Chapter Three

Everything seemed quiet within the garrison stationed at what used to be Starlight's Village, except for the echoing moans of mares forced to service Caribou Soldiers and mind controlled stallions, all former villagers from area, including Starlight Glimmer herself. A group from the fortified station slowly patrolled its perimeter, one Caribou Soldier with four stallion guards, the Caribou acting as the corruption's node and keeping a tight hold over the Equestrians. Such things had not usually been required, but started after the Crystal Empire Garrison went silent. A unit had been sent to investigate the strange silence, three days passed with no word.

There has even been attacks on supply caravans, relief support arriving to find no survivors and the supplies destroyed. It had the garrisons on high alert, doubling the patrols and guard shifts everywhere.

The Caribou Soldier came around the garrison's corner, to check its rear with his assigned conscript team. Though, something instantly caught his attention, motioning the stallions forward. "Quickly, secure the area, you wretches." He snarled, the stallions forming a protective formation, while the lone Caribou walked over to an abandoned helmet, that belonged to one of his kin. "This is Tarrin's helmet?" The Caribou started, picking the discarded helmet up. "He should be just ahead of us? Why is that boy's helmet here?"

"Sergeant, should we keep moving? Our next patrol starts soon, and I wish for another round with Starlight Glimmer before we start." One of the stallions, a pure white earth pony, asked.

"No, you sex crazed oaf, fan out and search the area." The Caribou Soldier ordered, eyeing the helmet very carefully. "Something isn't-?" Dazed groans stopped him, drawing the Caribou's attention to his conscripts, noticing how they were holding their heads and stumbling around… Not noticing what had appeared behind him. "What is wrong with you worthless excuses for flesh!? I said to-ACK!"

A pair of metal, skeletal, hands reached forward and snapped the Caribou's neck! When the slain Caribou fell, a Necron Deathmark was revealed and starred at the free stallions. When they finally came to, the Equestrians going wide eyed, startled, and stumbled away from the Necron. "Keep pretending to be under their control, and free your enslaved kin. Leave these Caribou to us." The Deathmark lifted his hand up, making quick motions, before pressing his back against the wall, and squatting down.

Before the stallions could ask who the Necronw as, nine more Deathmarks rushed up, two setting up like the first, and started helping boast the others up on to the wall. Not long after, every Deathmark had scaled up the walls and over the ramparts Once they were all up there, the lead Deathmark pointed to different locations along the garrison's ramparts, one Deathmark heading in each direction Each point had one thing in common with the others, and that had been the fact they covered another's blind spot.

When the Deathmarks finish setting up, silently killing any Caribou Soldier they found or assisting freed stallions on their way, they vanished from sight. Their trap had been set, and their mere presence is enough to shatter the mind control, now the Necons need to do what is required of them… Wait.

-With the Stallions-

Double Diamond and the other stallions quickly rushed back into the garrison, carrying their slain sergeant. "We need help! Soldier down, soldier down!" Double Diamond shouted, drawing the attention of every soldier within the garrison's courtyard.

A Caribou Officer sprinted up, eyeing his slain kin. "What happened, wretch? Who did this?" He asked, as they laid the slain Caribou down.

The stallion flinched, at how the Caribou insulted him so carelessly, moving out of their way. "We don't know, sir. He saw an abandoned helmet, and told us to secure the area. Next thing we know, he fell to the ground, with a broken neck."

"You saw nothing?" The officer asked, Double Diamond shaking his head. "Just like Tarrin…"

More Caribou showed up, to take the body, Double Diamond and other stallions back away. While their slavers were distracted by the strange death, Double Diamond noticed that more stallions were entering a dazed state, being freed of their mind control. Quickly, and quietly, he moved over to the stallions, and motioned for them to be quiet. "Don't let them know, help is here… Let's go free the mares." He whispered, looking back at the oblivious Caribou.

"W-Whose here?" Party Favor asked, still semi-dazed, trying to shake it off.

"I-I don't know, I have never seen these guys before." Double Diamond answered, as the group started to move into the garrison. "Now, let's get the mares free… I rather not be here when things start." With that, they shut the doors and started their work.

-Garrison Courtyard-

"What in King Dainn's name is going on around here?" The Caribou Officer said out loud, placing a hand over the slain sergeant's neck. "The sheer strength required to snap Sergeant Kalivin's neck so easily, without making a sound or to be seen doing it? Is impossible."

Another sergeant knelt next to the body, eyeing Kalivin's fatal injury. "I know of few races able to snap another's neck so easily… None of them are quiet enough to do this."

"And the only ones around, are under our control." The Caribou officer pondered the situation for a few moments, then noticed something. "Wait a moment, where are those stallions?" The officer demanded, noticing that only Caribou Soldiers were in the courtyard. Realization hit him, like a manticore. "Scatter! It's a tra-!"

A red beam tore through the officer's forehead, sending him flying backwards. The Caribou watched their commander bounce, limply, on to the ground before looking towards who slayed him… Seeing the, one eyed, crimson mental skeleton aiming his weapon at their slain commander. "C-Crossbows! Kill that thin-?" Before the sergeant could finish his order, the Deathmark vanished. "What? Where did he-!"

Now, the sergeant took a beam to the side of his head… A Deathmark standing on the courtyard's opposite side. He vanished, before they could react to the Deathmark's appearance. Then, reappeared on top of the garrison's main building, taking down another soldier, vanishing right after. Then behind a nearby stall, slaying an officer trying to rally his soldiers, and vanished. He appeared behind one of their sergeants, quickly snapping his neck and vanished before they could hit the ground.

The Caribou were in complete disarray, their leaders quickly being systematically slain when they make the slightest gesture of being in some commanding position. It made things even worse, when their foe disappeared right after, reappearing where the Caribou weren't expecting him. "How is he doing this!?" A Caribou Soldier yelled, watching of his comrades take a red beam through the head. "Is he using some kind of teleporting spell?"

"I don't know!" A sergeant replied, as the remaining Caribou Soldiers formed a protective circle. "There is only one enemy, how can he overwhelm an entire garrison!?"

"Are you sure there is just one?" The Deathmark asked, appearing ten meters in front of the sergeant. "If you do, then you do not know the Deathmark's way." He slung the weapon over his shoulder, holding his free hand towards the Caribou. "Where there is one Deathmark…" In that moment, all the Deathmarks revealed themselves, where 'he' kept teleporting to, revealing that they had used an illusionary tactic to make the Caribou believe there was only one Deathmark attacking. "There are many hiding nearby."

Without another word, or gesture, the Deathmarks open fired into the courtyard, causing it to light up red and screams of agony echoing all around.

-Ay'therian's Tomb City, Phaeron's Chambers-

The Phaeron snickered, while leaning on to the arm of his throne, hand raised up to allow Ay'therian to rest his head. During this, Flurry Heart climbed on to the head of her adoptive grandfather, holding on to his black crown, Daring Do standing just to the left of Ay'therian's throne. Below, the Dynasty's Royal Court met to decide their forces next move, with an updated map supplied by Daring Do.

"My Phaeron?" One of the lords spoke up, drawing Ay'therian's attention. "What has you so amused, my Phaeron?"

"Ah, it is very simple, brother." Ay'therian started, leaning more upright, catching Flurry Heart when she slipped off his head… Allowing her to play around on his lap. "Just received word from my Deathmarks, they just liberated a village east of here… They will be entering the nearby tunnels, and awaken the Destroyers buried there." He gently patted the foal's head, as she giggled. "Lord Dar'kan will be joining us shortly. I am also sending a few Ghost Arks to retrieve those liberated."

"Lord Dar'kan?" Another lord blurted out, as Ay'therian's court began to look at one another, before back at the Phaeron. "Are you sure waking him, and the Destroyers, is wise?"

"U-Um, excuse me, Phaeron?" Daring Do spoke up, drawing Ay'therian's attention. "But, who is 'Lord Dar'kan' and these 'Destroyers'? Are they some kind of elite force, or something?"

Ay'therian eyed the mare for a few moments, making her feel a bit uncomfortable, before shaking his head. "They are like us, but also not like us. Destroyers started out like other Necrontyr, but they soon became dedicated to destroying Life, their Lords being more so than any other." Daring Do paled, becoming worried about whether she and Flurry Heart will be safe within the Tomb City after those Necrons were awakened. "However, the Destroyers are nowhere near bad, as the Flayed Ones." The mere mentioning of that name, caused the lords to physically tense. Each, and every single one of them, having mixed feelings about those Necron. "Despite their madness, I can somehow keep control of both Destroyers and Flayed Ones."

"With this in mind, my Phaeron." The lead Cryptek started, walking forward and respectfully bowing his head. "Where might our warriors strike next?"

The Phaeron slowly reached up, rubbing his metallic chin, Flurry Heart pressing her hands over places where his body lit up. "We need to awaken the Triarch Praetorian Guard, their skills in battle being quite beneficial for any battle." A dot appeared in the very center of Everfree Forest. "Our strongest weapon is also buried where they are, we may require its power." Another dot appeared around Manehatten. "Our fleet also slumbers underneath the waters around that island, keeping any from discovering them." Dots appeared over Appleloosa, Vanhoover, Baltimare, and Fillydelphia. "More of our Warriors and Immortals are buried across Equestria" Ay'therian looked to Daring Do. "Any information you can give us on these locations, child?"

The mare gave a light nod, and pointed at the Evefree Forest. "The Castle of Two Sisters does not have any defenses, or soldiers garrisoned there, so it will be easy to enter… The only problem, that I can guess, would be the creatures within the forest itself. But, I highly doubt they will be trouble to you." The Phaeron gave a nod, as she pointed to the smaller towns. "These places are guarded by garrisons, their sizes depending on population around it." The Necron Lords became more attentive, as she started about their enemy's battle strength. Daring Do then motioned to the cities. "These points will become major problems… The Caribou have turned every city into a fortress, with hundreds of Caribou soldiers stationed at each." The mare pointed at Canterlot. "King Dainn has restructured Canterlot to be a mirror of his rule, and I bet that is where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are being held."

"Are there any other princesses we should be aware of, Equestrian?" One of the lords asked, looking at Daring Do.

"Um, yes, my lord. That would be Princess Twilight Sparkle." Daring Do pointed at the castle next to Ponyville. "Her, and the Elements of Harmony, are being held at her former castle… Any important mare being the personal sex slave to a high-ranking Caribou Lord, those six belonging to one of King Dainn's strongest sorcerers."

"I see… We will distract the Caribou by dividing our forces. One will go to Vanhoover, to Fillydelphia, and Baltimare. I will send the Destroyers to Manehatten, Wraiths to Dodge City, and Deathmarks to Appleloosa." He pointed to Cloudsdale. "Once our fighters are awakened, they will attack there, freeing those whom live there." The Necron Lords nodded, before Ay'therian motioned to them. "Three Monoliths, at the very least, attacking each major city… I, Daring Do, and my Lychguard, will go to the Castle of Two Sisters, while you all attack these locations."

"Why is that, Phaeron? Why not lead one of your armies?" Another lord asked.

"Because, once I have awakened the Praetorian? I can immediately strike at this 'Ponyville', and free those six.' Ay'therian leaned against his throne, Flurry Heart feeling the Phaeron's emotionless faceplate. "I will personally free this princess, prevent her death, and then try to assess Canterlot's own defenses from there."

"Then… How shall you keep Lord Dar'kan in line, my Phaeron?" The first lord asked, nervous about the Destroyer Lord becoming unstable.

"Do not fear, brothers." Ay'therian' started, Daring Do giving him a nervous look. "Do not give me that look, child. I will keep Lord Dar'kan, and his Destroyers, on a tight leash." He looked at the other lords, who all looked at him. "If there is nothing else? This court has ended." The lords gave respective nods, saluting him, before leaving Ay'therian's chambers.

"Um, Phaeron? Is there anything else you require of me? Or may I take Flurry Heart to the chambers you have prepared for us, so she may rest." Daring Do asked, before Ay'therian looked towards her After a few more moments, he motioned the mare to move in front of him, which Daring Do respectively did so. "Y-Yes, Phaeron?" She gave a nervous smile, not liking how unreadable the Phaeron is.

Ay'therian slowly examined her form and features, carefully, reaching a hand up to grasp his chin. Daring Do started to tremble, ever so slightly, her nervous smile starting to falter, as sweat started to drip down the mare's brow. He continued to examine her for a few minutes, the Necron reaching up after some time and grasping the rim of Daring Do's top, most of her body exposed by the standard slave outfit. The feel of Ay'therian's cold, metal, hand sliding against her breast made the mare squeak, but covered her muzzle "When we leave to wake the Praetorian, and retake Ponyville, remind me that you require new attire… I have mixed feelings about you being half naked, and being my envoy… We are not these wretched Caribou."

Daring Do blinked a few times, looking down at the green slave's attire… How it was pretty much a strap of cloth around her breast, a long cloth to cover her front and rear, the back allowing her tail out through a small cut hole. All in all, she could really use her old adventuring clothes back, especially the hat, instead of looking like some perverted noble's consort. "Y-You're right, Phaeron…" She gained a deep red blush, realizing how many have probably seen her like this. "How embarrassing."

"Quite, but you pull it off rather well. Your athletic form is quite exemplary, and the fabric's color matches your coat." His comment caused the mare to squeak, and blush deeper, about how the Phaeron had studied her body thoroughly. Gently, Ay'therian picked the giggling Flurry Heart up and held her to the blushing Daring Do "Until then, please… See to this child, she required her rest."

"Yes, P-P-Phaeron, right away." The mare gently accepted Flurry Heart and took her leave, four Lycguard acting as escorts for them.

-Later that Day-

Ay'therian remained within his chambers, six Lychguards keeping a silent watch from both walls leading to their Phaeron's throne. He could have gone to oversee his Tomb City's full awakening right now, but there is much upon Ay'therian's mind. This meant that the Phaeron is distracted, and such delicate processes could not have the slightest mistakes. What preoccupied his thoughts, though? Whether his daughters were alright, the exact positioning where his armies will be on this board game known as "war", when they will strike, where to send his assassins, what to do with little Flurry Heart… And a certain pegasus mare acting as his envoy to the Equestrians being brought to this very Tomb City.

The Phaeron continued to sit upon his throne, leaning on to the right arm like before. His chamber echoed with the tapping sound of Ay'therian's fingers, going from index finger to pinky upon the opposite arm. So many things swam around within the Necron's mind, different outcomes appearing with each scenario he thought of. The ones involving Celestia and Luna were easily pushed back by his eons tempered mind, not wanting such thoughts to distract him, even doing so with the thoughts on Flurry Heart. Though, what he could not push away, were the thoughts on Daring Do.

"She is quite the brave, courageous, and clever; child…" Ay'therian thought, his fingers still tapping on the throne's arm. "She would make quite the official envo-…" The Phaeron stopped his hand, instantly forcing such thoughts to freeze. "Wait, why am I even considering this/ All this child has done, for us, is wake my Tomb City up and give us updated information… Such honors belong to those whom done great tasks for the Dynasty." Ay'therian's gaze went to the side. "Though, for all the mortals I have seen over the eons, she is quite more appeal-… And why am I thinking of her appearance in such a manner?"

He pulled his hand up, tapping the metal of his chin, trying to figure out the answer to his own question. Ay'therian continuously scanned through his advance mind, and eons of experience, but nothing seemed to come up as the answer to his such a question. While he sat on the trone, a mental image of Daring Do suddenly appeared before the Phaeron's person, performing a rather luscious pose not even a foot from his legs, hands holding her mane up. This caused him to enter further confusion, wondering why in the Silent King's name is he even seeing this? It did not make any sense, especially for a Necron.

"My might Phaeron!" A powerful voice echoed, causing the mental image of Daring Do disperse. The answer of who this intruder could be, was answered by sounds of a hovercraft.

Ay'therian gave a deep sigh, shaking his head. "Lord Dar'kan, it is good to see that you are fully awakened."

The Destroyer Lord hovered into the chamber, body crimson where other Necrons would be silver, black where it should be gold, a war-scythe in hand. "It feels good to be awakened once more, my Phaeron… And I see this pathetic world is still full of Life, such a pity and a shame." Dar'kan halted at the throne's base, bowing respectfully. "There is only one chance at keeping a tight leash on this lord, and his Destroyers… Luckily, Ay'therian knew exactly what to do about him. "What have I been awakened fo-?"

"Celestia and Luna have been enslaved, they are being forced to be sex slaves to an arrogant young king." The Phaeron's words echoed within the chamber, met by silence.

Dark'an slammed the butt of his war-scythe on to the ground, eyes glowing with anger. "WHAT!? Some child dares to do such things to Solarbeam and Moonbeam!? I will slaughter every one of those bastards! Along with slay those pathetic excuses for guards, those of whom still live instead of protecting your heirs!"

Ay'therian held his hand up, stopping the Destroyer Lord from continuing his rant of destruction. "The Caribou corrupted a scared artifact, to these lands, and placed every male Equestrian into an unbreakable mind control… It was not their fault, Lord Dar'kan. But, it seems our mere presence shatters this control."

The Destroyer Lord saluted, and bowed his head. "Where am I to be unleashed, my Phaeron? I wish to enact your wrath upon these interlopers."

"That was easy… Far too easy, but it will do." The Phaeron thought, before nodding. "The island city of Manehatten, our fleets are beneath the waters surrounding it." He pointed at Dar'kan, who nodded. "Slay any Caribou you come across, no Equestrian is to be harmed… Am I clear?"

"Transparently, my Phaeron." Dar'kan answered, bowing his upper body even more.

"This applies to all of our Destroyers, as well, Dar'kan." Ay'therian added, leaning forward on to his throne. "If a single Equestrian is slain, and I will find out… I will personally dismantle you, and melt every part of you down, to be made into a Cryptek's tool."

Dar'kan bowed even more, showing his submission. "Yes, my Phaeron, you word is law for us all." He looked up at the seated Phaeron. "I will get revenge for Solarbeam and Moonbeam, one 'Caribou' at a time."

For the second time that day, Ay'therian snickered.