Umbra Soul Quest

>You are Queen Umbra.
>And you have been defeated for the last time!
>Well, things are about to change as you have just obtained something that will aid you in your struggles.
>An ancient tome containing forgotten magics and passages for summoning beasts from Tartarus!
>You will summon one of these creatures to do your bidding and take back your kingdom and no longer have to hide in this blasted cave!
>With the power of Tartarus combined with your Dark Magic, you will be unstoppable!
>Now then, to summon a demon capable of crushing your foes!
>You flip through the pages of the wicked tome scanning through it to find the desired passage.
>You have trouble making out some of the ancient runes on the pages but you think you have found the correct summoning.
>It tells of a creature that will grant what you desire or at least that’s the best you can make of it.
>You draw the circle and recite the incantation, as well as pour a considerable amount of dark magic into the summoning, just to make sure it works.
>Yeah, that should definitely help.
>The circle crackles with power as it glows with foul energy.
“Yes!”
>It glows more intensely as the walls of the cave begin to shake
>A dark figure rises from the circle shrouded in mist.
“HA HA HA, Yes!”
>The figure coalesces into a more rigid form as it takes shape.
>Until finally, before stands a being that looks like a pony but its demonic traits make it clear that it is not.
>It is tall and slender with a dark red coat.
>Two twisted horns poke out from atop its head.
>A pair of wicked looking bat-like wings are folded to its sides.
>A long flowing black mane obscures most of her face, but does little to hide its burning gaze.
>As the smoke dissipates and the circle ceases to glow, the creature scans the area until its gaze settles on you.
>A lesser pony might have wilted under its gaze but not you.
>You step forward to address your minion.
“Demon! I, Queen Umbra have summoned you to-“
>The demon interrupts you by raising a hoof.
>You wait, confused and little worried that demon won’t do you’re bidding.
>It scrunches up its face as it opens its mouth slightly.
>Is it going to attack?
>What does that mean-
>”ACHOO!”
>Did it just sneeze?
>”Ugh, being summoned always makes sneezy”
>its voice is decidedly feminine and sensual.
>She sniffles and looks around a bit more.
>”A cave? Don’t even have any furniture, what kind of Queen are you?”
>Did she just insult you?!
“I’ll have you know I used have the most lavish palace in all of Equestria before I was-“
>”Yeah Yeah, I get the gist of it, lost your kingdom and now you need me to get it back for ya.”
>You growl at her insolence but hold your tongue for now.
“Yes, that is the ‘gist’ of it, now, shall we discuss the terms of our…partnership?”
>”No.”
“No?! What do mean no!?”
>She cringes slightly at your outburst.
>”Don’t be so loud, it hurts my head.”
>She sits down and starts to rub her temples.
“Now you listen here! I summoned you and you WILL obey me!”
>She waves a hoof dismissively at you.
>”Sure sure, we can get to that whole ‘reclaim your kingdom’ thing in minute.
>Her horns light up as she opens a small portal, which a couch falls out of.
>She climbs on top of it and closes her eyes.
>What insolence! She dare ignore you, Queen Umbra, in such a manner.
>You go to tell off this insubordinate demon, but she cuts you off again.
>”Look I get it, you go through all the trouble of summoning a demon and then they just lay around not doing demon things or whatever.”
>She yawns as she stretches like a cat.
“Are all demons such vagabonds?”
>”Nah, it’s just that when dark magic is used in summoning it makes us sick.”
>Oh
“Oh.”
>”Yeah, so this is mostly your fault.”
“Well, the book didn’t say anything about that!”
>”I bet it didn’t, it was written by a demon.”
>You let out an exasperated sigh.
“So how long are you going to sick for?”
>She shrugs.
>”Eh, a few hours probably, but I know what make me feel better sooner.”
>She gives you a mischievous grin.
>You don’t like what it implies.
“What?”
>She rolls onto her side and pats the open space on the couch.
>”Cuddle with me.
>It takes you a few seconds to register what she just said.
>When it dawns on you, you feel yourself blush.
“Y-you want me to…cuddle with you?”
>She nods her head.
“Hmph, I refuse, I will not lower myself to such things.”
>”Really? Well if you won’t cuddle with me then I think I’ll just leave, I’m obviously not wanted here.”
>She stands up as if to leave.
“No! Wait!”
>She looks to you, eyebrow raised.
>This so humiliating.
“Fine, I’ll do it.”
>”Excellent!”
>She lies back down and makes room for you on the couch.
>You approach hesitantly.
>You start to get on the couch, but she stops you.
>”Take of your clothes first; I don’t want them to get in the way of our…bonding time.”
>You blush harder, but you comply and shed your armor and cloak.
>Now stripped of your garb, you climb onto the couch with apprehension.
>You lie down with your back to her.
>She wraps her hooves around you and pulls you close.
>”My, your tense, relax and just enjoy it.”
>You try, but you’re not used to doing such things.
>But she’s very warm and surprisingly soft.
>”See, it’s not so bad.”
>You must admit, it does feel pretty nice.
>You both lie there for a few minutes, until you decide to speak up.
“So, what’s your name anyways?”
>No answer.
“Um, demon?”
>You shift slightly to try and look at her.
>Did she fall asleep?
>As if to answer your question, she starts to snore quietly.
>You furrow your brow in frustration and groan, but nothing else.
>Well as long as someone’s getting some rest, you might as well too.
>You snuggle up to her and close your eyes.
“Blasted demon…”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>You wake up some time later, but find that your companion is no longer on the couch.
>Where did she go, she didn’t leave did she?
>You look around the room and are relieved to find her on the other end of the cave doing something in the corner.
>There’s a table there that wasn’t there before and she appears to be…
>Brewing coffee?
>She notices you getting up and saunters over to you with two steaming mugs of coffee.
>”Well good morning sunshine, have a nice nap?”
>She asks in a sarcastic sing-song voice.
>You take the offered mug.
“Yes, I did.”
>You answer back bluntly.
>You look down at the black liquid and take a whiff.
>You haven’t had coffee in a long time, but you don’t remember it smelling so good.
>You take a sip and pleased to find that it tastes as good as it smells.
>She seems to notice that you like it and smiles.
“So where did get all this stuff? The couch and coffee that is, did you just conjure it up?”
>”No, nothing like that, I just have my own personnel pocket dimension where I store things I may need in the future.”
“Couches and coffee makers are important enough to store in their own personalized dimension?”
>”Among other things.”
“Hmm, ominous. I assume you have gotten over your ‘sickness’ then?”
>”Indeed, and sooner than expected thanks to you, your soul is quite strong.”
>You look at her with accusation.
“What do you mean by that? Did you do something to me while I was sleeping?”
>She raises her hooves in defense.
>”No no, nothing like that, I just absorbed some its energy, like a flower absorbs rays from the sun, there was more than enough.”
“So you’re saying my soul is like a sun?”
>”If the sun was a giant ball of dark magic, negative energy, and unstoppable resolve, then yes!”
“I’ll take that as a compliment”
>You set your coffee down and don your armor and cloak.
“Now then, let’s get down to business shall we?”
>”Of course.”
>She sits down on her haunches so she is eye level with you.
“You spoke earlier about my kingdom, I assume then that you know why I summoned you?”
>”Of course! Any demon of significance always keeps an eye on the going ons of the mortal realm and I have to say Umbra, you are quite impressive.”
>You feel a sense of pride well up in your chest; you’ve never really been praised by someone who meant it.
>”You were sealed for a thousand years, broke free, then had your body shattered, but your will to live was so strong that you reformed your body! Quite the feat for a mortal but I can hardly call you that now I think.”
“So, then you know why you’re here?”
>”I do and I will help you, but there is a price…”
>You knew this was coming, the tome did mention that there would be a cost.
“And what would that be?”
>She narrows her eyes and licks her lips.
>”Your body and soul of course.”
>She stares at you for a moment, as if expecting a reaction.
>You give her none.
>”Ya know, usually this is the part where you gasp or at least look slightly surprised.”
“I knew full well the consequences when I summoned you.”
>”Oh, well that takes some of the fun out of it, so you agree to the terms?”
>This time you grin mischievously.
“How about the soul of another? One much purer than my own.”
>This seems to peek her interests.
>”Go on.”
“I will give you the soul of Princess Celestia.”
>She cocks her head looking a little confused.
>”You have Celestia’s soul? I don’t sense it on you.”
>Your caught a little of guard.
 “Well, I don’t have it yet.”
>She frowns.
>”I can’t accept a promise of payment, I can only accept a real payment.”
>This throws a wrench into your plans.
>You can’t give up your soul, you’ll need it to rule Equestria.
>She senses your internal dilemma.
>”How about this, you give me portions of your body and soul until you obtain her soul, but when the time comes to take her soul, you must do it alone, I can’t help you get my payment.”
>You mull over her proposition.
>It seems to be a good deal.
>But how do you give a portion of your body and soul?
>You’re not too familiar with the manipulation of souls.
>But this deal seems too good to be true, there must be some loophole you’re missing. A demon wouldn’t give you such an honest deal.
“Alright demon, what’s the catch? There has to be a catch.”
>”Hmm, no catch, I’m just really interested to see how this plays out. You must understand, this is the first interesting summons I’ve had in a few thousand years, so I’m feeling generous.”
>You search her face for hint that she must be lying, but you find nothing.
>She’s probably still lying and is just a good liar, she is a demon after all.
“Hmph, very well, I accept these terms.”
>She clops her hooves together
>”Excellent! Now you just need to sign this…”
>A contract appears in a puff of hellfire, the only thing written on it is your agreement with her in blood red letters and a space at the bottom for you to sign.
>She materlizes a quill and offers it to you and grins like the devil she is.
>You take the quill and sign in large flowing letters.
“There, your contract is signed.”
>She looks at your signature and grins all the wider.
>”Very good, now I believe a down payment is in order.”
“Down payment?”
>”Well you did agree did give me portions of your body and soul until I have Celestia’s correct?”
“Yes that was the deal.”
>”Then I’ll be taking that first payment~”
>She leans in and puts a hoof on the back of your head and pulls you into a kiss.
>You meep in shock and try to pull way but she’s far stronger than you and holds you in place.
>Her lips are very warm, almost hot and as she deepens the kiss you start to feel strange.
>You feel warmth leaving your body as she kisses you.
>Just as you start to panic she releases you.
>She just kissed you for a moment but you’re out of breath.
“W-what was that?”
>She giggles at your reaction.
>”I was taking my payment.”
>That explains the draining sensation, but what about the kiss.
“But why did you…kiss me?”
>”What did you think I meant by BODY and soul?”
>What sort of deal did you just make?
>You must have had a sour expression on your face because she started patting your head.
>”Ah, it’s not so bad, I’ll make sure you’ll enjoy it~”
>You slap her hoof away.
“Enough! We have more important tasks at hand; we’ll talk about such things later.”
>She just shrugs.
>”Whatever you say your highness.”
“So, what do I call you anyways?”
>She stands and does a regal bow.
>”Anyaverimous or Anya if you prefer.”
“Very well then Anya, allow me to enlighten you on my plans.”
>She sits back down and listens attentively.
“The first thing we must do is reclaim my throne in the Crystal Empire, so that we will have a better stronghold than this blasted cave.”
>”But the Crystal Empire is under control of that one Princess, oh what was her name?”
“Princess Cadence.”
>You spit the words as if just speaking her name disgusts you.
“She may have bested me the last time, but it was nothing more than a farce.”
>”Of course.”
>You glare daggers at Anya.
>”What? I’m agreeing with you.”
“Hmph, anyways, in order to reclaim my throne, the Crystal Heart must be removed from the Empire, as it prevents me from entering.”
>”Sounds like quite the predicament, how are you going to steal it?”
“Not me, you.”
>”Me?”
“Yes, you. I cannot enter the Empire, but you can. You must infiltrate the Crystal Empire and steal the Crystal Heart!”
>”I suppose I could do that, but I expect a little ‘bonus’ for when I succeed.”
>She winks as she finishes her sentence.
>You feel yourself blush at her implications.
“IF you succeed that is.”
>”You doubt my abilities? Please, the Crystal Heart is like the soul of the Crystal Empire and soul stealing is something I’m quite good at.”
“Good, then if you’re done boasting, we have work to do.”
>She stands up gives a little huff.
>”You’re no fun.”
>You grumble at her cheeky remarks as you make way out of the cave.
>You and Anya step out of your cave into the freezing tundra.
“Follow me.”
>You shift your body into shadow and speed off towards the Empire and Anya spreads her wings and takes to the air, following close behind.
>This time you will not fail!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>You are Princess Cadence.
>And don’t what it is but something feels…off.
>You feel something ominous over the horizon.
>”Cadence? Is everything alright? You’ve been staring at the wall for a good minute now.”
>You blink a few times and shake the thoughts from your head and look at your husband, Shining Armor, who looks to you with concern.
“I’m fine dear, it’s just, well I don’t know what it is, probably nothing.”
>You look out the window of your palace at the setting sun and hope you’re right.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>You arrive on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire at dusk.
>You take physical form and take respite by a nearby boulder.
>It seems you haven’t regained all your strength.
>And to add to that you summoned a powerful demon, gave said demon a part of your soul and trekked across half a country in a short amount of time.
>And on top of all that it’s freezing out and your cloak does little to stop the cutting winds of the tundra.
>Anya on the other hand doesn’t even seem fazed by the extreme cold.
>In fact, you think you feel some heat coming off of her.
>She notices your condition and smirks.
>”Is my Mistress cold? You like me to warm you up~?”
“We don’t have time for games! Just get over her and keep me from freezing to death.”
>”As you wish your highness.”
>Anya strides over to you and takes a seat behind you.
>She wraps her wings around you like a blanket as well as hugging your midsection.
>She is indeed very warm and her wings are excellent wind breakers.
>”There, cozy?”
“Quite, now listen carefully, this next step is the most crucial.”
>”Give me your orders your highness, tell me how I might aid in your conquest.”
>You can’t tell if her formalness is sincere or mockery.
“You need to enter the Crystal Empire and steal the Crystal Heart without drawing attention to yourself, if we were to be discovered before I regain my power, we would be at a great disadvantage.”
>”You have nothing to fear my Queen, I am no mindless demon of war, so subtlety is something I excel at.”
“Good, we shall wait till night fall to act.”
>”What shall do till then?”
>She hugs your tighter and hums softly as she places her atop yours.
>One of her hooves starts to slowly drift down your body.
“W-we don’t have time for that sort thing, you can have your fun later.”
>She brings hooves back up your body and rubs your shoulders.
>”I suppose you’re right, sub-zero temperatures aren’t very enticing are they?”
“Hmph, about time you started being reasonable.”
>You snuggle into your large, warm companion and get more comfortable while you wait for night to come.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>You are Anya.
>And Umbra has fallen asleep in your embrace.
>She tries to act the ruthless tyrant, but she’s just too cute when she’s snuggled against your chest.
>You stroke her mane and look up at the sky.
>The sun has fully set and the moon is beginning to rise.
>Time to get to work.
>You nudge Umbra to wake her up.
>She stirs and opens her eyes.
>”How long was I asleep?”
“Not long, night has just now fallen.”
>She gets up from her cozy bed that is you and yawns as she stretches out.
>You can’t help but admire her form as she stretches.
>For an ancient unicorn she has a nice figure.
>She must have noticed you eyeing her up because she clears her throat and gives you a slightly annoyed look.
>You grin in response.
>”So, how do you intend on entering the Empire undetected, can you turn invisible or shapeshift?”
>You stand up and roll your neck.
“Oh nothing like that, while I can shapeshift and turn invisible, it doesn’t hide my demonic presence very well. No, I will possess some unfortunate pony and use them as my disguise, it won’t completely hide my demonic presence but it will dampen it considerable.”
>Umbra raises her brow in interest.
>”I see, and you can just possess any pony you wish?”
“There are some restrictions, the possessed must be weak or impure of heart, don’t worry though, you might be surprised how many fulfill those requirements.”
>”Very well, I shall wait here for your return and you better not be empty-hooved when you do.”
>You chuckle lightly.
“Don’t worry, I’ll bring you your trinket, you just sit tight.”
>She scoffs at your remark but doesn’t retort.
>You give her a reassuring smirk and take off into the cold night air and smell the wind, locating the closest large amount of living beings and soar towards it.
>You climb high into the sky until you breach the clouds.
>Your soar through the cold wind like a hot knife through snow, following the glow of distant souls.
>In one direction you feel a great many souls but slightly off to the right you feel a smaller group of souls.
>The large group must be the center of the Empire, but that smaller grouping must be some sort of small village on its outskirts.
>You bank towards the village; you doubt there will be any one there capable of detecting your energy.
>Your suspicions are correct as you descend.
>Below you is what seems to be a small mining village.
>You cast an illusion the makes you invisible to any who look up at you and begin to circle the village like a vulture.
>Your eyes glow as you search for your prey.
>Tiny specks of light dot the earth below, most of them white and pure, but one sticks out.
>It is a dim gray and is moving from building to building.
>A thief in the night? That will do just fine.
>You descend like a bird of prey and cast another spell to muffle the sound of your wings.
>You land a few yards behind the thief.
>He’s a gruff looking pegasus pony, wearing a black cloak with the hood drawn.
>He is too preoccupied with trying to jimmy open a window to notice you.
>You lick your lips and take a low stance as your stalk towards your prey.
>Your just a few feet away now.
>His ears flick as he finally hears your hoof steps, his eyes widen and he opens his mouth to scream, but he’s too late, as you pounce on him.
>You pin him to the ground and prepare to take his body.
>You stare into his eyes and focus on his soul.
>And then dive into his body and force his soul to submit to your will.
>He breaks easily as his body becomes yours.
>You stand up in your new body and flex your limbs.
>It’s a tight fit, but it works.
>Him being a pegasus helps too, you’ll need to travel quickly.
>You take off and head towards the large glow of souls on the horizon.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>Night watch sucks.
>It’s always so cold and this armor is uncomfortable.
>And nothing ever happens.
>No intruders to challenge.
>No monsters to raise the alarm for.
>No nothing.
>But it’s probably better that way.
>You don’t want deal with it.
>You yawn and scan the road leading into the Crystal Empire.
>You nearly miss it, but you see something in the distance.
>You narrow your eyes and try to make out what it is.
>It gets closer and the figure starts to take shape.
>Could it be a monster?!
>You grip your spear and tense up.
>the figure gets closer.
>And out of the darkness.
>A pony appears.
>You relax as you observe a gray Pegasus stallion flying low.
>It’s no monster but it’s the middle of the night and he looks a little suspicious.
“Halt! I just need ask you a few questions.”
>He lands and gives you an amiable smile.
>He seems like a regular pony, but there’s something about his eyes.
>It’s almost as if they don’t belong in there sockets.
>You pay it no mind, you’re probably just tired.
“What’s your business so late at night?”
>”Ah well you see, I’m from the village just down the way and I was on my way to visit my cousin.”
“In the middle of the night?”
>”Well I was going to come by earlier but I got held up.”
>Ok this getting very suspicious.
“And what was the name of the village you came from?”
>”Oh it was uhh”
>He starts to fidget as you press him for answers.
“Well? Where are you from?”
>”Ugh you know what I’m just doing this the easy way.”
“What do you-“
>His eyes flash and then he disappears.
>…
>Did you just zone out?
>This night watch must be getting to you.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>Nosy guard.
>Well that’s what you get for trying to be fancy.
>Oh well, time to find what you came for.
>Now where would an artifact of immense positive energy be?
>Maybe in the center of the city where you feel an immense amount of positive energy?
>Just a hunch.
>You skulk through the empty streets, ducking in alleyways when a patrol or wayward citizen passes by.
>Best to just not be seen from here on out.
>You work your way through the streets till you come to the base of tall crystal tower.
>Sure enough, under that tower, suspended in midair, is what must be the Crystal Heart.
>You scan the surrounding area and are surprised that are no guards.
>Are these ponies that naïve that they think no one would even attempt to steal this thing?
>No matter, this just makes things easier for you.
>You dash towards the Crystal Heart and reach it with no trouble.
>Now then how to go about this?
>Ah! You can just toss this thing in your pocket dimension.
>But you’ll have to leave this body; your magical capabilities are limited in it.
>You leave the poor pony’s body and let it fall to the ground, unconscious.
>You open your pocket dimension and reach out for the Heart.
>But just as your about to nab it, light floods the area and a masculine voice cries out.
>”Stop right there!”
>Shinning Armor and a host of guards pop out of nowhere surrounding you.
>A trap?
>But how did they know you were coming?
>They must not have known who was coming since they all look quite shaken by your appearance.
>”Step away from the Crystal Heart and surrender!”
>You look at Shinning Armor, then back to the Heart, then back to him.
>You swipe the Heart, toss it into your pocket and dimension.
>”NO! Guards capture that monster!”
>You debate whether or not to fight them or run.
>You decided to run and jump into your pocket dimension and close it behind you, leaving Shinning Armor and his guards confused and defeated.
>You chuckle to yourself as you float through empty space.
>Now where do you need to exit?
>You focus on Umbra’s souls and locate a faint trace of it.
>Focusing your magic, you tear a hole in space and leap through it.
>Your assumptions were correct as land on your ass in the snow, next to a very startled Umbra.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>Be Umbra.
>And you have just been rudely awoken from resting by Anya falling out of thin air just a few feet away.
>You regain your composure and face your demonic companion.
“Well? Do you have it? Do you have the Heart?!”
>Anya stands up dusts herself of nonchalantly.
>”Of course I did, just hold on minute.”
>You grit your teeth as she starts to rummage through her pocket dimension like one would a bag.
>”Ah here it is!”
>And sure enough she pulls the Crystal Heart from the portal.
>You can feel the power radiating off it.
>You mouth hangs open and as you begin to salivate.
>You reach out for it, but Anya holds it just out of reach.
“What are you doing? Give me the Heart!”
>”I will, but first I think I deserve a little gesture of appreciation.”
>She would do something like this.
>Its always games with this one.
>She leans down and offers her cheek to you.
>Does she…
>Does she want you to give her a kiss on the cheek?
>You feel your own cheeks get warm at the thought.
“Y-you want me to…”
>”Just a little one.”
>Hesitantly you lean forward.
>She grins smugly at you.
>You frown and give her a quick peck on her cheek.
“T-there, satisfied.”
>”For now, here you are.”
>She hands you the Heart and you quickly gather it up.
>As you hold it in your hooves the Heart reacts to your touch and fades from its brilliant radiance to a more sinister glow.
>Dark energy begins to radiate from the Heart, amplifying your strength tenfold.
>You start to laugh as power begins to flow through you.
>Your laughter grows to a wicked cackle as you feel yourself becoming more powerful.
“HA HA HA! Yes! With the Crystal Heart in my hooves, the Crystal Empire shall be mine once again!”
>You let out a few more evil laughs as the initial power high begins to fade.
>You look over at Anya, who is covering her mouth with her hoof as if she’s trying to hold something back.
>Oh no, is the sudden surge of dark magic going to make her sick?
>Anya drops her hoof as she bursts out into laughter.
>”I-I’m sorry, It’s just that-“
>She keeps laughing.
>Any sympathy you thought you were feeling for her is now gone.
>”I-it’s been awhile since I’ve seen someone ACTUALLY monologue like that!”
>You glare daggers as she wipes away a tear.
>”Ohoho, don’t look so angry, you got what wanted didn’t you?”
“Yes, but I think it’s about time you started showing me some respect.”
>”Ah lighten up will ya, if I were a regular pony I’d be terrified, hell if I were an Alicorn I’d be scared of you, you weren’t exaggerating when you said you’d get stronger from that thing.”
>You grin at her compliment and puff out your chest.
“Indeed, now then…”
>You turn with a little flourish of your cloak and gather your power, causing your horn to glow ominously.
“We have a kingdom to conquer.”
>You release your power and disperse your body into a massive tide of dark magic and surge like a flood towards the Crystal Empire.
>”Show off.”
>Anya takes to the air and trails after you.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>Be Cadence.
>And your worst fears have just come true.
>Umbra has returned and has stolen the Crystal Heart with the aid of a demon of Tartarus.
>This is terrible!
>You have already sent a letter to Celestia explaining your predicament.
>You just hope you can hold off Umbra and her new ally until she arrives.
>It took everything you had to keep her at bay before.
>And she was alone and without the Crystal Heart then.
>You feel you husband place a reassuring hoof on your shoulder.
>”Don’t look so hopeless, we still have a chance.”
>You look to Shinning Armor.
>Even in the face of such odds, he has that confident smile.
>You wish you had his courage.
>But he’s right.
>This isn’t like last time.
>This time he will be able to help you defend the Empire!
“Of course, as long we stay together, we will prevail.”
>You touch your horn to his and feel your magic’s intertwine as you work together to create a shimmering dome over the city.
>Yes, with Shinning Armor by your side, you can do this.
>You both look to the rising sun, with hope.
>You close your eyes and wait for the warmth of the sun to hit your face.
>But you feel nothing.
>You open your eyes and feel your heart sink.
>A dark cloud on the horizon has blotted out the sun.
>The cloud grows larger and starts to swirl with malice as it picks up speed.
>You know what it is and brace yourself for the impact.
>Umbra’s magic crashes against the barrier like a massive wave and surrounds the city, but the shield holds.
>You strain as feel the weight of Umbra’s magic weigh down on the shield, but with Shinning Armor with you, the shield holds.
”Yes! We can do this!”
>“Told you we could.”
>But something rising from the mass of dark magic breaks your moment of relief.
>A burning red figure shoots up from the dark mass in a large arc and begins to descend like a falling star.
>You quickly reinforce the shield in attempt to stop the oncoming attack.
>The fiery figure impacts the shield causing a bright flash and shock of pain down your horn as the shield is shattered.
>The dark mist quickly consumes the city.
>The darkness spreads, transforming the bright crystalline structures of the city into dark jagged spires.
>You act quickly and reform the shield around the palace, stopping Umbra’s advance, but sacrificing the city.
>You hear the sounds of despair from the citizens below.
>The shield wavers with your resolve.
>Shinning Armor strains as your concentration on maintaining the spell weakens.
>”Don’t give up! We just have to hold out until help arrives!”
>Again he’s right.
>You recover and pick up your slack and help push back against Umbra’s magic.
>But how long can you hold out like this?
>You get your answer immediately as you feel something powerful crash against the barrier.
>It’s so strong it causes you and Shinning to flinch.
>Another blow against shield shakes you.
>The barrier is on the verge of collapse!
>One more hit like that and-
>You and Shinning are knocked back as the next blow shatters the barrier.
 >Your head spins as you reel from the barrier being destroyed.
>You feel Shinning pick you up.
>”Come on! They’ll be here any moment!”
>You regain your composure and stand next your husband as you prepare your last ditch effort.
>Using the last of your magic, you and Shinning Armor concentrate your powers into one powerful spell.
>And aim it directly at the doors to the throne room.
>Umbra’s not one for subtly, she will walk right through the front the door like she owns the place.
>But you’ll be waiting for her.
>You can feel her presence coming closer.
>Dark mist seeps from under the doors and the walls around the door is slowly turning darker.
>The doors bursts open and a black fog spills from the doorway.
>And from the darkness steps Umbra.
>Dark magic is radiating from her, making it hard to breath.
>And trailing close behind her is a monster that looks like a pony, but is far too tall and nefarious looking to be one.
>This is it!
>Your last chance to stop her!
“Umbra! You will not-“
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>Cadence and Shinning Armor stand before you, frozen in a state shock, encased in dark crystal prisons.
>”Well, that was anti-climactic; you didn’t even taunt them after their heroic speech or anything.”
“I did not spend over a thousand year’s trapped bellow some frozen wasteland to waste my time with this poor excuse for a Princess and her pathetic Prince.”
>You inspect the frozen couple with an unimpressed frown before shoving to the corner of the room and heading towards the throne.
>”What? You’re just going to leave them in the corner like that? Not even going to torture them or any stuff like that?”
“Oh maybe later, but for now…”
>You gaze upon your throne, still adorned with Cadence’s cutiemark.
>You eye it with disdain for a moment before you incinerate it and replace it with your own.
>With your throne looking proper again and you take a seat and get feel for your old throne.
>You close your eyes and let out a contented sigh.
>”Happy?”
“Hmm, quite, it’s been too long.”
>”What about the citizens? Are going to address them or something.”
“Later, I’ll let them wallow in doubt for a while longer.”
>Anya leans up against your throne.
>Normally you would eject anyone who did this out of the palace, but you don’t mind Anya doing it.
>Now that you think about it, maybe she could have her own throne.
>But it’ll have to smaller than yours.
>Even if she is bigger than you.
>Anya slides down the side of your throne and places her head on the arm rest like puppy dog.
>”Well then, if you’re not going to busy for the next few hours perhaps you can make another…payment?”
>You feel yourself blush as you remember your deal with her.
“Oh, I-I suppose I could do something like that, what did you have in mind?”
>Anya’s grin widens.
>”Hmmm, I have an idea, but how about we go somewhere more comfortable, your bedchambers maybe?”
>You gulp as you can almost certainly guess what she has in store for you.
>And you can’t refuse her because of the contract.
“V-very well, follow me.”
>You leave your throne reluctantly and lead Anya down the halls.
>The clopping of your hooves, slight clang of your armor and Anya’s surprisingly quiet hoofsteps only serve to agitate your nerves further.
>That and the fact that you can feel her gaze focused on you.
>But beneath the nerves you feel something else.
>Excitement?
>You have been imprisoned for a very long time and you’ve never been…intimate with another pony.
>You blush harder as you think about it.
>Thankfully, the layout of the palace hasn’t changed much and you reach your bedchambers quickly.
>You enter and lit the braziers with an eerie green flame casting an ominous glow on the room.
>Well a normal pony would think it ominous, but to you it’s quite homey.
>Since taking the palace it seems it has completely reverted to its intended form.
>High ceilings, a tapestry depicting you standing proudly atop a dark crystal spire.
>A tall stained glass window depicting you standing menacingly atop a dark crystal spire.
>A portrait of you with multiple dark crystal spires in the background.
>”I know crystals are your thing, but this seems a bit much.”
>Were she anyone else you would have turned her to ash for questioning your décor.
“Indeed…”
>”Well at least your bed isn’t made of crystals.”
>Yes, your four-post bed is constructed of black metal, red silk sheets, plush mattress and several fluffy pillows.
>Anya hops on your bed and rolls around on it for a bit.
>”Hmm, your bed is so comfy.”
>She stops rolling around and strikes a seductive pose.
>”Why don’t you join me?~”
>You say nothing and move towards but Anya points to her chest.
>”Armor?”
“Oh yes, of course.”
>You try to avoid eye contact as you shed your armor in front of her.
>Why does she make you so tense?
>Her power?
>Her unnerving yet alluring presence?
>Her mischievous nature?
>All of these things?
>Here you are the most powerful unicorn in all Equestria and you’re trembling like a school filly!
>Anya pats the bed and beckons you.
>You climb atop your bed and sit next to her.
>”My my, someone looks tense.”
>Anya sits up and starts to rub your shoulders.
>”Relax.”
>Her words echo in your ears as feel your body melt under her hooves.
>You lean into her as she continues her massage.
>”There you go, just let me take care of everything.”
>She lays you on your back and hovers over you.
“Anya, I...
>She puts a hoof to your lips.
>”Don’t worry, I said I’d take care of everything.”
>She presses her lips to yours in a passionate kiss.
>This time you return it.
>You feel that familiar draining sensation, but you accept it and wrap your forelegs around her.
>Anya’s long serpentine tongue works its way into your mouth.
>You moan into her as she deepens the kiss.
>Eventually you separate from each other, a small strand of saliva connected between you.
>Your breathing heavily and your face is flushed red.
>Anya giggles.
>”You’re so cute when you’re flustered.”
“Shut up…”
>Anya gives you another quick kiss.
>”And I bet you’re going to look just adorable in a moment.”
>Anya slides down your body, giving small kisses and nibbles all the way down.
“What are you talking about-!”
>You gasp as plants a wet kiss on your marehood.
“A-Anya!”
>She giggles and drags her tongue up your slit, eliciting another gasp from you.
>”Hmmm, you taste just delectable my Queen.”
>She wraps her lips around your clit suckles at it.
>You cover your mouth as you let a loud moan.
>You writhe under Anya’s skillful tongue as she partakes of you.
>”Yes, give me more.”
>She picks up the pace as pushes her wicked tongue inside you.
>You gasp and moan at the feeling of her lengthy appendage exploring your depths.
>Anya starts to hum quietly causing her tongue to vibrate more than it should.
“Ah! Anya!”
>As she ravishes you, you start to feel faint and a cold.
“A-Anya I think, ah, I think you’re taking too much.”
>She mumbles something into you, but you can’t make it out.
“Anya, please!”
>She ignores your protest and starts rubbing your clit with her hoof.
>Pleasure shoots through your body as she pushes you to the edge.
“Ha, Anya I-I’m going too…”
>She thrashes her tongue wildly and her hoof quickens.
>You arch your back and throw your head back and scream in pleasure.
“NNNGGGGHHHAAAAA”
>Your body slumps, out of breath, and exhausted.
>Anya retracts her tongue from your still twitching marehood.
>She licks her lips, savoring your taste.
>”Hmm, one of the best meals I’ve ever had, did you enjoy it as well your highness?”
>You can’t even form words, the best you can manage is a shaky nod as you shiver.
>”Umbra? Oh, seems I indulged a bit much huh?”
>Anya crawls up and embraces you, using her wings as blankets.
>”Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you, you just rest.”
>You huddle in her embrace, still shaky and cold from having your soul feasted on.
“Y-you idiot, you owe me now”
>”Oh do I now?”
>You weakly hit her.
“Yes, y-you do, now shut up and j-just keep being warm”
>She pulls you closer and tucks your head under hers.
>”Whatever you say, my Queen.”
>Your eyes feel heavy and your body cold and tired.
>What are you going to do with her?
>You don’t want to think about it.
>You just enjoy the warmth of her embrace as you drift to sleep.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>It’s late as you slip out of Umbra’s bed.
>She stirs, but remains asleep.
>You look at her sleeping form for a few moments before slipping out of the room.
>You skulk through the darkened halls until you find a nice secluded room, that’s out of the way.
>It appears to be a guest bedroom.
>There is a fine layer of dust on the furniture and there aren’t any windows.
>Good, this will do.
>You open your pocket dimension and pull an obsidian orb from it and place it on the floor.
>You utter the words of an incantation and watch as the orb glows dimly and begins to float.
>An obscured face with burning eyes appear in the murky depths of the orb.
>A deep and baleful voice echoes from the orb.
>”Why are you wasting time?”
>You furrow your brow slightly.
“I don’t expect you to fully understand how to manipulate an all-powerful ruler into power, but try to get it through your thick skull that it takes time.”
>The voice growls with frustration.
>”I do not approve of your methods.”
>You let out an exasperated sigh.
“Of course you don’t, you would just charge head on into battle only to be bested by the elements or something just as silly, remember what happened to Tirek?”
>More discontented growls.
>”Hmph, see that you do not fail as well, you know what will happen if you do.”
>You frown at the reminder.
“Indeed, now if you don’t have anything else to else to criticize, I have work to do.”
>You push the orb back into its place.
>You grumble as you make your way back down the halls.
>You hate working with his kind.
>They have no tact, no grace, no style.
>It’s just kill, dominate, kill, and kill some more with them.
>Such boring demons.
>But you‘d be foolish to underestimate them.
>You may be strong.
>But a demon of war’s strength is something that can’t be trifled with.
>Even so, they are predictable.
>You reach Umbra’s bed chambers and try to clear your mind of your schemes.
>You need to be focused on the task at hand.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-
>A gentle prodding slowly awakens you.
>You roll over and see Anya poking you with her tail at your bedside.
>”Good morning sleepy, you’ve been out like a light all morning, it’s almost noon.”
>You sit up and stretch your body.
>”Still, you’re recovery time is impressive.”
>You shoot her a confused look.
“What are you talking about?”
>”Last night, with how much I fed off you, you should be dead, or at least bed ridden for a few days.”
>You blush remembering last night.
“Yes well, I didn’t get to where I am by being a weakling.”
>She smirks at your comment.
>”Indeed, anyways, while you were sleeping in I’ve prepared a little something for you.”
>You cock an eyebrow.
>You hope this isn’t another lewd scheme of hers.
>She notices your skepticism.
>”Oh don’t worry, it isn’t anything like that, although I could make some changes if you want~.”
>You clear your throat.
“T-that won’t be necessary.”
>Anya shrugs and saunters over to the door.
>”Suit yourself.”
>She opens the door.
>”You may enter.”
>A unicorn mare enters wearing a maid’s outfit and levitating a tray with a steaming plate of food and a cup of coffee.
>She has a smile plastered on her face and slight pink glow to her eyes.
>She walks to your bedside and does a small bow.
>”Your breakfast, my Queen. Shall I place it to side or would like to eat it now?”
>You look to Anya with suspicion and then look to the maid.
>She seems genuinely happy to be here.
“Place it on the nightstand for now.”
>”As you say, my Queen.”
>She does as you say.
>”Is there anything else you require, my Queen.”
“That is all.”
>”Very well, I will take my leave then.”
>She bows and trots back out into the hallway.
>You take the cup of coffee from the tray and turn your gaze to Anya who is sporting a smarmy grin.
“Alright, what devilry was that?”
>Anya walks back over to you and pulls the chair from your desk and takes a seat.
>”Oh that? That was just a bit of charm magic and a little bit of soul bonding.”
>You take sip of the coffee and are pleasantly surprised at how good it is.
“That doesn’t explain much.”
>”Well it was actually pretty simple, all I did was use a charm spell and bind her soul to me, thus making her completely under my control.”
“And you only did this to a single maid?”
>”No, there are a few more maids and a handful of guards, but that’s it, I can only do small groups, I can’t dominate an entire kingdom.”
“That would be convenient, guess we just have to do it the old fashioned way.”
>”Speaking of, shouldn’t you address your subjects as well as prepare our defenses against the Princess’s counterattack?”
>You get out of bed and levitate a bagel of the tray of food and take a bite as you start putting your armor, cape and crown on.
“I’m not overly worried about it, and Celestia will be a pushover, especially since you will take care of Luna.”
>”I will?”
“Of course, the terms of our agreement only stated that you wouldn’t help in obtaining Celestia’s souls, we never discussed Luna.”
>Anya chuckles.
>”So we did! It seems I underestimated your bargaining prowess.”
>You smirk and make your way towards the door.
“Indeed, now come with me, we have work to do.”
>As you and Anya stroll through the halls, you contemplate the lack of retaliation from the Royal Sisters.
>Are they planning some deception?
>No, their far too noble for dirty tricks like that.
>No, they’ll probably descend from the sky spouting some drivel about justice and setting things right.
>Hypocrites! The Crystal Empire has always been yours!
>It’s you who will be setting things right.
>You make your way to a balcony overlooking the city.
>And as if on que a ray of light pierces the clouds as the two Alicorns make their entrance.
>”Umbra! We will set things right and bring you to justice!”
”How predictable.”
>You scoff and conjure a platform and levitate it up to their level.
“I’m glad you showed up Celestia, I was half expecting you to send your ‘student’ to do all your dirty work as usual.”
>She scowls as she furrows her brow.
>Seems you got under skin.
>Anya flies up to your side.
>Celestia and Luna stare at your infernal ally with shock and horror.
>”A denizen of Tartarus!? Umbra, you don’t what sort of power you’re dealing with, you-“
“Silence! I will not be lectured by the likes of you! I know full well the price of my actions.”
>You glower at them for a moment.
>But your scowl slowly turns to a sinister grin.
>You take a page from Anya’s book and open a small portal.
>It’s not a portal to another dimension, but as you reach in you can’t help grin wider as you know what’s on the other side.
>The Sisters watch your actions with weary eyes as you obtain what you were looking for.
>The Crystal Heart.
>There is a brief flash of fear on Celestia’s face, but it passes as she smiles confidently.
>”I will make you regret not hiding the Crystal Heart, whatever gambit you had in mind will fail.”
>You laugh as you raise the Heart and then shove it into your chest.
>You grit your teeth as you force it into yourself.
>Shockwaves of pain and power pulse through your body.
>An intense burning sensation spreads through you as you fuse the Crystal Heart to your own.
>After a few moments you look to Celestia and Luna.
>They look shocked and horrified.
>”W-what have you done!?”
>You ignore her and look down at your chest.
>There is glowing wound where you fused the Crystal Heart.
>You feel raw power flowing through your very being.
>The very life force of the Crystal Empire is now one with you.
>You look back up and fire off a medium strength blast at Celestia.
>A massive beam erupts from your horn, taking both you and Celestia by surprise.
>Celestia manages to just barley dodge out of the way of it.
“Hmph, this may be easier than I thought.”
>Celestia regains her composure and gives a determined look.
>”You may have gained some considerable power from that little maneuver, but we will still prevail!”
>Celestia and Luna charge forward and attack from the left and right.
>You throw up a barrier and block their pincer attack with ease.
>You attempt to counter-attack by blasting Celestia, but are interrupted by an azure blast from Luna.
>The damage is light and you retaliate again, but are met with similar results.
>At this point it’s war of attrition.
>They can’t deal enough damage to you and their teamwork is too good for you to land a decent hit.
>But you don’t you don’t have to put up with this.
>You nod to Anya.
>She smiles and flies to your side.
>Celestia and Luna eye your fiendish friend wearily.
“Would you mind taking care of Luna? She’s getting in my way.”
>”I would love to.”
>Anya darts forward towards Luna, but stops just short.
>Luna tries to attack her, but she deftly evades everything she throws at her.
>It looks like Anya is just toying with Luna.
>You wish she would just capture her or something, but she’s out of your hair now so it works.
>Celestia turns to aid her Sister but you cut her off.
“Don’t worry about Luna, Anya will take good care of her.”
>Celestia furrows her brow and glares at you.
“No, you have much more important things to worry about.”