“…and that was how Equestria was made.” Lulamoon finished her retelling of the Primordial myth to her awe-struck audience of changelings as they trotted and flew through the caverns of Avernus. “Quite the tale, wouldn’t you agree?”

“It seems his ‘lordship’ may consider it more than a tale.” Chrysalis said thoughtfully. “If his domain is truly in this netherworld, then he may call these dark powers neighbors or perhaps…allies.”

“I don’t know, mom. It sounds like they wanted to be left alone after that big fight with the proto-whatever.” Elytra contradicted as she flew between dripping stalactites. “Kind of like us with the Equestrians.”

“The nymph learns fast.” The Lord of Shades thought as he led the way a few paces in front of the mares and drones. “Wonder if she gets that from her father.”

After leaving the changeling hive behind, the modest group had been traversing the labyrinthine cavern system with Grey leading the way and the mares providing illumination. While Chrysalis was sure nothing else lived in her caves, she could not shake the feeling that something was watching them from the shadows. There were quick flashes of movement out of the corners of her vision and phantom figures that faded in and out of the shadows. All these lead the Swarm Queen to believe that the depths were haunted. The unicorn’s suddenly flickering light did not help.

“Having performance issues oh so great and powerful one?” Chrysalis chided the azure mage.

“That’s strange.” Lulamoon said with a shiver. “It’s like Trixie is low on magic.”

“And you call yourself a- Oof!” The changeling matron was cut off by her daughter suddenly dropping down onto to her back. “Elytra, sweetie, warn me next time before you do that.”

“So tired…” The blue-eyed changeling slurred. “…drones are, too.”

It was then that Chrysalis noticed that the buzz of her swarm in flight had died down. She looked behind her to see the drones crawling and panting heavily in an effort to keep up. Once her own emerald magic began to flicker, she knew something was amiss.

“Grey!” She called out to the oddly unaffected stallion who by now had almost disappeared from sight. “Something’s wrong!”

The hooded horse turned around to find his fading companions far behind him. He also saw scores of phantasmal shades surrounding the mortals, sanguine desire evident on their sullen faces. He mentally kicked himself for forgetting about this feature of his realm.

“The shades are leeching their vital essence, attracted to their living blood like flies to honey.” He thought as he hurriedly made his way back to the mortals. “I doubt even Princess Sparkle would last long down here.”

The Dark Lord rummaged through his tenebrous body for a solution. He found it in Luna’s dreamstone amulet. He quickly retrieved it and began whispering dark words of power as he moved. Cold iron may put a stopper in magic but the precious metals like gold and silver tended to act as a conduit. The stygian stallion reached his companions just as the shades began to drag them down, unwilling to wait for them to expire.

“Magic…” A unicorn ghost whispered as it caressed a barely conscious Lulamoon’s horn. “I don’t want to forget… what it’s like…”

“Back!” Grey commanded in Khthonic. “You shall not have these!”

“Please…Just a taste…” Another begged as it wrapped its limbs around Chrysalis. “I can hear it… coursing through her veins…”

The Lord of Shades rebuked his covetous subjects and fastened the precious amulet around the unicorn’s neck. The azure mage groggily lifted her head as the stallion muttered something.

“Huh? Is now the best time?” She mumbled confusedly. “Wha-!”

Grey ignored the delirious mage and flicked her horn with a black hoof. After a few sparks, Lulamoon’s pale magenta glow returned as the trinket drew in what little magic was left in the air. The glow quickly intensified and with a brilliant flash of pure white light, the lingering shades were forced back into the darkness. With the malady repulsed for the time being, the mortals slowly came back to life. The revived drones helped their Queen and Princess to their hooves while Trixie regained her senses.

“That should protect them until we get to Barathrum.” The shadowy horse thought, ignoring the burning sensation that now wracked his dark body from the blast of purifying light. “Damn, this feels like a million pinpricks.”

“What was that?” The unicorn asked as inspected her new glowing jewelry. “What is this?”

“Short answer for both: another of my realms natural defenses and a temporary guard against them.” Grey explained simply. “I apologize for not mentioning it earlier. It completely slipped my mind.”

“Is there anything else we should know?” Chrysalis asked with a scowl as she comforted her shivering daughter.

“Yes. You will find that magic works very differently down here. It doesn’t fill the air like it does in Equestria.” The ancient animus admitted as he resumed his trek. “I won’t go into the specifics now but you may want to stay close to Miss Lulamoon until we reach my palace.”

With a mutual groan, the two followed after their enigmatic leader with the drones bringing up the rear. Just outside the magician's newfound radiance, the shades of the dead lingered invisible to living eyes. With the bounty of living flesh denied, they resumed their quest to answer the clarion call of the next life.

“This had better be worth it.” The Swarm Matron grumbled. “As if your ego wasn’t enough, now you shine like Celestia's ass.”

“The Annoyed yet Radiant Trixie is no fan of this either.” The mage huffed. “Why would she want a parasite so close to her?”

“Why do you always call yourself by name?” Elytra inquired from her new favorite seat on her mother’s back. “Are you afraid you’ll forget what it is?”

“Trixie has no idea what you are talking about.” The former showmare deflected the question. “Why is your mother full of holes? So she can service more stallions at once?”

“I have only done that twice.” Chrysalis scrunched up her nose indignantly. “But I will have you know that we changelings tend to get shot at should our cover be compromised.”

The three went back and forth like this for a while, blissfully ignorant of the dire peril they had been in just moments before. The Dark Lord had decided fully explaining the true nature of his realm and its inhabitants to the mortals would be an exercise in futility. They may possess open minds but he figured that they had limits as to what they would believe with words alone.

“Far better to show them.” The incognito king thought as he stopped. “Let them see the Sunless Lands with their own eyes.”

“Something spook you, Grey?” Chrysalis asked as she and Lulamoon caught up with the stationary stallion.

“Trixie doubts….oh.” Whatever witty remark the magician had conjured up died on her lips as her light illuminated the chamber before them.

The tunnel they were in opened up into a cavernous rotunda made of cyclopean onyx blocks. Sculpted out of the walls were thousands of reliefs depicting a multitude of creatures from equines to dragons swirling as if caught in a vortex. Scattered across the floor were decaying skeletons of all manner of creatures in tattered robes and scorched pockmarks. In the very center of the room was a looming statue above a khthonic alter and another ploutonion sacrificial pit. Unlike most other temples, the figure was not overlooking the alter but rather pointing to the far wall where the reliefs converged to one point. High above the icon's head, faint will-o-the-wisps drifted to and fro in the darkness. Invisible to the mortals, the souls of the dead flooded the chamber from floor to ceiling, parting only for Lulamoon's light.

"So many..." The Lord of Shades was taken aback by the sheer volume of shades. "Something must be keeping them here. Perhaps one of those psychopomps know."

While they appeared to be mere ghost lights to living eyes, the Hidden One saw them for what they truly were and gained the attention of one. The psychopomp dropped down to the hooded horse while the unicorn and changelings were preoccupied with gaping in awe at the underground temple. Grey winced slightly at the reaper's appearance; a withered, diminutive creature cloaked in pale robes with a scythe at the ready and a lantern containing the flickering ghost light clutched in its claw-like feet.

"Another lost soul dares the path of the dead." The daemon said, its voice but a faint whisper. "Woe to thee for the way is shut and will not open."

"Are there not other ways into the sunless lands?" The animus asked.

"There may be but the path has been warped and the guiding call has been muted." The reaper lamented. "We are the blind leading the lost."

"I suppose I have Discord and Luna to thank for that." Grey thought. "His terraforming has done a number on the underground and her disarming of the Hand has affected his servants."

"Grey?" Lulamoon called out as she inspected the central figure. "Who is this?"

"That would be the Khthonoi Anax; the King of the Underworld." Grey answered knowingly as the daemon rejoined its kin above. "If you wanted to know who could keep the rest of the Khthonic Primordials in line, behold."

"Cool." Elytra chittered as she looked over the icon. "How do you like that, mom? A Hive King was able to keep a bunch of nether-gods in their place."

"Not just any changeling." Chrysalis added with a hint of awe in her voice. "That is Husk, the Eternal Flame."

"Who?" One of the drones buzzed curiously.

"There is a reason we avoid feeding off anger and hatred, little ones." The Swarm Matron warned. "Husk tried and while he gained great power it immolated him and his hive. It took the ancients many years and many more lives to bury his folly."

"Okay, what?" Lulamoon asked in clear confusion. "That isn't a bug-horse, it's an earth pony stallion. A tall one with a beard, robes and a two-prong spear thingy."

"Is that hat on too tight?" The changeling Queen shot back. "I think I know a Hive King when I see one."

"You're both right." The hooded horse came between the two mares as they stared each other down. "Its a trick of ancient statuary. There is a bit of magic imbued in the marble that allows it to change shape. It takes the form of whatever the viewer believes the Overlord of the Underworld would look like. In this case Husk for changelings and the Silent King for equines."

"The Silent-! Stars above!" The hedge mage unconsciously adjusted her hat as she took a few steps back from the statue. "So what do you see, Grey?"

"Something different." He said cryptically as he gazed upon something only a handful of ponies knew existed. "But we can admire the works of the ancients later. Onward."

The group moved past the shifting shrine to the back of the temple as indicated by the statue. Set in the imposing bulwark of the onyx wall was a great gate of solid cold iron with abyssal runes of warding engraved all along the frame. Scattered on the floor before the doors were more grim remains of who or whatever had occupied the subterranean temple last. Their shades now stood along with their fellow departed before the closed portal.

"The power has gone out it." The Dark Lord realized. "No wonder the shades and reapers can't get through."

“If I had known this was down here, I would have picked a different cave.” The changeling Queen said as she prodded the dry bones with a hoof. "I can still taste the doom and gloom radiating off it. Bleck."

“Hidden…Master…Dark…World…” Lulamoon said slowly as she tried to decipher a few of the runes with what little knowledge the incognito Lord had passed on to her. “Trixie has a bad feeling about this.”

“Understandable, for these gates mark the final border between Equestria and my dominion.” The dark horse informed them. “Once we cross this threshold, we will be entering a different world.”

“Ominous.” Chrysalis whispered aside to Trixie.

“I cannot say with certainty what has or will happen on the other side." Grey continued as he turned to face his companions. "If either of you wishes to depart now, you may do so with my blessing.”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie hasn’t come this far just to back out now.” The azure unicorn immediately took a step forward. “She is with you to the end.”

“Aw, how precious.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “While I’m loathed to admit it, your companion has piqued my interest for this realm of yours. It would be folly to turn away from a potential source of food.”

“Better than waiting for those bat-ponies to hunt us down.” Elytra concurred. "You're not getting rid of us that easily, Grey."

“So a yes and a maybe.” The stygian stallion mused. “Still, I’d rather have willing minions than mindless slaves.”

“Very well then.” The hooded horse nodded in affirmation. “Give me a moment to get these open.”

“Normally, the psychopomps would recite the mantra around the frame to open these for the dead.” The Hidden One thought. “Without power, that only leaves brute force.”

The mortals, living and dead, watched as the stygian stallion lay his hooves on the cold iron and pushed. The entire colossal structure groaned like a dying dragon as the ageless metal strained against years of stillness. Slowly but inexorably, the gates opened inward until there was enough room for passage. The animus motioned for his companions and subjects to go through as he braced himself against the doors to keep them open. Lulamoon and the changelings ducked beneath the taller stallion as the shades drifted above him in a chilly breeze. The psychopomps floated before the now opened path with amazement written across their gaunt faces.

"After centuries of laxity our duties resume." The one Grey had spoken with earlier whispered. "You have our eternal gratitude... Hidden One."

"I was wondering when you would recognize me." The Dark Lord said lightly. "I would like to speak more of what has happened in my absence but I have wasted enough time already."

"Then let us herald your return to our kin and master." Another chimed in. "This is a most blessed day."

The reapers drifted after the spectral host, whispering thanks and praise to the shadowy stallion as they passed. Once the last of the stragglers entered, he released his hold and let the gates close with a hollow boom. With the world of the living now behind him, Grey rejoined his companions at the end of a short passage. Stretching out before the mortals and immortal was the first region of the Sunless Lands of the Dead.

"Welcome to the Dark Forests of Erebos.” The hooded horse announced as the shades and daemons silently drifted on ahead of them. “Land of Shifting Darkness and Night Sky.”

"I have a feeling we are going to hear those adjectives a lot down here." Chrysalis said dryly.

Together, the shadowy stallion and his allies entered the dark and tangled sylvan landscape. Ebony trees twisted into shapes reminiscent of creatures locked in agonizing bondage with pale, ethereal leaves that rustled in the mournful wind flanked both sides of a well-worn path that cut through the woods. Braziers containing more flickering ghost lights hung from the lower limbs, providing some semblance of illumination. Unblinking eyes peered out at the travelers from beneath the underbrush and down from the overarching canopy.

“There should be guards patrolling these paths to keep the Shadowlings from harassing the dead.” The Dread Lord thought. “I appear to be more understaffed than I thought.”

“You may want to keep your swarm close, Queen Chrysalis.” Grey advised as he noticed a benthic limb reach out and take one of the drones that had fallen behind without as much as a cry for help. “Those that dwell here are devilishly mischievous and may pull your wings off for laughs.”

“Just like the Everfree.” The changeling matron shuddered as her meager swarm immediately took shelter beneath and around her. “With a dash of Nightmare Moon’s influence.”

“She’s not far off.” The Hidden One's thoughts drifted toward the Usurper's benefactor.

The lurkers in the dark stalked the group for some time. Occasionally, they reached out to snag a leg or tail only to withdraw when Lulamoon’s light or the animus' baleful gaze fell on them. It was only when a dreadful screech of a far greater monster cut through the chilled air that the creatures abandoned their potential playthings and fled deeper into the stygian forest. The travelers froze as the soul-hollowing call was followed by the sound of powerful wings beating overhead.

“What was that?” The unicorn asked as she searched the sunless sky for any sign of the monster. “A dragon?”

“Worse. A daemon.” Grey answered knowingly before he realized that he should clarify. “That’s with an ‘A’ before the ‘E’. A more colloquial term would be a spirit. They’re akin to what Discord is.”

“Is it friendly?” Elytra asked curiously.

“Most of the Primordials' children are indifferent to others provided they are not provoked.” The cloaked stallion said as he urged them onward. “Of course things may have changed since I've been gone.”

“See?” The Changeling Princess whispered to her mother. “I told you they wanted to be left alone.”

With their reprieve from the night stalkers, the group continued on down the path. They eventually came to a crossroads marked by a single gnarled tree whose limbs pointed down the four possible routes. Sections of bark had been stripped away and runes that Trixie could not decipher branded on the wood beneath, turning the tree into a makeshift signpost. Straight ahead, the path continued into the dark woods while the left and right routes gave way to an overgrown estate dominated by a foreboding mansion and a looming tower where reapers flew in and out respectively.

“Looks like no one tended the grounds in some time with the Lord and Lady missing.” Grey thought as he looked over both structures. “At least the Reaper’s Tower is still in one piece.”

“Is that where you live?” Lulamoon asked pointing toward the gloomy mansion. “Looks like your type of place.”

“You would think so but no.” The hooded horse shook his head. “That’s where the masters of this region once resided. I live further in.”

“There's more?” Chrysalis asked. “How big is this place?”

"As big as it needs to be." Grey answered before something above her caught his attention. "And you may want to move away from that tree."

The Changeling Queen looked up into the high limbs of the sign-tree. She noticed one limb in particular that did not seem to move with the rest in the wind. A chill crawled down her spine when she spotted a creature perched on the immobile limb like a gigantic carrion bird. The being returned her gaze, its face a flawless mask of utter contempt beneath an armored hood. Four black wings unfurled behind the daemon as it took to the air. It reached down and pulled its perch free of the tree, revealing it to be a wicked scythe easily as long as she was.

“Get behind me.” Grey said calmly as he pulled the matron back.

With the same terrible screech that scared away the shadowlings, the daemon dove on the trespassers. They backed out of range of its swing just as it landed, the keen blade cleaving the air a hairsbreadth away from their necks. While the mortals readied what remained of their magic, the ancient animus stood before the fiend as it readied its scythe for another attack.

“Grey! What are you doing?!” Lulamoon shouted. “It’ll kill you!”

The hooded horse ignored the unicorn and locked baleful eyes with the reaper. He knew what he was doing. The grim monster lowered its weapon slightly as if perplexed.

“It has been centuries since I have encountered a mortal that can stare unflinchingly into the face of Death.” The monster said in Khthonic. “You do your mewling kind proud.”

“I see these many years have not diluted your distaste for the living.” The Dark Lord responded in kind as he drew back his hood. “But I am no mortal.”

"What the-?" The hedge-mage gasped as who she long thought was a black stallion was revealed to be made of shadows.

“You know my tongue.” The Grim Reaper cocked his hooded head to the side in confusion. “And that voice…”

“Good to see you again, Hand of Death.” The Hidden One said as he allowed his longtime friend to piece it together.

“Then my reapers have spoken truth.” The ancient entity’s wings flared up in shock as he recognized just who was standing before him. “The Hidden One returns to us just as the alchemist predicted.”

“Did he now?” Now it was Grey's turn to cock his head. “I suppose something broke through that haze he always seems to be in. Oh, and I would greatly appreciate it if you pointed that somewhere else.”

“Apologies.” The daemon said as he relaxed his stance and held his weapon like a staff. “My kin and I had all but thought you had joined your brothers and sisters in oblivion. Just where have you been all these many eons?”

“Keeping your Grand Father/Mother company.” The void escapee answered with a shiver. “It was only by the providence of Fate or sheer dumb luck that I have returned to this plane of reality.”

“Then you know not of how the worlds, both the living and dead, have suffered in your absence.” The daemon said with a sad shake of his head. “The mortals have grown arrogant and some even fancy themselves divine. Such is their hubris that they interfered with my eternal work; robbed me of the Kingslayer!”

“I see.” The Dark Lord took notice of the empty scabbard hanging off the Hand’s belt. “We will have to make plans to recover it.”

“Good, for I have grown tired of reaping the common rabble…” The Khthonic assassin seethed. “…such as those mongrels cowering behind you.”

The deathly daemon pointed an accusatory finger at the shivering mortals. The sudden assault on their senses from the stygian language had forced the changelings to cover their ears and instinctually huddle together for protection. The more initiated Lulamoon was able to remain standing but it was clear she was struggling against the dark tongue of the Underworld.

“Stay your wrath, my old friend. I have brought them here to serve me in Barathrum. ” Grey explained as he lowered the reaper's hand with a hoof. “I know you must have hundreds of questions, as do I, but there are more pressing matters to attend to: The damned of Tartarus are conspiring to escape.”

“Ah yes. The Erinyes have reported such a heresy.” The Hand of Death said, deciding to trust his friend in regards to the mortals and shifted subjects. “They have cataloged a massive army of demons, monsters, and still living dregs mustering in the woeful city of Pandemonium. Cerberus and most of what remains of the Undying still guards the gates to those infernal pits but they are just a holding force.”

“Then I shall bring them reinforcements.” The Lord of Shades decreed. “There is much I need to do in preparation, however. Fly on ahead to Barathrum and announce my return to those that remain. I will be there shortly.”

“As you wish.” The Grim Reaper bowed his head and took to the sky with a mighty flap of his raven wings. “And may I be the first to say: It is good to have you back.”

The masked daemon made a quick ‘I’m watching you’ motion to the recovering mortals before he soared off into the sunless sky. The animus watched his steadfast ally disappear into the darkness before he pulled up his hood and turned his attention to his mortal companions.

“I couldn’t tell if you two were arguing or professing your love.” Chrysalis groaned as she got back to her hooves with the aid of her swarm. “It all sounded like a pair of dragons gargling ice.”

“Trixie was able to pick out a few words.” The hedge mage said as she tried to shrug off the lingering discomfort. “It sounded like you two knew each other.”

“We’re old friends.” Grey said coolly. “While he loathes pretty much everything with a pulse, he will tolerate your presence for now.”

“Well that’s reassuring.” The Swarm Queen scoffed. “You said you lived further in. How far?”

“A fair distance.” The shadowy stallion answered. “We’ll have to leave the woods and cross a river before we even set hoof in my region.”

“Trixie can hardly wait.” The unicorn said confidently as they resumed their journey through the benighted forests of Erebos.

In time, the woods began to thin out and the sound of running water overtook the sylvan ambiance. A briny smell permeated the cool air as the group came upon the shores of the river Grey had mentioned. A sort of shanty town had been built inland near a stone harbor jutting out into the river made of the sorrows and sighs of those the dead had left behind.

“The shades must have built it while they waited for the ferry.” The Dark Lord assumed as he scanned over the roughshod construction. “They had plenty of time to do so.”

“Elytra, honey, loosen your grip.” Chrysalis voice strained as her daughter suddenly gripped her tightly. “You’re chocking me.”

“Mom?” The changeling nymph whimpered in fear. “I see dead ponies.”

“And griffons and minotaurs and diamond dogs.” A wide-eyed Lulamoon concurred. “Oh my, I think I even see a dragon!”

Indeed, a massive and diverse throng of the departed had gathered in the shanty town square with more drifting by the travelers to join them. It was only now, on the shores of the River of Woe, were the mortals finally able to perceive them.

“About time.” The Lord of Shades thought. "It would have been difficult explaining to them why I'm talking to thin air.

“So your kingdom is haunted too?” Chrysalis asked once she had pried her child’s legs off her neck. “Ever consider hiring an exorcist?”

“It would be an exercise in futility.” Grey answered calmly as he made his way toward the gathering of souls. “My realm draws them in from across the world. You may even recognize a few faces.”

“If it’s all the same to you, Grey, we’ll wait back here.” The azure magician said apprehensively. “Trixie doesn’t like the way some of those ghosts are looking at her.”

“Suit yourself.” The hooded horse shrugged as he continued on. “Remember to stay in that light.”

The eclectic horde of shades had surrounded a wooden platform where they seemed to be waiting for someone to address them. Grey found a spot with a good view of the makeshift stage as the soul of a very familiar unicorn took the stage and waved his spectral hooves for attention. The crowd eventually fell silent.

“Alright everypon- sorry, everybody listen up.” The shade of none other than Shining Armor called out. “I know this must be confusing and terrifying for you new arrivals. I was the same way when I first got sent here.”

“You’re welcome.” The animus thought as his former imperial ally continued.

“Let me assure you this is not the end of the road.” The ghost of Armor pointed out toward the river. “In a few minutes, a ship will arrive to take you to the far shore. It’s no pleasure cruise but there’s room for all of you. However, the captain is a greedy miser and requires payment before he will let you on-board.”

“How much?” A shade of a stately unicorn asked.

“One obol, so he told me.” Armor answered. “That is usually a coin or its equivalent. So if any of you rich types were buried with jewelry, share the wealth a little. You can’t take it with you anyway.”

“Failing that, you could wait a century before the old curmudgeon will take pity on you.” The Lord of Shades mused as a few of the wealthy shades gave their fellows nervous looks. “Ideally during that time, you would return to the surface and haunt someone until they give you the proper rites.”

“Can’t some of us just fly across?” A ghostly griffoness spoke up. “Or better yet, ride this dragon here?”

“Do I look like a taxi to you?” The dead drake growled.

“Sad to say, much like my horn, your wings won’t work down here.” The former prince-regent informed her. “We’re all pretty much equals at this point, in status and ability.”

"This one gets it." The Dark Lord thought approvingly.

“So, wots on da other side?” A diamond dog asked. “Any good bitz or flash loot?”

“I honestly do not know.” Armor admitted. “I have not been across myself but it has to be better than squatting here. Now, the ship is going to be here at any time now so be sure to get your payment ready and good luck to you.”

His advisory talk concluded, Armor was about to descend the platform when he spotted the imposing shadow pony in the middle of the crowd. The former prince-regent smiled at his dark friend as he drifted through the dispersing throng to meet him.

“I thought I recognized those bright eyes.” The ghostly unicorn bumped hooves with the taller stallion in greeting. “Good to see you again, Grey.”

“Likewise, Shining Armor.” The hooded horse responded in kind. “Though I expected you to follow the rest of the souls from the Crystal Empire. My benediction should have allowed all of you to cross without pay.”

“I know and they greatly appreciated it but I wanted to stay behind to help those who would come after me.” Armor said plainly. “Death and the afterlife are not often talked about in Equestria so a lot of souls are flying blind, to use the expression.”

“I’ve noticed as much in my studies.” Grey agreed. “I suppose it is fortunate that death has not eroded your leadership skills.”

“Thanks.” The former prince-regent said with a smile before something crossed his mind. “Uh, change of subject, but did you get a chance to talk to Twilight and Cadence?”

“Your sister got the scrapbook and your wife got your last words.” The stygian stallion assured the shade. “And I made sure that Celestia and Luna know what you thought of them in the end.”

“Holy shit you actually did it!” Armor nearly broke out laughing. “Oh, I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that. But seriously, thank you.”

The two watched the other shades for a moment. Some had acquired their obol and lined up at the dock while others continued their hunt. A few of them had gathered around the wealthy charitable souls that had heeded Armor’s advice and divvied up their possessions.

“So, how did you end up this side of the grave?” The shade of Armor asked casually. “Did Celestia not appreciate you telling her to suck it?”

“No.” The stygian stallion shook his head. “I am here of my own accord along with some new acquaintances.”

The Hidden One turned to show his travel companions. At the sight of the Changeling Queen and her swarm, Armor’s spectral eyes widened in surprise.

“I know those holey legs anywhere!” He said while pointing a translucent hoof at Chrysalis. “Grey, that’s Chrysalis! The changeling that invaded Canterlot! You can’t-”

“I am well aware of Queen Chrysalis’ history with you.” Grey interrupted. “Rest assured, with the prospect of nourishment for her and her swarm, she will not cause any trouble.”

“I…I guess if there’s any way to her tiny heart, it’s through her stomach.” The spectral stallion gave his deceptive mistress a hard look. “Word of advice: If you suddenly find a mare in your bed ready for loving, check her eyes for a green glow first. Every changeling has a tell.”

“Noted.” The taller stallion deadpanned. “Moving on, do you recognize the blue one?”

“Can’t say that I do.” Armor looked over Lulamoon as she kept a few shades that wanted her amulet at bay. “Should I?”

“Trixie Lulamoon?” Grey offered. “Narcissist, traveling magician, defeated your sister in a duel and took over Ponyville?”

“Oh, that Trixie.” The former Captain of the Guard rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “I was at the empire during that so I missed it.”

“From what I heard, it was a minor inconvenience compared to what Ponyville has endured in the past.” The hooded horse said thoughtfully. “Nevertheless, Miss Lulamoon has agreed to join me after her caravan was ransacked by brigands. She’s a decent mare once you get to know her.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Armor said unsurely. “So what are you doing down here and in such bad company?”

“I’m looking for talented individuals to aid me in retaking my home.” The Lord of Shades answered simply. “Now that I think about it, I could use a stallion such as you even in death.”

“Really? Me?” Armor's eyes widened in surprise. “In what way?”

“I need someone who can lead.” Grey explained. “Chrysalis is limited to swarm tactics and Lulamoon is a solo act."

“I don’t know, Grey.” Armor hesitated. “You saw what happened the last time I was in charge.”

“Indeed.” The hooded horse nodded. “That is why I need you as a military commander, not a monarch.”

“That’s my position.” The Hidden One mentally added.

The unicorn shade mulled it over as he looked out over the shanty town. He had chosen to stay on this side of the river not only to aid his fellow departed but to fill the void of purpose he had felt since his death. He suspected it was tied to his special talent, to protect and serve others. It sounded like Grey was offering something akin to his old position as guard captain; something considerably more fulfilling than simply pointing the dead in the right direction for eternity.

“What will become of these souls if I come with you?” Armor asked.

“I have faith that the shades of the departed will manage.” The Dark Lord answered sagely. “After the initial confusion of actually dying, the dead travel a rather straight path through the afterlife. They feel a pull that guides them to their final doom.”

“That’s…grim.” The late captain scrunched up his nose. “Well, you and I made a good team before and it’s not like I can die again. Lead the way.”

“A military mind to complement Lulamoon’s magic and Chrysalis’ low cunning.” The Hidden One mused as the princely shade drifted past him. “They will make fine servants, all.”

“Can we go now?” Trixie asked once the hooded horse rejoined them with Armor in tow. “These ghosts are becoming a nuisance.”

“In a moment.” Grey said as he waved Armor forward. “There is a new addition to our merry little band.”

“Why, if it isn’t Shining Armor.” Chrysalis said with a devious smile once she spotted her old prey. “I heard about what happened to you and your little empire. Such a waste.”

“Hello, Chrysalis.” The nonplussed specter grunted. “You’re looking as grotesque as usual.”

“You know you love it.” The Swarm Queen chittered teasingly. “Speaking of love, there is someone I would like you to meet.”

On cue, Elytra came out from behind her mother and looked curiously at her late father. Armor looked down at the nymph curiously. She was taller than a standard changeling drone but other than that, he could not tell what made the bug-horse so special.

“One of your many children.” Armor said flatly. “So what?”

“Oh, come now.” Chrysalis pouted. “Remember that night before your wedding? How we celebrated an early honeymoon?”

“Oh yeah.” The spectral stallion said in a mix of wistfulness and embarrassment. “Wait, are you saying that I’m the father of this one?”

“Am I?” Elytra asked, just as confused as her potential sire.

“You are.” The Swarm Matron confirmed with a wide smile. “Surprise!”

The Changeling Princess and the ghostly captain looked at Chrysalis then to each other, doubt written all over their features.

“Haha. He’s literally a dead beat dad.” The magician jested to Grey. “Though who could blame him with a mom like that?”

“That will do, Miss Lulamoon.” The hooded horse patted the magician on the head.

“Are you sure she’s mine?” Armor asked finally. “You are kind of a slut.”

“He has a point, mom.” The nymph concurred.

“You were the only one I took to bed in Canterlot.” Chrysalis huffed indignantly. “Not for lack of trying, mind you, but your guards seemed to prefer ogling Celestia over Cadenza.”

“Can't tell if that's an insult or not.” The Dark Lord thought.

“Right...” The shade looked back to Elytra awkwardly. “Uh...Elytra, was it?”

“That's me.” The young changeling nodded. “So I have a ghost-dad. Cool.”

“Ahem.” Grey interrupted. “I hate to cut this tender moment short, but the ferry is here.”

The tenebrous traveler pointed to the river where an almost skeletal galley powered by dozens of long oars pulled by unseen creatures docked at the stone harbor. The shades and mortals gathered around the brine soaked vessel as a gangplank was unceremoniously lowered from the deck to the dock. A hush fell over the throng as a tall, gangly creature clad in rust colored rags emerged and limped down the gangplank with an old oar in one bandaged, leprous hand as a staff and an iron chest cradled under the other. The fiend reached the stone of the dock and set down the chest with a heavy thud. After opening the lock-box, he looked out over the deceased; his keen, burning eyes the only visible part of his wrapped face.

“One obol to cross.” The daemon rasped. “Each.”

“Good to see the old miser is as dutiful as he is greedy.” The Lord of Shades thought.

One by one, the shades of the dead approached the ferry and deposited their payment. Those that had coins were allowed aboard while those that used jewelry had to wait a moment while the captain inspected their offering. Eventually, he was satisfied and they were allowed passage.

“Grey? The Broke and Impoverished Trixie does not have any bits.” The magician said nervously as they drew closer. “And she is unwilling to part with this necklace you gave her.”

“Same here.” Chrysalis looked back at her modest swarm, not a bit between them. “Hope you got a bag of coins in that cloak of yours.”

“I got it covered.” Grey assured them.

In time, the group reached the gangplank with Lulamoon in the lead. The bandaged ferry-master took one look at the mortal and blocked her way with his oar.

“You still draw breath. Now is not your time.” He said roughly. “Return to the world of light from whence you came.”

“What?” The confused unicorn asked before Grey stepped in.

“I am certain that you can make an exception, oh Keen-Eyed one.” The Dread Lord said in Khthonic, much to the mortals’ discomfort. “You have done so before.”

“How do you- Nine Hells!” The rickety fiend reeled back in surprise as he recognized his Lord. “So my brother was not playing me for a fool!”

“You know what they say: Bad news has wings.” The animus said plainly. “Now, while I would like stay and talk, my companions and I need to get across to Asphodel.”

“Yes, of course, my Lord.” The daemon raised his oar. “You and your mortal plaything can cross.”

“That includes the shape-shifters and unicorn shade behind me.” Grey gestured to said swarm and soul.

“Oh, break my other leg, why don’t you?” The lame creature grumbled in the mortal tongue. “Fine, welcome aboard.”

The salty captain stood to the side and allowed Grey’s group to pass. The deck of the ferry was in better shape than the rest of the ship but it was beginning to get crowded. A few more shades joined the rest before the miser abruptly slammed shut his chest and shooed off the few souls that remained on the dock with his oar.

“That’s all I can carry for now.” The ferryman said bluntly as he limped up the ramp and pulled it in. “I’ll be back later.”

The fiend took his position at the stern and stamped his oar down with a solid thunk. Below deck, the unseen rowers began to move the ancient ship out of the harbor and into the deeper parts of the briny river, leaving the forests of Erebos behind. The ferry slid his oar into a slot on the tail end of this ship and used it to guide his craft through the mighty waters of the Underworld. The Hidden One leaned against a railing and looked out into the darkness of his domain.

“These briny waters eventually feed into the black depths of the River of Hatred.” The Dread Lord recalled. “Beyond that lies Asphodel and Barathrum; my realm and seat of power. I’m so close now I can almost feel it!”