“He's late,” muttered Twilight, tapping her hoof against the ground impatiently.

“Patience Twilight,” Celestia chuckled, “The train isn't even here yet. As far as he knows, he's only meeting Spike here. He doesn't know we're here and Aela should be with him already.”

Spike meanwhile was rummaging through his small trunk. He wasn't entirely sure what he'd need, so he only packed the essentials. It was filled with nothing but gems. “I thought Thestrals couldn't go out in the sun,” he questioned, picking out a small sapphire.

“Usually they can't,” explained Twilight. “Those who choose to join the Lunar Guards go through intensive training so they can, but not all can cut it.”

“As little as five percent are successful. Luna holds her guards in high esteem,” added Celestia, smiling warmly. “Even if her methods of choosing them are a little... unorthodox.”

“Might be why Aela and Bardac seem to be getting along so well,” chuckled Twilight, giving Spike a small nuzzle. “He's anything but orthodox.”

“I resemble that remark,” came a booming laugh from the crowd below. “Good morning you three, I was not expecting a farewell party.” A colossal, armour clad figure stepped up onto the station, the wood groaning beneath heavy metal boots. A gargantuan warhammer in his right hand and a small trunk under his left arm. Something long, thin and wrapped in paper also hung off his back. Beside him stood a calm, collected and bored Thestral.

“Good morning Bardac, to you as well Aela. I see you've acquired new armour. Among more familiar equipment,” said Celestia, stepping forward to get a closer look at the material. While she was no blacksmith, she could certainly appreciate a true work of art. “This seems far more... substantial than your previous one.” Her eyes were drawn to the thin object on his back, she was especially drawn to the orb like paper wrapped shape at the top. “Is that a staff?”

“Ebony armour, hand made.” said Bardac proudly, clanging his chest with the head of Volendrung. Placing the trunk under his left arm down on the ground, he was finally able to take off his helmet. “You have good eyes Celestia, this is indeed a staff.”

“Knowing you, it's no ordinary staff,” commented Twilight, slowly circling the Nord to get a better look at not only his armour, but the wrapped staff upon his back. “I can feel a powerful magic coming from it.”

Spike was too busy admiring Bardac's armour to pay any attention to the staff on his back. “Awesome...” the young dragon said, “You said hand made, did you make that all on your own?”

Bardac gave Twilight a knowing wink before turning his attention to Spike. “Mined the ore, smelted the metal and pounded it into shape,” he said proudly, clanging his armour once more with Volendrung. “No armour feels better than that which you craft yourself.”

“I've always wanted a suit of armour...” muttered Spike enviously, kicking the dirt with his foot. “But Twilight won't let me have one. Says they're too expensive to make.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, groaning loudly, “Spike, we've been over this before. You don't need a suit of armour. You just want one because it looks cool.”

Celestia let out a light chuckle, “Spike, I'm sure you would love a suit of armour. But would you want it to wear or simply admire? Any armour you get now, you'd quickly grow out of I'm afraid.”

“Also itchy, uncomfortable, heavy...” muttered Aela, glancing up at the Nord. “Hot, sticky, annoying to fly in. Thestrals have no need for such limitations.”

“Unfortunately Celestia speaks the truth, as does Aela in some respects, especially the itchy part,” said Bardac, kneeling down in front of Spike to ruffle his head spines. “Perhaps I could offer you a deal. Behave while we are in the Crystal Empire, and I shall see about crafting you a little something.” The Nord offered Spike his hand.

Spike's eyes lit up, grasping Bardac's hand in a shake that'd make Applejack proud. “You got yourself a deal!” he said, positively beaming from ear to ear.

“Perfect,” said Bardac, clapping his hands together before standing up. Though on catching the glare Twilight was giving him, the Nord couldn't help but chuckle. “Do not worry Twilight, I will not be making Spike a weapon.”

“I didn't say a word,” Twilight said, still giving Bardac another stern glare before turning her attention down the train track. A thick plume of smoke caught her attention. “The train will be here soon. Spike, are you sure you've packed everything you need? I don't really know how long you'll be gone for.”

“Spike and Aela can return to Canterlot as soon as they wish once I meet with Cadence and Shining Armor,” said Bardac, putting his helmet inside his own trunk. The contents of which were neatly hidden behind a thick, wool cloak.

“What about you?” asked Aela, “What do you plan to do if we do return?”

Bardac closed the lid of the trunk. “I plan to wander the mountain until I find the Dremora,” he replied. “If I can remember the right spells, it should not take me more than a few days to determine if it is still in the area.”

“Don't forget you can have Spike here deliver any message you need directly to me,” said Celestia, giving Spike smile. “In case you are in need of anything.”

“I will keep that in mind, Celestia,” said Bardac, picking up his trunk under his arm. “I am hoping this will go smoothly. Expect the best, prepare for the worse.” With a loud hiss, the train came to a stop beside them. “Give my regards to your friends Twilight. I shall see you all soon.”

Picking up his own trunk, Spike gave Twilight a firm hug. “I'll let Cadence and Shining Armor know you said hi, but I'm sure you already said that in your letters,” he said teasingly, nuzzling Twilight's cheek before boarding the train behind Bardac. “Goodbye Princess!”

“This should be an interesting experience,” chuckled Aela, looking up to Celestia. “Take care your Highness.” Being the last to board, Aela shut the door behind her and joined Bardac and Spike in their own private coach at the rear of the four coach train.

Outside, Twilight looked up at Celestia, it was difficult to hide the butterflies in her stomach. “Think they'll be alright?” she asked as the train blew its whistle and lurched into motion. “I mean, I've got no doubt Aela will keep Spike out of trouble... but... the wasteland around that mountain are even more dangerous than the Everfree Forest.”

“Your care for your friends is admirable,” said Celestia, laying her wing over Twilight's back. “With luck, everything should go smoothly.”

Back on the train, Bardac stared pensively out of the coach window before stretching out on his bench seat. “How long will this trip take again?” he asked.

“Most of the day,” replied Aela, having stolen most of the pillows and made herself a comfortable nest on the opposite bench seat. “If I may Bardac. I'm surprised you chose me to come with you.”

“Luna said the thestrals do not get much of a chance to get out of the castle,” Bardac replied, resting his head on the cool wood behind him, eyes drifting shut. “I am not sure if that is the case for you, but you are the only Thestral I have had the pleasure of meeting.”

“It has been a while,” murmured Aela, smiling just a little from within her pillow nest. “Truth be told. Most thestrals do not enjoy travelling.”

“Why is that?” asked Spike curiously, pulling out two sapphires before offering Bardac one. “Um... Twilight told me you're part dragon or... something? So... maybe you'd like to try one?”

Bardac opened an eye and looked at the sapphire curiously, “Thank you Spike,” he said, taking the sapphire, but didn't try and eat it yet. “Spike raises a good point. Why do thestrals dislike travelling?”

“Mostly to do with the strange looks we get. Thestrals are rare for more than one reason,” Aela replied with a shrug. “It doesn't bother me much, but some of the others can be a little sensitive about it. We're taught from a young age to just stay put.”

Sounds lonely...” said Spike, looking at Aela. “But at least with Bardac around you won't be the strangest thing they have to look at!”

“Cheeky bugger,” chuckled Bardac, reaching across to tweak the dragons snout between his fingers while Aela's rich laughter filled the coach. “Now, if you two do not mind. I think I am going to get some shut eye before we reach the Crystal Empire.”

Spike rubbed his snout, giggling quietly. “Sure, you rest up. Old ponies need their naps anyway.”

Bardac didn't even open his eyes. A flick of his wrist and a flash of orange was all that was needed for Spike to be nailed by half a dozen pillows flying from Aela's nest. “This old Dovah could teach a whipper-snapper like you a thing or two, do not forget it.” he murmured, lips curling into a smile before the Nord drifted off to sleep.

Snow, blinding white for as far as the eye could see. Wind cold enough to freeze flesh and fur blew. The Frozen North was an unforgivable place for those prepared and utterly lethal to those who weren't. Yet, through the wind and snow, a solitary creature battled against the elements. Four legs buckled against the wind, sinking deep into the snow with every step.

Seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned to hours. Each step growing heavier and heavier while a sickly green glow started to pulse around the creature in a last bid attempt to shelter its body from the icy wind. The creature stopped, legs shaking until they collapsed, but didn't stop the creature trying to crawl itself through the snow, dragging its body with the single leg that still worked.

Its lips opened, a harrowing breath rolled from its throat... two ghostly words, barely a whisper echoed, “Help... me...”

With the last of its strength, the creature's body lit up in spears of dark green light, blasting out in all directions. The only thing the creature could do now was lay there and wait... It felt sleepy, so sleepy...

Many miles through the snow and ice, Aela was staring wistfully out of the window of the coach. She'd lost track on how many hours they'd been travelling so far. Spike had fallen asleep in the nest of pillows she'd created. A sigh left her lips, travelling wasn't so bad. However, out of the darkness, she could make out a shape approaching. It was long, airborne, green... and heading straight for them.

“INCOMING!” Aela bellowed, diving for the floor as the spear struck the coach, shattering through the window and impaling itself in the wall on the other side. The train lurched as the emergency brakes came on, jolting both Spike and Bardac out of their seats onto the floor besides Aela.

Bardac scrambled to his feet, Volendrung held tightly. “Fos faal?!” he asked sharply, gazing around as he stepped over Aela and Spike to the shattered window. He couldn't see anything else through the snow. “Lass Yah Nir.” A pulse of blood red light left his lips, just to be sure. “Anyone cut?”

Shaking his head, Spike stood unsteadily, it was then he spotted the spear of light slowly pulsing, embedded in the other side of the coach. “Wh... what's that?” he asked, taking a step back from the unknown object.

“Not sure,” muttered Aela, brushing glass carefully from her fur. “Where in Tartarus did it come from and why was it aimed at the train?”

“Out there, I am guessing,” answered Bardac logically. His eyes scanning the darkness, he knew the Thu'um was working... but all he could see was darkness. Darkness and snow, and a poor guard scanning the other coaches from the outside. “Spike, Aela. Are you two alright?”

“I'm fine,” said Aela, checking her wings for even the smallest of cuts. “No damage... thankfully.”

“Glass can't cut dragon scales,” Spike said bravely, but deep down he was fighting off a building tremble. “What about you? You hit your head pretty hard when you fell off the seat.”

“It throbs a little,” replied Bardac, giving a large, red welt on his forehead a small rub. “I am going to pull this thing out, then I want you to go and check on the other passengers.”

Aela raised an eyebrow slowly, slowly climbing back up onto one of the bench seats. “Are you sure touching it is a wise idea?” she asked, “We have no idea where that ca-” But it was too late, Bardac had already grabbed it and yanked it free of the coach.

“See? No harm done,” said Bardac with a reassuring smile... which slowly faded as the spear of light started to pulse rapidly. He felt it vibrate and jerk backwards, his hand felt like it was glued to the spear. “Not again...” All he could do was give Aela an exasperated look before both he and the spear smashed through the side of the coach, pulverizing the wood into splinters. He was gone.

Aela shielded her eyes from the flying splinters. “Bardac? Bardac!” she cried out, wooden shards bouncing against the tough leathery skin of her wings. “Spike, did you see where he went?!”

All Spike could do was point, dumbstruck, out of the Bardac shaped hole in the side of the coach.

“...We need to get to the Crystal Empire,” said Aela after a minute of silence before lowering herself just a little. “Hop on, we need to check on the other passengers.”

It took a few seconds, but eventually Spike snapped himself out of his daze and jumped on Aela's back. “Did... we even have a plan if Bardac got kidnapped?” asked Spike quietly as Aela wandered through the other three coaches. None of them showed any signs of being struck, the ponies inside were a little shaken, but otherwise unarmed. “Why was our coach the only one hit?”

“I don't know Spike,” said Aela as they reached the locomotive. “But I don't want the train to hang around. We're a sitting duck out here. Driver, how long before we can move again? We can't risk another coach being hit.”

The driver looked up, he was an old earth pony, coat black with coal dust. “Gotta get that busted coach uncoupled first,” he replied, shoving a few lumps of coal into the firebox to warm up a poor, frozen pegasus guard who'd gone outside to check on the noise. “What ever hit it buggered up the brakes. Ain't no fixing it out here and since we're the only train that runs this route, no harm in leaving it on the tracks.” His eyebrow raised. “Was the guard seein' things or did that tall fella you were with get launched outta the coach? He ain't got much chance out there if he gets sent too far from the track.”

Aela started to pace back and forth. “We can't just leave him out there,” she said, tapping her hoof slowly against the ground in thought. “There's gotta be something we can do.”

“T-t-t-too risky,” chattered the pegasus guard, a cup of coffee wedged between his hooves. “C-c-c-can't send anypony after him. No g-g-g-gear.”

“We got other passengers to think of too,” said the driver. “As harsh as that sounds, we don't want anypony else to freeze out here. I gotta keep the fire goin' in here so the heating works in there. So you two,” his hoof gestured to Spike and Aela. “Go uncouple that coach. If you can't work out how, just smash the thing off.”

“He's gonna be alright... right?” asked Spike, hopping off Aela to walk beside her, tapping his claws together nervously. “What're we gonna tell Princess Cadence?”

“I... don't know Spike, I really don't know,” said Aela as they reached the busted coach. “I just hope the rumours of what he can do weren't exaggerated.” With a shake of her head, Aela cleared her thoughts. “Come, we need to get a move on. If you can move the trunks and Bardac's hammer, I'll work on the coupling... somehow.”

Spike simply nodded and got to work, only stopping to gaze out of the hole Bardac left in the coach. “C'mon big guy, I know you can make it,” he muttered. “A little cold won't slow you down.”

The cold didn't slow Bardac down, in fact he couldn't slow down at all. His hand still stuck to the pulsing green spear of light that propelled him through the air as quick as a galloping stallion. How far from the train this thing had taken him he could only guess, as for how long he'd been stuck to the spear, again, he could only guess. It had felt like hours since he was ripped from the warmth of the coach.

The spear of light vanished.

Bardac smashed into the snow, skidding to a halt on his back, the paper covered staff on his back flying off from the impact into the darkness. For a few moments, he didn't move, flames igniting around his body. “That is getting old...” he growled to himself as he stood up. First things first. Lifting his right wrist to his lips, he spoke into a small golden band. He wondered if this would work. “Anyone out there?”

It took a few seconds, but a voice did reply. “Bardac?” It was Luna. “I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. Is everything alright?”

“Yes and no,” Bardac replied, slowly looking around in the darkness, the flames around his body pulsing brightly. “The train was attacked by... something.”

It was Celestia's voice that rang through the band next. “Is everypony alright?” she asked, “Where are you now?”

“If I had to guess? Somewhere between Canterlot and the Crystal Empire, but do not take my word for it. I have no idea how many miles I was pulled from the train. The others to my best guess are still on the train. Aela should still be with Spike,” said Bardac, glancing around. Something caught his eye in the snow. A reflection, shining bright from the flames. Bending down, Bardac waved his hand in front of the reflection, casting a better light across it. It was an eye. A cold, unblinking eye. “There is a body here.”

“Pony?” came the voice of Stampede.

“I forgot all of you could hear me,” muttered Bardac to himself, though he was somewhat thankful. He didn't feel quite so isolated. “I do not think so.” Working carefully, Bardac started to clear the snow in soft strokes of his hand from around the eye. Once enough snow was cleared from around the eye, Bardac leant back to make sense of what he was looking at. Its head looked pony enough, but the jagged horn sprouting from its forehead looked nothing like the unicorns he'd seen before. Not to mention it looked like something already tried to eat it. “This is not like any pony I have ever seen.”

There was a soft murmur rising from the band until Celestia's voice rang clear. “Any features that stand out?” she asked.

Again Bardac took a closer look, starting from the tip of its horn and slowly working down. “Jagged horn... dark green in colour from what I can see. Looks like something has already tried to eat it. It is full of holes.” Down to the head. “Green eyes, looking pretty lifeless right now. Slitted pupils... large fangs too.” The Nord cleared away more snow, uncovering the creatures chest and first two limbs. “Looks like something has tried to eat the legs too. But... they do not look like any fresh wound I have ever seen.”

“How big is it?” asked a fourth voice, this one belonging to Light Flight.

“I have only uncovered the front, I think, but so far I would say... about Celestia's size,” answered Bardac, placing his hand against the creatures chest. “It feels hard, almost like insect chitin.” His hand travelled further down, against where he imagined the rib cage would be. There, he felt something... something pulse. “By the Nine... I think it is still alive.”

“Do not let her die,” ordered Celestia sharply, “Do what ever you can, what ever spell, trick and skill you have.”

“Take her to the Crystal Empire and don't let her out of your sight,” said Luna, “By your description, you've found Queen Chrysalis, the Changeling ruler. This raises so many questions...”

Stampede spoke next, his voice sounding resolute. “She's wanted for crimes against both the Crystal Empire and Canterlot. We cannot pass up this opportunity.”

“Anything else I need to know?” asked Bardac, staring down at Chrysalis's frozen body. “Abilities, magic? What in oblivion she is doing out here near frozen to death?”

“They can change appearance, hence the name,” came a fifth voice. This one belonging to Raven. “In size, shape and voice. A flawless visual transformation. They have a few basic spells as well, but nothing you won't be able to deal with. That second question... is a little more difficult to answer.”

“Understood. I will be in touch once I reach the Crystal Empire,” said Bardac, glancing down at Chrysalis. “Celestia, you and Spike can send direct letters to each other if I recall. Keep him in the loop, let him know what has happened.”

“A wise idea, then he can pass that message onto Cadence,” said Celestia in agreement. “You've got two options Bardac. You can try and make your way back to the train tracks and follow them to the Crystal Empire or stay put until a rescue party can be organized. I know neither option is a strength of yours.”

“Hit a Nord while he is down, Celestia?” chuckled Bardac. “My limited patience and sense of direction aside, any useful suggestions?”

“Just being realistic,” Luna piped up with a light giggle of her own. “I'm not sure how much this will help, but the train track is situated in a slight valley. If you feel yourself going downhill, you're heading the right way.”

Bardac thought for a minute or two, kneeing down next to Chrysalis while the flames licked his body. “She will not make it if I walk or wait,” murmured Bardac, placing his hand on Chrysalis's neck, it was difficult to detect a pulse through the chitin, but it was still there. “Only one thing for it. I will have to fly. Celestia, prepare Cadence and Shining Armour for three arrivals.”

The band went silent, long enough for Bardac to give it a small shake before Luna's voice spoke out, “...Understood. Make haste Bardac.”

A soft glow enveloped Bardac's free hand, out of the darkness the staff that once adorned his back flew back into his grasp. The paper had been ripped off the top, exposing a small, yet heavy orb inside of a five clawed grasp at the head of the staff. Bardac placed the staff on his back and glanced around. Then, inhaling deeply, he bellowed into the darkness, “DUR NEH VIIR!”

“Spike, Spike wake up,” whispered Aela, giving the dragon a light nudge with her wing. “I can see the Crystal Empire, we'll be there in a few minutes.”

“Five more minutes,” Spike pleaded quietly, nuzzling into the soft pillow nest he was curled into. But under the small barrage of pokes from Aela, the young dragon finally started to move. “I'm up! I'm up!”

Not much was said between the two as they got their luggage together ready for the porter to collect at the station. However, Aela eyed Volendrung propped up against the coach's wall. “What should we do with that? You almost passed out dragging it between the coaches,” asked Aela, eyeing the colossal hammer

“Not sure,” replied Spike, “Long as I don—” His belly growled, a familiar feeling crept up in his chest before he let out an almighty belch of green flame. In the mist of the smoke, a scroll formed. “A letter from Princess Celestia?” Snatching up the scroll, Spike unravelled it and started to read what was written.

“I wonder what she wants,” pondered Aela, still looking at Volendrung.

“We're in so much trouble...” gulped Spike, his eyes widening the further down the scroll he read.

“What now?” Aela replied, finally turning her attention to the young dragon.

Clearing his throat, Spike read out the letter, “Dear Spike and Aela. I'll keep this letter short. Bardac is safe and on his way to the Crystal Empire by air. Do not ask how. Inform Princess Cadence that Bardac will not be alone. He is travelling with one unknown and Queen Chrysalis who he's detained. Stay safe. Princess Celestia.”

“...Queen Chrysalis? Out here?” asked Aela, walking next to Spike to read the letter for herself. It was there, clear as day. “This trip just got a whole lot more complicated.”

The train started to slow down, the light from the massive city started to pierce through the darkness. The once raging storm started to wane the closer to the city they got. Thunderous clouds were soon replaced by a beautiful starry sky. “How'd he manage to speak to Princess Celestia?” asked Spike, folding the scroll up before putting it away in his trunk.

“He used those golden bands the Solar Guards have,” said Aela, tapping her hoof slowly.

“Didn't you get one?” asked Spike, tilting his head. “I thought all Solar and Lunar Guards had them.”

“Only the Solar Guards have them little Spike,” said Aela, smiling at the young dragon. “Lunar Guards use something completely different.”

Spike wanted to know more, but the train slid through the magical barrier that surrounded the entire city, including the outskirts, so he decided it could wait until later. “At least it works, better than sending letters all day,” he mumbled, giving his stomach a small rub.

The train finally came to a halt with an immense hiss from its pistons. Spike and Aela got the trunks together, leaving Volendrung against the wall of the coach. It was only then did Aela notice they had a welcoming party on the station. “Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are waiting for us,” she said, “Along with several guards.”

Grunting loudly, Spike pushed the trunks to the door, peering out of the glass with a sigh, “Ah jeez... I was hoping to avoid an audience when we tell them what happened.” So, with a low groan, he pushed open the door of the coach.

“Spike, the brave and glorious!” announced Cadence with a radiant smile when she spotted the young dragon and the thestral. “And you must be Ms Aela Ress. It is a pleasure to welcome you both to the Crystal Empire. Is General Strongarm still on the train?” Peering behind them, Cadence tried to see into the coach, she was quite excited to meet him.

“Not exactly,” said Aela, picking out the scroll from Spike's trunk with her wing. “Please read this Princess,” Aela held out the scroll towards the pair as she stepped out of the coach, eyeing the nearby guards with care. She had to admit, that crystalline plate was far more impressive up close.

Cadence frowned, taking the scroll in her magic before unwinding it and holding it out for her and Shining Armor to read. With each sentence, they grew more and more concerned. “I'm... not sure I understand,” said Cadence, rolling the scroll up carefully and passing it back to Aela.

“I'm not too sure myself,” replied Aela truthfully. “The train was struck by a spear of green light out of the blue... Bardac grabbed it and was pulled from the train. That was hours ago. Besides that, you know as much as Spike and I, Princess.”

“Was anypony on board the train injured?” asked Shining Armor, starting from the end coach and working his way down, inspecting the passengers who were slow to disembark, not that he could blame them. Most of them still looked to be in mild shock.

“I don't think so,” called Spike, sitting on his trunk. “We checked on everypony soon after the spear hit. Besides a frozen guard, nopony has so much as a scratch on them.

Walking back down the inside of the train, Shining Armor spotted Volendrung propped up against the wall. “Who's hammer is this?” he called out.

Aela popped her head into the coach. “That belongs to Bardac,” she replied, “Please be careful with it, Prince. It is exceedingly heavy.”

Shining Armor continued to stare up at Volendrung, whistling quietly, “You don't say.” Shining Armor's horn lit up, slowly enveloping the colossal hammer before floating it carefully out of the door. Following it out, he'd place it down next to the two trunks.

Aela took a few minutes to think about their next step. Her wings rustled and her hooves tapped against the concrete. “Shall we find a place for Bardac to land? I have no idea how he's flying, but it maybe a good idea to find him plenty of room,” she finally said thoughtfully.

“The field beyond the station should serve that purpose well,” said Cadence, pointing with the end of her wing to the large grassy field behind the train. “Plenty of room. We'll have some guards take your trunks and that hammer up to the castle and see if we can't get some tea brought to us while we wait for him to arrive.”

Spike frowned and hopped off the trunks. “You two seem... awfully calm about all this,” he said hesitantly. “Especially about you know who.”

Shining Armor glanced at Cadence, then looked back at Spike. “A lot has happened since the wedding Spike. Chrysalis is already detained and as long as we keep a constant watch on her. I don't think it's going to be too much trouble,” he said. “Besides, I doubt we've got much choice in the matter.”

“With the power of the Crystal Heart on our side, the Crystal Empire is united,” said Cadence confidently. “We vanquished King Sombra, we can vanquish Chrysalis if it calls for it.”

Not much else was said during the short, but slow walk to the field beyond the train station. Two unicorn guards had been tasked in transporting the two trunks and Volendrung back to the castle while four others were tasked in creating a wide circle of light in the grass. Aela took to the skies along with three more pegasi. They didn't know where or when Bardac would appear or what would be with him besides Chrysalis, so the more eyes in the sky the better.

On the ground Cadence stood next to Shining Armor and leant against him, pondering out loud, “Do you think this is all a little much? I love making good first impressions, but I hope he doesn't see this as too... flashy.”

Shining Armor just smiled and gave Cadence a soft kiss to the cheek. “I think he'll appreciate the help,” he said, nuzzling his wife. “There's not much either of us can do except stand here and wait.”

Unfortunately, it didn't take long for word to spread around the Empire about Bardac's arrival and within ten minutes, a large gathering of crystal ponies had gathered nearby, held back by the presence of a few guards. Despite the minutes dragging by, turning into an hour, then two, the crowd didn't seem to show any signs of thinning.

One of the pegasi that'd been keeping an eye up high landed with a thud next to Shining Armor and wiped his brow. “No sign of anything yet,” the guard said, looking over to the stoic unicorns keeping the area lit. “We should be good for another few hours, but anything beyond that we're looking at rotation.”

“We can't be out here all night,” said Shining Armor thoughtfully, tapping his chin as he looked up at the pegasi keeping watch. “We have no idea how far he was taken from the train. So it could take him all night to get here, if he's even heading in the right direction.”

Another hour passed in silence. Spike started to shiver as he looked up at the stars glowing brightly in the sky above them before his attention turned to the patrolling pegasi, occasionally catching a glimpse of Aela as she flew by. He then spotted a star, small twinkling... and heading straight at them, growing larger by the second. “Something's coming!” Spike shouted out, pointing up high above them.

“Are you sure?” asked Shining Armor, trotting up to the dragons side to stare up to where Spike was pointing. It didn't take him long to spot the object. “Guards, above us!”

The sky erupted in a thunderous roar. The object grew closer and closer, picking up speed by the second in its descent. One of the unicorns aimed his beam of light towards the object. The others soon followed, casting the object in a thick beam of light.

“Oh sweet Celestia,” muttered Cadence, her eyes widening at the sight. Bathed in light was a truly enormous dragon, wings tucked in close as it dove. “Shining, is that a—”

“CLEAR THE FIELD! FROZEN WINGS!” roared a voice from above them, the sound carrying a shockwave that nearly blew the pegasi out of the sky.

Shining Armor looked up, just in time to see the immense beast barrelling out of control towards them. “Everypony, hoof it!” he bellowed, grabbing Spike and Cadence with a pull of magic.

Not five seconds later, the dragon smashed into the ground. Rocks, dust and dirt erupted in all directions. Ponies were blown off their feet from the shockwave, but thanks to the quick acting of the unicorns and their shields, none suffered injuries from flying debris.

Coughing loudly, Cadence peered over the rock she took cover behind with Spike and Shining Armor, having inhaled a lungful of dust. “Everypony okay?!” she tried to call out.

As the dust settled, something stirred from within the impact crater. “I told you,” groaned a gruff voice. “I told you not to go anywhere near those flying ice bastards, but did you listen to me? No. I do not know why I even bother.”

A low, thunderous chuckle echoed through the air. “I got you here, why do you complain?” replied a deep, almost unnatural voice. “Not my most graceful landing. But we have survived worse. Pah los pruzah

“I swear one of these days I will rip your wings off...” the first voice grumbled. “Pah los pruzah dii reym... Now, where is our passenger?”

A sickening gurgle pierced the air followed by a wet slap as something hit the ground. “Swallowed her,” muttered the second voice.

“...You are disgusting, you know that?” groaned the first voice.

“I know,” laughed the second voice.

Outside the crater, ponies started to gather around the rim, taking in the unusual and frankly disturbing sight that laid within. A dragon, sprawled and broken, rotting and dripping... with an unsettling smirk on its lips. A tall figure stood beside the dragons head, almost completely transparent except for a glowing pale blue light and in front of the dragons head, a saliva covered body, unmoving.

Aela landed neatly inside the crater, looking between the dragon, the body and the glowing figure. “I'm not even going to ask, Bardac,” she said, walking over to the saliva slathered body. “Queen Chrysalis?”

“Ah, yes,” replied Bardac, walking over to pick Chrysalis over his shoulder, her limp body flopping against his armour. “Durnehviir, thank you my friend.” With purpose in his step, Bardac started to walk the steep slope back out of the crater while the dragon behind him uttered a low roar and vanished behind a cloud of ash.

Ponies scrambled backwards from Bardac as he reached the top of the crater, some eyeing him with a mixture of fear and alarm. Spike, who'd been fighting his way to the front of the crowd finally freed himself from the sea of pony legs. “Bardac! You're safe!” Spike called out.

Without breaking stride, Bardac reached down and picked up the young dragon, putting him on his free shoulder. “Indeed, but we have a problem,” Bardac replied, giving Chrysalis a light shake. “Got orders to keep this one alive, need to get her inside.” Without even a glance to the ponies and guards around him, he made a bee-line towards what he could only assume was the Empire's castle

“General? General Strongarm? Please wait a moment!” called Cadence, catching up to Bardac with a light trot, but he didn't stop, so she fell into a quick walk beside him with Shining Armor catching up beside them not long after. “I must implore you to go and see one of our doctors. Nopony could walk away from a crash like that without even a scratch.”

Bardac looked down at the pink Alicorn and the unicorn stallion walking next to her. “Twilight did mention you were a caring soul, Cadence,” Bardac said with a smile. “But I assure you, I have walked away from far more disastrous landings than that.”

Shining Armor raised his eyebrow, but then he remembered what Twilight had mentioned in her letters. Bardac doesn't even call Celestia and Luna by their titles. His attention turned to the unconscious Changeling draped over Bardac's shoulder. “So what do you plan to do with her once she's out of danger?”

“I rarely plan that far ahead,” said Bardac honestly. “For now I need to focus on getting her warm and fed, she looks starved half to death. Though I have no idea what a changeling eats.”

Cadence shook her head slowly, ridding herself of a painful memory. “They feed off the love essence of ponies, Bardac,” she said quietly.

“Love essence?” asked Bardac, glancing at Chrysalis, paying closer attention to the fang tips visible through her open maw. “Sweet Talos... you are telling me this thing is a cock vampire?”

Cadence nearly tripped over her own hooves, her cheeks burning bright while Shining Armor nearly choked holding back his snort. Aela did her best to hide a snicker, but failed miserably. Spike lost it completely, nearly rolling off Bardac's shoulder in uncontrollable laughter.

“Not that kind of love Bardac!” squeaked Cadence, shaking her head. “Actual love. They feed off the love that ponies have for one another, draining them until there's nothing left but an emotionless husk.”

“Sounds like my third wife,” muttered Bardac, frowning a little. “Love huh? That makes things more complicated. That cannot be their only food source.”

“It would be difficult to think of them surviving this long without an additional food supply,” pondered Aela. “Maybe mushrooms?”

“Mushrooms?” asked Spike, “What'd make you think changelings eat mushrooms?”

“Changelings live in hives and caves,” Aela said, glancing up at Chrysalis who still hadn't moved a muscle since they arrived, she still looked distinctly unconscious. “Mushrooms grow in caves and the like. Seems only sensible that they'd make use of the available food source.”

Bardac scratched his beard thoughtfully, muttering to himself, “Only way to know for certain is to ask her once she has woken up. Which means we need to get her healed. Still, mushrooms is a good start. Most creatures that are covered in chitin feed off fungus. I have a few questions for her as well. It cannot be coincidence that a green spear strikes the train and then drags me through an unending sea of white before dumping me right besides her.”

The conversation was interrupted by a low, infuriated hiss, “You... fool...”