Princess Celestia sat ill at ease in her cushy throne. Her steadfast guards all stood at ridged attention as if anticipating some sort of attack. She could not blame them. Little more than a few weeks ago, every ward set up to warn Equestria of invasion from Tartarus had gone off at once. It was one of her worst fears come to life; a full scale break out from the Infernal Prison that would all but spell doomsday for her little ponies. The moment she heard the news, she and her fellow Princesses set their prepared plans in motion. The Solar and Night Guard were mobilized to defend major population centers and get the ponies living in outlying and rural areas to these strongholds. The Solarii and Umbral Thestrals were summoned and dispatched to every known entrance to Tartarus to head off the coming invasion. Princess Sparkle, her friends and their families were brought to Canterlot in preparation for the return of banished villains such as Tirek that would surely seek revenge. Word was sent to neighboring nations such as Gryphondom and the Zebra Tribes to prepare their own defenses and to request aid if needed. Once that had been done, the world braced and waited for the coming apocalypse.

“I did not foresee what would come next.” The alabaster mare thought bitterly.

Just as suddenly as the wards screamed out their warnings, they were silenced. A preternatural sense of dread then fell over the land as if something terrible was about to happen. It was all the defenders of Equestria could do to prevent a full-blown panic and collapse of order. Fortunately, this moment of dread was relatively short-lived but it left Equestria on edge. It was thought that this was the opening salvo of the demonic horde; a ploy to soften the world up for the advancing legions of the damned. The defenders steadied themselves, ready for the devils to appear any minute. Minutes turned to hours then to days.

“Nothing happened.” Celestia could still hardly believe it.

Slowly and ever so cautiously, Equestria had lowered its defenses. Scouts were deployed to look for any sign of invasion. When they found none, guards combed through the areas surrounding the cities in case it was a trick to lure them out of their strongholds. Again, they found nothing. It was not until they searched the wilderness that they found the source of their troubles.

"At least it was far from any population center." The Alicorn of the Sun mused.

A stretch of the Everfree in the shadow of Foal Mountain had been reduced to a wasteland. The scouts reported that the area appeared to have been gutted by fire and devastated by earthquakes with a stalled cloudbank that defied the pegasi casting a gloom over the desolation. A more thorough investigation revealed that the husk of trees and corpses of animals had been twisted into horrific forms. At the center of the devastation was a massive fissure that seemed to reach into the depths. It was here that the scouts encountered the demons.

"But an invasion it was not." The Princess of the Day was thankful for that small relief.

The scouts did not confront the hellions initially as they were underequipped for battle and were facing a foe of unknown strength. Instead, they sent word to the Guard and established a perimeter around the area to make sure the fiends were contained. A task force of Solarii and Umbrals were immediately dispatched to do battle with the demons. According to the commanders of both elites, the demons were unorganized, relatively few in number and seemingly terrified before they even arrived. The battle was more of a slaughter but no chances could be taken when it came to the denizens of Tartarus.

"At least it appears to be just demons." Celestia thought. "No villains seeking revenge, yet."

With the area contained and no other breaches discovered, the lockdown was lifted and the civilians were allowed to return to their lives. The Umbrals were recalled while a moderate force of Solarii remained in Canterlot just in case. Patrols of Solar and Night Guard were increased across the nation but it appeared the crisis had passed. In the wake of these events, the scholarly and inquisitive, not the least of which was Princess Sparkle, came out of the woodwork seeking answers. Under the close supervision and protection of the guards, the investigators were allowed to study the desolation.

"I want answers almost as much as them." The Solar Alicorn slumped slightly in her throne. "But I am wary of digging too deep. We already know Tartarus is somewhere on the other side of this."

The doors opening and her young page trotting in interrupted her thoughts. The nervous colt bowed before half of the diarchy before he had his announcement.

“Princess of Magic Twilight Sparkle and Captain Flash Sentry of the Solar Guard have returned.” He said in a shaky voice.

“Thank you, page.” Celestia managed to use a motherly tone despite their current predicament. “Send them in.”

The colt bowed once more and backed out of the room. A few moments later, the newest Alicorn of Equestria and the newly minted pegasus captain trotted in with helm underwing. The pair stopped short of the throne and knelt.

“Welcome back, Twilight. Captain Sentry.” The Alicorn had to fight the habit of saying ‘Armor’ as she nodded to each in turn. “I trust the day finds you well.”

"It does, Princess." The purple mare said brightly. "We just got back from ground zero of the tartarusian breach."

"The troops and investigators have taken to just calling the area 'The Breach'." The orange stallion added as the studious Alicorn unpacked her veritable tome of notes from her saddlebags. "Certainly better than 'big expletive-ing crack'."

"I've noticed." Celestia nodded as she noticed the distinctive pale dust on their hooves. "I take it you have completed your investigation."

"For now." The Princess of Magic answered as she passed a few things to Sentry. "I have a full report written up right here."

"Just... just give me the broad strokes, please." The alabaster Alicorn fought to keep her smile in place as said report nearly crushed the pegasus under its considerable bulk. "I will ask for details as I need them."

"Oh, very well." Sparkle deflated somewhat as she retrieved a much smaller set of notes. "Well, in short, 'The Breach' may have been caused by a great power attempting to reach the surface from Tartarus itself! He, she, it or they achieved partial success resulting in the egress of several varieties of demons and the corruption of the surrounding area."

"Said area was then sterilized by a blast of anti-magic." Sentry chimed in. "The place is a mess of wild magic trying to reestablish itself like the Revenant Isles in the Frozen North."

"Do we know what tried to break out of Tartarus?" The Solar Alicorn asked as she steepled her hooves in front of her muzzle.

"We don't know for certain." The younger Alicorn's ears flattened against her head. "Any magical indicators would have been wiped by the anti-magic and we could not get anything from the demons. If only we could have captured one alive..."

"Absolutely not!" Celestia said sternly. "No amount of information is worth the risk!"

"All the same, the demons we encountered seemed panicked so I doubt we would have gotten anything useful." The new Captain of the Guard said more to comfort a crestfallen Sparkle. "But that does lead to something interesting."

"Oh, yes!" The bookish pony instantly perked up. "While we were there, the guards reported strange sightings. Captain Sentry? If you please?"

The pegasus nodded as he rooted around in the pile of books and papers. He eventually emerged with a series of sketches in his mouth and wings. Celestia took the pictures in her magic and held them in front of her. The quality varied between sketches as if more than one equine contributed but they generally depicted winged, upright creatures armed with weapons ranging from whips and swords to scythes and polearms.

"What manner of monsters are these?" The eldest Princess asked.

"I do not know, yet." Sparkle admitted. "I will have to investigate further but they do not appear to be denizens of Tartarus."

"Oh?" Celestia arched an eyebrow.

"Anypony who saw them reported that they fled as soon as they were spotted." Sentry explained. "A few guards tried to pursue but all they found were dead demons; these beasts were hunting fiends but leaving us alone."

“Very interesting, indeed.” Celestia mused to herself as she reviewed the almost alien sketches.

"Princess? I have a theory." The academic Alicorn said seriously. "It is mostly speculation, however."

"I trust your intuition, Twilight." The Solar Princess said gently. "I'm all ears."

"Either a cabal of demons or one particularly powerful inmate tried to break out of Tartarus, as we described earlier." Sparkle began carefully. "Now initially we thought they had botched the spell, ritual or whatever they were using to escape but now I think something stopped them."

"The demon hunters?" The diurnal Diarch inferred.

"Possibly." The younger Alicorn shook her head noncommittally. "They could very well be but one part of a larger faction of either some hitherto unknown wardens or rivals within Tartarus."

"I hope it's the former." Sentry said with a shiver. "Either way, the Breach and... Antiwave, I guess, could have been the aftershocks of this underground war."

"A civil war within Tartarus." Celestia batted the idea around her head for a bit. "I do not see why not."

“A sound theory, Twilight.” The Solar Princess said thoughtfully.

"Thank you." Her former pupil beamed. "But I can't take all the credit. The Captain here was invaluable in my research."

"You honor me, Princess." The orange pegasus said formally despite the fact he was now blushing furiously.

"You have both done well." The Alicorn of the Sun smiled like a proud parent. "Still, whether there has been a regime change in the Infernal Pits or not, we must be on our guard. Is there anypony still at the Breach?"

"Besides the guards, there were a few researchers still there when we left." Sparkle answered as she began repacking her bags. "They wanted to study the effects of tartarusian magic on the local flora and fauna firsthoof."

"I see." Celestia frowned slightly. "Captain Sentry, make sure they get home by sundown whether they've finished or not. The Everfree is dangerous enough in the day."

“As you command, your highness.” Captain Sentry bowed and turned to exit the throne room. "Good day, Princess Sparkle."

"Stay safe, Captain Sentry." The lavender Alicorn held his gaze for a few moments before he politely excused himself.

"I wonder which one of them is going to make the first move." The alabaster Alicorn hid a mischevious smirk behind her hooves.

"You two seem to work well together." Celestia said innocently as she slid out of her throne and trotted over to a window overlooking her nation.

"You should have seen him at the Breach." Sparkle smiled as she joined her former mentor. "You would have thought assassins were hiding in every shadow rather than a few displaced hellions."

The two shared a laugh as they looked out over their home. Celestia's sun bathed the land in its golden glow and wispy clouds dotted the otherwise clear blue sky. It was a beautiful day that belied the climate of fear that had settled over their little ponies much like the gloomy cloudbank over the Breach. The chime of a teleport spell and the sharp gasp from some of the guards announced the arrival of the other half of the Diarchy.

“Good afternoon, sister. Sparkle.” Luna greeted in a tired voice. “All is well in the land, I trust.”

“It is, Lulu, all things considered.” The elder sister turned and embraced her nocturnal counterpart. “Have your thestrals uncovered anything new during their nightly patrols?”

“Just bandit camps, a burnt out caravan and a few curfew breakers.” The navy Alicorn reported with a sigh. “They also found a changeling hive in a warded cave near Hollow Shades. It was dried out and abandoned with no sign of violence.”

“One of the Swarm Queen’s old haunts, I'd imagine.” The youngest Princess mused aloud. “What about the Dreamworld? Have you found out anything there?”

“About what you would expect.” The dream strider rubbed a temple as she joined her counterparts at the window. “Horrible nightmares plague our citizens. I try to help them where I can but I think the only way to assuage their fears is to provide answers to this great enigma. Answers that we do not have.”

“We just might.” Celestia turned away from the window and trotted back to her throne with her youngers close behind. "Twilight has proposed a theory."

"Have you now?" Luna arched an eyebrow at the Princess of Magic. "Pray tell."

"I think there may have been a power struggle within Tartarus." Sparkle surmised. "What we felt were the results of that battle."

“That sounds…out there.” The Princess of the Night said skeptically. “It would be better if we could point to someone or something specific like the Marked Legions or Sombra.”

"Well, there are these." The purple Alicorn produced the sketches of the demon hunters and presented them to the navy Diarch. "These creatures were-!"

"WE KNOW THIS KNAVE!!" Luna shouted suddenly as she focused in on one picture in particular. "Doth this loathsome cur haunt the world once more?!"

"Which one?" Celestia paused with one hoof on her throne as her sister took a moment to compose herself.

"The one with four wings and a scythe." Sparkle answered as he showed the sketch to the Solar Princess. "According to the guards, it slew demons quickly and efficiently, unlike the others who seemed to torment their prey first."

"Then these many centuries have not dulled its lethal skill." The Lunar Alicorn seethed with righteous fury. "Sister, this is the same assassin that stalked Our night in the years following the Long Winter."

"I thought you defeated that creature." The alabaster Alicorn rejoined the others and looked down at the imposing figure.

"If the accounts of the guards are credible, then it has returned as so many of our enemies often do." Luna nickered in ill-temper.

"At least it's hunting demons rather than innocent ponies." The Princess of Magic offered helpfully. "You called it an assassin. Perhaps it has found a more noble employer."

"That would lend credence to your theory, Twilight." Celestia rubbed her chin in thought. "Huh. A game was played and for once we were neither the players nor the pawns."

"As far as we know." Luna huffed as she returned the picture to Sparkle. "Is this what we are going to feed to the papers? They have been scratching at the doors for a story."

“We have to tell our little ponies something.” The Alicorn of the Day sighed, her mind turning back to the wellbeing of her subjects. “Until we find out more, it is the best we got.”

A reflective silence followed. None of the Alicorns liked the idea of feeding their frightened subjects half-truths nor speculation but the alterative was telling them nothing. It would not take long for the rumor mill to grind up their fears and churn out something horrible to fill the void of information.

“Very well then.” The nocturnal Princess said finally. “A public address should suffice.”

“We should do it together.” Celestia said kindly. “It has been too long since you have made a public appearance, sister.”

“Are you sure that is wise?” The younger sister said apprehensively. “I am not exactly a paragon of hope and inspiration these days.”

“You don’t have to be.” Sparkle chimed in. “They just need to see that they are being watched over during the brightest day and darkest night.”

Luna wanted to argue further but knew that her counterparts would not budge on the issue. She sighed deeply and simply nodded her agreement. Sensing her sister’s reluctance, the Princess of the Day lay a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.

“We will overcome this, Lulu.” She said softly. “Like we have countless times before.”

Her navy sister wished she shared her optimism. Not that she doubted their power to resolve the current crisis but the younger Alicorn could not banish the feeling that they had missed something; something that they should have known about. Almost as if someone had hidden it from them like Discord hiding the last piece of cake from Celestia only far more sinister. Luna decided to worry about it later. If something was working in the shadows, then she would flush it out as per her duty as Princess of the Night.

"Not like she will do anything." A venomous voice whispered in the back of her mind. "She'll just sit on her throne and let the super nerd over there do all the work."

“Of course.” Luna said plainly, ignoring the vile thought. “Thank you, Celly.”

“Anytime, Lulu.” Celestia gave her only sister a comforting embrace. “Anytime.”

"Fascinating." A unicorn researcher mused aloud as he examined the half disintegrated corpse of a bear. "Introducing hellish energy to the common brown bear nearly doubles its size and strength and elongates its teeth and claws. Oh, to have encountered one that was alive."

"We would probably not be having this conversation." A pegasus guardstallion said critically. "Are we almost done? Captain Sentry's order were-!"

"I know, I know. Be back before dark." The investigator sighed. "Just let me collect a few samples to take to base camp."

"Make it quick." The guard insisted as he tapped the flickering lantern at his hooves. "All the anti-magic in the air is messing with the glow crystals."

His charge went about carefully dissecting and collecting bits of the dubbed 'hellbear'. As he did so, something shifted in the gloom nearby. Both equines immediately went on alert and scanned the area only to relax when a charcoal grey guardsmare trotted forward with her horn aglow.

"By the Sun, you nearly gave us a heart attack, Lorica!" The pegasus made a show of placing his hoof over his chest and gasping. "Whistle next time or something."

"I thought you would see my light, Sky Hook." The mare pointed to her horn which flickered. "I guess it's hard to see in this gloom. Anyway, the curfew has just gone in effect. The Captain sent me to get you and Beaker over there."

"Just a few more seconds..." The studious stallion muttered as he amputated a paw from the tainted beast and sealed it in a container. "There! Okay, let's go."

The trio gathered up the collected samples with Hook carrying the bulk and began the somewhat lengthy trek back to the safe zone. Along the way, the sounds of a struggle reached their ears. They scanned the wasteland for movement and saw an eviscerated demon drop out of the treetops. The equines looked up just in time to see a winged creature disappear into the encroaching darkness with a mischievous giggle.

"One of the hunters!" Beaker dropped his samples and galloped after the elusive beast. "I think that's the large-breasted one! I might be able to catch it!"

"Damn it, Beaker!" The pegasus growled as he hurried to unburden himself. "I'll be right back."

Lorica decided to stay put to act as a guide through the mire for the stallions when they returned. She increased the brightness of her horn to stave off the night for a bit longer but could do nothing about the flickering. The guardsmare occupied herself by reorganizing the various samples until the scent of brimstone reached her nose.

"What do we have here?" A harsh voice choked with ash whispered from all around her. "A unicorn in her prime? Perfect!"

"Who goes there?" The unicorn shouted as she assumed a combat stance. "Show yoursel-AH!"

Something wrapped around her hindlegs and yanked them out from under her. The guardsmare fired off bolts at her unseen attacker as she was dragged off the path into the dead forest. She tried to call for help only for a tenebrous limb to slap over her muzzle. Looming above her was a creature of shifting shadows flecked with glowing cinders akin to the infamous Lurker of the Frozen North. The fiend leaned down and locked crimson and gold eyes with the terrified unicorn.

"Don't struggle, my little pony." The monster whispered in some sick parody of gentleness. "It will only make it hurt more."

The beast suddenly melted into a flowing ooze that enveloped the helpless guard. Lorica could only let out a muted gurgle as the tangible malevolence washed over and into her. The mare's magic winked out as her world became one of churning, writhing torment. If there was any reprieve for the unicorn, it was that something was pulling her away from the hellish pain into a cold but welcomed embrace. Before she slipped into oblivion, the guardsmare silently hoped that Hook or Beaker would notice something was wrong with her.

"Gah!" The mare's eyes snapped opened and she sat bolt upright. "Fires below, I had forgotten how that feels."

The unicorn got to all fours and took a close look at her dust-caked form. Her armor creaked as her body filled out to accommodate its new host, subtly and slowly turning an already fit equine into something greater. A cruel smile crept across the mare's face as she took in a deep breath and exhaled a cloud of ash.

"Lorica!" The pegasus' voice called out. "Did a ghoulie grab you?"

"Over- *cough* -over here!" The unicorn cleared her throat of dust and ignited her horn in a strobe.

"There you are." Hook appeared on the path along with Beaker now sporting a black eye. "Stars above, what happened to you?"

"A demon jumped me." Lorica answered as she approached them. "Nothing one of Equestria's finest can't handle."

"Damn right." The pegasus grinned cheekily. "Come on. Let's get out of this dump."

The three reunited and resumed their trek back to safety. Several times, Beaker tried to conjure an excuse to stay a bit longer but a stern glare from both guards convinced him otherwise. As the lights of their camp came into view, the pegasus took notice of the mare trotting in front of him.

"Lorica? Forgive me for noticing but I think you need to get your armor refitted." Hook said politely. "It looks pretty tight."

"I haven't noticed." The mare said easily as she rolled her shoulders and inadvertently popped one of the straps. "But I did notice Beaker's eye. What happened there?"

"I ran into a tree." The researched said sheepishly.

"Poor colt had his eye on the prize instead of the road." The guardstallion patted the younger equine on the back. "Don't feel too bad. It's hard enough galloping through the woods at night, nevermind while chasing after some top-heavy goth thing."

"These past few days have felt like galloping in the dark." The investigator sighed. "So many questions and we have to shift through mud and dust to find answers."

"Take heart in the fact that a new day will soon be breaking over Equestria." Lorica said as her eyes flashed gold. "And all truths will be revealed."

While a phantom menace manifested on Equus, another phantasmal entity watched the plight of the world with malicious delight. The primal fear of the unknown in the mortal creatures paired deliciously with the helplessness of their supposed divine protectors. Such a state of affairs brought reminded the timeless malevolence of halcyon days when the mortal races were under its heel and its kind reigned supreme.

“Muh huh huh huh! Marvelous!” The dark presence laughed regally. “Simply marvelous! Would you not agree, apostle?”

“We have not seen such exquisite terror in their faces since we first graced the world with my presence.” Nightmare Moon concurred with her benefactor from the darker corners of the unsuspecting Luna’s mind. “If only they knew that the cause of their terror had just saved their pathetic lives from the wrath of Tartarus.”

“Indeed.” The otherworldly entity agreed. “One might say that the Hidden One, with some help from us of course, has done more for Equestria than that self-righteous Sun Princess has done in a millennium.”

“And all from the shadows with none the wiser.” A third ethereal voice joined their discussion from the void of the Dream Realm. “Truly, the pale stallion lives up to his name.”

“Ah, Tantibus, welcome.” The equestrian usurper greeted her minion. “I imagine you have feasted well these past few days.”

“Your deluded shell will not be able to vanquish me so easily now.” The soporific parasite said deviously.

“Excellent.” The malevolent presence said smoothly. “We will need that strength for what is to come.”

“Finally.” Moon said with an edge of impatience in her disembodied voice. “We grow tired of watching this foal wallow in Celestia’s shadow.”

“All in good time, my apostle.” The presence said calmly. “The Hidden One securing the Sunless Lands was a major milestone in the grand plan but there is still much to be done.”

“How can I be of assistance?” Tantibus asked eagerly.

“Continue to despoil the dreams of the mortal races, living nightmare.” The fell entity instructed. “Fear is one of the greatest weapons we have.”

“Their resolve I will shatter.” The ethereal dream-stalker proclaimed darkly. “Their dreams of peace, I will destroy.”

“We envy you.” The usurper said enviously. “There is little I can do within the confines of Luna’s mind other than scratch at the walls.”

“What you are doing now is vital, apostle.” The dark presence said seriously. “Ignorant though she may be, Luna is a key component to our designs. Plus I am certain you have noticed that those walls are weakening.”

“Mmm, yes indeed.” Moon hummed slyly as she recalled her brief period of freedom during her lesser half’s rendezvous with Grey. “She should visit his dreams more often.”

“Could we not request the Hidden One’s talents now that he has accomplished his goals?” Tantibus suggested.

“Not at this time.” The sinister being said dismissively. “He will be occupied with rebuilding the Underworld for some time.”

“Pity.” The dark side of Luna sounded disappointed. “We could do so much together.”

The trio fell silent as they looked back out over the world of mortals, taking sadistic glee in their terror. Wicked thoughts of escape and sweet vengeance ran through their sinister minds. Theirs was a plan over a thousand years in the making. Now, with the success of their silent partner, they were that much closer to realizing their diabolical goals.

Deep beneath the earth, far from the troubles of the Overworld, all was calm in the Sunless Lands of the Dead. Shades drifted to and fro in ignorant bliss within the Necropolis. Officers of the Undying Order drilled new initiates in the ways of combat. A batch of changelings led by Princess Elytra flew to Elysium to feed while Marshal Armor and Queen Chrysalis watched with the latter’s head resting on the former’s shoulder lovingly. Technicolor lights flashed erratically within the ensorcelled tower, illuminating the lone figure of Archmage Lulamoon as she explored the great mysteries of magic with wild abandon. Within the onyx walls of Barathrum, Telkhine waddled down the halls with his arms full of tomes and scrolls. His Stygian Sovereign had requested the items from the archive for some unknown purpose. The toady came before the doors to the throne room guarded by the ever vigilant giganties.

“Our master wants these.” The benthic minion told one of the guards minding the entryway. “If you would be so kind...”

The armored sentinels grunted in affirmation and opened the door wide enough for the small creature to slip through. The alchemist slowed his pace as he entered the presence of the Dark Lord on his Immortal Throne. The pale horse was currently speaking his agent in Tartarus through a fiery window. He thought it best if he did not interrupt.

“…to be some sort of miser.” Baron Grogar reported on new developments in the Nine Hells. “He’s set up shop in the Soul Forge already.”

“The makhai have cleared out all of the Soul Smith's notes and schematics so I do not foresee him causing any trouble.” The Theoi said neutrally. “What of Tirek? Has he settled into his new role?”

“See for yourself.” The ram said as he turned away to reveal a passed out centaur surrounded by giggling succubi. “He's in for the mother of all headaches when he wakes up. I don't plan to be here when he does.”

“I see.” The caliginous King stroked the stubble on his chin thoughtfully. “Thank you, Baron Grogar. Update me should anything change.”

“As you wish, my Lord.” The Black Baron bowed his head as the image dissolved into static.

Telkhine held his tongue until his master noticed him. The monochrome monarch motioned for him to approach as he tuned the fiery window to another channel. The fire shifted from a hellish red to a Khthonic black as the grim countenance of the Hand of Death filled the screen.

"Hidden One." The reaper bowed his head in greeting. "Allow me to land first... Now, what do you require?"

"A status update." The pallid pony answered plainly. "How goes the hunt?"

"Bountiful." The daemon replied as he revealed a substantial harvest of demonic essence. "Between the Erinyes and I, the last should be returned to Tartarus by month's end. Even the mortals have claimed a tally of the slaves of doom."

"Excellent." The Overlord allowed a small smile. "What of the Fractured Animus?"

"Unfortunately, it has eluded us." The Hand of Death reported with a clear hint of frustration in his voice. "Alekto suspects the fiend expended most if not all of its power when it escaped and has gone to ground. We may not pick up its trail again until it makes a move."

"Disappointing." The Overlord shared his friend's displeasure. "Hmm, this would be easier if we did not have to worry about attracting Equestria's attention but I would focus around the city of Canterlot."

"As you command but may I ask why?" The daemon cocked his head to the side quizzically.

"A lost soul will seek to return home." The Lord of Shades said knowingly. "It is what I did."

"Very well then." The Grim Reaper nodded in understanding. "I have to go now. Tisiphone is playing hard to get with the mortals again."

The window faded back to static and disappeared completely as the communication enchantment was dissipated. Now that his master was off-call, Telkhine waddled toward the throne and deposited the trove of knowledge at the King’s hooves.

“I apologize for that, Telkhine.” The Lord of Shades said as he picked up a tome and flipped through a few pages. “I trust you were able to find everything.”

“Of course, master.” The toady smiled beneath his hood.

The Necroarch quickly delved into his enigmatic research like an old hobby. He bookmarked things he deemed important and made notes to compare later. This went on for a few minutes before he realized the alchemist was still standing in front of him.

“That was all for now.” The Theoi said thankfully. “I am sure Archmage Lulamoon could use your assistance.”

“Certainly.” The toady nodded. “But before I go, I have a question.”

“Ask and I shall answer.” The Dark Lord said as he went back to his research.

“Well, a few of the other daemons including myself are wondering…where do we go from here?” The minion asked as respectfully as possible. “I am sure I do not need to remind you that as the eldest son of the Lord of the Cosmos, you have a legitimate claim to the realms of your brothers.”

The Theoi looked back up at Telkhine with an unreadable expression. He had considered that very fact many times while he was drifting through the Void. His kin had guarded their respective realms jealously and rebuked any attempt to infringe on their authority. With them gone and no legitimate heirs to their thrones that he knew of, however, the opportunity for expansion was ripe. He certainly possessed the power and force of arms to do so, if he desired.

“I am well aware of that, Telkhine.” The Overlord of the Underworld said coolly. “But we need to focus on restoring the Underworld first. Bringing Tartarus to heel was just the first step.”

“Then the next step would be?” The eager toady inquired.

“Reuniting the Khthonic Pantheon.” The head of said pantheon answered. “Starting with the Lord and Lady of Erebos.”

“The Lord of Darkness and the Lady of the Stars, yes.” The alchemist clapped his webbed hands together happily. “You have leads on their whereabouts?”

“I believe I do.” The Lord of Shades picked up one of the scrolls and unfurled it, revealing a map. “And they all begin here.”

The minion came around to his master’s side to take a look. The map was of Equestria with various landmarks and other points of interest circled. He had written notes beside each mark detailing what could be found there along with references. The Silent King pointed with his bident to one in the very middle of the nation of equines; a lone mountain dominating the surrounding countryside with a city of stone and gold built into its side.

Canterlot.

Author's Notes:

Whew! Finished.

Many thanks to everyone who has read this story and the one before. You make it all worth it.