Twilight ruminated on her circumstances as she ascended to another floor, her gaze sweeping across the area and finding nothing out of place. Just another level which had been carefully cleaned, organized, and was in the midst of being repaired. Even the hole in the center had been bridged by a long, wide board, enabling easier passage.

Like on the other floors, repairs had been minimal and had seemingly been paused at one point, as a fine layer of dust covered most of the discarded tools. Evidently they had been in the midst of returning the undertower to its former glory when they had diverted efforts elsewhere. Twilight pushed all such considerations out of her mind and focused on just getting to the library as soon as possible.

One part of her hoped she was right, and that the statue was in fact Luna’s petrified body. Another, smaller piece of her wanted to be wrong, as it meant she hadn't looked over such an obvious answer. Thankfully it wasn't long before she was able to reach the library proper, using her magic to push open the entrance.

“What the heck?” Twilight muttered, her gaze settling on the empty space where the statue had once stood. “Where did it go?”

The unicorn immediately began to search the immediate area, but quickly came up empty-hoofed. There simply wasn't a space large enough to hide such a massive amount of stone, unless it had been shrunk somehow. Twilight had to stop herself from scanning the library for a potentially miniscule stone alicorn.

“Someone must know where it's gone. It's not like it can just get up and walk away,” Twilight remarked.

Only to pause.

“Right?”

Twilight shook her head and trotted towards the exit, making her way further up the tower. Only to be stopped when she heard the sound of hooves coming down the stairs. Stepping off to the side, Twilight waited until a slim and remarkably tall armored thestral strode out from the entrance.

“Ahh, you're awake once more,” she exclaimed in a surprisingly deep, dulcet tone. “Or at least I assume it is you.”

“It is. Me, that is. Or at least the me from this time,” Twilight exclaimed.

The mare smiled. “That is good to hear. There were some who were growing worried that you wouldn't return in time for the coming conflict.”

“Conflict? Celestia and her golems, I presume?” Twilight inquired.

The thestral scowled briefly. “Best not to speak her name in this place. You may have brought hope for the night’s return, but right now this is still her tomb.”

Twilight winced. “Oh right. Sorry.”

“It's no matter,” the guard quickly dismissed. “And to answer your question, yes, it seems as though the sun’s wrath reaches us even here.”

“And the statue?” Twilight asked, gesturing back down the hall towards the library.

“Dark Hallow had a feeling it was important and placed it under guard back in the vault,” the mare replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have important research that must be completed.”

Twilight blinked and quickly stepped back. “Oh, absolutely. Thank you, by the way.”

The guard merely nodded, trotting past Twilight and toward her destination.

Watching the mare closely, Twilight noted that beneath her helmet were a pair of long dark purple braids. Her fur was also a deep grey, and though her armor obscured her cutie mark, it could not hide her slightly curly mauve tail. All in all, the pony certainly looked like a guard, even though she walked with the confidence and poise of a model.

Twilight shrugged and resumed her trot towards ground level once more, putting the strange mare quickly out of her mind.

Wait. If Dark Hallow had a good feeling about it, does it mean he recognized it? Twilight thought, only to sigh. I should really learn to be more observant so this doesn't happen in the first place.

With such gloomy thoughts roiling through her mind, Twilight trotted up the stairs and into the throne room for the first time in a while. Her eyes immediately opened wide, and she couldn't help but look around in wonder at all the attention to detail put into the space.

The stone walls had been scrubbed to the point that they shined, and even the roof was free of the smallest of cobwebs. Not only was it somehow even cleaner than before, but it also had a new throne, one large enough for an alicorn to sit comfortably upon. The wooden seat was relatively plain, though it had evidently been made out of some rare tree, for it was pure black, like the last one had been.

It could have been painted of course, but there was something so natural about it that made Twilight think that it wasn't. Even the small carvings and engravings that adorned the legs and arms looked like they had been grown that way. Either way, they were small and barely noticeable, with the only real embellishment being the prominent crescent moon balanced atop the chair’s back.

The banners which hung from the walls had also been replaced with a slightly more modern variant. One which still maintained the deep purple and teal tones that Luna seemed to favor so heavily as well as the moon depictions. Despite how fine everything looked, and how clean it all was, the space was definitely not just a throne room.

Boxes, crates, as well as a small table covered with maps and documents could be seen pushed against the walls. The other smaller chairs that had been on either side of the first throne were gone, as was the original. The other small embellishments like paintings and suits of armor were gone as well. Likely having been tucked away in some crate somewhere so they might be protected from whatever was coming.

“It must be serious,” Twilight muttered to herself.

“What is?” asked a voice.

Twilight shrieked, nearly jumping out of her skin as she spun towards the thestral standing next to her.

The stallion was short, wore the usual guard armor, and had a crescent shaped sword strapped to his side. He also had one of the most confused expressions that Twilight had ever seen before. One which quickly became concerned when their eyes met.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Twilight breathed in and out, quickly calming her jumbled nerves. “Yeah. Just fine.”

“Really? ‘Cause for a sec there I thought you were going to have a heart attack,” he pressed.

“That's not really possible anymore,” Twilight muttered, before perking up. “Sorry. You just startled me, is all.”

“It is quite something though, isn't it?” inquired the guard, who gestured to the room.

“Yes. The last time it was clean, but it didn't sparkle like it does now,” Twilight exclaimed. “Say, do you know the name of the thestral that I saw in the undertower?”

“Who?” he questioned.

Twilight shook her head. “Right, you probably don't know everyone’s names anyway. Do you know the whereabouts of Spike or Nebula, by chance?”

“Oh yes actually. The giant spider lady is in the courtyard. Spike was chopping wood last I saw him. He should be back shortly,” explained the guard.

Twilight nodded. “Thank you, kind sir.”

“Not a problem ma’am. It's the least I could do for the Night Bringer,” he exclaimed.

“Night Bringer? I’ve heard that before, but my memory is… fuzzy,” Twilight murmured.

The thestral shrugged. “Some people think you’ll bring back the night mistress. Thus the name.”

“Ahh,” Twilight tapped her chin thoughtfully before turning and unceremoniously walking away.

She felt a little awkward, and that feeling persisted as she passed through the massive ornate doors and into the hall beyond. Like the throne room, this new area had received plenty of attention and updating while also serving a more utilitarian purpose. Grinding wheels and sharpening stations had been brought in, and several guards were working away, improving their weapons. Like the throne room, most of the paintings and other decorations were gone, though a few suits of armor remained.

There were other things happening amongst the dark recesses of the shadowed hall, but Twilight payed them little attention. Her mind was elsewhere, and she only gave her surroundings the most cursory of glances before continuing into the castle lobby. To where there were far more people, as well as a greater sense of urgency.

Maneuvering her way around the many individuals that filled the triple intersection, Twilight made her way towards the exit. While she did so, Twilight noticed that a few of the guards, and even several of the towering spiders gave her a brief nod of greeting before continuing on with their assigned task. Though none lingered or made an attempt to chat, Twilight still felt a little strange with such treatment and hastened her steps.

Upon exiting the castle itself, Twilight was immediately struck by just how beautiful the night sky was, and how many people filled the courtyard. The overgrowth had been completely cut away, and the old walls had been rebuilt from their crumbling foundations. Not only that, but new towers were being erected, and fresh stone was hauled across a newly reinforced bridge.

Hundreds of creatures of all shapes and sizes toiled away, carrying supplies, hoisting blocks, or otherwise working at some task. Thestrals painted the walls, while minotaurs and trolls seemed to handle the bulk of construction not being accomplished by the small army of spiders. There were dozens of the eight-legged creatures, though Twilight got the feeling that there were many more just out of sight.

“It's a good thing I’m not an arachnophobe,” Twilight muttered to herself.

Looking a little closer, Twilight located a particularly large spider standing next to one of the largest trolls Twilight had ever seen. The pair seemed to be arguing about something, if their exaggerated motions were anything to go by. Thankfully it didn't seem like violence was about to break out as their postures were relaxed despite the animated discussion.

The troll had soft pink fur, or at least it looked like fur at first glance, though as Twilight neared, she could tell the creature was completely covered in a layer of stone. Not just any stone, but an oddly porous kind that resembled the type one might see in the wake of a volcanic eruption. If the troll was bothered by being more rock than pony, she didn't show it, and continued to speak excitedly.

The spider was larger than even a manticore, and her scarred exterior was oddly lithe and feminine despite its alien appearance. Her eight blue orbs peered intently at the troll across from her, studying the smaller creature closely. Her silk steel armor was gone, though she still wore a long scarf across her midsection, the blue moons printed on it visible even at this distance.

Trotting towards the towering spider and her slightly less gigantic conversation partner, Twilight began to pick out some of the jabs they were exchanging.

“-and why can't we just haul it up here?” asked the troll mare in a deep baritone.

The spider sighed and sunk lower. “Dead Mare’s creek is not safe. Foul creatures make their home among its depths or within the caves which dot its sides.”

The troll stomped a hoof against the ground with enough force to rattle Twilight’s bones. “Then we crush them. Simple!”

Nebula’s mandibles clacked irritably against one another. “And I am telling you that it is not quite so simple as you seem to think it is.”

“And why not?” snapped the towering purple-maned troll.

“Why don't you ask our resident necromancer?” Nebula inquired, her many eyes turning to Twilight.

The troll spun towards the mare, her bright teal eyes boring into Twilight’s soul. “Why can't we acquire the stone we require from Dead Mare’s creek?”

“I, uh… don't actually know,” Twilight muttered, quickly placing her hoof over her heart and nodding in greeting.

“Do you remember the flow of spirits you saw not long ago? Well, there is one just like that down there. Not only that, but there are creatures down there that subsist on the spiritual residue these lost souls leave behind,” Nebula continued.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Oh. Yes, you don't want to go down there.”

“That bad?” asked the troll, her thick eyebrows furrowing.

“I would sooner tear down the walls of Canterlot to use as your building material,” Twilight replied.

The troll hummed thoughtfully, the sound reverberating through the unicorn’s soul. “I suppose we will have to look elsewhere,” she reluctantly admitted.

“There is an old quarry not far north. Though it is likely spent, it may be worth checking out,” Nebula added.

The troll nodded slowly, her gaze becoming distant. “We will need to move quickly then. Our stores are already running low, and we have much left.”

“Then you had best get moving,” Nebula added.

“Right,” the troll uttered before walking away, her gaze distant and unfocused.

“I’m glad I could help?” Twilight remarked, stepping up to the towering arachnid.

“Lilly is as strong and as stubborn as the rock that covers her body,” Nebula exclaimed in an amused tone. “Though no matter how stubborn she may be, the girl isn't stupid.”

Twilight nodded. “So, uh, what's been happening while I was gone?”

“As you can see, we are preparing for a sunspawn assault. As such, I have called forth my wayward children,” Nebula began, gesturing towards a nearby spider.

Who, Twilight noticed, was a bit shaggier, larger, and bulkier than the ones she had grown used to seeing. They also seemed wilder, with prominent mandibles and a duller, more greenish collaboration to their body. Over all, they looked more independent than the ones Twilight had spoken to and seemed more at home handling the heavier, less complicated work.

“Let us hope their strength will be unneeded,” Twilight muttered.

“Indeed. Though before we continue, may I give you a brief look over?” Nebula inquired, the spider lowering herself to Twilight’s height.

“Err, sure,” Twilight replied, eying the other creature closely.

Nebula peered intently at the unicorn, inspecting the pony from various angles before finally stopping and tapping her chin with a spindly limb. “Curious, very curious,” she murmured.

“What is it?” Twilight inquired.

“As I suspected, your connection to the sun has faded, but you have not grown closer to the moon like most do,” Nebula murmured in her strange, raspy voice.

“What does that mean exactly? You weren't exactly clear the first time we spoke on this subject,” Twilight pressed.

“Your magic is evolving, for lack of a better word. Adapting, as you have, to the strange circumstances you find yourself within. Only time will tell what this means, though I suspect that it will result in you gaining access to unique spells that few have ever truly accessed,” Nebula continued.

“Fascinating,” Twilight murmured, rubbing her chin with a hoof. “I will have to research this phenomenon more when I get the opportunity.”

“Until then, I would observe those individuals with a close attachment to the celestial bodies. They likely have abilities you haven't noticed,” Nebula exclaimed.

Twilight nodded. “Right, so back to the topic at hoof. What exactly has happened around here?”

“We have been preparing for the coming conflict,” Nebula replied simply. “Both the battle and the war that will come after. If, of course, we survive the first battle.”

“Wait, war?” Twilight questioned.

“You didn't think we would just let the sun’s grasp on the world tighten without fighting back, did you?” Nebula retorted.

Twilight wilted slightly. “I suppose not. I had just hoped that we could remove her and avoid a protracted conflict.”

“If only it was that simple,” Nebula remarked. “The tyrant is likely to have already set in motion several back-up plans that will ensure that her will be done no matter what happens to her.”

The unicorn sighed. “That does sound like Ce-her.”

The spider rose back to her full height once more. “Which is why you must aid in the mistress’ return as soon as possible. With a full alicorn on our side, we will have a much greater chance of grasping victory from the jaws of defeat.”

“Wait, full alicorn? What about Cadance?” Twilight questioned.

Nebula blinked, seemingly confused for a moment before brushing that feeling aside. “That is for her to say, not I. Though I am surprised that she has not already confided in you about her past.”

“I just got back from… you know what, that would take too long to explain,” Twilight muttered mostly to herself. “Suffice it to say that she can only trust me now, and I have yet to get the chance to speak to her.”

“Then I would do so soon, young one,” Nebula encouraged. “Cadance has likely waited centuries to divulge this information to you, and is probably growing quite impatient at this point.”

Twilight chuckled. “You make a good point. I should probably seek out a changeling once I have had a chance to talk to Dark Hallow about his plan.”

“A most wonderful idea, my friend,” Nebula exclaimed. “Now then. I still have much to do, as do you.”

“Before you go. Do you happen to know where Spike is?” Twilight inquired.

The spider lifted a long, hairy leg and pointed off towards a small, less busy section of the courtyard. “Your assistant was intent on waiting for your return, but was roped into chopping wood it seems. A good thing too, he is far too soft to be safe in your presence.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight pressed.

“You live a dangerous life, young one. Those around you will need to find new strength if they hope to stay alive,” Nebula replied, before turning and walking away.

Twilight opened her mouth to ask another question, but reluctantly said nothing, merely watching the spider leave. New strength, Twilight thought to herself as her gaze slowly shifted over to where she could see a young dragon swinging an axe.

Perspiration dripped from his brow, and his small muscles bulged from the effort of merely hefting the large tool over his head. Beside him was a stuffed backpack likely containing the supplies he had originally left to acquire. Next to that was a somewhat disappointed-looking earth pony covered in a thick matt of porous green moss.

“Come on, use your whole body. Start from your legs,” he barked.

Spike grunted as he hefted the axe and swung once more, the tool clunking loudly into the heavy piece of wood. Failing to split the piece in half, his axe became stuck, and no amount of tugging seemed to remedy this. The dragon even planted a foot on the wood and heaved, only to end up falling onto his backside.

“Stars above, that's a thick piece of wood,” he muttered to himself before turning around. “Oh, hey Dusk. I didn't see you there.”

Twilight reached down and picked the dragon up from the ground. “I just got back and was hoping to speak to you.”

“I suppose I should tend to my mushroom patch, lest another of those spiders ends up wandering into it,” muttered the mossy earth pony. “Don't stop chopping, youngun, you still got a long way to go.”

“Err, thanks, Northside,” Spike murmured . “So, uh. How was your trip?”

“Enlightening,” Twilight replied. “But before I get to that, I have to ask. Why are you out here anyway?”

“I may have mentioned that I wanted to get stronger to a passing guard, who in turn told old Northside here,” Spike answered, gesturing towards the now distant shape of the earth pony. “He took this as a challenge and has been trying to help me bulk up since then.”

“To, uh… mixed results,” Spike added, his shoulders sagging.

Twilight frowned and rubbed the dragon’s back. “It's okay if you aren't strong, Spike. You’re a brilliant young drake.”

Spike snorted and shrugged off Twilight’s hoof. “I want to be strong though! I want to help people, to be able to protect people. I can't do that if I’m tiny and squishy.”

“You're still young. You have time to grow,” Twilight stressed.

“We are at war, Dusk. I don't have time to grow up! I have to be strong now,” Spike continued, glaring up at the unicorn.

“I know how you feel, Spike, but you have to be patient with these things. Results don't just happen overnight,” Twilight stated softly.

Spike’s shoulders slumped further still, and he kicked a piece of dirt. “This entire thing sucks. I want to go back to helping out at the library and spending my days reading.”

Twilight smiled. “Well, you could help me with something, if you have the time.”

“Sure. What is it?” Spike replied, perking up slightly.

“I need to get the girls all together so I can let everyone, including you of course, know what happened. Do you think you could do that for me?” Twilight inquired.

“I guess,” Spike muttered. “I was kinda hoping you had some sort of secret mission or something. It seems like everyone else has gone on some great big adventure, except for me.”

“And tear you away from your girlfriend? No way,” Twilight exclaimed.

Spike blushed and sputtered before walking off. “She isn't… we aren't… Gah! I’m leaving.”

“Wait, don't you want to come back to the library through the undertower?” Twilight offered.

Spike waved a dismissive hand in the air. “Nah. Rainbow and Fluttershy are around here somewhere, so I’m going to start with them.”

“Then I’ll leave it in your capable claws, Spike. Good luck,” Twilight offered.

The dragon merely grunted as he walked away, hiding the blush that still colored his features.

Twilight smiled and watched him go for several seconds before trotting back inside.

Once more, she slipped through the crowd of creatures that filled the halls, and made her way back to the undertower. Before entering, she gave an appreciative nod to the thestral guard stationed at its entrance, a motion the male eagerly reciprocated. She then strode confidently back into the winding stairs that lead to the first level of the sprawling subterranean structure.

It was a long trot to her destination, and the unicorn stopped only once to take a peek into the library. Finding no one, Twilight briefly wondered what the thestral guard had been researching before proceeding on her way. As she walked, Twilight idly contemplated what she had discovered since her return.

They were about to be attacked, though this time it certainly seemed like their aggressor would be more than a single unicorn assassin. Twilight’s imagination quickly began to conjure images of great armies or giant magical horrors that made her pulse quicken. Twilight stopped and shook her head vigorously, dismissing the cloying thoughts and the anxiety they brought her.

Solutions, Twilight. Solutions, she reminded herself. I must bring back Luna, quickly. With her return, we could repel these invaders and strike back.

With magical calculations running through her mind, Twilight proceeded deeper and deeper until she reached the level she knew contained the array. She then stopped herself and briefly wondered if it would be a good idea to acquire her skeletal assistants first. The pony dismissed such considerations quickly however, silently worrying about the potential panic that a bunch of free undead might cause.

Putting off such a concern for the moment, Twilight entered the large chamber and activated it. In a flash she was back in the library again, her hooves fumbling only briefly before full sensation returned to her. With all four legs under her once more, Twilight moved to exit the chamber, but was stopped when she heard a pained groan from somewhere nearby.

Not only that, but she could also smell blood.

Without taking the time to stop and think, Twilight all but burst into the next room and looked around. To find that the basement had been turned into an impromptu hospital, complete with a dozen mostly occupied beds and a good amount of equipment. The tree itself seemed to be assisting as well, for all of the basement’s extra rooms were now open and being used.

Amidst it all was a skeletal unicorn mare draped in a white robe, her horn glowing brightly as she focused on a still partially armored earth pony. The stallion was lying on his side, his eyes closed, and a pained expression visible on his dirty face. Upon entering the room, Sunset gave Twilight only the briefest of glances before turning back to her charge.

“If you’re the real Twilight, then get over here and help me. If you aren't, then stay out of the way,” Sunset barked.

Twilight quickly trotted up next to the skeletal undead. “It's me. What can I do to help?”

“Just keep him under and negate his pain. He's got so many enchantments placed on his body that I can't even begin to operate on his broken spine,” Sunset replied.

Twilight glanced over at the stallion’s other side and immediately wished she hadn't. For the brown earth pony’s coat was matted with bright red blood that flowed from three deep claw marks. Not only had he suffered some manner of animal attack, but his back was twisted at an unnatural angle. His broken golden armor, which had been piled near the end of the bed, seemed to back up this assumption, as it too had been sliced to ribbons.

“Wait, is he a royal guard?” Twilight questioned, noticing the golden insignia on the floor.

“Does that really matter right now?” Sunset barked.

Twilight opened her mouth to respond, only to snap it closed and light her horn. It didn't matter, Twilight quickly realized. Right now he wasn't a royal guard or a servant of Celestia, he was a creature in need.

Funneling her magic into the localized anesthetic spell already put in place by Sunset, Twilight eased the stallion’s suffering as best as she could. In seconds his body relaxed, and the grimace he wore faded until it was little more than a slight frown. With her job done, Twilight observed as Sunset began the arduous process of breaking through the wards placed on their patient.

One by one the golden charms shattered, until at long last he was free of the oppressive spells. This also seemed to increase the amount of blood that pumped from his wounds, in addition to making his body lose the slight golden sheen it had a moment ago.

“I’ll need to work quickly. Those enchantments were empowering him, but also making it impossible for me to do anything,” Sunset explained.

Twilight merely nodded, observing as the stallion twitched and moaned, his breathing becoming shallower by the second.

Sunset poured magic into her hooves and placed them on the stallion’s back, causing him to groan in agony. The skeletal unicorn pressed on, however, massaging the cuts until the flow of blood began to slow, and his flesh started to knit back together. It was a remarkable sight to watch, and Twilight silently marveled at the other unicorn’s considerable skill.

Within only a few minutes, Sunset had managed to heal the stallion’s more visible wounds, though the effort had left her hooves covered in blood. She didn't seem to mind and quickly moved onto the much deeper damage, conjuring more magic as she did so. With hooves now glowing brightly with necromantic energy, Sunset pressed hard against the stallion’s spine.

The guard groaned in agony, and for a moment Twilight wondered if her friend was trying to injure him further. Then, with a resounding crack, his back aligned once more, and Sunset’s magic finally began to fade. The skeletal pony released a sigh and stepped back, only for one of her legs to fall right off and clatter to the ground.

“Are you alright?” Twilight inquired.

“I’m fine,” Sunset quickly replied, retrieving her lost limb and jamming it back into its socket. “Just used a bit more magic than I would have liked.”

“I’m assuming he's alright now?” Twilight questioned.

Sunset nodded slowly. “I’m not sure if he’ll walk again, but he’s out of the woods at least. Oh, and you can stop that spell. The base level enchantment should be enough to handle his pain now.”

“Oh,” Twilight muttered, stopping the flow of magic.

Twilight’s gaze drifted down to the stallion as Sunset moved to wash herself up in a nearby water bucket. He was young, probably mid-twenties, but with a strong, well-muscled body that spoke of extensive physical training. His deep brown mane was cut short while his slightly lighter fur had been allowed to grow a little longer. On his flanks was a simple wooden hammer that was striking some unseen opponent.

“So, where did you find this guy?” Twilight inquired.

Sunset grunted and gestured vaguely northward. “He was left to die by his allies and was about to be eaten by a rather cruel chimera when some scouts found him hiding in a hollowed-out log.”

“That's rough,” Twilight muttered.

“No kidding. Oh, and sorry if I was a bit short with you back there. I can get rather irritable when working with patients,” Sunset remarked.

Twilight waved a dismissive hoof. “It's fine. I know how you feel.”

The skeleton sighed. “I’m glad you're back, by the way. I assumed everything went according to plan?”

Twilight shrugged. “More or less. I’ll tell you and the girls everything later. Right now I still need to speak to Dark Hallow and get ahold of Cadance.”

“Then you had better get moving. I’m fairly certain he had some big meeting planned later tonight,” Sunset exclaimed, trotting past Twilight and scanning another patient.

“What are you going to do with him?” Twilight asked, gesturing to the guard they had just healed.

“Talk to him. Then probably hand him over to Dark Hallow,” Sunset replied. “He may not have done anything, but he is still an enemy combatant.”

“I’d keep an eye on him if I were you,” Twilight added. “You never know what kind of sick back -p plan Celestia might have put in motion to deal with captured soldiers.”

“Don't worry. He’ll be far too weak to do anything but throw insults and pee himself,” Sunset Shimmer pointed out.

“True,” Twilight admitted, glancing down to the slumbering stallion one last time before turning away. “I’ll see you later tonight.”

“Good luck,” Sunset replied without turning around.

Twilight trotted up the stairs and entered the library proper, noting that everything seemed to be normal up here at least. Even a lot of the books had been returned to their proper places, meaning it didn't look half empty anymore. There were a few shelves that were empty, though thankfully there weren't that many.

Some of the books must have been dangerous, Twilight reasoned. Either that or Dark Hallow hasn't had the chance to finish transcribing the last of them, given everything that has happened.

Twilight put such considerations out of her mind and proceeded outside, emerging into the night once more. As usual, the full moon hung directly overhead, allowing the unicorn to see perfectly well despite the lateness of the hour. Just like before, there were also a pair of guards waiting outside her residence, who, upon seeing her, gave the unicorn a quick salute.

“Good evening,” Twilight greeted.

“Evenin’, ma’am,” replied the taller of the two guards. “Can I help ya with somethin’?”

“I am looking for Dark Hallow. I assume he is at the guard station?” Twilight inquired.

The thestral nodded. “He is. Or at least last I heard he was.”

“Thank you.”

“Not a problem, ma’am.”

Twilight smiled as she began walking once more, her gaze becoming distant as her mind started to wander. The town looked and felt normal upon first glance, but as Twilight trotted through it, she became aware of a few changes. For one there were far less people around, and those she did see were ferrying goods or otherwise seemed burdened by purpose.

Most shops were closed, and only those essential to a thriving town like the grocer remained open. Even the majority of the homes Twilight saw were dark, their interiors empty, save for a few large pieces of furniture. It was enough to make Twilight wonder if they had been evacuated, which made sense, given how imposing the coming force apparently was.

“They can't be far away,” Twilight realized. “I wonder how much time we will really get.”

That thought remained firmly in her mind as Twilight made her way to the strange tree-like guard station where two more guards were waiting. This pair seemed a bit more green than the others. Both were young, their spears hanging loose in their grip, as if they were unused to their weight. They were also both female, though only one was a thestral while the other was an arachne with a deep red mane.

“H-halt!” the arachne called.

Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“That's the Night Bringer, you idiot,” whispered her companion.

“Really?” the arachne replied.

“It was part of the briefing, remember?” her companion pointed out.

“Oh, I remember now,” she remarked, quickly straightening her back. “Sorry about that, ma’am. I’m a little new.”

“So I can see. Is Dark Hallow recruiting kids now?” Twilight exclaimed.

“We are both old enough,” the thestral stated.

“Not by much though,” admitted the arachne.

The thestral snorted. “Regardless. Go on ahead, ma’am. Sorry to bother you.”

“Er, wait,” interrupted the arachne. “If you’re here, does that mean you’re going to save us from the tyrant’s army?”

“You don't have to answer that,” the other guard added. “Torchlight here is forgetting herself.”

“It's fine,” Twilight exclaimed. “And to answer your question, yes, I do hope to help. Though I won’t know how best to do so until after I get a chance to speak to Dark Hallow.”

“Oh, right. Please, go ahead,” offered the arachne, who gestured towards the entrance.

Twilight smiled. “Thank you, and best of luck on your training.”

With Twilight’s departure, the two guards released a collective sigh, their postures falling slack for the first time in several minutes.

“I should have known that was her,” muttered the arachne. “She has such a pressure about her.”

“It felt like I was being slowly pushed into the ground,” added her companion.

“How did she know that we hadn't completed training?”

The thestral raised an eyebrow as she glanced at her fellow guard. “Isn't it obvious? Your armor barely fits, and you hold that spear way too tightly when you talk.”

“I do not!’ retorted the arachne, her cheeks puffing up angrily.

“Whatever. Let's just get back to standing around and looking important. I don't want to give Swift Star another reason to make us run laps.”

The arachne groaned. “Augh, she is the worst.”

“So let's not give her an excuse, eh?”

“Right.”

Twilight ascended the final stairs and emerged into a small waiting area near the very top of one of the towers. The climb up hadn't taken terribly long, and thankfully the building itself was relatively empty. Meaning she wasn't stopped often, save for a single instance where a confused minotaur runner approached her asking for directions.

Thankfully another guard had heard their conversation and had come to help, as Twilight only really knew where Dark Hallow’s office was from second hand accounts. Rainbow Dash’s description of the place turned out to be wholly accurate, and within only a few minutes Twilight had reached her destination without further interruption. Almost anyway, as she bumped her head on the low-hanging ceiling, causing a surprised yelp of pain to leap from Twilight’s throat.

“Are you okay?” asked a blonde-maned thestral, who had peeked out from behind a small mountain of papers.

Twilight winced as she rubbed her horn. “I’m fine. The ceiling is just a little low.”

“Or you’re just a little tall,” pointed out the thestral.

Twilight grunted and looked around the small waiting area, noting that there was barely enough room for her to stand comfortably. Only a single chair as well as a desk could be fit into the small nook, leaving Twilight little room to move around.

“Fair enough, I suppose. Is Dark Hallow here?” Twilight inquired, gesturing to the door across from her.

“He is. Are you expected?” inquired the receptionist.

“Err, no, but it is urgent,” Twilight stressed.

The thestral mare stared at Twilight with a dull, unenthusiastic expression. “We are about to be wiped off the map by a small army of sunspawn. So unless you got some ace in the hole that will help us, then it is not, in fact, urgent.”

Twilight smirked. “I do, actually.”

The thestral’s gaze narrowed. “Really now, and what would that-”

“Is that Twilight out there?” called the slightly shrill voice of Dark Hallow.

“It is!” Twilight replied.

“Oh good. Send her in and then clear my schedule for the next hour or so!” shouted the stallion.

The receptionist snorted. “You heard the boss. Go on in.”

Twilight merely rolled her eyes and did as she was asked, opening the door with a nervous hoof. Only to immediately have her senses caressed by the soft scent of aged paper and more than a little dust. The office itself was relatively small, despite Dark Hallow’s apparent importance, and Twilight had to remain partially crouched as she entered.

Her gaze immediately settled on the grey-furred and black-maned thestral sitting across from her. His pale blue eyes shone in the darkness like usual, though his smile was strained and exhaustion haunted his features. Though old, he had never quite looked his age before that moment, and for the first time Twilight was truly forced to acknowledge that the stallion was indeed nearly seventy.

“You look terrible,” Twilight blurted.

The wiry old stallion blinked once before erupting with laughter. “And here I thought I’d have to test you in order to find out if you were the Twilight I knew.”

Twilight blushed. “Sorry about that. I just couldn't help but notice how tired you look.”

“It's been a long few months,” Dark Hallow remarked, the stallion rising from his desk. “Would you be a dear and pack my pipe for me? These old hooves always end up spilling everything.”

“Err, sure,” Twilight murmured. “Where is it?”

“Top drawer on the left,” Dark Hallow answered as he opened the single window before returning to his high-backed chair.

Twilight reached out with her telekinesis, only to remember that she could no longer use that brand of magic. Silently kicking herself, Twilight conjured an ethereal hoof and used it to retrieve the old stallion’s mushroom-shaped pipe as well as a sweet-smelling tobacco pouch. Twilight sniffed it curiously before packing it into the smokable and handing it over to the elderly stallion.

“Thank you, dear,” he replied. “You don't mind, do you?”

“I don't think I’m about to get lung cancer anytime soon,” Twilight remarked.

The thestral chuckled. “I suppose that's one thing you don't have to worry about.”

He then proceeded to rub a hoof around the top of the pipe, which glowed faintly before it began to smoke. With a smile on his face, the stallion took a long, deep pull, holding the flavored gas deep in his lungs for several long seconds. Then, with an equally long exhale, he released, his entire body visibly relaxing as he did so.

“Now then. What happened to ya down there?” Dark Hallow inquired, his pale blue eyes sparkling inquisitively.

“Do you want the short version, or the long one?” Twilight inquired.

Dark Hallow shrugged. “Make it short. I have a feeling you are going to give Rainbow the long one, and I’ll just get her to submit a report of the incident when she has the time.”

Twilight sat on the ground across from the thestral, idly noting that they were at eye level with one another. “I went back in time to what I think was about two thousand years ago, just after the founding of Equestria and the defeat of the dragons. I then learned several words of power, and used their strength to bring Cadance back to life.”

“That is quite the story,” Dark Hallow remarked in a somewhat doubtful tone. “Cadance will of course back this up, right?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, and I was hoping to speak to her soon.”

“Then it's a good thing I was getting my supper delivered,” Dark Hallow remarked with a chuckle. “Though that will be in a few minutes.”

“Do you mind if I ask you a few questions while we wait then?” Twilight inquired.

“Of course,” Dark Hallow replied, leaning back in his chair and puffing on his pipe.

“What exactly is attacking the town, when will they arrive, and what is your plan?” Twilight asked, peering intently into the old stallion’s eyes.

“A small army of knights, mages, and golems. Who will arrive in about four days from now,” Dark Hallow answered. “As for my plan? Well, it's simple. We gather everyone we can, direct this force towards the castle, and pray to the moon that we can come out victorious.”

“Seems rather… uninspired,” Twilight exclaimed.

Dark Hallow chuckled. “There is more to it than that, but those are the broad strokes. I’ve also contacted nearly every night guard outpost in the Everfree, but it will take time before they are ready for war. Until then, we will have to do what we can to hold out and delay them for as long as possible.”

“Do you really think attacking Celestia is a good idea? She has nearly the entire world in her iron grip,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Like it or not, conflict is inevitable and has been for generations,” Dark Hallow replied. “This latest encroachment has merely startled my fellow commanders out of their peace-induced stupor and caused them to realize how vulnerable they are.”

“I thought you all have been actively resisting her for centuries,” Twilight remarked.

Dark Hallow nodded. “We have, but we have also grown fat under the forest’s protection. Its sheltering boughs have kept us safe, but also made us idle in our eternal struggle. Now with that fragile peace all but shattered, we have little choice but to fight, lest the tyrant turn her fiery gaze on our sad little collection of city states once more.”

Twilight nibbled on the inside of her cheek. “You have a plan to assault Canterlot then, right?”

“We do, and we don't,” Dark Hallow answered, pausing long enough to take another puff. “Assaulting that sun-blasted rock would be suicide, so we’ll be aiming to establish several platoons of guerilla fighters to attack and dismantle Equestria’s industry.”

“That… would take decades,” Twilight remarked.

“Or centuries,” Dark Hallow pointed out.

Twilight shook her head. “Isn't there a way to burrow beneath Canterlot or teleport an army into the city so we could strike at Celestia directly?”

“You still think like a unicorn!” Dark Hallow laughed. “The sun tyrant has ensured those things are impossible. Sure, there are tales of deep tunnels that connect to the crystal caverns, but those are just stories.”

“The library was just a story,” Twilight pointed out.

Dark Hallow blinked and nodded slowly. “They were to some, but this is different. We’ve been searching for some way inside for centuries.”

“That is… unfortunate,” Twilight muttered. “Speaking of century-long searches. Do you have the statue that used to be in the undertower library?”

“I do,” Dark Hallow replied. “I secretly placed it in a very secure vault beneath this very building. Noone save for myself, Nebula, and a few others should know its location.”

“May I see it sometime soon? I was hoping to find out if it was indeed Luna’s body,” Twilight inquired.

“You most definitely could. In fact, we could do so immediately after this conversation is over,” Dark Hallow replied. “Though if it does end up being our lost mistress, then I know more than a few people who are going to be quite disappointed.”

“Why would they be disappointed?” Twilight asked, flabbergasted.

“Iron Will and his team have been searching for over a decade. That head-strong bull has been determined to find her, and he was not happy when I told him to shift his focus to seeking out some old rivals of ours,” Dark Hallow answered.

Twilight frowned. “I suppose that would be rather upsetting for them. Though I don't see why holding it here is necessary.”

Dark Hallow’s smile fell away, and the old stallion sighed tiredly. “It is unfortunate, but I believe that the guard, and even my own orginization the Black Rose, have turncoats in our midst. The Nightsworn likely seek to raise our mistress on their own and hold little moral qualms with breaking the law in order to do so. There is more to that situation, but I’d rather not get into it at the moment.”

“That is quite distressing,” Twilight agreed.

“Yes, and-” Dark Hallow paused, and his ears perked up. “My apologies, young one, but we are about to have another guest.”

Twilight followed the old thestral’s gaze to the door, a confused expression crossing her face.

Only for her unspoken question to be answered a second later when it opened and a somewhat dour-looking changeling strode in. Their appearance was fairly standard for most of the drones, though there were a few subtle differences Twilight quickly noticed. Like the way their chitin was slightly greyer than usual, and the holes which dotted their legs were more oval-shaped.

They also had a slightly slimmer overall body shape and had a pair of smaller fangs which barely reached past their lips. Otherwise they were fairly normal, with dull turquoise eyes, a small frill at the back of their head, and silky seafoam green tail. Upon looking closer, Twilight noticed that they also sported a long, jagged scar that went from their shoulder all the way to their flank.

“You must be Dark Hallow’s husband,” Twilight offered.

The changeling scowled at the unicorn. “It’s wife today.”

“Uh, excuse me?” Twilight muttered.

Dark Hallow quickly stepped forward. “Changelings have a more fluid definition of gender than most other races. My sweet Vambrace here has merely decided that today she feels more feminine.”

“As usual your explanations are lacking, dear,” Vambrace exclaimed. “Though I suppose in this case simplifying things for our guest is the best course of action.”

“I’m sorry?” Twilight offered.

The changeling waved a hoof. “Think nothing of it. You are ignorant, not malicious.”

“Speaking of which. Do you have it?” Dark Hallow eagerly inquired.

“I do,” replied the changeling, who extended a hoof and conjured a brief pulse of greenish fire. “Really dear. I don't see why you always insist on leaving your dinner at home.”

Dark Hallow smiled and swiped the fruit salad his wife had brought for him. “And miss out on the chance to show off my amazing partner and keep my dinner cold? No way.”

The changeling grunted, though Twilight noticed that a small blush crossed her face before quickly being chased away.

“While you’re here,” Twilight began, “I don't suppose you would know how to get in contact with Chrysalis by chance, would you?”

“Normally I might take offence to someone assuming that I have a direct line to that old codger, but I will forgive you. Again,” Vambrance exclaimed.

“Ignore her poor temper, Vambrace has a history with unicorns,” Dark Hallow exclaimed between bites of his salad.

The changeling snorted, but said nothing.

“It's fine. I just don't really know where to start with getting ahold of Chrysalis, so I’m kinda shooting in the dark here,” Twilight remarked.

“I suppose I could send along a message, as, unlike my kin, I was not so eager to leave our mother behind,” Vambrace declared in a bitter tone.

Twilight lifted an eyebrow and glanced to Dark Hallow.

Who swallowed hard. “Most changelings have disconnected themselves from the hive and either gone on to start their own or have remained separate. Unlike my dear wife here.”

“Ahh,” Twilight smiled, “then I would appreciate it if you simply requested her direct presence. I have a very important message and was hoping to speak to her, as well as Cadance if at all possible.”

“A moment then,” Vambrace exclaimed, closing her eyes and focusing herself inward.

“This may take a minute. In the meantime would you-” Dark Hallow began.

“Delivered,” Vambrace declared, her eyes snapping open. “Chrysalis has also asked that I tell you she will be in town shortly, and that her better half will be joining her soon after.”

“That was quick,” Twilight murmured.

“So they did approve my request for aid?” Dark Hallow inquired.

Vambrace frowned and shook her head. “I’m afraid not, dear. Chrysalis and Cadance are coming here personally along with a small group of elite soldiers. All other resources are currently tied up dealing with a small swarm of guards which have begun sweeping the city.”

“So the sun tyrant is finally done using the resistance for political reasons and decided to go after them,” Dark Hallow remarked, scratching his chin with a fork. “I hope everyone is alright over there.”

“It's not… terrible,” Vambrace muttered. “Things could be better from what I’ve gathered, but they were prepared for this possibility.”

“Thank you, by the way,” Twilight interrupted.

The changeling smiled faintly. “It is nothing. Now then, I have a pie I need to get back to.”

“Enjoy your night, my love,” Dark Hallow called.

Vambrace blushed slightly as she gave Dark Hallow a small nod before departing. “Don't forget to shower before you come home. You know I can't stand that candy you smoke.”

“Yes, dear,” Dark Hallow cheerfully replied.

Twilight watched the embarrassed changeling go, listening to the distant clip clop of her hooves.

“She certainly is... unique. Her and Chrysalis must have quite the history,” Twilight exclaimed.

“She used to be the queen’s second in command, but was forcibly retired after a run-in with a rather nasty royal guard,” Dark Hallow explained. “Never did forgive her dear old ma for making her sit things out.”

“Huh,” Twilight muttered.

Dark Hallow shoveled the last of his meal into his mouth and chewed hastily before rising from his desk. “Now then. Let's get down to the vault and see if we can't find out if our collective hunches are correct.”

“I sure hope so,” Twilight replied. “I don't want to have to go on another adventure while we are about to be attacked by a small army.”

Dark Hallow chuckled as the pair trotted out of his office and began their descent. “Me neither, young one. It's bad enough with all that breathing down our necks, but not being able to call on our most powerful necromancer would make things significantly more difficult.”

“Your most powerful… surely there are others who have trained longer than I?” Twilight asked.

“You’re not wrong, but they don't have the raw talent and spark that you do,” Dark Hallow pointed out. “Necromancers are also quite rare and tend to sequester themselves away in towers or dungeons far from civilization.”

Twilight frowned. “So they won't help?”

“Oh, they likely will, but it will take time to track them down, especially with the forest being so distracted and unable to aid us at the moment,” Dark Hallow explained.

Twilight hummed thoughtfully as she ducked under a doorway and began to trot down another set of stairs. “Even then. There should be a few around town, right?”

“I’m afraid not,” Dark Hallow replied. “Though there is not the same stigma attached to necromancy as there is in Canterlot, they are still usually feared by the general population.”

“I haven't experienced much of that,” Twilight pointed out.

Dark Hallow paused in order to glance up at the unicorn curiously. “You’re a hero several times over who has, at least in the public’s eyes, returned the castle and the library to us. On top of all the aid you have delivered to the Apple family and others, you are generally quite personable, if a little awkward at times.”

Twilight blushed and cleared her throat. “I suppose you are right on at least one of those points.”

Dark Hallow chuckled and continued deeper. “Like it or not, most consider you a hero and believe that you will one day bring back the night mistress.”

“I’ll certainly try,” Twilight muttered.

“That's better than what most have managed to accomplish,” Dark Hallow exclaimed.

Twilight was about to pose another question when all of a sudden the walls gave way, and they entered into a large cavern. Glancing down, Twilight noticed that the staircase she was standing on spiralled down from the ceiling of said natural cave down to where a small cluster of wooden and stone structures had been built along the ground and walls.

Some were even carved out of the natural rock and had only a balcony for an entrance. The buildings also varied wildly in size, with most being fairly small, and likely serving as a single family dwelling. The more important were far larger and exclusively made from stone or built into the cave walls.

Twilight even spotted a few structures which had built within the stalactites that hung from the ceiling, though her inspection of the cavern was quickly cut off.

“What? Did you think we all lived above ground?” Dark Hallow remarked.

“Well, I…” Twilight frowned. “Should have known considering just how many people I’ve seen and how small Ponyville is.”

Dark Hallow smirked. “Most thestrals live in this long cavern we affectionately call the Cold Den. Either that, or the small caves which lead off from it.”

“Huh. I probably should have explored the town a little more,” Twilight remarked.

“You were actually here before, when we had our little discussion with Cadance and Chrysalis. Though you likely didn't even know it at the time,” Dark Hallow exclaimed.

“That is… eye opening,” Twilight muttered, mutely following the thestral as they proceed deeper into the dimly lit abyss. “I didn't think we were that far underground though.”

“We were talking for quite a while, and you’re also kind of oblivious, if I’m being honest. Not like that's an insult, mind you. That would be hypocritical of me,” Dark Hallow remarked, snickering at his own joke.

Twilight smiled. “I suppose you got me there. I can be a bit unobservant at times.”

“You’ve got a lot on your mind no doubt. It's fine to be a little in the clouds. So long as you don't fall down the stairs because of it,” Dark Hallow continued, stopping at the bottom. “And here we are.”

Twilight noticed that despite nearly every structure having an open balcony designed for winged creatures, there was still a path that crisscrossed the area. It was a nice sight, as large sections of the cave were still completely natural, meaning they were rocky and would be a pain to traverse. Following her guide closely, Twilight quickly realized their final destination wasn't far away.

A more important and much more grandiose structure was coming closer with each passing second. The actual building was little more than a set of double doors set within the natural stone wall and a long ramp that led up to it. It was the subtle additions that made it a sight to behold, like the grand columns that held up the path and the half dozen statues which stood sentinel along the ramp.

Each one of which was of a female thestral that seemed vaguely familiar to Twilight, though she couldn't initially place why she felt that way. Armored and armed, the six mares had different heights, builds, as well as weapons, but were all clearly night guards. Peering closer at the face of one of them, Twilight blinked, realization striking her immediately.

“Trixie?” she muttered.

“Oh, you know her?” Dark Hallow remarked, stopping halfway up the ramp.

“Yeah, but why are all these statues of her?” Twilight questioned.

Dark Hallow laughed. “You’re probably thinking there is some deep mystery here, but I’m afraid to say these are just illusions, see?”

The thestral waved a hoof through the solid stone statues, revealing that they were about as solid as the air they were both breathing.

“What?” Twilight muttered.

“I didn't get her name, but I’m assuming this Trixie individual was the show pony with the weird accent and big ego right?” Dark Hallow inquired.

Twilight nodded.

“She was chosen by Nebula to oversee our delivery of the statue and was insistent that it would look much more imposing if there were silent guardians staring down on anyone who approached,” Dark Hallow explained with a chuckle. “I didn't think there was any harm in letting her spruce up the place a bit. Plus, if I am being honest, I hoped to curry some favor with Nebula by indulging her favorite daughter.”

Twilight snickered. “Yeah, that sounds like Trixie.”

“Feel free to give them a closer inspection if you’d like. I’ll get the door open for ya,” Dark Hallow exclaimed.

Twilight smiled as she observed the statues, noting that although they all had Trixie’s face, their body types were vaguely familiar as well. One was stocky and wide like Applejack, while another was short and wiry like Rainbow Dash. In fact, everyone who had gone down into the undertower with her were represented, even Fluttershy.

Maybe she isn't quite so self-centered after all, Twilight mused, only to look up at the smirking face of Trixie. Or maybe I’m just getting used to her unique brand of narcissism.

“Alright, we are all good here,” Dark Hallow called.

“Coming,” Twilight called, hastily trotting after her thestral guide.

Who was now standing in the doorway, a smile on his face. Behind him opened a long hallway filled with faintly glowing blue doors which served as the only real light Twilight had seen so far. Once inside, Twilight looked around to find that the ceiling opened up, reaching a good fifteen feet with the hall itself being about as wide.

It was spacious, though plain, with the flat stone remaining unadorned save for a simple set of numbers that were above each door. Dark Hallow stopped at an entrance marked by the number twenty-three before turning to Twilight.

“Would ya mind looking away? I’m not supposed to show anyone how we get into these things,” Dark Hallow asked.

“What, don't trust me?” Twilight teased.

Dark Hallow smirked. “At this point I’d probably trust you alone with my little love bug. That doesn't mean I would shirk all the rules for ya.”

“Fair,” Twilight replied, turning away.

The unicorn busied herself imagining what sort of magical locking mechanism they might be using while Dark Hallow fumbled with something metal. Then, after a few metallic clunks and a soft green glow, the door clicked open.

“There we are. You can turn around now,” Dark Hallow exclaimed.

Twilight did just that, glancing over to find that the thestral was now standing in a relatively small square stone room. One that was occupied solely by a towering, familiar statue that stared off into the distance. Just like before, it seemed relatively plain and without many discernible features, at least on first glance.

Because now that Twilight was really looking, she could tell that it did indeed look vaguely like Luna. It had the same, strong jawline and powerfully built body that somehow remained thin despite the vast strength of the mare.

“That sure does look like her,” Twilight remarked.

“It does indeed. Any chance you could confirm for us?” Dark Hallow inquired.

Twilight closed her eyes and summoned up all the knowledge she had on the nature of spirits. With all that information flowing through her, the unicorn uttered the word of power that had sprung to her lips. Gazing back up at the statue once more, Twilight found that there were no other spirits in the room with them.

There was, however, a glowing tether that connected the statue to some far off location eastward to their current position. Twilight inspected it closer, peering intently at the teal line, her brow furrowing with worry when she noticed that a black energy gnawed at it from all sides. Wherever these clusters of black gathered, the tether weakened, and Twilight couldn't help but grow worried.

“That bad?” Dark Hallow inquired somewhat nervously.

“It's certainly not good,” Twilight began, willing the effect to dissipate. “This is indeed her body, but her spirit is not here. Worse yet, the tether that binds soul to form is being damaged by some entropic force I don't recognize.”

“Then we are working against the clock once more then,” Dark Hallow remarked.

Twilight nodded. “It seems so.”

The thestral sighed. “Then no matter how much it pains me to admit this, it's up to you to bring her back. What few necromancers we have in our organization were not able to even discover that much.”

“I’ll do everything in my power to bring her back, commander,” Twilight stated confidently.

“That's exactly what I wanted to hear,” Dark Hallow replied, a grin spreading across his aged features. “You just let me know if you need any help, and I’ll have every available resource at your disposal.”

“I’ll have to confirm the location of her spirit, though I have a good feeling as to where she might be,” Twilight began. “After that, I may need to adjust my spell depending on how far gone she is, but it should be a matter of simply making a few minor changes.”

“Let us hope that is all that is required,” Dark Hallow exclaimed. “Because we could really use the help against this new force arrayed before us.”

“Is it really that bad? I know my assistants made note of their golems, but barely mentioned how powerful the others in their cohort were,” Twilight remarked.

Dark Hallow scowled uncharacteristically. “They are truly powerful, and worse still, I believe they may have a few tricks left in store for us that have yet to be revealed.”

“Like what?” Twilight pressed.

“Come. I’ll walk you back out, and on the way we can discuss the finer details,” Dark Hallow exclaimed.

Twilight nodded and extended a hoof. “Lead the way.”

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