Pleasure.” He reached out a hoof.
Insecure she shook it, put on a broken smile and asked.
“Hello, what can I *gulp* help you with?”
“Twi here, told me you had quite the collection of musical instruments, and I was wondering if you could sell me a fiddle? I am not looking for anything that looks too much on the outside, it’s ok as long as it does what it was made to do, for about one hundred and twenty bits.” The scarecrow explained modestly.
“Ookay, follow me and browse around…I guess.” The gray mare invited them in.
Fiddlesticks and Annie went ahead to look upstairs where Octavia had told them to look. The others who stayed a little bit behind were interrogated by her.
“Ok now can anyone explain to me what exactly is going on? You went to the Everfree to look for meteors and you come back with that.”
“Well, those weren’t meteors, for starters. It turned out to be a spaceship carrying something else.” The purple unicorn said.
“So this…Fiddlesticks thingie came from the ship?”
“No, the ship belonged to another alien called Klastanar, we found Fiddle following us around with that girl, which also came with him.”
“Uh-huh.” Octavia did not even pretend she comprehended the situation.
“Can you just sell that stupid hay bag something to play with so we can ditch him back in the forest?” Rainbow Dash sighted grimly.
“Dash, we are not ditching anyone anywhere. These people are our guests and we should treat them like so.” Twilight objected.
“Oh yeah? That “PROtoss” guy brought these what not zerg here, Celestia knows what those two brought after them!”
“Enough! Both of you.” Applejack stepped in. “Ah say let’s just get him a fiddle, report to the Princes and see what she has to say, how ‘bout that?”
“Fine.” The colorful flyer muttered.
Then everypony joined the two on the second floor. Annie was sitting on a chair and Fiddlesticks was already checking out an instrument.
“Miss Octavia, would you mind if I try this one out?”
“Not at all, let me just get you a bow.”
“No need.”
He opened a casing on his left arm, just under the blade of the scythe, and a bow attached to it was found. The scarecrow sat, fixed the grief and began his display. A slow classical sound began pouring out. It was somewhat of a melancholy tune, which became a little faster. Octavia gazed with anticipation, as if observing one of the master fiddlers in the Canterlot music academy. He opened his eyes. After seeing he had gotten the attention of his viewers he stood up, fixed the grief and continued his concerto. A quick country rock poured out. His scythe had moved fast and precise on the strings, making music that boiled up everypony’s blood. Applejack barely held herself not to show off some dancing skills her granny Smith had taught her. Pinkie was a different story. The frightened grin on her face was gone and she was back to her hyperactive self and danced all around the room, or maybe even the house. The scarecrow and the little filly themselves were rocking out as well. After another uber solo, he decided to finish. The rhythm began to slow down until he finished the concerto with a sudden stroke of the bow. Everypony was gawking with amazement. He bowed to his public, and received a slow stomp from Octavia and Applejack, which eventually build up from every other pony in the room.
“Thank you, you were wonderful Ponyville!” He laughed out with a smile.
“Yaaay!” Annie cheered for him.
“I think I’ll take it miss Octavia. How much do I owe you?”
The stunned gray mare barely managed to stutter. “Um-u-aa- eighty bits.”
“Splendid.” He paid up and left with the others.
“Wow, where did you learn to play so well mister Fiddle?” Rarity asked.
“When feared and strayed away from, one finds companionship in different things. A fiddle I found in the halls of the Institute was that thing for me.”
“What are you planning to use your eighty bits left for?” Pinkie wondered.
“Well if there are ponies who are in the fashion business, I do need someone to stitch this old thing up a bit.” He referred to his body, which had scratches, rips and holes almost everywhere.
“Might even get Annie a new dress for a change.” He chuckled.
“Say no more!” Rarity’s eyes glowed. “As the greatest fashionista in Ponyville I will take that order.”
“Thank you, you are very generous.”
A small giggle came out of her.
“In the mean time, where will you two sleep?” Applejack decided to throw that as a subject. “My little sister and her friends will be having a sleepover tonight, if you want Annie can come, to meet other fillies her age.”
“How does that sound to you Annie?” Her uncle nudged her.
After some thought she spoke. “Will it be a problem if I go?”
“Not at all, just mind your tongue in front of the other kids, ok?” Behind his smile was a message which the little girl got.
“I promise I will!”
“Alright then, you can go.”
“Aight, see you guys tomorrow.”
The filly and the mare headed towards the Sweet Apple Acres farm. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had already said their goodbyes and left.
“Ok, you better get a good nigh sleep, cuss tomorrow you are invited to a Pinkie Party!” The mare was really excited.
“I’d be honored to come.”
And she went home too.
“You could take residence in my library if you want. I want to ask you so much questions about the magic people from your world use. Or you would rather go to Rarity’s boutique so she can fix you up.” Twilight suggested.
“I don’t see the problem in doing both. But we’ll have to go to this boutique so I can leave what needs to be fixed.”
Both mares looked at him with confusion. When they arrived at the boutique, the body of the scarecrow dropped lifeless on the ground as a spirit in the more humanoid form of Fiddlesticks came out. His companions squealed.
“Do not worry, I’ve been doing this for a while.” He smirked. “I am putting myself in your hooves, literally. Can I count on you to make it a little more, decent to look at?”
“Yes, yes you can my good sir.” Afterwards they separated.
On the way to the library Twilight couldn’t hold it in to ask.
“So is this what you actually look like?”
“Surprised much?”
“Well kind of. Such body type only comes close to the one of minotaurs, but it's still different.”
A shot walk later they arrived at the library.
“Spike, I’m home.” Twilight called her assistant.
“Did you get any rocks from spaee-“ Spike gasped at the sight of the ghost.
As he turned around to run, he slammed into a bookshelf. When the little dragon came to, the purple mare assured him that their guest won’t hurt them.
“Spike this is Fiddlesticks. Fiddle, this is my assistant – Spike.” She introduced them to each other.
The scarecrow looked with surprised eyes at the magical reptile.
“You look so different from dragons on my world.”
“Well I am still growing.” He chuckled. “Still once I became a full sized dragon for a day and nearly wrecked the whole town.”
The apparition gave out a laugh. “You guys know how to have fun around here!”
Twilight looked at him with grim eyes. “It was an accident, and I wouldn’t call handling it … fun.”
“Sorry for pulling a wrong sting.” He apologized.
Soon after, both began to drain knowledge from each other. Fiddlesticks told more of his home world. He spoke how both magic and technology were combined to create things, neither could accomplish on their own. He explained to her about magic that could block the ability of using magic in others. On the other had she gave him a “brief” lesson in Equestrian history, some of their greatest achievements and the ones who achieved them.
As the moon rose in the sky, Twilight was writing a letter, to report what she had learned today to the
Princes.
Dear Princes Celestia,
Today we did not recover meteors from the Everfree, because there were none. The strange objects that fell from the sky were the ship of a being called a Protoss, that goes by the name of Klastanar and the cargo he was transferring. He shared some information about the place he came from. It was unnerving. His people are a warrior race which is currently in conflict with two other races. The cargo of his ship were specimens of one of those races. Me and my friends were unlucky enough to get attacked by one. Fortunately…at least I think so, he came to our rescue and…ended the creature. Currently he is at the wreck of his ship, trying to establish contact with his people so they can retrieve the remaining of the specimens and leave our world.
After wards we met another pare from another world. One was a little filly unicorn, and her “uncle”. He is a living scarecrow, which also exercises magic. For reasons unknown, unlike Klastanar the filly and the scarecrow have been transformed into ponies. Now the two are residing in Ponyville by my offer. If it could be possible to send me two more invitations to the Grand Galloping Gala tomorrow, I would like to invite them so they can meet you. I hope that we can help them return to their homes.
That is all I have to report for now.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparcle.
After sending the letter, Spike curled in his bed. Twilight found the ghostly Fiddlesticks deep asleep with a book on his face. That reminded her of her youth when she stayed up all night in order to study. She went to bed herself. Somewhere in the middle of the night she was woken up by the creeking of the front door. When she looked out of her window, she saw the glowing scarecrow going out into town. He had taken his fiddle and ghostly scythe. Usually Twilight would have immediately followed, but for a reason she had no knowledge of, she just looked away and fell asleep once more.
--
“Double kill!” The announcer informed everyone as the lifeless, ripped open bodies of Shaco and Kha’Zix fell before the living nightmare. Rengar stood up with a groan.
“I could have taken them.”
“Yes I saw how well you were handling it once I got here.” Nocturne replied with a scorn.
The Pridestalker lifted his blade and slowly walked towards his teammate, when victory was achieved by their team. Soon after everyone was teleported back to the Institute of War. There Nocturne, Leona and Heimerdinger were awaited by the High Council of Equinity.
“Congratulations on your victory.” Councilor Heywan Relivash praised them, but it was for nothing.
“Cut the sweet talk and go straight to business.” The darkling interrupted.
Vessaria Kolminye took it from there. She had experience when it came to dealing with him.
“The General Assembly has agreed to fund this little rescue mission. Also some of our head summoners have found a way to transport you to where the missing champions are.”
“Finally, you being useful for once.” Nocturne sighted.
Leona pushed him with a death stare, after which she asked. “It is ok if you can send us to where they are, but how are we to come back once we find them?”
“That is currently under research, but you will be briefed tonight when we’ll be ready to execute the procedure. Until then I suggest you find support from whoever you need for the trip.” Vessaria stated.
Leona was already set up with Heimerdinger. Caitlyn and Ezreal were assigned as his bodyguard for the whole thing, but Nocturne was yet to find allies. He had a few in mind though.
“So is that the case?” Malzahar spoke as his voidling’s thoughts transferred into his mind.
“Well I think we should help them with this expedition.” A chuckle came from him.
“Kha’Zix, you’ll follow the nightmare to the destination of the scarecrow. Try to prepare the world they’ll be sent on for consumption, or at the very least make sure those “rescuers” never return.” He ordered.
“Must I? I still have a hunt to finish!” The bug like creature tried to evade the task, for the sake of greater fun with his arch rival.
But when doing so, Malzahar’s burning eyes met his and he slowly spoke.
“Your petty little “hunt” can wait. The Void demands a greater service.”
Without a second thought the Voidreaver was forced to accept the order. Both however, did not realize that they were stalked like prey.
Nocturne opened the halls of a room. From inside the sounds of pulled guitar strings could be heard.
“Metalhead I need your help.” The screeching voice of the nightmarish creature went through the whole room.
“Huh, and what can I help you with?” Mordekaiser chuckled as he played another note.
“I’m gathering the Terrors of The League, in order to search for Fiddlesticks.”
“Ooh, is that it? I bet there is more to it.”
“I also need you to talk Hecarim into it.”
The Master of metal stood up and went to the entrance of his room.
“Only one question. Why, should, I?”
“Because you remember who got you out of that deal with the bloody arachnid. And because I don’t ask you as a co-champion or anything like that. Noo, I come to you, as a friend.”
“Oh stop it you. You want me to help you or to get all warm and touchy by your words. Besides, if I can get that stubborn mule, who do you plan on recruiting the jester. Last I heard you two were at your throats on the subject.”
“Leave him to me. I know how to get him on board.”
Shaco was wandering through the halls of the Institute. All of a sudden all the torches went out. The Demon jester giggled.
“Have you come to show off in your victory?”
“No, I am not like you. At least, not in that aspect.”
“I know why you’re here. The answer is no! Why would I bother with that creepy doll?” Shaco said and began to walk away.
“Wow, you’ve really become so boring.”
That however, got his attention.
“Fear is what gives one his maniacal drive. And what point would the world have, if there was nothing in it for us to fear? Besides, you are the last person I expect to turn down the a suggestion to wreak havoc on another world. So what do you say, friends?” Nocturne reached out his hand.
After a few silent moments of thought, Shaco laughed and shook hands with the nightmare while shouting.
“Friends!”
Evening came, and the two groups gathered in the summoning hall. Councilor Vessaria Kolminye, several head summoners and the summoners who teleported the missing champions were waiting for them. The councilor began the briefing.
“We’ve managed to create these two runes.” She referred to two stones with strange markings on them. “They had collected the cosmic energy from when the summoning was at hand. Each group will take one and the summoners for the searched champions will cast the spell on them. We believe that with the runes you will be teleported to the lost champions. If not at their exact location, then in one, very close to them. As for your return, once you have found them, input some of your magic into the runes and they will emit an energy beam by which we will be able to summon you back here.” With that cleared both groups took a rune and stood at their appointed places.
Once the summoning spell began, however, without warning Kha’Zix leaped and grabbed hold onto Hecarim. From the other corner of the room, Rengar jumped and caught the Voidreaver. Not able to abort the spell, the summoners let both groups be sent to their given locations. What was left was a giant cloud of smoke, through which nothing could be seen.
At a moment one of the summoners saw movement inside the cloud. A creature, as big as a small bull, with wings, claws and limbs coming from its back, jumped in attack. It looked as if it came from the void. But before it could land, it was shot down by two beams of energy. Once the smoke cleared four creatures were revealed. Two seemed spider like in form. One was gray with a head coming out from the front of it. The other was some sort of being inside a tank filled with fluid, carried by a golden vehicle. The other two were more human like in form. One was in spiffy gold armor, with blue crystals and had long black hair. The other shared the same body type, but its hair was cut, and instead of armor it wore a cloak, held by several golden joint protectors, with green crystals in it. Vessaria and the other summoners were highly confused, until the gray spider creature turned to the one with the cloak, with a metallic voice.
“Prelate Zeratul, what happened? Where are we?”
“I don’t know, but I feel those terrans will explain it to us.” The second creature’s voice was a little echowy, but a lot deeper.
--
Fiddlesticks had made his way to the ruins they had passed by in the Everfree forest. He walked through the building that had yielded to time. Once he found himself a fine cliff he sat down and took out his fiddle and bow/scythe. He needed to think things over. And he had to do so by the best way he knew how. Alone in the dark, with a proper tune. He sang himself a song he had not used in a long time. He closed his eyes, and a slow gloomy melody accompanied his words.
“And it’s so easy when you’re evil. This is the life you see, the devil tips his hat to me. I do it all because I’m evil. And I do it all for free….your tears are all the pay I’ll ever need.”
‘Quite the interesting song you got there.’
The scarecrow immediately opened his eyes and strengthened his grip on the scythe.
‘Why all so hostile?’
He could feel that the voice came from his head, but it was leading him deep within the ruins, until he found himself in front of a big statue of pony with both wings and a horn. Something seemed off about it. It had a dark presence which he could feel. On its neck he saw a necklace with a dark purplish gem. Fiddlesticks could feel the energy it was emitting.
‘Now isn’t that a nice decoration. See, if you could bring it to me, I can help you out.’
The voice inside his head continued. As the scarecrow picked up the amulet, he ignored the voice and simply told him.
‘I think I can find a better use for this.’ A smirk colored his face as he heard the voice grunting.
“Soon, if not you, then somepony else will let me out, and receive quite the reward. I can already feel it. All of the newcomers. All of that chaos…” A maniacal laugh echoed from the dungeons beneath Canterlot.
The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 4: Tidings of Doom
Leona and her companions woke up in the middle of a heated battle, that was going on in a desert. They were teleported to a world of crimson rock, covered in orange sand lands. At first they thought they had been sent in the Void, given the fact that one of the fighting sides were creatures, who had a striking resemblance to the voidlings they knew.
The sun warriores had to use her shield to protect them from several explosions that happened very close to them. All of a sudden, a big creature erupted from underneath them and attacked. The black/purple monster had two limbs, armed with bone blades, coming out of its back. It spat acid at them, which gladly, Leona’s magic shield managed to block, without dissolving. The creature jumped at them, and was shot dead in mid air by an energy blast. As the body fell and squirted out lots of blood, several mechanical golems (what they assumed they were) passed by them. A gray creature wearing gold armor was giving them commands.
When it looked at the group it said with suspicion. “Terrans? What are you doing here? Evacuate immediately to the core nexus NOW!”
That was more of an order than a request. But without hesitation the four turned and walked towards a giant pyramid the creature had pointed to.
The battle was raging on in full force. Many of the armored creatures, as well as their mechanical troops fought off waves and waves of voidlings. The skies were far from quiet. Flying terrors reaped through it. Giant bats and flying squids fought against big golden birds and gray ships which carried giant crystals. The biological flyers were also opposed by gigantic ships, from which flocks of smaller ones came out. Blood, dust, beams of energy, body parts, both mechanic and organic flew throughout the battlefield.
Another creature, that was more serpent like emerged from the ground to bar their way. Leona jumped and smashed its head with her shield. A pack of smaller creatures with wings and limbs coming out of their backs surrounded them. Caitlyn took aim and shot down several with a single shot. Ezreal on the other hand was blinking around and blasted them with his skill shots. They resumed running towards the pyramid. All of a sudden a gigantic monstrosity with four scythe like limbs coming from its front charged at them. It was probably the size of the Institute, or even bigger. Heimerdinger managed to hit it right in the eyes with a few CH-1 concussion grenades. Even of not hurt at all, the creature definitely became blinded by the explosions. It stopped and began shaking its massive skull in order to regain its vision. In that moment a prismatic vessel flew above their heads, and a big golden crab dropped from it. The second the monster could see again, the crab was at the very level of its eyes, and blew its face off. Afterwards the golden creature landed, not showing any kind of damage, even after falling from such height, and pressed forward. The group continued. They could see in the distance how several tall, golden colossi, and a dozen other robotic contraptions with energetic spheres on their back, that emitted some sort of force field around its five allies, turned what seemed to be hundreds of the serpent and acid spitting creatures to ash. Some of the bat and squid like creatures were trying to destroy them, but were massacred by a squadron of the bird like ships, and a few of the ones with the giant crystals. A few minutes later they reached a wall of buildings. Some of them had some sort of a black hole on top, others were round with rotating towers. There were some which had a spinning contraption on their back sides, and others who were kind of small, with floating spheres which released round bolts of energy against enemies. From behind there could be seen gigantic crystals, surrounded by a ring. Before they were able to cross, they saw a massive gathering of rolling green. Ezreal blew one of the creatures and it exploaded in a pool of acid. Heimerdinger set up a dozen turrets. The machines, Caitlyn and Ezreal took aim and began taking them out. Leona was also helping out with the clearing. She brought down the rays of the alien sun to vaporize quite the lot of the green threat.
Despite their efforts however, the living bombs of acid were far too much for them to handle. As they awaited their end a giant beam of energy decimated a large portion of them. And another, the rest. Such beams could be seen all over the battlefield. When they looked up they saw a massive fleet, consisting of the giant ships with crystals. Someone shouted from behind the wall, and his words somewhat startled the champions.
“THE EXECUTOR HAS ARRIVED!”
Many more of the gray creatures across the sand land cried out in rejoice as they heard that.
“ENTARO TASSADAR!”
In a matter of moments a bigger version of the ships with the drones coming out of them pierced the sky, surrounded by other ships like it, the ones with the crystals and the bird like ones. The great number of ships massacred most of the void like creatures with great precision. Until the concentrated firepower of several crystal ships obliterated a ginormic, spiked building in the distance. As they stared with stunned eyes, one of the armor wearing creatures called them from behind the wall.
“You Terrans, come. The Executor wishes to speak with you.” Not the kind of message they had hoped to receive.
The pyramid seemed more humongous from the inside than the outside. They were led into a spacious hall. There they were introduced to a group of gray creatures, one of which seemed to be a female. Her voice confirmed it. She and their guide discussed something in an unknown language. Judging by the sort of bow, the creature who walked them through the corridors did, that the woman was an important person.
“EnTaro Tassadar, Terrans.” She greeted them.
Leona decided it would be appropriate to act, as if speaking to the king of Demacia himself. She put down her shield, kneeled, and as her companions followed her example, she responded.
“EnTaro Tassadar milady.”
The creature gave them a confused look. “No need for formalities, arise.”
“Thank you.”
“I must say, you are the first Terrans I see, which bow down to their superior. Well I guess that meeting the Protoss Executor face to face, has that sort of effect.” The so called “protoss” spoke with a tame tone. “What brings you here. Has your kind laid eyes on the Xel’Naga catacombs and the energies there, sealed beneath the husk of this dead world.”
It seemed that because of making first contact, the champion of the sun was appointed as a speaker for their group. “Forgive us milady, but we do not know what are those…Xel’Naga of which you speak. We came from another world, seeking a few of our lost companions.”
“Why did you emphasize so much on you coming from another world? We all know that Terrans do not hail from the Koprulu.” The Executor continued to be clueless.
“Well it is a little complicated…” Leona grunted. “Excuse me, my head hurts a little.” Not only she, but the rest of her group shared a strange pain in their craniums.
“You are not from the Koprulu like the Terrans, but are not from their world. No, you hail from a planet known as…Runeterra. You are champions from some sort of League, and you are looking for two others who share battle with you. A mechanical construct, in which life has taken root, and a warrior of great skill and ferocity.” Those words struck them.
“How do you know about that?” Ezreal couldn’t hold himself.
“You did not seem the talkative kind. That headache you felt was me, searching through your minds for information, about your intentions.”
“Who in the bloody hell do you think you are, to have the right to dig in people’s brains?!” The Prodigal explorer waved his finger in her face, until Caitlyn slapped him in the back of the head.
“Shut up kid, grownups are talking.” She cut him short.
With a grump and a puff Ezreal quieted down.
“Sorry for that.” Leona tried to fix his mistake.
“Look, yours is a noble quest, but this world is under heavy research, and I would prefer if there were no one but protoss on it.” She became serious. “Commander, how long will it take you to trace the vessel known as the Hyperion?” The Executor turned towards another protoss who was working on what seemed a star map.
“It will probably require several hours Executor Selendis.” He replied.
“Alright, in the mean time send a research patrol down in the catacombs to retrieve the artifacts, emitting the psyonic energy. Analyzing the scripts there might take us quite a while.”
“Excuse me, but I could help you in your research, if you would grant me permission to view some of your overall data on the subject.” Heimerdingers scientific interest had kicked in and escalated at full force.
“Nothing personal, but I don’t think a human can manage to bear the knowledge in the lowest quantity of our overall data.” A protoss that was passing by talked all smug like.
To Heimerdinger that sounded more like a challenge than an insult.
“Well, good thing I am not a human. Executor could I have your permission to extract whatever knowledge I can and help you in the quicker solution of your problems?”
She gave out what could be described as a sight. “Permission granted. Allow him clearance to our overall data. If other races wish to learn from us, so be it.”
--
A bright light pierced through his closed eyes. When Nocturne came to, he saw how Kha’Zix approached the knocked out Rengar. Just as the Voidreaver was about to slice the throat of his so considered equal a flying blade of darkness cut him from the side. He grunted and kneeled. He looked at his wound, and then at the nightmare.
“Come now bug, a hunt is no fun if the prey can’t fight back.” He mocked him.
Kha’Zix roared and disappeared out of plain sight. When he emerged he took the fallen on the ground rune, and leaped away running at the nearby forest. Nocturne hovered over to their unexpected hitchhiker. He was still breathing, nothing was done to him. What startled the nightmare was that the Pridestalker had undertaken a horse like form. Several quick slaps on his face, woke Rengar up and got him on his feet. Afterwards the darkling turned his attention to the others from his group. He and Hecarim hadn’t changed at all, but the same could not be said about the Demon Jester and the Master of metal. Both were also transformed in to horses, and looked rather strange. Mordekaiser was yet again fully covered by metal, with a cape that covered his back. There were still spikes coming out from his armor, but for some reason, he had a metallic horn coming from his helmet which was much larger than the rest. His face was still covered completely by the helmet. Shaco, on the other hand, was a completely different story. He had on his jester dress up, but for some reason had wings, made out of daggers, and was flying around them, backside. If Nocturne had a mouth, it would have probably been dropped to the ground.
After the shock passed a little, he forced himself to speak.
“Okay…so you three are horses, and you can fly. Instead of asking why, I will only ask, how?”
The fact that Shaco was striding through the air with ease was the most astonishing thing that had happened.
“Well let’s just say that I like you dig through the champion’s medical files when no one is looking.” He giggled.
“And what does that have to do with it jester?” Mordekaiser was still confused.
“I thought it was pretty obvious. I know exactly how the bodies of most of the champions work. I know which muscle and tissue to cut in order to disable them. The summoners had made quite the specific description of Kayle’s wings. I’m simply putting that knowledge to use.” Was the “short” description for it.
“So, you mean to tell me, you can fly, just by knowing how Kayle’s wings work, without having to try it out ever before?” Nocturne wondered.
“Hell, I can make a better fish that Fizz…if I had gills.” This time Shaco full on laughed.
“Good, we got that cleared. Now, why did we become horses, and why you, Hecarim and that bug did not?” Mordekaiser was all out of humor at the moment.
“You guys look ridiculous.” The nightmarish horseman laughed.
“Well you look just as ridiculous every day.” Rengar spoke. The smile on Hecarim’s face burned off.
“Speaking of which, why did you two tag along?” Nocturne raised the question.
“I overheard Malzahar and Kha’Zix talking. The purple bastard ordered the bug to follow you, and begin preparing whatever world you end up on for the Void. I couldn’t let my prey escape me, so I tagged along.” The Pridestalker explained.
“How quaint of you, is it now?” Shaco showed up, hanging from Hecarim’s shoulder. “So let’s not waste time. High hooo Silver! HAWAAAY!” His clone, or the real one, saddled the Spirit of war and speared him forward.
The ghostly centaur threw off his saddler, who turned to daggers once he hit the ground, and grabbed the throat of the jester, hanging from his shoulder, stared him straight in the eye and said slowly.
“Do that again, and you won’t make it back to Runeterra!”
Shaco struggled to break free, but having hooves instead of hands wasn’t helping at all. He nearly suffocated when Hecarim released him from his grip. The Demon jester hit the ground, face first.
Mordekaiser made a few attempts to use his magic. The energy was concentrating in his rather strange horn. All of a sudden his giant mace, began to levitate, until it was again in his control. Rengar used some rope to tie his oversized dagger to his right leg. And Shaco eventually managed to breathe again.
“OK! Now that all of that is done with lets search for our targets. Afterwards, Rengar it’s your job to track down Zix down, so we can get back the rune.” Nocturne summed up.
“Don’t worry, I can track him in a day’s time.”
“Soo…Noc, you’re the one who knows the scarecrow best from all of us, where do you s’pouse he’ll be?” The jester asked.
After a moment of thought the Living nightmare answered. “He’s probably found a town, or village where he and Annie can reside for a while.”
“Long story short, we find a populated stretch of land, we find them?” Hecarim asked.
“Yes. Now let’s get a move on. This place is way too sunny and cheerful for my taste.” Nocturne said.
--
It was pitch black. Dark clouds rained tons of water on top of Ponyville. The wind was really strong, it began to root out small trees. Twilight Sparkle was headed towards Rarity’s boutique. When she arrived she saw a purpleish gooey substance, coming from underneath the door. She gasped, fearing that it was what she thought it was. She slowly opened the door and screamed as loud as her lungs could allow. She saw the lifeless bodies of Rarity and Fluttershy hanging from the claws of the serpent zerg creature, as it feasted upon them. The monster gazed at her with bloodthirsty eyes and roared. That instant Twilight turned around and ran. Ran as fast as she could towards Applejack’s farm! She was exhausted and slowed down her pace a little, until she saw a red puddle. Her nerves were pulled to their limits. As she got closer to see what it was a red drop hit her face. Shocked the purple mare looked up. There the sight of Klastanar ripping, cutting, dicing and draining Rainbow Dash’s corpse almost did not give her a complete mental breakdown. She slowly stepped forward, until the protoss turned his empty eyes towards her. Then she resumed galloping in full force. The wind and rain were bashing ferociously at her. She saw the farm in the distance. She ran to the barn, and opened the door, just as Fiddlesticks, in his so called “humanoid” form, pulled his scythe out of her orange friend’s head, and the body dropped right on top of the ripped open Pinkie Pie in a pool of blood. She wanted to run away again, but this time…this time it was too much. She was entirely frozen by fear. After a few seconds, her legs failed her and she dropped on the floor with a blank stare. She could hear crows…lots and lots of crows. A giant flock of them landed around her. They stared at her for a moment, gave out a loud caw and began to eat her alive. The scarecrow’s eyes were zealous red. He began to laugh maniacally. Twilight felt that she had already snapped. On what was left of her face, a crazed look appeared. She barely managed to think to herself.
‘Forgive me Princes.’ Not even knowing what she wanted forgiveness for.
As flesh and blood came off her body she began to laugh together with the scarecrow.
Twilight woke up with a loud gasp. After hyperventilating for a while, she took a deep breath and rubbed away the sweat from her forehead with her hoof.
“It was all a dream.” She thankfully sighted.
When she turned her head she saw that Spike was turning all around in his bed, probably from a bad dream of his own. She got up and petted him on the head. He somewhat calmed down. She smiled and went downstairs. Apparently Fiddlesticks’ last night exit was a dream as well, she thought, after finding the ghostly scarecrow sleeping on the very same spot he got knocked out by sleep, with the same book on his face, on the same page. After she was sure everything was okay, she went up and cuddled into bed for a few more hours.
--
Fiddlesticks slowly picked up the book from his face and looked at the sealing with an uncertain stare. Then he got out the necklace, he got from the castle, from underneath him and closely observed it.
‘So this thing emits such powerful dark energy, that it can affect people’s dreams, but not the one who holds it.’ He reasoned in his thoughts.
The glowing spirit of a crow came out of him. The scarecrow gave it the necklace and it swallowed it. Afterwards it flew back inside of the spirit of its master. Fiddlesticks had found out that this was an effective way of carrying magical items. The soul of the crow would keep the magic contained without effecting the scarecrow at all, and while inside his spirit nobody and/or nothing could get it. He returned to the position he was supposed to be sleeping in, put the book on his face and awaited the dawn.
--
As Celestia brought day to her subjects, Twilight was awoken by a loud knock on the door of the library. From it she guessed right on the spot, who it was.
“Oh Pinkie, don’t you ever sleep?” She asked with a little bit of annoyance, before getting up.
Fiddlesticks was knocking it out in a fine dream. When Twilight went downstairs the pink typhoon on her doorstep shouted.
“TIME TO PAAARTEEEH!”
The purple unicorn was used to that, but the sleeping scarecrow awoke in an instant, jumped from being startled and hit his head in a bookshelf. Despite the moment of irritation, he smiled and asked.
“What? Breakfast so soon?”
“Believe me, this is absolutely not out of the ordinary. We should open quickly before she rams through the door.” Twilight giggled.
After doing so, Pinkie trotted in and began rambling about the party. Fiddle asked the two mares if they could go and get his body, because staying in the form of a spirit drained a lot of his powers. They agreed without hesitation and set out to Rarity’s boutique. On the other hand, Twilight was feeling kind of awkward around his “humanoid” form. When they stepped out of the library, the scarecrow felt some kind of magical spike. The energy was strangely familiar, but nothing much, so he decided not but much thinking on it. The sun was shining, there were no clouds in the sky. Rainbow had done her job for the week. Upon arriving, the purple mare knocked on the door and called her friend.
“Rarity, it’s us. I’ve brought your customer.”
A loud thud was heard. As if someone fell down the stairs. From inside the fashionista replied.
“Be right there.”
After a few minutes Rarity came out, but not with her usual glamour. Her mane was a mess and she was still with her working wear.
“What happened to you?” Twilight asked confusedly.
“You look funny!” Pinkie giggled in addition.
“I’m sorry for my looks darlings, but our friend here gave me quite the inspiration. I was up all night.” The white mare explained.
“Wait, you stayed up all night just to stitch up that old bag of hay? Wow, I’ve really let myself go if it took so much.” Fiddlesticks surprised himself.
“No, no, no. Not at all. I was done stitching in about ten, maybe fifteen minutes.”
“Then what took you so long?” Twilight wondered.
“Come on in and see for yourselves.” Rarity proudly invited them in.
Once in her working office, they could not believe their eyes. She had made a completely new body.
“Wha…how’d…when…what?” Fiddlesticks stuttered.
“As a fashionista I always try to create something in which ponies to look good. While stitching your old body, it hit me. Making clothes is one thing, but to create an entire body as a form of wear, was probably the highest possible reach in my profession.” She was very excited by the looks of it. “I took one of my old unicorn mannequins, made it some joints in the legs and neck, added a fine looking tail made from cloth. For the face I tried to copy the one from your body, but forgive me if I was unable to capture its magnificent charisma. And for the last of all, a tux to make you shine next to any jentlecolt. It was from an older collection of mine. I couldn’t find a buyer for it, so in order for it not to go to waste I stitched it on to the mannequin.”
“You even got the cutiemark done too?” Her purple friend was deeply surprised when she saw the four black crows, that colored the white flank of the body.
“But of course. I even added something at the front.”
The scarecrow took a look. Where once used to be a bowtie on the tux, stood a big crow, which had opened its wings, and had a green gemstone as an eye.
“Do you like it?” Rarity asked with a worried voice.
The buyer replied “Like it? I LOVE IT! It looks amazing!”
The warm words of acceptance brought a smile on the face of the hard working mare.
“But I don’t think I can pay for it.”
“Oh don’t worry dear, that’s on the house.”
“Thank you very much miss Rarity.”
“Try it on.” Pinkie urged him.
He touched the mannequin and in an instant the ghost disappeared. After a while the eyes of the doll opened, glowing in bright green, and it took a several steps around the room.
“Well, how is it?” Twilight wondered.
“Feels good. Looks stylish, and not that I had a problem with it, but it definitely feels better without the half scythe arm.” He chuckled. “Might wear it for today’s party.” He added but was instantly given worried looks by the two unicorns.
“Yeah, I think it will be better if you don’t wear it tonight. Pinkie’s parties can get very…out of hand, if you know what I mean.” Rarity recommended.
A little bit confused, Fiddle agreed.
“And here is the dress you requested for the little one.” It was outstanding as always. It was in the shape of a blooming flower. The color was cotton pink. White laces were going around, creating many different forms of flowers. And the widest part was surrounded by roses made from crimson rubies.
“Whoa.” Her three guests’ jaws dropped.
“I couldn’t let you both come to The Gala in the state we first met you.” Rarity stated.
“What Gala?” The scarecrow was confused.
“Oh right, I forgot to tell you. Tomorrow night is The Grand Galloping Gala. It’s the biggest festivity of the year. And it was also a perfect occasion to get you to meet the Princes. I bet that she can think of a way to get you guys back home.” Celestia’s student explained with a smile on her face.
“Ok I will trust you on this one Twilight.”
“Alright we should go and get the others.” Pinkie was overjoyed that the party neared.
“Rarity, if you don’t mind I would like to leave this spiffy new outfit here, and get my old one. Don’t want to damage it until this…Gala.”
“But of course. I have no trouble with that.”
After a quick body swap the four went out and headed for AJ’s farm.
When they got to the center of town, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, the Cutiemark Crusaders and Annie were waiting for them. The three fillies got frightened out of their skins at the sight of the scarecrow and jumped to hide behind Apple Bloom’s big sister. To which their friend in a dress giggled.
“Now don’ worry ya’ll. This guy is a nice fella. He ain’t gonna hurt ya.” The orange mare calmed them down.
After a brief introduction Scootaloo said with a little bit of jealous frustration to her friends.
“Man I can’t believe she is younger than us and already has a cutiemark!”
Later tonight the party started. Pinkie had made sure to invite everypony in town. The mayor had allowed her yet again to use the town center for the occasion. Tables were brought out, full of sweets and other meals. And of course…dinks. Lots. Everypony had their fills. Played some of the many games the pink mare had organized. Fiddlesticks met many ponies, won himself quite the fortune from drinking games. The liquids he had consumed had no effect on both his body and spirit, so despite he outdrank everypony that put on some bits, he was as sober as ever. At the end of it all he entertained the large crowd with his magnificent skills with the fiddle, as the little Annie and Pinkie danced around him.
‘With an evening like this, I can’t wait to see the Gala.’ Twilight thought to herself.
--
“Don’t want no shiny protoss…flying machine. I’d rather have a clunky funkie, rusty SCV!” The song filled the entire cantina.
“Hahaha! Oh I can’t believe we actually pulled that off.” Raynor laughed.
He, Tosh, Matt and Pantheon were sharing a drink on a single table. The rest of the crew was celebrating like there was no tomorrow.
“Indeed. Not only did we push the Dominion back, but we destroyed quite the number of their capital ships. Not to mention we captured some for ourselves. I bet Swann is in heaven boosting our tech with the latest upgrades Mengsk’s boys had installed in theirs.” Matt joined in.
“True that brotha’. Me and my boys captured some of the ghost gear so we can use it to… “upgrade” ourselves as well.” Tosh chuckled.
“I can see you are in a cheerful mood, but I grasp not what you are rambling about. Victory is ours this day, that’s all which is important. And once again I had the pleasure to see a field of enemy dead by my hand.” The warrior stood up, raised his cup and cheered, followed by everyone in the cantina.
“Well someone seems to have lifted their spirits. Why not come out of that shell Panti?” The Commander asked.
“This armor allowed me to taste what I was trained to do my whole life. The only reasons I would take it off would be only if it was completely necessary, for nature’s duties, and to bed a woman!” He gave out a laugh.
His newly found drinking buddies joined in. The doors opened and Blitzcrank entered.
“What is up people?! Barman, a chug of your finest engine oil, stat!” The golem shouted.
“Comin’ right up.” He received as a reply.
After getting his drink he joined the four.
“What are you so happy about tin can?” Pantheon mockingly asked.
“Seriously? Don’t you notice the new paint job?”
While closing him up, Swann could not resist giving the bot “a few” upgrades. Blitzcrank was silverishly grey from top to bottom. Swann covered him thoroughly with the same metal Pantheon was wearing.
“So we see.” Raynor took a swig from his drink before asking. “What’d that nut ball put in ya?”
“Some kinda plasma generator. Remember my energy shield?” He pushed the Artisan of war. “Well now guess which metallic golem has two thumbs and releases a plasma shield. THIS GUY!” He pointed at himself with his thumbs.
“I am willing to bet on a card game that that isn’t all.” Matt chuckled.
The golem showed them his pulling hand’s palm. It had some sort of openings. Then he explained.
“Now whatever I grab, I can fry it with concentrated raw energy, if I so desire of course. Also…” Two mini turrets filled with rockets came out of his shoulders. “Shabam!” He yelled. “Now I am a threat from range, not only melee. He also installed some sort of hyper engine. Now both my acceleration goes faster, and the electricity emitted from my left hand when I hit someone is increased by sixty percent. I even got magnetized feet.”
It was obvious he was really excited about everything, until Pantheon said.
“And still you did absolutely nothing during the battle.”
“Oh shut up.”
Another laugh came from the table. Unfortunately it quickly ended when someone called from the message station.
“Commander Raynor. Sir, could you please come to the bridge. It’s preferable if your associates come as well,…but better tell captain Horner to lay low for a while.”
Matt’s eyes filled with fear, as Raynor smirked and said.
“Mira Han.”
When they arrived on the bridge, Mira was already on a monitor waiting for them.
“James, nice to see you again.” She said.
“Always a pleasure Mira. Now what is it that you want to tell me?” He replied.
“Not so long ago I got a call from a protoss fleet. They mistook my ship for yours and asked me to deliver a message.”
“What kind of message?”
“As I see you’ve got some new recruits.” She referred to Pantheon and Blitzcrank. “It seems those protoss have found some too, and want to give them to you.”
“More?” Pantheon was surprised.
“You better hurry up. The person who “called” is one you really don’t want to piss off.”
“And who might that be?”
“The protoss Executor.”
Raynor flinched for a fraction of a second. Mira finished the conversation.
“I’m uploading the coordinates where they appointed a meeting. Talk to you later Jim. Oh and tell Mathew that I might come around for a visit sometime.”
[END OF TRANSMITION] The communication monitor announced.
Raynor sighted. “I didn’t think I would have to deal with Selendis so soon again.”
Pantheon got curious and asked. “What are these “pro-toss” and why are you so afraid of their Executor. Selendis doesn’t sound like a though guy.”
“Because Selendis is not a guy. She’s a female.” The Commander replied.
The Artisan of laughed loudly.
“You’re scared from a woman? What kind of guy are you?”
Everyone from the crew gave him death cold looks. Then Raynor spoke with threateningly calm voice and a stone expression.
“That woman, can destroy an entire planet, by just uttering a word.”
“Ok, she is special. But come on, how tough can these protoss guys be?” The warrior continued.
“Ok I’ll try to explain how tough they are. So you are the best warrior from a tribe, which’s soul purpose for decades has been to produce the finest of the finest warriors?”
“Without a doubt!” Pantheon stated haughtily.
“Yeah, don’t take this personally, but the lowest ranking protoss warriors outclass you 3 times, or probably more.”
“Oh BURN!” Blitzcrank said loudly.
If he wasn’t wearing a helmet, Pantheon would have probably shown a very angry expression. Matt got up on the bridge and asked.
“You done?”
“Don’t worry Matt, your lady hung up. She also said she might come and visit.” Raynor replied with a chuckle.
“Just perfect.” He sighted.
Pantheon saw an opportunity to change the subject.
“Wait, you’ve had a go with that woman from the screen?” He asked confusedly. “What, one night go and she thought you would call again?”
The full-metal warrior received another death stare from the captain.
“Matt here, once entered a card game, not knowing the stakes. In the end he was forced to marry Mira.” Raynor said with a smirk.
“What? You married her? HER?” Their guest emphasized on that. “Wow, you must have been dead drunk that day my friend.”
Awkward silence emerged in the group for a few moments. After that The Commander began giving orders. They were going to pick up the ones Mira told them about. No one told Pantheon to hold on, so when they warp-jumped he got rammed in to the wall behind him. The magnetized to the floor Blitzcrank turned around and laughed at him.
--
It was a nice, cool and clear night. Carriages came one after another and many important ponies came out and headed towards the Canterlot Castle, down the red carpet put there for them. From the next carriage the six bearers of the elements stepped out and continued down the carpet. After that Fiddlesticks and Annie came out too, but stopped for a moment.
“What’s wrong little one?” He asked.
“I don’t know. I just…feel that if we go in something bad is going to happen.” She sighted. Her uncle chuckled and calmed her down.
“Now now, this is the palace of the Princesses that rule here. Not to mention there are many important ponies here. This is the most well guarded place in the country. Besides us two playing the bedtime game with the ponies inside I don’t see anything bad that could happen tonight.”
Annie nodded, but still had a sad look on her face. Fiddle reached out and turned her head so she could look at him.
“Hey, don’t worry sweet pea. Everything will be alright. We are just going to go inside, meet the Princes, Twilight talks about, and in a few days we will be back home. And if something bad does happen, I promise I’ll keep you safe. Let’s make a deal, shall we? After we get back home I’ll get Veigar to play with you, and I’ll take you to see your mom and dad?”
He ruffled her hair with his hoof, and the little filly laughed quietly and responded.
“Do you promise?”
“Promise!”
“Ok, I trust you uncle Fiddle.” Yet another smile colored her face.
“Shall we go in then, milady?” The tuxedo scarecrow reached his hoof, she held on and giggled.
“Let’s.” And the two made their way over the red carpet and into the castle.
Klastanar leaned back in his seat. He had done every possible way of sending a message, which the ship had, to his people. All he could do for the moment was to wait. All of a sudden an alarm began to honk repeatedly. The Protoss turned his head towards a monitor. After a few moments his eyes opened wide with terror. The energy radar in his ship showed him where the nearest town was. He downloaded the coordinates, broke out of his ship and rushed forward towards Ponyville. In a few minutes he was already in town. The first being he saw was a small purple creature with green spines. Without a moment’s notice he grabbed it and asked in a hurry.
“Do you know where the one called Twilight Sparkle is?”
The little one was shocked and barely managed to explain with a thin voice.
“She-e-e and the others took the train to Canterlot.”
Klastanar dropped him and charged at the train station, to which the purple creature pointed him to. There he saw a train turned in the direction of the Equestrian capital. Its engine driver was conversing with another pony, over a window.
“Take me to Canterlot immediately!” He demanded, as he approached them.
“Sorry pal, but this baby ain’t moving, even if you said please.” The engine driver replied.
Klastanar got close, grabbed the piece of cloth, around his neck and threw him out. He got on the engine wagon. The machinery on this world was very simple, if nothing else. The two stallions from the outside began to yell at him to stop, get out and such, but he had shut them down from notice. After a few moments of pressing buttons and pulling leavers, the already full with coal engine started and the protoss hijacked the train to get him to the capital.
The castle was amazing. The building looked big on the outside, but as Fiddlesticks and Annie stepped in they were stunned by how humongous it really was. Rainbow Dash had gone to look for the wonder bolts, as she did every year. Fluttershy was going to give it another go with the animals in the garden, and Pinkie just disappeared in the crowd, doing, goodness knows what, mischief. That left Twilight, Rarity and Applejack to introduce the two to the two Princesses.
“Milady, it is both a pleasure and an honor to meet you.” The scarecrow modestly said as he and the little filly bowed down before the two gigantic alicorns.
Unlike her sister, Celestia had put on a sort of a mistrusting expression. After what her student told her about the outworlder who ended a creature’s life before its time, she knew not how to react to these two. Still she managed to get a hold of herself and tried to act a little bit modest.
“Arise. It is a pleasure to meet you as well mister?” She asked.
“Fiddlesticks milady, and this little precious here is Annie.” The filly gave the Princes a warm smile.
‘Who knows what actually hides behind it.’ She thought to herself. “Twilight had told me about you, but not in full detail. Would you mind joining me for a drink and tell me more about yourself, and the place you come from?” Her face shined hospitality.
“Most certainly.” The scarecrow replied.
From the outside the two guards on the Castle gates saw something in the distance, coming their way. When it got closer they discerned a two legged figure, dressed in gold that was rushing at them. They began to slowly gallop towards it. One of the guards shouted.
“HALT! In the name of the Princesses I order you to stop! State your name and buis--“
Their minds flashed blank, and the two stallions dropped unconscious on the floor, as the figure passed them by. Klastanar kicked open the enormous gates. In an instant all eyes were on him. He looked around until he noticed Twilight, two of her friends, a strange looking pony with a green eyed creature on his chest and two larger ponies.
‘Those must be the ones in charge.’ He thought.
With a quick pace he made his way to them, as the crown stepped away from him with scared expressions. When the protoss got to the stairs they stood on Twilight asked with much surprise in her voice.
“Klastanar, what are you doing here? Princes this is—“ She got cut short by him.
“There is not time for introductions.” He turned towards Celestia, who was looking with a bit of anger at him. “A terrible fate has leaned over your world.”
“What has happened?” She asked.
“I have discovered a zerg colony in the forest next to the populace you call Ponyville. You must evacuate everyone from there as soon as possible!”
“What have my subjects to fear from these zerg? Creatures from the Everfree never leave the forest, Ponyville is safe as far as I know. And who are you to order around the Princes of the sun?”
Luna was getting worried because of the growing anger in her sister’s tone.
“I am a Protoss, one of the firstborn of the gods! And you would do well to listen to me.” He stated before continuing. “As for what you should fear, the zerg are savage beasts which consume entire worlds, and are now descended upon yours. They are not from your forest and will begin an onslaught in order to assimilate your people in a matter of days.”
“Can’t you do anything in order to stop them?” The Princes of the moon spoke.
“Not alone. I require your help. You must call your army, or any form of standing military to arms, and prepare them for the most horrifying thing they could ever go up against.”
‘Most horrifying? Yeah right.’ Fiddlesticks thought to himself.
All this talk of arming an army and otherwise was making all the guest ponies in the courtroom on edge. Several mares had already fainted.
“Another thing you should do is give me access to any kind of information regarding the forest. Flora, fauna and everything.”
“Why would you need that?” Celestia asked.
“As I said, the zerg consume every living thing on every world they come across. But not everything is destroyed in the process. Whatever the swarm decides is good in the species that has been assimilated it becomes part of their gene-pool, either evolving their current specimens, or creating entirely new sub-species. I need to know everything you know about the things that live in that forest, so I can see what we might be dealing with.” The protoss explained.
At that point everypony in the castle was in the courtroom and listening to the conversation, the three missing bearers of the Elements of Harmony included.
“Can’t ya use them explody things that wipe out zerg DNA, or whatever like with that serpent thing?” Applejack asked.
“If it were only that simple. I would need time to set them up at key locations, but time is something we don’t have. The colony would be too big for only that to handle it.”
“Alright, for the sake of my subjects I will trust you Klastanar. Twilight Sparkle take him to the Canterlot archives and give him everything you can find on the Everfree.” Celestia spoke. “The rest of you my little ponies.” She referred to the other bearers of the Elements. “I need of you to evacuate Ponyville in the fastest way possible.”
“I shall gather the Royal and Nigh Guard, and the mages from the University sister.” Luna stated.
“Do so, sister.”
“Pardon me milady.” Fiddlesticks interrupted. “But perhaps me and Annie can help you.”
“And how if I may ask?” Celestia was in a bitter mood.
“Forgive me, but I wasn’t entirely honest with you Twilight Sparkle. Remember the bedtime game my little companion mentioned two days ago? In that game, in order to put others to sleep, we had to kill them.” He said with a calm voice.
The six mares looked with terror at them. The thought that they had let murderers shared time with them was rather unnerving.
“I can see that those news are not by your liking, but someone with talents like mine can be of use to you in order to defend your world.”
“You think we are just going to allow you to help us? Like that? You lied to us, why should we trust you?” Rainbow Dash began with her loud talk. “I knew there was something off about you!”
“So be it.” Celestia stated.
“What?! Princes, you aren’t really going to allow them to do whatever they want?” The blue pegasus was shocked.
“In any other situation I wouldn’t. But given the circumstances I have no choice. Every capable ally we can get is needed.”
Half an hour later Twilight and Klastanar headed for the archives. The five mares, along with Fiddlesticks and Annie returned to Ponyville. It most certainly was a night they would soon not forget.
--
“I demand to know why have you brought us here!” Zeratul was filled by anger, as he spoke before the High Council of Equinity.
“Our original intention was not to bring you here. We were trying to send several people to the place you were pulled from, so they could rescue two others who were sent there by mistake.” High Councilor Kiersta Mandrake tried her best not to provoke the being more than they had already did.
“Well what is the problem to re-do the teleportation procedure with me and my people?” The Dark Prelate asked.
“In order to conjure the summoning spell we had to create a special rune.” Councilor Heywan Relivash explained with a smug tone. “To make such a rune we had to use quite the amount of funds. And I highly doubt the leaders of the city-states would lend that amount again on a short’s notice.”
Zeratul surrounded himself in smoke and disappeared, before materializing right in front of the man, with his energy blade pointed at him.
“My people are dying, fighting a war, in order to protect the likes of your world from being consumed.”
‘Not only the Void, but now something else has set eyes on our world.’ Vessaria Kolminye thought to herself.
The templar turned with confused eyes towards her.
“What do you mean, the Void?”
The councilor was surprised. “How did--?”
“It matters not. Answer me, what did you mean by the Void?”
She was shaken by a cold chill. The amount of energy this being gave out startled all of the councilmen. After she got a hold of herself, Vessaria spoke.
“There is a dark, empty space between dimensions. It is home to nightmarish creatures which feast upon the magic energies of entire worlds. That space, and its inhabitants we call the Void. Why are you so interested in it?” She asked.
“Then that is not the Void my people know.”
“And what is?” Mandrake wondered.
“My people follow two paths of power. The one I and others were born with uses energies compelled to darkness. That, or to be more correct, we are the Void.”
“So you have no connection with the world eaters?” Relivash continued.
“Not in the slightest. Now back to the matter at hand, how can those “leaders” be convinced to give you the resources necessary for making such a rune?”
“Well..huh…I’m glad you asked.” Heywan began to speak, with a smug tone once again. “All of them will gather to observe a match from the League in two days. If you and your companions agree to participate in that match, and manage to impress them, they might consider lending us the funds required.”
“You dare want us to fight for your entertainment?”
Vessaria sighted. “As much as I don’t like to agree with him, currently that is your only option of returning.”
After a few moments of thought Zeratul sighted as well.
“Very well, so be it.”
“I recommend that in for the time being you should learn the rules of such a match. I will send Nasus to show you the ropes. He is a giant jackal behemoth. Easy to spot, you can’t miss him.” Kiersta said.
When he exited the hall, Zeratul was met by his brothers in arms.
“Well Prelate, what is going on?” The stalker asked.
“They know a way with which they can return us back Moradar, but…”
“What is it dark one?” The zealot wondered.
“In order to do so, we need to win the favor of the leaders of the city-states inhabiting this continent Aramanis. And to do so we need to fight in their so called League.”
“Disgraceful!” The immortal stomped the ground, leaving a small dent in the floor. “They expect us to fight for their entertainment?!”
“I understand T’Nodan, I dislike the idea as well, but there is no other way. At the very least they don’t seem like much. I doubt their warriors will put up a fight, so we can easily win.”
The group stayed silent for a moment. Each was thinking the situation over. Then Zeratul spoke.
“I know this goes against everything, each of us has been taught, but if we are to ever return to aid out people, we must do as the terrans ask.”
With mixed feelings the other three agreed. Soon after they were approached by a large creature, which stood tall with but a head of height over the immortal.
“Nasus I presume.” The templar said.
“Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I am sorry.”
“For what?” Aramanis asked.
“I know you held dear the place you come from. I did so as well, until I was teleported here by the summoners’ magic.”
“Why have you not returned? If they can return us, they can you.” T’Nodan’s voice ran deep in the halls of the institute.
The behemoth closed his eyes, giving a negative expression, when it came to the question. He said, as if the question was never asked.
“If you would follow me I will introduce you to the basics of how matches in the League work.”
He turned around and began walking, while the four followed him. Nasus did not know though that they had heard those painful thoughts of his and knew exactly what had happened to him.
--
Everypony, but Twilight had returned to Ponyville. Rarity, Pinkie, AJ and Rainbow had started to evacuate everypony from the town. Fluttershy went to her cottage to pack her stuff and get Angel. The night had become very unpleasant, giving everything that had happened. The yellow pegasus was in the middle of packing when the window of her house shattered. A nasty looking creature about her size broke inside. It had wings, two strange limbs coming out of its back and a drooling mouth, full of sharp teeth. The mare was shocked but after a while she somewhat managed to get a hold of herself and used her special stare and strong words against the creature,…but with no effect. It jumped and pushed her in a nearby wall. She was knocked unconscious. After that the monster bit her leg, threw her up on its back, and rammed out through the door, and headed towards the forest. When Angel came back from the backyard, with his hands full of carrots, he dropped them all as his jaw dropped. The house was a mess, with a broken window and front door, and Fluttershy was missing. The terrified bunny ran out and headed for the town to seek help.
The collapse of the universe
Alliances rise, as twilight falls
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 5: Alliances rise, as twilight falls
A hydra and a manticore were fighting over territory in the Everfree. The manticore flew up, in order to attack the hydra’s heads, but in an instant it fell on the ground, and blood began to leak from a hole made through its head. The hydra confusedly stepped forward and lowered its head to better examine what has happened. The very next moment one of the heads was cut down. The beast stood up and roared with anger and pain. What followed was another cut down head. The remaining ones began to look around in every possible direction, until their eyes opened up widely. A big hole was made through the chest of the hydra. On the other end of it was Kha’Zix. The massive beast behind him dropped and watered this part of the plane they were on, with blood. The Voidreaver leaped back to the corpse of the manticore and bean to feast on it. When he was done with it, he tasted the flesh of the hydra. In a few moments someone spoke to him.
“Incredible display my friend. Few can show off with such a kill, but I guess this is something typical for you.”
The bug disappeared, when he emerged again he was full on battle ready, with claws and teeth wide open. But there was no one in sight.
“Who is this?” He was really confused.
“Obviously you are not the brightest from your people. The scarecrow at the very least understood that I was speaking to him in his mind.”
The insult passed by with ease, but the mentioning of a scarecrow got Kha’Zix’s attention.
“You’ve talked to the bag of hay? Where is he? More importantly who are you, and what do you want with me?”
“I, my good sir, am Discord. Spirit of chaos and disharmony. As for what I want from you…” He chuckled.
The Voidreaver could feel a presence, like someone had leaned on his back.
“I know that you are in possession of precious cargo.”
He referred to the rune the bug had stolen from the so called rescuers.
“If you can bring me that item to this location…”
Different images began to shift in his mind. First there was a big shining city, a castle, a dungeon and at last a statue.
“I will use the power from it, free myself and then grant you your wish.”
“I serve the Void. The only wishes I have, are its commands.”
Zix said with a tone which described repelling in his voice.
“I don’t deny that you creatures that live in that dark backwater in the corner of the universe obey orders without question. But we both know that what fun is it to only follow orders? No, you carve for something more. Something of a personal interest.”
The spirit of chaos began to play with his thoughts.
“You wish to prove yourself, and to do so, you want to consume the only being you consider your equal.”
Kha’Zix looked blankly in to the ground, as he began to drool at the thought of feasting with the flesh of Rengar.
“See, what did I tell you? You bring me that rune, I am set free and I will get you your rival. Both of you will be in your most powerful, in a space where no one can hide, nor escape. Both of you will be on equal ground,…unless you want a certain chance of a win?”
“No!”
The bug stated very quickly compared to the slow seductive voice of Discord.
“There is no fun if the prey can’t fight back. Just get me in a single space with him, where he can’t escape, and I’ll do the rest.”
“So we have a deal?” The spirit of chaos asked.
“Deal.” He received as a reply.
“Then I will be waiting for you.”
The Voidreaver felt that the presence was gone. A chance with no escape with his rival was everything he ever wanted. After that thought he returned to eating his kill.
--
Zeratul and his companions were preparing for their first match within the League. The fifth addition to their team was a woman with some sort of a musical instrument. She wasn’t the talkative type at all. So the process in which summoner and champion connected began. Soon after all of them were transported to Summoner’s Rift. The behemoth Nasus had explained overall how the rules go. And so everyone had taken their positions in the so called lanes. At the bottom lane were the woman, Sona and Aramanis. Zeratul had taken the one in the middle. As T'Nodan was alone in the top lane, Moradar was in the jungle, awaiting the beings living there to show up. High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye was personally observing the match. Something seemed very odd. All of the participating summoners were ok, but the ones which controlled the four beings were somewhat dizzy, tired and sluggish, saying they had a bad headache. Little did they know that the Protoss merely allowed them to connect to their minds. In truth the champions were in complete control of their actions and instead of the opposite, they used the summoners just to be informed of events happening on the battlefield.
‘Just perfect. Of course that they will put me with the new guys.’
Sona thought to herself as she and the zealot walked down the lane, towards the first turret. Those thoughts were backed up by a look which expressed annoyance.
“What do you have against newcomers?” Her teammate asked.
‘Oh I guess my face isn’t hiding anything, is it?’
Not being able to speak was really frustrating for the Maven of the stings, and her facial expressions usually talked for her.
“No, actually it doesn’t.”
The sudden reply somewhat startled her. She then wondered.
‘Why is he talking as if he can hear me.’
“Am I not supposed to hear you?” Aramanis was confused.
Sona flinched. ‘How can you hear me?’
She gave him a suspicious look.
“My people are born with great mental abilities. Communicating with our minds is one of them. I thought you had undertaken such a road as well.”
Surprising, but a dialog was formed. That was something Sona never thought could happen.
‘Well this will make communication easier. So all four of you can freely hear anyone’s thoughts?’
“Precisely.”
A smile colored her face. Even though she was used to not talking with anybody, but the fact that she had found not just one, but four people with which to speak without a problem.
“Just stay behind me, and try not to get yourself killed. I’ll take care of the rest.” The protoss told her.
‘You would be wise not to be so smug. Our opponents are two of the best warriors on this continent.’ She warned him.
“Tell me more about them.” He asked.
‘Garen – the Might of Demacia and Darius – the Hand of Noxus. Those two are constant rivals, because they each represent the two forces which wage war on Valoran, but even so, it happens that both are on the same team.’ The Maven of the strings explained.
”Best warriors you say? We shall see about that.”
The minions had already began to spawn on the battle field. When Zeratul got to the turret he was matched against a levitating terran, covered in purple clothing. While going through his mind the templar managed to find out his name – Malzahar. But his mind was almost fully obliterated, and now something else had taken control over him. Malzahar was throwing many spells against the protoss. Pillars that unleashed pulsing energy, a black hole right underneath him and purple clouds filled with poisons for the mind. After a few casts a small creature was summoned to fight for the mage. In short time it grew. As Zeratul dodged yet another blast of purple energy, Malzahar spoke.
“Mortality is weakness strange one. I shall give you a choice. Bow before the Void, or be consumed by it!”
To that the Templar replied. “Ignorant mage, one cannot bow, or be consumed by that, which he already is.”
“What treachery are you speaking of?” The Prophet of the Void wondered.
“You and these vile creatures, to which you have pledged your allegiance defile the very mention of the Void.”
The mage gave him a confused look as he thought.
‘Who is this? Is he another being that came from the dark abyss, the coming of which I did not foresee?’
“Do not insult me, whatever you are, by proposing that I have something in common with you. Despite being shrouded by darkness your mind is easier to read than an open book.”
Malzahar was stunned by the state of the prelate.
“Those of my people who are born with the power of old are the true Void. And I swear upon them I will not stand for you who filth that!”
Zeratul disappeared in a cloud of smoke and reemerged next to the mage and slashed at him with his psyonic blade.
T'Nodan was decimating minions and was heading towards the turret in the distance. All of a sudden a giant creature with four limbs on his upper body charged at him.
‘Zerg?! Here? How far into the galaxy have those foul abominations reached?’ The Immortal asked himself.
The monster threw many spines at him, as if it was a hydralisk. The thing that got the Protoss confused was when it spoke.
“Tremble before Cho’Gath – The Terror of the Void!” It shouted.
The warrior took his time and stayed put. The spines vaporized once hitting his shield. After witnessing the failure of this attack the so called Cho’Gath stomped the ground. T'Nodan could feel that it rumbled underneath him. He jumped sideways, dodging a pool of spikes, and the creature charged again at him.
[FIRST BLOOD!]
The announcer’s voice echoed through the whole field. The giant mass of the beast fell to the ground, as many gallons of blood poured out of the two holes, one in his chest and the other in his head, the cannons of the immortal had made in his body. That surprised Malzahar and he flinched for a moment not noticing Zeratul’s disappearance. He looked around but could not find his opponent. By the time he understood it was over. The Dark Prelate had cloaked, went behind the mage, and just as he was aware of that, he was stabbed in the back. The enormous blade slid up his spine and cut him open from the waist up.
“Pff, those void guys are weak sauce.” Garen stated.
“Unpleasant as it is, I must agree with you demacian.” Darius nodded.
The two were forcing themselves in order to get their team a kill. At first they tried to focus the new guy, but he proved far to skilled for them, not to mention he had Sona to support him. Something felt odd though. His coordination with the Maven of the strings was flawless, as if they discussed everything. At last they decided to throw their best on Aramanis, take him out and they take care of the lady. The two jumped high in the air. Darius readied his guillotine and Garen his giant sword. But just as the two were flying in mid air, something of the sort of a smirk came on their opponent’s face. He charged up in to the air. The energy blades on his arms were summoned. He jumped through them and the two bodies began to fall. Both their weapons and guts were cut open. The warriors dropped on their backs, and as he landed, the zealot shoved his blades in their faces.
[DOUBLE KILL!]
It seemed easy, but the four knew that it was only the beginning.
--
“How much longer?!” Shaco sighted loudly. “We have been walking through this forest all night. Doesn’t whoever lives here know how to make a noticeable town?” The jester continued to complain.
Mordekaiser levitated his mace and hit him in the back with its handle. Shaco hit the ground, and as the Master of metal passed by, said to him.
“Shut up, you oversized fly.”
The Demon jester was about to return the remark, but Nocturne interrupted.
“Quit it!”
Rengar looked around and sniffed the air.
“I think we are getting close to a village.” The Pridestalker said.
“Okay. Hecarim, you know what to do.” The nightmare said.
“What to do? Oh no! No-no-no NOOO!”
Shaco yelled when the ghostly centaur grabbed him and, with a smile, threw him up in the air.
“I could have just flown up damn it!” The already stationed in the sky jester shouted.
“And where is the fun in that? Now, do you see anything?” Nocturne shouted back to him.
The dagger-winged pegasus put a hoof over his eyes and looked around, until his gaze stopped over a town in the distance. He flew back down and informed his companions. After a while they came out of the forest and could see the buildings. When they got closer they realized that it was very quiet. Several more steps into the city and a giant bear jumped on them, and almost flattened Nocturne and Rengar to the ground. The ones who could move readied themselves for battle, but stopped after hearing the surprised voice of the darkling. He somewhat managed to look over the bear from this angle and confusedly said.
“Tibbers?”
“Tibbers! What is it?”
Everyone turned around and saw a little horse in a purple dress, with a dark, pinkish mane, a white coat and a backpack on its back.
“Annie?” Nocturne was still a little confused.
“Uncle Noc?” She gasped.
Then she ran to the big bear and began to push him and yelled.
“Tibbers let them go! Move! Move!”
He stood up, allowing the ones he had caught to breathe, and transformed back to a teddy bear which the small filly picked up with her magic and put it in her backpack.
“What are you guys doing here? I thought me and uncle Fiddle were the only ones that got lost?” She asked with excitement.
“We came to bring you back.” Nocturne said as he got up. “Ok, do you know where Fiddlesticks is?” He continued.
“Yes. He is helping Applejack with evacuating the other ponies.”
Everybody looked at her with looks which gave out that they were thurely confused, and their heads flinched to the side.
“Okay…now that that is done with, kitty go find that bug.” Shaco said to Rengar.
“Right, Annie lets go get Fiddle and we will be going back home.” Nocturne said.
The filly shook its head in disagreement.
“No, we promised we would help the Princes and that “pro-toss” person.”
That definitely did not make things more comprehendible for the group. The nightmare sighted.
“Listen Annie, take us to him and we’ll talk about what we’re gonna do. Rengar, for now wait up. Once the scarecrow has cleared up everything, then you’ll go hunting.”
The hunter nodded.
The group followed the girl through the town. In a while they were on the other end of it, and saw in the distance, what could recognize as their other target. It seemed that Fiddlesticks was transformed into a “pony”, as Annie explained the locals are called, and was in the company of two more. One was orange and wore a hat, and the other was white and seemed too glittery. The scarecrow turned its head, and headed towards them.
“Huh, what are you guys doing here?” He asked.
“We’re here to bring you back. Isn’t it obvious?” Nocturne replied.
“And how do you propose we go back?” Fiddlesticks continued.
The nightmare put on a somewhat worried expression, while he began to scratch the back of his head.
“Well….you see we had this rune, and er.. Kha’Zix took it.”
“Aha, so I see. You left that bug to get away with our only means to RETURN?!” The Harbinger of doom emphasised.
The darkling tried to get out of the awkward situation.
“It’s a long story. We got teleported and when we began to wake we barely managed to move. Zix was up before us and—“
He shut up when the scarecrow hit him in the head with his hoof.
“WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!” “You were becoming annoying.”
In the background of this Shaco and Annie giggled and chuckled, holding their pure laughter as much as they could. That ended when Nocturne pulled his blades out, right in front of their faces, and asked.
“What’s so damn funny?”
After that Fiddlesticks turned to Rengar.
“You, pussy cat. Bug, find, go!”
“Hey I am not a mindless beast, don’t talk to me like that!” The Pridestalker replied ferociously.
“Fine, just go get the rune, will ya?” The scarecrow sighted.
“ ’Scuse me, what are you talkin’ ‘bout?” The orange pony asked as she neared them, accompanied by the white one.
“Applejack dear, it’s impolite to ask for such a thing, without introducing yourself first.” The unicorn stated.
“Pardon me miladies, these few are friends of mine, from our world. The feisty one is Nocturne. A nightmare come to life. Before so we went on a killing spree and massacred people in their sleep.” The scarecrow said.
The two mares were literally shocked out of their skins, until Fiddlesticks calmed them down.
“Don’t worry, I set him straight. The metal guy is Mordekaiser. Scary dude from a place called the Shadow Isles. Helped him out of a deal he made, with the wrong lady. The one that looks kinda like you, but has a humanoid upper body is Hecarim. He is a centaur, well…a ghost centaur to be honest. He is also from the Shadow Isles and was part of that deal. The pegasus is Shaco. A maniac when it comes to murder. On a regular basis you should be scared of him, but with me around it’s not a problem. As for the pussy cat over there, that’s Rengar. That dude is a hunter. Fluttershy would not like to meet him. As his name suggest he will hunt and kill anything that gets his interest.”
This little conduction was not very pleasant for them. Then the scarecrow turned to his friends.
“Yeah, sorry guys but we can’t leave just yet. Well me and Annie at least.”
“Why not?” Shaco asked.
“We sort of made a promise to a demigod to help defend their world, so we will be a little late for dinner.”
“What the hell have you gotten yourself into?” Nocturne yelled.
“Relax Chihuahua. We just have to commit a massive genocide against an alien species. Nothing major.”
Rarity and Applejack looked with terror and confusion at each other. Then the scarecrow raised a question.
“So, did anything interesting happen while we were gone?”
Everyone of them became really silent. Fiddlesticks’s eye flinched. “Guess it has. Spill it.”
Mordekaiser spoke. “Elise is back.”
“Might Ah ask who’s this Elise?” Applejack asked.
“Probably an old affair I presume?” Rarity chuckled.
“Oh she was an affair alright.” Fiddlesticks said with a cold tone. “That bitch dares to show up again, just because I’ve disappeared to another world and will probably never return?” He continued.
“What’s the problem with her?” The white unicorn wondered.
“She tried to corrupt undead and other creatures, and palce them under her control. Me, Mordekaiser and the scarecrow included.” Hecarim spoke.
“One small problem though. When she tried to get in this hay bag, hen early destroyed her mind. So her plan failed miserably. With all the damage done to her, she lost her corrupting ability.” Mordekaiser explained.
“Afterwards she packed up, ran away and never showed her face again. Until now apparently.” Fiddlesticks sighted.
Then he said with a serious tone. “We will help you as promised, but we will have to do so with haste.”
The two mares were about to say something, but were cut off by Rainbow Dash, who landed next to them. When the startle from meeting the new arrivals passed she asked Rarity and Applejack worriedly.
“Have any of you guys seen Fluttershy?”
“What happened?” The orange mare wondered.
“I found Angel, he took me back to her cottage. The place was a mess. Fluttershy is missing.”
Her two friends, Fiddle and Annie gave a sunned look.
--
Twilight was assisting Klastanar by giving him every book on the Everfree forest she could find. She was astounded by his knowledge absorbing skills. The Protoss had read through almost half their archive in under a day. As she passed him the next tome, Celestia entered the room. Twilight quickly bowed, but the reader barely even noticed the alicorn’s presence. The Princes of the sun glared at him with frustration, and then spoke with a calm tone.
“How is your research going?”
“You’ve got quite the lot of dangerous things in that forest. Good thing none can give the swarm any brain boost.” Was the reply.
Just as the purple unicorn was about to make a remark on his behavior, Klastanar looked up from the book he was holding and said with a surprise in his voice.
“There is something in the city.”
“What are you talking about?” Twilight wondered.
“I can feel the thoughts of a strange creature, not a pony, sneaking in your city.”
“Where is it headed?” The alicorn asked with a demanding tone.
“It’s going to a cavern…beneath the palace.”
Celestia’s face flinched black in an instant, before she quietly whispered.
“No…”
“Princes, what is it?” Her faithful student was becoming worried.
The Princes put on a serious expression and spoke with a harsh tone.
“Twilight you will stay here.”
“But Princes…”
“Don’t argue with me, please.”
The small unicorn frowned and gazed at the floor.
“Guards.” Celestia turned to a pegasus and unicorn which we’re stationed at the door.
When they came in she gave them their orders.
“You shall remain here with miss Sparkle until I give you further instructions.”
Then her glare and words were directed towards the Protoss. “You are coming with me Klastanar.”
--
Slipping in by the guards was fairly simple. The barrier around the city was a bit tougher, but still he managed it. Not a long while after, he found himself on the alley, shown to him. The two guards that stood before the gate to the caverns saw a purplish, bug like two legged creature. They exchanged confused glances, then one of them shouted at the approaching creature.
“HALT! In the name of the Princesses do not continue any further and identify yourself!”
A creepy smile came on his face. The two stallions’ jaws dropped when the stranger disappeared in thin air. A moment after they looked up in the air. Kha’Zix landed behind them, as the heads and bodies of the ponies dropped, and their blood painted the floor with crimson. The Voidreaver licked the blood from his claws and said scornfully.
“You’re not worth eating.”
Next he cut the gates open and rushed inside. At the bottom he saw a strange statue.
“Is that supposed to be you?”
Something close to a giggle was released from the mouth of the voidling.
‘Don’t waste time and put that rune on it.’
After a sight Kha’Zix did so. Both the rune and the statue began to glow. His magic hungry eyes could feel how the energy inside the rune was being absorbed by the stony creature, which promised him his rival.
“Stop this instant!” Celestia’s voice was heard.
The Voidreaver turned to see and pony with both a horn and wings, some strange looking two legged person and several guards.
‘Don’t let them interrupt the ritual!’
“With pleasure.”
“Cease this foolishness foul creature, and you may yet leave this place unharmed.” The Princes was still coldly serious.
‘Is that a zerg? Have they already spread so much as to invade the cities?’ Klastanar thought to himself.
As that went through his mind, the creature leaped and began to slash at everything it saw. The strikes were deadly, but not meant to kill. Everyone managed to dodge them, even with a bit of effort. But Kha’Zix’s interest was mainly directed at Klastanar.
“Stand still would ya!” He shouted at the protoss.
‘Speech? Definitely not a zerg.’
The thought broke his concentration for a moment. With merely a moment to spend he noticed how the bug like monster sliced to decapitate him, with both its claws. The protoss got both his arms almost in front of his face, nodded his head backwards and his psyonic blades appeared. Kha’Zix smirked, thinking that his claws will break through the blades, and did not anticipate for them to fall off. As the scythe like part of the limbs hit the ground Klastanar hit him in the ribs with his knee. The Voidreaver landed on the ground, groaning from pain, as a greenish liquid dripped from his cut claws. The protoss walked slowly towards him, got out one of his blades and prepared to deliver the final blow. The very moment, someone poked him on the shoulder. When he turned he saw a strange looking creature, which spoke with a smug tone.
“Hi, I’m Discord.”
The zealot was tossed and smashed into the nearby wall. Celestia’s voice filled with anger, as she turned to the now free spirit of chaos.
“Discord!”
“Hey there Cely. Long time no see. I know a few years doesn’t sound the same as a thousand, but I guess it’ll have to do.” The draconicus chuckled.
“You are not going to get away so easily this time! I swear on it!”
“Oh please. Cely, we both know what happened last time. I simply underestimated the power of the elements. And I learn from my mistakes. You however are a different story. You were so certain of your victory that you barely achieved it. Imagine your luck now when you dare to swear.” He gave out a quiet laugh.
“The Elements stopped you twice, they will do so again!” The Princes stomped the ground with her left hoof.
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” The smile on his face confused Celestia.
“What do you mean?”
“You see, kindness is lovely, but falls to darkness easily. Magic is not so slow to follow.” Discord loved his riddles.
“Enough of your treachery!” The Princes puffed out some steam.
“Yes I believe you’re right.” Discord snapped his fingers.
“I’ll be seeing you around Cely.” He winked at her.
Afterwards he and the wounded creature disappeared in thin air. At that point Klastanar had already come to.
“That bug was not one of your zerg, was it?” Celestia asked calmly.
“No it wasn’t.” He replied as he stroked his head, where he hit the wall.
“So I doubt it can be compared to them?”
She hoped that that was the worst she had to face, but the protoss’ next words phased her.
“No, it can’t be compared. It barely scratches the surface of how terrible the zerg are!”
The Princes turned to the guards behind her.
"Gather the remains of the two in front. They are to be honored as heroes, for doing their duty and protecting this place.”
--
Twilight was tidying up the books a bit. All of a sudden she heard a quiet thud. When she turned around she saw the two appointed guards had fallen down on the ground, and a face she hoped never to see again was floating above them.
“How are you doing my dear Twilight?”
“Discord…”
She uttered before she started to feel a little bit dizzy. In a moment she fell asleep.
Kha’Zix was waiting in the forested area around the city. Discord materialized in front of him, carrying a purple unicorn.
“That was marvelously done! You truly step up to your reputation.” The spirit of chaos complimented the voidling.
“Alright, now you do your part of the bargain.”
“Not so fast. There is a little bit more work you need to do for me.”
“Oh really? And how do you expect me to do so, with these?” The Voidreaver showed his sliced arms.
Discord giggled, snapped his fingers, and the claws grew back in an instant. Then he said.
“Happy? Now I need you to take this one back in the forest where I first contacted you. Seek out the ruins of a castle. I will meet you there.”
“And what will you do in the meantime?” Kha’Zix asked.
“I will find us some more allies.” The draconicus laughed and teleported to parts unknown to the Voidreaver.
He sighted, picked up the pony, and headed back to the Everfree.
--
Chrysalis was laying in the stony carving that resembled her throne, surrounded by her changelings. After her defeat in Equestria, her people had been starving for magic.
“Why so down Chrisy?” A strange, echoing voice chuckled at her.
She immediately began to look around for its source. After a minute of unsuccessful searching, something poked her head. She looked up and shot a magic bolt after being startled. In a flash Discord re-emerged in front of her and said with a bit of frustration in his tone.
“Why so hostile? I come here to offer you and your good for nothings a chance to take over Equestria, and you shoot me?”
“What are you rambling about?” The changeling queen asked.
Discord disappeared once again, and teleported right behind her throne. He caught her chin with his lion paw and turned her face towards him.
“You know Chrisy, I’ve always liked how you do things. So I am offering you to serve me, in overthrowing Celestia and Luna.”
“Won’t the Elements of Harmony foil your plans again.” She was not amused.
“Hardly. You see, there are a few new comers in our world. Some of them have taken one of the Element bearers and soon they will get another one. While the two are under the control of those creatures they can’t connect with the Elements, making their power useless. Not to mention, soon the creatures in mention will serve me as well.” He explained with a seductively calm tone.
Chrysalis gazed in his eyes for a moment, but then she snapped out of it and pushed his paw away with her hoof.
“And what do I get in return?” She asked.
“Despite sweet tasty vengeance?” He answered with a question, before continuing. “I can get you and your people a supply of magic, on which they can feast daily, how does that sound?”
The changeling queen sighted, afterwards she said. “What do you want of us?”
“For now I need you and your army to head for the Everfree forest. Meet me at the ruins of the Castle of the sisters. I will explain more there. Oh and I suppose I should mention that getting there undetected is of at most importance.”
With nothing else to be said Discord zapped away. Chrysalis looked confusedly at her people.
‘What did I get myself into?’ She thought.
--
Everyone on board was pretty nervous as they warped in protoss space. The tension was rising as Selendis’s carrier docked with the Hyperion. When the barriers and hatches opened they saw five people coming from the protoss side. A woman with a shield ran at them, dropped her shield when she got close and hugged Pantheon.
“I was so worried about you!” She said as the two continued to talk to each other.
A small person with an overy large head was inspecting every last bit of Blitzcrank. Raynor decided to leave them catch up, and headed towards Selendis.
“Real nice of you to bring them around.” He said.
“I just didn’t want them to be around us. We…are making research and they would only get in the way. You understand James Raynor.” The Executor responded.
“So I do. Well, it’s been a pleasure meeting you on friendly terms Executor.”
“Like wise.”
In not much while the protoss ship detached and warped away.
As Raynor was looking through the glass on the bridge, how the protoss left. The very next moment Stetman called from the lab.
“Sir, I really regret to report you this, but the Xel’Naga artifacts are gone.”
--
“EnTaro Tassadar Executor.” A protoss greeted and bowed before Selendis.
“EnTaro Tassadar admiral. What do you have to report?” She replied.
“We received a distress signal from Captain Klastanar. His ship was transporting zerg specimens and was lost in an anomaly, created by a hybrid.” He reported.
“Where was the transmission made from?”
“A world very near to the center of the galaxy. Approximately five hundred light years away from our current location. In the message he said that the zerg specimens have escaped and have created a functioning colony.”
“Alright. I shall take a small squadron of phoenixes and several void rays with me to this world. Keep me posted if any other messages are sent by the captain.”
The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 6: Questionable motives
Chrysalis and her army managed to pass through the equestrian defenses, using their shape shifting spell, and were already infiltrating the Everfree. Soon they made it to the old castle ruins. As they were walking through the empty halls, they found themselves on a broken balcony. Chrysalis looked around with frustration. The very moment she looked up she saw a bug like creature falling through the air, directly at her. During the confusion, one of her changelings jumped in front of his queen to protect her, and got cut in two, as the creature landed. The next minute it and the changelings, led by their queen, were about to charge at each other. Right before the collision, Discord emerged between them.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. What’s the wracket all about?”
“This filthy lowlife attacked me, and killed one of my subjects!”Chrysalis’s anger poured over him.
”Seriously? I told you we were expecting guests.“ The spirit of chaos turned to the Voidreaver.
“You said: ‘Kill anyone who infiltrates.’ , and you didn’t specify who those guests would be.” Kha’Zix hissed at him.
“Alright, alright.” Discord sighted. “Ugh, I can’t believe I am saying this, but calm down! We’ve got business to attend to.”
“You surprise me Discord, since when do you talk business?” Chrysalis asked with a chuckle.
That quickly ended, when the spirit of chaos gave her a cold stare. He then walked slowly towards her, until they were an arm’s length from each other, and he kept the grim expression on, without breaking eye contact. Tension was ripping through the air. The changeling’s queen’s smug attitude had completely vanished. She froze in place from the chills she felt when the slow wind touched the small sweat drops on her neck. A moment after, Discord raised his eagle arm. Chrysalis’s heart began to beat quickly. The draconicus slowly reached at her, still bearing his terrifying expression, and pinched her nose. The next second he flashed behind Kha’Zix, rolling on the floor, laughing his guts out. After a while he slowed down and spoke.
“That was priceless!”
He got up, took a deep breath and continued. “Right. Now, let’s get boring. We forgot introductions. Chrisy, this is Zixy. Zixy, this is Chrisy.”
“Charmed.” Chrysalis said with distain, before continuing. “Now what’s the business you want to talk about?”
“First off, we’re going on a little road trip, inside the forest, to get the rest of our troops.”
“Armies, boring planning. What happened to the almighty spirit of chaos, who leveled cities with a finger snap?” The queen of the changelings mocked him.
“Drastic times call for drastic measures. This time I want to be certain that everything goes in my liking. As for my power, well…you don’t know a simple fact about the Elements of Harmony, given the fact that you have never had the chance to stand against them, is that when their power strikes you, you’re stripped from all of yours. It doesn’t remove it permanently, just drains you dry from it. Eventually you regain it back. After a thousand and so years I returned all of my power. How do you think I escaped the first time? So you see, I haven’t regained much for three years.”
He disappeared. Then he flashed next to Kha’Zix and patted him on the head while saying.
“That’s why I needed this guy to get me out.”
Chrysalis sighted. “Fine. Seriously, when did you get so talkative? Just lead the way to those other troops you spoke of.”
With a giggle, Discord began to flash to the north-west, followed by the changeling army. Chrysalis stayed behind. She searched for Kha’Zix with her eyes. In a moment the Voidreaver landed next to her. His cargo stunned her.
‘Twilight Sparkle? What have these two been up to?’ She thought as she saw the unconscious mare.
She quickly got a hold of herself, put on a warm expression, and began to speak with a seductive tone to him.
“You know…I know Discord pretty well…”
“And I should care because?” He snorted.
“Listen you overgrown cricket, I don’t know in what backwater he found you, but you won’t find a greater liar than him! Whatever he promised you…”
She slowly came closer, put a hoof under his chin, moved her lips close to his ear and whispered.
“…he won’t deliver.”
She gave him a moment to process her words, then sweetness continued to drip from her mouth.
“But I can. Your deepest desire, your greatest love, I will make it so.”
The next moment Kha’Zix pushed her on the ground, and Chrysalis found herself pinned down, with a scythe claw put bellow her throat.
“So you can change shape and say that you can grant my desire?” He spoke slowly. “My true love is the hunt! How will you grant that? Should I kill you right on the spot, or give you a head start? If you wish to meddle in Discord’s affairs, leave me out of your plans. Don’t worry, I’m not going to spill this little talk of ours in front of him.”
Afterwards he pulled his claw back, allowing her to breathe, and jumped after the rest, with Twilight on his shoulder.
--
[Dominating. SHUT DOWN!]
The loud voice announced when Elise sunk her fangs in Aramanis but was then shot down by Moradar. In the mid lane a battle was raging.
T’Nodan took on the blows of magical energy, sent by Malzahar, while he was taking on Cho’Gath. During that, Zeratul was fighting the Demacian and Noxian posterboys, with Sona, doing her best to aid him. Soon after, the stalker arrived from the river, after helping the minions push bot. He immediately began to blink around and harass Malzahar. The Prophet of the Void was forced to remove his attention from the golden crab, and left him on Cho’Gath’s mercy.
The zealot was reanimated at the starting altar. He made a quick purchase of two crossed red blades. After he took them, they disappeared, and he clould feel their effects adding to the ones of the big yellow and blood covered swords, the giant axe and the curbed white boots. After it was done he rushed for the lane.
Elise had already reached there and the fight was going on in full force. Garen had Zeratul pinned down, and Darius leaped into the air, ready to chop the Dark Prelate in two. Just as he began to fall, Aramanis charge-jumped and pushed him away. That gave Zeratul enough time to land a quick elbow hit on Garen’s chin and blink away.
Sona was finally ready. She stunned all of their opponents but Elise. T’Nodan jumped and shot off the left rib cage of the fully grown Terror of the Void. The giant mass of flesh and bone dropped on the ground with a feral scream. As he tried to get up, the Maven of the strings unleashed a triple cord, powered by her Hymn of Valor, which cut through Cho’Gath’s skull, ending his torment.
Malzahar grew tired of this. He found Aramanis battling the Hand of Noxus, and prepared to unleash his Nether Grasp on him. Just as the purple energy got out from his eyes, Moradar blinked out of nowhere, grabbed the zealot and blinked away. Darius swung his axe at them, but they vanished too soon. The next thing he saw was the ray of magic that had headed his way, and stuck him dead.
Moradar blinked above the mage and dropped Aramanis, who shoved his blades in between Malzahar’s shoulders and head. With his hands, the zealot grabbed the prophet’s cloak, back bended in mid air, flipped the mage, and smashed him into the ground for good.
Zeratul took up a steady stance and swung at Garen. The demacian tried to block it, but the energy blade went through his sword like a hot knife through butter. With the build up momentum, it had the same effect on the human’s armor and upper body.
The Spider Queen tried to escape. She took on her human form, so she could stun her chasers, but the very moment she shifted, Aramanis charged, grabbed her, stuffed her, head first, in the immortal’s right cannon, after which T’Nodan fired.
Without hesitation they pushed along with the upcoming minion wave. After the inhibitor fell, they smashed the nexus turrets. By that time they were very exhausted. They saw how their opponents revived and charged at them. They pounded the nexus, trying to secure the win, but it was too late. Darius and Garen cut down Aramanis and Sona. Malzahar, Elise and Cho’Gath made quick work out of Zeratul and Moradar.
In the end all five concentrated on the immortal, and eventually took him down. When the nexus was but a hit away from destruction, T’Nodan fell. However, one of his items’ effect had just refreshed. The enemies failed to notice that and began pushing back the swarming super minions. In a few seconds the power of the winged gold armor brought T’Nodan back to life. He stood up, and fired.
[VICTORY! / DEFFEAT!] The announcer yelled.
The battle which lasted for almost an hour was finally done.
In a few minutes all of the champions were returned to the Institute. After the connection to the summoners was disbanded, the ten went out from the summoning chamber.
“Dumb luck.” Garen snorted quietly.
When she heard it, with a smirk on her face, Sona thought.
‘No luck, just skill!’
High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye met with the victors.
“Impressive display Dark Prelate.” She congratulated them, with a slow clap. “And you were so negative on siding with them, because they were new.” She remarked to the Maven of the strings.
The only thing, which expressed what was going in Sona’s mind was an angry frown.
”I believe now is not the best time for chit-chat.” Zeratul spoke. “What has the General Assembly decided about me and my people?”
“You’ve caught their attention non-the less. They agreed to fund the making of another rune with which you can return.”
While saying so Vessaria seemed like the very avatar of confidence, but Zeratul noticed the clouded thoughts in her mind, and asked with annoyance in his voice.
“There is little you can hide from me councilor. What’s the catch?”
The unbreakable person before them disappeared, and Kolminye sighted in defeat.
“Even with the funding, the making of the rune will take some time.”
“Go on.” He stirred her up.
“And the Assembly wishes to see you and your companions, participate in more matches.” She finished with a discouraged tone.
“So we finally go to the bottom of things. I can’t promise you that we will continue to entertain you.”
‘Forgive me Prelate Zeratul…’ Aramanis spoke to him in his mind. ‘…If I may. When we return, we should have collected data about this world. If the zerg, or the hybrid invade, we need to know how to prepared they are for them, and if they fall, what good will they be to our enemies. Apparently their best forces are these champions. The best way to study them will be to actually meet them in combat. Besides we need to find as much information as possible about this… “Void” these terrants speak of. From the facts beared before us, it’s a strong potential enemy. It’d be best if we neutralize any infiltrators, if they are any, and prepare against any other attempts of corrupting us, as soon as we meet with military command.’ The zealot ended his monologue.
To that Zeratul sighted in his thoughts and, and answered.
‘You speak accurately true Aramanis. All right, for the good of this world, our people and the balance itself, I shall allow for our continuous participation in this “league”.’
T’Nodan and Moradar listened to all of that, and gave approving looks to the Dark Prelate. Thw whole thing lasted moments in their heads, and after another second the templar turned to the councilor.
“But if it’s necessary for our return, we will.”
“Wow.” She was very surprised. “I didn’t think you would agree so easily.”
“When something needs to be done, so it shall. If the Prelate thinks that this is the right decision, so be it.” T’Nodan said with a heavy tone.
“Now if you’ll excuse us, we will take our leave.” Zeratul said, before the four protoss headed for their quarters, and left the two women alone.
‘What in the nine hells are those guys up to? If anyone, I’m the one who recognizes inner conflicts, and with their so called “psyonic” power, I won’t be surprised if they had a telepathical debate.’ Sona thought when it seemed like they were far away to not hear her thoughts.
Vessaria Kolminye had similar things on her mind.
‘Something strange is going on with those four…and I don’t like it one bit!’
--
The “road trip” took them deep into the forest. Soon they stopped flying, and began walking. Chrysalis and Kha’Zix were a few steps behind Discord. The changeling queen caught up with him, and asked with annoyance.
“Where are those troops? We’ve been going for hours.”
“Don’t worry your holed head Chrisy, we’re already here.” He remarked with a chuckle, and pointed at the ground with his eyes.
When she looked down, she saw that they were now walking on some sticky, purpleish goo. In a few minutes they came ontop of a small hill amongst the “trees”. All the flora and fauna was very disformed. The trees were covered by slimy skin, some even had eyes and moving limbs. The small creatures tried to attack them(with no success). They had disfigured limbs and heads as well. What they saw from the hill were a building in the form of a cup, filled with green liquid, a throne shaped cavern, covered in spikes, a giant castle like, spiny mass and several towering Hydropods, with bone heads, surrounding the other structures. In the midst of it all, they spotted a large pack of changeling sized creatures, with spiked front arms, another pair of limbs on their backs and a set of wings. They looked like the combination of lizards and insects, and Chrysalis noted the striking resemblance with Kha’Zix. However, she was shocked when she saw another pack, of what she could only recognize as timber wolves. They also had limbs sticking out of their backs, the back sides of their front legs had sharp spikes on them. The weirdest part was that their jaws opened sideways. Inside there was another set of jaws with five inch long kaynines. Their wooden skin seemed more rugged and stone like, with a purpleish color.
“Friends of yours?” Chrysalis turned to Zix.
“Never seen them in my life.” The Voidreaver replied.
The two packs saw them and ran in their direction. The queen ordered her changelings to prepare themselves for battle. That was quickly disformed as two giant hydras unburrowed from right underneath them. They were also changed. Aside from the darker coloring, each head had two sets of jaws, like the wolves. The necks had a line if bone spines from both the back and front sides. On their chests they had bony ribs, they formed a cage, which opened sideways, and revealed a big gaping mouth, full of teeth, which roared along with the heads. The ret of the body was heavily armored by a though exoskeleton. The first hydra grabbed a few changelings with two of its heads, and the other swallowed a dozen of them with its chest mouth, while doing so, both of them crushed a dozen more with their tails and legs. The two packs were drawing closer by the minute. Kha’Zix was about to drop the purple mare and charge into battle, when Discord signaled him to stand his ground. With a satisfied smile, the spirit of chaos opened his hands, and after a flash of light, both the hydras and the packs stopped their onslaught. Chrysalis dropped on the ground, hyperventilating and bore and expression of terror. The sight of so many of her subjects getting torn apart softened her legs, until they could no longer hold her. Discord stood next to her, and said with a smirk.
“Magnificent, aren’t they?” Because of her anger and lack of breath she didn’t say anything. While she tried to grab a hold of herself, Kha’Zix picked her up very fast, put her on his shoulder next to Twilight, and leaped away, as Discord flashed away. The very next moment the sport they stood on, was obliterated by a concentrated shot of force. The trio got together and saw how a figure landed in front of them. It had the form of a pegasus. Its mane was brownisly green, each hair was from bone rings, that made them look like spider legs. The tail represented lots of such long and straight spider legs. The whole body, except for the face, was tightly covered in a purpleishly-brown layer of bone. On her flank, where there should have been a cutie mark, the bony cover, with a more obvious purple, formed a strange symbol, which seemed like a curbed spiked worm. Unlike the body, the face was light green, with glowing orange-yellow eyes, which burned like two suns, and were currently grimly staring them. The two packs turned their ferocious growling from them to her, but stopped as Discord spoke.
“Down boys, daddy’s got this.”
If all that wasn’t enough, the next thing the spirit of chaos said, nearly gave Chrysalis a heart attack.
“Why hello there Fluttershy, long time no see. Have you done something with your mane? You look amazing!”
“What the buck are you talking about?! This can’t possibly be the Element of kindness! And how can you find her amazing?” The queen of the changelings yelled.
“Look at the hydras and the wolves. Is that their typical appearance? Whatever happened to them was done to her, only in a more advanced way.” He said. With a chuckle he answered her other question. “As for why I find her amazing, well it seems that I enjoy the company of horrifyingly disformed mares.”
To that Chrysalis responded with a frown.
“You…” Fluttershy’s voice sounded deeper.
Unlike her usual frightfulness, her eyes leaked determination…and concentrated anger. Discord looked at her with questioning eyes.
‘What will you do now?’ He thought.
The mare flew back, still locked on them, pulled her front legs back, and then thrusted them at the trio. Two waves of force headed their way. They dodged them, but right after that the disformed pegasus charged at the spirit of chaos. She either tried to tear him with her teeth, hit or kick him, and even fired some more force shots at him, but he dodged it all, and was getting a bit tired. After another force push miss, Discord flashed behind, grabbed her head, and infused it with some sort of spell. Then he let her go, and flashed back to his group. In a moment Fluttershy landed in front of them. She bowed down, and spoke calmly.
“The colony is yours to command.”
“Splendid.” He said, and led all of his followers to the lair in the distance.
When the spirit of chaos and his newly found ally arrived in front of the ginormic living structure, which he measured with a quick look, and then asked the infested pegasus.
“You’ve been here for a while now, you are the second most informed being in the world when it comes to these creatures. What have you accomplished thus far?”
“After the hatchery was morphed we had enough DNA savings to create a spawning pool.”
She pointed at the filled with green liquid building.
“The zerglings…”
She referred to the lizard/insect , wolf sized creatures.
“…brought in plenty of low tier DNA( the timber wolves ). With it we produced the wolflings. When the number of the two light packs was high enough we targeted larger creatures.”
She pointed at five infested manticores. Their back legs had merged with the torso, making the tails stronger. They no longer had stingers, now they could use their tails as cannons with poisonous charges. Their pawns had turned to bone scythes. The two sets of jaws were different. The outside ones were like those of ants, and the inside ones were short, filled with dozens of needle like teeth.
“Mantalisks. We only managed to evolve five, because they require a lot of genetic supply to produce. Instead we used it to evolve a lair.”
The giant building in front of them.
“At first it was a bid unstable, but we managed it. After we morphed a roach warren…”
The throne shaped building.
“…the mantalisks, the two packs, and a few roaches brought the hydras. We lost our only hydralisk before I was even infested.”
“How?” Discord asked.
“The protoss Klastanar killed it, when it attacked me and my friends.” She explained before continuing. “We tried to evolve a spire, but the manticore, bird, bat and insect DNA is not enough. We need a large amount of genes from flying creatures.”
The spirit of chaos smirked and laughed quietly.
“I think I can arrange that.”
“Oh Chrisy.”
“What do you want?” Chrysalis was still mad, about the loss of so many of her subjects.
“I have two tasks for you and your changelings.” Discord said with a complacent smile.
Fluttershy was beside him, and that worried her.
“There’s this dark-purple ruby necklace, I need you to get me.”
The changeling queen laughed quietly.
“Since when are you into pricy jewelry?”
“This one is special. A living scarecrow, residing in Ponyville, has it inside a spirit of a bird, in his soul.”
“How am I supposed to get it then?”
“Simple. When I had myself a laugh back in the castle, I imported on you the necklace’s energy signature. Get the scarecrow, use a soul splitting spell on him, while you concentrate on this signature and the bird will come out. Then rip it open with magic and bring me the necklace in the castle.”
“And what is the other assignment?” She asked confusedly.
Discord chuckled. “I need your changelings to get a little bit of an upgrade.”
Her eyes filled with terror. “You want them to become like those things?!”
“Don’t worry, I’m not asking you, only the rest of the army. Not only will they get stronger, but their DNA will help with developing the colony, which means faster domination.”
“NO BUCKING DEA- -“
The spirit of chaos stopped her, before she could finish her statement.
“Careful what you say. If good isn’t cutting it, then I will be bad. Either you order your troops to step in line on their own, or I order the creatures from the colony to kill them all. ALL! Both ways the genetic material will be supplied.”
Chrysalis barely held back her tears. After a minute of silence she spoke quietly.
“Half. I will only give you half of my army.”
“That works too, now prepare for your trip to Ponyville.”
She ordered half of her forces to head inside the lair, so they could be infested. The other half flew with her to their other destination. A flight most unpleasant. For a full five minutes of their journey, they were decimated by the horrifying screams of agony, given off by their brethren.
‘Soon, you damned bastard! Very soon you will pay for this!’ Chrysalis raged in her thoughts, with small tear drops, dripping from her eyes.
Author’s note: Hello there my good readers. Sorry for the big delay. You know what a big bitch school is. Mid-year exams are upon me. So, what I would like to ask of those who enjoy this fic, is to leave a comment or so. You do know that progress is unachievable without any sort of feed-back. Thank you again, and I wish to you all happy holidays. =)
The collapse of the universe
The Moon’s nightmare ends alas
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 7: The Moon’s nightmare ends alas
Jim, Matt and Heimerdinger were checking the security tape of the lab, while the rest of the champions, mainly Leona and Pantheon, were getting some back-to-back.
“Damn, why is Heimer bothering with those guys?” Ezreal snorted.
“You know him, when he hears about artifacts, energy sources, or anything with potential science involved, he goes berserk about it.” Blitzcrank said lightly, and flinched his hand in a gesture.
“I just wish that smart ass would finally get us home.” The Prodigal explorer sighted smugly.
In a moment of silence, Caitlin hit him in the back of the head with the handle of her gun. He fell on the ground for a sec, quickly got up and shouted.
“What the bloody hell?!”
“You asked for it.” The sniper replied calmly.
Ez was about to rage some more but the Artisan of war shut him up.
“Simmer down blondy! Spoiled brats like you annoy me the most.”
“What did you call me? You wanna go tough guy? That tin can you’re in won’t help you one bit!”
Pantheon got up and said grimly.
“They say you mages have blue blood. Let’s see if that pretty locks of yours turns orange, or green.”
While they were killing each other with words and looks, Blitzcrank had both his hands behind their backs. With a swift move he pushed them against into one another and shouted.
“NOW KISS!”
After he smashed them into each other Pantheon coldly stared at him, and Ezreal dropped on the ground like a bag of hammers, barely managing to utter.
“Ow…my face…”
The golem flinched his head to the side, and said with surprise in his tone.
“Damn, that shell of yours is hard.”
The next moment, with a single punch, Pantheon had him flat on the ground.
Not paying attention to that, the three men and the yordle were busy.
“So what exactly happened Stetman?” Raynor asked.
“I don’t know sir. Everything was going as per usual. All of a sudden I fell asleep, and when I woke up, the artifacts were gone.” The scientist replied.
“I beg your pardon, but what exactly are these artifacts?” Heimerdinger asked.
The geeky man fixed his glasses, and brought up a clipboard.
“Technically they are of Xel’Naga origin. They concentrate vast amounts of energy, which reacts differently to specific DNA strains. It managed to incinerate several quadrillion tons of zerg biomass, and deinfested, partially, a class 12 psyonic cluster being.”
“Right…Now Stetman, would you be kind enough to repeat that, only slower, and in understandable words.” The commander sighted.
“You need a simpler explanation than that?” The Revered inventor asked with surprise. “Ugh, how disappointing. Apparently geniuses are rare even among the stars.”
“True that.” Stetman agreed, before continuing. “I guess I should explain what are Xel’Naga and zerg are.”
“No need. I have already been schooled about them.” Heimer said lightly.
The three gave him surprised stares.
“Where was that exactly?” Horner asked.
“Those protoss that brought us. We got stranded on a planet on which they had discovered the ruins of a Xel’Naga temple. The work was quite a bit so they allowed me access to their lowest tiers of data, and I helped them out with the work.” He explained.
“And you managed to comprehend the knowledge from protoss archives?” The geeky man asked.
Then he kneeled before the yordle and said.
“Sir you are my hero!”
“Alright we got it.” Matt announced when the tape from the lab was on.
On it Stetman was writing something down on his clipboard. All of a sudden he fell asleep. Then two protoss figures appeared.
“Dark templars.” Jim noted.
‘We need to get this aboard the Executor’s ship.’ One of them said.
Then they removed the artifacts from their container, cloaked with them and disappeared. Then Stetman awoke, and panicked at the sight of the missing cargo.
“So… Selendis made quite the uneven trade off.” Matt said.
“Quite peculiar indeed.” Heimer agreed with the captain.
The commander leaned back in his armchair and sighted.
“God only knows what she would use that thing for.”
“Well gentlemen, I believe this is goodbye.” The Revered inventor said.
Then he called the chosen of the sun, not paying attention to the fallen on the floor Ezreal.
“Leona, bring out the rune, we’re going home.”
The six gathered, and the Prodigal explorer infused the stone with his magic. It glew, and in a while… it just puffed some smoke.
“What the-?”
Ez nearly had a heart attack, and tried again, and again, and again… and again, with no result. Everyone on the bridge, the other champions included, was looking weirdly at him.
“I know nothing of magic, but… is that supposed to happen?” Stetman asked.
Heimerdinger took out some sort of magnifying glass out of his pocket, looked at the rune, and then at the star map on the holodeck in front of them.
“Hmm, interesting.”
“What is it?” Blitz wondered.
“Apparently in this sector of the galaxy, the mana flow is too low, almost non-existent. We may still use magic, but the rune is cut off from the flow. We’ll need another type of energy in order to reconnect it, and then infuse it with magic. Until then we’re stuck here.” He explained.
“NOOOOO…!” Ezreal shouted at the ceiling, while he was on his knees, with hands in the air.
“What kind of energy will you need? We could lend you some power from our generators.” Raynor offered.
“No, we will need psyonic energy.”
“Sir, what about the jorium crystals?” Matt suggested.
“Yeah. Stetman give him that piece you have.”
When he got it, Heimer looked at it with his magnifying glass.
“Yes, it has similar properties, but it won’t do. We need pure psyonic energy.”
In a few moments Swann appeared on coms.
“Cowboy ya here?” He asked.
“Yeah Swann. You and Tosh done looting our new ships yet?” Jim answered.
“No, the loot is still going, but I found something that might intrigue you.”
“What have you got for me?”
“I’m sending it right now.”
[Uploading Dominion planetary archives now.] The adjutant said with her robotic voice.
What they witnessed was the archive about a special facility. The man who spoke throughout it was filming the place.
‘The specimens are growing well. There have been no accidents, no change in behavior. Currently the creatures are dormant, but we don’t know if the forced hibernation will continue when they are out of the tanks, because soon they will be too large for the current containers.’
As he said the last part, the camera showed an image, which made the terrans’ blood freeze.
“It can’t be…” Raynor said.
“It’s another hybrid production facility.” Matt confirmed his fears.
The operator entered the sector, where they held the other specimens.
‘We think there might be some issues in the genetic manipulation. Both the protoss and the zerg have grown immune to the drugs we use to keep them unconscious, and their aggressive behavior will produce chemicals, which may destabilize future DNA combinations.’
The scientist explained as he passed by a cage, full of protoss, both male and female, who were ramming themselves into the glass wall, that kept them contained. The man ended the tape.
‘This has been log 341. Current date – 13th of May, year 2514. Current time – 15:02 standart cosmic time. End of log.’
“Just perfect!” Raynor yelled.
“Last time it was an asteroid, where they barely managed to stabilize one hybrid, but now it’s an entire planet, and they’ve managed to make hundreds of those bastards.” Was his continuation.
“That’s not the worst part of it cowboy.”
Swann’s words made chills of fear run up his spine.
[Decripting security overwrite controls completed. Loading file.]
The beginning scene was of flames and destruction. Several marines stopped in front of the fallen camera and opened fire. Four zerglings attacked them and killed one. A moment after two zealots came in, shot and sliced to pieces both the marines and the zergilings. In two minutes of no activity, someone picked up the camera. From what the person said, another scientist, it seemed the device was also a transmitter.
‘This is Dr. Howard. The date is the 14th of May, year 2514. Current time 12:51 standart cosmic time. Overnight, one of the hybrid destroyers awoke from hibernation, and began to tear down the facility, waking the other hybrids.’
Something exploded next to him.
‘Somehow the specimens placed the zerg under their control. Two thirds of the protoss population raided the armories for their and our weapons, holed up in the empty nuclear vault, killing any terran on sight.’
Another explosion happened nearby.
'The other 500 protoss were either killed or corrupted by the hybrid. The zerg began infesting the terrans in the facility. The planet is now incredibly hostile. Major danger of class 17! I repeat, class 17! To every Dominion military unit out there, we need immediate assistance. If we have not survived until you arrive, destroy the planet!’
A loud noise was heard.
‘What was that? OH god no! NO! NOOO—‘ He screamed as two hydralisks came from around the corner, where he had hidden himself.
The screen went blank and only showed noise.
[End of transmission.] The adjutant said.
“Fuck!” Raynor was pissed.
“Not only there are so many hybrids, but they are also on the loose.” Matt sighted.
“Not just that, but we have a thousand protoss trapped there.” Jim filled in with a high angry tone.
“What do you want us to do boss?” Swann asked.
“That’s why this fleet was so big. They were headed there, not after us. We just happened by on them.” Matt reasoned.
The commander thought about it for a moment, then began to give orders.
“Alright! Matt, try to contact any protoss ships in the vicinity. We will need help, and those trapped on the planet, will probably think of us as the Dominion. They need to be found by their own people, so we can avoid as much hostility as possible from them. Stetman, gather all of your data on protoss, zerg and hybrids, meet up with the boys down at the armory, and make whatever you can that can be of use. Tosh I know you’ve been listening this whole time, show yourself.”
The monitor on which was Swann, split in two. The engineer was on one side, and the specter leader appeared on the other.
“What can I do for you brotha?” Tosh asked.
“I need you to speed up the loot of the ships. If the Dominion were headed there in the first place, they must have brought toys, proper for the occasion.” Was the reply.
The assassin nodded in agreement and went off coms. Then Raynor turned to the champions.
“Sorry guys, but it seems we’re parting ways. We’ll drop you off on a planet with supplies and a transmitter. With a little luck you may come across protoss who can help you.”
“You want us to leave? No dice hot pants. You aren’t getting rid of us so easily.” Blitzcrank said with a gesture of his hand.
“You took us in, six filthy with goodness knows what aliens, with such hospitality, and helped us out. It would be most impolite to leave you, when we can help you.” Heimerdinger said as he fixed his glasses.
“And you guys are okay with this?” Ratnor asked the rest.
“It’s my job to protect this smart ass here, and so I will.” Caitlin said with a smile on her face.
Ezreal sighted and spoke.
“Oh well, we’re pretty much stuck here forever, let’s at least make it awesome!”
“We need the help of those protoss, might as well look good in their eyes.” Leona sighted as well.
Pantheon stepped up to the commander, put a hand on his shoulder, and spoke.
“Jim, you showed me once again the thrill of battle. I usually don’t acknowledge command, but I will be honored to serve under yours. And from what I heard, this battle will be far more glorious than any, that will ever be held on my world. For that reason alone, you can be certain that you will find my shield and spear, spilling blood under your banner!”
Even if it was hidden by his helmet, it was obvious Pantheon had put on a tough, reassuring smile. Raynor chuckled and said.
“Well in that case…Swann, come aboard. We’ve got four rookies here, that need upgrading."
--
“Wait a minute. I agreed to find and bring back the two, not fight in a civil war.” Shaco snorted.
“No one demanded for your assistance in the matter. Me and Annie will help the ponies, on the other hand you can make yourself useful, and find the rune.” Fiddlesticks said with annoyance in his tone.
“Yeah, if you’re so scared of the stuff we got deal with, go flying home.” Rainbow Dash mocked the jester.
The demonic pegasus was about to leap and slice her throat, but stopped the second, Fiddle laid eyes on him. Then AJ kicked the colorful daredevil’s back leg, gave her a disapproving look and spoke.
“Listen ya’ll. Fiddle we’re mighty thankful, that you wanna help us, but if you gots to go, then do so. We’ll manage it somehow.” Her last words were followed by a warm smile.
“Nonsense!” He quickly replied. "You met two strange beings, aliens to your world, whose very existence opposes everything you know, and accepted us as friends. The least we can do is help you defend your world. I mean, what are friends for, right?”
To that monologue Annie nodded in agreement, with a big smile, coloring her face.
“That’s so generous of you Mr. Sticks.” (pun totally intended) Rarity sniffed, before letting out some tears of joy.
“Speaking of friends…” He said and turned to his fellow champions. “Can I count on you?”
After a few moments of processing, Nocturne sighted.
“Ugh, fine. But you are so gonna owe me!”
Next the scarecrow turned cast his gaze onto the Demon jester.
“Really Shaco? I thought you’d be the first one to step in.”
“And why is that?”
“Don’t you see? This isn’t the institute. You are not controlled. You can kill all for pleasure, and not a teeny-tiny drop of duty. Not to mention you can go as far away as insanely possible…and beyond.”
The next moment Shaco spoke slowly with a pleased tone.
“Oh you’re good! You are so good at getting homicidal maniacs into helping you with your bidding!” And shook his hoof.
Then the Harbinger of doom turned to the other three.
“Come on. This guy agreed, and you won’t? Rengar at the very least you’ll get to merc Kha’Zix. And you two owe me your damn immortal lives. At least I am not making you do anything boring. We’re gonna be here for a while, might as well do make so worth out of it.”
After that monologue, all were officially up for the task. The three mares beside them were feeling pretty well, and to harden those feelings, Fiddle gave them a reassuring wink.
While the nice situation was taking place, the sky darkened. When they looked up, they saw a giant swarm of changelings, flying straight for them. Shaco split in two, as Fiddlesticks, Annie and Nocturne engaged by throwing Dark wind, a fireball and a Duskbringer at their attackers. Ten fell instantly, but the others dropped down like hail on top of the ponies and the champions. The three mares fought as best as they could, pushing back some changelings, while the others massacred the rest. Their weapons tasted blood. Six jumped on Hecarim’s back. He threw half of them off, and splated them with his front hooves. But there were too many. In two minutes, even after killing hundreds of changelings, all of them were pinned, and held down to the ground.
When things quieted down a bit, Chrysalis stepped forward, towards Fiddlesticks. The scarecrow tried his best to break free, but with no effect. Her eyes and horn began to glow. She reached out her hoof and put it in his chest. He shouted in pain. When she pulled it out, she had grabbed a spirit crow, which was struggling to break free. The queen of the changelings took a deep breath, and began to infuse it with magic, until it exploded, and only an amulet, with a purple-dark gemstone remained in her hoof.
That very moment, using his magic, Mordekaiser tore off pieces of his armor, and they began to spin around him, going through the bodies of the changelings, leaving them dead on the ground. He ran towards the queen, swinging his mace in a magic grip, ramming through walls of flesh. Shaco teleported from the pin, and began to cut the creatures down. Just before Mord could reach Chrysalis, she flew into the air and yelled to her subjects.
“We’ve got the necklace, retreat!”
In seconds everypony was free, and the swarm was on the run. Annie galloped to her uncle, who was still groaning in pain. She helped him sit, as all the rest gathered around them.
“What’n tarnation was that all about?” Applejack asked confusedly.
“They took some kind of necklace.” Nocturne remarked, and turned to Fiddlesticks with a sort of an angry look.
“What was that item?”
After the scarecrow caught his breath, he replied.
“One night I went on a walk in the forest, and I came across some sort of castle ruins.”
“The old castle of the two sisters.” Rarity said.
“That one.” Fiddle continued. “All of a sudden I felt a strong magical presence – the necklace. I discovered it could affect the dreams of others, but its bearer, and cause them nightmares. I found it on the neck of a statue, that looked a lot like the princesses. Weird thing is, when I got close to it, someone spoke to me in my mind, and wanted me to bring it to him.”
“Was it that nasty Chrysalis?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“No, it was some guy.”
“Maybe it was the one who sent her?” Annie said gullibly.
“Ah don’t think so. She is the queen of an entire species, and she managed to overpower Celestia herself. Ah don’t think that someone can order her—Oh sweet Celestia, it can’t be.” Applejack had a terrified expression.
“What is it?” Rengar asked.
“Only one being can boss her around. We need to report to the Princes that Discord might be involved in this.” She replied.
“Wait a minute Applejack.” Rarity interrupted. “Won’t it be better if just Rainbow Dash went to inform Celestia? Fiddlesticks is hurt, me you and Annie should stay to look after him.”
“Yeah, I agree.” The scarecrow said and turned to the other champions.
“You guys head for the forest and stop that changeling queen.”
All of them nodded and rushed for the trees, and Rainbow Dash flew away to Canterlot.
--
Discord was sitting in the throne room of the old ruins, and was enjoying a sandwich with a glass of chocolate milk. As he finished the glass and its contents, put between two slices of bread, Chrysalis’s changelings kicked the giant doors open, for her to pass.
“I trust all went well?” He asked.
“If by that you mean, loose more of my subjects to bring you some trinket, then so it did.”
Her reply was filled with distain, and her face was bearing and angry frown, as she raised her hoof, on which the necklace was attached,
“Perfect. Now give it to me.”
“Not yet.” She pulled it back. “First, you will tell me what exactly, did my changelings die for.”
“Ugh, fine.” Discord sighted and explained. “What you’re holding my dear is the Eye of the night. Before Luna fully turned to Nightmare Moon, she used this little gem to drain away the black magic from her, something like curing yourself with leeches, to clear your blood. Problem is, the more she had given to darkness, the more the item drained, not only the black magic, but her own as well. Now would you be kind enough to give it to me?”
“No, I guess I am not. Changelings!” She yelled and the lot of her remaining subjects took up battle stances.
A smug smile colored Chrysalis’s face. The spirit of chaos unleashed another, but deeper sight.
“I really hoped we wouldn’t have to do this.”
Then he snapped his fingers and a creature unburrowed before the queen. Its upper and lower jaw was split in two, and opened in four different directions. Each had a set of sharp teeth. A set of scythe like claws, grew from above its shoulders. The front half of the body was covered in bone armor. For a tail it had a thin agile limb, with a stinger a s a tip, and the back, bore two sets of insect like wings. Venom dripped from the fangs and the stinger. The thing that shocked her the most was the moment, when its bones began to move from inside the body, and the size and shape of the flesh changed, until Chrysalis stood against her exact copy.
“Wha-wha-what is that?” She barely managed to stutter, as all the confidence she had build up to confront Discord, burned away.
The spirit of chaos was more than happy to answer the question.
“That, is the combination of zerg bioengineering and your changelings.”
He snapped his fingers again, and lots more infested changelings, surrounded the hall. Then Discord spoke.
“Try to keep as many of them alive as possible, but be sure that the tall one is breathing when you’re done. Now sick ’em boys.”
The infested dove against their former comrades. Blood and body parts flew around. Chrysalis was bit, stung and hit on multiple occasions, until she fell on the ground, overwhelmed by poison and pain, and dropped the Eye of the night. As her vision began to blur, the ambush was over, and she saw how Discord slowly came close, picked up the necklace, flashed right next to her, and whispered in her ear.
“You forgot the most important quality of your people my dear. All of you, to the very last one, you included, are expendable.”
After those words everything went black, she was unconscious. The spirit of chaos stood up and turned to his infested.
“Get the corpses and the survivors to the lair. We’ve got a message to send.”
--
Celestia was speeding back and forth in her throne room. Luna tried her best to calm her as Klastanar stood beside them.
“Sister you need to stop and think over your moves. The last thing you want is to fight Discord without your full strength.”
“Don’t you worry about my strength little sister. But right now we need to find Twilight. Without the Elements, we don’t stand much of a chance against Discord.” Celestia replied.
“I know but—“
Luna was interrupted by a portal, which opened in the middle of the hall. Anger quickly came over Celestia as the face from it spoke.
“Hello there Cely.”
“You…” She huffed and stomped the ground. “What have you done to Twilight Sparkle?!”
“Wha? Me? Do something to your beloved protégé? You wound me Celestia.” He said while acting out something from a drama play.
“I assure you she is fine…”
The portal moved like a camera and stopped on Kha’Zix, who was holding the unconscious mare. When it came back to the spirit of chaos, he finished.
“…for now.”
As the image moved, the princes of the sun noticed the infested creatures around them.
“What foul beings have you drawn to your bidding?” She asked.
“Those are…the zerg.” Klastanar stepped in. “You couldn’t have taken over each creature one by one, where is the colony matriarch?” The protoss demanded.
“Oh you mean her?”
A being came in sight, and it made Celestia shiver.
“Is that-?” She uttered.
“Yes.” Discord answered loftily. “The Element of Kindness in the flesh.” He chuckled and continued. “However, they are not my only guests.”
The portal focused on the shackled, with vines of flesh, queen of the changelings. At least, what seemed like her. Her right leg, along with the shoulder, was covered by purpleishly-brown bone, the lower body had scars, as if a beast had torn her with its claws, and her mouth was half was thansformed as those of the wolflings, which could be seen through the portal.
“Magnificent, eh?” He asked. The two alicorns were stunned, but the protoss didn’t show even a flinch of emotion and calmly said.
“You’re making a big mistake. When the swarm and the hybrid find their way to this world, you will have brought them a perfectly developed colony, which will excelerate your doom.”
“I’ll take my chances. Now Cely…” He claped his hands. “…you’d better hurry up here. I’ve been thinking about making yself an infested unicorn.” He smirked and the portal disappeared.
Celestia charged out the hall, followed by Klastanar.
“Wait sister!” Luna yelled, when the gates smashed shut, trapping her inside.
The princes of the sun turned back, and pushed as ahrd as she could to open them.
“Luna! Are you okay?!” She yelled.
“Yes, I’m fine, but there’s a magical seal around the hall.” The dark mare replied.
They heard a loud laugh.
“Oh you poor thing. Letting go of your big sister’s tail, and now you’re all alone.”
“Discord!” Celestia shouted.
She tried to blow the gates off, with a fire spell, but with no effect. Both she and the protoss began to ram in it, in order to open it. Discord continued to speak to the princes of the moon from everywhere.
“Oh, lost and found, a talent most impressive, but buried down.”
“Show yourself filth!” Luna shouted with the royal voice, as she spinned in place, trying to find the spirit of chaos.
“You better watch your tongue lady.” This time the sound came from one direction.
She turned around and saw him laying on the throne, where her sister usually stood.
“You know you were always my favorite Luna, but you’ve become pretty boring, since you began to undermine your power.” He said, as he stood up, and walked towards her.
“What in blazes are you talking about?” She was confused.
“Oh don’t play dumb girl.” He flashed next to her. “I’m talking about your…nightmarish personality.”
He pocked her on the forehead. Suddenly she felt dizzy. Discord began to flow around her and spoke.
“Why must you keep it locked?” Luna put a hoof on her head.
“Your sister fears your power.” He continued.
All of a sudden she felt a splitting headache.
“She knows you’re strong enough to keep the celestial bodies in balance, and rule alone, yet she does not let you progress.”
The mare was on the ground with both hoofs on her head.
“Why should everypony love her, and not even bother knowing you exist?”
Was the last question he gave, before the princes of the moon spoke.
“Yes, why should they?” She asked herself.
When she opened her eyes, they were glowing brightly as the moon itself. She started a chuckle, which transcended into a maniacal laugh, as she ascended into the air with raised hoofs. When she was about five meters into the air, darkness surrounded her. When it disappeared, Luna had turned to Nightmare Moon.
“The night…shall reign…eternal!” She shouted.
“That’s a bit of an overstatement” Discord smirked, flashed behind her, and put on the Eye of the night on her neck.
The mare immediately had a seasure, and energy reaped from her, and was then sucked in by the gem. In seconds Nightmare Moon was gone, and Luna’s steaming body fell on the ground. She was breathing heavily. Discord flashed next to her, got the necklace off her, and teleported away. When he was gone, Celestia managed to break in. At the sight of her hurt sister, she galloped towards her, yelling her name in tears.
“Luna! Luna!”
When she got to her, she turned her head, so they could look at each other. The dark mare , barely managed to say.
“I’m…sorry, sis-ter.” And passed out.
“No!” Celestia continued to cry. “Guards! Get a doctor here immediately!” She yelled, while she was watched by the protoss.
“Princes!” Rainbow Dash rushed in, but Klastanar stopped her.
“Save your words for later, now is not the time.”
The blue pegasus looked worriedly at the Princes, who was still weeping over her sister.
The collapse of the universe
Attention! Due to their slowed progress, this chapter is only about the two storylines outside of Equestria.
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 8: Dark Connections
The four aliens had already participated in three to four matches each, and right before the next one, Zeratul, Moradar and Aramanis were observing T’Nodan’s progress on his current one. This one took place in an abandoned mining village. As the champions and minions pushed their opponents through the streets, they took over tall pillars with magical crystals on top of them. The immortal and a green yordle woman, who carried a big hammer, were taking over one such pillar, which towered next to a bone yard.
All of a sudden a giant rock creature charged and rammed into the golden crablike construct, containing the protoss, tossing it into the nearby wall. With a worried look on her face, Poppy pushed herself harder on infusing the pillar’s crystal with a green beam of energy. As T’Nodan got up, he was snared by a big living tree. Malphite turned towards the Iron ambassador, and raised his boulder like fists. The immortal turned the upper part of his mechanical body, and shot off Maokai’s larger arm, escaping his grip.
(Slow motion turns on.) The Shard of the Monolith’s arms began to fall. Poppy looked with terror as the giant rock masses were about to crush her. Mid way through the fall, T’Nodan jumped sideways between the two, fired, and left two gaping holes in the torso and the head. (Slow motion turns off as Malphite’s dead body drops on the ground.)
The Twisted treant shook his head, in order to fix his blurred vision. As he managed to accomplish it, he saw that he was surrounded by several golden columns. A sudden movement caught his attention. The surrounded by a magical shield Poppy, climbed up in T’Nodan’s cannon, and he fired her at the living tree. The target couldn’t move from the green bullet’s way. With a single bash from the giant hammer, Maokai’s head flew clean off. With that done, they were with a pillar ahead than their opponents.
North from there, their teammates Kassadin, Jax and Twitch were battling with Varus, Irelia and Gragas for the pillar next to a windmill. After a barrel made a huge explosion, they saw how the gigantic crystal at the base to the west dissolved to pieces.
[VICTORY!/DEFFEAT!] The loud voice announced, confirming the win for the protoss’s team. All ten of them were returned to the Institute, and as they were heading outside from the summoning chamber, Jax and Twitch walked beside Gragas, then the Grandmaster at arms spoke.
“Nice match, you know what that means?”
“Mmmyes I do.” The Plague rat replied.
“Oh god no.” The large ginger bearded man sighted.
“Drinking ‘till you pass out!” The two yelled together. “And you’re paying.” They continued, as they both pointed at the Rabble rouser.
Kassadin passed by Zeratul, and both of them exchanged silent looks. When the Void walker was some distance away, the immortal stepped next to the dark templar, and spoke to him in his mind.
‘Is something troubling you Prelate?’
‘Something about that one sparks my curiosity.’ He replied.
‘I…do not understand?’ T’Nodan gave a confused look.
‘The energy of that which is known as the Void here reaps from him, but unlike Malzahar, his mind is not corrupted by it.’
‘Yes, I felt it as well. Most intriguing indeed. Would you have something done with him?’
‘Hmm, perhaps…When I glimpsed in his mind, I saw that he was on war terms with those foul creatures. If we aid him, he may exchange some valuable knowledge, hidden deep in his mind.’
Both of them turned around as the Curator of the sands cleared his throat.
“Am I interrupting something here?” The behemoth asked.
“Not in the slightest.” Zeratul replied as if nothing was really going on.
“I’m sorry for the trouble, but I am to escort the Prelate to our next match.” He turned to the immortal.
“Fine, if you say so. I’ll meet you later dark one.” He said.
After that, the trio parted in different directions.
‘Find Kassadin, and see if he would agree on a little allegiance.’ Zeratul instructed T’Nodan mentally.
--
“How’s that fit coming for ya?” Raynor asked the Prodigal explorer.
“It’s awesome!” Ezreal said as he pointed his cannon, build around his magic gauntlet, at a nearby wall. “Pulsefire Ezreal activated!” He smugly said.
“Pulsefire Ezreal? Really? That’s the best you could think of?” Blitzcrank laughed quietly.
“You gotta problem pall?” Ez’s glasses shined from the light, coming from the charging cannon, which was now pointed at the golem’s head.
“What’s going on here?” Leona came in.
She bore a silverishly metal armor, with a circlet, made from the same material. Her shield and sword were augmented like Pantheon’s gear.
“Nothing.” Blitzcrank raised his hands and continued. “I was just telling this guy, that if he was gonna pick a name, as a human being, he could put some more thought into it.”
“Oh is that so?” The wearing an energy suit explorer said, as the cannon glowed brighter.
“Whoa there. Let’s not cause any trouble.” Raynor tried to calm him down.
“How about I blast that bucket of yours, eh?” The fisty mage gave Blitz another threat.
In a moment of silence, Leona hit him in the back of the head. When he fell on his back, she said.
“Wow…Cate was right. That does relive stress.”
“Told ya!” The Piltover sheriff shouted from the other end of the armory.
She still wore her hat, but she also had special glasses, with thermal vision, sonar and a magnifying function. She also wore an energy suit with stripes of blue energy. Ezreal’s had a jetpack, not only a cannon, but hers did not have such extras. Instead it allowed her to cloak herself. Also, unlike the explorer’s suit, hers was tightly attached to her body. (Like a yoga suit.) She was checking her rifle, when Swann spoke to her.
“Nice gun you got there. But I don’t think someone with your profession could use it in the given situation.”
“You don’t have to worry.” She replied with a bit of a chuckle in her voice. Then she continued. “A sniper’s greatest tool…” She picked up the rifle. “…is precision…” She kneeled, aimed, and the rifle broke apart on the floor. “…and good equipment.” She sighted, quickly picked up the parts and put the gun back together.
The engineer chuckled.
“Perhaps you would like to try this out?”
His claw arm came from behind his back. In it he was holding another rifle, which was probably half the length longer of her old one. It had a thin throat, the barrel was two times wider than it. The scope was almost twelve inches long, with three inch in diameter red, glass targeting marks. In the middle of the scope there was some kind of a rotating button, and from underneath the barrel there was a laser pointer.
“The SR-KE mark 722. Uses up to a hundred 8 inch rounds, which can pierce through a roach’s skull and hide. The rotating ring is the scope’s zoom. Mix the fancy shades you’re wearing with it, and you can hit a fly from a two mile radius.” He proudly explained.
“Whoa.” She gasped with surprise. “Don’t mind if I get me one of these.”
“All yours. Once we touch down on the planet, look for Tosh. He’ll give you a casing with ammo.”
“By the way, where is Heimer?” Blitzcrank asked as Ezreal got up.
“He said he wanted to build himself a ride, so Swann gave him some schematics of ours and a factory to work in.” The commander answered.
“Wait what?!” The golem stepped forward quickly, and pushed the recovering Prodigal explorer on the ground, face first.
“OH COME ON!” He yelled.
“You gave that madman toys to play with? Big mistake my friend.” Blitz said to Jim, not bothering to notice the yelling mage on the floor.
“Why is that?” The man asked confusedly.
Heimer clapped his hands, grabbed a blowtorch and a wrench. Then he turned around, and began constructing. He twisted bolts, robotic arms put on parts to the construct. With the blowtorch he spoiled metal together. In several hours he stood still, turned off the torch, and with a loud sigh, he removed the sweat from his forehead, and grinned proudly in the darkness, where his creation stood.
“On second thought, don’t ask.” Blitzcrank avoided the question with a hand gesture.
“Sir.” Matt called from the bridge. “Come up, I think I’ve found your guy.”
The four champions, the commander and the engineer went up to the bridge. Matt, Pantheon and Stetman were already there. Soon after, Heimerdinger joined them. His hands and face, were covered with machine oil.
“What do you have for me captain?” Raynor asked.
“We’ve detected a protoss fleet, and we’re attempting to establish contact.”
[Preparing video transmition.] The adjutant said.
They looked into the holographic screen in front of them.
[Connection established.]
The image of a protoss, whose head was covered in a golden helmet, with blue energy lines.
“En Taro Tassadar James Raynor.” He greeted them.
“En Taro Tassadar Admiral Urun.” Jim returned the his words.
“How do you know of me?” The protoss asked.
“This may sound weird, but I saw you in a vision of the Overmind’s.” Was the reply.
“How did you come into knowledge of such a vision? You are not infested are you?”
“With all due respect Admiral, let’s not point fingers at who is infested and not. A close friend of mine, and I think that he is such to you as well, gave me a Khaydarin crystal, which contained this vision.”
“And who might that be?”
“Does the name Zeratul, ring any bells?”
“The Dark Prelate? Do you know where he is?”
“Not at the moment, but that isn’t why I called you.”
“Then what is the reason?” The protoss was getting somewhat annoyed.
“Swann, send him the tape.”
The engineer sent the tape they had found on the Dominion ship. The alien’s tone described the horrified expression, which the helmet hid.
“How could this be?”
“I know. I called you, because we need your help to save your people, who are still trapped, and to destroy the hybrid there.” Raynor said.
In several moments of thought, the protoss spoke.
“An acceptable alliance. I will send for the Dark Prelate Mohander and his fleet. Once we get the prisoners off world, they will destroy the planet, and everything on it. You helped the protoss people once, and you’re doing so again. It would be an honor to fight beside you James Raynor.”
“I’ll look forward to it Admiral.”
[End of transmition.]
The screen went off.
“Well boys, we have ourselves a date.” The commander turned to everyone on the bridge.
“Might I ask how a protoss admiral, you’ve never met, knows you?” Ezreal asked.
“I helped them evacuate their home world. I’m one of the most well known terrans to the protoss.” Was his reply.
Heimerdinger’s face was colored by a peculiar smile.
“What are you so happy about?” Caitlyn asked.
“I just can’t wait to use my creation.” He chuckled.
Everyone gave him confused looks.
--
Nasus was fighting off the piled up minions on top, pounding them with his siphoning strike. He was half way past the river, when a crocodile like creature pounced from it, and toppled the gold wearing jackal behemoth. The Curator of the sands dropped his staff, and was now flat on his back. He looked up, and met the zealously red gaze of Renekton, who raised his blade, preparing to thrust it into the chest of his victim.
“Goodbye…brother.” The Butcher of the sands said with a maniacal note in his tone, as he raised his blade higher.
The next moment his voice broke down, and small drops of blood poured down from a cut right underneath his throat. All of a sudden Zeratul showed up out of nowhere, with his fist put underneath the crocodilian head. The long energy blade stuck out from the reptile’s cranium. The protoss pulled back his arm, cutting Renekton’s jaw in two, securing himself a kill as the large body fell on the ground, with its blood spilling on the ground. He then reached down. Nasus took his hand, and the alien pulled him up.
“Thank you, I guess.” The jackal said.
“A peculiar creature that one.” The Prelate spoke. “If I didn’t know better I’d think he enjoyed the fact that he was about to kill his brother by blood.”
“It’s a long story.” The Curator replied, as he picked up his staff.
“One you have told me a number of times, even right now.”
The behemoth gave a confused look.
“What are you trying to say?”
“Your thoughts are no secret to me, knowledge keeper.” Zeratul slowly turned his eyes away from Renekton’s body, towards Nasus.
The jackal fell in deep thought, and after a moment, asked.
“What is the extend of your power over the mind dark one?”
“Depends. Why is it that you ask?”
“Could you do me a favor?”
Zeratul raised an eyebrow.
[An enemy turret has been destroyed.] The loud voice announced as Alistar rammed into the second mid turret.
He shook his head to remove the dust from it. When he opened his eyes, thorny vines immobilized him. A somewhat naked, red haired woman, covered by plants grinned smugly at him. She was about to summon a circle of thorns underneath him, but she jumped back to dodge a falling mass of green goo. Kog’Maw appeared from the brush, as the minotaur tore off his bindings. The purple bull charged, slammed the ground, tossing Zyra into the air. When she fell, she was swallowed by the Mouth of the Abbys. The rest of her team charged in. Nasus and Zeratul joined Kog and Alistar in the tussle with Renekton, Diana, Graves and Lulu. The fight was raging on. Bullets, goo and magic rays flew around, blades, fists and blunt objects were swung. Neither side could push, as the eight champions were caught in a back and forth dance.
Zyra respawned at the altar. The Rise of the thorns stepped out, and her leg was cut off. With anger in her eyes, she looked up to see how a green samurai slashed at their nexus. The battle on mid ceased, when the end of the match was announced. After everyone was summoned back, the ten split. The Butcher of the sands was subdued, shackled and returned to his cell, by the summoners.
Once he gave his report about his brother’s behavior, Nasus made sure to excuse himself and Zeratul from the Council’s attention. The two headed down a staircase, deep into the Institute. Every ten stairs there was a torch to light the way. Nothing could be heard, other than the Curator’s steps. The stealthy protoss moved without making a sound. In a few minutes, raged grunts and growls could be heard in the distance. They reached a large steel door, on its other side a room, with a cage inside.
Behind the bars, a set of red reptilian eyes followed them. Renekton was on his knees, with his head and hands shackled together in big cuffs, from enchanted wood, which were chained to the ground.
“Oh fresh meat, eh brother?” He asked maniacally. “I’ll gut you two open, feast upon your insides, and bathe in your blood as I enjoy the meal!” He began to describe the horrifying things he would do to them.
As the rambling of his brother continued, Nasus turned to the Dark Prelate.
“Can you help him?”
“I’ll do my best.” He returned with a calm voice.
The Curator opened the barred door of the cage. The crocodilian soul eater rampantly began to snap his jaws in their direction. Nasus grabbed his mouth, and pinned the dangerous jaws to the ground. Zeratul kneeled next to the struggling reptile, reached out his left hand, and touched his head. The templar closed his eyes, and did a motion, as if taking a deep breath. As he “exhaled”, his eyes opened, and greenishly-yellow energy began to reap from them, as he stared in Renekton’s. The Butcher groaned, and saw an image of a tsunami of fire, which headed in his way, hit him directly, and filled his being. Everything ended in a green flash, which transcended into darkness.
“Is he going to be alright?” Nasus asked, after he let go of his now unconscious brother.
“Give him a good night’s sleep, and he will be fine.” Zeratul replied, and got up.
“What exactly did you do to him?”
“I purified his mind, burned away, and then sucked his blistering rage into darkness.”
All the behemoth could do was look down on his brother. After a while, both of them went out, Nasus closed the barred gate, and the two left the soul eater to the cleansing dark.
Author's Note
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The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 10: The Doom of Chaos
“Why hello there everypony! I trust all is well?” Discord said.
“What do you want filth?!” Celestia huffed, with and angry look on her face.
“Two things to be exact.” He raised two of the fingers on his lion arm. “First, a certain purple item from that library. Second, an apology.” He continued.
“Apology for what?” Rainbow Dash asked with disgust in her tone.
“An apology for stealing from me. I really…dislike thieves!” The spirit of chaos said, as his face went from a smug smirk, to a grim expression.
He stretched his eagle arm forward and Shaco felt how his entire body became pressured to the ground. The draconicus tightened his hand to a fist, and the jester sunk into the ground.
“Now, my infestamare if you please.”
The eagle arm rested on his hip, as the lion one reached out its palm. The next moment the supposedly dead dagger winged pegasus appeared from behind the spirit of chaos, and swiped to stab him. Discord quickly turned around, and hit him in the rib cage, tossing the demon jester at the grouped up ponies. Right before he crashed into the building, he was caught in a magical field made by the three unicorns and the alicorn.
“A decent attempt, but not good enough.” The chaos god said with a somewhat bored tone, and continued. “For the last time, give me Twilight Sparkle.”
Celestia bit her lip, the three mares next to her put on worried expressions. Discord began to laugh from that sight. He closed his eyes, raised his arms into the air, and his voice echoed throughout Ponyville. That ceased in an instant, when a purple crow rammed in his face, knocking him on the ground. He got up, shook his head, and when he turned his gaze at the gathering, both him and the equestrians looked with surprise at the scarecrow, which bore an annoyed look, as another crow stood atop of his right hoof. The filly and the jester had taken on battle ready positions. Then the scarecrow spoke.
“You want Twilight Sparkle? Who’s stopping you from getting her?”
With that, the princess and her subjects too stood up battle ready.
“That so?” The spirit of chaos spread his legs, stomped the ground, magic began to reap from his arms, as he said.
“Come on clown, let’s see what you’ve got!”
--
The champions were getting swarmed by the zerg, while dodging the shots coming from either the mantalisks, Fluttershy or Chrysalis. A dozen of the zerglings split from the main pack, curbed and transformed into green cocoons.
“Oh no!” Klastanar gasped when he saw those.
In a few seconds the cocoons popped, and green, round, bubbly beetles, with two sets of jaws. It took them a few more seconds to adjust to their new bodies. Then they focused on the champions, and began to roll at them.
“Don’t let the banelings near you! Those are living acid bombs!” The protoss yelled.
Nocturne threw a dusk bringer, snatching one. Mordekaiser stomped the ground. Metal maces appeared from the ground, and disabled five banelings. Hecarim summoned his onslaught of shadows. A herd of ghostly centaurs devastated the rest of the bombs. After dodging another blast from the infested pegasus and changeling, the Living nightmare shouted to the zealot.
“Can’t you do something about those two?!”
“If you can get me close, maybe I can.” He replied, and stabbed the head of a roach.
“Close eh?” Nocturne said, as he sliced the surrounding him wolflings. “Hey Hecarim!” He shouted.
When the Shadow of war turned around, the darkling continued.
“How good’s your aim?”
“Good enough not to get myself in the baron.” The ghostly centaur replied.
The nightmare unleashed paranoia on the infested on the battlefield, clouding their senses. Then he flew through the mass, next to the Master of metal.
“Me and you are going to distract those two, which are chucking force at us. Got it?” He told him.
The armored unicorn nodded. While the paranoia was still in effect, Nocturne flew to Hecarim.
“Now, while those two flying up there aren’t looking, you toss that gold wearing guy at them.” He instructed the half pony, who also nodded.
The paranoia passed, then Chrysalis and Fluttershy searched for their targets. Mordekaiser and Nocturne appeared in their line of sight. The two infested mares began their assault. Strangely, the two grounded beings, were dodging without running.
Behind them, the Shadow of war grabbed Klastanar, charged a bit, and threw the protoss at them. Not noticing that, the pegasus and the changeling felt, how someone grabbed their heads. In the next moment, their minds went blank, and the two began to fall to the ground. The zealot grabbed them, and landed in between the three champions.
“Ok, now that that is done with, can we find Rengar and get out of here, because I don’t think we can hold these bastards any longer.” Mordekaiser grunted.
Their attention was caught by a loud roar in the distance.
“Oh no…” Klastanar gasped.
“What in blazes is it now?!” Nocturne shouted.
A large portion of trees broke down, and a gigantic creature, probably twice the size of an Ursa Major. Its legs were like spiked stone trees. The head was like the V shaped sail of an enormous ship, with two small side jaws, next to a jaw with mashing teeth. On the front of its body were two sets of limbs with large scythe like bones. The head and the rest of the body were armored with a thick bone covering.
“An ultralisk…” The protoss barely uttered, before the creature unleashed another loud roar.
Nocturne quickly picked up the two knocked out infested mares, and put them on Hecarim’s back.
“Everyone, after me!” The nightmare ordered but when he glided several inches, a baneling unburrowed, and exploded on him.
The darkling’s blades, armor and skin were melted, as he dropped on the ground groaning in pain. The champions stood witness to a bleeding husk of showing bare muscle and tissue. Klastanar picked him up, put the nightmare next to Chrysalis and Fluttershy, and yelled to his companions.
“RUN!”
--
Shaco was rammed into a nearby house. Applejack and Rarity ran, dodging the blasts of magic Discord shot at them. Rainbow Dash flew around him, creating a tornado of color. The orange mare and the recovered jester pegasus charged at the spirit of chaos. The draconiquus yawned. He reached his lion arm, grabbed the cyan mare, and using her own thrust he tossed her at the charging ponies. The white mare tried to shoot at him with a spell she once learned from Twilight Sparkle, so she could defend herself. Discord created a shield barrier, which protected him from the projectiles. Then he got into a spin, and threw a pie at her. The unicorn squealed as the pastry hit her in the face, and toppled her. In the next moment, the cream from the pie hardened, shackling her to the ground.
Celestia charged her horn, and fired a beam of light orange energy at the spirit of chaos. He just put on a smug smile, and took a step to the left, as the beam just flew by him, decimating the house of Lira and Bon Bon. She puffed steam from her nostrils. Then she dug a small hole with her right, front hoof, and rushed to impale the draconiquus with her horn. A shadow appeared behind him. Fiddlesticks sliced at the chaos god with his scythe arm. Right before the two lethal strikes, Discord flipped left, grabbed Celestia’s neck, thrusting her at the other attacker, and spanked her flank before she impaled the chest of the scarecrow. The two fell, digging a shallow channel in the ground.
Applejack charged in attempt to buck the spirit of chaos. But instead of what she planned, he flickered his eagle fingers, and the farm pony flew into the air. Rainbow Dash boomed in flight to rescue her friend. The pegasus caught the orange pony.
“Thanks Dash.” AJ said as she panted away the sudden startle.
Discord raised his arms. Just as the two glided in the sky, the cyan flyer smashed them into a tall rock pillar, which appeared out of nowhere. Shaco shook his head in attempt to regain his vision. Just when he accomplished it, the two mares fell on top of him.
Annie bombarded the chaotic being with fireballs, which he dodged one after another. While he was distracted, the alicorn stood up, raising the hay bag creature up with ease. The princess lowered her head, letting him slide off her horn, and then apologized.
“Sorry for that.”
The scarecrow regained his stability and replied.
“No problem. Better impaled than chopped in two. Ugh…Darius.” He shivered as he uttered the name.
The only thing he got in response was a puzzled look. Four purple crows flew out of the hole in his chest. They flew directly at the spirit of chaos, followed by the Harbinger of doom. Discord dodged yet another fireball, when the crows descended upon him. He grabbed two, and smashed them into the others, as the scythe arm swung for him. The draconiquus grabbed, then pulled the arm, making Fiddlesticks bend over, and nailed him to the ground with an elbow hit in the back.
Celestia charged another spell, but Discord flashed next to her. Grabbed her horn and neck, and threw her at the library. The sun goddess hit her head in the wall, getting knocked out cold.
Annie summoned Tibbers, and the two charged at him. He whirled, hitting both of them with his lion arm. The hit tossed them in the air. Tibbers rammed in the “Sugar cube corner”, softening the crash for the little filly, which landed on his belly. A large wooden plank dropped down, trapping them. The bear was out cold, and the girl tried to break free, with no success.
“Annie!” Fiddlesticks yelled.
He put on an angry expression, quickly got up, and began slashing at Discord. The spirit of chaos just side stepped backwards, with a smug smile on his face, as the anger crazed scarecrow sliced and diced at him. After a few dozen attempts, the draconiquus got bored, and took a punch at Fiddlesticks. His eagle arm got stuck inside the hole Celestia had made, and in the next moment the Harbinger of doom was rammed into the pillar from earlier. At that point he could barely move.
“Now how about you stay down.” Discord said.
Groaning, the scarecrow reached his hoof, touched the Eye of the night on the draconiquus’ neck, and started to drain some of its power.
“Oh no you don’t.” The spirit of chaos said.
Then he tightened his grip inside the scarecrow. Fiddlesticks shouted in pain, as the body made from sticks and hay bags exploded, scattering all around. Discord was now holding the humanoid spirit of the Harbinger of doom. With another groan, the ghost looked up at the mash up of creatures, put in a single body, and reached at him, managing to sap out some more of his power.
“Pathetic.” The spirit of chaos said with a bored look.
Magic burned from his eagle arm, straight into the ghost before him. With a last yell of pain, the Harbinger fell on the ground, when Discord removed his arm from the ghostly body.
Annie’s eyes filled with tears, when she saw that. The filly bucked harder to get out. The draconiquus turned towards the library, and slowly walked in that direction. He rubbed his hands, and smugly said.
“Now Cely, let’s see if the Eye of the night works as good on you, as it did on Luna.”
But just when he checked his neck for it, nothing was there, but his fur. Shocked, the spirit of chaos began to search himself for the jewel. A quiet chuckle was heard behind him.
“Looking for this?”
Discord turned around, and saw the green spirit, with the Eye of the night, hanging from his finger. Bearing a creepy smile, the scarecrow tossed the necklace, and the chaotic god grabbed it.
“You got lots of power, but now I got some of it.”
The scarecrow burst into laugh, and stretched his arms down. Some kind of silverfish metal came from the ground, and began to cover Fiddlesticks, making a muscular humanoid body. His eye color shifted from green to red. Then the metal scarecrow looked to his left. A thin rocky pillar, in the shape of a stick, grew from the ground. When it was about the height of its summoner, a diamond scythe blade came from the top of it. The Harbinger of doom grabbed and tore it from the ground.
Discord put a finger on his chin and spoke.
“Hmm, impressive display. But…”
The draconiquus spread his hands, and magic began to reap from them. Two houses got picked up from the ground with a magical aura. Then the caster slapped his hands together. The two buildings smashed in to the scarecrow. A giant cloud of dust blocked any vision.
“And that’s that.” The spirit of chaos brushed his hands together, and grinned proudly right in front of the cloud.
All of a sudden a metal punch appeared from the dust, hit Discord square in the face, nailing him to the ground. The god bounced off the ground. The Harbinger of doom knocked on his head, and spoke after the sound of metal hitting metal.
“Mercury, sturdy stuff versus magic.”
The draconiquus rubbed the place, where the punch landed, due to his immortality, it healed quickly.
“Why you…” He muttered, but when he looked up Fiddlesticks pierced his throat from underneath with the scythe, bended down to eye level with his victim, began to drain yet more of his power, while infusing his head with fear, and spoke slowly.
“You may be the spirit of chaos…but I’m the Harbinger of DOOM bitch!”
He grabbed the rock handle at the base, got up, and yanked the creature stuck on the blade. Discord’s head split in two, he was tossed like a dirty rag. After a few bounces from the ground, the head of the chaos god healed. He stumbled a bit. Almost instantaneously, the diamond scythe cut his left ribcage. He yelled in pain. Next, the blade was shoved at the base of his neck, then slid down his entire spine. The draconiquus dropped on the ground. As he healed Fiddlesticks came atop of him, and started to drain him yet again, while infusing him with fear. Discord flipped on his back, and looked up the feasting from him metal creature. The Harbinger of doom began laughing yet again. The metal on his back tore open, and thousands of red crows exploded from it.
Now bearing a frightened look on his face, the god attempted to run, but the scythe sunk in his skull, and ripped it open. Blood and brains spilled around. When it healed, the spirit of chaos flew into the air. Several hundred of the crows grabbed hold of their master, and flew after their prey, and the others began to tear flesh from Discord.
He grabbed a crow after crow, and threw them away, but for each one removed, a dozen more swarmed him. As he fought the flock, the deadly familiar scythe pieced his throat sideways, and pulled him out. All of the birds let go of their master, and attacked the target. Fiddlesticks raised the weapon, with the chaotic being still stuck on it, span it above his head, and threw the now looking like a rag doll creature to the ground.
As he fell, the draconiquus received several punches, slashes and lots of puncture wounds from the crows. At the end he looked like a torn cloth. Fiddlesticks lifted the scythe, and hit Discord’s head with the dull end of the weapon. The two fell through the air, probably as fast as Rainbow Dash in some of her stunts.
Celestia just came to. The princess used her magic to break Rarity’s bindings. Then she flew over to the little filly, and lifted the heavy plank from her, with a magical aura.
“What happened? Where are Fiddlesticks and Discord?” The goddess of the sun asked.
Annie rubbed her eyes and sniffed before replying.
“That monster guy did something to uncle Fiddle, and destroyed his body, but he drained some of the chaosy thing’s power, and became metal. Then the two flew up in the sky.”
Celestia put on a dumbfounded look. Just as she was about to say something of the sort that that is impossible, when something fell out of the sky, and made a big crater in the ground. The two ran up to examine it.
Discord flew out of the dust, followed by a giant flock of red crows. The metal Fiddlesticks ran after him. The birds had the screaming spirit of chaos pinned to the ground. Once their master got close they dispersed. The scarecrow stabbed him in the heart, and threw his aside. All this time he had infused the already unstable mind of Discord with fear. With a crazed expression he was about to continue his carnage on the immortal being. He raised his scythe yet again, but was stopped by a quiet *thud* sound.
He looked down, and his red glance saw Annie hugging his ankle, with watered eyes. His maniacal face settled. The scarecrow shouted at the sky. All of the crows flew up, dove back down, and poured in the hole on his back. Afterwards it closed. The metal covering, and the scythe slid off, got sucked into the earth, and left only the green spirit. His eyes returned to their previous coloring. When that ended, he collapsed, but the filly caught him on her back.
However he managed to raise his head, and gave the spirit of chaos a cold glare. From that, Discord squealed and hid behind Celestia. After a minute he met her gaze. Then she kicked him straight in the head, knocking him out cold.
“What exactly did you do to him?” The princess asked the scarecrow.
“Destroyed every last bit of sanity, and in its place left a memory of terror and pain – my face.” Was the reply.
Fiddlesticks got up, dusted himself, and spoke again.
“At this point he should be harmless, but I’m not a hundred percent sure, so I trust you’ll keep him on a short leash. Sorry for making you worry squirt.” He ruffled the filly’s mane.
Then, with a great big smile, she jumped, and brought him down in a hug. The two burst into giggles. As strange as it was, the sight brought a smile on Celestia’s face. Everypony else had already come to, and gathered to them.
It was a nice *dawww* moment, but it quickly ended when Applejack looked up in the sky, and gasped.
“What’n tarnation’s that?!”
Everypony looked up, and put on a dumbfounded look, with open jaws, as they saw giant ships with different shapes flying above their heads. There were three gray ones, in the shape of drills, and had humongous crystals as tips. They were led by a ship, which was probably as big as the others. It had somewhat of a V shape, and looked like a big bee hive with orange energy thrusters.
The Harbinger of doom and Annie looked at each other with surprise. Then the spirit shifted his eyes to the princess of the sun, pointed at the sky and said.
“For the record, those are not ours.”
--
Slashes, kicks, punches and bites were exchanged in the middle of the dark. Both Rengar and Kha’Zix were panting from exhaustion. The Voidreaver growled.
“What? You thought I was gonna give that easily?” The Pridestalker taunted him.
The bug like creature roared and disappeared in thin air. The hunter listened, and sniffed around. All of a sudden his nemesis leaped at him from behind. Without a seconds notice, Rengar whirled, punching his attacker away with his left hand, puncturing his side with the claws on the opposite side of his wrist. Kha’Zix hit the wall of the dark sphere which surrounded them. Next to him was the unlucky zergling which was scratching for an exit without any success. A purple liquid dripped from his wound.
The sounds of the pony sized creature annoyed the hell out of him.
“Come on! That the best you got? You’ll turn out to be nothing more than base prey!” The Pridestalke shouted at him.
“Oh…I’ll give you base prey.” The bug muttered with an angry grin on his face.
The Voidreaver got up. He turned to the struggling zergling, lifted a scythe claw, and stabbed the creature in its back. It struggled for a bit, before the other claw crabbed its neck, and tore off the head along with the spine. Blood poured on the floor. Zix threw the body away, and swallowed the head and spine whole.
His gut began to growl. A sudden sensation of pain made him put his arms around it, and groan. The bug looked up, took a quick glance at Rengar, and started laughing maniacally. That quickly ended as the groans returned.
The Pridestalker was very confused.
The quickly spreading zerg virus, combined with Zix’s natural DNA absorbing abilities hastened the infestation. Two jaws grew on the sides of his mouth, covering it like a mask. Another set of limbs with scythe claws grew under his current one. Strange green liquid began to drip from all four claws. His cone spikes fell off on the ground. The green liquid poured from the holes they left. In a moment, other spikes replaced them. These ones had an arrow like head, and several levels of small spines on them. Two apendages with bone tips appeared on his back. Then he grew somewhat larger, and got covered with a more brownish bone armor.
With the transformation over he dropped on the ground, and began panting. Rengar was stunned from the sudden change, and his fingers flinched for a moment. Right then, Kha'Zix got up, and roared at him. With that, something primal unlocked inside of the cat. Not letting himself go behind, he returned with a roar of his own, as the two charged at eachother.
The Voidreaver fired his spines. The Pridestalker jumped to dodge them, and readied his claws and dagger to impale his nemesis. But the upper set of claws parried. The hunter pushed with his arms, in order to break the parry. Then the lower claws were about to snap in a slicing hug. Rengar dropped on his back, and kicked Kha’Zix’s gut with both his legs. The bug was disorientated for a moment. The cat jumped on his back, and caught his appendages. Just when he was about to deliver a final blow with his dagger, the coverings of the Voidreaver’s wings opened, throwing the hunter off.
When he got up, the bug kicked him. He was tossed a meter by the hit. He shook his head. Kha’Zix fired another wave of spines. The Pridestalker had no time to jump so he dodged them as they came. One, however, hit his eye patch, and tore it off, leaving him with half his vision. Rengar vanished.
The Voidreaver began to look and listen around. The hunter emerged from behind him, threw his rope, and jumped over his prey. The bug though that his attacker came from behind, due to the sound of the thrown rope, so he turned around and fired again with his spines. Nothing was hit. Then with confusion, he took a turning step and faced Rengar, who made an angle slice on Kha’Zix’s chest, cutting off the two new limbs. Purple liquid began to pour out of the cut, and the bug kneeled on the floor.
The Pridestalker grabbed him by the neck, and prepared to cut his head off. But stopped in the last moment.
“No. If I am to kill you, it will be for all of Valoran to see. Not on some alien world.” The hunter said.
His target only managed to laugh mockingly, before he was delivered a punch, which knocked him out cold.
Rengar picked up, and put on his eye patch. Then the sphere disappeared. He was surrounded by a pack of zerglings and wolflings, several roaches and an infested hydra. The Pridestalker grinned, tightening the grip on his dagger. Some of the light units jumped at him. When they were but an arm’s length from him, he gave out a roar which pushed them away. Then the hunter leaped onto his new prey.
--
Klastanar, the champions and their live cargo got trapped at the base of a mountain by the chasing ultralisk, roaches and both kinds of lings.
“No place left for us to run.” Mordekaiser said.
“If I am to fall, I will do so, in battle!” The zealot activated his energy blades, and charged at the gigantic creature, which led the assault. “EN TARO TASSADAR!” He yelled.
Just as he was about to make contact, a beam of blue energy dropped from the sky, piercing the ultralisk’s head. The giant mass dropped, leaving a crater. The shockwave from that fall uprooted a few acres of trees around them.
Then above their heads came three prismatic flying vessels, which transformed and were stationed on one place. From underneath them several creatures materialized. Zealots like Klastanar himself, tall gray spiderlike beings, and strange golden machines with energy bubbles on their backs. All began to fight off the zerg.
The protoss, who had been with the champions looked up to the sky, and saw three void rays. But recognizing the ship that was leading them brought words of surprise from him.
“The Executor has arrived…”
Two other zealots warped in, and went to check on them.
“En Taro Tassadar Captain.” They greeted him, and bowed.
Klastanar returned the greeting, and instructed them.
“The red being on the larger one’s back encountered a baneling, he needs immediate stabilizing.”
They nodded and went to get Nocturne. The zealot got another protoss, telling him that they need to be transported to a nearby populace.
As he got the details on that done, Hecarim saw something coming from the forest. When the figure closed in he recognized Rengar. His bone-tooth necklace had several new additions. Tied with a rope, he carried an infested hydra’s head on his back. In on his left shoulder was Kha’Zix. The hunter bore a proud grin. When he got to them the centaur asked.
“What happened? Did you get what you wanted?”
“No. I will kill him for all of Valoran to see, not here. But I am not returning without souvenirs.” He replied with a chuckle.
Author's Note
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The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 11: Grab and Smash
The Hyperion was gliding through the empty void. Jim was standing on the bridge, along with Matt, several crewmembers and the champions. As he watched through the window, Ezreal stepped next to him, and snorted loudly.
“How much longer must we wait? This standing still is driving me stir crazy.”
“You know, it’s not a problem keeping you down.” Pantheon said, as he stepped behind the mage, and crunched his knuckles.
The Prodigal explorer gulped.
“Matt, have you locked on the coordinates of the planet?” Raynor turned to his captain.
“Locked and ready sir. We are prepared for warp jump on your mark.” Horner replied.
The commander put his hands behind his back, and smirked. Pantheon hugged Leona with his right arm, and grabbed a handle attached to a wall. Blitzcrank activated his magnetic feet. Caitlyn and Hemierdinger had leaned closely to the walls next to the exit of the bridge.
“What the heck’s a warp jump?” Ezreal asked, scratching the back of his head with his non-canonised hand.
“Mark.” Jim said.
The pilots pressed a series of buttons on their control panels. The entire ship, followed by the Raiders’ fleet, sped forward so fast, it blurred , before disappearing through the empty space. The Prodigal explorer was tossed by the sudden speed change, his back rammed into the closed metal door, between Piltover’s sheriff and genius, and was flattened to it by the pressure. Somehow he managed to utter a statement in self pity.
“I should have known. Even the ships hates me, and wants to bring me pain.”
In a few seconds they emerged in front of a redishly-orange planet, with small green spots of vegetation, found around large rivers, which seemed like blue arteries on its surface. A few hundred miles, left of the Hyperion’s board, a large light opened into the shape of a hole. Protoss ships started to pour out of it. It was a small fleet of sixty phoenixes and scouts, followed by four void rays and a giant gold covered carrier.
It surely, in terms of numbers, wasn’t as intimidating as Raynor’s twenty battle cruisers, several squadrons of about fifteen vikings, wraiths, banshees, along with thirty ravens, but knowing their makers, the light fleet still brought chills down the spines of a lot of the crewmembers in the terran ships.
“Matt, open coms to Urun. I want to know how much time we have.” Jim ordered.
The captain nodded, and started to establish the connection. The golden energy helmet wearing protoss appeared on a large holo-screen.
“Admiral, when will Prelate Mohandar’s fleet be here?” Raynor asked.
“The Prelate will arrive in three hours James Raynor. I’ll lead my phoenix squadron, along with the scouts, in engagement, providing cover for our troops’ landing.” Urun replied.
“Understood Admiral. Our capital ships, Vikings and wraiths will back you up in the engagement. In the mean time the banshees and ravens will help us secure and establish a landing zone for a temporary HQ.” The commander stated.
“With that task completed we will push out way towards the survivors, and by the time Prelate Mohanddr arrives we should have gotten them off world.” The Admiral finished.
The protoss and terran leaders exchanged approving nods, before the screen blacked out.
“Alright, all of you get ready for planet touchdown.” Jim turned to the champions, but his voice also addressed Swann, Stetman, Tosh, his specters and the rest of the ground troops, as it echoed through all of their communicators.
Everyone listening nodded, even if some of them were not in the commander’s presence, and rushed for the drop pods.
--
“Sir, we’ve got zerg flyers and multiple projectiles incoming!” Matt exclaimed.
“Shields up!” Raynor yelled, as they felt the ship shake a few times.
“All squadrons assume formation, and break us a path through the zerg, then mix in with the protoss, provide cover for the ground troops, and follow Admiral Urun’s orders! Capital ships, provide support fire for the squadrons, and push towards the planet’s surface!” The commander barked put orders, before continuing. “I’m going to suit up, and head down myself.”
Tons of mutalisks, corruptors, brood lords and vipers charged from the planet, followed by blasts of purple energy. Urun was at the front of an omega formation of phoenixes and scouts. When the first wave of bogies was about to stab into them, the admiral barked out orders.
“Disperse and dive!” Then he pulled upwards.
The ships broke formation, and followed him up in an arc shape. The zerg thrusted themselves like a blade underneath the protoss, who in turn changed their flight path, and dove, falling like a wave on top of the xenomorphs. They opened fire, blue lasers and photon missiles rained on top of the zerg. Several mutalisks and corruptors were destroyed. The rest flew upwards to collide head on with the protoss.
As the two squadrons passed through each other, ten more bio flyers and three scouts fell. An unlucky phoenix found himself on an inevitable collision with a corruptor. Realising he would not make it, the protoss opened fire in attempt to deal as much damage to the giant creature, while shouting.
“EN TARO TASSADAR!”
Sadly, the phoenix’s light weapons merely did several small wounds to the corruptor’s heavy armor, before the protoss ship was smashed in the beast’s large jaws, leaving blue liquid to drip from them. After the short moment of its victory, the corruptor’s head exploded from a set of photon missiles, fired by a scout.
In the mean time the terran ships had been given hell. A banshee was maneuvering its way in order to evade three mutalisks, which were relentlessly following her. For some reason her cloaking field had jammed, and refused to activate.
“Mayday, mayday! I’ve got three light bogies on my tail, and my cloaking is out of order!” She yelled in her mic.
A nearby Viking flew over to help. He positioned himself between the banshee and her chasers, white transforming to his assault walker form. He then turned the mutalisks to shreads with his dual machineguns. Seven cloaked wraiths were picking off brood lords and corruptors, before two of them were decimated in one of the purple energy blasts coming from the planet.
Using their beam cannons, the carrier and the four void rays were vaporizing heavy targets from a distance, while several scouts and the carrier’s interceptors provided the large ships with cover. Slowly but certainly, giving as few losses as possible, they pushed to the planet’s surface.
Vipers split smaller ships in two, piercing them with their tongues. Ten of them hooked a battle cruiser, and abducted it, close to the atmosphere. Mutalisks and corruptors bombarded it, while the brood lords rained broodlings on it. The miniature monsters dented the surface of the ship on impact, after which tore open the metal thin layer, by thin layer, before dying. The captain of the ship called Raynor.
“Sir, were taking heavy damage! We aren’t gonna make it!”
The commander rubbed his chin for a moment, before speaking.
“Ignore the zerg. Transfer 60% of the full power to the shields, and the rest to the engine. Dive straight for the planet. Several minutes before the impact with the ground, shoot out the entire crew out in pods. Let the ship crash, and clear us a landing zone. One you’re on the surface, try to hold your ground for a minute or two for the rest of our and the protoss’ troops to touch down, and back you up.”
“Roger that sir!” The captain replied, before starting to bark out orders.
The golden squadrons shot their way forward, keeping the loaded warp prisms and medivacs protected.
--
Several hybrids, in the company of a dozen zerg ground units and several corrupted zealots, looked up, seeing the falling battle cruiser. The units capable of projectile attacks bombarded it. The vessel caught fire from the heavy damage, but that did not halt its intended collision with the ground.
“Ron, did you set up the timer?” The suited in his armor captain loudly asked the ship’s engineer, who in turn replied.
“Aye sir! The pods be shootin’ out’a ship in exactly two minutes.”
His superior nodded, then turned to Raynor, using he communicator in his armor.
“Commander, ya reading all of this?”
“Loud and clear Starson. The rest of the capital ships will drop down their cargo in a minute to synch with you. Tosh and his boys will touch down first. Co-op with them, and wait for Swann and Stetman to land with the heavy infantry and hardware. Next I’ll be touching down with the new recruits and the rest of the infantry.” Jim instructed.
“Roger that sir. Alright boys…Let’s give ‘em hell!” Starson shouted, raising his mechanical arm in the air.
What followed were the loud cheers of the loaded in pods, medivacs, Vikings and heavy assault walkers crew. The creatures below continued their bombardment. In a minute multiple objects ejected from the B.C., before it smashed into the ground. Everything beneath it was crushed, and the explosion obliterated everything in a mile radius. Afterwards pods, ships and large mechs rained on top of the few survivors.
The marines, marauders and specters shot off incoming hostiles from behind the wrecks of the pods and the battle cruiser, supported by the heavy fire of four siege tanks and three thors. A large mass of zerglings and corrupted zealots, led by several dozens of banelings, whose target were terrans’ cover walls.
About a hundred meters away from the rabble, three warp prisms flew over the small base. Each unloaded a single colossus. The towering robots annihilated the acid bombs from a distance, after which joined the humans in dealing with the rest of the biological army. Then two more warp prisms flew over. The five vessels stationed themselves in their phasing mode, and units began to warp in underneath them. By the time Swann, Stetman, fifteen marauders, sixteen siege tanks and seven thors landed, the protoss had warped forty zealots, fifteen sentries, twenty stalkers and thirteen immortals, led by three high templars.
The small army fortified its position, while waiting for the rest of the reinforcements. Heavier units began to assault them. Roaches and hydras pushed along side an ultralisk. They were followed by two giant dark purple, almost black, hybrid reavers and a slightly smaller, colored in pale gray and blue, hybrid destroyer. It launched a giant blast of purple energy, which obliterated the “wall” of rubble, along with two marines.
The invaders were pushed back when the ultralisk tore through the rest of their defenses, and rammed into a colossus, breaking its legs. The golden giant fell from its own height and exploded. The rampaging behemoth opened the way for the lighter units. However, the creature did not have much time to bask in its glory, as the immortals, tanks and thors turned it into a bloody mass of swiss.
In the time being, zerglings, corrupted zealots, roaches and hydras lunged at the infantry. The zealots chopped them down, with the help of the terrans. A marine was toppled by one of the roaches, which was about to liquefy his upper body with its acid spew, when a blast of blue energy left a hole in its head. The marine pushed the husk off himself, and looked up in the sky, before yelling out.
“It’s the commander!”
A black drop ship , with skulls painted on its sides flew down, along with several other ships. They dropped off twenty more marines, Raynor and the five champions. Ezreal was bearing a proud grin, satisfied with his roach kill.
“Nice of you to drop by cowboy.” Swann chuckled.
“Couldn’t let ya have all the fun now, could I?” Jim replied.
“Um, question.” The Prodigal explorer raised his left hand. “Where’s Heimer?”
As if to answer his question, a giant mech dropped from the sky, crushing a reaver. It was a thor, who was quite redesigned. Its right arm was converted into a giant machinegun, and its left arm was merged with a siege tank. The mech turned to face the incoming hostiles. Each of his legs shot out four spheres, which turned into turrets, just when they hit the ground. After that, the voice of the Revered inventor was heard through a microphone.
“Come at me you underdeveloped single celled organisms!”
Then the machinegun rattled, leaving a trail of dead roaches and zerglings. The hybrid destroyer launched an energy blast at him. The mech shook, its chest steamed, but the metal armor held. Next, the tank arm fired in a group of banelings, several of which were tossed into the air by the shock wave. Five splashed on the destroyer, melting its head.
The sight left the invaders deadpanned. Swann raised his claw, pointing at the bizarre contraption, and asked.
“He put a tank…on a thor?” His voice was the mix of surprise and confusion.
“Yeah, he does that.” Caitlyn said casually, as she shot down a corrupted zealot.
“That’s pretty slick. Swann you should start mass producing these.” Raynor turned to the engineer in the marauder suit.
“James Raynor.” One of the high templars got the commander’s attention. “We should advance on the position of the survivors.” He said.
Jim nodded, and then started to give orders to his crew.
“Alright guys, it’s a nice picnic spot we’ve got here, but we have to get a move on! Tanks watch our six, the stalkers and sentries will lead the avangard. Thors mix in with the immortals, and split to keep our flanks clean. Infantry, provide support fire with the colossi from within the ball.”
“I will call down the rays of the sun to evaporate and slow incoming enemies.” Leona spoke up.
“Good. I would like you guys to help the lady fry everything around us.” Jim turned to the three high templars.
“We shall summon storms so grand, they would rival those of the elders.” The templar, who appeared to be in charge said.
“I didn’t catch your names.” Raynor spoke.
“High templars Saranim, Lah’rock and Kajorn.” The leader – Saranim, replied.
“And what about us?” Pantheon and a zealot eagerly asked in union.
“And who the hell are you, Mr. fancy pants?” The Artisan of war snorted.
“Lieutenant Anomandaris. Trainer and military supervisor for the zealot barrack for the past century. One of the few surviving defenders of Aiur, and veteran from the front of the protoss-zerg war on Shakuras.” The proud soldier replied, with a hint of irritation in his voice, before asking haughtily. “And what sorry excuse for a warrior might you be?”
“Oh, he did not just go there!” Ezreal exclaimed as he fired an energy blast at a hydra, trying to break in from the left flank.
The metal covered spearman bumped his hidden face into that of the protoss, and as the two started to push each other, head only, the shield bearer answered.
“Pantheon – the Artisan of war. Finest fighter from Rakkor – a village, whose soul purpose is to breed the finest warriors to ever step on Runeterra for over a thousand years.”
The two pushed in opposite directions, while exchanged angry growls.
“Shut it you two!” Raynor got their attention, before continuing. “The last thing we need right now is a freaking power struggle! Lieutenant, you, your squad and Pantheon will stay inside of the ball. If something breaches the perimeter, it will be your job to mop the floor with it, but until we get to the survivors, don’t leave the circle."
“With all due respect commander, but we are supposed to be at the front, fighting for our people!” The protoss protested.
“Sorry to disappoint you Lieutenant, but you’ll be more useful to your people alive!” Jim replied.
“Why you…” The zealot muttered, and was about to reach for the commander, but he suddenly stopped, when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Anomandaris, that’s enough.” The deep voice of High templar Kajorn was heard. “Control your temper. The terran’s words be true, you’d do wisely to heed them.”
“But sir, this tactic undermines all of the training me and my men have undertaken through our entire lives…” Anomandaris protested, before being cut off by Lah’rock.
“You dare question a High Templar, Lieutenant?”
“Anomandaris, Prelate Zeratul, High Arc Artanis and Admiral Urun trusted James Raynor. That’s more than good enough of a reason for us to do so as well. If we are willing to give the terran a chance, at the very least it will be disgraceful for you to not.” Saranim stepped in.
The protoss sighted, and turned to the commander.
“I will follow your leadership James Raynor…for now at least.”
“I appreciate that.” Jim replied.
--
All of a sudden the ground beneath them started to rumble. In a moment ten roaches unburrowed underneath them. The beasts killed two zealots and several marines, before being shot down.
“Matt send us down some ravens ASAP!” Raynor yelled in his communicator.
“I don’t think the buried ones are out biggest problem brotha.” Tosh said, turning everyone’s attention to the front.
The sentries activated their guardian shields, stopping the projectiles, consisting of poisonous spikes, acid spews and several large purple energy blasts. Two of those however, broke through the shields, taking down a colossus, and obliterating two siege tanks. Before them were three hybrid destroyers, two reavers, ten roaches, twenty hydras, forty zerglings and fifteen corrupted zealots.
“Damn, it’s gonna be hard breaking through that.” Jim sighted.
“Commander, I have a question for you.” Heimer said as he moved his maniacal contraption to the front. “Why are helium, curium and barium called the medical elements?”
Raynor gave a confused look to the rest of the champions.
“Just go with it.” All of them sighted.
Taking the advice he asked.
“Why?”
“Because if you can’t helium or curium,…you BARIUM!” The Revered inventor yelled the last words as he smashed a button.
His mech squatted a bit, its back opened, and four cannons came out, bombarding one of the destroyers and the surrounding it units. The other thors did the same. The tanks continued to guard the rear, blasting away incoming hostiles. A mass of lings and roaches charged from the right flank. A ray of light came down in the middle of them, and after a moment it exploded, evaporating, stunning and slowing the creatures march, long enough for two thors and the last colossus to obliterate them.
The front was still under assault. Heimer’s mech started to give in under all the damage it was taking. Blue energy started to reap from the high templars’ eyes, as they raised their arms and heads up. The moment they brought them down, three enormous clouds of pure energy annihilated almost everything in front of them united army. The only survivors were the very heavy armored creatures, but their exoskeletons were almost melted.
“Good thing Ryze doesn’t know that trick.” Ezreal exclaimed.
All of a sudden two ultralisks and a brutalisk unburrowed, tossing four tanks in the air. The pilots ejected before their machines smashed two immortals. The brutalisk and one ultralisk started to cut down he thors, taking out half of them, after they smashed the last colossus. Soon after though, their armor gave in, and the remaining immortals and thors shot them down. In that time, the other ultralisk stepped over the tanks, smashing about seven. The pilots of both the mechs and the vehicles managed to escape their rides, before their destruction.
In the end, the invaders were left with seven tanks, five thors, not counting Heimer’s, and eleven immortals, in terms of heavy hard ware. From the holes in the ground, left by the giants, zerglings started to pour out, giving Pantheon and the zealots some fun.
“Sir, there’s something you’ve got to hear.” Matt called through the communicator.
“Matt I hope you’ve got some good news for me.” Jim said.
“The silo where the survivors are is right in front of you, but you’ve got less than twenty minutes, before Mohandar’s fleet arrives.” The captain replied.
“Perfect. There’s always a catch, ain’t it?” The commander sighted.
Mopping up the few storm survivors, the group faced their last obstacle. Right in front of the elevator leading down to the silo, stood six hybrid destroyers, which put the invaders to a halt. One of the central ones stepped forward, and spoke with a screeching ecoing voice.
“You shall nor proceed, any further!”
The floating tentacles from its back stabbed the heads of the other hybrids, and started to drain them from their power, until they were fully sucked in, increasing the size of the absorber to that of a thor. It launched two giant dark violet energy blasts, destroying the remaining tanks and three thors. The pilots managed to escape. The other two mech drivers and Heimer ejected as well, when the charged hybrid raised their machines into the air, disassembled them into pieces, and dropped the scraps on top of the immortals, crushing four of them.
Everyone still up started to shower the abomination with their projectiles, but none had any effect but making their target laugh.
“How in the hell do we stop this thing?!” Raynor exclaimed.
“You don’t…we do.” Saranim stated as he and the two templars stepped forward.
“Sir…you’re not going to…” Anomandaris spoke up worriedly.
“That’s exactly what we’re going to do.” Kajorn replied.
“Um…I don’t follow. I admit the lightning stuff was awesome and all, but what are they gonna do to that thing?” Ezreal asked confusedly.
“The templars are going to merge.” The Lieutenant quietly replied.
“Do not let out sacrifice be in vain, and save the survivors.” Lah’rock turned to both Anomandaris and Raynor.
Then the three templars gathered together, and in a moment their bodies disappeared in a ball of blue energy.
--
The giant monstrosity before the leftovers of the army, gave out another laugh, before thrusting its arms at them, shooting out two large blasts of energy. The six champions were the only ones to duck for cover, everyone else didn’t even flinch. Cait, Ez and Blitz merely peeked.
The blasts were flying without even a hint of slowing down, when suddenly they exploded. When the six fully opened their eyes, they noticed that nothing was damaged. Next their gaze shifted to the front. On top of the energy ball the templars had formed a large protoss upper body. The whole thing was slightly shorter than the hybrid, but still quite large.
The energy being stunk of raw power. It was slightly turned to the side, its left arm stretched at the hybrid’s direction, and the hand was in a halt gesture, with the palm steaming. With a very deep and ecoy voice, even for a protoss, it spoke.
“Annihilate!”
Then it thrusted its right arm forward, shooting out lightning like energy from it, right in the hybrid, pushing it back a step. Both beings pushed their arms, shooting their energy blasts in the ones of their opponent. The lightning and beam flows hit eachother, and refused to back down as the two energy giants started to walk at one another, until they grabbed each other’s hands, entering a power struggle, pushing in opposite directions, not breaking eye contact.
After another thrust from both sides, a small energy burst happened. A shock wave came out from the tussling beings, which made both the protoss and the terrans behind them shake. After several hand commands, the two parties followed Raynor past the energy beings, to the large structure.
The elevator took them down to the base level of the silo. They walked down the spacious hallway, leading into the structure. Rabble was scattered all around. The group was put to a halt, when several shots were fired at their feet. Three protoss, holding gaus rifles, from behind a large piece of metal, raised the guns, and their leader spoke to the terrans in the front, not noticing his kinsmen in the back.
“Stop terran scum! You are not taking any of us, so you can make more of those abominations!”
“Whoa there buddy, we’re here to get you off world, not capture you.” Raynor said.
These protoss wore the typical gold armor, but it seemed kind of powered down.
“We want to help you.” The commander continued.
“Don’t lie to me filth!” The leader stated with anger in his voice.
Just when Jim was about to protest, he was cut off by the Lieutenant.
“Lower the weapons.”
The three toss’ eyes widened as they saw the new speaker step forward.
“Lieutenant Anomandaris?” One of them barely uttered.
“We’ve come to rescue you and the other survivors. Now take us to them.” The zealot ordered.
“But sir, how can we trust these terrans?” The leader of the three protested.
What seemed like the mix of rage and annoyance filled Anomandaris’s eyes, forming a scowl on his face. He stepped forward, almost bumping his head in the one of the other protoss, and spoke with a hint of irritation in his tone.
“How can we trust them? Admiral Urun and his squadrons are fighting the zerg monstrosities along with the terrans, awaiting Prelate Mohandar and his fleet to arrive, and destroy this parasite planet. These terrans helped us reach you. Both sides suffered casualties, in order to save you. In fact, if it wasn’t for these terrans’ initiative,” He pointed at Raynor. “…we wouldn’t even know you were even here!”
The zealots were taught to never know fear, but the target of the Lieutenant’s scolding seemed a little shaken from Anomandaris’s small outburst of anger. After a few moments of unbreakable eye contact, the lieutenant continued.
“Now I’d suggest that you start walking, because Mohandar will arrive shortly. Not to mention all of you survivors should be honored beyond imagining. Three fine High Templars sacrificed themselves for you.”
“You don’t mean…that they merged?” The third unnamed protoss asked with a shocked tone.
“Yes. As we speak, the Archon, who shall be known as Sarlah’jor, is fighting a hybrid, which drained the power of five of its kind, so that we might have a chance in getting you out.” Anomandaris stated.
The three exchanged a look or two, before their leader turned around, and motioned for their rescuers to follow. As they were walking, Ezreal walked next to Jim, together with Heimerdinger, and asked the commander.
“Say, what’s the deal with these ‘archons’?”
“Yes it’s quite peculiar indeed. Would you be so kind as to enlighten us about them?” The yordle added.
“I don’t know if now is the right time.” The armored man said.
“Do it.” Anomandaris spoke, not turning to face them and continued walking as he instructed. “Every creature must know of one of the most glorious ways our strongest die.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, what’s this talk of dying, and sacrifice? The dudes were fine. A little rugged looking, but fine.” The Prodigal explorer exclaimed.
“Okay, let me clear that out for you.” Raynor sighted.
All of the champions and most of the terrans hushed, and awaited their commander to start.
“The protoss’s power comes from two different energy “wells”, found inside their very being – the Khala and the Void.”
“Wait, they are connected to the Void?” Leona interrupted.
“No, not all of them. Just the Dark Templars. Before the foundation of the Khala, the Void was the protoss’ power. “The old way”, as it’s called. What do you know of it that made you so jumpy?” Jim wondered.
“Where we come from, there is something also known as the Void.” Caitlyn said with a neutral tone, still bearing her usual stoic expression.
Raynor raised an eyebrow.
“It is a dark place in between worlds, home to nightmarish creatures, who I must say, look very similar to your zerg, but are far more different. More intelligent, and capable of speech. They destroy worlds not to assimilate the life forms on them, but to feed on the magical energies left after a planet’s doom.” Heimerdinger explained.
“Your false “Void” has nothing to do with that of the templars.” Anomandaris spoke up. “The Void known to us is as James Raynor said, a “well” of energy, found in every Dark Templar. It is not a place, and it does not seek power to feast on, but is a sourse of immeasurable power, born in every shadow walker. (D.T.)” The Lieutenant finished.
“Said in a simpler way, the Dark Templars are the Void itself.” The commander said, before continuing. “Some protoss can tap deeper in these “wells of power” more than others. The High Templars are so skilled in using the power of the Khala, that they don’t use weapons like the energy blades of the protoss warriors. The reason dark ones use blades is because their psyonic abilities are different in a way. But templars, both high and dark are not equal. Some are more powerful than others.”
“Different how?” The Revered inventor asked.
Raynor began to explain.
“The Khala teaches how to bring psyonic energy from your mind to the physical world. For example, the storms Saranim, Lah’rock and Kajorn made. They didn’t summon thunder clouds, and make them roar out lightning, they took out the energy from their minds, and materialized it in the form of a storm. Another example, they can infuse their psyonic energy inside of other living being. Combining with the energy already in that body, it creates an overloading “feedback” effect, which fries everything inside of the body, mainly the brain area. This also works on mechanical things as well. As for the Void, it’s more mystical. Instead of physical damage, it deals more with illusion, targeting not the body, but the being. It also has this “feedback” effect, but instead of frying your insides, it burns your very consciousness, or for you magic related folk – your soul. The other abilities it gives the Dark Templars are that of cloaking themselves, and that to teleport between short distances. The similarities between the two are the making of energy blades, reading, communicating with and manipulating minds.”
“Okay but what does that have to do with archons?” Blitzcrank asked.
“I was getting to that.” Jim replied, before continuing. “Both kinds of templars can merge into archons. Their bodies fully transform into pure energy, which combines with that of the other participants in the merging. Removing the physical limits, the protoss who fuse together unlock their own psyonic potential to a full 100%, and combine it.”
“I still don’t see the problem.” Ezreal snorted.
“Even if their bodies are from energy, housing so much power makes them unstable, not to mention that the two or more consciousnesses inside also tear it apart. The whole thing is kept together by the power of the templars and a single strong thought, which the mergers shared, which sustains the archon for twenty minutes tops. In short, the stronger the merging templars are, and the more each of them has concentrated on a single task, the longer an archon can live. But because this fusion means certain eventual death for the templars, they do it only as a last resort, and it is a great honor for any living being to know that sometemplars had made this sacrifice for them.” Raynor finished.
The next few minutes were silent. After them they reached a large room filled with protoss, some armed with terran weaponry, other with their own. Anomandaris stepped forward, and addressed them all.
“Brothers, sisters, your imprisonment on this accursed rock of a world is over!”
Mumbling was heard amongst the crowd, before the Lieutenant continued.
“Both terran and protoss lives were lost in order to save yours. Prelate Mohander’s fleet is arriving to rid the universe of this disease planet, and as I speak to you, the Archon Sarlah’jor is battling an empowered hybrid abomination.”
The mumbling renewed, but this time, the most repeated question was easily heard. – “An Archon?”
“You will have plenty of time to pay your respects to the High Templars, who sacrificed themselves, but first you have to survive.” Anomandaris spoke again.
“Sir, we’ve got five minutes before Mohandar arrives!” Stetman exclaimed worriedly.
In a few minutes all of the protoss got up. Then Jim spoke in his communicator.
“Matt send down the drop ships for pick up.”
--
Upon the surface Sarlah’jor was battling the empowered hybrid. Both giants exchanged purple beams and psyonic lightning bolts, sometimes chucking an object using telekinesis. The place where they had had their power struggle was now a smoldering crater. The archon dodged the torn off leg of a thor, before saying.
“Eradicate!”
Then he thrusted both his arms, shooting psyonic lightning, which hit the hybrid slightly above the knee, tearing off its left leg. The tentacly pale gray and blue mass dropped on the ground. Then Sarlah’jorn stretched his arms to the sides, slowly raising them in the air. Small stones and machine parts all around them started to levitate, when two giant boulders were torn off from the ground. Then the archon clapped his hands, the two boulders squishing the hybrid between them.
The usual mob of roaches, zerglings and hydras charged at him. He fired another set of bolts from his arms, obliterating lots of them. Then the combined army started to come out of the elevator silo, together with the survivors. The zerglings lunged on top of them. One toppled Anomandaris, who held its jaws from delivering a fatal bite. Then a spear punctured the ling’s head, and tossed it away. Pantheon reached down, and pulled the Lieutenant up.
Medivacks and warp prisms started to pick up the survivors as the Archon and the armed troops shot off any hostiles.
--
Matt was giving orders, when he saw a giant white hole open in the empty space to the right of the Hyperion. Twenty phoenixes, twenty three void rays and three carriers leaked out of it. Leading them was a slightly larger, black and orange void ray, with spikes on the rotating boosters around the orange prismatic core. A black helmeted protoss appeared on the screens of Matt and Urun, and spoke.
“En Taro Tassadar! Have the united forces gotten the survivors off world yet?”
“They are just being picked up, Prelate Mohandar.” Captain Horner replied. “We need just a few more minutes.”
“Mohander, position your fleet around the planet, and I will send for the carrier and void rays from mine to add themselves as well.” Urun instructed.
“Orlin allakal alash. It will be done.” The Prelate said before speaking to his fleet. “We press forth!”
--
In the mean time all of the survivors had been picked up by either prisms or medivacks. Next were their rescuers. Several warp prisms loaded the protoss, and the five drop ships sent for Raynor and his crew were being currently boarded. No hostiles were in sight for the past minute. Right before she got on the ship, Leona turned around, and looked at the standing still archon.
“Aren’t you going to leave?!” She yelled so he could hear her over the ship engines.
Sarlah’jor turned around and spoke calmly.
“My task is complete. The people are safe. There is no reason for my existence anymore."
The Radiant dawn’s face formed into a scowl.
“You know, I’ve come to respect your people, but this the biggest load of shit one of you has ever said!” She yelled back at him.
“Bitch what are you doing?! That’s a bloody ARCHON! He’ll kill us now!” A marine exclaimed, before being knocked out by Pantheon.
“Just because you have completed one task doesn’t mean that you have to end your life!” The champion of the sun continued.
The energy giant thought for a second, before speaking.
“But what am I to do?”
Then all of a sudden a warp prism stopped over him, and a voice was heard from it.
“I never thought I’d say this about a terran, but she speaks true!” Anomandaris stated. “You are not dying on this accursed planet! Saranim, Lah’rock, Kajorn, you hear me?! Not on my watch!”
“But what am I to do?” Sarlah’jor repeated his question.
“You can attend the Archon preservation program. Until we find a way to keep you alive you will be in stasis, and revived when your people have need of you again. Besides, as the terrans say.” He chuckled. “There is no way in hell that I am leaving a friend behind!”
After a moment of thought, the Archon simply nodded in acceptance, and the prism loaded him. With that done, Leona boarded as well, and they were off the dreaded world.
--
“Fire!” Mohandar shouted. Twenty four void rays and four carriers surrounding the planet, fired their main weapons at it. The beams hit the surface, and began to dig down to the very core. The planet cracked and magma began to spill on top of it. In a minute, the whole space body exploded into medium chucks of rock.
“Never thought I’d see another one of those since Char Sara.” Raynor almost whispered, as he and the champions joined Matt on the bridge of the Hyperion.
Urun, Mohandar and Anomandaris were in a split screen.
“Thank you James Raynor, and your people, for once again aiding the protoss.” The Admiral said.
“The pleasure is all mine Admiral. Point us to a safe space, where we can transfer to you the survivors aboard our ships. But before that…”
The commander got the three high ranked protoss’ attention.
“I believe these six,” He stepped to the side, revealing the champions. “…have a request for you.”
“And what might that be. Speak terrans.” The Lieutenant said, with what seemed like…a cheerful tone.
“Yes, hello, well--” Heimer began to speak, when a certain mage interrupted him.
“Yeah, hey almighty…aliens. So you see we’re kinda stuck ‘round here and we apparently need your help to get home. So can you give us some of that psystuff you have?” Ezreal blabbed out.
Everyone, the protoss on the screen included, gave him a confused glare. Then Mohandar spoke.
“Some humans have redeeming qualities…you’re not one of them.”
The grinning mage’s face dropped in an instant. Then Heimer picked up, where he was cut off.
“Forgive us for that. He is slightly…underdeveloped in the brain area.”
“HEY!” The Prodigal explorer exclaimed.
“Anywho, we are from far away. Our way back is this rune.” He showed them the enchanted stone. “But it has been cut off from the mana flow, due to its very slim presence in this part of the cosmos. In order for us to return, we have to reconnect it. And for that we need to use some of your psyonic energy. Could it be possible for you to borrow us some?”
The three protoss though it out, while discussing the matter telepathicly. Then Urun spoke.
“Meet us at these coordinates.”
A beeping noise on another holoboard informed them, that they had received a message.
“There we will transfer the survivors, and we will send you a crystal shard charged with psyonic energy.”
Pleased with the terms the champions nodded, as a single thought passed through their minds.
‘Home.’
Author's Note
Yeah, sorry for the long delay guys, you would not believe the amount of shit and shitheads that happened. I hope that the slightly longer chapter makes up for the long time. Do leave a comment, like, favorite and do leave me some feedback.
Have a nice time ya'll! ;)
The collapse of the universe
Exchanging gifts, before goodbyes
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 12: Exchanging gifts, before goodbyes
Kassadin walked with the immortal to the chamber where the protoss were residing. In a minute they reached it, and entered, the door closing behind them. It was pitch black. The only things visible were the power lines on Aramanis’s armor, the bodies of T’Nodan and Moradar, the Void walker’s yellow eyes and the purple energy stripes he emitted on the floor.
Even if not seeing him, Kassadin felt that the aliens’ leader was present, so he spoke into the nothingness in front of him.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes.” Zeratul replied, two yellowishly-green eyes opening in front of the Void walker.
They hovered in the darkness, showing that the templar got up. Then the Prelate stepped forward at him. When he was an arm’s distance, Kassadin’s blade flashed between their faces, giving some more light to the room. Aramanis and Moradar flinched, but yet again returned to their stone positions once Zeratul raised his left arm. The dark templar blinked slowly, as he lowered his arm, before speaking calmly, completely unfazed by the sudden expression of hostility.
“You have potential. Through all my years I have never seen a mind such as yours.”
“Keep it straight grandpa. I don’t like drag outs.” The Void walker snorted.
The Prelate raised his right arm, summoning his blade, lighting the room in the mix of purple and green. He slowly waved it through Kassadin’s, the two energy blades’ tips touching. That of the magically changed man, disappeared, as if cut off, before it returned its original form.
“From what I’ve learned, the Void know to you is a place between dimensions. Strange, but our scientists never had any indication of finding such a thing.” Zeratul began.
“It is a place made, pieced together, and hidden by magic. No mere science could locate it.” Kassadin returned.
The protoss chuckled.
“The last thing one would call our science is mere. Because of its ability to appear throughout space, I fear that this false Void could be a threat to my people. I pierced into the mind of the terran known as Malzahar, but it told me very little. His thoughts were ravaged by the energy you two share, and aside from a few simple facts, only the orders and plans that were given to him were the only things I could unravel.”
“Again you are dragging this out.” The Void walker gave another snort. “Why did you want to speak to me?”
“Unlike his, your mind is preserved…and far more advanced than most I have seen on this world. Even the High Councilors barely near your level. You are something…extraordinary Kassadin. I am surprised that you have not undertaken the path of development like that woman Sona.” Zeratul said.
Kassadin gave a quiet laugh before speaking.
“Okay. First, Sona communicates with her thoughts only because she is physically unable to produce any sounds. And second, what? You want to just dig though my brain and excavate it? I’ve learned firsthand, that scholar work can be both destructive to the thing you try to research, and to yourself. Once such research lead me to the portal, connecting the Void with Runeterra. That’s when this happened to me.”
He showed himself with his left hand.
“My mind is not something for anyone to go through. Even I don’t know how I managed to preserve it. To be trapped inside of the Void…all of that dark energy…and the things that lurked in it…it is horror at its purest.” The Void walker looked down.
“I have come face to face with the so claimed horror at its purest before. One however,…was truly frightening. I saw something which made me feel the cold of the Void fill my being, sending a shiver down my spine.” (fyi when Kassadin says Void he talks about the one from LoL, and Zeratul speaks of the Void of the dark templar. If each wants to say the other Void, it shall be stated)
“And what could have scared you so?” The Void walker wondered.
“A vision, which came from a monstrosity. This vision was given to me by someone we had all though was lost. A vision…of the end of my people… of the end of everything.”
The serious looks of the two dark beings met. His curiosity got the best of Kassadin.
“May you reveal to me this vision?” He asked.
“I propose a trade.” The Dark Prelate said. “I will share the vision with you. I also give you my word that when I manage to contact my people, I will demand for this world to be put under the protection of the empire. In exchange of the secrets, locked away in your mind.”
Kassadin thought about this for a few moments, before nodding in acceptance, removing the magical barriers in his head. Then Zeratul put his hand on the Void walker’s forehead. In an instant, images started to go through his mind. At first a giant slimy eye appeared, and spoke with a slow, as if saddened tone.
‘On a distant shadowed world, the protoss will make their final stand. Their heroes will gather, their forces will be marshaled, and they will die bravely. But still…they will die.’
These words were accompanied by the images of thousands of protoss and their machinery, marshaling their forces for battle.
‘And my zerg, will be slaves…to the hybrid.’
Kassadin saw some slimy insect like creatures, which had some resemblance in appearance with those from the Void. They were thousands, thousands more than the protoss. Then what seemed like the unholy mixture of both protoss and zerg.
‘All will bow before the power, of the fallen one.’ The eye finished.
Next, Kassadin witnessed how Zeratul, several other champions and the remainder of the protoss fight against the zerg and hybrid. At the beginning of the vision the Dark Prelate, he was currently conversing with, said that all of the terrans were consumed. That deeply worried the magically changed man, as he and the people on his own world were technically terrans by protoss standards.
Several High Templar entered a mechanical vault, which was sealed deep into the planet, so they could preserve their knowledge for whoever managed to survive, or appear in the future.
Soon after that, the protoss began to fall. An admiral Urun was the first of the champions, whose life was ended. He simply stated before his ship was destroyed.
‘There’s just…too many of them.’
Not long after, while defending the ramps of their cliff base, Zeratul himself was gone, merely uttering.
‘If only, we had acted sooner.’
The protoss slew countless of the foul beasts and their fouler masters, but they would not stop coming. Next was the Dark Prelate Mohandar, whose ship was obliterated by the blasts of several hybrid destroyers and corruptors. Accepting his demise, he closed his eyes and spoke calmly.
‘I return to the Void.’
His words worried Kassadin for a moment, before he remembered that he did not speak of the abyss he was sent to. Their ground forces were completely annihilated, leaving only the ships. In several minutes the large capital ship, commanded by Executor Selendis was sent to the ground. She merely spoke in self pity.
‘Forgive me great Tassadar. I wasn’t strong enough.’
The last to fall was the mother ship, which housed the protoss’ leader – High Arc Artanis. The angered, in his failed attempt to help in any way, templar asked himself with an irritated tone.
‘Kerrigan. How could we have known?!’
That however did not speak anything to the Void walker, as this ‘Kerrigan’ person was not yet showed in the vision. Once the protoss were fully destroyed, all of the hybrid started to…self destruct, was what Kassadin could describe it as, power reaping from them in unimaginable amounts, obliterating everything around them. As that was happening, a darkened image with red glowing eyes spoke.
‘As I was your beginning…so shall I be your end!’
A wave of energy exploded through the universe, turning everything black, as the dark being continued.
‘Your light is expended. It. Is. Finished!’
The last thing which remained on the pitch black background was the burning red gaze of the mysterious being. Then…the eyes closed, leaving the whole of creation dark.
Zeratul had also had his share of visions from the Void walker’s mind. He saw a young terran scholar approaching some ancient ruins. There he was sent through a portal into utter darkness. Different energies began to fill his body, as all kinds of nightmarish creatures, concealed in void whispered in his thoughts. The man used every last bit of ‘magic’ he possessed to keep the foul influences of that place away from his head, in doing so, squeezing his eyes.
The voices, which spoke in a language, both old and powerful, however had left something in his mind. He saw how the nightmares feasted. They would pick a world, and help it develop to its full potential. Then, they would choose one, who would bring about their arrival. He would cause the beings of that world destroy each other, not bothering to see the danger from afar. Then, when the world was at its weakest, the darklings would burst out of hiding, and destroy everything, consuming every last bit of energy made by the destruction.
‘Malzahar.’ The Dark Prelate realized the role of the mage.
Eventually, in order to escape their grip, the man had to find the exit, so he opened his eyes. What he saw shook Zeratul’s whole being. A highly damaged craft entered the space between dimensions through a portal. Having enough of the mage, the nightmares rushed to it. The protoss recognized the craft from the old archives on Auir, before it was taken by the zerg. That was a Xel’Naga ship.
From the vessel, the creatures managed to rip out a figure, which was just as concealed in darkness as them. It was weak, and dying. The ship bore the scars of a zerg attack. Concentrating harder, putting himself in the very place of the man, he heard what the nightmares said to the new arrival.
‘This one is most interesting. What are you?’ A feminine voice asked.
‘I…’ He coughed. ‘…am the last of my kind...’ Another cough. ‘…at least from those that I used to know…’ He groaned.
‘You have been floating aimlessly through the dark of space for quite a while.’ A deeper voice said, his voice showing off his interest in the being. ‘What happened to you?’ The voice asked.
‘Ungrateful…*cough*…children…’ He replied.
Zeratul managed to hear the creatures giggling and chuckling, before several of them asked in union.
‘What would you give…to have vengeance?’
The being raised his head, and answered.
‘The destruction…of all!’
The creatures began to laugh, before another feminine voice spoke.
‘This one is serious!’
‘And capable of delivering!’ A male voice followed.
‘You shall have your vengeance!’ Another creature said.
‘And you shall feed us!’ Something else followed.
‘Until the end of eternity!’ Another continued.
They began to infuse the being with the energies of the false Void, healing him.
‘And you shall do so by bringing about…’ A new feminine voice said.
‘…The end of all…’ The being finished, its eyes started to burn in a hellish red.
‘No…!’ Was all Zeratul managed to utter, before the connection with Kassadin broke.
The two dark beings backed up a step.
“What…did I just see?” The Void walker asked.
“Exactly what I said. The end of my people, and everything else.” The Dark Prelate replied.
“At the end, the one called Artanis mentioned the name Kerrigan. Who’s that?”
All of the protoss in the room looked at Zeratul, before he explained.
“Kerrigan is the being, who now leads the zerg swarm. She brought about the destruction of many worlds, and the death of millions. But…” He sighted. “Without her leadership over the swarm, they will fall under the command of the hybrid, which will lead to the annihilation of all that we know. That is why, despite of her countless crimes, she must live.”
“I understand.” Kassadin said, before continuing. “I hope that whatever you found in my mind was useful.”
“It was. Apparently our sides of the galaxy are more connected, that we could have possibly imagined.”
Zeratul’s answer confused the Void walker.
“What do you mean by that?” He asked.
“The being which is to bring about out end is one of the gods, a Xel’Naga, and is also an agent of your false Void.” Was the answer.
“I do not understand. What are these “gods”?” The Void walker demanded for an explaination.
“The Xel’Naga are the ones who in a way, created both the protoss and the zerg. They shared their science and technology with us, but when we…strayed from the ways they had intended for us, they abandoned us. That of course angered our ancestors, so they killed many of them. The survivors at some point came across the zerg. They took great interest in their new discovery, and experimented on them. In a matter of weeks, the zerg had become the supreme species on their planet, assimilating every living being there. Not long after, they turned against the Xel’Naga, and consumed them. It was thought that all of them were destroyed, but somehow this one had managed to escape, and now seeks our destruction. While you were trapped in the false Void, the ship of this individual made it there as well, through some kind of portal. There the nightmares healed him, and gave him the start of his plan, in exchange, they would feed for eternity from the energy made by the destruction of the universe.” Was it.
“Wow. Never thought that the beginning of the end of all things was locked away in my brain.” The Void walker stated with a surprised tone.
“I am thankful that you agreed to allow me access to that information.” Zeratul said, before continuing. “I want you to have something, both because you could use it to develop your psyonic power, and because I feel that what I shared with you, was not as significant as that, which you shared with me.”
Then the dark templar walked to the immortal. A hatch opened on the back of the mechanical construct, filled with strange blue crystals. The Prelate took one, and walked to Kassadin, placing the crystal slightly above the wrist of his left arm. It formed a strange black gauntlet around itself and the arm, before changing its color to lavender.
“What is this?” The man, touched by the Void exclaimed.
“You use the energies of the false Void to create the blade on your right arm. This crystal has been dipped in psyonic energy. In order to use its power, you need to concentrate on projecting your own energy, not that of that accursed abyss.” Was the reply.
Kassadin focused his thoughts, and thrusted his arm forward, but nothing happened.
“How long it will take you to learn how to use it however…depends on you only.” Zeratul said.
The Void walker lifted his gaze from his wrist to the Dark Prelate.
--
“…a-a-nd then he t-t-told me to get you s-s-sir.” The summoner stuttered as he and Nasus walked down to Renekton’s cell.
“Are you certain? He spoke clearly, and didn’t threaten you even once?” The Curator of the sands asked.
He still couldn’t believe that his brother might be finally cured.
“Yes. I was just as surprised as you are.” The man replied.
In a minute they were in front of the metal door. The behemoth nodded to the summoner to open it. They walked in, and were met by the yellowishly-green stare of the Butcher of the sands.
“Can we have some privacy?” The reptilian immortal asked.
The man looked up at the jackal, who nodded in agreement. Then the purple cloaked man left the room, leaving the two immortal brothers alone. The two stared at each other in silence for a couple of moments, before Renekton spoke.
“I don’t know what your dark friend did, but it had effect.”
“I’m not entirely sure what he did as well.” Nasus confusedly said, before asking. “How do you feel brother?”
“Like I did, before the evil of the ones, who would misuse the knowledge in the Great Library, corrupted me.” The reptilian behemoth stated, before continuing. “I am so, so sorry for my actions brother. If it were not for my insanity, your students would not have had to sacrifice themselves, so that you could stop me.”
“Guilty you may be brother,…” Nasus said, opened the cage of his sibling, got in, and removed his enchanted locks.
Then he pulled Renekton on his feet, and embraced him in a hug, while saying.
“…but I do not blame you for anything.” Tears dripped from the jackal’s eyes.
The crocodile stood there, with a dumbstruck expression, and speechless, as the jackal’s arms tightened around him.
"I...I don't deserve this..." He mumbled.
"No. The monster that had taken over you does not deserve this. My brother deserves it more than anyone else." Nasus objected.
Renekton's eyes teared as well, as he returned the hug.
"Ahem."
The two soul eaters broke apart, turned around, and saw High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye. Now that she had their attention, she spoke.
"I am really glad to see that you two made up. So does that mean that our deal is complete?"
The Butcher of the sands looked with questioning eyes at his brother, before asking.
"What deal?"
Nasus sighted.
"I agreed that both of us would participate as League champions, until they cured you of your insanity. So now we are free to return to our world."
"Yes, a little more perfection of the runes we gave to the rescue parties we will be able to send you two back." The woman said, before continuing."That however will take us another day at the very least."
"It's better to know a certain amount of time, than to hopelessly wait." Nasus said.
"Come on brother. We don't have anything better to do, so let's have some fun." Renekton chuckled.
"Vessaria, there doesn't happen to be a match you can put us in?" He asked.
"As a matter of fact, there is." She said with a smile.
--
Zeratul stood, together with T'Nodan and High Councilor Kolminye, above a pool of water, and they watched the match that was currently taking place.
Cho’Gath was accompanied by the newest addition to the League. A strange being, that stunk of death. That was more than common for the ones that came from the Shadow Isles, but this one was different. The death he wriecked of was not your usual blood, rotting or burning flesh, but of the spirits that once inhabited such flesh with flowing blood. Something seemed kind of off about him, and Cho couldn’t quite put his claw on it. As they walked up the top lane, curiosity emerged victorious, and the Terror of the Void asked.
“What brought you here?”
“The request of a friend.” He replied, chuckled and continued. “And the chance to finish something.”
A smug mischievous smirk colored his metal like face. That only increased the large beast’s confusion. The minions marched in front of them. The one leading the wave was crushed by Nasus’s staff. The behemoth towered before them, even if a few heads shorter than Cho’Gath, and bore a happy grin.
“What’s the little puppy so happy about?” Thresh asked with a mocking note in his tone.
As if to give an answer, a giant curbed blade flew out of the bush, cutting down three minions.
“Because, you are about to…” The crocodile behemoth said.
“…regret making that comment.” His jackal sibling finished.
As the two lunged into battle, a small voice at the very back of the red giant uttered quietly.
“Uh-oh.”
The bot lane was currently the battle zone between Moradar and Aramanis, who were fighting Kog’Maw and Zed. The two champions capable of projectile attacks shot at each other, while giving cover fire for their partners. The Master of shadows, had insisted on going with the Mouth of the Abyss, because he wanted to see how good of a fighter was the zealot, he had heard so much praise for.
At this point his decision was getting him mighty pissed. The protoss had refused to even summon his blades, easily deflecting the dark ninja’s slashes, stabs and punches with just his arms and hands, while dodging the blades he threw at him.
At mid was what seemed like the oldest sight in the universe. Kassadin was yet again battling Malzahar.
“Why do you keep bothering in resistance, and not embrace your fate of bringing forth the end of this miserable world?” The seer harassed his opponent’s mind.
Like usual the Void walker paid little attention to the words of the mage.
They were about eight minutes into the match, when the first victim came. Moradar and Aramanis were taking on the offensive. The stalker had made several bad wounds on Kog’Maw’s body, forcing him and his teammate to back up. Because he could see through their minds, he took notice of Zed’s irritation of the zealot still not using his weapons. Given that he did not have that much of a need for them, Aramanis continued to keep them away, taking slight pleasure of the rage he made the ninja experience.
The worm like creature spit out a ball of ooze in order to slow their pursuers, but it would not hurt if one got crushed by it. Unfortunately for them, Moradar grabbed his partner, and blinked behind the spit out ball. Because Kog was too far away, and was kept there by the stalker, Aramanis hit Zed with several quick jabs in the gut, making him kneel, and then crunched the ninja’s neck with his bare hands(strengthened by the bio enhancers in his armor).
[FIRST BLOOD!] The loud voice announced.
Top was rocking hard. Both sides were unsuccessful at pushing their opponents. Two minions dropped souls, when they died. Thresh was eager to get them, so he threw his lantern forward, which was a mistake. Just when it landed, Renekton lunged forward, and stepped on the chain, stopping the Chain warden from pulling it back. Then Nasus smashed it with his staff. The souls leaked out, and were consumed by the soul eaters.
Then the Butcher of the sands grabbed the chain, and pulled Thresh to them. The ghost keeper was instantly slowed by the Curator of the sands' Wither, before taking a Siphoning strike to the chest. Cho was unable to assist his partner, because after the pull, Renekton double dashed, and slashed the Terror of the Void three times, due to his build up fury, and stunned him.
Near the brink of death, the spiritual being summoned five ghostly walls around himself, and as his back was facing the jackal, he swept his chain, pushing him back in it. Whatever relief that he had of escaping burned away, once the crocodile dashed at him, and swung his blade, slicing his head off.
[An enemy/ally has been slain!] Was heard throughout the map.
Now that he was alone, Cho'Gath retreated to his tower, awaiting Thresh's return.
In the following two minutes, the two touched by the Void were brawling. Kassadin's game was slightly slipping. He cut down a siege minion with his nether blade, not noticing the two pillars which appeared on both his sides. Two waves of purple energy hit the Void walker, subduing his magical abilities. That made him flinch, which gave Malzahar to swoop in, and assault his mind, before killing him.
The ground beneath the bladesman turned into a purple hole, when the Prophet of the Void kicked him in the back, making him fall on his arms. Then the hooded mage took the hand on which was his blade, twisted it back, forcing the purple blade to be unsummoned, because if it returned, it would puncture Kassadin's neck. As he was held in a pin, venom started to drip from Malzahar's concealed mouth.
"Pitiful. And you call yourself the keeper of balance? How could a weakling such as you even think, that he could stop the Void? Embrace it, without the power of the abyss, you are nothing!"
The words were suddenly silenced by another voice, which came in Kassadin's head.
'He is wrong. You are stronger than that vile, twisted version of darkness.'
'Zeratul?' The Void walker thought as he recognized the voice's owner.
'Remember, it is only you, who can either turn the mage's words into weapons, or into meaningless waste of his breath.' The Dark Prelate continued.
Vessaria Kolminye questioningly eyed the highly focused expression on the templar's face.
'What are you doing?' She wondered.
Kassadin heeded the protoss's words, and concentrated. As Malzahar continued to ramble, while the purple hole beneath them slowly took away the Void walker's life, he lifted his left arm, staring at the gauntlet that was on it. As the Prophet of the Void finished his monologue.
"Face it, you have no hope, nor chance of victory!"
Kassadin exclaimed. "I disagree!"
A second blade appeared from the gauntlet on his left arm, and he stabbed it in Malzahar's face. The mage's grip weakened, as the purple hole disappeared, and his body fell lifeless to the ground. Zeratul's eyes showed a look of pride.
'This terran really is promising.' T'Nodan mentaly said to the Dark Templar.
'Yes, he is indeed.' The Prelate replied.
[An enemy/ally has been slain!] [An enemy/ally has been slain!] The loud voice announced twice, because just as Kassadin proved Malzahar wrong, Thresh had pulled Nasus with his chain, giving Cho'Gath the chance to land a successful rupture.
A spike pierced through the behemoth’s full body height. At bot things weren’t smooth either. Kog’Maw was heavily targeted by the two protoss.
The voidling and the shadowy ninja did their best to protect themselves, managing to take the aliens’ shields. Making the mistake to turn around, and spit out a ball of ooze, cost the Mouth of the Abyss his life to the shots of the stalker. The two tosses got distracted by the kill, giving Zed the opportunity to land a Death Mark on the stalker, summoning several shadow clones of himself, stabbing Moradar several times. When the mark triggered and exploded, the stalker was nearly dead. The two aliens targeted him, not noticing a bubbling mass with leaking purple goo run right next to them. It was too late to evade it.
[DOUBLE KILL!]
In the next fifteen minutes, the score was 25 for the team of the aliens, soul eaters and Void walker(team blue), and 23 for the voidling, mage, ghost and ninja(team purple).
Team blue were in the lead with a tower, but their opponents had two successful dragon kills. The next team fight was at hand, the outcome of which depended who would take the mid inhibitor turret. The now bigger than a nexus Cho’Gath engaged first, followed by the cover fire of Kog’Maw.
Nasus and Renekton began to drain the souls of their opponents, enlarging themselves to but two heads shorter than the red beast. The crocodile lunged inside of the enemy team, spinning his blade, and stunning the Prophet of the Void. Thresh summoned his box, making things harder for the enemy team. Zed finally got his wish, and Aramanis summoned his blades. Unfortunutely for the purple team, the zealot charged from Nasus's right, and under Cho, cutting through the beast's left leg.
The Terror of the Void collapsed on the ground, getting his skull crushed by the enlarged behemoth's staff. Just as the protoss emerged from the other side of Cho'Gath's leg, Thresh hooked him with his scythe, before a ball of ooze left a gaping hole in his chest. Then Aramanis disappeared in a cloud of energy. Kassading rift walked inside of the enemy team, immediately targeting Kog'Maw, but the instant he appeared, Malzahar caught him in with his Nether Grasp.
Just as life left the Void walker's body, Renekton cut off the Prophet's head, leaving the two touched by the Void dead. Thresh yet again threw his scythe, yanking Moradar. The Mouth of the Abyss went in for the kill, but just as he went in, a giant staff smashed him into the ground. Next the two soul eaters focused on Thresh. Along with the stalker, they surrounded the Chain warden. A mischievous smirk crept on the ghostly being's face, as he summoned the pillars, which made his box, trapping his opponents inside.
The stalker noticed that the bubbling, goo dripping corpse of Kog was right beside them. This time however, Moradar was prepared. He grabbed both of his allies, and blinked outside of the box with them. The wormlike creature exploded, taking Chain warden with him.
[Um…EXE-CUTED!...I think?] The loud voice was confused.
Before the three survivors could focus him down, Zed emerged on top of the stalker’s back, and stabbed it in the head. Each of the now in their normal size immortal brothers, grabbed the Shadow master’s arms, and ripped him in two.
[DOUB—Wait. Hmm…This is a…du—al kill…maybe?] The announcer was getting mentally harassed by these kinds of things.
The soul eaters ran straight for the enemy base, not bothering with the minions. They quickly smashed the inhibitor, and made for the nexus turrets. The towers blasted away, but the behemoths were too durable for them. Their empowered by trinity force attacks dealt tons of damage, bringing down the two stone structures, and they focused the nexus. It exploded just when Cho'Gath respawned, and a single line of though went through his mind.
‘Oh not again.’
[VICTORY!/DEFFEAT!]
The loud voice announced the end of the match. After they were returned to the Institute, Nasus and Renekton put a hand over each other’s shoulder, while giving out a loud laugh.
“Oh I had forgotten how much fun it was to fight alongside with you brother!” The jackal exclaimed.
“And I had forgotten how nice it was to fight while being sane!” The crocodile replied.
The teammates were met by Zeratul and T’Nodan. Just before the templar could say something, the jackal grabbed him, Aramanis and Kassadin in a hug, and said.
“You guys are coming with us to the mess hall, our treat.”
“That is not necessary.” The zealot stated, before continuing. “We sustain ourselves with crystals which radiate psyonic energy.”
“And you know I can consume magic from around me.” The Void walker added.
“Oh come on you stuck ups. We have an occasion to celebrate for, plus one does not simply say no to an immortal.” Renekton stepped in.
‘Are they always like this?’ Zeratul asked Kassadin mentally.
‘No, usually the crock wants to either strangle, gut open, and or to spread his brother’s insides all around the world, and the dog desperately tries to cure him of his madness. But this is different.’ Was the reply.
‘I believe I “cured” him.’ The Dark Templar said.
‘Well in that case it will be better for us to not deny them. I mean, the guys are pretty dangerous.’
‘If you say so.’
As always the conversation lasted no more but a moment. All of the protoss and the void man sighted in union.
--
The mess hall tables were occupied by both summoners, and champions, who were currently at the institute. Almost everyone was speaking about the match that had just ended. On a single corner table, Sona sat alone, and chugged down a mug of ale.
‘Oh yeah, you keep on chattering down, nobody bother even sitting with the silent girl.’ She thought with an angry expression.
But in a moment it softened into a saddened one.
‘Oh I’d kill for some company right now.’ She thought, and lifted the mug again, closing her eyes.
All of a sudden, something rocked the table. The Maven of the strings almost chocked as her peepers opened up. The four aliens, along with Kassadin and the two soul eater brothers had barged in on the bench in front of her.
‘Wait…the two of them?’ She narrowed her gaze, then, all of a sudden she jumped back realizing that the Butcher of the sands was there.
“It’s alright Miss Sona, he isn’t what he used to be.” Nasus calmed her down.
Mistrusting, she got back on her seat.
“You know, I’ve been feeling really weird, ever since the match. Like there’s been something unlocked in me.” Kassadin said.
“That’s because you are rejecting the energies of the false Void, and you are starting to use your own.” Zeratul said.
‘Great, the guys that can hear me have made Kassadin nuts, and possibly those two.’ The maiden thought.
“Wait…Sona…did you just talk?!” The Void walker exclaimed.
‘What the hell are you talking about?’
“I can hear you talk!”
‘Seriously?’ She gave a deadpanned expression.
“What are you talking about?” Renekton asked, as he took a bite from a roasted cow leg.
“Zeratul, is by any chance, hearing other beings’ thoughts part of the psyonic thing?” Kassadin asked.
The Dark Prelate returned a nod. All of a sudden, four more people joined in, sitting next to Sona.
“Well, ain’t this a surprise.” A ninja in a green suit said.
“You two…” A one in a blue suit spoke up, pointing at the behemoths. “…That ripping Zed in two, couldn’t have done it better myself.”
“Thanks…I guess?” Nasus replied as he took a sip from his drink.
Between the Fist of shadow and the Maven of the Strings sat a woman with black hair, tied into a ponytail, which wore a very scarce fur outfit, and a small person in a purple suit with yellow stripes.
"We shall be taking our leave." The Dark Prelate said. "Vessaria Kolminye has informed us that, that the summoners are making progress on our return, but they need our presence, to fixate on our energy signature, so they can find at the very least, the sector of the galaxy, from which we came from." Was the answer to the questioning gazes the Templar had gathered.
Then the protoss left the mess hall. The champions eyed each other. Sona put on a questioning look on her face, and pointed at Kassadin.
'So, let me get this straight. You and those guys, are the only people who can hear me, they are going to leave in a day or so, and you won't be going anywhere for a while, correct?' She asked him mentally.
"Yes, your point is?" The Void walker replied deadpanned.
The Maven of the strings put her right hand in her robe, through her cleavage, and pulled out a sack of gold coins. She tossed it on the table, and again pointed at Kassadin, thinking.
'You're hired.'
"What in the darkest pits of the Void do you mean hired?!" He exclaimed.
"Ooooooh." Nidalee said, as she put her hand over her mouth.
A death glare from the Void walker however, made her but her hand back down, and she sipped from her drink in silence.
"Hired for what exactly?" He repeated his question.
'From now on, you are my personal speaker.' Was the reply.
"Are you kidding me?!" The man exclaimed once again.
'What? Gold not good for you? Maybe you want a full pay?' The Maven asked, and grabbed her robe, but just as she was about to unveil her cleavage, which Shen and Kennen couldn't wait to happen, Kassadin threw both of his hands forward in a stopping position, before speaking.
"NO, no, STOP! Fine I'll take the job. Gold is fine, just don't go that far, okay?!"
Letting go of her robe, and with a warm smile on her face, Sona gave a nod in approval.
"Ooooh." The two ninja guys sighted, and leaned on the table.
"What do you mean Ooooh?" Akali asked with a deadly cold note in her tone.
“Nothing, nothing at all." They said in union, instantly straightening their backs.
'Actually, why are you hanging with them Nid?' Sona thought.
Then looked with irritation at Kassadin, who sighted in defeat, and repeated her words.
"Because I'm having some problems at the moment, and I need to do something, to take them off my mind." The Bestial huntress replied.
'And what could that be? I mean, what could possibly bother one of the most straight up gals in the League.' The Maven put on a sly grin.
After her words emerged with the Void walker's annoyed voice, Nidalee kinda snapped, and yelled.
"Well let's see how you do, WHEN YOU ARE IN HEAT, IT's MATING SEASON, AND YOUR GUY IS NOT ARROUND! And before you ask, NO! I can't get myself another one, cuss when Rengar comes back, he will probably skin me alive!"
Both Sona and Kassadin had put on dumbstruck faces, and had slightly leaned backwards, before he said.
"Sorry for asking."
"Well you should." The huntress deadpanned at the musician.
"Actually, both of us said that in union." The Void walker cleared out.
"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT YOU BITCH?!" The group turned their gazes behind the ninjas, who were sitting next to Nidalee and Sona, and saw how Morgana was yelling at her sister.
"Such language. Young lady you are grounded!" Kayle stated loudly.
Just like when she was not in a match, the blond angel like being, still wore her armor, but not her helmet.
"What the hell? I am an all powerful mistress of darkness, you can't ground me!" Her sister protested.
"This isn't a debate Morgana. You are grounded, and that's final!" Her elder sister said, took her hand, and dragged her out of the mess hall.
"NO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! I WILL KILL YOU, YOU SORRY BITCH! YOU HEAR ME?! I KILL YOU!!!"
"Stop it sis, you're making a scene." Kayle managed to say, before the two were out of the other champions and summoners’ hearing range.
"Aah, she’s both so beautiful, and knows how to take charge." Nasus sighted, with a dreamy grin on his face.
Everyone on the table stared at him with surprised looks.
"Bro, I never knew you had it for the angel." Renekton said.
"Come on brother, don't tell me, that from all the time we've been here, you haven't got your eye on someone." The jackal teased.
"Well..." The crock chuckled.
"If I have to be honest, her sister has been giving me ideas."
This time even the Curator of the sands was mindblown by the statement.
"You are into Morgana? Seriously?" Akali asked.
The Butcher of the sands shrugged.
"What can I say. I have a thing for the feisty ones."
Author's Note
Hey guys. I bring you this quick and spacious update, because I wuv ya(no hommo), aand...because I will probably not be abble to post anything in the next month.
The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 13: Silence!
As the vessels flew above their heads, the small group was now recovering, after knocking the spirit of chaos out. As the green apparition got up, Celestia sighted in relief.
"At least Discord is stopped."
"I wouldn't get my hopes up just yet Princess." The Harbinger of doom spoke up, then continued. "This guy is mighty strong. You'll need a far more effective way of containing him, than the one you currently used."
The solar goddess fell in thought as the three mares helped each other up. The ghostly scarecrow turned his attention to the little filly next to him, and asked her.
"Annie, are you okay?"
"Slightly bruised, but I'm fine uncle Fiddle." She said with a warm smile on her face and with watered eyes.
Fiddlesticks chuckled, ruffled her hair, and said with a sight.
"I'm glad. I'd really dislike it if I broke my promise."
"Because breaking a promise is the fastest way to lose a friend!" Pinkie exclaimed, as she stepped out from a window of a demolished building, holding a dumbstruck Spike in her left hooves.
Te sudden appearance of the mare made the scarecrow cover the filly's ears, not moving his stare from the pink pony. When he was sure Annie couldn't hear anything, he exclaimed.
"How in the almighty..."
A window pane fell on the ground, and shattered loudly.
"...did you two get here?!"
"Don't ask me. One moment I'm helping clean a section in the Canterlot Archives, the next I find myself in Pinkie's grasp, hanging from the window of a demolished building." The purple dragon said, with slight shock in his voice.
The spirit turned his head to face the Princess, but because she was still in deep thought, Applejack answered the unsaid question.
"It's Pinkie Pie, don' question, and just go with it."
"Aha..." He merely uttered, allowing the little filly to hear again.
"So...what happened here?" Spike asked, after the pink mare had let him go, and both walked to Rainbow, Rarity and AJ.
"It was so AWESOME!" The cyan pegasus exclaimed, before continuing. "First Discord was like 'I got the powa!'" Her excited grin turned to a light scowl. "Then he wrecked the town, and had us running for our bits." Suddenly the grin returned."But then Fiddle here drained some of his power, became all metal with a diamond scythe, and..." Her face turned to an expression, which showed disgust. "What happened next was kind of disturbing..." Grin again. "But in the end he beat him!"
"Whoa, that really was awesome!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"Fiddlesticks." Celestia addressed the scarecrow. After he turned to face her, she continued. "You are correct, the way we used to trap Discord is obviously not strong enough to hold him for as long as we'd prefer. If I may ask, do you happen to know any kind of imprisonment spell, which could contain him?"
He thought for a moment, before answering.
"Actually I do. The summoners from my world taught me the spell with which to imprison a living nightmare, which I was trying to cure of his bloodlust. Whatever it is used on, can’t use any sort of magic, while contained, but while it is impenetrable from the inside, it can easily be broken from the outside."
"It sounds like just the thing we need." The alicorn replied. "What do you require so you can make this spell?" She asked.
"You don't happen to have an enchanted crystal which cannot be breached by magic?" The Harbinger of doom said.
"As a matter of fact I do." The sun goddess stated.
Then her horn began to glow in a yellow aura. In a moment, a twelve inch, light pink crystal emerged from the ground. The apparition picked it up, and put it next to the still unconscious spirit of chaos. After motioning for every pony and dragon to back away, he stretched his arms at the crystal and the draconequs. A green line of energy began to flow from Discord, up in the palm of the scarecrow's left arm, while another line of energy, this one purple, leaked out of his right palm, and into the crystal. If Fiddlesticks's expression was any indicator, he was being highly exhausted by this.
The ponies just stood there, and watched in awe. Slowly, Discord's body began to vanish, and in a minute he was gone. The scarecrow dropped on its knees, panting loudly. Annie trotted next to him, and nudged him with her muzzle.
"Is it done?" The solar princess asked.
"Nearly..."*pant*"...the only thing left, is to hit the crystal with an enormous amount of magic, so it can reverse the outside unbreachability, and harden the spell." Was the reply.
"If Twilight and Fluttershy were here, we could use the Elements of Harmony on it." Rarity stated.
"Yes, that would work." The scarecrow said.
"Okay, so I brought you the Twilight girl, and you froze her..." Shaco stepped in, before continuing. "...but I have no idea where this "Fluttershy" is."
Just as Celestia was about to say something, one of the vessels in the sky, lowered itself above them, and in several flashes of light appeared three beings, and a strange contraption. The beings were by the looks of it protoss, like Klastanar. Two of them wore golden armor, just like his, and the third seemed slightly smaller than the two, and wore armor, which also represented something like a robe.
Along with them was a strange field of energy, with several...puzzle pieces, the ponies thought, hovering in it.
"Are you sure that this is it?" The robe wearing protoss, female, judging by her voice, asked.
"Yes Executor, this is the central point of the whole land mass the zerg had been going through." One of the two responded, as both were pressing strange runes at the base, which was emitting the field, holding the pieces.
"We are ready to fire, and annihilate all zerg DNA signatures." The other one spoke up.
'Annihilate?!' Celestia thought, putting on a shocked expression.
"WHAT DO THEY MEAN ANNIHILATE?!" Rainbow shouted.
All four mares, along with the Princess went to the strangers, leaving the three champions alone.
"Good, fire at my command." Selendis said, when a blue creature, with a rainbow colored hair flew in front of her face, and started to talk with attitude at her.
"Listen you! You are not annihilating anything! Our friend is infected with that zerg hooey!"
Selendis barely even flinched at that. All of a sudden a strange force, wrapped around the cyan pegasus, and threw it behind the Executor's back. She was still looking at her men work, not even bothering to acknowledge the ponies. Celestia had put on an angry expression, and addressed the strange woman with the royal Canterlot voice. "I am the ruler of this kingdom, and I DEMAND that you state your buis--"
She was cut off, by Selendis, who turned around to face her, stomped her leg in the ground, and spoke with a voice, which sounded at least twice as loud as the one the solar princess was using.
"SILENCE!"
That one word, unleashed a shockwave, which pushed the smaller ponies with a few inches, and left Celestia mute and dumbstruck. For the first time in a long while, the sun goddess felt her legs soften, because of the mix of respect...and fear. With that done, the Executor turned to her soldiers, and said.
"Fire."
'No...' The ponies thought.
A giant flash of light exploded in a dome. From the dark of space could be seen, how the energy wave went through the entire planer. In her room, the frozen shell around Twilight Sparkle cracked.
After a moment passed, every pony noticed that they, the champions and the protoss, were untouched. The pieces in the field formed a strange pillar, and disassembled in a moment.
"What just happened?" Rarity asked.
Once the effect of the blinding flash left the princess's eyes, she was about to lay out her rage on top of the aliens, but was stopped by the creek of a door. All ponies turned around, and saw how a familiar lavender unicorn, with a groggy expression, was rubbing her head, as she came out of the library. No trace of the bony covering, that had appeared on her body, was found.
"Ugh...what did I miss?" Twilight asked.
The answer came in the form of all her friends and mentor, surrounding her in a group hug. She could feel tears making contact with her fur.
"Ookay..." The mare uttered.
"TWILIGHT YOU'RE ALRIGHT!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"What is that supposed to mean?" The unicorn in question was confused.
"You were infected with the zerg virus my pupil. I had to cast a freezing spell on you, o it wouldn't spread." Celestia explained.
"But I thought Klastanar said that there was no cure to the virus?" Twilight exclaimed.
"We are as clueless as you are darling." Rarity said.
"Hey wait." Pinkie stepped up. "Didn't those guys..." She pointed at the protoss. "...say that that puzzle thingie annihilates zerg DNA?"
"Yeah, so?" The cyan pegasus deadpanned.
"Well, maybe that flashy thing that happened cured Twilight?" The pink mare theorized.
"Ah, Miss Sparkle, it's nice to see you are okay." Fiddlesticks greeted the mare.
“It most certainly is Fiddle.” The lavender unicorn replied.
She then turned her attention towards the three protoss. She narrowed her eyes at the female alien, but just as she was about to speak to her, another prismatic vessel stationed itself on top of the town center, or at least what was left of it. The ship changed its form, illuminating the ground, making a circle of light. In several flashes appeared familiar figures.
First a pony in spiked metal armor, who wielded a giant mace within the grasp of a green aura. Next was a bipedal creature, whose head looked like that of a manticore. His eyes looked very strange. In his right hand was a blade, and with his left he was dragging the creature, which released Discord. It appeared to be unconscious. Then followed a strange being, with the lower body of a pony, and the upper one was humanoid. It held a lance in its right hand. Once these unknown to Celestia beings gathered with the ponies and the three champions, the ghostly centaur stationed his weapon in the ground, and reached behind his back with both hands.
"I believe these belong to you." He said, after which he brought his arms forward.
Hecarim was holding two creatures by the necks. In his left hand was Fluttershy. Her friends and the Princess gasped. She had returned to her normal appearance, with the only difference being several locks of brown, spider-leg like hair among her mane and tail. Celestia recognized the other creature to be Chrysalis. Her silky mane and tail had both greenish blue and purplish stripes, and in her see through wings, the sun goddess noticed multiple purple veins.
Both mares hanging from the specter's hands were unconscious. The ponies took them, and put them on the ground.
"Are there anymore cases like them?" Celestia asked, not taking her eyes off the yellow pegasus.
“Hundreds like the bigger one. All of them got knocked out while the other things burned to a crisp.” The ghostly centaur replied.
The sun princess closed her eyes in a mental sight, then her horn glowed yellow, summoning a piece of paper and an inked quill, after which she started writing something.
Klastanar was the last to emerge from a flash of light. As he moved forward, he scanned his surroundings. During his visual sweep, the glance of a figure caught his attention, and made his eyes widen with awe. He rushed to her, and kneeled as he said.
“En Taro Tassadar Executor Selendis.”
“En Taro Tassadar, Captain Klastanar I presume.” She replied, before accompanying her next word with a rising hand gesture. “Arise.”
He complied to the order, and once his eyes towered slightly above hers, he spoke.
“I never imagined that you would receive my distress signal. I am humbled and honored to be in your presence.”
“Formalities are unnecessary Captain.” She replied calmly. “You have performed your duties to the letter by discovering and protecting this world from the zerg scum.”
Klastanar’s gaze fell from hers.
“It was I who originally dragged the foul wretches here, and brought nothing but spiteful pain and fear to this world.”
Selendis placed a hand on his cheek, making him quickly shift the direction of his eyes.
“I received the report. It was impossible to foresee the hybrid attack. Be certain that I will make sure that High Arch Artanis rewards you properly, but now we must leave.” She let go.
Her words made the ponies, Celestia included, to turn their attention to them.
“Wha? Yer leavin’ so soon?” Applejack asked with surprise.
“But you can’t leave yet!” Twilight exclaimed, before continuing. “There’s so much we want to learn from you! All of your technology and advancements are so amazing!”
“Yeah, not to mention that first we have to throw you a “Fare well, don’t get lost in space!” party!” Pinkie finished.
“Sorry, my duties to this world have ended, but those to my people are still at hand.” Klastanar stated.
Twilight’s eyes watered, both from the fact that she was probably never going to see her friend again, and that she wouldn’t be able to study the technology of his people. She then shut her eyes, getting a grip, and walked forward to him.
“I want you to have this.” The lavender unicorn said.
Then her horn glowed in a purplish aura. All of a sudden a piece of red cloth emerged from thin air. On it was the banner of Equestria. A circle split in two, one half representing a golden sun and the other, a moon. While it was still in the mare’s magical grasp she tied it to his left arm, and uttered her last words, bearing both watered eyes and a warm smile.
“Promise me you won’t forget us.”
The protoss nodded as he replied.
“I promise, Twilight Sparkle.”
--
“Hold on a moment.” Fiddlesticks spoke up. “Where is Nocturne?”
“A baneling exploded on him, our medics are doing their best to save him.” The Captain said.
Then he stepped closer to the green apparition, and gave him a small blue crystal with a golden ring around it. “Once he is well enough, we will warp him to you by this device.”
The scarecrow looked down at the thing.
‘The Captain’s ship has been recovered Executor.’ One of the other two protoss reported to Selendis.
‘Very well. Signal the engineers to prepare the ships for warp jump.’ She thought before speaking.
“I am sorry to interrupt, but we have important matters to attend to.”
After that, the Princess gave her farewells.
“Safe travels friends, and I hope that we meet again, but on better terms.”
After receiving nods from Klastanar and Selendis, they, the two other protoss and the artifact boarded the two warp prisms above them in a flash of light. The vessels flew up to the capital ship of the Executor. Many others like them could be seen coming from the Everfree. In a few minutes the engines of the ships charged, and they all disappeared in the blink of an eye, to parts unknown.
All of a sudden the small crystal levitated from Fiddlesticks’s hand and hovered above the ground. Then it burst into light, and once it faded, in its place stood something bizarre. It seemed like the Living Nightmare, only he was covered in polished silverfish metal, revealing bared red flesh. His blades shined. All around his metal suiting could be seen glowing red energy stripes. More red energy was pumping form underneath, allowing him to hover. The energy tail was surrounded by several rings. Everyone stared him with their mouths agape. He then opened his arms in an inviting gesture, before saying in a slightly cheerful voice.
“Miss me?”
The scarecrow slammed his hand on his head, before uttering. “You, you, you…”
“Have to admit, he looks kinda awesome.” Shaco and Rainbow Dash said in union, before exchanging confused looks.
“What exactly did they put on you?” Rengar asked.
“This strange metal radiates something called “psionic energy” from the Void, and before you ask, no, not the Void we know of, some other one, which isn’t that bad.” Nocturne replied.
“Man, you look like something that came out of the Nether, run couple of miles in silver and through a hot forge.” Mord stated quickly.
“Et-er-num?” Annie stuttered, unable to fully comprehend the fast words from the Master of metal’s mouth.
“Huh, that actually sounds pretty good. Eternum Nocturne.” The Living Nightmare said.
Celestia finished writing, and wrapped the sheet of paper in a scroll. She then pulled over Spike, and asked him to send it to Shining Armor.
“Princess what is this?” Rarity asked.
“I’ve instructed Twilight’s brother to gather as many guards as possible, and sweep the forest for any changeling they can find.” The sun goddess returned, before turning to the scarecrows. “Fiddlesticks, could you possibly teach me this containment spell?”
“Well it would take some time, but I guess you need it in a short notice?” He asked.
“Precisely.”
“Well I guess there is a way…”
A green crow came out of his forehead, leaped off, and went inside Celestia’s. That made the alicorn take a step back, and place a hoof over her head.
“WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!” Rainbow immediately reacted.
“Relax featherbrain, I only transferred my knowledge of the spell to her mind, nothing too serious.” The Harbinger of doom replied completely unfazed by the pegasus’s sudden outburst.
“Princess what do you need that spell for?” Twilight asked, with slight worry in her voice.
“Maybe she wants to contain all of the changelings in a crystal, like Fiddles did with Discord?” Pinkie stated out of the blue, munching on a cupcake she got from who knows where.
That gathered her pony friends’ surprised stares, making her exclaim.
“What?”
“You are correct Pinkie Pie.” Celestia spoke. “Now let’s take care of this.”
Her horn began to glow green, after which she bowed down, until it touched the unconscious Fluttershy. In an instant the cream pegasus’s eyes burst open. The sudden start made her sit up and hyperventilate a bit. When she got a hold of herself she sighted in relief, as her friends caught her in a group hug.
“Oh dear, what happened?” She wondered.
“What do you mean what happened? We just saved Equestria! Again!” Her cyan friend exclaimed happily.
“Um…I’m afraid I can remember anything from the past two days.”
“Really?” Nocturne’s appearance made her squeal and hide behind her friends.
Then he spoke again, this time trying to look less intimidating.
“You honestly don’t remember trying to rip us apart with pure force…” He gestured to the others from the group.
They did not appeal very much to Fluttershy as well.
“…along with her?” The Living Nightmare finished, pointing at the sleeping Chrysalis.
Once the timid pony’s eyes saw the changeling queen she screamed, quickly dug out a small hole, and stuffed her head inside.
“Apparently you don’t.” The darkling sighted.
“Come now sugarcube, these guys may look scary, but they are pretty nice folks.” Applejack calmed her friend.
With watered eyes the pegasus got up, and said in her usual timid way.
“Um…I’m sorry. I don’t remember anything.”
“Meh, it’s alright. Not exactly something worth rem--” Nocturne was cut off by Fiddlesticks.
“Sorry to interrupt, but it’s getting kinda drafty over here.” He said, rubbing his arms in a self hug.
After no one uttered a word in a few moments, the scarecrow cleared what he meant.
“Anybody got something decent I can wear for a while?”
“Oh, right!” Rarity exclaimed.
Next she disappeared in a blue flash. In a minute she was back with the Tuxedosticks.
“Fortunately my shop didn’t get damaged, and so did this.” The fashionista stated.
“Thanks.” The Harbinger of doom said, before taking on the tux, after which he excused himself from the group.
“If you don’t mind, I have some body parts to collect. Annie, come on.”
“Okay.” The filly replied happily and followed her uncle.
--
“So, what now?” Shaco asked.
“First of, I am going to put my new knowledge to good use.” Celestia said, after which she summoned another enchanted crystal from the ground. This one was green, and an exact copy of Chrysalis’s body structure.
Next the Princess used the containment spell. Two lines of energy came out from the tip of her horn. Just like Fiddlesticks did, the green one absorbed the changeling queen, and the purple one inserted her within the crystal statue.
“I know that spell.” Nocturne said, sounding kinda grumpy.
“We know. Fiddle told us.” Twilight stepped in.
“He said we had ta blast ‘em crystals with some powerful magic to…what’cha ma call it the effect.” Applejack spoke.
“We could use the Elements?” The lavender unicorn suggested
“That was our origianl intention, but they are all locked inside a special chest in Canterlot.” Celestia stated.
“Can’t you teleport to there, or can’t Dashie go get the chest?” Rarity asked.
“Either way will take some time.” The Princess replied.
“Excuse me Princess.” Pinkie stepped in. “What does this chest look like?”
That caught everyone currently there by surprise, but the sun goddess simply shrugged and described the box in question.
“Well it is medium sized, made from and oak tree, with golden joints and it bore the Equestrian mark on its hood. Why do you ask?” She wondered.
“Medium sized, oak, gold, the mark of Equestria, you mean like this one?” The pink mare asked, before revealing the fore mention chest behind a purple curtain, she got from who knows where.
“Wha-how d-? When d-?” The Princess's student was dumbstruck.
“That is a mystery for later Twilight.” Celestia said, before opening the chest with her magic.
Then all of the Bearers put on their Elements, and in a moment they charged them. A giant rainbow shot up in the air, then began to fall, and drowned the crystals.
“Aah, splendid, that should do it!” Tuxedosticks said from behind.
He was carrying the remains of his other body on his back, and Annie trotted right next to him.
“Are you certain that this will hold them?” The Princess wanted to be sure, that those two wouldn’t make it out any time soon.
“Quite.” The scarecrow replied, before turning to Rengar. “Do you have the rune?”
In return he got a smirk from the hunter, as he raised his hand, holding the stone in mention.
“Sorry to disturb you, but the freaking thing is out of juice!” The Demon jester exclaimed.
“What’n tar nation’s that?” The cowpony asked, pointing at the rune.
“That is our way home, but apparently it is out of power.” Hecarim replied.
“Can’t we use the Elements to heat it up?” Rainbow suggested.
“Hold on!” The Harbinger of doom got everyone’s attention. “There is no need to waste energy.”
After his words, the crystal in which Discord was imprisoned glowed red. In a moment a red crow flew out of it, and landed on the scarecrow’s hoof. Then is vanished, leaving a necklace with a diamond pure gem.
“Is that…?” The white unicorn uttered.
“I thought you wouldn’t need it anymore, so do you mind if we use it to power up the rune?” The Harbinger of doom asked.
“There is no reason for me to deny you this, but what has happened to the Eye of the night?” Celestia wished to know.
“Well the only way I can explain it is that while inside the crystal, when the magic of the Elements hit it, it both charged and purified the artifact itself. I left a crow of mine to retrieve it afterwards.” Fiddlesticks explained.
“Oookay…but how are you going to extract the energy from it?” Twilight wondered.
He chuckled, and turned to his protégé.
“Annie, today I will teach you a new spell. Magical artifact disenchanting.”
“What’s that uncle Fiddle?” She asked.
The horn on the mannequin the scarecrow was currently residing in glowed green, levitating the necklace between himself and the filly.
“I want you to concentrate your magic onto it, and while doing so I want you to imagine the item like a puzzle. Imagine it slowly breaking apart, piece by piece in a steady stream of energy.” He explained to her.
Annie nodded, with a determined expression on her face. Both concentrated as green and red magic coming from their horns enveloped the necklace. Slowly it began shine with white light and break to small pieces. In a blinding flash instead of the Eye of the night, in the scarecrow’s grasp was a small white ball.
“Rengar, the rune.” He said.
The Pridestalker brought forth the stone, which was then enveloped in a green aura. Next Fiddlesticks brought the white ball and the rune together, until the energy was absorbed. The fore mentioned stone began to radiate energy. All of a sudden Fiddlesticks, Annie, Mordekaiser and Shaco began to glow bright as well. After another blinding flash all of them had returned to their original humanoid forms. The scarecrow’s current body had changed to a skinny figure, with a snow white head, glowing green eyes and dressed in a fine tux.
Quick to follow was a loud *thud* sound, as the Demon jester hit the ground. During his transformation he was hovering about nine feet up in the air. That made everyone present laugh.
“So, Ah take it yer gonna leave now?” Applejack asked.
“Actually, Pinkie mentioned some kind of party, and I definitely wouldn’t want to miss it! Would you Annie?” Fiddle asked.
The filly did a perfect impersonation of Big Mac.
“Nnnope.” Her face was colored by a warm smile.
“In that case I guess we won’t be out of your manes for at least another day.” Her uncle chuckled.
“THAT’S WONDERFUL!” Pinkie yelled. “I have to get baking, oh and make the invitations, and get Mayor Mare to let me use the town center for it, and--” Her energetic listing was cut off by Rainbow Dash’s hoof.
“Yeah, I guess I will help her with those things. See you guys later.” The cyan pegasus said, before picking her pink friend, and flying away.
“If it’s going to be a fare well party, it will probably get pretty rough. I better fix this thing up quick.” Rarity stated, picking up the body parts of Fiddlesticks’s old body with her magic.
“No, I couldn’t ask you do tangle yourself with that task again.” The scarecrow protested, but that was quickly rejected by the fashionista.
“Nonsense dear. It would be my pleasure to do that. Meet you all tonight.” She said before teleporting away.
“Ah’ll go get everypony from the evacuation site. Cya.” Applejack stated, before galloping away.
--
The rest of the day went pretty calmly. Shining Armor and the Royal Guard brought in all the changelings they could find in the forest. All of their bodies were disformed in some way. By the time the goddess of the sun was done inserting them all in the green crystal, Applejack had returned with the town’s folk. Despite the rough start, everypony accepted all of the newcomers, and with their help began to rebuild Ponyville. Half an hour before dark, Rarity returned with the scarecrow’s body. She had re-stitched it together in its pony-like build, but once the Harbinger of doom took hold of it, the energy radiating from the rune transformed it, into its original build. Fiddlesticks was more than happy to once again feel both his hands, and grip tightly his trusty scythe.
Once Celestia rose the moon in the sky, because her sister was still hospitalized, most of the damage was repaired. It was time to party! The Princess stood up on the stage of town hall, and gave a speech.
“Fillies and gentlecolts. Today we celebrate for several reasons. Discord and the changelings have been defeated, as well as the repelling of the alien threat. For that we have these heroes to thank to.”
She stepped to the side, revealing the champions. The crowd began cheering and stomping in delight. Next followed the entertainment part of the night. Vinyl Scratch had set up her DJ table. She had also provided a head axe to Mord, and an electro fiddle to Fiddlesticks. All of those were cabled to several large amplifiers. The mixture of techno, heavy metal and country was surprisingly amazing! The whole town was rocking out under the epic sounds.
The CMC were hanging with Annie, and drowned her in questions about how does it work to be bipedal and if she could help them get their fireworks cutie marks. Amongst the crowd a familiar pare approached them. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell’s brows furrowed upon noticing Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. The little girl understood their reaction only when the new arrivals began to speak.
“Ugh, how can you even tag with these lame blank flanks.” The pink filly started.
“Yeah, you don’t seem like the loser type.” She was backed up by her gray companion.
“Hey leave her alone!” The orange pegasus exclaimed.
“Or what? What can you possibly do blank flank?” Spoon said.
“Silver please, don’t call her that. You know chickens don’t get cutie marks.” Tiara laughed, followed by her companion.
They were really starting to get on Annie’s nerves, and her expression made it obvious. Once their laughing ceased, Diamond Tiara put on a smug face and spoke.
“Listen, if you want we will allow you to hang with us, unless you want to be a loser like these three.”
That made the CMC drop their gazes. However, the girl’s next words quickly changed that.
“Call me, or them losers again, and I will have to call an undertaker for you two.” She coldly said, as both her hands caught on fire. “Got that?”
That made the two slowly back away, with terrified expressions, until they bumped into something. When they looked up, they saw a giant monstrous bear, which was on fire. They screamed in terror, and ran away. That made the little pyrogirl smirk.
“Whoa, that was awesome!” Scootaloo exclaimed.
“A tad bit scary thought.” Sweetie Bell filled in.
“Ah know it was Tiara and Silver, but why did ya have ta talk like that to them?” Apple Bloom asked.
Annie simply shrugged, before replying.
“I guess uncle Fiddle is rubbing off on me.”
“He talks like that to people he dislikes?” The white filly wondered, with slight worry in her tone.
“Pretty much, but I am barely as good as him.”
That answer made the crusaders’ jaws drop. And so the festivities continued until dawn. Ponies and champions alike ate, drank and danced to the groovy concert.
It was a good night.
Author's Note
Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait. HotS, you understand, right? Speaking of which, the lore from both HotS and season 3 won't be cannon in the fic. If I get around on making a sequal, maybe there I will include some of HotS. Also, this fic is reaching its end. I'd say 3, plausably 4 chapters left. Anyhow. Comment, rate, favorite, share and have a great morning/afternoon/evening! ;)
The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 14: Home, sweet home
After locating a secluded planet, the two parties landed to make the trade. On the jungle like surface the champions shared the company of Raynor, Swann, Tosh, Stetman, Anomandaris and two other zealots.
“So, where’s the energy thingie?” Ezreal asked.
“What?” The lieutenant was confused.
“You said you were gonna give us some of that psy energy. Where is the container, artifact or what?” The Prodigal explorer explained.
“I’m terribly sorry for that.” Heimerdinger said, before addressing the golem. “Blitz.”
The grayish robot lowered his right hand. The yordle stood on it, and was raised to be a head taller than the mage in the energy suit. Then he smacked him on the head, after which he yelled.
“Damn it boy! If you are only going to present yourself as an imbecile, then for all of our sakes SHUT UP!”
“Okay, Okay. I’ll be quiet!” Ezreal quickly backed down.
It wasn’t typical for the Revered Inventor to burst out like that, but when he did, it was not wise to provoke him further. The terran representatives’ eyes had widened slightly in surprise, with the exception of the specter leader.
“Anyhow,…” Heimer continued calmly. “…how will the energy transfer proceed?”
“Show me this rune of yours.” Anomandaris said.
The yordle took the fore mentioned stone out of his pocket. Next the protoss reached forward with his right arm. His eyes began to glow brighter, as the rune was levitated from the Inventor’s palm, and blue energy started to swirl around it. In a few moments the item was freed of the protoss’s kinetic grip, and it was returned in the hands of the yordle. With his eyes now normal, Anomandaris stated.
“I trust that that is enough?”
Heimer brought out his hextech magnifying glass, and gave the rune a good look, before replying.
“Yes. It has been reconnected with the mana flow. Thank you.”
After a quick goodbye, Ezreal inserted a small spark of magic into the stone. It started to shine, and exploded in a bright flash. Once the blinding effect passed from everybody, they saw that the champions were gone, and replaced by four figures, one of which made the terrans either stare or gape in awe. The same effect could be described on the three zealots’ expressions as well. The awkward silence was broken by Raynor, who uttered the name of the said figure.
“Zeratul…”
“James Raynor?” The templar stated questioningly.
Once his gaze met those of the three zealots, he sighted in relief.
“We have returned.”
“Returned? What do you mean by that?” The commander asked.
“The Prelate has been missing for several solar days.” One of Anomandaris’s men said.
“Where have you been Dark one?” The other asked.
“We were sucked to a world near the center of the galaxy. Its inhabitants name it Runeterra.” Zeratul explained.
The he pulled out a golden triangular device, with a crystal in its center, and said.
“I’ve locked on the signal of psionic energy, emitted by a being on that world. We must establish contact with the planet as soon as possible. A new threat has been revealed to us.”
“Yes, Prelate Zeratul.” Anomandaris stated, as he took the device, and signaled their ship to warp them on board.
“Wait!” Jim exclaimed, before continuing. “What the hell is this all about? What’s with these new threats? Don’t we have enough of those? Answer me Zeratul!” He demanded.
The dark templar looked with his typical all knowing and mysterious gaze, and said calmly.
“We’ll meet again James Raynor. Then all will be made clear.”
After that all of the protoss were recalled to the carrier in a flash of blue light, then the ship warp jumped away. Raynor bore an irritated look. He pulled out a cig from the pack on his shoulder, lit it up, and took in a breath. After he exhaled the smoke, still looking at the carrier’s previous position in the air, he stated to no one in particular.
“I hate it when he does that.”
--
Runeterra point of view:
The three council members, Kassadin, Sona, Nasus and Renekton were gathered in the summoning hall, to send away the protoss. The champions present said their goodbyes, the Void walker did so for two, as Zeratul was presented with an engraved stone. Vessaria Kolminye explained that when triggered, the rune itself becomes a portal between worlds, and is destroyed in the process.
The two immortal brothers had decided to stay for a while longer, to bond some more, before returning to their world. After a few additional settings, the selected level 30 head summoners cast the transportation spell. The rune shined brightly, before exploding in a blinding flash. Once it faded away, the protoss were gone, and in their place stood six familiar faces.
“Sweet mother of everything that is holy and good, we’re back!” Ezreal exclaimed as he rubbed his cheek against the floor, with tears of joy dripping from his eyes.
To that, his five companions facepalmed. Everybody else gaped at their new outfits, only Heimer hadn’t changed. The Prodigal explorer wore a blue energy suit with a jetpack, and his left hand was completely converted into a cannon. Caitlyn had a similar suit, only hers had red energy stripes. She didn’t have a jetpack, nor a cannon, and carried a very high-techy looking rifle. Pantheon and Leona’s armor and weapons had a more metallic look. And Blitz appeared to be covered with the same metal, and for some reason the palm of his grabbing arm had holes.
“What happened to you?” Kiersta Mandrake asked.
“Long story, I’d rather not tell it now.” The golem deadpanned.
“Wow, you guys look mighty fancy!” Kassadin exclaimed with a bored look on his face.
“Kass what the hell happened to you?” Ez asked.
“I can read minds now, and Sona hired me to speak for her. By the way, those were her words.” The Void walker explained.
“Read minds, eh?” The Prodigal explorer said smugly, before continuing with the same tone. “What am I thinking of right now?”
Kassadin sighted, before replying.
“You are thinking how hot it would be if Cait and Vi gave each other a thorough physical. Oh, and you better be careful with those colorful visual images flashing through your brain.”
Everyone in the hall was dumbstruck. Ezreal’s face was a deep shade of red. All of a sudden, some kind of projectile flew right above his head, and left a hole in the wall. The mage slowly turned around, to see Caitlyn reloading the rifle, with a bull mad expression on her face.
“No. No. Cait, let’s not do anything rash…” The mage pleaded, slowly taking a step back.
Just then, another bullet whistled pass the left side of his head. To that Ezreal gave a loud ‘Eeep’, after which he blinked next to the door and ran out, with the Sheriff of Piltover giving chase.
“Soo…” Blitzcrank tried to ease the pressure. “Did any interesting events happen while we were gone?”
“Well…” Kassadin began to give sound to Sona’s gestures. “…while you were gone, there were four aliens here, and their matches in the League were amazing.”
“What aliens?” Heimerdinger asked as he fixed his glasses.
“Their names were Aramanis, Moradar, T’Nodan and Zeratul.” Sona-Kass replied.
‘Zeratul?’ The four remembered that the high templar Saranim mentioned someone named Dark Prelate Zeratul.
“You’ve heard of Zeratul?” Kassadin said out of the blue, this time with his own words.
“Actually yes.” The Revered Inventor began. “We found ourselves at the far corner of the galaxy, where we met with humans and a race called the protoss. Both do not use magic, but are millennia ahead of us in technology. From them my associates, plus the two who escaped, got their new looks, and I got the schematics for several different mechs.” He showed a folder with many stacked papers, bearing a proud grin.
“You really went to the protoss’ home world?” Nasus asked.
“No. We were sent to a space controlled by them.” The yordle explained, before continuing. “Our international struggles here are so miniature compared to them. They deal with interplanetary conflicts, and protect countless worlds, most of which worship them as gods. But just as wonders, we saw horrors.” His and the mood of the other three darkened as his next words followed. “Horrors, next to which the Void itself would pale up.”
In a heavy moment of silence Heimer spoke again.
“We need to quicken our progress, and establish contact with other world, if we are to survive the battles to come.”
Quiet struck yet again.
“But I highly doubt that that’s all you’ve got to share.” The Inventor stated cheerfully, as if the last few minutes didn’t happen at all.
“As a matter of fact it isn’t.” Sona-Kassa started. “The annual bake off in Bandle City has been going for a while.”
Pantheon perked up at the mention of a bake off. The duo continued.
“The contestants have almost two days to complete their masterpieces, and deliver them to the yordle home town. Who knows, maybe this year Morgana will win. She has been working hard this past week.”
At the mention of the Fallen angel’s plausible victory, the Artisan of war’s voice filled the hall.
“Unacceptable!”
He dropped his spear and shield. Then he tore off his body armor like it was cloth(no actual damage was done to it, it just came off easily), revealing a chef’s outfit. From his pockets he pulled out a chef’s hat, which he put on his helmet, a purple bandana, with which he tied the hat to the helmet, and a rolling pin. Then he squatted, and the ground began to rumble beneath him, after which he jumped out, leaving a wide hole in the ceiling, which revealed the starry night sky.
Everyone stared up, before slowly lowering their gazes. Leona sheepishly smiled at the three council members.
“We’ll send you the bill.” Heywan Relivash said.
That made the champion of the sun’s head drop in a gloom and doom sort of way. Voices could be heard coming. In a few seconds the large doors of the hall opened. The big furry yeti Willump walked in. On his back were three figures, two of which were in a heated argument.
“I’m telling you, Ez and Cait were sent to get Blitz and Pant, not Annie and Fid!” A boy in a red coat exclaimed.
“For last time, I ordered the universe to bring them back first! It would not dare disobey me!” Another small being, yelled.
He wore a bluish-purple robe, held a staff and had disproportionate metal hands. He appeared taller than his opponent because of his hat.
“You don’t command the universe you dodo!” The first one shot back.
“Yes I do ice brain!” The second returned, shaking his larger fist in the face of the red coated boy.
“Um…guys, can you tone it down a bit?” The third figure sheepishly said.
It was another short being, who was entirely covered n green bandages, leaving out only his mouth and yellow eyes. But his words were barely heard, as all of them got off the yeti, the two continued their squabble, which was becoming more of a power struggle.
“Do not!” Nunu yelled.
“Do to!” Veigar returned.
Both were pushing each other, forehead to forehead, while attempting to out shout the other. Amumu made a few more attempts at shutting them up, but the noise both made shushed and annoyed him. In the end the mummy couldn’t take it, and shouted twice as loud as both of them.
“QUIET!”
At the same time a yellow circle appeared on the floor, and in the blink of an eye, both the Yeti rider and the Small Master of Evil were tied up and silenced by green bandages coming from the Sad mummy. Once he was certain that they would reduce their speech he said with an angry tone.
“Thank you!” And let them go.
That’s when they noticed the others who were there. The sight of Blitz brought disappointed expressions on Veigar and Nunu’s faces.
“Told you, you don’t command the universe.” The red coated boy whispered.
“Shut up.” The little mage returned.
“What? You expecting someone else?” The golem asked as if he was offended.
“Yes.” All three replied without even a moment of hesitation.
Blitz grabbed his head with both hands, then gestured at them, and struck a pose to end his dramatic act, before saying.
“Okay, that’s just plain mean!”
“Any way, why was Cait chasing blondy back there?” Nunu asked confusedly.
“When you’re older.” Kassadin deadpanned.
“But…” The Yeti rider tried to object when the Void walker rift-walked right in front of him, stared him in the eyes, and said with an ordering tone.
“Older!”
“Ugh fine.” The boy sighted in defeat.
“Sir, you can’t enter here! This area is restricted to those who are not summoners or champions!” Someone was heard talking in the hallway.
His words were followed by a loud scream. All of a sudden the large doors of the hall burst open as a summoner flew through them, and smashed, back first, into the wall opposite of the entrance. Scorch marks could be seen on his robe. Next two figures in gray robes entered. One was a man with dark red hair and goatee, the other was a woman with black hair. The man eyed the council members with anger, then his right hand caught on fire, after which he slowly spoke.
“Where. Is. My. Daughter?!”
--
Equestria point of view
The festivities had died down. Ponyville was quiet once again, but its streets weren’t empty. In the town’s square Celestia and the six Element bearers took their goodbyes with the champions. Rengar had made sure to tie up Kha’Zix good, who was now almost completely healed, and struggled to break free. Annie was already showing signs of sleepiness.
“Thank you all for your courage and help.” The goddess of the sun said.
“Think nothing of it.” Fiddlesticks replied.
“I want you to have this.” Rarity said, as she levitated Tuxedosticks.
“I can’t accept such a big gift.” The scarecrow tried to protest, but the fashionista cut him off.
“Don’t give me any of that. Never say no to a lady. This is something to remember us by.” She gave him a sincere smile.
Sighting in defeat with a smile of his own, the Harbinger of doom took the slender body.
“Will we ever see you again?” Twilight asked.
Fiddle chuckled, before speaking in a reassuring tone.
“I promise that we will come visit again someday. Heck, we might even come back, before you can say tartar sauce.”
“Pinkie promise?” Pinkie asked.
He crossed his chest, then a ghostly crow came out of his hand, which he stuck in his face as he said.
“Cross my soul and hope to fly, stick a crow in my eye.”
That made the ponies and the little girl chuckle. After a warm goodbye, Annie set a little kindle on the rune. It shined, before exploding in a blinding flash, which lit up the night sky. When it ended, everypony went home, but Twilight and Celestia. The lavender unicorn wore a light frown as she sighted.
“Tartar sauce.”
The princess gently placed her wing over her student, who looked up at her mentor with saddened eyes, after which nuzzled in the warm embrace.
--
Runeterra point of view.
“Calm down.” Kiersta Mandrake said to the angry mage.
“Calm down? You expect me to calm down when my little girl is lost in goodness knows where?!” He shouted.
“Why were we informed with such delay?” His wife stepped in.
“Sorry, but it’s not easy to send messages beyond the Great Barrier, especially in the Voodoo lands.” Heywan Relivash said.
Gregori Hastur was about to speak his mind about that statement, when a dot of light appeared in the center of the hall. In a moment it expanded in a flash. Once it faded, eight figures appeared. Everyone looked at them in awkward silence, which was broken by the couple running at them. When they reached them, they kneeled and hugged their daughter, joy being obviously shown on all of the three’s faces.
“My sweet little sunshine.” Amoline said.
“Moom, not in front of my friends.” Annie blushed.
Gregori’s expression changed from happy to angry, as he got up, and stared down the scarecrow with the words.
“What have you done to her?” His hands caught on fire again.
“She’s fine… no thanks to you.” Fiddlesticks shot back, as he returned the glare, and two purple ghostly crows showed their heads from his shoulders.
The tension between the two rose, until they felt something pulling on their legs, and looked down.
“Dad, uncle, don’t fight!” The girl exclaimed, and glared at both of them.
The battle ready mages looked at each other, calling off their fighting force.
“That’s better.” Annie cheered up.
That made her mother chuckle, and give her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
“ANNIE!” A loud double cheer was emitted by Nunu and Veigar, who had jumped in the air at her.
All of a sudden, two lines of green cloth wrapped around their legs, and slammed to the ground. Amumu ran in front of them, and scolded them.
“No! You are not going to act like the boneheads you are! Especially in front of her parents!”
“It’s alright Mu.” The girl gave him a warm smile, before continuing. “I like them for the boneheads they are, and I like you for being so nice to me.”
After which she hugged him.
“I-ugh-well-uh, um…” The mummy stuttered.
His attitude quickly softened, and a blush was becoming obvious over the wraps on his face. In the other corner of the room, Blitz was admiring Nocturne.
“Wow, dude, sweet getup!”
“I hope it was worth the acid bomb I took for it.”
As instructed by the council, Rengar let Kha’Zix go, and went to find a place for his new trophies. After which the councilmen decreed for everyone to withdraw to their quarters. They also demanded that Annie’s parents follow them to the Council’s chamber, to have a word about entering restricted areas of the Institute. Which left Fiddle to escort the little girl to their room.
It was rather spacious, with two distinct corners. While Annie was putting on her pajamas in her corner, the scarecrow was at his. It consisted of a chair, window, a big ice block, in which was stored a strange body made of candy canes and with a green vest. Next to it was a large pine made wardrobe. The Harbinger of doom opened its doors, revealing five different man sized dolls, the other bodies he used. He attached his new tux (Tuxedosticks skin Riot please) on a cliffhanger, and put it inside with the others.
From a top shelf he pulled out a violin, removed the casing on the scythe’s handle, revealing the bow, and went to the girl’s part of the room. She was now dressed, and cosily covered in her bed sheets. The scarecrow pulled over a chair, sat comfortably in the pitch black of the room, and asked.
“Should it be the usual?”
“Hmm…” Annie thought, before answering. “Can you play something new, please?”
“Sure.” Her uncle agreed, and began to play a fine snoozy tune.
(yes I know there is a piano and other stuff in there, but couldn't find a suiting song with a violin solo, don't judge...please)
In a few minutes the little one was asleep. He finished his play, and took the time to simply look at her. All of a sudden, several ghostly voices, caught his attention, making his eyes widen in frightful surprise.
Fiddlesticks quickly got up, dropping his violin, holding his scythe with both hands. The same moment another scythe blade, connected to with a chain, tied itself around the wooden handle. In front of the Harbinger stood a figure, illuminated by the dim light of a lantern, and several soul wisps floating around him. The energy filled eyes on his metal face exchanged daggers with those of the scarecrow, who broke the silence.
“So, you’ve joined the League as well?”
“Surprised much?” Thresh returned.
“Actually, when I heard that Elise was back, you showing up isn’t that surprising.” Fiddle admitted, before continuing. “What happened with the rule: ‘Whatever happens on the Shadow Isles, stays on the Shadow Isles.’?”
“Well, that’s the problem. The thing left the Isles, before things could be…resolved.” The Chain Warden replied.
“Seriously? Are you that contempt on getting my soul?” The Harbinger of doom chuckled.
The soul keeper gave him a sly smile, before saying.
“Actually, I think I found myself some more…worthwhile prey.”
His gaze referred to the still sleeping Annie. In an outburst of rage, the scarecrow leaped at him, until their glares were but an inch one from another, and spoke with a vicious tone.
“If you dare to even breathe against her scrap heap, I swear in all of creation, I will unleash upon you the misery and suffering of every soul you have ever, and would have ever tormented a thousand fold, and make you beg and pray for the sweet lustful embrace of death!”
Thresh chuckled, a cocky grin coloring his face, after which he spoke.
“I would like to see you try, while you are locked inside of my prison hay bag.”
The next moment he summoned his box, blocking the door.
Fiddlesticks was completely unfazed by that, and merely said.
“Do you smell something burning?”
The Chain Warden’s face took on a confused form. Two burning red eyes appeared a meter and a half above the soul keeper’s head. The spectral wall blocking the door, and the door itself, were shattered as he was hurled in the wall of the corridor, after which he collapsed on the floor. The sound startled and woke up Annie.
Fiddle went out, followed by Tibbers. Thresh looked at them and started to laugh. All of a sudden a purple hole appeared underneath him and it sucked him in. Before it closed completely, the scarecrow managed to send one of his crows through. Annie ran next to her uncle, and asked.
“Uncle Fiddle, what happened?”
He still stared at the place Thresh occupied moments ago, as he replied with a serious tone.
“Nothing. Just taking care of business.”
That left the girl even more confused.
--
Amongst the ruins of Icathia, was an altar, lit up with purple fire. Malzahar was uttering some sort of prayer, surrounded by the three hounds of the Void. Elise stood at the bottom of the stairs leading up the altar. All of a sudden a purple hole appeared behind her, and from it came the Chain Warden. The moment he stepped on the ground, Malzahar’s eyes opened, and he addressed him without turning around.
“You just had to stir up a hornet’s nest, didn’t you?”
“Relax, he has no idea that we are connected.” The specter deadpanned.
“Yes, he doesn’t. But now that he knows you’re here, he’ll be on to you like a blood hound, which might compromise the whole operation.” The Prophet of the Void scolded him.
“I was promised his soul, and I will deal with the scarecrow if he becomes a problem.” The soul keeper snorted.
“Do not worry my love.” Elise began speaking with a seductive tone. “You will have his soul, and with the help of our allies here…”
She gently placed her hand on his warm metallic cheek.
“Both of us will bathe in power for eternity.”
After which she passionately kissed him.
Still gazing into the flame, Malzahar stated.
“Yes. The fall of this world, has begun.”
However, unknown to them, a certain purple bird was observing them closely.
--
Equestria point of view.
It was around 4 am. Twilight was in her room, and before she went to bed, she decided to write down some lines in her diary.
“Dear diary, the last couple of days were pretty unusual. Equestria was once again threatened by great evils. We managed to repel them, only this time the thanks goes to our new friends – heroes from another world. Now, Discord and the changelings are imprisoned, and the terrors from space have been removed from our land. The other-worlders, who were lost and helped us, found their way back home… Still I’m sad, because I don’t know if they will ever be back.”
She sighted, before the quill touched the paper again.
“I just hope that someday, we will meet again.”
Author's Note
Hope you enjoyed. Comment, rate, fave and follow. Do tell if you would like to see a bonus chapter, showing how the bake off went.
The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 15: The End?
100 years later
“I just hope that someday, we will meet again.”
Celestia finished reading, and closed a large brown book labeled: “Autobiography of Princess Sparkle Tome I: The unicorn years”.
She was in the Canterlot throne room, together with six fillies. As she closed the book, she said.
“And that’s how the evils hanging over pony kind were defeated.”
"Wow, that was awesome Princess!” A unicorn colt with a night blue coat and a silverfish mane exclaimed.
On his flank was an image of a crescent moon and three shooting stars.
“Yeah I agree with Moon Shower.” An earth pony mare with a white coat and yellow mane backed him up.
Her cutie mark were two lemon circles, covered with powder sugar.
“It’s really hard to believe that something so amazing actually happened.” A pegasus colt with a grass green coat and light brown mane stated.
A silver goblet, with a golden snake coiled around it was seen on his rump.
“Princess Sparkle never talked about this with me.” A unicorn mare said, her head and ears dropped.
Her coat was gray, and her mane was black, with three red locks. Her cutie mark was a phoenix with spread wings.
“Don’t worry so much Crimson Ash. You know that parting with her friends was very hard for her. It’s been a long time since she last saw them.” A purple pegasus mare, with an orange and yellow striped mane comforted her friend.
Her flank bore the image of three golden rings. That turned crimson’s frown upside down.
“Woow…Those guys were really cool.” A light pink earth pony mare with a chrome mane, and a cutie mark in the form of a magnifying glass with a question mark in it, was gazing at several of the window panes of the hall.
She adored three in particular.
One was the image of the metal Fiddlesticks swinging his scythe at Discord. The second was of Klastanar striking a pose, and a zergling hanging from the blade on his left arm. The third was of Rengar and Kha’Zix slashing at each other in combat. There were a few other window panes. Annie, Fiddlesticks, Hecarim, Mordekaiser, Shaco and Nocturne were shown in pares in three different panes. There was one showing Discord, Chrysalis and the zerg, and another, bearing the image of the protoss ships.
“Yes, they truly were remarkable.” Celestia said, before addressing all of the fillies.
(order: unicorn mare, colt; pegasus colt, mare; earth pony white, pink)
“Crimson Ash, Moon Shower, Riss, Melody Goldheart, Citronade and Clue Less, as you know, you are the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony. If a threat ever rises against Equestria, you are the ones, who will ensure out safety. I understand that that is a great responsibility for several young fillies, that’s why I wanted to teach you about our old allies. So that if one day they return, you to be able to work with them.”
All of the fillies looked up at the sun goddess with determined expressions as she talked.
“But remember…” The Princess continued. “…as important as this is, you must cherish your friendship and help it bloom. My faithful student once said that the fate of Equestria did not depend on her making friends. She learned that that was the very opposite of the truth. I hope that you learn it as well.”
Each of the fillies looked at each other with understanding smiles.
“Would you like to join me for a walk through the statue garden?” Celestia asked them.
They all nodded excitedly.
It was a lovely day outside. The Princess told them the stories about several of the statues.
While they were walking, all of a sudden a purple portal appeared in front of them. A giant red and purple creature with green eyes emerged from it. Its horns and the spiky appendages on its back reminded the alicorn of the zerg. The fillies quickly hid behind their ruler, as the creature charged at them. Everypony winced for a moment.
All of a sudden it stopped, making a ‘gulp’ sound.
‘Did it swallow something?’ Celestia thought, because she did not see anything.
It started to laugh proudly. But in a moment it stopped, and the ‘uh-oh, something’s wrong’ look appeared on its face. Strange grumbling sounds could be heard coming from its stomach. As they got louder, they started to sound like…cawing crows.
Suddenly the monster exploded.
The fillies screamed as guts, body parts and blood rained on top of a slender bipedal figure. Its limbs were sticks, connected to purplish hay bags. It bore a carved pumpkin as a head, and held a scythe in his left hand. The small ponies shivered in fear as the mysterious person took a deep breath and spoke in a cheerful tone.
“Damn I’ve been waiting to do that!”
Not certain if her now wide eyes were deceiving her, Celestia uttered questioningly in disbelief.
“Fiddlesticks…?”
The scarecrow faced her, and bowed while addressing her.
“Hello your majesty. It’s been a while.”
Several more purple portals opened up behind him, and packs of nightmarish creatures poured out of them. The Harbinger of doom chuckled, as more portals appeared next to him. These were blue, and more bipedal figures came out.
There were some familiar faces. First came out Mordekaiser, Hecarim and Nocturne. Following them were Nasus, Renekton and a blond girl wearing a jester outfit consisting of red/black hat, top and pants. She held two daggers, and had a slightly maniacal look in her eyes. Next came out two women in metal armor. One had a spear and a shield, while the other held a sword and a shield. After them came three more. A man with long white hair. He wore a horned helmet and armored pants, and carried a large two-handed sword. The other two were a man and a woman. Both looked pretty much the same. Each wore a set of green pants, the woman had a top, their eyes were blindfolded and their forearms were bandaged. They also had long brown ponytails. The man struck a pose, balancing on one leg, and the woman jumped and balanced with one arm on his shoulder, both looking at the charging enemies.
Lastly came out a woman wearing a dark purple dress. Her long hair was a darker purple. She was followed by a familiar giant burning bear. Her hands erupted in black flames as she addressed the monsters.
“You wanna play too? That’ll be fun!...”
Author's Note
It is complete! I hope you have enjoyed this ride. Comment, rate, fave, follow, and do tell me if you would like to see a sequal. If yes, I will probably get around making it in a few months.
It was a good run, wasn't it? =)
For now, goodbye.
Yours sincerely,
KRissCHu573
The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
It was a calm evening in Ponyville. Celestia’s sun had already stepped down for Luna’s moon to shower Equestria with its glow. But the night itself was quite special. The Foal Free Press had announced far and wide throughout town the news about Twilight Sparkle’s prediction. Thanks to her knowledge in astronomy and a little help from Pinkie’s extraordinary senses, Twilight concluded that tonight there will be a meteor shower, and Ponyville was in one of the few places where the view would be good.
“Aaand…there! Everything is ready Spike.” Twilight said to her impatient assistant, while taking a deep breath.
“Hurry up Twilight, I don’t want to miss a thing this time!” Responded, the panting from excitement dragon.
“Oh don’t worry your head about it Spike, we have like five minutes at the very least.”
“Well…whatever, lets go!” Twilight giggled as the two made their way towards the center of town.
“Thank you everypony for coming to this delightful display!” Said the Mayor to all of the town’s folk who had gathered to watch the falling meteors.
“I would like you all to give a warm cheer for Twilight Sparkle. If not for her initiative we would have missed this occasion right away.” After those words everyone of the attendance cheered for the purple mare. A little blush and a smile colored Twilight’s face as she modestly replied.
“Oh it wasn’t anything much. I just charted the movement of the astral bodies in the sky and compared it to data from previous years.”
“Oh don’t undermine your effort sugarcube. Ah recon that besides you only the Princesses and the fellas from the Canterlot observatory could have predicted this. Huh, lucky for us to have ya’ here.” Applejack encouraged her friend.
As the phenomenon began everypony was doing something. Some of the photographers for the Foal Free Press and other newspapers were taking pictures, and the others were discussing different questions.
“I wonder if can fly up to those meteors and bring one down?” Rainbow Dash thought out loud.
“I wouldn’t recommend it to you Dash. It’s pretty cold up there. Water would freeze in about half a minute.” Twilight replied.
“Any one of ya’s ever thought if there is someone or something that actually lives somewhere out there ?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah, imagine all the new friends I could make!” Pinkie Pie emphasized as energetic as usual.
“Or all the animals that might live on other worlds.” Wondered Fluttershy.
Twilight tried to respond to everypony as much as possible. “Well it isn’t a complete impossibility. Somewhere in the cosmos there is probably another world who could support life like ours.”
“If so I hope they are not some kind of filthy brutes.” Stated Rarity.
“Oh Twilight, Twilight!” Pinkie had brainstormed another idea. “Can’t you cast some sort of spell on me, with which I can travel to other worlds?”
“Sorry Pinkie, but I am afraid that would take quite the time to research, even by the magicians in Canterlot University. But I bet that some time--” Everypony stopped talking as Pinkie shouted to all who could hear.
“TWITCHY TAAAIL!”
All began looking for a place to hide. But absolutely nothing happened for at least ten minutes. As everypony began walking back outside they saw how two lights, blue and purple, from the meteor shower brightened up. The fiery rocks flew really low over the town and rammed in to the Everfree. Every stallion, mare and filly stared with their jaws dropped at the direction where the two astral bodies fell.
The first to break the awkward silence was Twilight. With a serious smile on her face she stated.
“Do not worry everypony! No pony got hurt and there is no damage to the city. It’s pretty dark right now, but tomorrow me and my friends will check things out.”
As everypony’s shocked face turned in to their usual happy form and began to cheer for Twilight and her friends’ bravery, the reassured mare took the pictures of some of the fillies who managed to take a shot at the comets, in order to locate their trajectory.
With her calculations complete, Twilight decided there was just one thing left to do, before she could go to bed – write to the Princess about what had happened.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Tonight’s meteor shower was a great sight to look at. Just as I predicted it appeared on time. Everypony enjoyed themselves and discussed quite the arguments. Going from the existence of other worlds like ours to travelling between them. Rainbow Dash even wondered if she could bring a meteor down for show.
Speaking of which, there was something I did not anticipate. Two meteors with strange coloring fell in the Everfree forest. Me and my friends will go to see what we can find tomorrow.
That is all I have to report for now.
Your faithful student Twilight Sparcle.
A quick sending and it was bed for Twilight. Tomorrow was gonna be a big day!
--
“Uncle Fiddle. Uncle Fiddle wake up! I don’t want you to play the bed time game right now!”
Fiddlesticks was woken up by the continuous yelling and shakes little Annie had not stopped giving him, until his eyes opened. From the shacking look he could get from his current position something did not seem to add up. Until it finally hit him as he stated.
“We’re not in the Fields of Justice.”
Mistaking that for a question Annie answered. “No, this doesn’t look like it uncle Fiddle. Is this a new playground?” She confusedly asked.
“No, I don’t think it is.” But aside from that, there was something…else, that bothered him. As he tried to move it hit him again.
‘I can’t feel my left hand.’
--
Pantheon grunted as he stood up, hanging on his spear. He felt as if he had challenged Gragas to a drink off and kept on going until he could no longer keep his spirits up.
“Are you alright Pantheon?” The metallic voice of Blitzcrank echoed through his helmet.
“What do you think, you bucket of bolts? Where are we? This metallic prison looks nothing like The Proving Grounds.”
“Yes I had not noticed that earlier. Ha ha ha ha.” Blitzcrank chuckled in his robotic way.
A couple of swears came out of Pantheons mouth towards the golem and their summoners, until both began to exchange ideas of where they were.
The not so lively conversation was ended by a loud siren like noise, as the room began to glow red from a lamp on its sealing. Mechanical golems as it seemed to them began pouring out of a door from the upper floor, carrying guns which looked nothing like the ones on Runeterra, and surrounded them. After all the commotion a man with black hair and a white shirt came through the door.
“Gentlemen, welcome to the Hyperion. Now give me one good reason not to boot you out from an airlock.” The man calmly said.
--
“What do you mean you don’t know where they went?!” Nocturne raged at the summoners selected for the match on the Proving Grounds. His tone and expression made it clear that he could barely find words to express his anger. “I should kill you all right here on the spot!”
“Cease this immediately, nightmare!” The voice of High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye filled the hall.
She proceeded towards the small gathering, followed by The Curator of the sands himself.
After all eyes gazed on her she spoke. “You would be wise to ease your temper, or The High Council of Equity would be forced to take away your right to come out of your imprisonment crystal.”
“A right? You had no right to imprison me in the first place! Your pesky summoners and their misuse of magic drove me mad! I should be the one forced to take rights from you!” Nocturne waved his finger in front of the councilor’s face.
Nasus grabbed his arm. “Nocturne, stop this foolishness now. You must calm down, The Council and the city-states are doing everything in their power to find them. I know what it feels like to lose a frie—“
The immortal being was cut short by the blistering fury of the darkling.
“Do everything in their power? These petty flesh bags can’t do anything but steal creatures from their homes and force them to do their bidding. And you don’t know what it is to lose a friend. You have never been the mad one! You have never had someone to try and better you, accompany you in the cold of imprisonment.” The enraged nightmare pulled his arm off the grip of the behemoth. “He was what helped me control my madness.”
“Did you even think how he would feel if he could see you tossing, all he tried to teach you, to waste?” The soul eater’s deep voice ran through the mind of the dark creature.
After a moment of silence Nocturne took a deep breath and replied. “Just find Fiddlesticks!”
“I never knew that you would get so attached to the scarecrow when we assigned him as your rehabilitator.” The councilor spoke with a tone, close to the one of Nasus.
“If I am needed I will be in my quarters. Inform me if anything comes up.” Was the last they heard from him, before he departed through the halls of the Institute.
“I have no idea what that puppet filled the head of this maniac with.” One of the summoners sighted when he was out of harm’s way.
“You may question his methods but you can’t deny his accomplishments.” Nasus turned to the summoner as the councilor nodded in agreement.
“Nocturne was one of the most bloodthirsty we had here. His threats and description of what he would do once he was free would not put summoners to rest, even if he was imprisoned. But in just a few months Fiddlesticks managed to almost completely cure him from this madness. Given all the time they were together in the same room, and him being the only one Nocturne could have a friendly conversation with…actually I am not that surprised he worries so much for the scarecrow.”
The short lection Vessaria gave broke her cold expression, even for a moment.
The whole scene was observed without their knowledge by three small eyes. Who soon closed forever, but their knowledge was delivered to their master.
“Soon, the scarecrow and those others will not be the only ones gone!” A satisfactional mutter in the dark corners of the Institute was followed by a giggle, that turned to a maniacal laugh.
Author's Note
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The collapse of the universe
The collapse of the universe
Chapter 9: Let the games begin
Nocturne, Hecarim, Shaco and Mordekaiser rushed after Rengar, who was tracking the changelings. After two minutes of galloping, the Pridestalker suddenly stopped, and raised his hoof, motioning his followers to stop as well.
“What’s wrong?” The spiked metal pony asked.
“I’ve lost their scent.” The ponified hunter replied.
“What do you mean you lost their scent? Do you need to empty up that blowhole of yours, so you can sniff them out again?” The dagger winged pegasus snorted.
“No, just the opposite. There are too many scents…strong ones at that. Rengar said, with his gaze locked on in the direction they were headed.
“Well let’s follow, if all are coming from one direction. What’s the strongest smell you can catch?” Nocturne spoke.
The Pridestalker slowly turned his head towards his comrades, and said somewhat worriedly.
“Blood.”
--
One of the infested changelings was carrying Twilight to the spawning pool. Discord stood in the air above it, proudly bearing the Eye of the night on his neck, feasting on the stolen power in it, and held a coconut with an umbrella.
“Let her soak in for a few minutes, then dry her out.” He said as he sipped from his cocktail.
Just as the creature was about to drop the mare in the green liquid, a dagger dropped from the sky, and pierced its head, nailing it to the ground. The purple unicorn landed right on the edge, almost falling in the pool. The spirit of chaos spat out his drink in surprise. In a moment, hundreds more daggers seeped like rain, killing changelings, zerglings and wolflings. Two twin pegasy in jester outfits flew low, and slashed through the masses of flesh beneath them. Two other, large ponies charged from the forest. One was a unicorn, covered in spiky metal armor, wielding a giant mace with his magic. The other was about half as much his size, and had a strange upper body, in the hands of which, span a weird looking lance. They rammed, stomped, and busted through all the creatures. Some sort of blade flew through, leaving a dark trail, from which a legless creature appeared. With its large armblades it cut down the surrounding it wolflings. Another unusual pony, whose eyes were in different colors, and had some sort of claws and blade, roped to its front legs, pounced from out of nowhere, saddled a roach, and stabbed its skull.
The zerg organized themselves, and began to take up the offensive. The champions murdered light and heavy ground units, which charged at them, while dodging the mantalisks’ bio charges.
Rengar cut off another head, when something kicked him in the face. The hit tossed him in an open area. Before his eyes stood a familiar figure.
“So this is the guy you were looking for Zixy?” Discord asked as he flashed next to the Voidreaver.
“Zixy?” The Pridestalker burst into laugh.
Kha’Zix growled with anger.
“Yes, that’s him. Now keep your end of the bargain.”
“Ah yes.”
Discord snapped his eagle fingers. In a second Rengar was in his humanoid form, and looked at himself confusedly. With another finger snap, a ball of dark energy trapped the two champions, and a zergling from a nearby pack.
As he slashed a mantalisk, which flew too low, Hecariom saw the Pridestalker in his normal form.
“Rengar?” He asked confusedly, when the hunter leaped and slashed at him.
The centaur dodged several slashes and stabs, turned around, and kicked him with his back legs. The cat died on the spot, but when it fell on the ground it transformed into one of the infested changelings. In the next moment the Shadow of war saw his exact copy, with two Shacos on his shoulders, charging at him.
Four infested hydras unburrowed, and pressed forward. One of them pinned down Mordekaiser, as he smashed a copy of himself with his mace. The Master of metal struggled to break free, with no success. One of the heads rose up, about to strike its prisoner, when suddenly it fell off its neck. On the place, where once was a killer machine, stood a two legged figure, wearing gold armor. The head on the left opened its mouth, trying to bite him. Klastanar jumped atop of it, and stabbed its left eye. The head roared in pain, and shook itself, but the protoss kept on, by gripping himself to the eye socket, which showered blood. The other heads moved in for the kill. The alien dodged a few bites. When he saw a mouth which gaped wide, he threw inside a device, he took from his armplate. Then he kicked the neck of the head he stood on. It nodded backwards, straighting its throat. The protoss jumped, pierced it from underneath the jaw, and began sliding down, as he cut open the whole length of the neck. He bounced from it, to avoid the mouth on the creature’s chest, landed in front of it, as a ray of blue light dissolved it to nothingness.
Unfortunately the shock wave from the explosion shook the spawning pool. The motion pushed Twilight Sparkle into the green liquid. Klastanar reached there in about six seconds, and pulled her out. With a grim expression, he noticed that a small piece of brown bone had began to cover her back leg. He held her in both his arms, jumped off, and landed right next to Nocturne.
“Who the hell are you?!” The nightmare asked.
“Not important. We have to get her back to the city, and slow down the spread of the infestation.” Klastanar replied.
The darkling sighted, and then yelled.
“Hey sharp ass, get over here!”
Shaco unstealthed in front of them.
“What do you want?” He asked.
“Get her back to town…” Nocturne pointed at the unconscious mare with his eyes, and continued. “…and tell Fiddle, or whoever you find, that she has some kind of virus, that needs to be slowed down somehow.”
“Ugh, can’t you get that centaur to do it?” The jester snorted.
The nightmare thrusted his blade, right next to Demon jester’s head, stabbing a wolfling. He pulled his arm back, and stared at the pegasus with annoyance.
“I’ll get there right away.” Shaco squealed.
The protoss put the purple unicorn on his back, and the dagger winged pony flew away with his cargo.
“WHAT?! NO! NO!” Discord shouted, and flew after him.
“Soo…anything else I should know, mister fancy pants?” Nocturne asked.
“There are two other ponies, which have been infested. The Princes has instructed for us not to kill them.” Klastanar replied.
“See, if you haven’t noticed, there are LOTS of infested things around. Which are the ones that are off limits?”
Just as the nightmare finished that sentence, the two jumped to dodge a concentrated force pulse. They looked up with surprise, to see an infested pegasus, which chucked pure force at them, and had a striking resemblance with a face, Klastanar had seen before.
“That one.” The protoss said.
All of a sudden the ground behind them exploded. They turned around, and saw another pony like creature, with force around her hooves. She was larger, with purpleishly-brown bone covering. A set of insect like wings. From holes in her hooves, came out short tentacles. The mane and tail looked like they were made from purple silk, with a large horn on her head. On her face there were two sets of jaws. One like the side ones of the wolflings, and inside a shorted one, filled with small sharp teeth.
“And that one.” Klastanar said.
--
Rarity, Applejack and Annie helped Fiddlesticks get to the library. It was very strange to walk around the city, when there was nopony in it. The two mares felt like ghosts. The filly didn’t bother with such thoughts, she was worried about her uncle.
“How are you uncle Fiddle?” She asked in a both caring and cute way.
“A lot better. With a little rest I should fully recover.” He replied.
“Aight, we’re here. Try to get some sleep.” AJ said.
Just when they were about to open the door, a serious voice spoke from behind them.
“My little ponies.”
They turned around.
“Princes Celestia…” Rarity gasped, before everypony bowed before the alicorn, next to which stood Rainbow Dash.
“Princes what’s goin’ on?” The orange pony asked worriedly.
“Discord has taken Twilight Sparkle, and using a magical artifact, he stole the power of my sister.”
“That…monster, took Twi…” Rarity uttered and fainted.
“Princes, can’t we do anything?” Applejack asked.
“That’s just it Applejack. Klastanar has probably reached that vile serpent’s location. I came to get you, so we can aid him.”
The following reply was stopped by a shout in the distance.
“Coming through!”
A dagger winged pegasus, wearing jester clothes, rammed into the library door, and dropped a purple unicorn.
“Twilight!” The three mares and the alicorn grabbed her.
They were stunned from the look, their friend had taken. Fiddlesticks tore Shaco away from the door, and asked.
“What happened to her?”
“She fell in a weird pool. A guy dressed in gold said she’s been infested with some kind of virus, and that we must slow it down somehow.” The jester replied.
There was a strange covering of bone and tissue, going from the back leg, through the ribcage, up to the head, on Twilight’s body.
“I think I can slow it down.” The princes of the sun said.
She closed her eyes, and her horn began to glow in blue. Celestia touched the purple mare’s forehead with it. Suddenly ice began to appear over the unicorn, until it covered her in a cold shell.
“Princes, what did you do?” Rainbow Dash was confused.
“I froze her. The magic keeps her alive, but the processes in her body have stopped, meaning that until we unfreeze her, the virus won’t spread.” Celestia explained. “Let’s get her inside.” The princes said.
They took her to her bed in the library.
“Scarecrow, I have to tell you something else.” Shaco whispered to Fiddle.
“What is it?” The Harbinger of doom asked.
“I think someone followed me.”
“Who?”
Everypony heard an evil sounding chuckle. They went out, and saw Discord.
“That guy.” The Demon jester said.
--
A summoner was muttering to himself, as he walked down the staircase, which led to the dungeon. He was carrying a platter, with a big cow leg on it.
“Ugh, couldn’t they put me in manual labor? Even coaching the novices would be better.” He gave out a loud, annoyed sight.
“Why do they do this shit to the middle leveled summoners? That guy scares the crap out of me.” He shivered.
The man put on a confused expression, due to the fact, that he was nearly at the hall, but he couldn’t hear anything but his thoughts and footsteps. He was right in front of the door, but silence still reigned supreme.
‘What are the chances of him being asleep?’ He thought instead of speaking.
The summoner went in. He closed to the cage, and saw how two reptilian eyes locked onto him.
“Uh…breakfast?” The man asked with a shaky tone, the figure, which calmly sat on the floor, without struggling in his shackles, as per usual.
“I wish to speak with my brother please.” The soul eater said, without any sort of note in his tone.
After that one word “please”, the summoner fainted, and collapsed on the floor. Renekton couldn’t hold himself from rolling his eyes, which were no longer zealous red, but yellowishly green.
Author's Note
This is the last progressive chapter thus far. Next begin the climax ones. Stick arround for chapter 10: The Doom of Chaos! Everypony have a nice morning/day/evening, whatever it is in that part of the woods you come from. ;) Don't forget to like, favorite, comment and subscribe.
