Chapter Two

The three were actually terrified, even Rainbow Dash. They were surrounded by so many of the armored giants, all fighting over who could get one of them. What made things worse, the three were chained together by handcuffs, shackles and collars. Many were laughing at their reactions, some were talking about what they'll do with them.

"That one, with the pale skin and purple hair!" One said, while walking up, Twilight recognized him as the Sergeant from before. "She'll be mine, after Warsmith Zarrix passes through." He was looking down at Rarity, the fashionista could feel his depraved stare.

"Ew, stay away from me, you beast!" Rarity said, hiding behind her friends.

"Back off, creep! Before you regret it!" Twilight yelled, taking on a fighting stance the best she could.

The Sergeant began to laugh. "Oh, I like her! She has a lot of spunk!" He now stood over the princess.

"Sergeant, you should back off… You know the rules." Kalex spoke up, walking up and placing a hand on the Sergeant's shoulder.

"Calm down Kalex. We all know our Warsmith won't pick any of them… He hasn't chosen any of our spoils for years." The Sergeant said, shrugging Kalex off and making him back off. He started to reach for Twilight. "And I've changed my mind, I want you!"

The girls closed their eyes, Twilight preparing for the worst…. But sounds of metal being crushed and the Sergeant roaring in pain caught their attention. When their eyes opened, they saw his hand being crushed by a much larger, clawed, one. "And what do you think you're doing, Sergeant Norik?" A deep, metallic, voice asked.

The three looked up, and saw another of the giants… Only, he was a foot taller than the rest, and his armor was much bulkier. They also noticed the skulls placed on spikes at the top of his armor, they could even see the chain linked cap behind his massive frame. "Welcome, Warsmith Zarrix, sir!" Kalex yelled, all of the Iron Warriors snapping to attention, repeating the former.

"Thank you, Brother… Now then, Sergeant, I ask again." Zarrix brought the Sergeant eye to eye with his tusked helmet. "What do you think you're doing, Sergeant Nork? And do not lie to me."

"I-I was about t-to touch the new s-slaves, before y-you made you're rouds-AAAAH!" Norik yelled, as the Warsmith lifted him off the ground even further.

"Very good, Sergeant… And just so you know?" Zarrix suddenly threw Norik towards a group of Iron Warriors, who caught him. "You see those three?" He pointed at the girls. "They are mine. And if any of you try to touch them, without my permission? You'll end up with both a cybernetic arm and leg, like the Sergeant!"

"B-But I don't have a-!" Norik was interrupted when several loud cracks came from the wrist mounted combi-bolters on the Warsmith's right power claw… Actually ripping off his crushed left arm and left leg.

"Any questions?" He asked, the Terminator looked around but no one raised their voice. "Good, now then. Have your fun, I'm taking my new slaves to my chambers." Zarrix grabbed their chains, and broke the three away from the other slaves. He grabbed between Twilight's cuffs, pulling the three behind him.

-Zarrix's Chambers-

Zarrix pulled the three inside, the doors closing and locking once they were in, and dropped the chains. They looked around, and were surprised by the room looked like. Despite the obvious metal surroundings, work table, and a suit of Mk. IV Maximus Power Armor; the room wasn't what they expected. It looked like something that belonged to some Master Architect… Somepony from Ancient Romane. There was even a large throne, big enough for the Terminator to sit rest on it while in his armor.

Their attention was suddenly pulled to the armored behemoth, when he let out a drawn out sigh. "Please… Tell me your names are not Rainbow Dash, Rarity and… Twilight Sparkle?" Zarrias asked, the three girls looked at one another, but they didn't respond. "Your silence answers it, then… Thought the Warp finally started to drive me insane."

"Um… Excuse me, 'Warsmith Zarrix'?" Twilight spoke up, the chains raddling with her movements.

"While we are in here, just the four of us, you may call me Zarrix…. Any other time, or around the others, it'll be 'Master'." He said, keeping his back to them.

"Ok… Zarrix, h-how do you know our names?" Twilight asked, both Rainbow Dash and Rarity nodding at the question.

Zarrix flinched a bit, his bulky armor making it quite obvious. "It has been a secret I've kept from my brothers for so long." He said, with a sigh, turning around. "But, since it is three of the Mane Six asking, I shall reveal it… During one of our raids, I discovered some data files within a library of sorts. I found them interesting, and downloaded the files to my armor's visual and audio receptors. Turns out, they were of your adventures and accomplishments." He looked at Twilight, nodding to her. "Including your adventures to that parallel human world, which was how I recognized your human forms."

The girls looked at one another, then back at Zarrix. "You do realize how hard that is to believe, correct?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, along with how hard it is to believe that a Warsmith would maim one of his warriors over a dispute about slaves." He countered. "Which, I might add, doesn't happen."

"Uh… Good point." Twilight said, thinking about it for a moment.

"That brings me to my own question… Uh… Sir, what do you intend for us?" Rarity asked, eyeing the brutish armor, including the silver skull on his belt. "Judging by what we've seen, it can't be anything good."

"My intention is to find a way to send you three back." Zarrix said, the three giving him confused looks. "You do not belong here, I also enjoy your adventures and it prevented me from falling into madness… I guess this is a way of me to thank at least three of you." The warsmith didn't add in the fact that this was also a chance for him to do something good, after so long.

"You know about us, how about you tell us about yourself? I mean, it's kind of creepy that you know nearly everything about us, and we know nothing of you." Rainbow Dash asked, Zarrix giving the best bow he could with his Terminator armor.

"I cannot deny the most 'awesome' pegasus, who completed the fabled Sonic Rainboom three times, when she asks." Zarrix said, making Rainbow Dash smirk at the praise.

"I think someone has a faaaaan." Rarity whispered, getting a nudge from the daredevil.

"I am Warsmith Zarrix, as you three already know. I lead the Iron Warriors Warband known as the 'Unbreakables'. Due to my Astartes origins, I have lived for around five hundred centuries." The three gasped at his age. "Physically, one would say I am mid to late twenties. Mentally? Well, let's just say the Gene-Father of the Iron Warriors gave us good problem solving skills."

"Wow… So, mind telling us about your history, then?" Twilight asked, her eyes filled with wonder.

"Not much to it. First fifteen years, I was an initiate. When I became a battle brother, I ascended through the ranks, due to my ability to actually strike at the perfect spot, and time. After one hundred and fifty years, I was granted command of a whole Astartes Company, with their respective armored vehicles." He answered, shrugging some. "I was then granted both a Grand Company and Terminator honors after fifty more years, when the Horus Heresy first broke out, and my Company brought down the walls of an Imperial Fist Fortress that our Grand Battalion Commander believed to be impossible to destroy."

"Ok, so what do-…" Twilight was cut off.

"What do you guys do for fun?" Rainbow Dash asked, making the princess glare at her. "What? Come on, I know you were wondering to. I mean, I doubt they just sit around and wait for a new fight."

Zarrix began to laugh at Rainbow Dash's bluntness. "Well, she's correct. We don't." He said, walking over and removing their chains. "I allow my Warband to do what used to be reserved for Warsmiths. Play simulated War Games of either Attack and Defend or Open Warfare…"

"What is the objective of the game?" Twilight asked, rubbing her wrists.

"You're given pre-created units and combat doctrines. Your objective is to either destroy your opponent or capture an objective and hold it." Zarrix answered, moving away from them. "I'll take you three after Rarity makes you all suitable outfits, to blend in as the 'favored slaves' of the Warsmith."

The fashionista lit up like decorations on Hearts Warming Eve. "Oh, but how will I work? What materials do I have?" She asked, seeming rather frantic.

The Warsmith motioned to a strange machine and work table. "I believe you'll find everything you will need there. The Servitors can also help, merely activate them and give your instructions." He said, a wide grin appearing on Rarity's face.

"Ooooh, I know just the outfits to make, too!" She said, rushing straight over to the workbench.

-Equestria, Canterlot Castle-

Celestia sat on her throne, eyeing two magical windows that showed possible future events. She eyed the two very closely, both having very high costs when they occur. "Sister?" A voice spoke up, causing the white alicorn to see a midnight blue one, walking over to her.

She smirked at the younger alicorn. "Yes, Luna?" Celestia asked, the two windows moving away.

"Twilight Sparkle and two of the Elements have suddenly disappeared… Yet you seem very calm." Luna noted, tilting her head. "But I know something troubles you."

"Yes… I know where they are, and there is two possible outcomes from it. Both are very troubling." She admitted, letting out a sigh.

"What are the outcomes, sister?" Luna asked, curious about what will happen.

"Either they help the one they're with conquer, and take over Equestria…" Celestia said, Luna becoming greatly concerned. "Or, he returns them before anything could happen to the three… Which in turns saves Equestria from some purple version of him."

"I do hope they make the right decision…" Luna said, wondering about the outcomes.

"It isn't their decision, it is his." Celestia created an image of Warsmith Zarrix, sitting on his throne… Seemingly bored. "Unfortunately, both choices may cost the lives of many."

"How exactly will he choose?" Luna asked, eyeing the terrifying image.

"I wish this answer was known to me, as well. I am only able to see the outcomes." Celestia said, eyeing the two magical mirrors.

-Irongrade's Hall of the Warsmith, three days after their arrival-

Every Iron Warrior within the Hall snapped to attention, while Warsmith Zarrix entered. Few were surprised to see the Warsmith actually showing up, because he hasn't attended the War Games since they fled from Holy Terra. All of the others were surprised to see what his three slaves, who trailed right behind him, were wearing!
All three were wearing robes that Iron Warriors born on Olympia assumed were their traditional clothing. Rarity was wearing a darkish purple variant of the robe, and had white trimmings coursing around the edges. Rainbow Dash was wearing that had a cyan colored top, forming into a twisting rainbow color and gold trimmings down. While Twilight, who was trying her best to ignore the stares, was wearing a bright blue dress with a bright star over her breast. Around her waist was a darker blue sash, and the dress continued down with the original blue color and stars going down. She was even wearing matching gloves and had her hair up with a crown-like piece in her hair… To any that looked at her, it made them believe she was the Warsmith's favorite.

One of the Iron Warriors, whose armor was adorned with decorations, stepped forward. "Greetings, Warsmith! You honor us with your presence." He said, placing a fist over his chest.

"Yes, it has been a long time since I have been here, Orus…. I grew curious. Tell me, who is playing?" Zarrix asked, nodding his tusked helmet.

"Sergeant Alor and Sergeant Malk, sir." Orus answered, leading Zarrix and the girls to the holo-table.

"And who is the favorite?" Zarrix asked.

"That would be Sergeant Alor, my Warsmith. His attacks are without mercy, but Sergeant Malk seems to be holding out." The Iron Warrior answered, as they reached the table.

The girls were amazed at what they saw, seeing the holographic buildings and figures. The game was paused, because the figures representing troops were frozen in place. The attackers were colored as gray, while the defenders were colored as yellow. "Do not let me hold you two up, continue." Zarrix announced, the two Sergeants nodding and resumed their War Game.

The moment both sides started moving again, the girls were glued to the match. The gray units were unleashing everything they had on the holographic walls. However, the yellow units were holding strong and giving their attackers everything back. It almost looked dead even, the gray side slowly pushing to victory. "The yellow troops are going to win." Twilight said, making Zarrix look down at her.

"What are you talking about, Twi? That Alor guy has Malk on the ropes! He's slowly pushing in." Rainbow Dash said, motioning to the almost crumbling walls.

"That's what Malk wants everyone to think… But, if Alor only presses his attacks on a single part of the wall, his troops will funnel in, and all the yellow troops have to do is focus their fire at that point." Twilight explained, as she continued to observe the battle.

"Yeah right, I'm still saying Alor and the gray troops will win." Rainbow Dash said, keeping to her stubborn self. "His cannons can easily keep the yellow troops pinned while his own flood the opening."

Zarrix chuckled, he could see both scenarios playing out on the table. "Well then, my lovelies." He said, placing a power claw on their shoulders, Rarity standing in the middle of them. "How about we watch and see?" He looked towards the two. "Hear that, you two! Malk, my favorite supports you! Alor, seems my daredevil is cheering for you! Do not disappoint them!" He announced, making both girls blush while Rarity smirked.

"I will not disappoint her, my Warsmith!" The two Sergeants yelled, their actions becoming more determined to win.

The battle became even more intense, those watching were on edge and began to wonder who'll win. Sure enough, the wall came down and the gray troops began to funnel right into a kill box. It was a slaughter, but the artillery were starting to pound away at the defenders. So far, both girls were right. "Now for the interesting part." Zarrix said, he already knew what was about to happen.

"What do you mean-?" Rainbow Dash was caught off guard by the sounds of explosions. When she looked back, more of the wall was destroyed but almost all of the gray troops were wiped out! "W-What happened!? Now the cannons are exposed!"

"To gain ground, sometimes you must sacrifice ground." Zarrix said, pointing to the now advancing yellow troops, being led by what remained of their armor and titans. "He used his own artillery to fire danger close. It destroyed his defensive walls, but wiped out Alor's infantry."

Alor began to panic, trying to use his artillery to destroy the advancing yellow troops, but it was too late. They were too close for most of them, and within seconds…. Game Over. "Damnit!" The Sergeant slammed his gauntlets on to the table. "I am sorry, my Warsmith! I have failed."

"Do not apologize to me, Sergeant Alor…" Zarrix motioned to Rainbow Dash. "She is the one that had faith in you to bring victory. I remained neutral. If you must apologize, do so to 'Lady Rainbow Dash'."

Alor nodded, somewhat hesitant. "I-I'm sorry, Lady Dash… I failed your faith." He said.

"Don't worry about it, no one saw that coming… Just get him next time!" She said, smiling at the Sergeant.

Alor raised an eyebrow, but smirked and nodded. "Understood."

"Sergeant Malk…" Twilight said, looking towards the victorious sergeant.

"Yes, my lady?" He asked, looking towards her.

"Well done!" She said, giving him a sweet and congratulating smile, the Sergeant nodding to her. Twilight looked up at Zarrix. "Um… 'M-Master'? May I give the War Game a try?"

He gave a nod. "I do not see why not… Sergeant Malk?" The Sergeant looked towards their Warsmith. "Do Lady Twilight Sparkle the honor of teaching her how to play."

Malk gave a salute. "It would be my honor, my Warsmith." He replied, Twilight making her way over to him. "Alright, this is how you control the troops, this screen here shows what you have. Green is alive, red is dead. Yellow is damaged."

Zarrix smirked behind his helmet, watching Twilight learn how to control her side. "Do you wish to play, Rainbow Dash?" He asked, looking down at her.

"No, 'Master'. I want to see how Twi does." She said, smiling while Zarrix nodded.

After the two were given enough time, another Iron Warrior came over to start a War Game with her. The round didn't last very long, and to everyone's surprise, Twilight actually defeated him! What shocked Zarrix the most, the princess' walls were barely even scratched! Every move he made, she countered within seconds. Every unit he killed, she took out ten of his. "Impressive…" He muttered, chuckling a bit.

"That's our dear Twilight." Rarity said, smiling at the results.

"Master? May I try attacking this time?" Twilight asked, he nodded, and she walked over to the gray side of the table. "Ok, controls are the same, just have to remember, I have no defensive walls." She muttered, eyeing what she had. "I think I already got an idea."

Another Iron Warrior took the Defender's position, and allowed Twilight to start the game… Which actually lasted shorter than the first round! Twilight used her artillery to obliterate the frontal section of the wall, without advancing her troops. When they came down, she used the Vindicators to continue their onslaught, longer ranged artillery pounded what was behind them, all while her infantry move forward with the cover of armored vehicles and artillery.

"She's like a prodigy of Perturabo…" An Iron Warrior said, shocked by both her flawless victories.

"Don't assume that, brother… Now I will challenge her, and I won't go easy on the girl." Another said, taking up the defender's position. "Let us do battle, Lady Sparkle." Then, the game began.