Everfree forest 4:27am.

“Sweet grandma’s teeth its colder ‘n a Changeling witch’s tit out here!” Grumbled a light brown unicorn with a brilliant orange mane and bright red tail. Similarly to the rest of the ponies in his group the stallion sported thick custom built armor that had been engraved with symbols of his family and rank that followed a similar color scheme to its wearer.

“If ye think zat it is bad now Match Stick, then vait till the sun comes up,” replied a snow white pegasus with oversized ice blue wings. “It vill be eighty degrees inside un hour vith ninety percent humidity,” he warned. The pony paused to mull something over and to watch the unicorn squirm. “And den there’s da bugs,” he Chuckled.

“Fan-bucking-tastic,” the hot headed stallion grumbled. “Blizzard Wind its official,” he looked over to the Pegasus.

The winged pony smiled mockingly at his friend.

“You completely suck apples when it comes to improving my mood,” Match Stick said with a scowl. He kicked a rock as they continued along what little trail they could see.

“Yes vell, I do my best,” replied the flyer.

“Sure, fine whatever. The mood is improved. Or at least I’m feeling slightly less murderous at the moment.”

“Zen ist good ya?” Asked the pegasus quizzically.

“About as good as gett’n kicked in the ribs by a Giraffe,” he mumbled under his breath as he walked.

“Vat vas dat?” Blizzard Wind asked looking back at him.

“Nothing big guy. Nothin at all,” the unicorn said rolling his eyes. Damned those sensitive ears of his! “Although there is one thing you can answer for me.”

“And zat vould be?” He said questioningly as he moved closer. Curiosity clearly getting the better of him.

“Why in the name of your sister’s sweet flank are we out in the middle of the bucking Everfree at four in the morning?!” He said in a loathing tone.

“Ehh…. Bird vatching,” Blizzard Wind said gesturing to the pair of binoculars hanging around his neck.

Match Stick just stared at his companion for a moment before simply shaking his head and continuing to follow the rest of the group. “I’m serious here Blizz,” Match Stick pushed. “There has got to be a dammed good reason for all this,” he said with a lowered voice.

Blizzard Wind looked thoughtful for a moment. Which was a rare look for him. “Vell. Maybe,” he conceded.

“After all it’s not every night that Shining Armor wakes you up, drags you to the secret meeting hall, ‘literally in his case’ and asks you to join a midnight patrol of the forest.” Match Stick said while eyeing the leader of the group up ahead.

“You mean ve are not bird vatching?” The white one asked with a raised eyebrow in surprise.

“What? No!”

“That bastard Shining lied to me!” He hollered. “He promised to find me a golden rumped Snipe,” Blizzard moaned pitifully.

“A Snipe?”

“Da.”

“Oh Celestia save me!” Match Stick yelled to the sky.

The two stallions threw their heads back in laughter at the inside joke that revolved around a younger recruit whom possessed particularly dismal luck.

“But yes I suppose you have point,” said Blizzard Wind in a more serious tone. “Ve are far outside of zee usual patrol area.”

“No shit?!” Match Stick snorted. His voice full to the brim with sarcasm. “If we go any farther south we’ll be down in the swamp lands in no time,” he scowled at the thought.

“Ahh yes, my favorite. Leeches, giant mosquitos that can suck a pony dry, and do not forget Hydra,” he said with a dry smile.

“And here come those pesky murderous thoughts again,” mumbled the light brown unicorn.

“You really should consult vith good psychiatrist someday,” the pegasus offered as he stepped over a miniscule stream.

Sploosh! “Damn,” Match Stick muttered before pulling his leg free and continuing along. “I did once,” he said giving his leg a flick to be rid of some of the mud that now tagged along for the ride. “She said it was related to stress at work. Whatever that means.”

“I vonder vat could be causing dat?”

Match Stick sighed explosively, his patience worn thin. “It’s a mystery,” was all he could say.

“Come mine friend! You are out on a grand adventure this morning. You should relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer!” Blizzard announced cheerfully.

Match Stick paused mid stride. “Enjoy nature he says? Okay wind bag lets ‘enjoy nature’ shall we. First off, it’s so cold that I keep having to wipe frost off my muzzle. In less than an hour i’ll literally need to pull my sword just to defend against the local insect population. Not to mention my favorite part, every living thing that flies, walks, or crawls through the mud would love nothing more than to gut me alive and devour my entrails whilst I watch!”

Blizzard Wind just stared on. Unfazed.

“That’s me enjoying nature! Happy?!”

“Da.”

Match Stick’s face went slack. “Damn man. I wish I could live in your world for like, twenty minutes.”

“Mm. Yes is pretty good,” Blizzard said with a smile.

For the longest time there was no sound as the two just stood there. Each one trying to outlast the other and keep from laughter.

A blood chilling howl cut through the night from somewhere not too far away. It served as an instant mood changer as it was close. Too close!

In the blink of an eye Match Stick’s short sword was out of its scabbard and drawn into a defensive stance. The blade glimmered in the light of his orange magical aura.

Blizzard Wind stood ready to take flight. Body tense and ears swiveling in their sockets. A short wing blade firmly clasped to the end of each wing waiting for such a moment. He strained his ears, listening.

Nothing.

Ahead of the two the rest of the group had taken similar precautions as well. This was the Everfree after all and one could never be too careful.

“No worries mate,” Match Stick said with an unconvincing tone.” Just an old Timber wolf tellin’ his buds we’re here that’s all.”

“Yes vell I for von hope they don’t pay ‘im much attention,” he said uneasily

“What’s the matter bub?” Match Stick said with a grin as he watched the forest around them. “Afraid ya can’t handle a few mangy old termite hotels?” He taunted his friend.

Blizzard Wind shot him a quick glance. “Have you ever tried to kill Timber volf? Is not easy,” he said as an ear twitched to follow the sounds of something moving away through the trees.

“If this trip were going to be easy, ‘ole Shining over there wouldn’t have asked us ta go along.”

“I suppose so but vhy not just bring along a few low level types? Surely a simple patrol has no use for honor guards. Are ve really necessary?”

“Of course not!” Match Stick spat into the dirt. “I fully expect the only reason we’re out here at all is to ‘baby sit’ our charming captain over there because his old ball and chain is always worried sick about him,” the unicorn grumbled angrily.

“Ball and chain?” The pegasus inquired as he continued to scan the surrounding foliage for any sign of the wolf.

“That’s right I forgot. You live under a rock,” he said smiling to himself. “I’m referring to his wife. Obviously.”

“Ah yes. And?”

“Lately it seems as if Cadence won’t hardly let him out of her sight. Then again if that was me I wouldn’t mind one bit. Oh that flank!” Matchstick smiled a bit at his not-so-private thought.

“Do you think is gone?”

“Huh? Is what gone?

“Volf.”

“Wolf?”

“Da.”

“Oh road apples! Right. Wolf. Sorry, you kinda had me thinkin’ about somthin’ totally different,” Match Stick admitted with a nervous chuckle.

“Only for you is not so different of a thought, yes?”

“Come on, you’ve seen her. How could you bring her up and not think about that?” Match Stick asked incredulously.

“Easy.”

“Alright wise guy what are you thinking about?”

“Camera.”

“Kinky,” Match Stick said with an even bigger grin.

“……..”

“Alright Blizz, why would you be thinking of a camera at a time like this?”

“To get picture of Snipe of course,” replied the smug pegasus.

The sound of metal on stone rang out as Match Stick lost concentration and his magic faltered. Had there been a wolf waiting to pounce, he would have been in trouble.

A few moments later the all clear was given and Blizzard Wind trotted on ahead in victory.

“One of these days you white bastard. One of these days.” Match Stick thought to himself before continuing on with a smile.

The small group continued in silence for another few miles until they reached the bottom of the mountain before turning slightly to the east and made for the swamps of Froggy Bottom bog. Gradually the chill mountain air gave way to the warmer valley climate and soon they were swallowed in mist. They were now in the heart of the Everfree.

Right about the time Luna would be preparing for bed they reached the choked muddy river that flowed along the base of the mountain and once more turned further east to follow it along the course of its run.

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

“They are becoming restless back there you know,” Broad Sword muttered as he fiddled with an antique compass and chart held aloft by a silvery blue hued magic.

“Well why shouldn’t they be?” Shining Armor said matter of factly as he moved along through the gloom surrounding them. “I kept them up late last night for no apparent reason and then have the nerve to order this half-assed patrol that every pony here knows is just a cover for something else.”

“So when are we going to have the ‘real’ briefing then?” The aging vanguard asked nonchalantly as he fiddled with the dancing compass. He made a face and marked the chart he was carrying.

Shining Armor looked at the moon as it was beginning to set. “Smudge Coat says there’s a clearing in another mile. We can take five there and I will inform everypony of the objective then.” He said.

“Alright Shining. You’re the boss,” Broad Sword said as he strode along.

“Hardly,” Shining Armor huffed, wincing as he stretched a sore hind leg. “Every pony here knows I still can’t beat you at hoof to hoof. Especially after yesterday.”

“Just because you are the new captain doesn’t mean that I have taught you everything I know,” Broad Sword said.

“Yet,” challenged Shining.

“Yet,” conceded the older stallion with a nod. “You have however proven to be ready. I know your promotion was never made official, however I think it only fair to warn you that the ‘higher ups’ have finally decided to make it official.”

Shining Armors pace slowed as he comprehended his predecessor’s words. “You don’t mean?” He stammered dumbly. He expected to have another year to wait at the least.

“Mmmhmm. Full ceremony next week. After all of this Nightmare Night fluff is taken care of. Dammed silly holiday if you ask me,” He snorted to emphasize his point.

“Right, sure,” Shining Armor said rolling his eyes. “So what are you going as this year?” He asked with a sly grin.

“A gruff drill instructor. Just to shake things up,” he said with a stoic face.

Shining just shook his head slowly for a few steps as they walked. “So does that mean they are making you retire then?” He asked with a touch of concern entering his voice.

“I would like to see them try,” Broad Sword said with another snort of derision.

Shining Armor couldn’t help a soft chuckle. “Sorry sir, but I doubt even you could stop both of the sisters.”

“Watch me!” He said playfully. “And knock off the sir crap. Makes me feel old. Besides, we are technically the same rank now,” he said with a hint of pride on the edge of his voice.

“That will take a little getting used to.”

“Oh like hay it will. You love giving orders.”

“True. I suppose the position does come with a few perks anyway,” Shining armor admitted.

“Yes I would say so.” Broad Sword said chuckling softly to himself before eyeing the saddle bags hanging over Shining Armor’s back. The same ones Celestia had given him the previous evening. They were the reason neither of them had gone to bed last night.

Broad Sword knew just as well as Shining Armor what the bags contained, yet still did not have all the facts. With that in mind, he did know that wherever they were going it was sure to be far more important than a simple patrol.

“I do have just one question about all this mess Shining,” Broad Sword said giving him a look.

“Stop fishing you,” Shining Armor said knowing full well where this was going. The topic came up a lot lately.

“I’m just curious as to when I finally get to become a godfather is all,” he said innocently.

Shining blushed furiously at this.

“Come now my boy, the entire castle is wondering when to expect the patter of little hooves echoing through the halls again,” Broad Sword said cheerfully.

Shining rubbed his foreleg with a hoof. “Well I… Er… We haven’t exactly discussed that sort of thing yet,” he stammered whilst attempting to disappear inside his armor.

“That’s not what I’ve heard traveling down the grapevine.”

“Grapevine?

“Greenleaf the gardener hears all and tells all. In this case he told the chef Chocolate Dot, she told that friend of hers Donut Joe,” Broad Sword took a moment to think before continuing. “He told Photo Finish who told one of her assistants who mentioned it to Luna who told one of her guards who blabbed it to Match Stick back there. And he told, well, everypony else in the city.”

Shining Armor scowled. “Is nothing sacred anymore?” He growled. “So how much do you know?”

“Enough to know that I need to ask for some time off in about seven to eight months,” Broad Sword smiled brightly. “Congratulations Shining.”

Shining Armor grinned at his mentor. “Thanks. But if anypony asks, you didn’t hear it from me. Got it?”

“Understood,” A pause. “Captain.”

Shining blushed even further at Broad Sword’s recognition of his new rank. “Thanks, I was sworn to secrecy by,” he looked around worriedly for a moment. “By you know who,” he said in a low whisper.

“I think I have a fairly good idea, yes.”

“Well I’m glad that’s settled then.”

Broad Sword took that for the hint it was and moved on. “So this Smudge Coat fellow. What’s the story with him? Not much like you to bring a civilian along on one of these mystery trips.”

“Celestia’s idea actually,” he paused as they climbed over a fallen log on the trail. “She seemed to be convinced that we would need him on this.”

“So a guide then hmm,” Broad Sword muttered dryly already not liking the idea. “How do his credentials stack up?”

“Very well actually,” Shining said remembering the file. “Graduated with honors in Fillydelphia with a full scholarship to the Canterlot Academy of Magic. After four years he majored in natural magical science before switching to the study of the Everfree and other like places. He also took a year in the defensive arts and a course in the biology of legendary creatures,” Shining tapped his chin with a hoof. “And to top it all off another two years of chemistry, alchemy, and magical exclusion theory.”

“Impressive.”

“Tell me about it,” Shining agreed. “It’s as if the guy was made for the job. Blew right through the mandatory recruit physical conditioning exam as well.”

“I’ll say. The kids a whole head taller than you and almost beat my exam time.”

“You’re kiddin’ me,” Shining said with an expression of shock.

“Nope. Came within thirty seconds.”

“Wow.”

‘So how did you choose him?”

“I didn’t. Celestia asked for him specifically.”

“Well that adds another piece to the puzzle. What else ya got?”

“Not a lot more I can tell you about this before the briefing. But rumor has it Celestia has been assigning more and more guards to keep an eye on Luna,” Shining said raising an eyebrow at his own words.

“Yes, I’ve noticed,” Broad Sword mumbled absentmindedly as he pushed aside a large fern from their path. “We have also been sending far larger patrols than normal to the far north.”

“Now how do you know that?” Shining asked mouth agape.

“I was captain of the castle division for a long time. I still have friends in high places.”

“The highest of places is more like it,” He grumbled.

“Eh, possibly,” Broad Sword admitted sheepishly. He made another face at his compass as it continued dancing. “I certainly hope Smudge Coat knows where he is going. As usual a compass is bloody worthless out here,” he said eyeing the large camo colored earth pony ahead of them blazing the trail.

“I would think so,” Shining Armor mused as he ducked under the fern blade as Broad Sword released it. “According to his record Smudge Coat has been a member of over a dozen expeditions out here.”

“Well then there should be something useful in that head of his,” he said glaring at his compass floating before him. “And for the love of oats! Why am I the one doing this? Why can’t you get one of the minions to do it?”

“Because the academic up there summoned by Celestia herself asked you to.”

Broad Sword once more marked his chart and sighed. “Well I do love a good scientific mystery,” He mumbled.

“That’s the spirit.”

“Don’t patronize me.”

“Sorry.”

The moon completed its slow descent and for a moment all heavenly light faded. The forest seemed to tense. Waiting for a new day. And one by one the stars winked out. A new light appeared on the horizon as the sun steadily began to rise. Within seconds the pair were dive-bombed by insects.

From behind them came a distant. “Colt damn it!”

Shining Armor glanced back over his shoulder. “Right on queue Match Stick!” He grinned. “But next time could you yell a bit louder?! I don’t think the Griffon kingdom heard you!” the unicorn yelled with a sly smile.

“Hey… Shining… Buck you!”

“Fight the good fight precious!” The reply was simply a death glare. Shining just kept up his smile. This was definitely excellent payback for last week’s little fiasco.

“Go easy Shining, he is having bad day,” Blizzard called cheerfully.

Shining Armor let out a small chuckle. “All right, but do try to contain yourselves. We aren’t in the friendliest of places ya know,” he reminded them his voice becoming more serious.

“I vill keep dat in mind sir.”

“AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!” Came the mighty war cry of Match Stick the pyro as his short sword flew through the air and impaled a mosquito the size of a barn swallow before lodging itself in a thick tree. The stallion’s horn glowed a brilliant orange aura that produced a swirling gout of red flame which descended upon the insect. The unfortunate creature vaporized instantly. “Lyme bastard tried ta shank me!” Match Stick scowled rubbing his flank.

Shining Armor put a hoof to his temple and sighed. It was going to be a very long day.

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Celestia smiled as she listened to the antics of Match Stick attempting to retrieve his blade from the tree. At least she assumed the loud ‘thwack’ had been a tree. It was often difficult to tell, as the sounds she was hearing courtesy of the tracking stone Shining Armor carried were mostly muffled by the saddlebag in which it now rode.

After taking a brief moment away from her searching to raise the sun and bid Luna good night. Or, day rather. She had taken the time to mentally leave the castle and follow the signal of the tracking stone to its source. Once there she could see the immediate area, though only barely. Also afforded her was the ability to hear the conversation, to an extent.

After some aggravated muttering the group continued on. Completely unaware of the spectral form amongst them. Wishing them well.

Satisfied with their progress Celestia released her mental grip on the stone and brought her spectral self back to the castle and once more joined with the flesh of body.

After a moment to sort herself out Celestia opened her eyes. Her physical form was right where she left it.

The Alicorn mare looked about the room and sighed forcefully downward. Hard enough to flutter the pages of a few of the books that lay open around her hooves.

Celestia had been there all night plundering the Canterlot archives in search of one particular book. “Where could it possibly be?!” She thought aloud.

After searching the more likely sections she had moved on impulse to the Star Swirl the Bearded wing. Even knowing full well this particular book was not supposed to be there.

“Think Celestia. The night desk says it has not been checked out so it must be here. Right?” It was an extremely important book and not just anypony could borrow it.

The Alicorn frowned as she looked about. The book was most definitely not here. Resolutely Celestia gave her mane a rigorous flip to restore it to its regal splendor before lighting her horn.

For a mere instant the room was bathed in a pure golden light that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. In that time all three thousand seven hundred and four volumes were dusted and reshelved exactly the way they had been before her arrival.

Celestia took a moment to survey her handiwork. As always her eyes took pause on the large hourglass at the room’s center.

Over a thousand years the artifact had stood there. And well over a thousand times Celestia had stopped to watch the gold sand endlessly run from its top through the middle and fall to the bottom. It never changed. Never slowed. Never needed to be flipped over.

Her eyes narrowed ever so little as she gazed inside.

So why then, did it look so different today?

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Whap!

“Ouch!”

“Oh… Sorry… Eh,” Shining blanched as he reached over with his magic to pull back the recently released tree branch from Broad Sword’s face. “Sorry about that,” he grimaced shamefully.

All that answered him was a blank expression from Broad Sword’s brilliant orange eyes. To his credit the older stallion didn’t even drop his compass. “Are we there yet?” He said sarcastically in a sign of annoyance.

“As a matter of fact we are,” stated a splotchy green and brown earth pony as he moved down the trail. “One clearing. As promised,” he said coming to a stop before them and gesturing back the way he had come.

“Thank you Smudge Coat,” Shining Armor said with a nod. Maybe a guide would come in hoofy after all.

“Well what are guides for, if not to find things,” Smudge Coat said with a slight bow of his head.

“I don’t suppose you know a good psychiatrist do you?” Broad Sword inquired flatly.

Smudge Coat raised an eyebrow as he thought. “Uh. Afraid not. Sorry,” replied the earth pony with a shrug.

“Pity,” Broad Sword said as he reached over with a hoof and snapped the offending tree limb off at the trunk in one deft motion. “I’ll certainly need one by day’s end.”

Shining Armor grinned again as the older stallion tossed the limb in his general direction. “Yes. Well I don’t know about the rest of you but I could really use a snack,” he said motioning towards the clearing. “Shall we?”

“I could go for a snack,” announced Match Stick as he moved up beside the three. “And a can of bug spray.”

Smudge Coat did a double take of the new comer. “What in the wonderful wide world of Equestria are those?!” He asked unconsciously taking a step back and pointing to the necklace made entirely out of bug parts that hung around the unicorn’s neck.

Match Stick smiled warmly and proudly brought a hoof to his ornamentation. “Trophies,” he smirked as he sauntered past them and made for the clearing.

Pushing forward the ponies spilled out into a small meadow around the size of a hoof ball stadium. The ground was thankfully dry with short grass and scattered flowers. If one listened carefully they could hear the river as it flowed over a slight rapid just beyond a thin row of scraggly trees. There was still a light veil of mist but the rising sun would soon make short work of it. The only other noteworthy feature of the place was a scattering of randomly placed boulders.

Shining Armor looked about. “This should do nicely,” he said turning to the others. “Alright. Blizzard Wind, grab some altitude and take a look around, tell me what ya see. Match Stick, a fire if you please.”

A hoof salute later and the Pegasus was off, spiraling into the sky. Meanwhile Match Stick trotted away mumbling something about being the best pyro magic conjurer in the entire castle guard. Not a campfire provider.

Shining Armor sat next to a boulder as he watched Smudge Coat drag Broad Sword over to a large red and green sunflower. He ran through Celestia’s instructions again in his head. They were simple enough. But something still didn’t sit right. What was it?

A quick glance over his shoulder caught the last glimpse of Match Stick as he trotted into the gloom of the forest. Shining sighed deeply. He slid the saddle bags from off his back and checked their contents, everything was there.

Holding up the dragon scale sheath Shining couldn’t help but look it over for a moment to admire the craftsmanship that had gone into its design.

Gently he undid the binding and pulled the who knew how old map from the holder and rolled it out. It was blank. Following the instructions in Celestia’s letter he concentrated.

An image of the surrounding forest resolved upon the weathered parchment. It came into focus with exceptional detail before zooming out to show a larger view. Now he was looking at the vast majority of the Everfree as well as Canterlot beyond. His eyes lingered on Ponyville some fifteen miles to the west before focusing the map a different way. Sure enough, small lines started a slow march across the maps surface originating in Canterlot and moving straight towards the old castle. Their current destination.

Shifting his focus a new set of images appeared on the map. These were cutie marks and they belonged to his squad.

The lit match with orange flame was Match Stick. About a mile to the south was a blue tornado with a yellow lightning bolt through it. That would be Blizzard Wind. And just across the meadow a ways was an open book with a plant growing out of it next to a red broad sword over a gold shield.

There was something else on the map as well. It was familiar for some reason. But why? It was nothing more than a simple black circle sitting atop the boulder he was currently leaning against. Finally a moment of clarity. Shining face hoofed.

“I was wondering when that damned thing was going to give me away,” came a formal yet sarcastic voice. “How are you Shining?”

“Obsidian Black,” Shining Armor groaned as he stood. “And just what in all of Tartarus are you doing here?”

The larger bat pony with a coat color to match his name was reclined comfortably atop the boulder looking down on Shining Armor with rather stunning emerald green eyes. “Our favorite lunar princess sent me to keep an eye on things,” he said haughtily while running a hoof over his dark violet mane. “Seems as though she’s curious as to why Celestia would send her best to go wander the forest all night.”

“Cutting straight to it? That’s a bit odd for you,” Shining quipped. He was not at all happy about this. If Obsidian was here it meant Luna was on to them.

“Perhaps I merely don’t see the point in twisting things around,” he said sitting up. “If we are all here for the same thing that is.”

Shining Armor raised an eyebrow. “Are we here for the same thing?” He asked with a touch of skepticism.

“As a member of the ‘royal’ guard I was thinking you would already know the answer to that,” he said not so absentmindedly pulling his upper lip into a smile to reveal a pair of wickedly sharp incisors.

The captain let loose a snort at this. Not at all impressed.

The smile quickly faded away. “Now really shining. I had thought we were past all that,” he said lowering his head in mock disappointment.

“I don’t think so,” Shining rebuked as he glared into the deep emerald eyes of Obsidian.

“Hmm. Shame really,” said the batpony standing to his full height. “I had hoped we could get along on this trip.”

“Well, well, well,” came Broad Sword’s now grumpy voice from around the side of the boulder. “Obsidian Black. To what do we owe this, displeasure?”

Obsidian Black spread his leathery wings and silently swooped down to land in front of Broad Sword. “Just thought I should check in on Celestia’s colt scouts,” he said in a hurt tone. “I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to them out here,” his voice becoming more serious.

“Well how nice of the Scarlet Service to grace us with its presence,” Match Stick scoffed as he moved up behind them.

Without turning to acknowledge his presence the black coated bat pony rolled his eyes. “Hello Match Stick, how are you?” He asked with little enthusiasm.

In response Match Stick threw the pile of wood he was levitating on the ground and with a flash of his horn spontaneously ignited the dry timber. “Bucking Scarlets,” he mumbled plopping down on the grass and proceeding to poke at the fire.

“Nice to see you too,” Obsidian mused. “Now then. Where is Blizz? I know at least he will be happy to see me.”

“I don’t think anypony is happy to see you,” Shining said with a hint of disdain. “And this is a top secret military mission. How do you even know about it?”

Obsidian Black got a playful look in his eye. “A little bird told me. An immortal bird with really big ears.”

“So Luna knows then huh?” Broad Sword muttered.

“How did she find out!?” Shining Armor challenged.

“Well don’t look at me,” Obsidian said innocently. “But honestly Shining,” he said with a sly grin. “They’re sisters. Do you really think Celestia hasn’t let anything slip? Luna can read her like a book. I’ve seen it. And she knows something Shining, something terrible.”

“Then why all of this?” Shining Armor said gesturing at the armored ponies around them. “Why all the subterfuge?”

“Because something is happening, Shining. The world is changing, you know it as much as I do and it has the sisters on edge. Luna has made it quite clear to me that you will need my help on this, little scavenger hunt of yours.”

“And what makes her think that?” Broad Sword interrupted doubtfully.

Obsidian Black shot the older stallion a glare before snatching the map from Shining Armor’s hoof.

“Hey!” growled the unicorn as Obsidian tossed the parchment to the ground.

Traveling across the maps face were the same small markings from before, moving from Canterlot to the old castle. Only now they were faster and much brighter.

“You see gentle colts, Celestia does not fully understand the situation that Equestria now finds itself in,” the bat pony said solemnly. “Those marks represent telepathic communication between two of the most powerful evils of our time.”

“Then why in the love of Cerberus’ dingle-hopper are we out here and not the princesses?” Match Stick groused. “Heavens knows they’d be more effective than us.”

“Because the signal originates from Discords statue,” Shining Armor said flatly. “Apparently he is awake, and they can’t risk being anywhere else should he somehow reanimate again.”

Silence fell over the small group as the realization hit. Things were a lot more serious than they had thought.

“And that my friends is why they have both sent their best. Celestia her fighting elite. And Luna, her best mind.”

“But that still does not answer the earlier question,” Smudge Coat interrupted.

“The enemy has eyes everywhere,” Obsidian Black countered. “You all may like to go through life thinking this world is kept safe by the sisters. However I know otherwise, and before this day is done you all shall see that none of us are safe from what is to come.”

Shining Armor was about to deliver a retort when he noticed the Bat pony’s ear twitch and his body tense.

“Look out!!” Shouted Blizzard Wind from above as he dove out of the sky.

Time seemed to slow as Shining Armor turned to look for the source of a strange clicking.

A tremendous ripping noise consumed all other sound as a powerful concussive wave flew across the meadow ripping the ground bare of both grass and bush. It left a deep gouge in the soil as it went.

The ponies all managed to leap clear of the blast thanks to Blizzards warning.

Shining Armor spun just as a huge dragon-like creature thundered into the clearing from the river. “Fantastic,” he grumbled.

“My bucking campfire!” Match Stick bellowed. He shot the great beast a glare before leaping out of the path of a second blast.

The compressed sound wave rocketed across the meadow and struck the boulder the group had been standing around. The enormous rock shattered sending out shards in every direction.

“The buck is that thing!?” Shining yelled as he brought up a shield to protect himself from the lethal shards of flying granite.

“I dunno!” Match Stick yelled as he stood his ground melting the shards with something akin to heat vision. “Looks like Satan’s bloody iguana got out!”

“It’s a wyvern Shining!” Smudge Coat called from behind another boulder. “That things a legendary creature! We have got to get out of here!”

The wyvern drew its head back on a long snake-like neck.

“Buck,” Shining muttered to himself.

With an incredible roar the towering behemoth let loose a far more powerful blast than those before it. Clearly annoyed it had not managed to turn its prey into the bloody paste that made for the perfect meal.

Several of the trees near the wyvern’s head shattered into splinters as the sound left the beast’s throat. The blast tore across the meadow, gouging the earth as it went leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.

Broad Sword stepped in front of Shining Armor, horn glowing brightly. A large silvery domed shield wrapped them in a protective embrace.

The wyvern’s howl slammed into the shield and exploded in a massive release of energy sending dirt and clumps of grass flying through the air.

Broad Sword dropped the barrier and smiled. “Do not fret master Smudge Coat,” he said confidently. “Legendary creatures are one of our specialties.”

Smudge Coat gave him a shocked look. “Okay… then what’s the plan?” he asked disbelievingly not comprehending how the older stallion planned to deal with the hundred foot long monster.

“I’ll show ya a plan!” Match Stick shouted as he planted both front hooves firmly on the turf before him. “All right lads! Watch and learn!” the unicorn’s horn shone brightly and covered him in brilliant orange flames.

With another mighty roar the wyvern charged him shaking the ground as it ran at the pony.

“It’s time for you ta bugger off!” Match Stick shouted as a massive swirling vortex of bright flame surged forward from his body and enveloped the wyvern as well as a fair portion of the clearing beyond.

Match Stick continued to scream with anger and effort as he poured every ounce of power he could muster into his magic. The fire swarmed through the air burning everything until finally, panting heavily, Match Stick let up.

In front of him only fire and destruction remained. The very tops of the tallest trees were all that could be seen above the smoke and flames. “And that my good mares is why I always wear fire proof armor,” he said wiping the sweat on his face away with a hoof. “Suck it nature!”

“Very impressive mine friend,” Blizzard Wind said moving up behind him with a laugh. “But next time perhaps you might consider toning it down a little bit, yes?" The pegasus gestured around with a wing at the billowing clouds of smoke and flame-covered trees before them.

“Ahh come on Blizzard old boy,” Match Stick said cheerfully as he turned to face his friend. “I only gave the big blue bastard seventy percent. Besides, it’s the bucking Everfree! The lousy weather will put it out eventually, just be glad I took care of the brute before you had to go and get yerself dirty,” he chuckled.

“Da. Iss true I suppose,” replied the pegasus as he joined Match Stick in his chuckling.

Match Stick however couldn’t help but notice Smudge Coat backing away slowly. A look of pure horror growing on his face. “Now what’s got his knickers in a twist?” He thought aloud.

The Earth pony’s ears laid back against his head in fear as a faint roar that was just audible above the crackling flames reached them.

“Vat vas, noise?” Blizzard wind asked as he peered past his Unicorn companion. His eyes went wide as his ears drooped.

Match Stick saw the faces of the others change to a similar state. He sighed deeply. “There’s something really bad behind me isn’t there?”

“Da…” Blizzard Wind said backing away.

Swearing under his breath Match Stick turned to watch as the wyvern rose out of the flames. Completely unharmed. “Well, balls,” he muttered.

The wyvern pulled its massive head back again readying another blast of potentially deadly force.

Still backing away Blizzard Wind looked to Match Stick. “My turn?” He asked nonchalantly.

“All yours mate,” Match Stick said before disappearing in a ball of fire and reappearing a few yards behind the others.

The beast roared and another blast raced towards the lone pegasus. Blizzard Wind closed his eyes and flared open his greatly oversized ice blue wings.

Most pegasi can manipulate clouds and rain, or even lightning. A few lucky ones can use all three. But there is one element of weather that more often than not, refuses to be tamed. And it will only bend to the will of a select few.

Blizzard Wind’s eyes shot open as his wings pushed off at staggering speed propelling him straight into the face of the blast. At the last possible second he pulled up into an inverted loop, the completion of which he again flared his wings and began flapping them in a way that resembled the motions of a hummingbird in hover.

A massive torrent of air formed and was drawn through the looping flight path in a jetstream and concentrated even further upon reaching him.

The air jet, after building to hurricane like force, lanced forward and collided with the blast from the wyvern, scattering it.

Blizzard Wind then turned his attention to the wyvern itself. He increased the wind speed even further until his wings beat the air so fast they blurred together.

The super pressurized air jet slammed into the unprepared beast. Roaring loudly in defiance the great blue monster slid backwards a short distance before being blown off its feet and hurled through the burning trees and into the river beyond.

Blizzard Wind slowly let up as he watched the wyvern stomp up the far riverbank. It howled in rage as it went. For the time being it had had enough of ponies and their aggravating magic. In the glinting morning light the pegasus could have sworn he saw a hint of green flash across its eyes. With a shrug he slowly fluttered down to the ground on his wing tips.

“Show off!” Yelled a certain unicorn.

“Don’t feel so bad hot shot,” said Shining Armor. “You had him on the ropes,” he chuckled as the group shared a good laugh at the pyro’s expense.

“Well I didn’t see the officers doin’ anything about that bucker!” Match Stick retorted. “So I stepped up!”

“Yes and built the fellow a wonderful flaming nest from which to attack,” Broad Sword jested from the side. “Splendid job.”

“Oh yeah!” Match Stick fumed. “And what were you doin’ ‘ole timer?” He smirked. “Takin’ a nap?”

“Would have been about as effective as you trying to set fire to a wyvern!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” The light brown unicorn scoffed.

“It means that damned wyvern is related to dragons lad,” Broad Sword said with an exasperated sigh.

“So..?”

“So,” Smudge Coat butted in ever eager to educate the ignorant. “Dragons, as well as most of their relatives are completely immune to fire or any other significant amounts of heat.”

“But…” Match Stick stammered.

“Which obviously includes,” Smudge Coat droned on. “Hydra, basilisk, slizard, and of course. wyverns,” he said rather cheekily. “Just to name a few.”

Finally understanding Match Stick hung his head. “In other words I was next to useless out there,” he pouted.

“Well you should be used to that by now I would think,” said Obsidian Black as he landed silently just outside the group.

“Coming from the colt who bolted out of the clearing before the first attack hit the ground!” Match Stick shot back.

Obsidians face turned to one of mock shock. “Muah?” He said looking hurt. “Honestly now Match Stick. I was clearly attempting a subtle flanking maneuver.”

“Yeah! Subtle as a diamond dog running with his tail tucked between his legs!” Match Stick said ruefully as he took an advancing step, his temper flaring.

“Fillies! Fillies! Calm down you are both pretty,” Broad Sword said chuckling as he moved between them. “But if ya don’t stop your bickering right now so help me I will geld the two of you where you stand! Do I make myself clear?!” He bellowed in the perfect tones of a drill instructor.

A crisp “Yes sir!” Was shouted from both the stallions as they instinctively came to attention.

“That’s more like it,” Said Shining Armor. “Why can’t I get them to do that?”

“It is an art dear boy,” Broad Sword said while brushing his chest plate with a hoof.

Shining just rolled his eyes. Again.

“Excuse me?” Smudge Coat said hurriedly. “I do hate to interrupt this wonderful display of military professionalism and chivalry. However, I feel that I simply must point out wyverns are known to return to finish a failed hunt. I think it would be wise to distance ourselves from this location.”

“Smudge Coat is right,” Shining Armor said looking around at the destruction. “I think we have lingered here long enough.”

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Celestia sprawled onto her bed utterly exasperated. She had spent nearly sixteen hours deep inside the archives searching for her assumed deliverance.

“The blasted thing must have flown itself to Tartarus!” She deadpanned. “It is not as if it just grew legs and walked away.”

A cool mountain breeze wafted in through the open balcony doors and toyed with her mane. Celestia sighed as she watched her ethereal locks dance in the wind. A feeling of confusion was slowly coming over her. It made no sense! Who would even want to borrow that book? Its information was next to useless to anypony who did not already know a great deal about the elements.

In an angry huff Celestia released a crackle of magical energy into the room. The thick balcony doors slammed shut and the fire died. Perhaps she did need some rest after all. Alicorns could go long periods without sleep. But then, two weeks was a bit of a stretch, even for her. It felt more like an eternity. She closed her eyes.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Celestia twitched. Wet?

That was all her mind registered before it happened again. Drip. Wet?

Lying face down in her pillow Celestia couldn’t figure out what her mind was trying to tell her. Drip. Wet?

She groaned in deep annoyance. Realizing finally that the back of her head was getting wet she rolled over and slid one eye open. “Ugh!” She croaked. “Lulu!”

Princess Luna floated above her sister supported by a magical cloud looking rather pleased with herself as drool ran down her lowered tongue to drip on Celestia’s head. “Mourig seepy hea.” She said mouth still dripping.

“What do you want?!” Celestia hissed rubbing the back of her head with the blanket.

“You promised.” Was Luna’s only reply as she rolled onto her back to look at her sister upside down and wiped the drool from her own face.

“Is it that time already?” Celestia asked looking at the small clock next to her bed. An hour and a half. She had only been asleep an hour and a half!

Celestia face hoofed.

“Come on!” Luna urged. “Come on come on come on.” She pleaded kicking at the air with her forelegs in very adorable fashion. “Get that white rump of yours out of bed!”

The sun princess unceremoniously rolled off the bed and onto the floor. “Happy?” She chirped.

Luna blew a strand of starry hair out of her face and looked at Celestia with a perfectly executed puppy eye pout, complete with quivering chin.

“Oh all right!” Celestia said getting to her hoofs unable to resist ‘the look’. “Let’s go.”

Luna’s face shot to a grin as a soft ‘sqwee’ escaped her mouth. “Yes!” She whooped somersaulting backwards off the cloud as it disappeared.

Lethargically Celestia moved toward her bedroom door. An idea entered her brain and she stopped to look back at Luna. “Sister.” She said. “I was wondering. Have you removed any books from the archives recently?”

Luna paused her energetic hoof pumping and thought a moment. “Only the one you asked us to locate Tia. The one we intend to give to Twilight Sparkle.”

“And no others?”

“No. I am afraid that I have barely set hoof in those halls since I have been back,” she arched an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I have been trying to find a book as of late but to no avail.”

“And what would be the name of this book dear sister?” Luna asked curiosity thickening her voice.

Celestia tapped a hoof to her chin. “The way of the wizard.”

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Obsidian Black loitered in the clearing a moment as the rest of the stallions moved on ahead. None of them seemed to mind his momentary absence. He stretched out his wings and cracked his neck as the others finally disappeared off into the forest.

“That was not a part of the masters plan you thin-headed bitch,” he said with a voice filled with venom as he wiped a speck of dirt from his otherwise spotless ebony armor. “If you dare interfere again. It will be my pleasure, to rip out your heart and deliver it to him myself.” He began to move after the others. “I hope I have made myself clear.”

From a dark place hidden amongst the thick foliage behind him a pair of harlequin eyes narrowed into a scowl before darting back out of sight.

“I thought as much,” Obsidian said with a sneer as a voice spoke in his mind’s ear. “Nearly there my lady. It shall not be long now.”

If this crazy scheme was to have even the slightest chance to succeed every part had to fall into place without a hitch. Obsidian Black knew this. Knew it well, as a large part of it rested on his shoulders.

“Now if I can just keep that idiot Shining in the dark,” he laughed under his breath. “This should be all too easy,” the bat pony said as he spread his wings and soared into the sky.

Somewhere off in the trees a large blue wyvern cried out in terrible pain as the presence within crushed its mind in anger. Killing the beast slowly, deliberately.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Ears swiveling to locate a sound he knew the others would likely be unable to hear, Blizzard Wind only partially paid any attention to Match Stick’s ranting.

“And furthermore,” the pyro lamented cutting away yet another vine everypony ahead of them had saw fit to ignore. “Why in the name of Celestia’s sun-emblazoned hindquarters are we always the ones at the back of the line!?” He fumed still hacking away at the vine methodically.

Blizz only sort of listened. As expected the noise had died away before he could discern an exact direction. “Hmm… Yes… Hindquarters,” he mumbled, still listening.

Match Stick took one last vicious swing and stopped. “You’re not even listening to me right now are you?” He asked with a blank look.

“Ehh…no.”

“Geez,” Match Stick mumbled. “I’d bet my favorite fire spell our most beloved officers up there don’t have to deal with this kinda crap.”

Blizzard Wind just smiled as he refocused his impeccably good hearing on an entirely different conversation ahead of them.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

“And because the cellular structure of a dragon scale is comparatively similar to that of diamond in their shared physical qualities, most of which originate from the strong covalent bonding between the atoms,” Smudge Coat took in another deep breath. “They are, for the most part, an unbreakable metastable allotrope of carbon. Not to mention,” he droned on happily.

“Oh for the love of Celestia, does he ever stop talking?” Whispered Shining Armor.

“I don’t know,” his elder replied out the side of his mouth. “But I coulda sworn he turned blue there for a second.”

“You might be right.”

“In addition, they possess a very unique variation of the face centered cubic crystal structure called the…” continued the lecture.

“For the love of cold steel Shining,” Broad Sword groused. “It’s like listening to that little sister of yours.”

Shining Armor just grinned and pressed onward. They had a long way to go.

“So what’s the plan then Shining?” Obsidian Black said landing behind the two. “Just trot right through the front door?” He prodded.

“Well first off.” The Captain said with a smirk. “Seeing as you aren’t supposed to be here at all. I thought you could distract whatever horrible thing might be guarding the place while the rest of us slip in the back.”

“Actually Shining.” Smudge Coat interrupted. “I do not expect anything to have taken up residence in the castle.”

“And what makes you think that?” Shining asked rather puzzled.

“Because in the last twenty years or so there have been seven expeditions to the old castle. And none of them turned up any evidence to suggest an occupant.”

“That just don’t seem right to me,” Broad Sword said. Once again glaring at his compass. “A castle that size left unattended for that many years out in the middle of a place like this. What do you suppose keeps them critters out?” He mused as he marked the chart.

“Hard to say really,” Smudge Coat tilted his head as he walked. “One standing hypothesis is that there remains some form of magical residue that as yet is undetectable to all known spells that scan for such material. That or the local wildlife just finds the place as creepy as I do. I once heard it was haunted.”

“Seems like the perfect place for a dragon lair to me,” Shining Armor interjected. “But in all seriousness Obsidian Black,” he sighed and turned his attention back to the batpony. “If you are set to follow us the whole way I will just have to use you.”

“I’m listening.”

Shining paused to climb over a large tangle of roots blocking the trail. “Obviously I’m a bit short on troops,” he admitted.

“Obviously,” Obsidian said fluttering over the obstacle.

Shining shot Obsidian an annoyed look. “And we don’t know exactly where to find what we are looking for or how many pieces its in. So, worst case scenario we will need to split up to cover more ground,” he said worriedly.

“Oh. Now do ‘you’ really think that is such a good idea?” Obsidian asked looking Shining in the eye.

The young captain raised an eyebrow at the comment. “Yes I do,” he said calmly. “At first, I’ll admit I was not sure of the idea, but that was when there were only five of us. Then you showed up and evened things out.”

Obsidian gave a small huff in surprise. “Well you are welcome. I am here to help, captain. Same as always.”

Shining Armor clenched his jaw. “For what it’s worth. Thanks. I feel a lot better about two teams of three than having one be a team of two.”

“So that’s it then?” Asked the black pony with a surprised look.

“That’s it. I’ve been getting the feeling that we are going to need all the help we can get on this mission. Because like it or not. We are it.”

“And vat exactly is mission sir?” Asked Blizzard Wind now moving up closer.

“I’ve been wondering the same thing mate,” Match Stick added as he joined them. “Seeing as how you still owe us that briefing and all.”

Shining Armor looked imploringly to Broad Sword who shrugged.

“Sorry lad but I would say now is as good a time as ever.”

“Alright,” Shining said stopping as the others came and circled around him. “When Nightmare Moon was defeated by the Elements of Harmony everypony was told that she was utterly destroyed,” he glanced around the circle. “That was a lie,” he said flatly. “Our mission today is to search the old castle room by room for the pieces of enchanted armor she conjured to cover Luna’s body. Celestia has reason to believe some small portion of Nightmare Moon’s consciousness was transferred to the armor and that she has somehow survived all this time,” he said quietly. Shining Armor surveyed the faces around him, admiring the determination and resolve he saw.

One by one they nodded as he looked them in the eye. “Our goal is to collect whatever remains of that foul creature and get it to the princesses so that they may dispose of her for good.”

/ / / / / / / / / / /

“Spike! Hurry! The train leaves in fifteen minutes!” Twilight urged the young Dragon.

“And according to the seven practice runs we made yesterday we can be there in twelve,” Spike reminded from upstairs. “Just let me grab this last bag of yours and I’ll be down.”

Twilight Sparkle glanced at the wall clock and bit her lip. Thirty-two and one half seconds later her number one assistant came running down the stairs into the library’s foyer. “Ready?” Twilight asked hurriedly as she quadruple checked her checklist.

Spike huffed his frustration to the room in the form of a small green flame out a nostril. “Yeah. Got the last of it right here.”

After a few lengthy seconds of muttering from Twilight the pair left for the station to catch the twelve forty train to Canterlot.

As the two departed a familiar face could be seen in an upper level window. Satisfied they were gone for good the owl vacated his lookout and swooped down through the treehouse on deft wings.

Upon landing atop his usual perch the bird took one last look around to ensure that the two remaining occupants were in fact alone. Satisfied he turned to the back of the room and in the ancient tongue of his ancestors, spoke. “They have gone. You may now reveal yourself, old friend. It is time. The Darkest one has made his first move. And we must counter.”

From the place it had been left precariously at the edge of a couch the worn cover of Twilight Sparkles most recent read began to glow an ultraviolet blue.

The Way of the Wizard floated off the couch and lazily made its way to hover in front of the owl. “It is most pleasant seeing you again after all these years,” the bird said with what passed for a smile.

With a dry creak of its binding the book slowly folded open with pages flipping to reach the middle. They were all blank. Waiting patiently the owl pulled at a bad feather to pass the time.

Eventually the pages found their proper place and stopped. In the owls chosen language a pair of words appeared on the page. “Greetings Owlovard,” just as quickly as the words appeared they were replaced by others. “Is the one called Twilight Sparkle on her way?” They asked.

“Yes my friends,” the owl lowered his eyes. “Though I fear she may not be ready. Events are transpiring much more hastily than the Oldest one foretold.”

“Fear not, good bird of luck. Those of us who are still able have infused her with the knowledge necessary to open the corridor.”

“As you say wizards.”

The books color pulsed weakly as its power faded. “And what of the rest of your brethren? Have they come for the last confrontation?”

“Yes. All have come my lords. Even the White Foot who has traveled far for this moment. And now the Oldest one himself has come, they have all resided close to me for some time now. And Philomena has never left Celestia’s side.”

The glowing aura around the book was nearly gone now. “Good. And the new bearers the Elements have chosen for the end?”

Ruffling his feathers the owl perked up a little. “As well a choice I have seen,” he said proudly. “Though Laughter’s choice seems odd to me.”

The words came faded now. Soon the book would once again sleep and become as any other. “You do not approve of a divided mind?”

“Normally it would be of no concern of mine. But this one is different. The half that maintains control is nearly pure joy. As wonderful as any that I have known. But the other half is something else entirely. Demonic, unnatural, and very powerful.”

“Do not concern yourself Observer. Remain focused on the larger picture before you. All will be well. The Fates are with us, and Laughter knows what she is doing.”

“And what if when the corridor is opened he will not come? What then?”

“He will come. It is his destiny.”

“Very well. I trust you.”

“As we do you. The Darkest one is now ready, his full strength restored. And now you must watch it all happen again. Alone. For our part in this endeavor is now at an end.”

“My lords?”

“This vessel is drained. And the Nexus calls us home.”

“But there is still so much I do not understand.”

“We know. And we are sorry. Be not afraid Owlovard. My old apprentice will not fail us.”

The timeless owl turned to look out the window as a familiar trio of fillies rushed by being chased by some sort of homemade robot on the fritz. “No. I am sure that he will not. But how can you…”

A resounding thud cut him off. Swiveling his head back to look he found the book lying on the floor. Lifeless again. The old bird had so many more questions that would now go unanswered. “Rest easy old friends,” he said solemnly. “Until our next encounter.”

A short flight later found him again looking out the bedroom window. Only now he looked to Canterlot. “The board is set and the pieces are waiting. Your move, Darkest one.”

/ / / / / / / / / / /

“Sure it’s big enough,” Match Stick said comically. “But look at the location!” he pointed around at nothing in particular.

“Needs more ivy,” Blizzard Wind added dryly.

“I am just disappointed there is no moat,” Mumbled Obsidian.

“Who cares as long as there is nothing home,” Shining Armor cut in.

Thanks in part to Smudge Coat’s knowledge of the forest the team had made good speed and reached the castle in record time. It was now around four o’clock in the evening and because of the time of year the sun was already low in the sky. This caused the nearby hills to cast deep shadows upon the weathered stone structure giving it an even more ominous appearance.

“Spooky.”

“No more so than your mom’s place Blizz,” Match Stick chuckled as they all stopped just within the front gates.

“Alright lads,” Shining said tapping the worn stone with a hoof to get their attention. “Let’s go over this once more just so I can be sure you all paid attention,” he said raising an eyebrow.

“Why are you looking at me?” Match Stick asked with mock shock looking up from fiddling with his new necklace.

Broad Sword coughed into a hoof.

“Right… Anywho,” Shining said rolling out a parchment on the stone. “My sister and her friends blasted Nightmare Moon here,” He pointed on the map of the castle that Celestia had given him. “The eastern most tower. That is where we can find the majority of the armor pieces. Broad Sword and Blizzard Wind are with me. Celestia says the courtyard on the far side is the likeliest landing place for the few chunks that were blown out this window. Right here,” He looked to the others. “Match Stick. You are in charge of group two, take Smudge Coat and Obsidian Black and find what you can. Dismissed!”

A chorus of yes sirs rang out as they all went their separate ways through the gloom of the castles interior.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

After twenty minutes or so blundering about running into dead ends caused by cave-ins and collapsed stairways Shining’s team finally reached their objective. No sooner than he set hoof in the room Shining Armor felt a feeling of tension in the air. “Wow. Broad Sword you feel that?”

“Mmhmm,” he confirmed. “The magic field is badly disrupted here. A side effect of using the Elements of Harmony I suspect.”

“No… I don’t think so,” Shining said looking around slowly. “I have been to the site where Discord was defeated and, it didn’t feel anything like this.”

“Captain Shining Sir!” Blizzard Wind called from over by a large blown out window. “I believe I have found vat ve ar looking for.”

“Good work Blizz,” Shining said moving up to get a closer look. “Remember. Don’t touch them, just in case.”
“Yes sir. Do not vorry I am not interested in any company up here,” He said tapping the side of his head.

“If it’s all the same to you Blizzard Wind this will make me feel a whole lot better,” Broad Sword said tossing the pegasus a small pouch of spell powder Celestia had sent along with them.

The veteran honor guard deftly plucked the pouch out of the air with a wing. “I certainly do hope dis sparkly dust of hers vorks,” he mused.

“She would not have sent it with us if it did not,” Broad Sword said without pause and a hint of defensiveness.

“Yes, I know but,” Blizzard Wind found it hard to say this as he would never doubt his princess. Never. “It’s just this Nightmare lady always seems one step ahead. If history books are to be believed dat is,” he said as he sprinkled some of the powder out onto a piece of the broken armor.

“But she’s beaten this time Blizz. She’s dead! All that’s left of her is some busted up armor and a few bad memories. End of story!” Shining said almost yelling.

Broad Sword frowned at the near outburst. It was a largely unknown fact to the general public that Nightmare Moon had actually killed a fair number of Celestia’s personal guard when she had initially returned. One of whom had been a long time training partner to Shining. He had not taken it well.

Blizzard Wind looked to shining with an understanding gaze. As much as it would hurt his captain he had to say it. “If the story iss over, then vhy are ve here sir?”

Shining Armor picked up the now magically sealed piece of armor and stared at it intently for a moment. “I don’t know Blizz.” He said before the wall beside them exploded and buried him in ruble.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

“And so that’s why my youngest sister joined a traveling circus,” Smudge Coat explained not once taking his eyes off the intricate carvings along the wall as they walked.

“Okay…” Obsidian Black said with a ‘very’ raised eyebrow. “So what about your eldest brother? What happened to him?”

“Oh. He’s a lawyer in San Palomino.”

“Any good?”

“The best in the city actually,” Smudge Coat said beaming.

“That so?” Obsidian smirked disbelievingly.

“Absolutely. He had this one case where this mare brutally murdered a bellhop in a hotel lobby by stabbing him thirty seven times in the chest. There were at least twenty witnesses and while she was on the stand she yelled out ‘I’m glad I killed the bastard.’ Anyway, six hours later she not only walked out of that courtroom a free mare but my brother even got the family of the bellhop to pay her legal fees.”

Obsidian Black took pause at the information. “I’m not entirely sure what to do with that Smudgy,” he said blinking. In all fairness that was odd even for him.

“If you think that’s a good one you should hear about my other sister.”

“Do I have a choice?” Obsidian asked halfheartedly.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

“Bucking Shining Armor.” Match Stick thought to himself. “The nerve of him! Pairing me up with a civy. And a no good steal the mark right off your flank Scarlet!!” He cursed as he sliced a nearby statue in half vertically with a flame blade spell. “Ma was right,” he sighed to relieve the frustration. “I should’ve joined the navy.”

Moving to the end of the long hall that emptied out into the large walled in courtyard where he hoped to find his objective he stepped into the dull evening light and looked around.

The far wall had mostly collapsed revealing the Everfree beyond. A few scraggly dead trees that may have once been topiaries were scattered about standing as mute reminders of the beautiful gardens that had grown here.

Match Stick ambled over to a crumbling fountain the base of which still held a small amount of rain water. “Where did those buggers get to?” He groused as he circled the fountain trying to figure out what the figurehead in the middle had been. “And they say I’m slow,” he said looking back over his shoulder at the hallway his companions would eventually come through.

Crunch!

Match Stick bit back a curse as something sharp and serrated sliced deep into his front left frog. “Son of a...” He worked his jaw even tighter as he drew his hoof up to look at the damage.

A series of tinkling sounds caught his attention however and he instead looked to what he had stepped upon. “Well don’t that just beat all?” He frowned.

Match Stick had tread directly upon a small piece of the dull blue armor that he was looking for. The stallion stooped lower for a closer look, now ignoring the painful throbbing in his hoof. The material had shattered under his weight and driven a long shard of itself deep into his hoof.

Where had the damned thing even come from? It had not been there a moment ago, he was sure of it.

“All this trouble over you and ya turn out to be some kind of shit quality glass armor!” He shouted furiously pulling the shard out with his magic. No sooner had he pulled the invader from his body he thought of what Shining Armor had said about touching the pieces.

A dull blue hued magical aura leapt from the armor sliver and traveled through his own aura to his horn and passed right into it. Match Stick slumped to the ground. His face was scrunched up in a look of sheer agony though not a sound escaped him.

The stallion twitched once and then was still.

/ / / / / / / / / / /

“So. With that in mind we can assume these buttresses are at least fifteen hundred years old. Or perhaps even older if you take into account the centralized dilations atop the tri layer connection pillars,” Smudge Coat lectured happily. “Isn’t this a truly amazing work of engineering Mr. Black?”

No answer.

“Mr. Black?” Smudge Coat turned to where the bat pony had been standing. He was gone. “Curious,” thought the scholar aloud. “I couldn’t have monologued that long. My vision wasn’t even going black yet.”

Figuring Obsidian Black had simply continued on without him as Match Stick had done, the splotchy Earth pony made his way down the long dark corridor until he too entered the courtyard.

Strolling along obliviously thinking about the differences between isosceles and rhombus triangles for some reason he almost ran right over Match Stick, who was in a rather odd state. A soft moan was the only warning the pony was even there.

“Whoa. Match Stick are you alright?” Smudge Coat asked as he moved up behind the soldier hesitantly.

The stallion’s body shivered in a very unnatural way. “I am now,” Match Stick replied in a voice that was not his own.

Smudge Coat took one final step closer before the strange tone in Match Stick’s voice registered.

The unicorn’s neck popped as it lengthened slightly. “But I could still use more. Life!” in a blur of motion too fast for any natural pony to accomplish, Match Stick whirled about in a low crouch and thrust a fire blade deep into Smudge Coat’s throat. Completely severing his maxillary artery.

As he was an Earth pony Smudge Coat’s body was tough enough to allow him to live long enough to let his mind register the pair of cyan eyes that stared coldly into his own. His world grew dark as blood flowed freely down his neck to pool around their hooves. The last thing he saw were those cat like irises that seemed to bore into his soul.

The entity within Match Stick caused his hoof to twist the fire blade and yank it out sideways, ending what was left of Smudge Coat’s life.

With a quiet gasp of escaping air the earth stallion hit the ground dead.

Match Stick’s body convulsed in pain as his limbs suddenly extended and his horn grew to nearly twice its size.

Turning his head to examine the changes the pony sighed in an unfamiliar voice. “What a whelp! Is this really all the power he can muster?!” The now somewhat feminine voice asked aloud. “No matter. As long as all goes to plan I shall soon have no use for this pathetic form.”

Looking down at her new captor’s hooves she watched as Smudge Coat’s remaining life force energy was drawn from his blood and into her new form, fueling the transformation process.

As the pony’s gaze traveled the rest of the courtyard a dull silvery blue glow covered the long bleeding horn atop his head.

From under bushes and behind trees came a half dozen or so additional shards of armor. They slid through the grass and over the stone paths. All coming together at the hooves of the one who summoned them to reassemble into their original shape. Once the final piece had inserted itself they all fused themselves back into a single object.

The pony shivered in delight. It felt good to be at least partially whole again. “Celestia you old fool,” she hissed. “I am the armor!” With that the iconic blue helmet floated up and placed itself atop the head of its latest catch.

At that moment the cat like eyes of the new monster flashed open in anger. The rest of her was in danger!

Again the horn flared to life. Oh how good it felt to once again channel magic! Even if it was only a small fraction of what her previous host had been capable of.

Air began to swirl around the pony as small pebbles bounced away. More power was added and the spell caster was lifted off the ground. Higher and higher the he, she, it was lifted until they floated just outside the highest room of the tallest tower in the east wing of the castle. The same room where she had been beaten.

Sifting through the memories of this new carrier she happened across a spell that just screamed its applicability for the situation. Extending a foreleg she concentrated to a place just in front of it. A pulsing sphere of blood red energy appeared and shot towered the wall and detonated on impact.

The blast worked perfectly. It knocked down the wall but otherwise caused very little collateral damage to the room within.

Having been buried in the rubble was the very thing that saved Shining Armor’s life as a second sphere flew through the air and impacted with Broad Sword covering the area with thick dark smoke and dust.

Blizzard Wind turned to face this new threat. But as he did so a powerful telekinetic force slammed him against the far wall with enough power to crack the stone. He crumpled to the floor in a daze.

The creature landed on the smoking stones that covered Shining Armor. “So these are the foals that Celestia sends to do her dirty work. I should have known she would not be willing to face me herself. Instead she sends these pitiful little beings who cannot even survive my attacks whilst at my weakest. How very disappointing.”

“Don’t count us out yet demon. I’m still standing!” The smoke at the far end of the room suddenly vanished revealing a bright silvery shield. Inside stood Broad Sword, perfectly unharmed. “Hello, Nightmare Moon.”

“You!” Spat the foul creature with a good deal of hate as a look of rage took hold of her features.

Broad Sword grinned as he lowered the shield. “Me.”

“I should have killed you when I had the chance.” She said moving toward him as her horn crackled with power.

“Yes. You should have!” He yelled suddenly firing a bolt of magic at her head. If the Nightmare had moved any slower she would have been looking for a new host.

The beam was nearly too fast for her as she leaned her head out of the way. A glare crossing Match Stick’s face as the silver gray energy traveled past his snout burning away a single hair as it went.

Nightmare turned the lean into a roll to the left and upon coming to a stop, fired a blast of her own.

Broad Sword had anticipated this however and was already teleporting out of the way as her shot flew across the room only to explode on the far wall.

The Nightmare leapt forward into a roll as Broad Sword attempted to attack from the rear. But to no avail as he was then forced into a defense by a series of rapid fire blasts that he only just managed to deflect with a shield. The deflected energy careened into the wall behind him and blew large holes in the stones. At the last second he sidestepped and the two of them fired at each other in unison both producing as powerful a beam as fast as they could.

The beams impacted in the center of the room and exploded with enough force to collapse the floor into the room below in a whirlwind of dust and smoke.

Through the obscuring cloud Nightmare leapt across the large hole in the floor and slammed into Broad Sword sending him crashing to the ground. She stood over him and raised a hoof to stomp down on his skull. But the guard countered with a telekinetic burst of his own that launched her up into the ceiling with force enough to buckle it upwards.

She heated a fire spell and sent Match Stick’s flames down upon him, or would have if Broad Sword had not used a spell of his own that somehow turned the flames into flimsy shards of ice that burst apart on impact.

While he was dealing with that however she again used her telekinesis to launch herself off the ceiling and drove the both of them down through the floor and partially through the floor of the room below.

Broad Sword grunted and punched her square in the snout causing her to roll off to the side. He then tried to get to his hooves, only to be roundhouse kicked in the ribs and sent sprawling across the floor and slammed head first against a wall.

Nightmare spun and blocked just as Blizzard Wind entered the fray and was attempting to use his wing blades to make short work of her. The pegasus saw an opening and tried again only to once more be blocked by the deft hooves of his foe.

She blocked a third slice and followed through with a tightly packed series of high speed blows to the chest that cracked ribs and finished off with an uppercut to the jaw that sent Blizzard Wind crashing backwards out through another window.

No sooner was he out of sight she lashed out backwards with a rear hoof catching Broad Sword in the side of the head as he attempted to reenter the fight. The force of the blow flipped the old pony over onto his back with a thud.

“You are a tough old bastard I will give you that,” the Nightmare leered at him as she wiped a spot of blood from her cheek.

Broad Sword shakily got back on his hooves. “You have… No idea,” he said spitting a tooth out onto the floor. He made a come hither motion with a hoof as he drew himself up into a combat stance.

She curled her upper lip into a grin and charged. They clashed together in a flurry of rapid hoof to hoof blows as they danced on their hind legs. Move after move was intercepted and countered with another. At first it was going well, but Broad Sword’s age finally caught up with him. He was just a tad slower than her.

The Nightmare saw her opening and slammed a hoof into his lower chest, doubling him over. His armor there cracked under the force of the blow and fell away. She reached around and hauled him up by the scruff of his neck and delivered a vicious uppercut to the jaw that lifted him off his hooves. While he was still in midair she rotated and bucked him across the room.

Broad Sword crashed to the ground and rolled to a stop at the edge of the broken out window. Slowly, and with great effort, the honor guard once more got to his hooves. “You will… Have to do better than… That… Your highness,” he said shakily. “I’m not going anywhere,” he managed another combat stance.

“Yes, you are,” she sneered as the spell she had been secretly charging finished. A luminous green beam shot from her horn and sailed towards Broad Sword.

As the beam approached he flinched causing the attack to impact his left shoulder pauldron. What was left of his armor there burned away as the energy detonated in a roiling green ball of destruction. The blast flung the pony out the window to his doom.

Nightmare Moon gave a hearty laugh as she teleported to the window frame to watch as Broad Sword fell. A blood pirouette trailing along behind him as he went. She smiled at her victory as his body impacted the roof of the castle ball room far below. Disappearing in a cloud of dust as it broke through. “And that makes three,” she said with a hint of pride.

Shining Armor, bloodied but not beaten leapt onto the Nightmare from behind and went for a choke out. He squeezed as tightly as he could, a bruised muscle in his foreleg complained but he ignored it.

The Nightmare wheezed as her eyes bulged out. She started backing up until she found one of the support columns for the room above.

Shining Armor grunted in pain as she slammed him against the already crumbling stone. The age weakened pillar cracked as she smashed him against it again and again each time with additional effort.

Inwardly the entity growled to itself. Even with her power enhancing Match Stick’s body and ability in every way he was still far too weak for her taste. So, perhaps a new host was in order. This one had taken a rather fair beating after all.

Shining wrenched his grip even tighter as Match Stick fell to his knees now completely out of breath.

Nightmare slammed the back of her borrowed head into Shining’s snout causing his grip to loosen. She then rolled the two of them over so that she now took top position and touched their horns together.

Blizzard Wind flew back in through the window and tackled Match Stick off of Shining Armor. The pair rolled across the floor and smashed into the still cracking pillar. The pegasus put a wing blade to Match Stick’s throat, whispering an apology to his friend for what he was about to do.

The pyro pony looked up and opened his eyes. “Blizz?” He said in a sleepy tone.

“Match Stick?” Blizzard Wind replied suspiciously.

Match Stick nodded.

“But if you are here. Then vhere is…?” He glanced back over his shoulder.

“Ahh buck,” they both deadpanned.

Shining Armor. Or what had Been Shining Armor, stood there looking over the finishing touches to her now transforming body. Already the unicorn had far surpassed even Blizzard Wind in height and was still growing. The horn had again doubled in length and wickedly sharp fangs were coming in, and now protruded downwards from behind the top lip.

“Superb!” She said happily. “This one is far superior to that last meat sack.” Crackles of energy flickered off of the new form as its power potential continued to rise. Nightmare floated up into the air as her whole body began to glow. From the room above came all the remaining chunks of armor. They circled her as the glow intensified until, in a white flash of light, they all came together as one to form the formidable armor of Nightmare Moon.

Match Stick winced as he watched. Without even feeling for her magical signature he could tell that her overall power level had just doubled. And was now far past anything he could ever hope to achieve. A moment later the helmet left him to join with the rest and finish the ensemble.

The Nightmare landed and sighed in deep content as sparks of excess energy continued to fly off her body.

Blizzard Wind took the initiative and leapt forward hoping to strike before the process could be completed. He threw himself at her, blades ready.

Instantly the creature’s head snapped up with an unnatural grin on its face. Faster than either pony could see, a needle fine lance of magic tore through Blizzard Wind’s body and out the other side and passed clean out of the castle.

Blizzard Wind stubbornly took another step. Muttering something about a snipe he fell to the floor at the Nightmares hooves.

“Blizz!” Match Stick shouted as he attempted to get back upright. A burst of telekinetic force hurled him clear across the room and slammed him against the far wall. He slid to the floor and nearly rolled down a stairwell to his right.

“I must admit this has been fun,” the Nightmare said moving closer and stepping over the fallen pegasus. “Unfortunately, I have a schedule to keep and you, have some dying to do,” she lowered her horn to point at him. “To bad about that friend of yours. I was expecting a Gryphon Wing to put up a better fight. But at least…” She was cut short by a pair of hooves wrapping around her leg.

“Run Match Stick!” Blizzard Wind bellowed from the floor as he yanked Shining Armor’s body to the ground beside him, blood flying from his mouth as he did so. The Pegasus Gryphon flared out his wings, and with a mighty thrust flung the two of them into the nearly shattered pillar that aided the support of the room above.

Match Stick only waited a heartbeat as he locked eyes with his friend. They both knew how this was going to work. He gladly would have done the same for Blizz if things had been different. But they weren’t. Now it would be up to him to warn the princesses.

The pillar pulverized under the sheer weight it supported. Blizzard Wind smiled and nodded. The mission came first. If this is what it took to accomplish it, so be it. With a groan from the stones above the ceiling began to sag.

Match Stick returned the nod, a part of him wanted to stay. But he was the only one now who could finish it. Another pillar cracked and buckled, unable to support the load added by the loss of its neighbor.

He put a hoof on the first step leading down as the dust rained from above. Finally he tore his gaze from Blizzard Wind. A third pillar snapped like a toothpick and the entire room collapsed.

Leaping downwards Match Stick took the steps ten at a time as he bounded down the circular stairway. The full structure became unstable as the upper room dropped into the room below. This in turn caused a pancake effect.

Match Stick nearly flew down the stairs as the tower collapsed room by room above him. The spire started to spiral as it fell, slinging stones in a wide arc as it went causing even further damage to the surrounding castle. Every part of his body cried out at the exertion. “Damn it all Broad Sword,” he thought to himself. “Did ya have to hit so hard?” He could feel a very broken rib slicing at his insides with every step. Still, it beat getting buried alive.

The tower was coming down even faster now. Match Stick could feel the stones falling just beyond his tail. Racing down one last floor the pony dove out of the stairway into a short corridor that led to the grand ballroom. Without breaking stride he formed the last of the magic his battered body could handle into a fireball in order to blow open a heavy iron door and leapt out of the hall a second before the tower collapsed on top of it, crushing the hallway flat. The sound of countless tons of stone coming to a halt was deafening as dust and bits of rock flew into the ballroom from the mass of the structure landing atop its base.

Match Stick took one final bound before splaying out on the grime caked floor and covering his head as the rushing dust cloud overtook him. He lay there panting in exhaustion listening to the sounds of rocks landing all around him as one final monumental crash signified the tower’s downfall. He lay there a few minutes until all was again quiet. He groaned as the wounds covering his body began to make themselves known. “Definitely should have joined the navy,” he said sardonically.

A few stones shifted slowly in the mound of shattered rock that had been the tower as a dull hum reached Match Stick’s ears. He rolled onto his side to look behind himself. “Now what?”

Several of the large slabs of stone glowed a dull red as something heated them from beneath. “Oh just stay buried for Luna’s sake!” Match Stick shouted with a growl as he stood.

Without further warning the great pile of rubble exploded outwards at all angles throwing away thousand pound slabs like pebbles. Match Stick hit the floor and closed his eyes. He hadn’t the energy left to protect himself as the massive flying boulders shredded the structure around him. Gritting his teeth the pony waited for the feeling of being crushed.

It never came.

Standing atop what remained of the tower’s base the Nightmare seethed as she breathed raggedly. Bruised, battered, and bloody. But unbeaten. She shoved aside a final giant block with impossible strength as she limped Shining Armor’s body down the slope into the ballroom. “You…” She winced. “Impudent. Misguided fools… I will…” The Nightmare cut short as she caught sight of the silvery shield that had protected Match Stick. “Impossible,” she whispered.

“Nothing is impossible to a willing heart Nightmare,” Broad Sword said moving out from behind a partially collapsed wall. “You of all ponies should know that,” the unicorn nearly looked good as new, though he moved with a limp.

“Great Caesars toast Broad Sword! I never thought I’d be so happy to see your wrinkly old flank again,” Match Stick exclaimed. Nightmare just stared, lost in shock.

Broad Sword smiled as he dissipated the shield with a shake of his head. “I don’t believe my ears. Match Stick did you… miss me?” He jibed helping him up with a hoof.

“Nah. I was just worried you might miss out on the after party,” he glared over at the Nightmare. “I’m afraid we’ll be the only ones attending.”

“Look at her son,” Broad Sword said with confidence. “Physically she is beaten,” he turned to face their enemy. “And now it’s two on one.”

Shining Armor’s gaze drifted behind them for a moment and his body chuckled painfully. “Oh. Is that so?”

If it had not been for the incessant ringing in his ears then Broad Sword might have heard the soft clop of hooves that joined the feeling of a slight breeze as the dark figure landed between the two guardsponies. He may even have reacted in time to stop Obsidian Black from plunging a horrendously serrated knife deep into his chest. Maybe.

As the knife sank to its hilt Obsidian Black twisted around and bucked Match Stick square in his already broken rib sending him rolling across the floor. In one fluid motion he pulled the knife free and sprang into the air. Kicking Broad Sword in the head with both lower hooves the bat pony launched himself away and back flipped to land flawlessly next to the Nightmare as Broad Sword hit the ground with barely a sound.

Match Stick gasped out in pain as he tried to move. He could feel the shattered pieces of rib moving around as he breathed and personal experience told him his lung was punctured as well. He struggled to turn over and caught sight of Broad Sword’s unmoving form and something inside him snapped.

All at once every terrible event of that day came back to him as a reminder of what he had lost. His beauty sleep, his necklace, his favorite sword, bucking Blizz! And now even Broad Sword’s saggy plot was down and out! To top it all off the dam Scarlet was apparently aligned with the enemy! Actually that came as little surprise. But still, the rest of it all! If only he had joined the Luna bucking navy! All this and more collided in his mind and his blood boiled over with a rage few other ponies possessed.

Summoning strength from some place he didn’t know he had Match Stick got to his hooves with a yell and turned on the Nightmare. His horn glowed bright and his eyes shone with hellfire. The pony screamed with all the force of his emotions, letting them fuel his magic. Rage, fear, hate, vengeance, and sorrow all came crashing together as one.

The stones at his hooves flash melted as a column of superheated blue white fire exploded off his entire body and engulfed the two ponies in its path. It filled the end of the ball room to the ceiling and blew out every last window that had survived the test of time before consuming the very remains of the collapsed tower beyond his targets.

Streams of liquefied rock ran everywhere as the flames devoured everything in front of him. This was Match Stick at one hundred percent. Not many had seen it. Fewer had lived.
Continuing to scream Match Stick was forced to let up as his power again began to fail. A familiar hoof reached out of the flames near his face and grabbed his throat. Shimmering in a layer of protective energy the Nightmare emerged from the fire and smashed a hoof straight into his horn, breaking it off mid length.

Instantly the flames died as the Unicorn fell to the hot floor in agony. In a rage she reared up and came down on a joint in a hind leg. Crushing it. Match Stick began to spasm. His body unable to cope with the pain as his horn sparked and bled.

In a final act of savagery the Nightmare reached down and used the fangs she had caused Shining Armor to grow to rip out Match Stick’s throat. Blood poured forth as the unicorn’s eyes rolled back into his head. “Finally,” she hissed kneeling in the blood and absorbing the life energy.

Obsidian Black landed next to her and watched as the wounds covering her hosts body started to close.

“So,” she said eventually acknowledging his presence. “I finally get to meet the infamous Obsidian Black. I am impressed.”

Obsidian shrugged. “I try,” he said wincing as he watched an exposed bone slide back under the skin. “So what now?” Asked the bat while massaging a smoking wing.

She smiled and stood. “Now I have a debt to settle. The master has made the call, and our time is now upon us,” the Nightmare shivered as its horn grew out even longer.

“Then it’s true. He means to awaken then,” Obsidian mused.

“Yes. And we must be swift,” the abomination looked to Broad Sword’s still form and licked her lips. “Though I may still have time yet for a snack,” she said salivating.

Obsidian Black stepped between the Nightmare and the corpse. “Respectfully your lordship. I do not believe that we have the time to spare. You are healed, and he was weak,” he said locking eyes with the demonic creature. “His life force would ‘not’ be ‘worth’ your ‘while’. I would ‘suggest’ that we ‘now’ make ‘haste’ to ‘Canterlot’. ‘You’ yourself said we ‘must’ be ‘swift’.”

Nightmare blinked a few times at this. “Yes… yes this is true. We must not keep him waiting,” she said thoughtfully, the body seemingly forgotten.

“After all. The success of the plan depends on our timely arrival,” Obsidian said looking away from her. “Do you have it?” He asked bluntly.

“I would not have returned without it!” She snapped.

“Simply curious,” he said as he surveyed the destruction around them.

“Of my loyalty?!”

He rounded on her with a smirk. “Of how some pony with your ability could be out smarted and done in by six young, untrained, mares who barely knew each other.”

The Nightmare growled, which turned into a hearty laugh. “You ignorant fool,” she said shaking with a grin. “You reveal how little of the plan he has told you.”

Obsidian Black tilted his head. “Then please. Enlighten me.”

Her eyes hardened into a scowl. “We needed to draw the Elements out of their slumber. Get them to reveal their chosen bearers. And most importantly,” she said with a horrible chuckle. “The Darkest one had very specific reasons for wanting to be petrified again. So Obsidian. Everything that has transpired since my arrival four years ago has all been according to a plan. A plan that has been in motion for a very, very long time.”

“Then it would be a shame to delay it,” he said moving towards her. “Shall we?”

“Very well,” she said edging closer. “Do try to hold still.”

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Canterlot gardens. 5:56 pm.

The leaves on the hedge rows rustled quietly as a lazy breeze rolled down off the mountain. A small fountain bubbled in a corner of the small nook in the garden keeping the tall statue company.

Even after all this time the being trapped within the stone could not stop thinking of funny ways to modify the delicate water feature. Perhaps if he gave it teeth it could devour that pesky blue jay that liked to land on his head and… Well… You get where this is going.

In any case it did not mater. In about a sixteenth of a second she would be here to initiate the next phase. Then he could take care of the troublesome bird personally. Wait. Why did he feel bad about wanting to kill something? That was not right. Or was it? Was something wrong with him again?

A small dot of light began to appear near the fountain and distracted him. She would be arriving shortly. Excellent timing as always he thought.

Knowing Nightmare would be along sometime in the next instant the being held within the stone expanded the range of his awareness. At first all he could feel was his little corner of the garden, then it was the garden in its entirety. With a small amount of effort the castle in all of its glory came into range.

All was exactly as planned. The festivities were in full swing, the guards were distracted, except for one paranoid one in particular, and the ballroom was packed to capacity. It was perfect. He double checked for the presence of the new bearers. That wretched Twilight and her friends.

If he could move his face he would have smiled. All there, ripe for the picking. Wait… Picking. Where was that painfully honest one? The apple farmer.

The being sighed metaphorically. She represented a problem that would need to be dealt with immediately. He had come too far to let Honesty trip him up now.

Making one final check of the castle he came across the very Alicorn he was looking for. Celestia stood before a mirror in her royal bedchambers preparing to meet her subjects. Satisfied all was in place he returned his awareness to the little area around his statue.

The light from the teleport was nearly gone now. Standing in place of it was Obsidian Black, and a creature so badly misshapen it could only be his lovely little Nightmare.

“Warn me next time would you,” Obsidian moaned as he put a hoof to his stomach.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” the Nightmare said mockingly, growing rather sick of the impudent bat pony’s attitude. “Do you get teleportation sickness?” She asked, not caring for an answer.

“Not normally,” he mumbled feebly while looking around at the gardens and then the castle further up the hill. “But then I’ve never been teleported that far before.”

“Clearly,” she said moving up to the statue. “Hello. Master,” she hissed the words. “I do hope you have won that little fight of yours in there. Because I am not going back up there for you again,” she growled jerking her head at the moon now floating above.

“If you keep talking to statues like that ponies will think you’re crazy,” Obsidian said in a playful tone.

“Remind me to drain your life force later, you insufferable little whelp,” Nightmare growled as her horn glowed in an ominous green light. “It seems as though you were right after all master. I found it right where you said it would be,” she said as a small magical ball appeared out of thin air. “On the dark side of the moon. In the deepest oldest crater,” she levitated the ball over the figure before her and it burst. Showering the statue in glittering black dust. “Powder, from the void comet,” she said with a venomous smile and backed away.

With no hesitation the stone shattered as the powerful Element spell was broken on contact. Shards flew everywhere as the creature within threw them away with a quick burst of magic. Immediately the great beast fell to one knee and put both paw and claw to his head as if in pain.

The Nightmare took a step closer. “Master?” She asked cautiously stepping forward again.

For a moment the body of the Draconequus shivered terribly as if losing control. “This is not over whelp,” the kneeling creature whispered venomously. With joints popping in protest the large beast stood to its full height and looked over the newcomers with interest.

In a voice filled with malice, and a register much deeper than Obsidian Black remembered from his previous encounter, Discord spoke. “Well done Obsidian Black. I can see my trust was not misplaced,” he said stretching his limbs. “And you Nightmare, love the new outfit.”

Nightmare’s lips curled back into a snarl. “Bite your tongue!” She hissed. “You know very well that I despise the weaker power levels found in unicorns,” the entity took an advancing step in anger. “Have you been trapped in there too long?” It sneered. “You are beginning to sound like… Him.”

The Draconequus snarled as a glowing red chain flew from his outstretched lion paw and wrapped around Nightmare’s throat and wrenched tight. He effortlessly pulled the struggling demon up off her hooves and close to his chest to stare into her eyes.

Nightmare froze. The chain restricted all movement. But that was not the reason for her submission. She found herself staring into the hate filled eyes of the one being that all other evil feared. There could be no doubt now that he, was once again in control.

“There it is,” the one holding the chain said with pure malevolence in his voice. “The moment when they realize that they no longer have any control. No means to fight,” he said lowering her to the ground with a smile.

Nightmare fell to her rump as the chain released from around her neck. Gasping for air she watched the restraint slide back into its creator’s paw.

“Do not forget who gifted you those powers in the beginning child,” he said levitating her to her hooves. “And I can take them away just as easily,” the unicorn gasped as he dropped her to stand on her own. “Now then. Tell me, is everything ready for our big night?” He asked leaning down to her level.

Nightmare lowered her head as she shrank away from him. “All has gone well on our end master. But…” She stammered in new found fear. “S… Sombra failed his part of the plan. The Crystal Heart has been restored.”

Both ponies looked up in confusion as the Draconequus began a long hearty laugh. “Sweet, innocent, ignorant little Nightmare,” he said shaking his head. “It was always my intent for him to fail.”

Her mouth hung open for a moment. “But, he served you so well. And the Crystal Heart was…”

“Was hidden away in a place even I could not find!” He snapped cutting her off. “As for Sombra. He served his purpose, and now the heart is right where it needs to be.”

Obsidian Black stepped forward. “Excuse me. I do hate to interrupt but, I was wondering how the Crystal Heart played into all this?”

The great serpentile creature floated up into the air a few feet and swung his head to look at the black bat pony. “A fair question to be sure, and a boldness after my recent example,” he said with furrowed brows. “For an answer let me just say that I have my reasons. For now I want you concentrating on the part of the plan of which you belong. Curiosity as they say often kills the cat, or in this case the bat pony.”

Obsidian nodded and backed away.

“Fear not. All shall soon be made clear,” his ear swiveled to face behind him. “Now before we begin, there is but one last thing,” he snapped his eagle talons and a very confused and stumbling Chrysalis appeared before him.

The queen of the Changelings’ eyes widened as they met those of the beast towering over her. “Discord,” she whispered disbelievingly.

“Not, quite,” he said with a rumble following his words. “I hope you were not having too good a time stumbling around out there in the woods. Because I have a job for you. Well, two jobs actually,” he said with a terrible grin as he glanced over to Nightmare and nodded.

With no hesitation the Nightmare hurled itself at Chrysalis. She wrapped her fore hooves around the Changeling’s head and touched their horns together in a shower of sparks.

Chrysalis fell to her knees with gritted teeth as Shining Armor’s body slumped down beside her. “What have you done to…me?!” She growled shakily watching Shining Armor shrink back to normal.

“I have done nothing you pitiful insect,” Discord mused as he flexed an arm and nodded approvingly. “Though if you must know, Nightmare has given you a wonderful gift. If only temporarily.”

The Queen’s head spun as she rose, vision fading in and out. But she could also feel great power coursing through her growing with every passing second. “Now this,” she said in both her own voice as well as another’s. “Is more like it.”

A cough from the ground drew the attention of the mismatched creature to where the waking pony lay. He bowed down low to look him in the eye. “Well hello there,” he said with a grin.

“Discord?” Shining Armor gasped out. “But how? Where?” He glanced around at the others and then the castle beyond. And it all clicked, the realization crashing down upon him. “No…”

“Oh but it is,” chuckled the Draconequus as he pulled away and turned to look up the hill at the festivities happening above. All the ponies there completely oblivious to the happenings in the garden. “Though I really do owe you a thank you Shining Armor. If you had not so graciously allowed Obsidian Black here to accompany your little endeavor, none of this would likely have been possible,” Discord slowly spun to face them and gave Shining a look that could only be called, evil. “And to show my appreciation for all of your cooperation, I will be sure to have Obsidian here look after that lovely little wife of yours. How does that sound?” A cruel smile spread impossibly far across the twisted creature’s face.

Obsidian Black offered Shining his own mischievous looking grin. “Don’t worry old boy. I’ll keep her nice and safe through all this. I promise.”

“Yeah, you’re a real pal aren’t you,” Shining groaned as he slowly got to his hooves. “You dammed Scarlet. I knew something was up with you. Ever since the clearing,” he said taking a step closer as his anger grew.

“Easy now captain. Don’t think of doing anything stupid,” Obsidian warned as he tensed for a fight.

Shining Armor smirked. “Too late,” he grinned before teleporting. Instead of appearing on Celestia’s balcony as intended, Shining Armor found himself floating in the air right where he had been with Discord standing between him and Obsidian Black. The strangest part was the terrible sensation of pressure in his chest. It felt as if… Shining looked down to stare at the massive Eagle talon hand buried deep within him. His eyes tracked up to look back at Discord as blood began to wet the ground beneath him.

“So sorry dear boy, but I cannot have you running off to warn the Princesses. You see, in this form they actually stand somewhat of a chance at besting me. Which means I shall require a certain amount of, surprise,” he said in a near convincingly apologetic tone. “Unfortunately this means I need you out of the way, permanently,” Discord said as he thrust his talons even deeper.

Shining’s eyes bulged as blood began to flow freely out of him and his mouth worked silently like a fish out of water. All he could think of was his wife and his unborn child and how he had just failed them. As the fiend drew him closer his world began to darken.

Discord lowered his head to whisper in the pony’s ear. “That’s it Shining, it is nearly over now, just let it take you. Relax and the pain will all go away.” He drew closer and hushed his voice even lower. “And don’t worry yourself. Cadence and your child will join you shortly, same with your sister.” After moving his head back to once more look Shining Armor in the eye he made a gesture with his lion paw and the Nightmare’s armor fell away. With an almost emphatic grin he continued. “Thank you Shining Armor, and, good bye.” And with that the Draconequus gave a mighty upward heave of his arm sending Shining Armor sailing through the air out over the hedge maze behind them.

Obsidian Black grimaced slightly as they all listened to the dull thud of the impact some distance away. He ruffled his wings ever so slightly, first the left, then the right as he turned to look back at the towering creature next to him. The next phase had, apparently, begun.

Discord stood there a moment staring at his blood covered talons as if contemplating something deeply. A moment later he turned his gaze upward to the castle and his look of malice returned. “Now then. I believe we have a gathering to attend.”

Author's Notes:

Conrad: So far this is my favorite chapter and I'm very excited for what we've got planned next! We're gonna try to get another chapter out before I go back to Mississippi.

Jason: [NO COMMENTS AT THIS TIME]