The Heroines and Princesses of Equestria stood before the yawning entrance to the depths of the earth. They had just finished a quick meal and recovered their strength for the next leg of their journey. However, as they looked into the quiet earth, they could not shake the feeling of foreboding. It was like some invisible entity was urging them to turn back.

“I’ve got a bad feelin’ ‘bout this tunnel, Twi.” Applejack said cautiously as she looked at the two looming statues flanking the entrance to the underground. “Doesn’t feel natural.”

“It looks like it was dug out by the same things that built this shrine.” The studious Alicorn surmised. “It could lead to a system of catacombs, a burial crypt or…”

“We will not know until we venture into the depths.” Princess Luna urged them onward impatiently.

“What’s the big rush, Princess?” Pinkie asked in her usual carefree manner. “If Trixie is down there, then we have her trapped.”

“From this side.” The Princess of the Night countered with a withering glare. “We do not know if this is part of a larger complex of caverns and caves. There could be dozens of other entrances for the witch to use.”

“She’s right.” Rainbow Dash concurred. “We can’t be too far behind her now.”

“Agreed.” Sparkle nodded. “But before we go, there is something I need to do first.”

The lavender Alicorn ignited her horn and concentrated. A stream of magic shot out of her horn like a fountain and spread out a short distance above her head. The shimmering field then curved downward and closed over the group like a dome. Sparkle stood stock-still as she made sure her barrier was stable. Once she was satisfied, she trotted forward a bit to see that the dome moved with her.

“The last time I ventured underground, I nearly collapsed from exhaustion. There is something about the depths that saps the energy out of equines.” The academic Alicorn explained. “This is a modified version of the barrier I casted over Canterlot; it should protect us as long as we stay within it.”

“Here’s hoping it holds up better than the last one.” The prismatic pegasus muttered as she tapped a hoof against the translucent dome.

“Now I will have to focus on this shield as we move through the underground.” Sparkle added. “Rarity, you will have to provide illumination.”

“Of course, darling.” The pearl unicorn did not hesitate as she flared up her own horn. “I shall light the way.”

With that, the group entered the dark tunnel following the trail of hoofprints left by their targets. Their descent was scored by the echoing clip clop of hooves on stone and the steamy sizzle of water dripping onto the barrier from stalactites hanging from the ceiling like salivating fangs. While the six friends instinctively trotted closer together, Princess Luna trailed a little behind as her attention was otherwise occupied.

“Every moment I spend with these foals is maddening.” Nightmare Moon thought bitterly.

“You just have to tolerate their existence a little bit longer, my apostle.” The ever-spectating Lady of the Stars said candidly.

“Easy for you to say.” The dark Usurper mentally grumbled. “You don’t have to deal with Pie’s infernal chatter.”

Indeed, the Element Bearer of Laughter had reignited a debate over what to call a new desert she had invented that involved mashed cherries and a deep fried piece of flatbread. Having already heard this conundrum, Rarity visibly set her teeth on edge as she tried to drown out her talkative friend with thoughts of fashion. The rest did not have such a luxury.

“Chimicherry or cherrychanga?” The pink party pony asked aloud. “The first works because it sounds like ‘chimichurri’ which is a sauce and I use cherry sauce but the second sounds like ‘chimichanga’ which is what I based this dessert on.”

“Why does she not just call it a cherry chimichanga?” Luna whispered to Dash. “It tells the potential consumer exactly what it is and she can spare us this inane prattle.”

“Pinkie likes her word play.” The weather mare whispered back. “And I’ll admit it can be a bit annoying but watching her have a breakthrough is a sight to behold.”

“Chimi-cherry-changa…” Right on cue, the baker reached an internal consensus that caused her to grin like a filly in a candy store. “That’s it!”

Pinkie leapt into the air in excitement. Her celebration was short lived, however, as she came back down and sank a few inches into the ground with a dry crunch and sickening squelching sound. Rarity turned around to shine her light on her friend, revealing that she had stepped through the crust of some organic growth whose still moist interior held the same consistency as mucus. The earth pony slowly raised a hoof to extract herself only for the greenish ooze to cling to her like slime.

“Ew, EW, EW!” The prim and proper mare back away from the mess as far as Sparkle’s barrier would allow.

“Heh. This is gross.” Pinkie laughed nervously as she watched the viscous substance begin to harden with exposure to the air. “Could one of you please pull me out?”

“Hang on, sugercube, I gotcha.” Applejack said calmly as she yanked her friend free with some effort with her forelegs. “Huh. This gunk looks a lot like what that bug-pony used when she attacked Canterlot.”

“Chrysalis, yes.” Sparkle nodded as she looked around to find that the tunnel had given way to a cavern covered with the changeling growth. “I noticed this stuff around the outside of the shrine. We must be in the hive proper now.”

The group fell silent as they watched and listened for any sign of the hive’s owners. Only the ambient sounds of the underground and the occasional crumbling of chitin met their ears.

“Hmm. Either the changelings have gone dormant or this hive is abandoned.” The youngest Alicorn said quietly. “Given the state of the hive, I’d go with the latter.”

“I certainly hope so.” Rarity huffed having recovered from her earlier revulsion. “We have enough villains involved already.”

Taking care not to trot into another weak spot like Pinkie, the group continued through the hive. The further they went, the more Sparkle’s theory that the place was abandoned seemed likely; the growth was disintegrating all around them, exposing the pale rock underneath. By the time they pushed through a solidified curtain of membrane into what was once the heart of the hive, it was clear that the changelings had cleared out long ago.

“I guess that is where the queen used to sit.” Fluttershy said as she pointed to a withered throne in the center of the domed room that had fallen over from decay.

“And fed.” Applejack added as she looked around at the ossified pods attached to the walls and ceiling. “Mercy, ah hope nopony is still trapped in those things.”

“I suggest we don’t dawdle.” A clearly disturbed Rarity said as she shone her light on the trail that lead past the crumbling throne and deeper into the cavern. “Lulamoon certainly didn’t.”

“I guess even thieving witches have standards.” Dash scoffed as they headed down another tunnel. “Can’t say I would argue; this place is creepy.”

As the magical light faded from the heart of the hive, a pair of insectoid eyes watched the interlopers from the cover of a crevice in the ceiling. Silent as a shadow, the changeling drone crawled out of its hiding place and skittered after them. Unaware of their lurking follower, the group continued down the passage until the soft crunching of dried changeling chitin under hoof was replaced by once more by the clip-clop of hooves on stone.

“How far did Trixie go?” Applejack wondered aloud. “That energy sappin’ you mentioned has to kick in at some point.”

“It is right now.” Sparkle said as her barrier shimmered and sparked against some unseen force. “If Trixie has gone this far, she or one of her cohorts must have a way of warding off the effect.”

“Do you have any idea what causes it?” Rarity asked with a worried glance at her own magic.

“Only a few theories with little in the way of evidence to support them.” The scholarly Alicorn answered. “The popular ones are that magic simply does not permeate this far into the underground or some ancient entity cursed the depths for unknown reasons.”

“Or we are nearing an entirely different world that has its own rules on these matters.” Moon thought with a roll of her eyes. “But I suppose you are about to discover that for yourself.”

“Holy guacamole!” Pinkie exclaimed as they reached the terminus of the passageway. “Look at that!”

The tunnel they were in opened up like a funnel before ending in a massive wall that stretched from the floor to the ceiling far above. Set in this imposing bulwark of cyclopean onyx bricks was a great gate of solid cold iron, runes of dark origin engraved all along the frame while the center panel depicted a robed and dour figure standing over a host of ghastly creatures. Scattered on the dusty floor before the portal were the skeletal remains of diamond dogs, their rusted hammers and dull picks still clutched in their bony paws.

“Oh dear.” Rarity shook her head sadly at the sight despite her history with the greedy gem hounds. “Poor mutts must have not known about the energy drain.”

“I’m starting to think that curse theory you mentioned might be right, Twi.” Dash said as she hovered in front of the central figure. “Think tall, dark and spooky here is your ‘ancient entity’?”

“That is not just some ancient entity, Dash.” Sparkle said in a mix of awe and dread. “That is the Silent King of the Dead!”

“The what king of what?” The weather mare gave her friend a perplexed look.

“One of the old gods equines used to worship before the Princesses established Equestria. I recognize his likeness from one of the books on pre-Equestrian customs.” The lavender Alicorn explained as she trotted closer toward the imposing edifice. “You see these black stones? They are even older than the ruins outside. And this iron work? It was only used in shrines and temples devoted to the gods associated with death, darkness and the like. But…”

The Princess of Magic trailed off as she met the cold gaze of the cold iron figure. While it was inanimate, she could not help but feel as if it was watching her.

“…he is just a myth.” She said in a manner that suggested she was trying to convince herself of that. “A relic of a bygone age born out of fear and superstition.”

“And Discord was just a ridiculous statue and I was just an old nag’s tale to frighten foals.” Luna said in a spectacularly condescending deadpan. “Honestly, Sparkle, nothing should surprise you anymore.”

“You had a slip of the tongue, apostle.” The malevolent presence chastised. “You said ‘I’ rather than ‘Nightmare Moon’. Your vessel made the effort to keep you two as separate entities.”

“A delusion she can no longer deny.” The corrupted Princess thought imperiously. “And I would not worry. These foals are too preoccupied with their snipe hunt to notice.”

“Well, myth or not, that didn’t stop Trixie from going through this door.” Applejack refocused them on their mission. “So there has to be somethin’ on the other side.”

The orange apple farmer pointed to the ground where the hoof prints they had been following continued through the gate. She sized up the door for a moment before she turned around and took aim with her powerful hind legs.

“Stand back, y’all.” Applejack warned as she reared back.

“No, wait!” Sparkle attempted to stop her friend a split second too late.

*CLANG*

The resounding sound of hooves striking metal echoed about the cavern but the gates did not budge. Instead, Applejack collapsed into the dust as her back half went numb.

“Tarnation! That smarts!” The orange earth pony exclaimed past gritted teeth. “What the hay was that?!”

“Do you see those markings all along the border of the door?” The lavender Alicorn asked rhetorically as Fluttershy helped Applejack recover. “Those are potent anti-magic runes carved into cold forged iron. Combined, they are powerful enough to stop even earth pony magic.”

“And I thought we wouldn’t have to deal with that hoodoo after we beat Tirek.” Dash grumbled as she scanned the bulwark for any sign of a way in. “So if no magic can open this thing, how in Equestria did Trixie get past?”

“She might have had a key or some other way of unlocking it.” Rarity suggested. “But I do not see where a key would fit.”

“At this rate, they will meet the same end as these diamond dogs.” Moon mentally sighed. “It probably only opens in the presence of the dead.”

“Hidden from mortal eyes, we reap a toll for our Master/ Dark and deep, we deliver these souls of the World.” The Lady of the Stars recited.

“What?” The corrupted Alicorn cocked her head to the side.

“That is what the runes say. It is part of the oath of the Psychopomps; what you might call reapers.” The Primordial clarified. “Say it in Khthonic and the way will open.”

“The password is on the door?” The Usurper suppressed a laugh. “I would have never guessed.”

“Muh huh huh. The benefit of an obscure language.” The Dark Lady tittered regally. “Now, mind your pronunciation…”

While the Element Bearers searched for a way to open the gate, Luna trotted forward and stood before the edifice. As her benefactor instructed, she began to recite the oath of the reapers as inscribed on the door. The unprepared friends were forced to cover their ears as the Khthonic syllables assaulted their senses. Even the corrupted Moon felt an unnatural chill creep down her spine as the dark words passed her lips. With one last alien utterance that left her mouth sore as if she had just gargled ice and rocks, the Princess of the Night finished the mantra and waited.

“Okay, what the flying fuck was that?!”Dash demanded once the sensation subsided.

“You were right in your summation, weather mare.” Luna responded in an even yet warning tone. “If no ‘Equestrian’ magic can open this door, then perhaps something distinctly non-Equestrian will.”

“Like a verbal spell; an incantation.” Sparkle deduced. “But most of that type of magic is either banned or lost to time. How did you know which one to use? How did Trixie, for that matter?”

“I have seen these dark runes before during Equestria’s formational years. They were often used by equally dark villains like occultists or worshippers of the King here.” The Diarch of the Moon answered with a wave at the dour figure on the gate. “As for how Lulamoon knew, it would not be the first time she has embraced the darker powers.”

“True.” The Alicorn of Magic admitted.

“Well, we would appreciate a warning next time.” Dash said in a more respectful tone. “But at least it looks like it’s working.”

The runic inscriptions shone with a negative light as small tremors shook the cavern. With a groan like a dying dragon, the ageless metal slowly opened inward until there was enough space for them to enter. None of the equines moved as they stared into the face of the unknown.

“Something tells me we have found something much bigger than any dragon or rogue unicorn.” Sparkle whispered as she doubled checked the status of her barrier. “Well, into the breach.”

Steeling herself, the academic Alicorn trotted forward pass the gates. Her friends hesitated for a moment before they too cross the threshold. Princess Luna allowed a sly smile the cross her lips as she brought up the rear. On the other side, both literally and figuratively, the adventurous group stood before a dark forest of gnarled trees with wraith-like leaves illuminated by hanging braziers of pale ghost lights.

“At last, the Sunless Lands of the Dead.” Moon thought excitedly as the gate close behind her with a hollow boom.

---

Within the quiet halls of Barathrum, before the Immortal Throne, the Theoi and his loyal servants watched the Equestrians’ progress. Through the eyes of the changeling drone via a window conjured by its Queen, they watched as the Lunar Alicorn opened the reaper’s gate. The Lord of Shades steepled his hooves and rested his muzzle against them as the gears in his head turned.

“You put the password on the door?” Grand Marshall Shining Armor asked his patron. “That seems rather careless, particularly for you.”

“If it is a language that only those on this side understand, it is more or less a moot point.” Archmage Trixie Lulamoon answered matter-of-factly. “That being said, Trixie is surprised that Princess Luna knew how to open that door.”

“I’m not.” The changeling matron scoffed as she cut off the clairvoyance spell after sending a mental command to her drone to return to the old nest before the Underworld drained the last of its energy. “The mare who became Nightmare Moon knowing a thing or two about dark power is not a great leap in logic.”

“Point taken.” Lulamoon nodded slightly in begrudging agreement.

“Well, I guess it was too much to hope the Element Bearers wouldn’t find us.” Armor sighed. “Are we still on for that ‘sacred hospitality’ plan or have you made alterations we should know about?”

The caliginous cleric did not answer immediately. His original plan was, as the Undying had said, to treat the surface dwellers to his brand of hospitality, let the nature of the Underworld put the fear of death into them, conclude whatever their quest was with either the truth or a convincing lie depending on which was more expedient and then send them on their way with a story of dread and terror to tell to dissuade any future interlopers. That was before he noticed a peculiar choice of pronoun the Lunar Princess had used.

“She said ‘I’ when referring to Nightmare Moon.” The Dread Lord mused on the seemingly innocuous event where the Alicorn had shot down the other’s skepticism. “Luna always avoided any implication that she and the Usurper were one in the same.”

It could have simply been that the Princess of the Night misspoke. She was undoubtedly under a lot of stress brought on by recent events and it just slipped her mind to make the distinction. Then he heard Luna’s explanation for how she knew the mantra to open the cold-iron gate. To say it was suspect was an understatement.

“All that I have read has suggested that the runes the cults of old have used were crude imitations of the genuine articles. Luna used the regal dialect to open the gate, something that she could only learn from the few who use it.” The Dark Lord mused. “The Hand of Death loathes her, the Lord of Darkness has been stuck in a hole since before she was born and I never used it with her. That leaves the Lady of the Stars and if Luna is listening to her again…”

The only way to know for certain was to confront her but it appeared Luna had fallen to darkness once more. The Silent King sighed deeply as the gears in his head churned out a new version of his plan with this new variable accounted for. It was far more complex but if it was executed correctly, it would provide an opportunity to find the missing Primordial Lady. However, there were a few elements he knew his compatriots would not agree to at least not without proper persuasion.

“There are a few things.” The Theoi finally spoke. “None of you are going to like them.”

“Try us.” The curious Chrysalis gave him her full attention.

“Very well.” The Dark Lord thought of the best way to phrase his plan. “On the subject of hospitality, which of the seven mares about to visit us is most likely to break it?”

“I hate to speak ill of them but Pinkie is most likely to act uncivil while Rainbow Dash or Applejack are most likely to attack you.” Armor answered guiltily.

“I wouldn’t sell the rest sort.” Chrysalis interjected. “Your sister went full inquisition on me before your wedding.”

“She was right.” Lulamoon needled with a smirk. “And we know that the dress maker has an easy trigger: her fashion designs.”

“As for Luna, we both know what she is capable of.” Armor shared a knowing look with the former Lurker. “Why do you ask?”

“To prove a point and facilitate my plan.” The robed royal answered calmly. “You see, once they are brought before me…”

As the Overlord of the Underworld explained what they were to do with their guests, Armor was visibly horrified while the changeling and Archmage seemed ecstatic. The former Solar Captain was about to interject but was silenced by a look from his patron that told him to let him finish. When the second phase was described, the horror and delight was replaced by relief, disappointment and a bit of confusion. The King finished his briefing and awaited the inevitable questions.

“That is a lot to do only to end up where we started.” Chrysalis spoke while her lover began to pace, lost in his own thoughts. “What is the end goal?”

“I need to get the Alicorn of the Night alone and have the Element Bearers indisposed for some time.” The Theoi answered.

“If want some privacy to woo Luna, Trixie thinks there are easier ways.” The magician said with an edge of jealousy.

“Indeed.” The King nodded. “But Nightmare Moon is another matter.”

“Moon?” The Hive Queen’s ears perked up. “She’s with them?”

“In spirit if not in flesh.” The stygian sovereign nodded again. “But I’m more interested in the strings attached to her corruption and the being that pulls them: the Lady of the Stars.”

“Ah, now Trixie sees.” Lulamoon smiled slyly. “If we do this right, you will have a direct line to Suneater's consort.”

“Just so we are covering all our bases, what if you’re wrong and it’s just Luna?” Chrysalis asked pointedly. “That could end very badly.”

“If it is Moon, I have no doubt she will indicate the fact before we execute the plan.” The Theoi answered patiently. “If not, then we return to the original plan.”

The Silent King looked over at a quiet Armor who seemed to be lost in his thoughts.

“Marshall Armor, I know you have reservations about this.” The Lord of Shades said neutrally.

“Understatement.” The Undying unicorn said bluntly. “You really think this is the best way? Could we not just imprison them?”

“The only prison down here that could reliably hold them is Tartarus.” Chrysalis answered. “But now that you mention it…”

“NO!” Armor shouted. “No. I just…”

The former prince-regent snorted in frustration as he mulled over the plan once more. After a while, he inhaled deeply and slowly let it out.

“The only reason I’m not trying to stop this is the second part of the plan.” He said before turning toward Lulamoon. “If you botch it, you will wish that witch-dragon had eaten you…

The stallion then pointed to his patron.

“…and that you had been annihilated along with my empire.” He finished with a hard glare that made even the King briefly reconsider the plan. “Do I make myself clear?”

“Transparently.” The Theoi said coolly. “Now, do you have your troops assembled to escort our guests? They should be entering Erebos right about now.”

“Ready and waiting.” Armor replied as he turned to exit the throne room only to pause as he thought of something. “Oh, one last thing. I want to be here to see it through.”

“Of course.” The Dread Lord said plainly. “We will await your return.”

“I will be back shortly.” The Grand Marshall said as he saluted. “And thank you for being forward with this, Excellency. It is a nice change of pace to what I'm used to.”

The Undying trotted out of the room and into the halls beyond. The changeling matron watched him go with a sad shake of her head.

“Poor Shiny. He can't quite let go of his previous life.” She cooed. “I should do something nice for him once this is over.”

“You mean sex.” Lulamoon deadpanned. “Trixie swears that is all you two do.”

“We also enjoy long trots by the riverside, dinner in Elysium and playing with our daughter, thank you very much.” The Queen chittered.

“Speaking of, you need to make sure your children remain out of sight.” The Silent King cut in before another argument flared up between the two. “And you have some studying to do, Archmage Lulamoon.”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie will not disappoint.” The azure unicorn declared proudly. “Oh, Trixie cannot wait to rub it in those naysayers’ smug faces.”

“On the subject of those six meddlesome mares, what is stopping them from attacking us while you are away cozying up to Nightmare Moon?” Chrysalis asked before she departed.

“Simple. We give them a problem they would prioritize over revenge.” The Theoi said plainly. “Something close to home like, say, a group of overly ambitions nobles planning to overthrow the Princesses.”

“Ah, so Blueblood helps us out after all.” The Archmage smiled deviously. “Just not in the way he planned.”

“It sounds like Equestria is coming apart at the seams.” The Hive Queen chittered with a grin of her own. “Now I’m really glad I moved down here.”

“Oh please.” Lulamoon rolled her eyes as she trotted toward the door. “It was either an unlimited food source or death at our hooves.”

The changeling and unicorn left the Silent King’s presence to perform their assigned tasks, trading semi-spiteful barbs as they went. Alone once more, the Khthonic Theoi settled back into his throne and reviewed the plot in his mind. While he was confident that it would be carried out without issue, he still wanted to make sure he had not overlooked anything.

“They do not have the Elements of Harmony, they are removed from familiar magic and one of them is most likely a traitor but I should not make the mistake of underestimating them.” The Dread Lord mused. “They have the uncanny ability to achieve victory just when their enemies seem triumphant.”

---

“What is this place?” Princess Sparkle wondered as she looked around at the dark forest beyond her protective barrier. “It’s like the books said; magic never reached this far but something else filled the void.”

The group had progressed along a worn path that cut through the gnarled woods following Lulamoon’s trail. Each quiet hoof step kicked up small puffs of dust from the road that was quickly discovered to be paved with bones pulverized by years of travel. Yet the osseous path was nothing compared to the scores of baleful eyes that watched them from the stygian darkness. What was worse, unlike the territorial animals of the Everfree, the creatures appeared to be following them. A shifting shadow or flash of movement out of the corner of the eye set the mares on edge as they trekked deeper into the dark forest.

“Twilight, darling? I think we should go back.” Rarity whispered as she shot fearful glances at the twisted trees around them. “This dreadful place is worse than the Everfree.”

“Oh it’s not that bad.” The ever cheerful Pinkie said as she bounced over to the edge of Sparkle’s shield. “Giggle at the ghostie, remember?”

The pink pony faced a particularly gruesome looking tree and smiled widely.

“Ha. Ha! HA!” She cracked up at the creepy expecting to get a similar result to when she tried it against Nightmare Moon’s illusions.

Rather than vanish, however, a chorus of ethereal giggling emanated from all around the group. It was a chilling sound of sadistic mirth and devilish mischief. Pinkie’s smile faltered as a pair of pales eyes snapped open on the tree she was laughing at and dropped into the brush.

“Granny Pie never mentioned what to do if the ghosties giggle back.” She said as Dash pulled her away from the barrier.

The forest came alive as a veritable horde of shadowy creatures were drawn to the one bright light in their sunless realm. They ranged from lanky, insectoid beasts with scythe-like claws to burly monsters comparable to minotaurs. The things poked and prodded the barrier as if testing how much they could get away with. Sparkle nearly buckled under the strain but managed to maintain the only thing standing between her friends and the tender mercies of the tenebrous terrors.

“We’re surrounded.” Dash realized. “Fluttershy, you might have to use that Stare of yours.”

“I don’t know. These things have the same eyes as that dragon; they’re not animals.” The kindly pegasus said timidly before an encouraging look from her fellow flyer helped her find her nerve. “But I’ll try.”

Putting on a brave face, the normally reserved animal caretaker trotted forward. She focused on one of the creatures; a hunched, long limbed specimen with claws. The beast raked its claws across the shield like nails on a chalkboard to the Equestrian’s discomfort before it made eye contact with the pegasus.

“Hey! Stop that!” Fluttershy scolded as if she was its mother. “You’re hurting my friends!”

Surprisingly, the beats ceased its assault on the barrier and hunkered down to the yellow pony’s level. Encouraged that it had listened to her, the pegasus maintained her compelling glare as she continued.

“I know you and your…friends must be excited to see new ponies but that does not excuse your behavior.” The emboldened Fluttershy chastised.

“It’s working.” Applejack whispered as the attacks slowed. “Keep it up, Flutters.”

“Now maybe you could help us? We’re looking for a unicorn like her.” The butter-yellow pegasus pointed to Rarity as the creature cocked its head to the side curiously.

“Are you trying to tell me something?” The pearl unicorn asked incredulously but received no answer.

“We are also looking for a big, black dragon and- ACK!” Fluttershy was cut off by the creature suddenly punching through the shield and grabbing her around the neck.

“NO!” Dash flew to her friend and grabbed hold of her barrel before the beast pulled her through to a certainly grisly fate. “Let go of her you bastard!”

The assault was resumed with renewed vigor now that the creatures knew that the barrier was not impregnable. Sparkle quickly refocused her efforts on maintaining the barrier, sealing the breach the creature had created and severing its arm in the process. Dash dragged her now gasping friend to safety as the disembodied limb fell to the ground and dissolved into nothing. This did little to dissuade the monsters as they continued to pound on the barrier with a few even climbing on top to wail on it from above.

“What are we gonna do?” Applejack asked as cracks began forming in the shield. “Twi?”

“I…” The Princess of Magic tried to think of anything that could help them. “I’m going to overcharge the shield. It should explode and drive these things off. We use that window to run!”

“That’s your plan?!” Dash shouted in disbelief as another beast breached the barrier and nearly grabbed her wings.

“If you have a better idea, please share!” Rarity shouted back to which the pegasus did not respond. “Do what you can, Twilight.”

“Okay. On three, run for the caverns!” The lavender Alicorn said as she fed magic into the barrier. “One…two…thr-!”

*CRACK*

A sharp report preceded a blast of black energy that vaporized the fiends atop the dome. It was joined by the staccato beat that heralded a barrage of smaller bolts that cut into the abyssal abominations. The Equestrians and creatures looked to find a line of dark armored unicorns with horns aglow with negative light while similarly armored ponies charged toward the encircled interlopers. Among the familiar shapes of equines were the proud horned figures of minotaurs, the hunched loping forms of diamond dogs and the keen avian structure of griffons.

“Drive off the shadowlings and secure the surface dwellers!” A unicorn in more ornate looking armor commanded as he blew apart another fiend that had gotten a limb through the barrier.

The knights fell upon the creatures like a wave of iron and steel. With hooves, claws and blades, the armored force beat back the troublesome terrors. The Equestrian’s watched with varying levels of excitement.

“Yeah! That’s it!” Dash cheered on their rescuers. “Beat those creeps into the ground!”

“Ah didn’t expect to find friends down here.” Applejack said as she watched an armored earth pony buck a fiend into the treetops. “But I’m sure glad we did.”

Against a foe that could effectively fight back, the monsters broke and scattered back into the darkness of the forest. The armored host pursued for a short distance, shouting dark tongued curses while their ranged cohorts sent parting shots to make sure the shadowlings would not be back anytime soon. The knights formed a perimeter around the still shielded equines while the officer trotted forward.

“Are you all alright?” He asked, his voice a metallic echo from within his blue and white plumed helm.

“We are thanks to you and your strapping stallions…and hounds, bulls, hawks and so forth.” Rarity said breathily, slipping easily into the role of rescued damsel. “How could we ever repay you?”

“You can save the charm, miss.” A stallion interceded. “The Grand Marshall is spoken for.”

“Oh.” The pearl unicorn deflated.

“We need to move.” The officer said as he glanced warily at the woods. “The shadowlings scare easily but they'll be back and in greater numbers.”

The knights ushered the group forward until they were all moving through the forest at a brisk pace. Sparkle noticed that they were heading deeper into the underground rather than back to the caverns.

“Where are we going?” She asked.

“No time tah chat.” A diamond dog answered. “Gotta git out of deez naff woodz.”

The small horde rumbled along the bone path until they came to an intersection marked by a twisted tree-turned-signpost. The officer signaled for them to stop though it was more for the visitor’s benefit as most of them were beginning to pant in exertion.

“We can stop here for a quick breather.” He announced plainly. “The shadowlings usually avoid this area.”

“Why is that?” Fluttershy asked only to be answered by a dreadful screech from overhead.

It was hard to see against the pure black sky but something flew over the group, leaving a deathly chill in its wake. The Equestrians expected the knights to assume battle ready positions but were surprised to find that most of them did not seem to pay the flyby any heed. A few of the more keen-eyed griffons even waved to the unseen entity.

“Oh. That’s why.” The now trembling pegasus said meekly. “Something meaner lives here.”

“That’s putting it mildly.” A unicorn said with a snort. “That old daemon hates everything with a pulse.”

“I have so many questions.” Sparkle mentally bemoaned the pile of inquiries that were starting to weight heavier on her than maintaining the shield. “I should at least learn these strange knight’s names.”

“I didn’t have time to thank you earlier.” The lavender Princess spoke up. “I am Twilight Sparkle and these are-“

“We know who you are, Heroines of Equestria.” The Marshall interrupted. “And there is no need to be modest, Princess of Magic.”

“Okay then.” The academic Alicorn was surprised she was known even in the depths of the planet. “Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.”

“Then perhaps you will tell me who our rescuers are?” She asked politely.

“We, your highness, are the Knights of the Undying Order.” A minotaur said proudly. “We safeguard the Sunless Lands of the Dead in service to our sovereign Lord; He who sits upon the Immortal Throne.”

“Impressive. I am sure…” Sparkle trailed off as what the knight had said registered. “…wait, what?”

“These are the Sunless Lands. The Underworld. The Afterlife.” A stallion explained somewhat rudely. “The dead come here and we guard it for the Lord of the Dead. Understand?”

“Oh...my.” The Princess of Magic sat down in the dust as it all washed over her. “This… is incredible.”

“Told you so.” Princess Luna whispered imperiously.

“So if this here is the Land of the Dead, does that mean y’all are…” Applejack asked with trepidation.

“Dead, yes.” A minotaur answered as he took his sword and stabbed it into the unarmored side of one of the mages, much to her chagrin, to demonstrate. “Well, I suppose we could be classified as revenants. We were once but inglorious souls until we joined the ranks of the Undying.”

“Da Dread Boss built us deez ded ‘ard bodies and gave us some flash kit to stomp sum gits right propah.” A diamond dog archer explained in his peculiar way. “Let me tell ya, it’s much bettah than my ol’ gig.”

“This ‘lord’ you serve, he wouldn’t happen to be the Silent King, would he?” Rarity asked with an air of anticipation.

“Silent King, Geist, Nagash, Darzalas; our Lord has many names and titles.” The stabbed unicorn answered as she returned the blade to the minotaur’s midsection point first. “So, to answer your question, yes.”

“Oh my.” The fashionista started to fan herself. “I fear I might swoon.”

“You will have plenty of time for that when you meet him.” The Marshall said as he gave the signal to move out. “He is expecting you; All of you.”

“Is he now?” The Alicorn of the Night arched an eyebrow. “Then we best not keep him waiting.”

The throng moved forward at a more measured pace now that they were confident that they would not be harried by shadowlings. Along the way, the Equestrian’s had many questions about this strange new land but their escorts only met their inquiries with silence. It appeared they had answered all that they were willing to for the moment.

“Or allowed to.” Sparkle realized after her question about the type of magic that governed the land was ignored. “We are technically trespassers in a foreign land. I wouldn’t reveal too much to potential enemies either. Still, this is worth remembering. I might even write a book about it once this is all over.”

They continued through the thinning forest until they came upon a collection of ramshackle buildings near a stone pier that jutted out into a mighty river. What really caught the Equestrian’s attention were the residents of the shantytown. Translucent shades drifted about the settlement either conversing with their fellow departed or scouring the ground for something. A large group had gathered near the dock as if awaiting the arrival of a ship.

“Ooh! Real ghosties!” Pinkie exclaimed. “They actually don’t look that bad.”

“I recognize a few faces.” Applejack whispered. “I’m pretty sure I sold a pie to that ghost in a suit.”

The armored host entered the rundown village as the souls parted respectfully for the knightly order that guarded their afterlife. A few looked longingly at the flesh and blood visitors but a combination of Sparkle’s shield and a sharp Khthonic rebuke from the Marshall dissuaded them. They approached the spectral host waiting at the dock and stopped again.

“Thank you for the assistance.” The officer addressed his troops. “We can take it from here.”

“We shall return to our posts then, sir.” One of the griffons said with a salute.

Most of the knights departed, leaving the Equestrians in the company of the Grand Marshall, a minotaur and diamond dog who seemed to hold some status above the rank and file, and six unicorn battlemages. Dash was about to ask what they were waiting for when a murmur ran through the shades. A few pointed out into the brackish waters where a large ship materialized out of the darkness. Long oars propelled the craft quickly through the river under the steady hand of a tall yet sickly looking figure wrapped in robes.

“The Ferry of the Dead.” Sparkle whispered in awe as the boat docked with a heavy thud. “Straight out of the old myths.”

A ramp was lowered and the decrepit creature limped down to the dock with a chest cradled under one arm and an oar in the other. The ship captain set down the chest, opened it and swept his burning gaze over the assembled shades.

“One obol to cross.” He rasped.

“What’s an obol?” Pinkie asked as the souls formed a disorganized line. “Some type of snack?”

“It’s the toll to cross.” One of the knights answered. “One gold coin or its equivalent.”

“Wait. You have to pay to get to the afterlife?” Dash scrunched up her nose incredulously. “That’s just wrong! Why don’t we just fly?”

“One: Not everyone can fly.” The minotaur answered bluntly. “Two: If you tried, you will only end up feeding them.”

He pointed upward where winged horrors could barely be discerned against the sunless sky. While the prismatic pegasus was confident she could out maneuver whatever they were, the idea of flying into unknown territory and leaving her friends behind lead her to discard the idea.

“Still, charging a fee to ghosts seems wrong.” She reiterated her original point.

“If you are buried correctly or find a generous soul, it is not a huge issue.” The Marshall commented knowingly. “Worst case scenario, you are stranded on this side until the ferry takes pity on you.”

“Uh, darlings?” Rarity asked with a nervous smile. “It just occurred to me that none of us brought any money.”

“Already covered.” The officer held up a small coin purse and shook it. “Courtesy of his Excellency.”

“Well, he did say he was expecting us.” Sparkle thought. “I wonder at what point he knew we were coming. Does he have spies in Equestria?”

The line of shades grew shorter as they paid the toll and were allowed on board. When the knights and Equestrians trotted forward, the leprous creature fixed them with a disapproving glare.

“Really?” He croaked at the officer in Khthonic. “Again?”

“Yes, again.” The Marshall said calmly as he produced the coinage. “At least you are getting paid this time.”

The miser counted out the payment and let out a world-weary sigh. He stood aside and waved them through.

“Very well” He rasped. “Just mind that bubble thing. Space is limited as it is.”

The interlopers quickly boarded and found an unoccupied space among the shades near the bow of the ship. The knights put themselves between them and the souls less one of the dead wish to experience running blood one last time. The Marshall joined the Equestrians at the bow as the daemon closed the chest to prepare for departure. The old fiend withdrew the ramp and took up his spot at the stern. With a solid thump of the oar, the creaking vessel began to move under the power of the unseen rowers. Soon the shantytown disappeared into the darkness as the ferry sped through the brackish waters.

“It’s certainly is no pleasure cruise but it’s still exciting.” Rarity said brightly. “I only wish the ghosts would stop staring at us. I normally like the attention but I don’t think they are admiring our figures.”

“Right. They are imagining getting to the blood pumping through your veins; to feel alive once more.” A unicorn knight told her bluntly, earning a look of wide-eyed horror from the pearl mare. “They should knock it off once we reach the other side.”

“And what is on the other side?” Dash asked suspiciously.

“You’ll find out soon enough, speedy.” The Undying said plainly.

The rest of the voyage was carried out in quietly save for the gossiping of the newly departed. The poisonous waters turned inky black with phantom faces burbling below the surface as one netherworld river fed into another. Through it all the academic Alicorn committed as much as she could to memory from the geography to the design of her escort’s armor. As she looked over the Grand Marshall, something about him reminded her of another officer close to her heart.

“Excuse me?” She asked aloud. “Do any of you know a Shining Armor? Unicorn stallion, white coat, blue mane, tended to leave his fetlocks unshod. He passed a few months ago.”

There was a moment of silence as the knights looked around unsurely. A few turned toward their Grand Marshall who shook his head.

“I know him by reputation.” The minotaur finally answered. “More than that, I cannot say.”

“Oi, I actually caught a glimpse of him at da flashy empire.” The diamond dog recalled. “He wuz plenty killy and ‘arder than ol’ Dugore. Not bad for a prancy pony.”

“The Empire? You were with those legion ruffians?” Rarity eyed the gem hound critically.

“I wuz but me n’ a couple otherz quit after dat spooky Sombra took over.” The late legionnaire explained like he was discussing the weather. “Ran into sum of Sunbutt’s golden boyz in da mountains n’ now I’m down ‘ere crumpin’ ‘eads fer da Dread Boss.”

“So dying only made you stronger.” Dash gave an impressed smirk. “Cool.”

“Land ho!” An observant shade called out excitedly as their destination finally came into view.

In contrast to the sandy shore they had left behind, the landscape before them was a veritable grey wall of jagged stone. The one break in the rocky bulwark was a small cove where another stone dock had been constructed. Beyond the inlet, they could see a narrow passage carved out of the rock leading inland. With controlled ease, the ferry daemon guided his craft to the pier and docked with little more than a hard bump.

“Alright, everybody off.” He grunted as he dropped the gangplank and started shooing shades off his boat.

The Undying and their charges waited for the dead to disembark before they moved onto dry land. After sharing a quick nod with the Marshall, the ancient ferry pushed off from the dock to return to the shantytown. The spectral host milled about unsure where to go next.

“Through there.” One of the unicorns pointed toward the cleft in the rock face. “We’ll have a straight shot home.”

The souls wasted no time in filing through the gap with the knights bringing up the rear. There was little in ways of illumination in the narrow passage beyond Sparkle’s shimmering shield. A few of the more impatient shades started shoving each other in an effort to get ahead until the tunnel finally opened up to rocky fields and ashen meadows under the omnipresent black sunless sky. A well-traveled road paved with pulverized bones illuminated by more caged ghost lights led to a sprawling metropolis.

“The style matches the one in the shrine.” Sparkle mused as she observed the monochrome stone and marble structures. “This may be the oldest city in existence.”

“Welcome to the Necropolis.” The Marshall announced to the soon-to-be citizens as he crossed the threshold of the city of the dead. “Most of you will call it home, the rest are only passing through.”

As the new arrivals traversed the osseous streets, they were greeted by the sight of shades going about their eternal afterlife. Merchants stood quietly behind humble stalls as equally quiet customers perused their wares, the art of haggling lost in a city free of wants and needs. Those from normally hostile nations now conversed in the quiet tongue of the dead, oblivious to their former allegiances in life.The Equestrians noticed that the equine shades bore neither cutie marks nor any other distinguishing features other than a powerless horn or useless wings.

“I can barely tell any of them apart.” Applejack said quietly as they neared the forum of the Necropolis.

“The statuses and titles of the living are null and void down here.” A unicorn knight said ominously. “Noble or peasant; king or slave, all are equal in the eyes of the Judges.”

“Judges?” Fluttershy asked shyly.

To answer, the knight gestured to the host of shades they had followed in. The once talkative and excited crowd had grown deathly quiet. They unconsciously formed an ordered line toward an ornate complex that dominated the center of the city. One by one, they silently entered the building where the authoritative bangs of a judge’s gavel could be heard.

“It is in the Halls of Justice that the virtues and sins of the dead are weighed and judgement is passed.” The Marshall explained solemnly. “The righteous are rewarded while the wicked are condemned.”

“Da in-between stay ‘ere.” The diamond dog finished in an equally gloomy manner.

“Every soul is held to the same standard regardless of power or privilege.” Sparkle thought as she watched the shades go to their doom. “Not only is justice blind, it is cold and precise.”

“Brr! All this talk of fate and doom is chilling my balloons.” Pinkie said with a shiver. “Let’s get out of here.”

Now deprived of their spectral travel companions, the small group continued on through the Necropolis to its outskirts. They passed a few more shades, likely former farmers, tending the few pitiful plants that managed to grow in the rocky soil of the Sunless Lands but something far more impressive caught their attention.

“Whoa.” Dash said in a small voice. “Now that is a castle.”

The prismatic pegasus pointed ahead of them up an incline of jagged outcrops. Atop the rough hill stood a citadel of cyclopean onyx walls and looming towers. Movement could be seen along the ramparts as more knights patrolled their stronghold.

“This is Barathrum.” The Marshall said as he spread his forelegs wide over the imposing visa. “Bastion of our Order and court of the Silent King.”

As the visitors drank in the sight, the academic Alicorn noticed an anomaly. A lone tower attached by a buttress was enveloped in a wild miasma of arcane colors in stark contrast to the rest of the superstructure. If she squinted, she could see the shadow of an equine figure dancing among the magical chaos.

“I think we found Trixie.” Sparkle thought with a worrisome shake of her head. “What has she gotten into?”

The group approached the imposing ebony front gates where a sentry spotted them. After calling out something in Khthonic, the gates swung open to allow them entry. Inside the gatehouse, the Equestrians were greeted by looming creatures with a single piercing eye in the middle of their head.

“What the-?!” Applejack recoiled as one of the beasts fixed its singular gaze on her.

“Cyclopes.” A knight said factually. “Don’t let their appearance fool you, you will find no better artisans in the entire Underworld.”

After the apple farmer offered an apologetic look to the monsters, the small group reached the end of the hall and through another set of heavy ebony doors. This one opened up to an open air courtyard filled with black and gnarled trees that appeared to have been transplanted from the dark forest and decorated with the bones of various creatures. Towering above the Boneyard was a cathedral-like keep of gothic spires and flying buttresses. The Equestrians, save Luna, balked at the macabre sight while the Undying continued on.

“Here is where we were remade.” A unicorn said nostalgically. “Gifted strength and power we could only imagine in life.”

“I’m glad it is working out for you.” Rarity said as she shied away from a grinning skull.

In the center of the courtyard, an onyx pillar jutted out of the ground. As they drew closer, the equines could see statues of wretched and damned figures crawling and climbing over the protrusion. The figures included creatures of all type from griffons to dragons. At the top of the pillar was a wicked looking Alicorn screaming in terror at some unseen foe. Just below her were several creatures that could only be describe as demons and a centaur that bore an uncanny resemblance to Tirek.

“It appears Celestia is not the only one to keep statues of her enemies.” The Princess of the Night commented candidly. “If those are truly statues and not their petrified remains.”

“Ugh.” Sparkle fought off a wave of nausea.

“Come along, little ponies.” The minotaur urged them on. “We are almost at the palace.”

Through a set of cold iron doors that made the magically sensitive Rarity and Sparkle shiver, they were in Barathrum proper. The entrance hall of the dark palace was even more impressive than the gatehouse. Polished black marble columns decorated the halls with blazing ghost lights providing enough illumination to see while leaving the high vaulted ceiling in darkness. A blood red carpet that muted their hoof steps led to a final set of ornate doors flanked by two towering figures clad in armor even thicker than the knights and armed with long halberds.

“Giganties.” The Marshall said before somepony could ask. “We guard the land, they guard the palace.”

“You could use a few, Twi.” Applejack whispered to the newest Princess. “Imagine those bruisers guarding your tree-palace.”

“They would scare off anypony who wanted to see me.” The Princess of Magic thought. “That is not completely a bad thing.”

The officer nodded in greeting to each of the looming guard as he approached the doors. He stood still for a moment as if contemplating something before he turned to the Equestrians.

“My Lord is just beyond this door.” He said in a deadly serious tone. “I will remind you that you are guests in his realm.”

“We understand.” Sparkle said with a sideways look at her friends who nodded in agreement.

“Good.” The officer nodded as he opened the final portal to the throne room. “Oh, you can drop the barrier Princess Sparkle; you are safe from the claws of the Underworld in here.”

The Alicorn looked up at her shield to find it was no longer shimmering from invisible attempts to breach it. Slowly and carefully, she reduced the flow of magic to it. When none of her friends collapsed, she cut it entirely.

“Ow.” The lavender mare pressed a fore hoof against her temple as the onset of a magically induced headache set in. “I knew that maintaining that for too long would happen.”

After a few more moments, the Grand Marshall of the Undying Order opened the throne room stood aside. The Equestrians trotted in with the knights close behind them. The very heart of Barathrum was a sight to behold for mortal eyes. A long nave separated from two narrower aisles by rows of black marble columns and illuminated by braziers containing pale ghost lights led to a perpendicular transept with enough space for supplicants to gather. At the foot of each column stood an armored giganties armed with their customary halberd and the addition of a tower shield engraved with potent warding runes. The nave ended in a curved apse adorned with stain glass windows depicting a collection of dark and malevolent entities in the center with scenes of war and cataclysm on the left and right respectively. Below these grim windows was the seat of power in the Sunless Lands; a masterpiece of carved black stone set in a raised base with a few steps leading up to it to ensure that whomever sat in it was still the tallest in the room. Four praetorian giganties, larger than all the rest and adored with silver trimmed capes stood resolutely around the throne, two at the foot of the steps and two on either side of the throne.

Within the Immortal Throne sat the dreaded Silent King himself, a dour and dignified giant of a stallion pale of face and stygian of mane and beard that the doors at Avernus did not do justice. Black robes the shifted and billowed like smoke beneath silvered vestments and esoteric accoutrements along with a two-pronged staff by his side gave him more the appearance of a cleric of the old faiths than a king. His dark, unreflective eyes slowly swept over the unicorn, pegasi, earth ponies and Alicorns than had been brought before him, his pallid face betraying no emotion.

“Heroines and Princesses of Equestria.” The Lord of Shades spoke in a cool, neutral voice. “Welcome.”

Next Chapter: Sudden Death Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 6 Minutes