The Grand Galloping Gala was now in its closing phase. Most avenues of conversations had been exhausted and business talks had either concluded or been postponed for a later date. A few guests had even departed early for various reasons including wishing to get ahead of traffic or being asked to leave by the guards for rowdy and drunken behavior. With the exception of Rarity's mild outburst, it seemed that this year’s Gala would conclude without incident. The only foreseeable issue was with the climatic Sonic Rainboom as the only pegasus who could perform it was currently bent over an unfortunate shrub. She had attempted to find a bathroom but the bushes were closer.

“That’s it, sugercube.” Applejack said gently as another wave of nausea hit the weather mare. “Let it all out.”

“Ugh. It feels like Pinkie and Discord are skipping rope with my insides.” Rainbow Dash groaned. “What was in that drink you gave me?”

“Ah raw egg, two shots of hot sauce, ah dash of salt n' pepper and ah secret ingredient that Granny Smith shared with me.” The apple farmer said with a small smile. “Should flush out yer system in no time.”

“Well, it’s working.” The prismatic pegasus sighed as she braced for another wave. “ *Bleegh!* Oh, cider. Why do you betray me?”

“A pony's gotta know her limits.” Applejack advised to which Dash just nickered in annoyance. “By the way, any reason you went with mah homebrew method?”

“Nothing against Rarity but last time she sobered me up...” The cyan mare paused to dry heave but recovered. “...I had this weird urge to wear dresses the next day.”

“Did you?” The blonde pony arched an eyebrow.

"Wha- no!" Dash said a little too quickly. "You know me: sportswear, uniforms or nothing. This gown doesn't count."

"Beg yer pardon." Applejack doffed her hat in apology and waited for her friend to shake off the lingering effects. “Feelin' better?”

“Yeah, thanks.” The pegasus nodded and accepted an offered glass of water. "I promised you premium clouds over Sweet Apple Acers for this, right?"

"You were drunk so ah won't hold you to it." The honest farmer smirked. "Although, if you feel so inclined..."

While Applejack aided her lightweight friend, a trio of the other Element Bearers were enjoying the company of a former foe. The ever-energetic Pinkie Pie, dignified Rarity and demure Fluttershy watched with a respective mix of glee, amusement and trepidation as the ‘reformed’ Discord played mix and match with the various woodland creatures that inhabited the palace gardens. Winged deer pranced through the sky while bucktoothed birds enjoyed a feast of hard nuts. The party pony cheered at each and every new creation while the animal caretaker sheltered the smaller animals that did not wish to be subjected to the draconequus twisted imagination.

“Ooh! Give wings to a rabbit!” Pinkie suggested. “I bet that would make Angel jealous.”

“I think I’ve already done that.” Discord tapped his bearded chin with his griffon talon. “Come to think of it, I might have done at least one of everything. There are only some many possibilities before the results become…unpleasant.”

“Let’s not do those.” Fluttershy said with a shake of her head. “In fact, we should probably work on changing them back.”

“Aww, really?” The pink earth pony pouted. “We were having so much fun!”

“Sorrow of sorrows but, alas, all good things must come to an end.” The mismatched draconequus lamented dramatically. “Besides, I want to see how Rainbrew Sloshed flies.”

"Into sobriety with Applejack's aid, hopefully." Rarity said with a glance at the skies. "Let us get these animals back to normal... you know good and well what I mean, Discord."

The four spent the next few minutes rounding up the various creatures to be restored to their original forms by Discord. Some were more than happy to comply while others evaded the attempts of the Equestrians, unwilling to forfeit their newfound abilities. The Spirit of Disharmony made a game of ‘shooting’ them back to normal with claw/paw guns while Fluttershy employed her infamous stare to cow the rest. The restored animals quickly dispersed back to their homes leaving the equines and draconequus alone.

“Mighty fine work, pilgrims.” Discord blew the smoke off his claws and twirled them back into place. “Like shootin' fish in a barrel.”

“I don't know why but I feel offended on Applejack's behalf." Rarity said even as she hid a smile beneath a hoof. "Don't let her catch you doing that."

"Ain't my fault if the shoe fits." The trickster hooked his thumbs into an invisible belt and squinted. "Okay, fine. I won't provoke blondie."

“Uh…Discord? Could you teleport us to good seats?” Fluttershy asked quietly. “If that is alright with you.”

“No problem, shy horse.” The draconequus gave her a toothy grin. “You could say it’s a snap!”

Discord snapped his talon and the four vanished in a flash of chaotic magic. They reappeared next to an unsuspecting Applejack who nearly jumped out of her skin. Pinkie, to her credit, managed to stifle a giggle at her friend’s expense.

“Tarnation! Give ah mare ah warning before y’all do that!” The apple farmer composed herself as best she could. “You alright, Pinkie? Ah heard you had a nasty spill."

"Ah'm right as rain on ah hot tin roof, pardner." Pinkie adopted a peculiar accent that her fellow earth pony did not appreciate. "Sorry. I'm fine, I just booped my snoot too hard went my Pinkie Sense acted up."

"Oh my!" Fluttershy perked up in concern. "Was it serious?"

"Nothing a bit of ice couldn't fix." Rarity assured her. "As for her Sense, you said it was a doozy, right Pinkie?"

"Uh-huh." The party mare confirmed. "Seemed to spook Princess Luna for some reason."

"Oh, did it?" Discord shot a look up at the moon. "You know..."

"Don't even joke 'bout that." Applejack cut him off. "The doozy could be you for all we know."

"You wound me, sweet apple horse." The draconequus feigned hurt even as a devilish smile split his features.

"Well, I for one take solace in the fact that the Princesses are alert and aware." The fashionista chimed in. "The Gala's almost over so let's enjoy ourselves before looking into this doozy."

“Sounds good to me, sugercube.” The blonde earth pony agreed. “Here, have a seat.”

Applejack scooted over to allow her three friends to sit beside her while Discord just floated in an invisible hammock as usual. They barely had time to get settled and enjoy the pyrotechnics when Pinkie suddenly let out a loud gasp.

“Aah! I have to get Twilight!” The party pony popped off the ground. “She's missing the show!”

"I don't think she's missing anything, darling." Rarity caught Pinkie in her magic and held her in place. "Look up there."

On a raise pavilion overlooking the crowd was an orange pegasus with a purple Alicorn leaning against his shoulder. It was difficult to tell with the distance but they appeared more interested in each other than the fireworks above them. Discord was about to suggest they would soon make fireworks of their own but Fluttershy must have read his expression and silenced him with a disapproving look.

“Oh, our little Twilight is growing up.” Pinkie became misty-eyed as Rarity released her hold. “We should probably leave them alone.”

“Just well. These fireworks are kind of weak.” Discord waved his talons dismissively. “Just a bunch of firecrackers and bottle rockets. Didn't they bring out the heavy am-“

*POW! Crackle crackle*

A mortar detonated above them, illuminating the night sky in a shower of colors and sparkles. A chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ peppered with light applause greeted the main event of the show. Soon the sky was ablaze with multicolored explosions and crackling sparklers. The equines audience watched enraptured by the display.

“Bam! Boom! Bo-dadadada-ba-Boom!” Pinkie pantomimed the pyrotechnics in her own way. “Katow-ay!”

“Whew! I can feel the ground shake with some of those.” Applejack said as she kept her hat secured with a hoof. “They really outdid themselves this year. Ah bet Granny Smith n’ Applebloom can see ‘em from Ponyville.”

“They are very pretty.” Fluttershy said from behind the earth pony. “I just wish they weren’t so loud; I can hear the windows rattling.”

The draconequus looked over at the windows in question to see that they were indeed rattling in their frames. Oddly, they were not in time with the detonations. It was almost as if something else was shaking the palace. The mischief-maker paid it no mind, chalking it up to either his admittedly vivid imagination or some unfortunate noble getting an earful from a Princess.

“Just where are Celly and Lulu?” Discord mused aloud. “They're missing the show.”

In contrast to the noise and merriment filling the palace, a pin drop could be heard in the lounge Princess Celestia agreed to met Cadenza in. She thought it would be a quick meeting followed by a friendly chat with her adoptive and expectant niece. That hope had been dashed when the Crystal Regent produced a scroll of parchment and laid it out on a desk before them. The words 'Declaration of Secession' written in big block letters glared up at the Solar Alicorn like a curse, sending a chill of dread down her spine.

“I cannot believe it.” Celestia all but whispered in disbelief. “I know these recent months have been difficult but...”

The alabaster Princess trailed off as she read the main body of the document. It consisted mainly of a list of grievances and justifications for secession followed by the formal declaration itself. A few she could see the merit of while others were outrageous to the point of farcical.

"...reign of an idle and hubristic mare..." The Diarch of the Day read out a part she suspected was aimed at her. "This is bad comedy, Cadence."

"You should have seen the earlier drafts." The pink Alicorn said with a grimace. "Luna was forbidden entry on pain of death. Now I think she's just forbidden."

"Who is behind this?" Celestia asked, her tone level. "That is the say, is this a popular movement or just aggrieved nobles?"

"Popular with all parties." Cadenza answered matter-of-factly. "Their reasons may differ individually but the majority of crystal equines want secession."

"Majority or just a very vocal minority?" The Alicorn of the Sun wondered. "Or perhaps something more subversive?"

"Are you certain?" She looked the Alicorn of Love in the eye, searching for any sign of beguilement or coercion.

"I'm not a foal, auntie." The Crystal Regent frowned slightly. "We have already exposed a few bad actors and opportunists but the movement is genuine not a changeling plot or another one of Sombra's contingencies."

“There goes the easy answer.” The diurnal Alicorn thought. “I could still suss out and arrest the traitors for sedition but that would only escalate matters with the public behind them.”

"I see." Celestia turned back to the document and read over it again. "When exactly are they planning to break away?”

“They are aiming for year's end.” The pink mare sighed as she rubbed her taut belly. “Huh, I'd be the mother of twins and a new nation; the papers will just love that."

“Have you picked out names yet?” The alabaster Alicorn managed a motherly smile as Cadenza gasped from a kick. "For the twins I mean."

“I was thinking about Flurry Heart or Gleaming Shield for the filly.” The mother-to-be answered. “But it has been suggested that I draw from my family namesakes like Sonata or Bolero. Some think I should use Crystal naming conventions like Topaz or Luster. I'm sure once they're born, something will click.”

“It sounds like they want to distance the royal newborns from Equestrian culture.” The Princess of the Sun thought. “Morose did that when he seized power and forged the Empire.”

“The final decision is ultimately yours to make.” Celestia said calmly. “For both your foals and your city. You're a Princess, not a figurehead."

“I know.” Cadenza said pointedly as she rolled up the piece of parchment and stored it in a hollow tube with her magic. “I appreciate the advice but I just wanted to give you some forewarning before they deliver the final declaration.”

“Wait, so you do intend to sign?” The eldest Alicorn's eyes widened.

“I intend to do what is best for my little crystal ponies.” The Crystal Regent answered firmly. “Just like Twilight, Luna and you do for Equestria.”

“Et tu, Mi Amore? Did Luna not go far enough?” The vile thought crept into the alabaster Alicorn’s mind and left just as quickly. "No! No. That isn't fair, Celly."

"It's not like we will never speak to each other again." Cadenza read her expression and attempted to assuage her. "I already have experts drawing up trade agreements, military pacts and the like. We'll be good neighbors."

The Solar Diarch managed to smile and nod in apparent understanding. The two rulers embraced in a somewhat awkward hug before Celestia stood aside to let Cadenza leave. As the eldest Alicorn followed the Princess of Love out of the room and past her stone-faced guards, her mind was racing. While secession, independence and similar movements were not unheard of in a land as vast, old and diverse as Equestria, most fizzled out as soon as reason and logic broke through the initial fervor for autonomy. The only times they actually flared up into open rebellion were during the growing pains of Equestria's early days. Forced had been used to quell them then and Celestia wondered how difficult it would be if it came to that again.

"The crystal ponies are few in number, their city doesn't have walls yet and we already have guards posted there." The Alicorn of the Sun mused as she moved automatically through the ballroom. "An open rebellion would be pacified almost instantly. That must be why they are using diplomacy through Cadenza. Unless..."

Another possibility dawned on the eldest Princess: the secessionists could be allied with a third party. Yakyakistan could lend its might in exchange for territory in the north. Gryphondom, depending on who was in charge at the moment, would take the opportunity to bloody the nose of their rival superpower. It was not out of the realm of possibility that the Neo-Crystal City was building alliances with other malcontents within Equestria itself like the more remote Zebra Tribes, certain pegasus polises or ambitious nobles.

"Like Blueblood." The lead weight that had settled in her stomach began to melt in anger. "Could they be working together? Cadenza gives him access to the crystal mines he wanted in exchange for independence?"

It seemed unlikely as her adoptive niece and nephew were not exactly close but the timing of both equines was hard to ignore. If this web of intrigue was as vast and intricate as it appeared with more than one spider to swat, it was a sign of the dark times Equestria was going through. Almost unbidden, thoughts of another crisis entered her mind; not of hers but those of Luna's enigmatic friend. Rebellion and uprisings, rivals working together against a group and a family splintered by grievances both petty and severe.

“Equestria would come apart at the seams.” The Solar Diarch thought with mounting horror. “The harmony that gives us our strength would be compromised and we would be vulnerable to whatever foul spawn of Tartarus decided to take a crack at us next. I cannot let that happen; I WILL NOT!”

“Sister! Calm thyself!” A familiar voice cut through her thoughts.

Celestia snapped back to reality to find that she had unconsciously trotted to a balcony and was cracking the railing under her hooves. The eldest Alicorn backed away and took a few calming breaths as her sister looked on in concern. Only once her temper had cooled did Luna approach.

"Sorry, Lulu." The alabaster Princess tried to keep her voice even. "I was lost in thought."

"I would say lost in rage." Luna pointed to where the ends of her sister's mane still smoldered. "I can only assume Cadenza said something more foolish than usual."

"The crystal ponies want to break away from Equestria." Celestia stated sharply. "She's going with them."

"Is she now?" The navy Alicorn said in a level tone as she recalled her recent dream patrols.

"If they succeed in seceding, it could inflame other independence movements." The Solar Diarch continued. "Also, does it not strike you as odd that Cadenza would do this just as Blueblood is scheming against us?"

"Celly, Amore would rather kiss my hooves than ally with the likes of Blueblood." The Lunar Princess shook her head. "As for a crystal secession, I have seen that dream enough to know it is unique among the former imperials."

"Isn't Luna suppose to be the paranoid one?" Celestia thought as her counterpart placed a hoof on her shoulder. "Maybe I have been overthinking this."

"Perhaps you're right." The Princess of the Day sighed. "But you have to admit the timing is suspect."

"That I don't deny." Luna said keenly. "I will be sure to investigate in the Dreamworld."

Celestia smiled as she pulled her sister in for an embrace, her previous worry and anger now subdued. As the fireworks competed with Luna's night in brilliance, the Royal Sisters settled down to enjoy the spectacle. The small army of attendants that always seemed to materialize whenever they stopped moving provided cushions and drinks.

"It appears the grand finale is back on track." The Solar Alicorn noted as she noticed a rainbow streak up into a lone cloud. "Do you think the rest of the Element Bearers will join us?"

"I see the majority are keeping Discord company." The navy Princess answered as she scanned the crowd. "Sparkle is with Captain Sentry somewhere."

"Is she now?" Celestia arched an eyebrow. "Heh, if I didn't know her, I'd say she was attempting to seduce the Captain of the Guard for her own nefarious ends."

"Then, with the guards on her side and the little ponies already hailing her as a hero, she banishes us to the Moon and Sun and seizes the thrones!" Luna did her best impression of a sleepless conspiracy theorist. "Should I visit her dreams as well?"

"I can already imagine what they look like." The eldest Alicorn suppressed a giggle. "I may be the only Princess retiring to an empty bed tonight."

"It's broken anyway." Her sister said with a sly smile.

"I swear, Lulu." Celestia glared at her nocturnal counterpart who stuck out her tongue. "I might just invite Sparkle and Sentry to use your room."

While the Diarchs of Equestria acted like sisters, most curious glances not enthralled with the pyrotechnics were directed at the youngest Alicorn and her companion. Out of earshot and partially obscured by the raised pavilion, onlookers could only infer what the two were up to. Rumor-mongers were already hard at work speculating what the Princess of Magic may have learned during her lonely book binges or what techniques the good Captain developed while on leave. When a pair of orange wings flared up and the lavender mare disappeared from sight, a scandalous gasp rippled through the crowd followed by polite cheers of encouragement. If she heard them, she paid them no mind as she was enraptured with her newfound paramour.

"I think they can see me." Sentry glanced out over the crowd of spectators with a blush on his face.

"Oh, now you develop stage fright?" Sparkle smirked from her reclined position on the floor. "Ignore them. Now, you were about to penetrate?"

"Er, okay." The pegasus's wings twitched slightly as he refocused on the lovely mare. "So the griffons had set up in a cloudbank and the only way to get to the captive airship was to punch straight through!"

The Captain of the Guard continued to regale the Princess with tales of his exploits. While she had already heard most of them due to after-action reports the guards had to fill out, Sentry was able to add a dimension of excitement that the cold and professional paperwork could not hope to replicate. Sparkle knew he was exaggerating in some places but did not have the heart to correct the handsome stallion.

"The pirates had rudimentary scrap cannons, not the batteries the military uses." She thought as the pegasus described dodging and rolling through a hail of flak. "But I guess that detail loses meaning when you're getting shot at."

"...boarded the airship and found the hostages." Sentry finished as he almost became airborne in his excited retelling. "The brigands cut and ran as soon as they realized they'd lost their bargaining chips."

"A common occurrence." The lavender Alicorn nodded. "I believe it's a saying among the Night Guard that criminals are a cowardly and superstitious lot."

"Not sure how much I agree with that." The Captain frowned as he sat beside his Princess. "I've met more than a few who are just young and stupid or desperate."

"Or misguided." Sparkle thought of the worryingly expansive rogue's gallery she had amassed. "Or just obeying their nature."

"True." She admitted as she retrieved the slapdash meal she had prepared. "There's an entire section of the library dedicated to this subject but I think we would enjoy this more."

"Mmm, cake." Sentry licked his lips as he realized he had not eaten since his shift ended. "How'd you hide it from Princess Celestia?"

"I didn't. Luna did." The former pupil of the Solar Alicorn explained. "I think Celestia is trying to cut back and Luna is holding her to it."

The dietary habits of the Diarchy aside, the two enjoyed the savory treat along with the fireworks. Their onlookers, desperate for more to feed their speculation, sent a daring pegasus to fly up to the pavilion for a better view. At the sight of a satisfied guard stallion and a Princess with a white substance around her muzzle, the spy nearly doubled over in scandalous delight.

"Uh, Twilight?" The Captain gestured to her nose. "You got a little..."

"Oh, thanks." Sparkle ignited her horn and gathered up the offending icing. "Here, say 'ah'."

Arching an eyebrow at the arguably indirect kiss, the orange stallion complied. He was rewarded with a sugary dollop combined with the electrifying change of magic that we found went well together. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a pegasus peering over the balcony with a look of coy intrigue on her face. It took him a moment but he pieced together how the scene could have been interpreted.

"We have a spy, Princess." He whispered. "Not sure how much they've seen."

"Ugh, it had to be white icing." The Alicorn brought a hoof to her face as she reached the same conclusion. "Are they with the papers?"

"No camera or press pass so I think she's just a curious civilian." Sentry kept the peeper in his peripherals. "Want me to chase her off?"

"No, allow me." Sparkle shook her head before glaring at the spy directly, causing her to freeze. "Can we help you?"

"Eep!" The mare dropped off the edge and flew back down to the ground level.

"She's probably relaying everything she saw to her friends now." The Captain sighed as he rubbed his temples. "With plenty of embellishments because it's not like they're going to check."

"That's why we have a well-paid public relations department." The Princess said as she rested her head against his shoulder. "Worry later; enjoy now."

The two did just that as they watched the fireworks. Sentry casually extended a wing under the pretense of stretching and wrapped it around Sparkle. The youngest Alicorn responded by scootching closer until their flanks touched and doing the same with one of her wings. With a contented sigh, the lavender mare gently traced a hoof up and down the orange stallion's chest.

"I bet he has a pair of pretty pecs under this." Sparkle thought wistfully. "Should I do the 'spill drink on shirt' routine? That might be-!"

Sentry derailed her train of thought by leaning over and kissing her head just above her horn. A small spark of excitement lept from it as another shot down her spine. She glanced up at the pegasus who had already returned his attention to the exploding sky.

"Is that all?" The Princess asked almost incredulously.

"Maybe?" Sentry said in a tone somewhere between hopeful and nervous. "I thought the peeping tom was a mood killer."

"Is she still there?" Sparkle scanned the balcony to find two more onlookers who quickly ducked down. "Oh, come on!"

"If I may, maybe we should..." The Captain tapped his hooves together as he considered the phrasing. "...go somewhere more... private?"

"Wooo!" One of the spies made his approval known.

"Do let's." The Princess nickered in annoyance. "An audience is more Dash's thing."

With the mood now considerably less romantic, the pegasus and Alicorn made to retire inside. They had just reached the doors when a sudden stillness settled over the area. The fireworks and all lingering conversation suddenly went quiet as every equine at the gala felt something was amiss; a primal instinct warning them of danger. It was then that they noticed the windows rattling in their frames and the very ground rumbled beneath their hooves. Faint hollow booms could barely be heard over the fearful murmurs, growing steadily louder and stronger.

“I thought the earth wasn't supposed to move until much later." Sentry said as he tried to maintain his balance.

"Uh, Princess? Captain?" One of the onlookers pulled himself up and pointed at the peak of Canterhorn above them. "The mountain is on fire!"

All eyes turned to the summit where tenebrous smoke billowed from newly formed fissures. While it was difficult to tell in the moonlight, the cracks appeared to grow larger in time with the subterranean rumblings. The uneasy whispers turned into terrified cries as tongues of weird fire occasionally licked from the shuddering peak.

"Impossible; Canterhorn doesn't sit on a faultline or hotspot." Sparkle mentally skimmed through her knowledge of geology. "What is this?"

“GUARDS! GET EVERYPONY INSIDE!” Celestia ordered in the Royal Canterlot Voice. “LUNA! TWILIGHT! WITH ME!”

Sparkle and Sentry shared a brief look before they both shot into the air, the Captain diving into the courtyard while the Alicorn joined her fellow Princesses. The trio rocketed toward the upper limit of the magical barrier with the peak just beyond. Sparks of magic crackled across the shimmering surface as bits of debris plinked off the shield. Volcanic or not, it was clear to them that something was about to erupt.

"Just how strong is this barrier of yours, Sparkle?" Luna asked as a particularly large rock cracked the barrier like glass before it repaired itself.

"Swarm invasions, siege weapons, blimp attacks and the like." The Alicorn of Magic rattled off the ratings. "It should hold but I'd rather not gamble on this."

"Agreed." Celestia nodded as she ignited her horn. "Luna, you may have to take the brunt of this; it's your time of night."

Together, the Princesses of Equestria fed their magic into the barrier. The translucent magenta dome shifted into a brilliant white as the mountain continued to tremble. The rumblings were joined by a deep roar that grew ominously louder. The alabaster Alicorn grimaced as entire slabs of rock shifted and split from whatever force was about to greet them.

"Hold fast!" Luna shouted over the noise as it reached a crescendo.

*KRI-KRAC-BOOOM!*

Mount Canterhorn erupted with a deafening blast the shook the city to its foundations. A barrage of shattered rock and a wall of choking dust slammed into the shield and down the unprotected slopes. The barrier shuddered and sparked under the weight of the assault with the Alicorns visibly straining to maintain it.

"Keep it together, Celly." Celestia, arguably the weakest of the three given the current time, told herself as sweat beaded on her brow. "It's just a few measly rocks."

Their struggles were not in vain as most of the debris was vaporized against the incandescent shield. The larger bits simply rolled off and fell harmlessly into the wilds. Sparkle stole a glance downward to check on the equines below when something burning nearly singed her wings. She snapped her head back up to see that rather than the pyroclastic flow or lava of a volcano, something else was crashing against the barrier.

"What is that?" The youngest Princess asked aloud as semi-molten rocks wreathed in a strange flame ate through the shield. "Anti-magic?"

"Sparkle! Move!" Luna shouted as she shoved the Element Bearer out of the way of a glowing slab as it fell through.

The three could only watch as the dome buckled and finally broke under the weight and anti-magical fire. Abandoning the now useless shield, the Alicorns did their best to physically knock away the larger rocks while avoiding being crushed or immolated. Below them, brave guardsponies and citizen volunteers alike herded those they could into the relative safety of the palace as stone and fire rained on them from the sky.

"Eyes forward! Keep movin'!" Applejack shouted as she herded a group inside. "Leave yer shoes! It ain't worth it!"

"AJ! Heads up!" Rainbow Dash called out as she blitz into a rock that imperiled her friend. "Keep going! I'll cover you!"

Other pegasi followed the speedster's example in intercepting falling rocks. Unicorns conjured simple shields to defeat the mundane projectiles while earth ponies carried the slower of the guests to safety. Against the accursed fire, however, there was little they could do but dodge.

"Stay away from the windows!" Sentry advised as he returned a weeping filly to her parents. "Don't go outside and somepony give me a headcount!"

"Most are still outside and some are taking their chances in the outer gardens." Rarity answered him as she ushered in another group from under her magical parasol. "How soon do you think we can evacuate, captain?"

"Hopefully as soon as this bombardment stops." The pegasus said just as something heavy slammed into the roof and sent a wave of panic through the assembled guests as bits of wood and masonry showered them. "Stars above! Get into the keep!"

"THERE ARE SHELTERS INSIDE!" Cadenza thundered above the din alongside her alerted crystal guards. "GET INSIDE AND STAY LOW!"

With the crystal regent's direction, the guests were herded into hardened shelters within the palace. Here they were safe from the barrage of debris but could still feel the tremors of the eruption. Accompanying guards managed to restore a sense of calm to the equines while the waitstaff did their best to make their somewhat cramped condition comfortable. All they could do was wait for the all-clear while the guards and Princesses dealt with the crisis.

---

"The Spacy and Inattentive Trixie wishes she paid more attention to Canterlot's layout." Archmage Lulamoon muttered as she galloped down unfamiliar halls.

Not far behind her, a trio of zealous Solarii followed in pursuit of the khthonic mare. Her efforts to elude them were hampered by the clattering and encumbering weight of a sword and helm on her back. The magician bought herself some space by taking blind potshots at the guards or upsetting various decorations but still, they persisted.

"You cannot evade the judgment of the righteous, witch!" A gilded guard shouted as she fired a lance of light at the azure unicorn.

"Watch and be amazed!" Lulamoon retorted as she charged through a set of doors only to find nothing but an empty lounge. "Oh, really?!"

With the Solarii closing in, the mage slammed the doors shut and barricaded them by haphazardly stacking furniture against them. Knowing she only bought herself a few precious moments, Lulamoon searched the room for any egress but besides a narrow slit of a window for ventilation, she was trapped. Horns ignited on the other side followed by a blinding flash that incinerated the doors instantly. The trio advanced through the smoldering doorway and toward the cornered lich.

"Stay where you are!" Lulamoon adopted her best showmare stance as she stalled for time. "Not one step closer if you value your lives!"

"We gladly give our lives in Her service!" One of the guards spat. "Not that a sorceress would comprehend such virtue!"

"You would be surprised, neigh-sayer." The lich frowned as she ignited her own horn. "But if you are so willing to die, then advance!"

Uncaring or unimpressed by her challenge, the Solarii trotted forward with horns aglow. Lulamoon backed up until she bumped into the far wall. She considered drawing the deathly sword lashed to her back when the room began to shake. All four struggled to keep their balance as paintings fell from the wall and cracks appeared along the floor.

"What sorcery is this?" A guard fired a shot at the mage but had his aim fouled by the tremors. "Cease this wickedness lest you bring the whole mountain down!"

"Trixie usually needs a stallion with her to make the earth move like this." The mage muttered to herself but decided to roll with the sudden development. "Then flee, foals, before the very depths swallow this pitiful palace!"

"She's bluffing!" Another guard shouted. "Finish her!"

A flurry of solar bolts flew at the mage who barely had time to duck out of the way. The three took their time to steady their aim as Lulamoon reached for the blade. Neither got the chance to act as a thunderous explosion set them all to the floor again. The blast reverberated through the halls until it was replaced by a staccato plinking like hail on a roof.

"What in the-!" Lulamoon whispered until the ceiling caved in above the Solarii.

A burning slab of rock fell through the room and smashed through the floor, taking the zealots with it. A slacked jaw unicorn stared at the hole where her pursuers were before she peeked out the new skylight. Far above she could make out the lights of the Alicorns against the night sky and the unmistakable signs of khthonic power billowing from the blasted peak.

"So much for sneaking out during the afterparty." The mage grimaced as she lept the gap and galloped back into the halls before the Solarii recovered. "Plan B, then."

With the erupting mountain calling the attention of every guard in the palace, Lulamoon was able to move about with greater freedom. After doubling back the way she came and finally coming across a signpost, the lich was able to find an isolated balcony that overlooked the Everfree. Sealing the doors behind her with a temporary rune just in case another patrol discovered her, the Archmage propped her hooves up on the railing and scanned the landscape.

"All clear on this side." Lulamoon said as she fired a sequence of flares into the night. "Hope the bedbug is paying attention."

Out in the wild Everfree, Hive Queen Chrysalis and a small swarm of her drones milled about a secluded meadow with a clear view of the capital city. They had spent the majority of the night practicing shapeshifting, sleeping amongst the trees or playing cards around a smokeless fire. Their time on the surface had been eventless with the exception of the cycloptic driver rejoining them and reporting the successful infiltration of Elytra and their benefactors. Said driver was now acting as the dealer in a game with Chrysalis and a couple of her children.

"No more betting." The one-eyed creature said as he dealt the last community card. "Flowing down the river."

"Need a heart, need a heart." One of the drones muttered as the dealer revealed a club. "Damn you, cyclopes!"

"Hey, no need for that." Chrysalis chastised as she turned over her straight. "Unlike most dealers, he's not playing for a house so you can expect him to be honest."

"Speaking of houses, mine's full." Another drone flipped over her winning match. "Better luck next time."

"That's three games in a row!" The first drone glared at the winner. "How?"

"One-eye here may be dealing but it's my deck." The shapeshifted grinned cheekily. "I'm surprised it took you this long to notice."

"The aces and faces have a slightly different pattern on the back." The cyclopes explained to the first. "A moot point considering the Queen here was looking through your eyes the whole time."

"Lot of good it did me." Chrysalis shamelessly admitted as she severed her subtle clairvoyant link with her children. "This is a dumb game anyway."

"Hey! Everyone!" An alarmed buzz went through the camp from one of the drones sitting in a tree. "It's popping off in Canterlot!"

All eyes turned to the capital city of the loathed equines. Where there had once been fireworks, thick black smoke now filled the airspace over the palace. The translucent dome over the cliff-bound city turned white as three points of light flew up to meet the burning peak. While they were too far away to feel it, they could tell the entire edifice was shaking.

"No sign of Husk or the lich." A drone said as it scanned the vista. "Should we get up there or wait?"

"I'm trying to call Elytra but that shield must be blocking it." The Hive Matron gritted her teeth as she tried to focus. "We might- whoa!"

Chrysalis was cut off by the peak of Canterhorn exploding. Her drones chittered in a mix of excitement and worry as the city was lost in a cloud of dust and fire. Their chitters turned into alarmed hisses as a shockwave raced down the mountain toward them.

"Get down and cover your ears!" Chrysalis commanded as the blast washed over them like a roll of thunder.

The mini-swarm reached cover as the trees snapped back as if caught in a gale and the campfire winked out like a candle. A few took cover along with the cyclopes under the carriage that teetered on its wheels but remained upright. As quickly as it came, the surprise storm passed and the insectoid swarm crawled out of their shelters. The once pristine vista before them was now a scene of terror; weird fire clung to the upper reaches of the now shorter mountain as the protective dome fell away from the city like shattered glass.

"SK must have a different definition of stealth than the rest of us." The Hive Queen buzzed pointedly. "Does that count as a signal for backup?"

"That might." A drone pointed to a section of the palace where a series of fireworks spelled out 'Pick Up'. "I'd guess that's the showmare."

"If so, she has good timing." Chrysalis chittered as she took to the air. "You might be better off staying here, driver."

"All the same, I doubt I could get back up that mountain." The cyclops said as he imagined navigating the no doubt ruined road. "Unless you want to carry this thing with you."

"We could do that." The cheater drone pointed out. "Get enough of us to airbus the carriage, pick up the gala gang in style and then fly home without having to double back to get one-eye."

"Works for you, works for me." The cyclops shrugged as the Hive Matron nodded in assent. "Let me lighten the load and then we can be off."

After stripping off some nonessential features of the carriage, the driver took up his usual seat while Chrysalis volunteered a team of drones. After some difficulty getting the balance right, the jerry-rigged changeling blimp joined their unencumbered fellows in the air. Despite the additional weight, the mini-swarm flew low and fast over the treetops toward the imperiled capital. En route, the Swarm Matriarch attempted to connect to her daughter again and after some moments of static, succeeded.

"Mom? Not clear; wait a bit." The distorted image of a young mare appeared before the elder changeling. "Okay, are you still there?"

"Elytra, are you hurt?" Chrysalis asked instinctively. "We're inflight to Canterlot now."

"I'm fine; we all are." The view shifted to four weary equines in waitstaff uniforms who nevertheless smiled and waved. "They got us into shelters in the palace when the mountain blew its top."

"There's a balcony on the west side." The Hive Queen informed her. "Can you make your way there?"

"No." The disguised Elytra shook her head. "We're fine where we are."

"Don't get hard-headed with me, young nymph!" Chrysalis hissed. "I'd better see you outside by-!"

"Mom! I'm fine! Really!" The Hive Princess insisted. "We got in, we're safe and nopony expects a thing. You just worry about getting SK and TL out of here."

"Elytra..." Her mother briefly considered storming the palace to get her but the resolute changeling staring back at her convinced her otherwise. "...stay safe and keep in touch."

"I will." Elytra nodded. "You all be careful."

With that, the connection fizzled and cut out. Chrysalis sighed deeply and refocused on the task ahead of them. It occurred to her that the distress they were answering could belong to just some noble but without any way to contact the lich or Theoi, they would have to risk it. The swarm left the forest behind and angled up the mountainside. As they drew closer to Canterlot, they could hear the screams and shouts of the equines as they tried to restore order. The changelings shifted into pegasi for cover and skirted the outer walls, unnoticed in the confusion.

“I swore I would return here one day.” Chrysalis allowed a fiendish grin to cross her features. “Not as sweet as vassalization but I'll take it.”

The Hive Matron stole a glance at the boarded-up entrance to the abandoned gem mine where she and her infiltrators had hidden and plotted their invasion. To her surprise, she saw a burly and dusty minotaur armed with a pickaxe smash through the wooden barricade and sprint into the darkened back alleys where he disappeared from sight. Deciding not to dwell on the oddity, the Swarm Queen directed her 'flight' toward the western face of the palace.

“There she is, up there.” A drone indicated a lone azure unicorn on a balcony waving at them.

Chrysalis doubled checked the mare just to make sure but there was no mistaking the azure coat and glowing eyes of Lulamoon. The disguised Hive Matriarch flew up to her level and alighted on the balcony. The Archmage greeted her with a genuine smile.

“A sight for sore eyes and legs, Hive Queen.” Lulamoon said with a short laugh. “Is it just you?”

“No, we decided not to make two trips.” The Matron said as the carriage and its team hovered into view. “Where's your date?”

“We got separated before all this started.” Lulamoon answered as she tossed her spoils into the carriage. “The Sharp and Knowledgeable Trixie is certain he is riding dragon-air back home.”

“It's your head if you're wrong.” Chrysalis needled as the unicorn climbed aboard. “What were those? Souvenirs?”

"Of a sort." Lulamoon said as she shut the door behind her. "Trixie will tell you on the way but let's get out of here first."

The Hive Queen signaled her swarm that they were ready to go and took to the air again. The 'flight' lingered around the palace for a bit in case the Theoi made an appearance but were forced to leave as pegasi and thestral patrols began to fill the air. The group flew down the barren side of the mountain and over the wild stretches of the Everfree toward Avernus, their departure hidden in the now shifting shadows cast by the approaching storm.

---

A deep, rumbling growl emanated from the still smoldering crater that was Canterhorn's peak. Claws appeared over the rim and dug into the scorched rock, each finger tipped with curved talons capable of tearing a fully armored knight to ribbons. Another joined opposite the first as they dragged the rest of the great beast into the open air. Scales as black as the Void laid like the shields of ancient legion formations over a sculpted musculature that creaked and snapped from millennia of stillness. A series of spines ran like a forest of spears from the emergent dragon's powerful tail along its back to the crown of swooped back horns. The khthonic beast pulled itself further out of its prison until it could unfurl its wings. With strained cracks that dislodged caked-on stone, the dragon blotted out the moon and surrounding stars as it stretched its cramped limbs to their fullest extent. Baleful burning eyes gaze out past a crocodilian snout at an unfamiliar world, tenebrous smoke billowing from between its mighty jaws. Unfazed by his alien environs, Suneater the Black Dragon heralded his own return with a skyward roar that threaten to shake the very heavens. Hapless mortals quailed as their senses were assaulted by the nether tongue of the Underworld while the shadows of the world shifted to greet their Primordial master.

"STRIKE THE LIGHTS AND BEAR WITNESS!" The draconic Lord of Darkness rumbled in rapturous delight. "I HAVE RETURNED!"

"I doubt any of them can understand you." The Theoi Anax mentally grumbled from his friend's back, his form nearly invisible amidst the mess of black spines and layer of dust. "Now just take off and leave the mortals be."

"Twilight, get another shield around the palace!" Celestia shouted to her slack-jawed former pupil. "Luna and I will deal with this!"

"Princess, I don't think this is a-!" Sparkle froze as the dragon's gaze fell on the three of them.

"WHAT IS THIS? ALICORNS?" The beast gave the trio a wry grin. "HOW QUAINT!"

Suneater ran his tongue over his teeth hungrily as he pulled himself free of the crater. He got a hind claw on the rim only for the already crumbling rock to give way entirely. The dragon wobbled precariously before he tipped forward into open air.

"Oh, balls." The pale horse cringed as the sides of the mountain rushed up to meet them.

With a string of incoherent curses, the dragon and his hidden passenger tumbled down the slopes. The sight would have been comical to the onlooking Alicorns were he not bearing down on Canterlot like an avalanche. Unable to form a complete dome in time, the Princess of Magic managed to conjure a simple sheet of translucent power that Suneater smacked into. The barrier cracked, buckled and burned under the khthonic bulk of the behemoth, forcing Sparkle to angle her construct and pitch him off shoveled dirt before both its integrity and her strength failed. While the main palace was spared, the dragon still fell through several minor towers and roofs before he finally landed in a heap in the courtyard. Disoriented but otherwise unharmed, the Black Dragon shook his horned head clean of its fresh coat of rubble and beheld a herd of equines frozen in terror. Both parties stared at each other as a tense silence hung in the air.

"This is the part where you run away!" The Theoi broke the trance with an exasperated shout.

The party guests did not need telling twice as they rushed for the relative safety of the palace amiss a cacophony of terrified screaming. Suneater watched the stampede with some amusement before he lumbered toward the herd to satisfy his millennia-long fast. He set his sights on a couple who had tripped and was almost upon them when a butter yellow blur dropped in front of him.

"WAIT! STOP!" Fluttershy shouted, her strident voice and unnaturally intense stare forcing the beast to halt in his tracks. "DON'T YOU DARE!"

"WHAT IS THIS?" Suneater blinked in surprise. "IS THIS MORTAL CHALLENGING ME TO A DUEL OF WILLS?"

"I have no idea what you just said but you can't just attack ponies like that!" The Element of Kindness shuddered as the dark speech washed over her but she maintained her scolding tone. "I know you're probably hurt and confused after falling like that after waking up but that is no excuse to act so mean!"

"Fluttershy, you adorable fool, that is not going to work." The pallid pony beat his head against a scale. "There is only one being that can talk to him like that."

The normally demure pegasus stood her ground and fixed the perplexed dragon with a glare that had cowed even the most savage of creatures. It was a technique that had served her well in her profession, allowing her to pierce through layers of anger, confusion and pain to reach the heart of issues that plagued her darling animals as well as a few friends. The Black Dragon was none of these things, however, as his expression hardened and he returned the stare. Fluttershy faltered as she saw not the anger and confusion of a scared animal but something far more sinister. So overcome with mortal terror was the pegasus that she did not budge as Suneater opened his cavernous maw and lunged forward. Before Fluttershy was swallowed whole, a burst of confetti and cotton candy filled the dragon's mouth. From the sweet cloud emerged Pinkie Pie and Discord, the latter clad in the attire of a circus weightlifter with the physique to match.

"Bright idea, Flitter-flutter." The draconequus said as he easily propped the behemoth's pallet. "But I fear this brute is too simple to understand you."

"Hey, snap out of it!" The party pony dope slapped her stupified friend. "You did great but we gotta go!"

While she did not get through to Suneater, the kindly pegasus had bought enough time for the guests to reach safety. With their primary task accomplished, the guards were able to turn their attention to the now obviously hostile dragon. A phalanx of earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi put themselves between the civilians and the beast, parting only to allow the two heroines to pass.

"Discord!" Sentry shouted as the dragon attempted to dislodge the annoyance. "Get clear!"

"In a moment, Captain!" The trickster did an awkward wiggle to avoid the beast's reaching claws. "I did not think this-!"

*SMACK*

The 'reformed' villain fell silent as something long and moist slapped him in the face and slid down his front. Now dripping with a fresh coat of saliva that sent an uncomfortable tingling across his flesh, the mismatched prankster deflated back to his typical form as his mind attempted to process what just happened.

"Did we just round first base?" Discord asked blankly as the dragon's jaws closed around him. "Whoa, now he's stealing second!"

"Now watch him foul ball you." The Theoi tried to follow the metaphor as the beast's cheeks bulged out.

Heavily disagreeing with the thing trying to eat him, the prankster kicked and thrashed in an effort to avoid being swallowed. Suneater ultimately decided raw draconequus was unpalatable to him and spat out Discord with a plume of black flame and phlegm. The trickster turned loogie smacked into a wall where he slowly slid to the ground, a look of absolute revulsion on his face.

"That did it! Light it up!" Sentry commanded to which the unicorns eagerly obeyed.

With minimal risk of friendly fire, the guards assaulted the beast with a flurry of beams and bolts. The dragon shielded his chest with a wing to let his scales and innate anti-magic bear the brunt of the barrage. His unseen passenger kept low as battle magic flew over his head.

"We've outstayed our welcome." The Theoi did not bother trying to be heard over the din. "Time to go before they get in a lucky shot."

The Black Dragon did not share the sentiment as he whipped around with an enraged snarl. His tail swung low and batted guards aside like toys, disrupting the assault and opening gaps in their ranks. The dragon ground his claws into the ground to halt his spin and inhaled deeply, intent on immolating the entire company and then some. The first few gouts of weird fire had just left his maw when a combined ball of solar and lunar magic crashed into his head, cracking a few scales and fouling his aim.

"YOU WILL NOT HAVE THESE, MONSTER!" Princess Luna declared as both she and her sister pummeled the behemoth with their magic.

Suneater flinched and stumbled as the might of day and night rained down on him, allowing the troops to reform and resume their own barrage. With the dragon now on the defensive, Sparkle attempted to conjure chains and manacles to bind the beast down. She secured its front and rear claws and was about to tie its wings when the Black Dragon suddenly flared them with a deafening roar. The resulting hurricane-force gales knocked the Princesses and guards alike across the ground like leaves in the wind. The colossal beast continued to beat its wings as it tried to get airborne, straining against the magical bonds until they snapped in twain and dissipated.

"NO MORTAL MAGIC WILL HOLD ME AGAIN!" The Lord of Darkness thundered. "I SWEAR I WILL REPAY THIS INDIGNITY A HUNDREDFOLD!"

"Swear all you like just get us out of here!" The Dread Lord held on tight as the ground rushed away from him.

After knocking over another tower, the dragon gained enough space to catch the wind beneath his wings and take flight. He rumbled over the recovering equines' heads like a griffon zeppelin heading for open skies. A few guards sent some parting shots but the behemoth ignored them as he cleared the city limits. The Necroarch checked behind them to see if they were being followed. At first he saw nothing but equines rushing to quell the fires that had broken out in and around the palace as well as a line of guests streaming out of the city. Then a pair of comets trailing pastel and starry night contrails rocketed into the sky and rushed after them like bolts of divine retribution.

"Nine bleeding Hells, they're not letting this go." The ancient Anax mentally cursed as he discerned the forms of Celestia and Luna sans the less practical parts of their gowns. "Sparkle must have stayed behind to help the injured, thank the Fates."

"Behind us, Shifting Darkness!" He shouted, his words nearly lost in the whipping winds.

"WHO IS THERE?" Suneater checked over his shoulder for the source of the voice only to see nothing but spines, scales and the Princesses. "HRMPH! PERSISTENT PESTS!"

The dragon had a fair head start on the pursuing Alicorns, its impressive size belying its speed, but it would not be long before the Royal Sisters closed to range. Rather than battle the pair in clear skies, the Black Dragon decided on a more daring approach. Just ahead of him was a massive storm; a lightning flecked wall of clouds that dominated the horizon and defied the nearby weather pegasi's attempted to control it.

"Not my first choice." The Theoi felt his fur stand on end as he recalled a few less civil arguments with his youngest brother.

The weather team attempted to redirect what they thought was a wayward dragon at first. They quickly scattered as the beast roared past them, claws and teeth nearly clipping the slower pegasi. Folding his wings, Suneater punched through the cloud wall amidst wicked bolts of lightning and peals of thunder. The interior of the supercell was a prime example of untamed nature with churning amorphous thunderheads and driving icy rain that seemed to come from all directions. The tree-snapping gales and occasional lightning strikes slowed the Primordial a bit but he was otherwise unaffected.

"For someone who has battled Mother Nature herself, this is probably a stroll in the park for him." The Theoi Anax thought as a fork of lightning danced across the dragon's spines and himself. "Wish I could say the same, damn lightning!"

Suneater and his unseen passenger braced themselves as they came to another wall and broke through. Expecting to have reached the eye of the storm, they were surprised to find an artificial port created by the pegasi for shelter and resupply. The few weather ponies present stared in awe of their sudden intruder before taking flight when he roared at them. Up and over or down and out, the pegasi quickly fled as the dragon lunged at them but did not make much an effort to pursue.

"A SKITTISH SPECIES YET THEY APPEAR TO HAVE INHERITED THE SKY LORD'S DOMAIN." The Primordial snorted in derision once he thought he was alone.

"Primordial Lord of the Shifting Darkness!" The Necroarch called out in Khthonic now that he was sure he could be heard. "Heed me!"

"AGAIN, A VOICE FROM THE ETHER!" The dragon scanned the surrounding clouds as he tried to place the voice. "HAVE I GONE MAD IN MY YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT?"

The pale horse did not get a chance to respond as a hail of magical bolts rained down on them. Suneater shuddered under the impacts and was forced into an awkward juke to escape them. He steadied himself against the cloud wall and looked up to see the Alicorns dive in from the top of the port with horns aglow. With an angry growl, the Black Dragon smashed through the reinforced clouds and flew back into the storm with a mighty flap of his wings. The stygian stallion could see the tell-tale glow of solar and lunar magic fly after them in the beast's shadowy wake.

"I didn't think they would follow us in." He thought as a cobalt beam nearly gave him a shave. "They must mean to shoot us down or keep us in the wilds. Either way, we have to lose them."

Unable to do much beyond holding on and remaining hidden, the pale horse kept his head down and left the flying to the Black Dragon. The bolts of magic from the Alicorns slowed but increased in power as the sisters took the time to charge and aim their shots. Despite his evasive maneuvers, Suneater was still a large target and several shots struck home, breaking scales loose with roars of pain and frustration. A well-aimed blast from Luna caught the carpal joint of one of his wings, forcing the appendage to fold and the dragon to lose balance. In a feat of acrobatics not many would anticipate from a creature his size, the Black Dragon turned the tilt into a roll onto his back; flying upside down while giving himself a better view of his pursuers.

"Seriously, what is happening today?" The inverted Theoi gripped the rain-slicked scales as tights as he could, causing some to crack. "Just don't look down."

The Primordial's baleful eyes narrowed as he inhaled deeply and unleashed a giant ball of khthonic fire. The Alicorns narrowly avoided the attack as it crashed into a storm cloud, resulting in an explosion of plasma and superheated steam. Seeing this, Suneater fired off a series of smaller fireballs aimed at the Princess's general area rather than directly. The ensuing flak storm of weird fire, lightning and steam forced the Royal's into their own display of acrobatics as they avoided the deathly blasts.

"They're shielded like Armor was against Dugore." The still upside-down Necroarch realized as he saw magic shimmer across Celestia from a close call. "That will help again the storm but a direct hit..."

Suneater fired off one last blast that went wide before he rolled back over. Finally granted a reprieve, the Alicorns fell in behind the beast and took aim at his wings. Just before they were about to finally bring the dragon down, the Primordial suddenly flared his wings and instantly stalled in the air. Catching a hurricane-force gale, the behemoth rocketed backwards toward his pursuers. The Alicorns dodged around the Black Dragon, narrowly avoiding his bulk as their positions were reversed.

"I HAVE YOU NOW!" The Lord of Darkness snarled as he leveled out with khthonic fire building in his core.

The Princesses were once again forced to bob and weave as the dragon renewed his assault. Flying against the wind, the fireballs were slowed but so were the Royal Sisters particularly the diurnal Alicorn. Seeing the flagging Celestia, Suneater closed the distance with his teeth bared and a carnivorous gleam in his eyes. Just before he could make good on his namesake, the Solar Princess pulled up into a large loop. The dragon snarled in frustration as his prey flew past his horns and he got a mouthful of cloud.

"Impressive, Princess." The Theoi thought as the inverted Alicorn passed close enough for him to see the strain of effort on her face. "Wait, did she just see me?"

Celestia appeared to stare at his hiding place before she suddenly rolled onto her front. Her momentary lapse in focus cost her as Suneater swung his tail up at her. The scaly limb slammed into the Alicorn's side like a freight train and sent her spinning into a storm bank. The pale horse watched the Princess disappear amid bolts of lightning and a flash of failed magic.

"I guess that works." The Necroarch winced as his ride grinned maliciously. "And then there was Luna."

Suneater focused on the remaining Alicorn and prepared to unleash another barrage of fire. The navy Princess must have anticipated the assault as she suddenly rolled onto her back and sent a single bolt of magic down the dragon's gullet. A muted explosion rumbled from within the behemoth before he hacked up plumes of ember-flecked smoke. Luna followed up by righting herself and shooting forward like a shot from a cannon at the stunned Primordial's snout. The Black Dragon managed to twist his head out of the way, causing the Lunar Alicorn to merely graze him and sheer off a few horns and spines.

"THIS ONE HAS MORE FIGHT IN IT!" The Primordial's anger was tempered somewhat by genuine surprise.

Back in the dragon's wake, Luna held her fire and waited for an opening. Suneater made to do his rollover trick again when he came to a swirling storm wall. The beast braced himself as he crashed into the very heart of the supercell with Luna not far behind. Where the Black Dragon had managed to power his way through the outer reaches of the storm, the vortex proved too much as it dragged him off course and carried him up the spiral. The behemoth wisely decided to just ride it out while Luna attempted to follow. The smaller flier was ultimately forced to break off by folding her wings and tumbling out of the mesocyclone into the relatively calm eye of the storm. The pallid pony nearly lost track of the navy Alicorn amongst the rain when a light like a newborn star cut through the murk. A concentrated beam of lunar magic surged through the air and nearly skewered the dragon through his back. A second beam burned through one of Suneater's wings, leaving a perfectly round hole in the sail-like membrane.

"She's using the lightning." The Theoi realized as a bolt of lightning was followed by another beam of magic. "Hard to miss his silhouette."

Reaching the same conclusion as his hidden passenger, Suneater did his best to streamline his profile. The ploy seemed to work when Luna blasted an uncanny cloud formation. The Black Dragon went a step further by letting out a fake roar of pain to fool the Princess into thinking she had landed a blow. In time, the navy Alicorn was left fighting phantoms as the Primordial reached the top of the supercell.

"She has lost us!" The Theoi shouted as Suneater began flying under his own power again. "Now is our chance to escape!"

The Black Dragon did not respond as he glared down at the lone Alicorn. He glided silently around the rim of the eye until he was behind the Princess. Luna had discovered Suneater's ploy by then and was scanning the storm for signs of the colossal beast, her horn aglow and at the ready. The dragon leveled off and flew over the eye for a short distance before he folded his wings and plunged into the storm tail first.

“Luna! Above you!” The pale horse shouted as the Primordial's deep shadow fell over the Lunar Alicorn.

In a split second, the Princess whirled around and fired at the monster. Had she reacted sooner, the navy Alicorn may have stuck Suneater between his baleful eyes. Instead, the blast grazed his scaley cheek and shot off harmlessly into the night sky. Luna did not have time to react before the Black Dragon was upon her.

*KRA-DOOOM!*

With a thunderous clap that cleared the storm around him, Suneater crushed the Princess between his claws. The monster held her in his grip as he spread his wings to halt his fall. After grinding his claws together for a few agonizing moments, the Primordial released his hold. The ruined body of the Alicorn twisted in the air as she entered free fall. The Black Dragon inhaled and fire off one last ball of fire for no reason other than spite. The khthonic flames caught the listless Princess and sent her rocketing toward the ground like a meteor.

"MAY THIS ONE'S FATE BE A WARNING TO THE REST!" Suneater spat as his bested foe vanished into the stormy gloom below.

With that, the Lord of Darkness climbed back above the supercell and flew off into open skies. His unseen passenger could only stare at the steadily shrinking storm and the fading lights of Canterlot beyond. A rare feeling of dread settled in his core as he processed all that had transpired.

"What have we done?" The question repeated itself in his mind as he and his old friend disappeared into the night.

Next Chapter: Picking Up The Pieces Estimated time remaining: 8 Hours, 27 Minutes