Fall of Equestria: Return of the Ancient Ones

by The-Black-Knight673

Long ago, Equestria was visited by ancient beings of metal, their leader gaining a strange bond with Princess Celestia and Luna. Once Equestria was safe, and peace had come to their land, the Ancient Ones went North, to enter a deep slumber until Equestria needed them once more. During their slumber, King Dain and his Caribou took over Equestria. Now, they shall return once again.

2. Chapter 2

Chapter Two

The halls echoed with metallic marching of Necron formations, preparing for battle or to be loaded into transports, many surrounding glowing red pylon-like structures. Even more were still being awakened within the Tomb City, and certain Legions worth of warriors were already prepared to be deployed for battle. It all kept Daring Do awestruck, standing on the platform's edge outside of Ay'therian's personal chambers, a pair of Lychguard standing watch over the mare. This had been because the Phaeron's meeting with his Royal Guard had been kept a private affair, attendance being highly restricted to those of the Dynasty's higher echelon.

When the monolith's doors began to open, Daring Do whipped around and watched the different decorated Necron walk out. Though, her attention went straight to her host, as the Phaeron approached with his remaining Lychguard. "S-So, uh, what are you planning to do, Phaeron Ay'therian?" Daring Do asked, eyeing the Phaeron's crimson war-scythe, its glass-like blade glowing red, and his metallic black cape.

"The three of my Reclamation Legions are prepared for battle, and the rest of my Dynasty are being awakened, as we speak." Ay'therian started, stopping a short distance away from the mare. "But, there are areas I must reclaim, before fully deploying my full force on to the Caribou." He pulled out a strange pyramid device, pressing different points, its top opening and displaying a red holographic map of Equestria. "It has been many millennia since we last walked on this world… So, I must gain what information you have to offer." Brighter red dots appeared on the map, but a single dot grew out more. "This is the first of the locations we need... My Deathmarks and Canoptek Wraiths are entombed here, we will require their skills in stealth and ambush."

The location caused Daring Do's eyes to widen, a chill crawling up her spine. "T-That is the Crystal Empire's ruins! It is only lightly garrisoned, but the environment there is harsh, because of the Crystal Heart being stolen and corrupted by the Caribou's king." She looked up at the Phaeron. "Granted, the blizzard will mask your approach, but there is no telling how many defenders they have, either."

Ay'therian clutched the pyramid device, snickering at Daring Do's information. "Then, securing this location will be a simple task." His glowing gaze went to the mare, scanning her attire carefully. "But, I will require your assistance, for what I have planned."

For some strange reason, Daring Do did not like the direction this is going.

-Crystal Empire Garrison's Gates-

Four Caribou soldiers stood guard at their garrison's gates, two to a blazer. Another blizzard had rolled into the area, greatly limiting their field of vision and movements, but they were not performing any patrols. The Caribou guards decided to leave such warmth stealing tasks to their mind controlled soldiers, the stallions being far more expendable then one of their own. However, it did not make their guard duties any more bearable.

"Pah, where are those mindless idiots?" One of the Caribou Guards grunted, glancing at the ruined city streets. "They should have been back by now."

Another Caribou Guard snickered. "Think the blizzard claimed those idiots, Sav? If so, that means more mares for us."

The guard "Sav" grunted again, shaking his armored head. "Doubtful. They are mindless, not stupid. I highly doubt they would willingly freeze to deat-?"

"Silence!" The more seasoned of the four shouted, his eyes focusing ahead of them. "Something is coming… And it isn't those stallions."

The Caribou Guards grabbed their weapons, and prepared for battle, as a pair of silhouettes appeared within the blizzard's veil. From what they could tell, one of them is much bigger than the other, and their companion's smaller frame had obviously been that of a mare. When they came into view, both wore black hooded cloaks, hiding their forms within the tattered fabrics. Their mysterious approach caused the Caribou Guard to grow nervous.

"In the name of King Dain, I order you to halt!" The seasoned guard yelled, as he and the others pointed their weapons at the strangers, who came to a halt. Now that the pair had come closer, they noticed the larger one is slouching within their cloak. "Identify yourselves and the business at our garrison?"

"M-My, uh, M-Master wished to survey what had once been the Crystal Empire." The cloaked mare answered, moving closer to her larger companion. "We have heard that there is a garrison up here, and wished to wait out the storm inside." She motioned up to her companion. "Master's body is not what it once was."

"Our garrison is not a hotel, and to be used for military purposes only!" The seasoned guard yelled, pulling his weapon upright. "Turn back around, and go back to where you came from!"

"W-We understand that, my lord… But, uh, my Master would not last the trip back." The larger stranger leaned down, his weakened body position confirming the mare's story. When she saw this, the mare went to support him more, her hood falling back.

When the guards saw her tanned yellow coat, and black mane that shifted to gray in a rainbow pattern, they whistled. "Young and pretty, that one." Sav commented, the Caribou Guards snickering.

"Why doesn't your Master speak for himself?" The seasoned guard demanded, watching her large companion lower his head down.

It seemed that they whispered to the mare for a few moments, who seemed nervous about saying the words but nodded nonetheless. "Because my Master is a noble of high royalty, my lord." She looked towards the guards. "Addressing simple garrison guards is beneath one of his station. So, I am to speak in his stead, as a mediator."

The Caribou Guards looked at one another, confused by the answer, before looking back at them. "Only King Dain holds such a position! There is no other that is equal to his status!"

The larger figure looked towards the mare, whispering to her again. "My Master is one from an ancient Kingdom, unknown to your people, but is one you must respect." She nodded to them. "Please, allow us shelter, my Master would be most grateful for your hospitality, and return it in kind."

They did not falter, Sav snickering. "Even if we do let you two enter… There is a toll that must be paid, regardless." He walked up to the pair, his comrades snickering. Foreign Noble, or not, it must be paid." Sav just eyed her, with lust filled eyes. "Which means, pretty mare, you must service every soldier in the garrison.

The mare gained a terrified expression, moving closer to her companion and claimed master. "Such disrespect towards those of higher status." A metallic voice muttered from the larger stranger, causing Sav to look up at him. "Truly, your race has become arrogant with the passing of time."

Sav raised an eyebrow at him. "What does it matter, you relic?" He looked back at the mare, grinning and reached to grab hold of her mane. "She will still ser-!?"

A crimson, metal, hand wrapped around Sav's forearm, the slender fingers almost like blades. "Clearly, your race has forgotten whom now stands before you." The larger stranger quickly released Sav's arm, grasping his breastplate and threw the Caribou Guard back to his comrades. "I must now remind you, of whom you are in the presence of."

"Who the hell do you think you are, stranger!?" The seasoned guard demanded, helping his comrade back up.

"Who am I? I shall tell you, child." He crouched down, placing the metal hand on to the snowy ground. "Long ago, I was taken by a rival, but crashed within the Kingdom of Equestria's boarders. Soon, a child came to where I laid, damaged. Despite my demands that she leaves me be, the child remained and only wished to help. To end this story quickly, she helped remove what wounded me, and my people came to take me home. On that day, an alliance had been forged between our kingdoms."

The Caribou Guards looked around, his story sounding vaguely familiar, but they could not place it.

"Time passed, and the child's home came under siege. I returned with my own people, and repelled the invaders. On that day, I swore that my Dynasty would secure and safeguard the child's kingdom… Entering a deep slumber, once their home had become safe." The strange pulled out a red, pulsing, orb and placed it where he cleared the snow. "Millennia after millennia passed, as we slumbered within the Far North." The Caribou Guards went wide eyed, connecting the dots, as he slowly stood back up. "Now, the land that belonged to my little Sunshine and Moonbeam has been taken, and enslaved… All while I slept."

The cloaked stranger stood more upright, revealing his towering height… A pair of red, glowing, eyes appearing within his hood.

"I have slept for long enough, and shall reclaim what has been stolen. For, I..." A gust of wind removed the stranger's hood, revealing his metallic crimson skull and black crown. "Phaeron Ay'therian the Reaper, Ruler of the Ay'therian Dynasty, have returned!"

"A-A-Ancient One!" The seasoned guard yelled, readying his spear. "Quickly, attack-AHHH!" Red energy soared out of Ay'therian's hand, striking the Caribou and setting him ablaze.

The other Caribou Guards stared at Ay'therian, as he held his hand up. "With my return, the Necrontyr of my Dynasty awaken and turn the very ground against you!" The pulsing red orb shined brightly, and metallic hands burst out from underneath two of the Caribou Guards! Despite their desperate struggle, the guards began to be dragged into the snow-covered ground, their screams of terror and agony being masked by the blizzard's wailing winds.

Only Sav remained now, his gaze returning to the Phaeron… Seeing glowing red eyes appearing within the blizzard's snowy veil behind him. Before long, rank upon rank of Necrons marched out of the blizzard's veil, like specters of old, along with the Crystal Pony stallions that had disappeared while on patrol, free of their mind control. "P-Please… Have mercy, A-Ancient One!" The Caribou Guard pleaded.

Ay'therian slowly walked forward, Daring Do staying next to the Necron Phaeron. "Do no worry, Caribou… I shall not slay you." He grasped Sav by his neck, lifting the Caribou Guard off the ground. "I will only spare you, so that I may send a message to your, arrogant, young race." He held Sav up to his emotionless faceplate. "We have returned, and there is nothing you can do about stopping our reclamation." With that, he tossed the Caribou Guard away, allowing him to run free… An Immortal walking up next to Ay'therian. "Once he is far enough away? Kill him."

The Immortal gave a silent nod, Daring Do looking up at Ay'therian in shock. "P-Phaeron, I thought you said he would live, to send your message?" The mare asked, looking in the Caribou's direction.

"I told him that I would not slay him, at no point did I promise that one of my Necrontyr would not." Ay'therian noted, looking at the fortified garrison. "Plus, he will carry my message, even as a corpse. The Immortals are lethal shots, and will wait until the boy is far enough away… They will discover his corpse, and learn of our return." The sound of said Immortal in question firing caused Daring Do to flinch. "Best not focus on such things, child, we must take this garrison."

"Aren't your warriors buried underneath the city?" Daring Do asked, eyeing the garrison, as well. "Do you wish to attack it, and free those inside, Phaeron?"

"That is part of the reason, yes." Ay'therian started, as a warrior presented the Phaeron his war-scythe. "Though, mostly because it is in my way." He grasped the war-scythe, holding it high into the air.

One of the stallions walked up, nervous by the Phaeron's mere presence. "U-Uhm… Great Ancient One? H-How might you open the garrison doors?" He asked, standing a good distance away from Ay'therian. "They are fortified, without any siege weapons, how can we-!"

A large beam of, wailing, red energy soared over their heads and blew the garrison doors wide open! Daring Do and the stallions whipped around, now noticing that a spider-like walker had positioned itself close enough to fire on the garrison… Barrels smoking from its recently fired shot.

"Like that, child." Ay'therian answered, looking down at the stallion. "Stay close to my Necrontyr, their spell will not overcome you again by doing so."

A look of wonder appeared within their eyes, even as the Phaeron gave his Necrons their orders to attack. "You heard him, stallions! Let's retake our Empire!" They charged into the garrison, alongside Ay'therian's Necron forces.

The garrison's defenses did not with stand a chance against the advance weapons, which the Necrons had been armed with, or the seemingly immortal warriors that had appeared from within the blizzard. Every stallion that came close to these warriors, were somehow released from their mind control, dazed and startled by the towering metal skeletons, until their weapons fired on a Caribou Soldier. Mars found were freed form their shackles, stallions quickly retrieving clothing for them.

While this happened, Ay'therian stalked the garrison's halls with his Lychguard and Daring Do, splitting any Caribou Soldier found completely in half. The mare stayed close to the Phaeron's side, helping ease any mares that they came across. Despite how deathly Ay'therian seemed, giving off a sense of death, the mare felt safe when close to him… Even when either he, or one of the Lychguard, nearly disemboweled or tore apart a Caribou Soldier. Though, she had questionable feelings towards pleading soldiers that the Necrons slayed without remorse.

The shield bearing Necrons formed a protective wall in front of their Phaeron, while the scythe wielding ones went ahead and sliced through any defenders that dared to try and impede their advance. Magic blasts or physical weapons either dispersed or shattered against their bodies or defenses, unable to penetrate the deathly warriors. However, the sounds of a wailing child echoed from behind a door they were passing, drawing Ay'therian's attention. "Lychguard, stay here and make sure we are not bothered." They saluted him, Ay'therian looking down at Daring Do. "Child, come with me… It will be easier if an Equestrian is there, alongside me." She gave a nod, as the door was pushed open… The scene behind hit making the mare want to scream her head off.

Pink wings had been clipped, and tied openly on the frame of a bed, horn strapped to some magical ring and the mare's harness. Her mouth gagged with a red ball, attached to a muzzle, her eyes forced open by painful looking clips, tears staining the mare's cheeks. Her body bare, for all to see, arms opened and chained to the bed, over the mare's head, and legs spread wide, also tied to the bed's frame. The mare's eyes were glazed over, her throat cut open, blood pouring down on to her bare breast. They could tell that the wound was fresh, blood still somewhat fresh, but it had already been too late to save this victim of the Caribou's cruelty.

The Princess of Love, Cadence, was dead.

Ay'therian just stared at the slain mare, before crying drew his gaze left and saw another pink alicorn, a foal, lying in her crib. "Kept the attention away from her child." He started, looking back at Cadence, "Died in the process." The Phaeron stalked over to the bed, Daring Do quickly seeing to the crying foal, as he sat down next to the slain mare… Using his free hand to move her mane a bit. "Yet, she is still a child herself."

Daring Do bounced the crying Flurry Heart in her arms, trying to calm the foal down. Once she did, the alicorn coal holding on to the collar of her cloak, Daring Do simply watched Ay'therian… His positioning making the Phaeron seem like the specter of death, overseeing one who had passed on and needed to be guided to the Spirit Realm.

"She seemed quite the loving creature, beauty matching such appearance." Ay'therian commented, moving his hands over Cadence's clipped open eyes. The Phaeron's hand started to glow, removing the clips with a strange telekinetic power, then moved to close Cadence's eyes. "Sleep well, child… I did not know you, but with these actions? I will make sure you are entombed with my city." He leaned in, and placed the slit, representing the Phaeron's mouth, on to Cadence's forehead. "Your child shall become my child."

Something struck within Daring Do's heart, watching the Phaeron seemingly mourn the Crystal Empire's slain ruler. She held Flurry Heart a bit closer, wondering how many times the foal had been forced to endure all of this… To se or hear her mother being raped, abused, and ultimately killed; by the Caribou. Such thoughts were terrible to Daring Do.

"Bring her to me." Ay'therian's words snapped the mare from her thoughts, now noticing he is looking back at the mare. "Please, I wish to see her"

"U-Uh, yes, of course, Phaeron." Daring Do quickly walked over to Ay'therian, gently cradling Flurry Heart. "Please, Phaeron, be gentle with Princess Flurry Heart." She carefully laying the foal into his free hand.

Ay'therian wrapped the foal with in his metallic clawed hand, looking down at her. Despite the Phaeron's terrifying appearance, Flurry Heart just looked up at him, before yawning and hugging against his metal body. He snickered at the foal's innocence, and how she had accepted his presence, so quickly. "It seems this little one knows safety, when it is presented to her." Slowly, the Phaeron stood up, and walked towards the door, Daring Do in toe. "Almost like, she knows whom holds her."

The sight made Daring Do smile, wondering how such beings could be so cruel, merciless, but also so gentle in the flip of a coin? "Maybe Princess Celestia's magic did something, when they first met?" The mare thought, before noticing two Lychguards walking in.

"Phaeron, what shall we do with the Caribou survivors?" One asked, ask they both saluted him.

The Phaeron seemed to ponder their question, for a few moments, glancing back at the slain alicorn, then down at Flurry Heart. Ay'therian looked back at his Lycguard. "What survivors?" His question had answered theirs, one leaving to send his orders out, while the other remained, just in case there is more for them to do. "And cut this child lose, bring something to cover her up, as well. She is to be taken to the Tomb City, and buried there." Ay'therian held the foal up some, allowing the Lychguard to see her. "Brother, prepare a place at my tables, for our Dynasty's newest member to its Royal Court."

The Lychguard gave a respectful salute. "As you command, my Phaeron. Your will, shall be done." Then, they leaned down, on to their war-scythe, to get a closer look at Flurry Heart. "And welcome, little Princess. I look forward to protecting you." The Lychguard's response caused her to giggle, reaching up towards the skeletal faceplate, playfully.

Daring Do smiled at the scene, nodding, but flinched when she heard multiple gauss blasts echo within the garrison, along with pleading cries from Caribou Soldiers, many screaming in agony.

-Sometime Later-

Cadence's body was placed upon one of the Ghost Arks, with a routine of four Lychguard to escort her back. To keep the mare's dignity, the Lychguard had covered her body with a cloth and carried her upon a metal tomb-slab. The Crystal Ponies watched, with tear filled eyes, as the Necron transport lifted off and flew back towards their Tomb City… Ay'therian not far away, observing the ruined city, with Daring Do cradling a sleeping Flurry Heart. Lychguard forming a protective circle around the pair, not allowing a soul pass by them.

"Um, Phaeron… What is it you are doing?" Daring Do asked him, keeping a steady motion for Flurry Heart.

The Phaeron glanced back at her. "Waiting for the Canoptek Spyders and Scarabs finish their work." Ay'therian answered, looking back at the ruined city. "They have been working rather quickly, shortly after I arrived at the city's boarders." He nodded a few times, as if assuring himself. "They should be done very soon."

The mare continued to watch, silently, and kept Flurry Heart in a calm slumber. When he raised the Resurrection Orb high into the air, arcs of red energy sparking all around him, and into the ground. It looked like they were searching for something, or guided the very thing they were searching to bring up. Soon, phantom claws phased through the ground, a machine resembling the Canoptek Spyder, but with snake-like tail, crawled out of the ground. Its single eye locking on to Ay'therian, before bowing respectfully. More, and more, of the machines phased up from the ground.

But, what caused Daring Do to back away, were the squads of single eyed Necrons appearing out of physically nowhere from quick flashes of light, wielding long barreled gauss weapons. "Welcome back to the waking world, my blades within the shadow… My Deathmarks." Ay'therian nodded to the Deathmarks, who respectfully bowed.

"Who do you wish for us to kill, my Phaeron." The lead Deathmark asked, saluted.

"A young race, known as the Caribou, has enslaved Equestria, turning its people into their play toys." Ay'therian lifted his hand up, and placed it on to the lead Deathmark's shoulder… Their single eyes glowing brightly. "Take your Deathmarks and the Canoptek Wraiths, strike at their outlying outposts and trade routes. Before striking at other garrisons, we shall wrap our hands around their necks, choking them, and allow enigma to become our ally. Their paranoia will fester within them, and we shall strike where it is strongest."

The lead Deathmark gave a respectful nod and saluted him. "Your will be done, my Paheron. None shall escape our sights." The Deathmarks started to step back, one by one, and vanished in bright lights. The Canoptek Wraith slowly became spectral forms, disappearing back into the ground.

"My assassins have their marks, and are now on the hunt." Ay'therian turned back around and walked up to Daring Do. "How is the little one fairing?"

"Asleep, Phaeron… She seemed rather tired." Daring Do gently handed Flurry Heart over to Ay'therian. "Seems she has not been tended to for quite some time, properly."

Ay'therian gave a nod, as they walked towards the conquered garrison. "She may sleep for long as she wishes, so is my will… Would you also mind caring for her, it would be nearly impossible for me to do so properly." He asked, Daring Do coming to a halt and blinked at the Phaeron. "Surprised? Don't be, child." Ay'therian stopped, looking back at the mare, his Lychguard forming a protective circle again. "You woke us, you told us about what happened. You risked your own life, in hopes that a myth was truth." He released the war-scythe, which somehow remained upright, and cupped Daring Do's chin. "Allowing you to watch over this little one? The least I can possibly do." The Phaeron looked at the conquered garrison, retrieving his war-scythe. "Two Lychguards will be posted with both of you, along with six of the any elite warriors we liberate, at a time... When separated? Two Lychguard to both of you, regardless of situations."

"I am… Honored, Phaeron. But, don't you agree that the Crystal Ponies would be more suited?" Daring Do thanked, as another Ghost Ark landed near them. "And… Where are we going?"

"I do not know these 'Crystal Ponies', I at least know where your loyalties lie… As for where we are going? This was our first move, of many to come." Ay'therian started, as they boarded the Necron transport. "And my Legions are still being awakened within the Tomb City. An invasion, even with ones like us, takes careful planning and execution. With this victory, we have sown the seeds of an unknown foe, my assassins will strike where they are weak and create even more fear." The Ghost Ark lifted off the ground, rising into the sky, followed by one of the walkers opening fire on to the garrison, destroying it. "This is the Necronty's way of war, to instill terror, before delivering the final blow."