Third/First person Pov: Overlord Twilight sparkle.

The camera panned into the Everfree forest. Its dark atmosphere and brambles would cause many creatures to feel fear, save for those who know its secrets—all save for one species, that is.

"For the master!" a minion shouted with glee as it used its wooden club to bash open Timberwolf's head. The wooden wolf exploded into a shower of wood, much to the glee of its killer.

Twilight watched from behind as her minions bashed, bit, and clawed at the timberwolves. For all the timberwolf's ferocity, it was found lacking when compared to that of the brown minions. The little creatures lived for combat, literally! As Gnarl put it 'Brown minions! They are your main fighters sire and positively live for the fight! In fact, it's quite difficult to get them to stop! Their policy is bash first, jump up and down on the carcass later!' Speaking of Gnarl...

"Ahhh! It's so nice to see some proper carnage again!" the old minion said eagerly as he surveyed the battle. Twilight couldn't help but smile slightly. If what the old minion said was true, this was probably the best thing he'd seen in centuries.
Gnarl had been a positive treasure trove of forgotten knowledge! Through him, Twilight learned many things that had long been lost to the annals of time, the most important of which was that of the Overlords, and of a family history she would never have known had she not been rescued by the minions.
Apparently, she comes from a long time of evil rulers known simply as the Overlords, scions of darkness and masters of all things evil. If Twilight was being honest with herself, she couldn't admittedly see herself doing the whole "evil Overlord" thing. Well, maybe the Overlord part. The Evil part? Less so.

Still, she saw the hope that flickered in the devious eyes of the minions and Gnarl when she donned her new armor and became the Overlord. Perhaps, under proper guidance, she can direct their more...destructive desires to more productive things, if Discord could be reformed...sort of. Then why not these little guys? She had a feeling Pinkie would like the minions!

Speaking of her minions, the last of the Timberwolves lay dead and shattered, with the minions helping themselves to the wooden bits to wear as a form of crude headwear/armor. But most importantly, bring her life force.
She felt power flow through her as she absorbed the glowing orbs, the minions cheerfully shouting "For you!" as they ran about and collected the life force for her.

It was needed if she wished to raise new minions. The most numerous of these orbs was brown lifeforce, though there were specks of green here and there. Creatures all produced different colors of life force that were closely associated with their "element", brown life force for example gathered in creatures of the earth like sheep and earth ponies.
Red life force gathered in creatures of fire and magma or in creatures with fiery temperaments. Such as dragons, phoenixes, and oddly, pegasi. When she inquired why, Gnarl shrugged and theorized it was because pegasi tended to smell like chicken when you set one ablaze.

Part of her blanched at the dark joke, but her other half shamefully snickered at that. She's not proud of it, to say the least. But Gnarl seemed happy that she enjoyed his "joke" remarking happily that evil still had its sense of humor!

Back to the matter of life force. Green life force gathered in creatures with strong connections to nature, such as bears and deer, both sentient and mundane deer. Oddly enough, it also manifested in creatures that smelled bad or were poisonous, such as skunks, spiders, and bufogren.

Finally, there was blue life force. Blue life force gathered in creatures strong with magic, like unicorns, changelings, and centaurs. It also appeared in creatures connected to water, like frogs, kelpies, and boombo birds.

Most creatures only dropped one kind of life force, but some dropped multiple colors of life force, such as the timberwolves they had just battled, who dropped both brown life force and small amounts of green life force.

"If only we still had the green minions sire, then this green life force would be more useful!" Gnarl remarked as they continued their trek. Much like ponies, the minions all had tribes that specialized in something. Brown minions were the primary fighters of the tribes, able to suffer greater wounds than their cousins and were stronger too, but were lacking in any form of immunity, they weren't immune to fire or poison, and they couldn't swim or strike ethereal foes like the blue minions.

Gnarl had explained why she could only call upon the brown minions and none of the other colors. In the centuries without an Overlord, the tribes gradually left for new places. Where they went Gnarl couldn't say.
All the minions felt lost without an Overlord to guide them, and centuries without one took its toll on the minions, with only the browns and a few minions like Gnarl staying behind to care for the netherworld and what few relics of the Overlords remained.
Twilight could not help but frown as she learned of tribes scatting 'They truly do need an Overlord don't they?' She felt sympathy for the elderly minion as while he may not have shown it, she could tell Gnarl missed the other tribes. 'Don't worry Gnarl, I swear as your Overlord I will find the lost tribes!' She swore and continued their trek through the woods, her mind filled with resolve as she began to think of the greens.

Green minions were apparently her assassins and poison cleaners/checkers. They are master assassins and can kill even the largest foes with ease. They could also turn invisible! Leaving them completely undetectable! Well...that's if the enemy ignored the ever-present stench of rotting flesh and fish heads!
Needless to say. Twilight was grateful she hadn't eaten anything yet, as the thought of such smell, even if only as an imagination, made her gag and wish to vomit.
Thinking of the greens, she made a mental note to keep rarity away from them, her poor friend likely wouldn't be able to tolerate the stench in the slightest!

But on the matter of her friends.

She felt positively giddy! She couldn't wait to see them, it had been 3 months after their battle with Tirek and her falling into that cave. She hoped they were ok, especially Spike, she could only imagine how her friends felt when she was struck down. 'As one of my first duties as Overlord, I think I'm gonna throw a big party, the biggest party Ponyville has ever seen! Of course, Pinkie will be in charge of most of the preparations She paused her thinking and silently laughed 'Who am I kidding, she probably already has a big "welcome back Twilight!" party in store!' She grinned as her brain began to run through ideas and plans, and how to introduce the minions, they were devoted to evil after all, and well, so was she now. But her friends were understanding, hopefully, they'll be able to make friends, or at least, tolerate the minions!

'I hope the minions can eat normal pony food' She mused when a strange smell hit her nose. A scent that was quite familiar whenever she sent letters to Princess Celestia.
"Hmm, I believe we are nearing Ponyville sire. My knowledge of more "modern" equestrian traditions is lacking my lady, but I can't seem to recall great bonfires in a village being one of them!" WHAT?!

She looked ahead and she saw massive plumes of smoke coming from where Ponyville was! Horror gripped her heart and she quickly took off and soared high into the sky. Her minions and Gnarl trying their best to keep up with her!
Ponyville burned. Not all the buildings had caught fire yet, but it was spreading fast! What's worst is she heard the sounds of shouting and combat!

Rage filled her heart and she stared down malevolently, who dares attack her subjects/friends?!
Just outside of Ponyville itself, she saw massive wagons with bars being loaded with ponies, their mouths muzzled, pegasi had their wings tied together, and unicorns had what Twilight guessed were anti-magic rings on them. She then gazed at her little pony's captors.

Diamond dogs.

The vicious canines prodded and forced Ponyville citizens into the wagons or tied them to harnesses to drag said wagons. Others were loading up stolen goods like bits, food, and especially jewelry into open-faced wagons. And that's when she saw it. Her friend Rarity in chains.

With all the wrath of an Overlord, she descended onto the dogs.

Third/First person Pov: Rarity.

'I think this is the second worst day of my life.' Rarity bemoaned internally. The title of the first worst day belonged to when that wretched centaur managed to strike down Twilight. And she and her other friends were unable to save her.
They had won that fight but at the cost of a dear friend.

"Rarity, are we gonna be ok?" Sweetie Bell whispered to her fearfully as she huddled closer to her.
Rarity could only frown as she wasn't sure herself. Ever since Twilight's initial fight against Tirek had torn up the land, followed by Tireks defeat and his spiteful blow against her friend. Equestria has been in all manner of upheaval and danger.

Such as the case with these diamond dog brutes.

With one of the princesses missing or...dead. Plus Tireks attempt to steal all magic in Equestria. The many evils that long cowered in the shadows have decided to emerge to exploit Equestria at her weakest.

Ponyville mourned the loss of their Princess/best friend. Slowly things returned to normal, well, save for the crystal castle. Given its iconography, it was no doubt meant to be for Twilight. It was a shame she could not have seen it.
They built a statue in Twilight's honor in the place the Golden Oak Library once stood, while its remains were transferred to her castle at Spike's request, the poor dear took Twilight's loss the hardest, the two were practically brother and sister. He hung the Golden oak roots in a chamber that had a table that was surrounded by chairs that bore their cutie marks.

They helped the little dragon hang gems that showed all the good times they had with Twilight before she was struck down. It seemed to bring a sense of peace to the baby dragon but they could tell he missed her badly, thus they endeavored to take care of Spike the best they could. Twilight would never forgive them if they left Spike out on his own!

Sadly, the many evils that've long been hidden in the shadows of the world did not respect things like mourning. Barely a month had passed since Twilight's presumed passing when the first raids began to occur.
At first, they were small, pitiable things that mounted to at most 3 to 6 dogs, intent on stealing anything they could. It had still shocked Ponyville however, Ponyville being attacked wasn't necessarily unusual, as living near the Everfree forest tended to draw the odd monster here and there. But never actual raiding from hostile creatures!

And from then on it got worse and worse, the dogs showing up in greater and greater numbers, kidnapping unlucky ponies and stealing anything not nailed down! All eventually mounting to this day.

The element of generosity couldn't help but quiver as she tried to think of what to say to Sweetie. She hoped the rest of her friends were ok, before being captured, she last heard the diamond dogs were besieging Sugar Cube Corner and Sweet Apple Acres.

"Have yous heard wot happened to da boys that tried to attack dat cottage?" She heard one of the dogs say, that was Fluttershys cottage! "Uh-huh, da only one dat came back was all gibbering like and said dat his pack was turned into balloons and chickens!" The dog's friend said confused. After hearing that, Rarity couldn't help but snort. Say what you will about Discord, the spirit of chaos was serious about Flutter's protection.

"Oi! What you laughing at stoopid pony!" One of her guards said with a growl and raised their club. Rarity's eyes closed and braced for the attack!

Nothing happened...

All noise seemed to stop. Rarity opened her eyes and they looked in shock at the pile of ash that used to be a diamond dog! Who had done that?!

As if if beckoned by her unspoken question. They came.

Something crashed in the center of the slave wagons, sending dust everywhere! Rarity coughed and covered Sweetie Bell the best she could as she tried to look at the shadow in the center of the cloud.

"What the-," The diamond dog said no more when an axe suddenly shot out from the cloud and separated the dog's head from their shoulder!
Rarity couldn't help but scream at the blood and made sure Sweetie Bell's eyes were covered! "What's going on?! Rarity?!" Sweetie Bell tried to look but Rarity made sure that didn't happen. A filly has no business seeing such gruesomeness!
The dust cloud cleared revealing possibly one of the most intimidating figures Rarity has ever seen in her life! The Alicorn was covered head to hoof in spiked armor and their eyes blazed with a purple fire.
Their horn glowed and a purple fireball emerged from their horn and set ablaze a group of diamond dogs, sending the mutts into a panic as their very flesh was roasted off their bones!

"Get dat pony!" One of the dogs cried and a trio of them rushed toward the armored Alicorn. With a flourish of their axe, cleaning it of blood, the Alicorn counter charged the dogs, shocking the attackers and leaving them open. The axe split the first dog's head in twain before quickly swinging it toward the second one.
The diamond dog attempted to use his shield to block the attack, but with an axe that big, it was like trying to stop a boulder with a cupcake. The dog howled in pain as he was sent flying back, his shield destroyed and his arm...missing.
Said arm hung to the axe head like a dead fish before it was shaken off. The third dog whimpered and Rarity swore she smelt urine coming from the dog's trousers.

The armored pony looked at the dog and took a single step forward.
Never in her life has Rarity seen any creature run as fast as that dog did, screaming the whole way as he ran into Ponyville.

She then saw the Alicorn turn toward her and she felt her heart stop. Why were they looking at her specifically?! She was beautiful she will admit but in her current state, she looked positively dreadful!

The armored Alicorn opened their mouth to speak but was stopped by the sound of a warhorn. Over 30 diamond dogs rushed from Ponyville. Shouting warcries as they charged their knight in...well, Rarity would be lying if she added shining armor. Their savior's armor needed a shine up badly if Rarity was honest, as she noted that the armor while naturally dark had quite a few spots that didn't quite look right, as the town fashionista, it would be a small repayment till she could give something better.
But armor shining later! Over 30 dogs were rushing at their savior! Rarity worried their hero may be overwhelmed. But if their savior was worried, they did not show any. Instead, a dark chuckle emerged from their...her mouth and the gem in her gauntlets hoof glowed with power.

"For the master!" "KILL! KILL!" A series of voices shouted and Rarity turned to see some of the strangest creatures (outside of Discord) she's ever seen rush ahead of the armored pony. The diamond dogs were taken completely by surprise and many of them perished in the first few seconds. She watched as the creatures used a mixture of clubs and sharpened wood to beat and stab at the diamond dogs. A few of them even just used their teeth and claws!
She was grateful she could move her hooves just enough to stop Sweetie Bell from seeing the action. She could no doubt hear the fighting, but at least she didn't see blood or any other such nastiness.

The armored pony did not stand idle, she rushed into the brawl, her cloak and tail blowing in the wind.
Time seemed to slow as Rarity watched her run past. Her cloak flying in the air to reveal their hero's cutie mark.

It was that of a pink star. The very same cutie mark, as Twilight's.

"T-Twilight?!" She stuttered out in shock, Sweetie Bell stopping her struggle to gasp and look at her big sister. Rarity felt her eyes water as tears of joy dropped onto the ground, a joyful smile stuck on her face even as it was dirtied by her mascara.

Her friend has returned!

Third/First person Pov: Twilight.

Twilight paused and she turned to stare at Rarity. The Alicorn gave Rarity a small smile, her blazing eyes dimming to allow Rarity to see her true eyes. The newly crowned Overlord nodded at her before charging into the fray.
Twilight smiled as she heard Rarity break into a joyous cheer, her chains rattling in the air as she celebrated. But unfortunately, a tearful reunion would have to wait.

She had diamond dogs to kill...

Her minions whooped and cheered as they battled the ill-prepared raiders. Their enemies didn't expect an actual fight to occur, having grown complacent in raiding otherwise helpless villages and towns.
Of the original 30, only a mere five were standing. If Twilight had to guess, this was likely the leader and his guards of the pack her minions slaughtered. The lead dog, who Twilight identified as such due to his elaborate helmet. Knocked one of her minions away before nearly smashing another one who jumped back just in time.
The lead dog seemed to notice her and he noticed how she didn't have any minions blocking the path toward her. The diamond dog barked out a challenge before rushing at her!

...He didn't make it 5-feet before a fireball impacted his face. The dog howled in agony as his fur was set ablaze and he ran around in a panic. Twilight stared impassively at the squirming mutt as he was charbroiled, before looking at her minions. The little imps helped themselves to the dog's former weapons and armor, ditching their wooden weapons for the metallic weaponry of their foe. Some of the minions have not gotten a helmet to call their own, and instead made due by taking the diamond dog's collars and wearing them like tiny crowns.

Had this been the past, Twilight would've been horrified by the bloodshed and slaughter, but instead she felt...apathetic. Admittedly, a small part of her felt horrified at how she had casually claimed the lives of sentient creatures but the other parts of her...didn't care. It's not like the Diamond Dogs didn't have it coming! They were attacking her home! Her friends! And her people! She had to do something before the worst happened! 'I just hope my friends understand.' She worried, the ponies she rescued, while grateful, were also probably terrified! Rarity more so if Twilight had to guess, the old Twilight would never have done such bloodshed so easily...

Shaking away her concern for now, she turned toward her minions and spoke "Free them from their shackles my minions! Be careful not to hurt them!" She said in her best Overlord-sounding voice, attempting to suppress the nervousness she now felt at the prospect of speaking to Rarity.

The minions cheered at their master's command and immediately set about doing that. The minions bashed and cut at the chains eagerly, taking care not to hurt the ponies in them, their master would not be pleased if the prisoners were hurt!

Twilight herself turned to Rarity again and approached her friend. Her tail unconsciously shying away between her. It wasn't long before she stood face-to-face with her friend.
"H-Hey Rarity," She said shyly, her confident Overlord persona having melted away as she stood before one of her friends. "Twilight your back!" A tiny voice sounded and Twilight gasped as she felt a pair of hooves hug her leg and looked down to see Sweetie Bell hugging her. She couldn't help but be surprised by the gesture. S-Shouldn't she fear her? Not want to be friends again!?

Soon a pair of big hooves wrapped around her, well the best they could, she was taller than Rarity now after all. "Oh dearie, you have no idea how much we missed you!" The fashionista said tearfully. "Y-Your not scared of me?" Twilight said in shock, after the blood she casually spilled, wouldn't Rarity hate her?!
"Dearie how could you say that! Oh yes, you had to partake in some...unpleasant business. But if you think that's going to end our friendship you have another thing coming!" The unicorn mare said as she stepped back with a smile, Twilight couldn't help but smile in relief and she felt small tears well up in her eyes "Oh thank you!" Twilight said with a big smile as she scooped Rarity and Sweetie Bell into a hug.

The two of them gasped for air as Twilight hugged them! "Oof! Y-Your welcome d-dearie! B-But-" She was stopped from what she was saying by her little sister "Y-Your squishing us!" Sweetie managed to squeak out, making Twilight gasp. "O-Oh! I'm so sorry! You ok!" As Twilight began to fuss over them.

Rarity couldn't help but smile as she looked at her friend. Twilight may be huge and covered in armor now but at her core, she was still the friend she made she met that fateful Summer Sun Celebration...

Now if only she could get Twilight back to her Boutique! The poor dear no doubt needs and her armor is in dire need of a polishing!

Third/First person Pov: Gnarl.

'Ah, it's good to see the peasants already recognizing their new Overlord!' Gnarl thought happily as walked toward his master, he wasn't the minion he used to be and thus he was effectively left behind as his master and the minions smited diamond dogs!

'Could do without all the hugging though, it's bad for her image!'Twilight was an Overlord now! She can't just let random peons hug her! Now granted this one was apparently a close friend before his masters rise to Overlord. But still! If an Overlord desired to hug something or be hugged in question, it had to be away from prying eyes!
But he'll let this slide, for now, every Overlord has to start somewhere, and slowly, Twilight will grow into her position as the master of all evil!

Now he better hurry before his master and the minions run off again, he wasn't going to miss the next fight!

Author's Note

And boom, chapter 2 down! I think this might be the longest chapter for any of my stories that I've ever written! And I must say, it feels good!

I'm open to criticism as while It looked pretty good to me, there are no doubt those who are better at spotting problems that I myself may have missed or have ideas on how to help make the fic flow better.

Toward the end I hope I did well with the interaction between Rarity and Twilight, the remaining mane6 plus spike will appear in the next chapter. Again I'm open to suggestions on if the interaction between the two (Plus Sweetie Bell) could be better.

I'll see you lot next time, and get ready for an epic fight as Twilight battles the leader of the raid!