The Darkness Within

Chapter 3 The Shadow, The Engineer, and The Star

Ultor came out of teleporting, he was weak from the battle.  He had appeared in a forest, judging from the trees, he could guess that he was in the Everfree forest.  His fight with Captain Sparkle and the Element of Loyalty shook him up, he was in no condition to fight.  If he had stayed, he would have been turned to stone, like the rest of the rebels who dared show themselves to the elements, or Celestia herself.

“Damn, I should have known that Celestia would pull such a trick,” Ultor said, “Hmm, what should be my next move?”

‘You know as well as I,’ It said, ‘He can’t control himself.’

“Great, he’s in Ponyville Bar again,” Ultor said “Why can’t Boomer be in his house?”

‘My guess is as good as yours,’ it said and it never spoke again.

Ultor knew around the Everfree forest, the place was the best place to hide.  It served well as a hiding place for all of the secrets of Equestria.  After a while, Ultor arrived at the bar.  The place had a weird smell, and Ultor could smell trouble from the aura surrounding it.

“Finally, I’m here,” He said “I hope he’s in there.”

Ultor walked into the bar, there was a pony inside, sitting by himself.  He had a ten gallon on and a trench coat.  He was drinking heavily, as Ultor could see four bottles near him.

“Ah, Ultor, what brings you here,” He said, with a deep dark voice.  He had an accent, from his excessive drinking, Ultor wasn’t surprised that he developed slurs and what not.

Boomer was the other pony that was one of the leaders of Project Harbinger, he was an engineer, and was very deadly. He also was a heavy drinker, always in the bar.

“How are things, Boomer?” Ultor said.  He was hoping Boomer wasn’t completely wasted; he needed to get some allies here.  Project Harbinger was idle now, trying to hide themselves, they were centered in the northern tundra, no pony dared venture there.  So, Boomer was the only option.

“How do you think?” Boomer said “I have been hearing your spectacle today. Taking on a Captain seemed fun even if it is a powerless foal.”

“Glad to hear your opinion.” Ultor said, “Glad to know you’re in here, drinking yourself away.”

“What is it that you want, Ultor?” He said “Need something?”

“I need your help with some personal matters.” Ultor replied

“Sorry,” Boomer said “Can’t do anything in a couple of days.”

“Why not?” Ultor curiously asked

“Drunk,” Boomer said “I do, however, have a potential recruit for your eyes only.”

‘Another recruit eh? I wonder, Ultor, you could have a side-kick heh.’ The voice said

‘Shut it’ Ultor retorted

“Anyways heres the data you need.” Boomer said.  He handed Ultor a folder.  It had a picture and a biography of the recruit.

The folder said his name was Star.  He is held in Cloudsdale Prison.  He was a Pegasus, with black hair and a greyish mane.  He is being held there for a short amount of time for a crime he committed.

“Thanks Boomer,” Ultor said “Hope you fix whatever your problems are.”

“I may be an engineer,” Boomer replied “But there are some problems I can’t fix.”

Ultor left the bar and knew where he was heading next.  He knew where the Cloudsdale Prison was located but not which cell he was in.  He looked at the folder and saw it was 4B.  He thought of the location and was gone.

He teleported into a cell where a nebulous form laid on the bed. The figure's mane sparkled like the stars outside with such elegance and beauty. Ultor came closer to the figure. He had a prisoner uniform which was darkish blue. It covered his body except for his mane. Ultor slowly reaches for his head and yanks it with his hoof. The pony shrieks and falls out of bed from Ultor's hoof.

"The hell was th.." The pony sees Ultor, who has a red trench coat and a soft-cap on.

Ultor menacingly says, "Lets go, Star, now." Star nods from fear of Ultor, he shadow teleports to an alleyway in Ponyville.

“Who are you?” Star said, “Are you my lawyer?”

“I’m not your lawyer kid,” Ultor said “I’m your savior.”

“Well thanks for saving me,” Star replied, “Whats your name?”

“Name’s Ultor, kid”, Ultor said “Do you want to make a deal?”

“What deal?” He said

“A deal where you fear nothing,” Ultor said “I can grant you special abilities that will allow you to survive in this cruel world, all I ask is you serve me undeniably, and without question.”

Star pondered it, he had just met this pony and already he’s asking for his life.  But what life does he have? He lives alone, no family, no foals, no plans, what does he have to lose.  Maybe this is what his purpose in life was, to be the lackey of this pony.

“I accept,” Star said confidently

‘Heheheh, another pony who serves us,' The voice said, 'Ultor, you just need to put your hoof on his head and concentrate.Say these words: To those who follow the light, know nothing. To those who follow the darkness, see everything'.

Ultor did as the voice said, he said the words and shadows surrounded Star.  Ultor watched as the shadows engulfed him.  He chuckled thinking of having his own personal second in command.

The shadows disappeared leaving an unconscious Star on the ground.  He awakes with red eyes that showed through the dark.  His wings were darker and seemed more longer than before. He kneeled before Ultor.

“How may I serve you, master,” Star said

Ultor smiled, he had found his second in command.  His ally, his personal guard, and a loyal subject.  Star was now his Lieutenant and was ready to serve.

“You are now named Black Star,” Ultor said “and I have a job for you.”