“And that's what happened,” Twilight concluded, falling to her seat like a balloon animal who had just met a cactus.

The other individuals in the room sat quietly, either out of shock, confusion, or the simple fact that they needed time to process the information. Rainbow Dash sat still for once, or at least it seemed like she was sitting still, because in reality she was vibrating beneath her armor. Her hoof occasionally went down to touch the top of her training blade, her expression unreadable due to the pitch black paint covering her features.

Sunset sitting next to her was far less readable, though that was due to the fact that she had no face to speak of. The only expressive part were her flaming eyes, which flickered like the dying embers of a forgotten camp fire. Wearing her usual garb of a healer, the skeletal mare peered intently at Twilight, saying nothing though clearly yearning to do so.

Rarity was perhaps the most animated of the bunch, pacing rapidly as she opened her mouth, only to close it a second later. Clearly building up to something, she was distracted by a recent injury and hadn't seemed to find the right words quite yet. One of her hooves occasionally drifted down to the bandage covering the majority of her torso.

Trixie was slightly more subdued, observing Rarity rather than Twilight. Like the arachne, the illusionist was mostly naked, save for her trademark hat, which had recently been sewn back together. The mare sat quietly on the otherwise unoccupied love seat, seemingly unbothered by the most recent revelations.

Pinkie Pie was an entirely different case, as the shaman was visibly caught between two different urges. She seemed ready to explode, but her expression quickly morphed to one of sadness a moment later. In the end she did nothing but sit on the floor, chewing on her newly regrown hoof while staring absently at nothing in particular.

The only individual more unreadable than Sunset was the newly freed fragment of Luna, who stood silently behind Twilight. The shadow pony was easily as tall as an alicorn and loomed over nearly everyone, simply observing their reactions. If one was paying attention, however, they could see small quakes and ripples make their way across her pitch black body. The most astute observer would be able to assume that the fragment was nervous and seemed ready for a fight.

Applejack was perhaps the calmest, merely sitting quietly on the floor, chewing something languidly. Like a cow with its cud, the mare chomped slowly and deliberately at whatever was in her mouth. Little had changed with the hybrid, though one notable difference was how thick her barklike armor had grown.

Fluttershy, as per usual, seemed on the verge of tears or ready to leap across the room and hug Twilight. Restrained only by Rainbow Dash’s presence, the partially ethereal pony fidgeted constantly. Hooves twitched, wings extended and recoiled, flowers grew along her body, only to wither and be replaced a few seconds later.

“So,” Rainbow Dash began in a low tone, “you nearly got yourself and Spike killed attempting to strong arm one of the most powerful beings in existence on its own turf. Is that about the long and short of it?”

“Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy exclaimed. “That's not fair, she was just trying to help.”

“She isn't wrong,” murmured Twilight sadly.

“Yes, you may have been stupid, but all things considered you came out relatively unscathed,” declared the Luna fragment.

“And you!” Rainbow Dash began, leaping up from her seat and jabbing a hoof at the shadow creature. “What are you doing going around saying you’re Luna? Are we really supposed to believe that?”

“I thought she was a fragment of Luna’s psyche?” Applejack offered.

“That is correct,” the fragment declared, nodding to Applejack. “I have gone to great lengths to explain to everyone that I am not, in fact, Luna.”

“Perhaps you should take on a different name then?” Fluttershy offered.

“I am not… against this,” murmured the shadow.

“What about Proserpina or Hecate?” Pinkie Pie offered. “They are some other names Luna was known to use.”

“I feel like those are a bit too closely aligned with her. I am my own distinct entity, after all,” retorted the pitch black mare.

“What about Juno, Diana, or Midnight Moon? They were names popular amongst the mistress’ most devoted followers?” Pinkie Pie pressed.

“I…” The fragment stopped. “I like Midnight Moon. Perhaps you could refer to me as simply Midnight?”

“Here here. Now let's get back to reminding Twilight what an idiot she is,” Rainbow Dash stated firmly.

“I agree, though I don't think we should get riled up over this. She made it out safe and acquired a new key to the resurrection of Luna,” Sunset interrupted, glancing from Twilight to Midnight Moon. “She may not have achieved all of her goals, but she at least walked away from it all.”

“Yes, she did, but not everyone was so lucky!” Rarity proclaimed, firing a glare at Twilight.

The purple unicorn winced. “I know what happened to Spike wasn't… great, but trust me when I say I would have traded places with him in a heartbeat.”

“Your devotion is admirable,” Trixie softly exclaimed. “But it does not excuse your actions. You should consider your choices more before throwing yourself at the problem. I mean, come on, mother would have likely helped, had she known your plan.”

“She did seem disappointed when I told her what happened,” Twilight murmured.

“But not unsurprised,” Midnight Moon added.

“Let’s table all the blame throwin’ for the moment, eh?” Applejack interrupted. “How ‘bout we just focus on the here and now. Like how our new friend and Spike’s handlin’ things.”

“The poor dear seemed to take it in stride, I just hope his talk with Sweetie Belle goes well,” Rarity murmured sadly.

“So… you are that guy, too?” Sweetie Belle asked, poking the face of the dragon stuck in the wall. “I don't get it. He looks dead.”

“Yeah, well. I’m dead too, ya know,” Spike exclaimed.

Sweetie Belle turned and looked down at the dragon with a confused look on her face. “I mean. You don't seem dead, and your hand wasn't cold when I held it.”

“I, uh…” Spike coughed. “Got Sunset to cast a few spells on me so I’ll be warm and not smell or anything.”

“Okay, but like you don't need to eat or nothing then, right?” Sweetie Belle pressed.

“Or breathe or sleep or any of that stuff,” Spike replied with a shrug.

“But like, could you? If you wanted? ‘Cause ice cream dates would be lame if I’m the only one eating anything.” Sweetie Belle frowned. “Plus I’d be sad you wouldn't be able to taste my food whenever I learn how to make something without burning it.”

“Oh uh, Sunset can fix that as well. Apparently this false life spell can basically make it look like I’m alive. I just won't grow up or get any bigger,” Spike exclaimed.

“So we could still, you know… cuddle?” Sweetie Belle whispered guiltily, gazing away from the dragon.

Spike couldn't help but recall their last make out session in considerable detail. “Oh, uh, yeah. We could still do that,” he muttered.

“Oh, um, okay. Good.” Sweetie Belle cleared her throat. “So going back to my earlier question, is this guy really under your control?”

“Under control isn't quite the best way of putting it. It's like my brain is stretched across both bodies, and I can control whichever one I want,” Spike declared, closing his eyes briefly and opening his other set of much larger orbs.

“See?” he declared, the ancient dragon sticking his tongue out and rolling his eyes in a comical fashion.

“Oh my gosh, that is so cool!” Sweetie Belle gushed. “When is Nebula going to shrink you down and get the other you out of here?”

Spike tried to shrug, only to remember he was still encased in stone, so he switched bodies before doing so. “They are digging me out right now, but they aren't sure if it will be done before those jerks attack the castle. Nebula said she was going to teach me how to change my size at will since you can't use that ability on someone else.”

“So basically you got a giant second body, are immortal, and are going to have cool ancient dragon powers?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Spike nodded, chest puffing up. “Pretty much.”

“I have the coolest boyfriend ever!”

“She's probably devastated,” Rarity muttered forlornly.

“I’m sure it's fine. Sweetie Belle seems very… accepting,” Twilight remarked with a hopeful smile.

“So other than missing out on the rest of puberty, he's okay, right?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

“Yes, though I believe that in time he will learn to alter his appearance and size so he can at least appear to age, if he so wills it,” Sunset interrupted.

“Thank you again for that, Sunset,” Twilight added. “I never would have expected that you could return so much of the body’s functions with a little magic.”

“You’re just lucky you got him to me as quickly as you did,” Sunset countered.

“Still. Your skills are admirable, Miss Sunset,” Midnight Moon declared.

“T-thanks,” Sunset muttered, her gaze turning downward.

“Well, I guess that’s something,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

“This opens so many possibilities,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed suddenly. “Do I give him another birthday party ‘cause he got another body? Or maybe just a general congratulations type of thing? What do you think, Twilight?”

“I think you should roll that into the victory party you’ll throw if we survive another two days,” Twilight bitterly replied.

“We’ll win. I can feel it in my bones,” Applejack declared quite matter-of-factly.

“Hey, isn't that Sunset’s line?” teased Pinkie Pie.

The skeleton chuckled. “I’ll have to remember that one.”

“Getting back on topic. I don't think we have to worry about our new special friend,” Fluttershy stated, glancing expectantly at the shadow pony. “Isn't that right, Miss Moon?”

“I am bound to my master’s will, so it's not like I could betray or lie to you even if I wanted to,” Midnight Moon replied.

“Please stop calling me that. I’m your friend, not your overlord,” Twilight retorted, waving an angry hoof in the air.

“I merely speak the truth, my master,” Midnight Moon proclaimed in a dramatic fashion.

“Augh, you’re doing that on purpose,” Twilight groaned.

“Well, I for one was starting to like the nightmare,” Rainbow Dash blurted, throwing up her hooves. “There, I said it. She was starting to be more emotive, and now she's gone.”

“I…” Midnight frowned, her dark features rippling. “I could not choose what happened when I merged with her. If it makes you feel any better, I still sense her presence at the back of my mind.”

“What is she saying?” Fluttershy clapped her hooves over her mouth. “That's if you want to use female pronouns.”

The shadow waved a hoof dismissively. “Though I have no biology to speak of, I still imagine myself as female, though I appreciate your kindness.”

“It's no problem at all,” Fluttershy proclaimed.

“Alright, I guess I can forgive you,” Rainbow Dash muttered with a smirk.

Midnight Moon chuckled. “Thank you for your grace, Sergeant Dash, and to answer your question, she's just… proud.”

“Actually, it's Specialist Dash,” corrected the thestral. “I’m basically on permanent protection detail.”

“For me?” Twilight asked, genuine curiosity brimming in her tone of voice.

“For everyone in this room, actually,” Rainbow Dash replied. “We’ve essentially gathered some of the most skilled and powerful beings in the Everfree into a single spot. The only reason Dark Hallow hasn't conscripted ever last one of you is because he knew that wouldn't fly.”

“And he wouldn't do that to his friends,” Fluttershy corrected.

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Sure he wouldn't, but the other commanders of the night guard or his old buddies in the Black Rose? They’d try at least.”

“Then it's a good thing Mister Hallow is not going anywhere anytime soon,” Rarity proclaimed with a nervous smile.

“Yeah, that old codger is going to outlive us all somehow. Even old Bonesey over here,” Rainbow Dash remarked, gesturing towards Sunset.

Who chuckled. “Yeah, probably.”

“If we got conscripted, would we at least get a salary or something? The farm’s doing good, but if I’m going to be kicking butt on a regular basis, I won't be able to help much back home,” Applejack pondered.

“And the stipend he's been sending you hasn't been enough?” Rainbow Dash retorted.

“What stipend? You mean that funny envelope one of you thestral fellers drops by every week?” Applejack inquired, prompting Rainbow Dash to nod. “Dagnabit. Big Mac kept telling me those were donations from concerned folks who wanted to make sure we stayed in business.”

“Well, he's not wrong,” Trixie pointed out.

“Everyone else has been getting them though, right?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Sunset nodded. “I’ve been using the money to acquire more medical supplies and offering free treatments for those in need.”

“Well, now I feel selfish for using my portion to keep my business afloat while my customers are out of town,” Rarity admitted.

“I’ve just been burying it in the woods!” Pinkie Pie proudly proclaimed.

“What, really, why?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“That way I can find it again later when I need it for stuff!” Pinkie Pie declared.

“I’ve just been giving all mine to that nice animal shelter in town,” Fluttershy whispered, only to be elbowed by Rainbow Dash, who shot her a pointed look. “Oh, and on dates with Rainbow.”

The thestral grinned proudly.

“How nauseating,” Midnight Moon muttered.

“Shh,” Twilight hushed.

“Well, Trixie believes that it is about time someone paid her for her efforts to save the realm,” Trixie proclaimed. “Perhaps when this is all over I will even be able to afford a new wagon and bring my show on the road once more.”

“You’d leave us?” Rarity asked in a low tone.

“I, uh, wouldn't be gone for long?” Trixie replied weakly.

“Speaking of you two and how weird you’ve gotten. What have you been up to while the rest of us were either training, or risking their lives to get some kinda edge over those jerks?” Applejack pointedly inquired.

“I discovered this!” Rarity proclaimed, skittering over to the bags she had left near the door and returning with a rather unique white helmet. “Tada!”

“Nifty,” Applejack muttered.

“Neato,” added Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy’s eyes went wide. “Is that real silk steel?”

Rarity perked up. “Yes, thank you for noticing,” she exclaimed, shooting a glare at Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

Applejack snorted bitterly. “How was I supposed to know? It just looks like a helmet to me.”

“Fancy one though,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“That is very intentional,” Rarity declared proudly, raising her hoof high into the air. “This material is both incredibly strong, and quite flexible when it needs to be. Its sleek design means it can be worn under, say a magician’s hat, while also remaining a stylish accessory.”

The arachne placed the helmet upon her head and turned back and forth, flashing people different expressions as she did so.

“It's very nice. Kinda looks like a chain mail mask, only prettier,” Twilight remarked.

“The description is apt,” Midnight Moon added.

“I think I will call it the veil,” Rarity replied, adding a dramatic flourish to the last two words.

“Wheredya find it?” Applejack asked.

“Correction, she made it!” Pinkie Pie interjected.

“Thank you, Pinkie Pie. At least someone has faith in me,” Rarity muttered.

“Well, it ain't my fault. Last I heard it was going to take ya weeks to make somethin’ like that,” Applejack murmured in an irritated tone.

“That adventure you and Trixie went on. You found something, didn't you?” Sunset inquired.

“We did,” Rarity proclaimed, shooting Trixie a shy smile. “More than one thing, actually.”

“So, are you going to tell us what happened, or keep making goo-goo eyes at each other?” Midnight Moon deadpanned.

“We have not been doing that!” shouted Trixie.

“You kinda have,” Sunset remarked.

“Yeah even I noticed that, and I like, don't get romance at all,” Pinkie Pie added.

Rarity crossed her hooves over her chest. “Well, I think you’ll find that the adventure we went on was completely normal, and had the same level of death-defying feats I’ve come to expect from one of our little outtings.”

Trixie leaned in and lit her horn, turning out the rest of the lights and replacing the illumination with the soft glow of her horn. “It all started yesterday when-”

“Wait, so why do you need this book exactly?” Trixie asked, a hoof scratching the side of her head. “I thought mother gave you all the information you required.”

“Yes, well, I received word that there was a tome which described the process from an arachne perspective,” Rarity replied.

“So you think that will help you more than the direct tutorship from a thousand year old spider?” Trixie deadpanned.

Rarity sighed. “Yes, she has experience, but she's long since lost the ability to make the silk herself. Furthermore, I need another voice on the subject.”

The illusionist raised an eyebrow curiously. “And you think the lost stronghold of the Night Marchers has that information?”

“I do,” Rarity declared. “I’ve been able to gather that they had the ability to create silk steel for centuries, and there were numerous arachne in their ranks. It only makes sense.”

“You are aware that you can't just walk in and ask politely, right?” Trixie pressed.

“And why not?” Rarity countered.

Trixie sighed and ran a hoof down her face. “Who was this idiot who told you about the Night Marchers’ fort, but didn't tell you that they were a coven of now time-displaced vampires?”

“I’ve met a few vampires in my time, and they have always been nothing short of cordial,” Rarity exclaimed.

“Yes, but these ones have been trapped outside the normal flow of reality for nearly nine centuries. Whatever intelligence they had has long since been worn away like a rock at the bed of a raging river,” Trixie explained.

Rarity blinked. “I’m sorry, what now?”

“What, do you think you can just get stuck in limbo for untold eons and still have all your marbles?” Trixie declared. “These guys will think you are the hunters which they were attempting to escape from.”

“So we… sneak past them then,” Rarity reasoned.

“What part about them being really old vampires don't you get?” Trixie exclaimed.

“Well, I’m still going. I need that book,” Rarity stated, arms crossed over her chest.

“Fine, I’ll help you,” groaned Trixie. “But you owe me one!”

“I promise that the first thing I make shall be something for you,” Rarity replied.

Trixie nodded. “That is acceptable.”

“Are we in agreement then?” Rarity asked.

“We are,” Trixie stated.

“Are we almost there?” Rarity asked between bouts of pained wheezing.

“Why are you so out of breath? The forest helped us out considerably despite how distracted it's been,” Trixie countered without looking back.

The illusionist trod silently under a large tree branch, her distinctive purple hat disappearing a moment later. Rarity wanted to follow her, but stopped and leaned against the trunk of an oak, hoof wiping sweat from her forehead. Her back was laden with supplies, perhaps more than they would need, like a tent and three changes of outfits. Rarity wasn't about to admit that she was wrong, and that was only partially because she could barely utter a sound.

“Yes, well. Some of us are not hardened adventurers,” Rarity muttered, mostly to herself.

When her companion didn't respond, Rarity pushed through the final wall of vegetation and emerged out onto a cliff. The windswept and barren side of a mountain emerged into view all at once, startling Rarity and causing her to step back on instinct. The arachne was quick to grab hold of herself and stop before she backpedalled right into the forest.

Instead she focused her attention on her strange new surroundings, starting with the odd structure before her. Sitting at the edge of the cliff itself and overlooking an enormous canyon was what looked like a stone fort of decent size. Its exterior had two large towers at its front, while its sides had a pair of the things on each side, firing slits visible next to magically darkened windows.

The longer Rarity stared, the more she came to realize that this was not just a fort, but it was also a cathedral. Enormous double doors stood front and center, the steps up to which were adorned by twin statues of kneeling creatures, one arachne, one thestral. Not only that, but the many windows were segmented in such a way that scenes were likely visible when the light from the moon hit them just right.

That wasn't the only strange thing about the structure though, as the entire thing was encapsulated by a bubble of shimmering magic the color of moonlight. The sphere seemed to protect its contents through unknown means, allowing the building to resist the ravages of time. In fact, it looked brand new, and even had a road that ended at the barrier’s edge, the path beyond worn away by erosion.

“This is it,” Trixie declared, removing her saddle bags and dumping them on the ground. “Pile all your supplies here, and I’ll cast an illusion on them.”

Rarity nodded meekly, dropping her extra bags in a heap, her attention never leaving the building before her. It was simply beautiful, its incredible towers promising safety to those within, and doom to those without. Snarling gargoyles peeked out from hidden crevices, seemingly ready to launch themselves at any approaching foe.

The building was also covered completely in a silvery-gray paint, making it look like a shard of the moon had landed onto the side of a cliff. It was awe-inspiring, and yet it left Rarity feeling more and more uncomfortable the longer she stared at it.

A flicker of movement caught her gaze, and she watched as a bird flitted about inside the sphere. It then disappeared, reappearing at the beginning of its path and repeating its flight again as if it hadn't even noticed what had happened. What few stumpy trees grew within the orb blew on the same looping twelve or so seconds of wind. Like an animated photograph, the structure seemed to hang in a permanent state of limbo, suspended outside time.

Trixie lit her horn and caused a bush of angry thorns to jump into existence where their supplies had been. After a brief nod of confidence, the illusionist turned to Rarity, following her gaze to the strange building ahead of them.

“Still want to get your book?” Trixie offered.

“Maybe we should…” Rarity gulped, back straightening. “Of course. I’m sure these people are far nicer than you give them credit.”

Trixie rolled her eyes. “It's not a matter of kindness. They physically can't exist outside of the… you know what? I’ll let you see for yourself. Come on.”

Trixie didn't wait a moment longer, walking towards the structure at a brisk, yet unhurried pace. Rarity’s response died on her lips, and the arachne followed dutifully behind her protector at a polite distance. The silence didn't last long, as soon Trixie turned to the left and made her way towards the edge of the cliff.

“What is over here?” Rarity inquired.

“The entrance,” Trixie replied. “What, did you think we were just going to waltz in the front door? They may have had their mind broken by time magic, but they are still vampires.”

“You say that as if they would attack us on sight,” Rarity gasped.

Trixie chuckled. “You’ll see soon enough. Just stay close. The secret entrance has worn away quite a bit and has partially collapsed.”

Rarity hummed thoughtfully as they walked towards a seemingly normal group of trees. They continued to appear average right up until Rarity neared them and noticed that they were illusionary. It was the only explanation for the small copse floating over the side of the cliff.

Following her guide’s gaze, Rarity glanced down to what had likely been a tunnel dug from solid stone. At one point there likely would have been some kind of locked trapdoor to ensure they couldn't just walk in, but that was long gone. Along with the majority of the tunnel itself, leaving just enough space for Trixie to walk without fear of falling off the side.

“Make sure to watch your footing down here,” Trixie exclaimed, stepping slowly and deliberately down the steps. “One bad step and…”

She trailed off, glancing over her shoulder to Rarity who was climbing half on the wall, half on the ground.

“Right. Forgot about that,” Trixie muttered.

“How? Don't you live with spiders?” Rarity replied with a smirk.

Trixie snorted derisively and continued walking, ignoring Rarity’s giggling as best as she could. When they reached the far end, the illusionist stopped and, with a single tug, removed the iron door which had been sitting in place. The ensuing clatter caused by the rusted hulk bouncing off nearly every cliff below them did not bother Trixie one bit.

In fact, the mare had already walked inside the dark room beyond, putting the entire thing behind her. An action that Rarity quickly followed suit on, skittering into what looked like a storage room of some kind. The walls and ceiling of which were made from precisely cut stone, and interlocked with a remarkable level of dexterity.

It was roughly as large as the main floor of Rarity’s home. There were also numerous kegs, boxes, and containers of stuff piled everywhere. It was clearly deliberate too, as each stack or section was separated from each other, though there were no labels. Only a path which cut through the middle and split off at the center, diverging both left as well as right.

On the left was a hallway that led to a set of stairs going up while on the other side there was a large iron-wrought oaken door. The sights fascinated Rarity, though it was the odd smells which quickly grabbed her attention. Juniper berries wrestled with the sickly sweet smell of blood, creating an unpleasant mix that Rarity was certain she’d remember.

“How foul,” Rarity murmured, plugging her nose.

“This isn't even that bad. Imagine if it had gone rotten,” Trixie retorted, walking down the path and taking a right.

Rarity stuck out her tongue in disgust and continued to follow along in silence.

Upon reaching the portal, Trixie held up a hoof, making Rarity stop in place.

“Alright. So I know you’re convinced you can speak to them but just give me a chance to prove my point, okay?” Trixie half asked, half demanded.

Rarity huffed silently. “Why are you so confident about this anyway?”

“Mother wanted to free them from their torment, and sent some of my brothers to scout the place out. What they found was… disheartening,” Trixie murmured.

“I suppose you made a good point. Go ahead, darling,” Rarity offered.

Trixie nodded and gently pushed the door open a few inches, allowing them both to see inside the room beyond. Which was itself a lot like the one they were currently standing in, only it was occupied by a single arachne wearing pitch black leather armor. Chains hung over his shoulders, and both manacles as well as daggers dangled from a belt around his waist.

His appearance was slightly different from what Rarity had expected, as he stood taller, and had a generally more angular body than her. Fangs also poked out from his lipless mouth, though the rest of his facial features were hidden beneath the shadow cast by his helmet. The arachne certainly seemed intimidating, though his voice was anything but frightening.

“Well, Sunny Buns, it looks like back-up has finally arrived,” he whispered in a quiet, sad tone.

“Then just leave me down here. You don't need to kill me,” whispered a female voice from somewhere nearby.

Rarity peeked a little further around the corner and spotted a row of four cells along the left side of the room. Three were occupied, while the last had only a dried-up corpse sprawled out on the ground next to the bed.

“You know I can't do that,” claimed the arachne. “The master was quite clear.”

“Screw him,” whispered a mare with golden fur and bright red eyes. “We can run away together, and-”

The arachne suddenly appeared back at the spot he had been standing in a few seconds earlier. With nothing changed, he began to walk forward, intent on having the same conversation all over again.

“See, watch,” Trixie whispered, her horn glowing faintly.

“What, whose…” The male arachne turned towards the door, his crimson eyes latching onto an ethereal copy of Rarity. “You! I don't know how you got down here, but you will not take her from me!”

“I do apologize,” began the Rarity copy in a slightly exaggerated, almost comedic tone of voice. “But it seems you have mistaken me for someone else. I am a mere traveler who-”

The illusion stopped speaking the second it was hit by a dagger, followed by a screeching vampire. Who sunk its fangs into the exposed throat of the copy, trying and failing to extract blood from the unliving spell form. Seemingly oblivious to his own failure, the arachne continued to suck until the image fell apart, shattering like stained glass on the floor.

“What is-” the arachne muttered before appearing across the room.

“Well, Sunny Buns, it looks like backup has finally arrived,” he whispered in a quiet, sad tone.

Trixie glanced back to the arachne looming just behind her, flashing the fashionista a wide, knowing smirk. To which Rarity was forced to sigh and shrug her grim affirmation of the illusionist’s unspoken point.

The mare then made a quiet shushing noise before gesturing for Rarity to back up slightly. The arachne obeyed, giving Trixie the room she needed to cast several more illusionary copies of herself. These other Trixies were slightly shorter than their living counterpart and quickly sprinted into the next room with reckless abandon.

“How did you vile hunters arrive so soon? No matter, I shall deal with you myself!” declared the arachne before throwing a dagger at one illusion before drawing several more.

The copy made no attempt to dodge, and, after getting hit, toppled to the ground with an overdramatic grunt. Her other two copies were quick to dodge the rain of projectiles thrown their way, dancing out of the way of the things. By then the vampire had closed the distance and grabbed one of the clones by the neck, hefting it from the ground.

Before he could bite the illusion’s throat, the Trixie copy blew a raspberry in his face and exploded into confetti. The jailor could barely utter an irritated grunt before he found himself assaulted by the final remaining clone. Which hopped atop his head and covered his eyes with its tiny, slightly see-through hooves.

“Begone!” he shouted, grabbing the filly-sized copy and throwing it over his head.

The illusion poofed upon hitting the wall, turning into a small mound of glitter that was quickly blown away by a slight breeze emanating from under the door.

Their vampiric foe looked around for another target, his gaze landing on Rarity before surging in her direction. He didn't make it more than three feet before appearing back at his starting position, only this time he had a stake in his chest. Looking down, he found that a strange unicorn was shimmering into view, a hunk of wood held between her hooves.

“Sorry, friend,” Trixie muttered.

The vampire released a garbled shout before dissolving into dust.

“Trixie, you killed him!” Rarity shouted.

“He was already dead!” Trixie yelled back, throwing her hooves over her head. “And not like Twilight dead, but like my parents' level of being dead.”

Rarity gasped. “Trixie!”

“You killed him!” shouted another voice, drawing Trixie and Rarity’s gaze to the cell. “You were my allies, I trained with you, and you killed him just like that!”

“We had no other choice,” Rarity quickly replied, only to pause. “Well, I suppose we did have a choice, but that doesn't matter now.”

Trixie rolled her eyes. “We are not your allies, and we did not train with you.”

“What are you talking about, Sun Strike? I’ve known you and Dawn Charger here since we were foals. Go on, tell him,” encouraged the mare, pointing to Rarity.

“I uh…” Rarity glanced at Trixie expectantly.

“I told you. They can't grasp any new information. They’re less than zombies,” Trixie exclaimed.

“What are you-” The pony stopped, appeared several feet back and immediately leapt forwards once more. “Dawn Charger, Sun Strike. What are you doing here, and where did…”

Her gaze fell to the pile of dust sitting on the ground. “You murderers! He was kind, polite, and never took from me without asking!”

“See?” Trixie declared.

Rarity sighed. “I suppose it's the proper thing to do. Still, it doesn't feel right.”

“Gird your heart with diligence my child, for from it springs life,” Trixie muttered.

“Wha-” was all the time-locked mare could utter before a lance of energy shot through her torso.

A second later, she too turned to a pile of dust, leaving them alone with a pony-shaped mass of blankets huddled near the cell door.

“Well, I’m waiting,” murmured a voice from deep within the tattered cloth.

“Sorry, old-timer. We’ll get you out of here in no time,” Trixie began.

“Good. I can't stand the thought of accidentally infecting someone with this curse. Just tell my wife I-” he vanished and reappeared ten feet back. “Well, I’m waiting.”

“Not for much longer,” Trixie muttered, conjuring another lance of magic.

A second later, another pile of ash sat on the floor, followed closely by a fourth when Rarity blasted the zombie.

“Good to see you’ve decided to help out,” Trixie declared.

“I may not be a warrior, but I can at least lend a hoof,” Rarity muttered.

“We’ll have to clear out the rest of them on this level before moving up,” Trixie explained. “We can't leave anyone stuck in this hell.”

“R-right,” Rarity murmured.

The duo made their way down to the end of the jail cells where another door waited for them. On the other side was a small room dominated by a large coffin, a dresser, and a desk. Rarity’s curiosity was immediately piqued by a letter which sat open and half finished on the desk.

“Dear mother, I know it's been a while since I’ve written. The hunters will be here today and-- Hey!” Rarity shrieked, falling back when a bolt of fire disintegrated the note.

“It's for your own good. You shouldn't go snooping through these kinds of things. All you’ll find is heartbreak,” Trixie exclaimed.

Rarity wanted to tell the mare off, but there was a certain level of experience in her tone that made Rarity remain quiet. Trixie had done this before, Rarity quickly realized. Maybe not kill time displaced vampires, but the illusionist had plunged the depths of the past and been tested by what she found.

“Do you do this often?” Rarity asked.

Trixie paused for a moment, her hoof floating over the coffin.

“Not very much, but enough to know,” Trixie replied.

The mare pulled the coffin open, a stake held high and ready, though it was unneeded as the container was empty.

“Come on, we gotta keep moving,” Trixie urged.

“You know. I never thought to ask, but how old are you?” Rarity inquired, skittering after Trixie as she left the room.

“To be completely honest for once, I’m not sure, actually,” Trixie admitted. “My proximity to mother and my usefulness for the mistress have granted me a certain longevity.”

“So, thirty then?” Rarity inquired.

Trixie erupted in laughter. “I was thirty before the fall, and it's been a lot of years since then.”

“So… forty then?” Rarity pressed.

Trixie shrugged as she ran her hooves across a seemingly random wall back in the jail room, her horn glowing faintly.

“Warmer,” Trixie muttered.

“Fifty then?” Rarity continued, her tone becoming slightly confused.

“Pretty close,” Trixie remarked. “Aha, there we go.”

The illusionist took a step back before placing her hoof on a brick and pushing it into the wall. A second later, a six foot square of wall fell into the ground, allowing the pair to peer down a long hallway. Though not very long, it branched into three separate directions, with each ending in another door.

“Fifty-five?” Rarity asked.

“Probably,” Trixie replied with a shrug. “I stopped paying attention after a while. Didn't seem important, you know?”

“I suppose, but I thought you told us your age before?” Rarity murmured.

“Nah, I just like messing with you guys. Why, how old do you think I was?” Trixie asked, flashing her traveling partner a smirk.

“I thought you were the same age as us. Twenties or so,” Rarity answered.

“Ha! Nah. I just look a little younger. Though I certainly don't feel my age,” Trixie remarked.

The unicorn paused halfway down the hall, holding up a hoof in order to stop Rarity in her tracks. Trixie then reached down and used her magic to pluck an invisible string which crossed their path. A second later, the floor opened to reveal a pit of spikes. Thankfully the pair were standing far enough back that this wasn't a worry for them.

“I still got it,” Trixie declared.

“You certainly seem like you are still young,” Rarity exclaimed.

“What do you mean? The Great and Powerful Trixie remains the picture of youth!” Trixie declared rather proudly, pounding a hoof against her chest.

“Yes, you still look very young, and your eyes are still quite enchanting,” Rarity muttered. “I am just jealous of your longevity.”

Trixie blinked. “Oh, uh, right. Well. Dedicate your life to the mistress and you too might be rewarded in a similar fashion.”

“I’ll consider it,” Rarity muttered.

“Well, consider it in silence while I’m gone. I need to deal with those two doors at the end over here,” Trixie offered, gesturing to the ones lying to the right and left.

“What about the middle, are there any traps there?” Rarity inquired.

“Nah,” Trixie paused long enough to hop over the pit. “These two are the lower ranking vampires who were likely waiting to be revived. It's just leg work putting them all down.”

“Oh, alright then,” Rarity muttered.

Trixie disappeared a second later, becoming invisible before passing through one of the doorways. When it closed behind her, Rarity suddenly felt quite alone and rather defenseless too. Those feelings didn't last long, and soon boredom began to claw at the back of her mind.

With her curiosity now lit, she clambered across the wall over the pit and made her way towards the central door. A simple tug allowed the aged portal to open and reveal what looked like a large master bedroom of some kind. One that was complete with a bathroom cordoned off by a simple privacy divider, next to which sat a large bed, and the most peculiar object, a stone coffin.

None of that held Rarity’s attention for long though, as there was a single slightly confused pony staring inquisitively at her.

“A hunter, already? What are you doing here?” asked the slightly feminine stallion partially hidden beneath the bed sheets.

The earth pony had been reading a story titled ‘War and Peace’, but he had placed it aside the second Rarity entered the room. He also seemed slightly fearful of the arachne, though unlike the others Rarity had seen, he was obviously not a vampire. There were also no weapons around, or seemingly any other danger either.

“I’m just… passing through,” Rarity replied.

“How strange,” murmured the soft purple stallion. “I thought you’d be here to kill me for cavorting with nightspawn.”

“Why would I do that?” Rarity countered.

The male rolled his eyes and flicked his long, flowing mane from his face. “Because they are servants of the dark goddess and wish to bring about night eternal according to your tyrant. I mean, really, were you not paying attention at all during training?”

“You were a hunter as well?” Rarity inquired.

The stallion paused and looked Rarity up and down. “Why of course I was, Sun Strike. Do you not remember our time spent sparring back then?”

“I apologize,” Rarity began. “It seems my memory has failed me.”

“No matter, before you drive a stake into Saccharine Song’s heart, tell him that Willow Wand loves him,” declared the male before returning to his starting position.

“A hunter, already? What are you doing here?” asked the slightly feminine stallion staring at Rarity.

“You really are a glutton for sadness,” Trixie remarked.

Rarity merely sighed, suppressing the urge to jump. “I couldn't help myself. But surely there is something we can do for them.”

“Dawn, Sun? What are you doing here?” asked the stallion.

“Just cleaning up,” Trixie replied before firing a beam of magic through his heart.

The pony gasped once before collapsing into the bed, his eyes rolling back into his head. A moment later, he too was turned to ash by the sudden onrush of time.

“That was most unpleasant,” Rarity exclaimed.

“It never gets any easier,” Trixie replied.

“Where to now?” Rarity inquired.

Trixie ignored her and scanned the room, stopping in order to peek within the coffin. Finding it empty, as was the rest of the room, Trixie walked back over to Rarity.

“Upstairs. The rest have been dealt with,” Trixie exclaimed.

Rarity nodded as the pair left together. “You know, you’re a lot more serious when it's just the two of us.”

“Yes, I’ve been told I can be rather grim at times. Apologies,” Trixie muttered. “It is hard to don the mask without an audience.”

“I like it,” Rarity declared. “It's very real and honest.”

Trixie paused and glanced back at Rarity, revealing a small blush. “Thanks. Oh, and try not to trip. I don't think I can drag that gorgeous butt of yours out of the pit.”

The illusionist then leapt over the triggered trap, and landed on the other side, her hooves skidding across the polished stone floor.

Rarity smiled faintly and deftly crawled across the wall, landing behind Trixie and making their way to the stairs they saw earlier.

“You know, I’m kind of jealous of your time spent performing,” Rarity began. “I’ve always wanted to travel, but with Sweetie I could never go far.”

“And I’m kind of impressed you stuck with that,” Trixie replied. “If I were you, I probably would have left the kid with an aunt or something. Wouldn't want her turning out like me.”

“Well, I think you’d make for a wonderful parent,” Rarity declared.

Trixie chuckled. “Mother says that too, and I’ll tell you the same thing I always tell her. Trixie is far too selfish to have kids.”

“Like how you’re too selfish to help a designer in need of a bodyguard?” Rarity teased.

“That's different,” Trixie retorted.

“How so?” Rarity countered, the pair coming to a stop near the top of the stairs at the entrance to the first floor.

Trixie’s hoof hovered over the doorknob. “That's because kids are ugly, and you are far from unpleasant to look at.”

Before Rarity could flirt back, Trixie threw open the door and leapt into the room beyond, immediately engaging the vampire guard waiting for her. Rarity peeked around the door as Trixie and her many doppelgangers flooded the room with a sea of teal. The first foe barely had time to raise her sword when a Trixie copy wrapped itself around her face, and a stake found the vampire’s heart. The real Trixie fell back into the small sea of copies almost immediately, vanishing into their midst.

The other vampires slashed, fired magic, bit, or kicked the copies, but otherwise failed to find the real Trixie. In fact the more successful they were, the greater the amount of glitter that covered them, blinding more than one of the guards. One poor soul was struck down by a lance of magic a second later, his closest ally receiving an invisible stake to the heart right after.

Like a whirlwind of invisible, yet still colorful death, Trixie cut a swath through her foes, staying one step ahead of them the entire time. Every time one of her enemies were confident that they had killed the trickster, the Trixie exploded in a colorful cloud a second before they were struck down. Within a few minutes, the vampires’ shouts of warning became muffled, their battlecries stifled, and soon Trixie had dispatched the last of them.

Standing amidst the dozen or so piles of ash was Trixie, who was surrounded by clapping copies. The illusionist bowed low, flashing Rarity a wink just before her clones disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke.

“Bravo, Trixie,” Rarity exclaimed. “That was quite the show.”

“They didn't even know what hit them,” Trixie declared.

“I’m just glad they don't have to suffer anymore,” Rarity stated, glancing down at one of the small gray mounds.

“Don't be sad. Now they can finally rest and return to the cycle,” Trixie offered.

“True, I just wished there was more we could do for them,” Rarity replied.

“It's for the best,” Trixie declared.

Rarity hummed softly to herself as she gazed about the wide open space she found herself in. Sure enough, the interior appeared to be a mix of a cathedral and a fort, with the doors having been barricaded from the inside. The staircases which traveled up the towers were also visible from the inside, as was a large set of steps going up to a second floor.

Ignoring that last detail for the moment, Rarity glided across the room, her hoof straying to the ornate organ sitting between the set of stairs going up. Big enough to seat an arachne comfortably and with wide marble keys, the instrument was clearly custom. A sentiment made all the more obvious by the many small carvings and intricate designs ingrained within it. The brass pipes bore ornate scripture in a language Rarity could not read, though she could still appreciate.

The rest of the room followed a similar design, with red, gold, and black being the general color scheme. Banners of long dead noble houses hung from the walls, and crimson flames burned within golden lanterns. The shadows cast were deep, but oddly comforting to the arachne and even her companion.

Rarity also noticed that her earlier assumption had been correct, as the darkened windows revealed images when viewed from the inside. One showed the moon in all its phases, while another displayed an image of a smiling Luna staring down at the viewer. The most interesting one showed a pony praying to the moon while the shadow it cast on the floor revealed she was standing and had gained blood red eyes. Other windows had similar dual images, though none quite so eye-catching as the pony becoming a vampire.

“Should we check the towers?” Rarity asked, tearing her gaze away from the stained glass windows.

Trixie shook her head. “There's no one up there. All we need to do now is deal with the pontiff.”

“What an odd title,” Rarity mused.

“Part of their creed. Something about faith helping to stave off their more animalistic urges.” Trixie shrugged. “Not sure about all that, but the way mother tells it, they rarely fed on the unwilling, so it must have some truth to it.”

“Do they have any remaining chapters or orders left in our current time?” Rarity questioned.

“Not that I know of. Most were wiped out, though some supposedly managed to go into hiding before the purge reached them. If there are any still around, they’ll make themselves known soon enough though,” Trixie reasoned.

“The war,” Rarity muttered.

Trixie nodded. “They’ll be able to feel it in the air. This is going to be their chance to finally do away with the tyrant for good.”

“If only she’d simply step down,” Rarity murmured.

Trixie snorted. “As if that would happen.”

“It would be nice,” Rarity replied.

“Fair enough. Now come on. We gotta get rid of this guy if we are going to get your book and put this place to rest,” Trixie exclaimed.

“Lead the way. I’ll help any way I can,” Rarity offered.

“Grab that guy’s crossbow, and if I need a hoof, then lend it, but otherwise wait until the last moment to reveal yourself,” Trixie ordered.

Rarity scooped the weapon from the ground and awkwardly reloaded it. “Alright. Ready when you are.”

“Remember, stay behind me,” Trixie added.

Rarity silently did as she was told, giving Trixie a decent amount of space between them.

Together they made their way up the left flight of stairs, emerging out into what looked like a church. Only the rows of pews had been pushed aside, and the pulpit removed in order to create a wide enough area for the painting of a massive rune. At the center of which stood a thestral of considerable stature and obvious vampiric origin.

Adorned with the voluminous robes of a priest, the stallion also wore a brass circlet on his head and a golden sash around his neck. Tall enough to give even most earth ponies a run for their money, the male towered over his surroundings. Including the many candelabras which littered the area, as well as the mostly empty buckets of blood which had been used in his ritual.

“This has to be it,” he muttered to himself, pushing his golden mane from his face and revealing his slitted red eyes. “A simple warning is all I’ll need to evacuate the chapel and save everyone from the hunters.”

“That's how paradoxes happen,” Trixie whispered.

“I’ll be able to save Willow, and… and everyone,” the stallion murmured, leaning down and pushing a candle several inches to the right. “Now I must focus on what I will tell my earlier self.”

He then stepped over to the middle of the room and began to channel magic into his hooves. Which began to glow a faint crimson and soon suffused the rune beneath him with the same color of energy. Once it was charged, the vampiric thestral smiled and raised his head high into the air.

“I-” was all he could mutter before disappearing and reappearing several feet away.

He immediately got back to work on the rune, lathering a thick layer of blood over a seemingly random spot.

“Remember. Don't attack until the last possible second, okay? I really don't want to get shot,” Trixie whispered.

“I got it,” Rarity replied.

Trixie crept up the stairs, pausing at the last one in order to conjure forth a smaller group of clones which she sent ahead of her. As before, the illusionist herself faded away to nothing, leaving behind only a barely perceptible shimmer. Which moved to the right just as her copies had managed to grab the attention of the lone sorcerer.

“Hunters! How dare you interrupt my ritual. You shall pay for your insolence!” he shouted.

The vampire’s form flickered, and faster than Rarity could track, he sprinted across the room and kicked one of Trixie’s duplicates square in the chest. His attack only met air, however, as the spell collapsed due to the force exerted on it by the vampire. Seeing that his strike did nothing, the thestral backpedalled rapidly, power building behind his eyes until the twin orbs of crimson flashed brightly. He quickly swept the room with his now glowing gaze.

The clones piled onto him, covering his face or making rude gestures at him, though they were ignored. He continued to remain stock still before stopping, the vampire having found what he was looking for. Which was thankfully not Rarity, who had ducked just out of sight a moment beforehand. Rather he had found Trixie, catching the illusionist just as she had snuck up behind him and had been about to stake him through the heart.

“Your tricks won’t work on me, fool!” he shouted, twisting around and lurching towards her with jaws extended.

“Now!” Trixie shouted.

Rarity raised the crossbow and, after taking a moment to aim at the thestral’s upper body, fired. The bolt flew straight and true, but did not hit its target, instead being caught just as it was about to slam into the stallion’s chest.

“Did you really think that would work on me?” he scoffed.

“That wasn't the point,” Trixie replied.

The stallion blinked and looked back to find that his first enemy had been replaced by a stuffed lookalike with a mouthful of explosives. He could barely utter a confused yelp before he found himself flying backwards from the sudden explosion of fireworks. Smoke, sparks, and brightly colored lights filled the area as a kaleidoscope of tiny bombs started going off one after another.

Trixie appeared beside Rarity a second later, an annoyed look on her face. “Of course he’d have true sight, the jerk. Well, let's back up and-” Her eyes went wide, and she ducked at the last second.

Avoiding a sweeping strike from a long knife which had been aimed at the back of the unicorn’s skull. Trixie managed to dodge the blow completely, but her hat wasn't quite so lucky, and the top inch or so of fabric went flying. Rarity fared even worse off, as the tip of the blade raked across her lower chest, blood immediately pouring from the wound.

A scream built from Rarity’s throat, but it never got the chance to meet the light of day as Trixie had pushed her down the stairs. Landing in a tangle of limbs, the unicorn was quickest to rise, swiftly stuffing a hoof in Rarity’s mouth. The arachne sobbed and wanted to cry out in agony, but her companion’s grip was hard and unyielding.

After several seconds of relative quiet broken only by the sound of small firecrackers popping, a voice spoke up.

“Stars above, what happened here? Now I’ll have to start all over,” he muttered.

With that, Trixie gave her companion a firm look and, after being certain that Rarity wasn't about to scream, hastily pulled the arachne towards the stairs. Rarity followed quickly, her hooves pressed against the wound, hoping against hope that it wasn't very deep. Only when they had returned to the storage room did Trixie finally release the breath she had been holding.

“Alright, let me see,” she whispered.

Rarity winced and carefully pulled away her hooves. “Is it… is it bad?” she asked through clenched teeth.

Trixie shook her head. “Barely more than a graze. Might leave a scar, but you’ll be fine. Just to be sure, let's get a potion in you, okay?”

Rarity nodded her head meekly, accepting the offered vial of red liquid and downing it in a single gulp. Almost immediately, a tingling began to emanate from deep down in her body. Glancing towards the source of the sensation, Rarity could see that the long thin wound was beginning to grow smaller.

“Do you have something to clean up?” Rarity asked. “I would be most disappointed if I let this stain my fur.”

“I should. Provided the enchantment held on my hat,” Trixie replied, pulling her hat from her head and digging a hoof into it. “Aha, here we are.”

A moment later, her hoof returned with what looked like a well-used blue towel.

“Thank you, darling. You’ve sure thought of everything,” Rarity remarked before dabbing gently at the rivers of blood which had cascaded down her body.

“Oh, definitely not everything. Just the essentials,” Trixie replied.

“So I see,” Rarity muttered, wincing when she neared the cut. “Does this usually take long?”

“A few minutes. Relax, he's not going to find us down here,” Trixie exclaimed, peeking into a random barrel and sticking out her tongue in disgust.

“So…” Rarity began, doing her best not to look down at her newest injury. “Assuming you live through the coming war, what would you do once it's over?”

Trixie paused just as she was about to pop open another cask.

“I don't know,” she admitted. “I want to say go back to travelling and doing magic, but then I’d start aging again.”

“What's so bad about that? I think you would age beautifully, darling,” Rarity declared somewhat bashfully.

Trixie chuckled nervously. “I hope so. I don't know if I could keep the whole adventuring thing up for another twenty years or whatever. There's been a lot of close calls.”

“I can only imagine. It sounds like a truly dangerous profession,” Rarity replied.

“You would know, given what you’ve been up to recently. Kinda makes me even more impressed than I already was,” Trixie began. “First you raise an adorable kid all while still being one yourself, and now you’re out there, saving the world without even having any idea how to fire a crossbow.”

“H-hey!” Rarity shouted, a blush crossing her face. “I do know how to shoot!”

“I don't know about that. Any further to the right, and you would have hit me back there,” Trixie teased.

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Then maybe you shouldn't have dodged that way, hmmm?”

Trixie chuckled. “Fair. So, a bit of a personal question, but, uh, why are you so desperate to find some book on how to make silk steel?”

“I don't understand what you mean,” Rarity murmured.

“Well, all you really need is practice, or so mother says. Yet you’re here, searching for some lost ‘How to…’ written by a long dead arachne spinner. I just don't get it, you’re already a talented seamstress,” Trixie pressed.

Rarity sighed. “Yes, I can make clothes, but I’ve always been good at that, it's my special talent, after all. I don't think I’ve ever really struggled with a design more than I have with even the simplest silk steel pattern.”

Trixie nodded knowingly. “I think I see what you mean.”

“Thank you for understanding,” Rarity exclaimed.

“No problem. Looks like you’re all healed up, ready to get going?” Trixie offered, hopping off a barrel and trotting towards the stairs.

“I don't have to do anything else?” Rarity asked, prodding her new scar nervously.

“Nah, just be careful and make sure to see someone once we get back. There is a chance it will reopen once the potion has worn off,” Trixie warned.

“Hold on. Let's discuss a plan. I don't want to just walk in there again,” Rarity exclaimed.

Trixie laughed aloud. “I may have underestimated him before, but trust me when I say I got him this time.”

“But-”

“Trust me,” Trixie repeated, flashing Trixie a wide smile.

Rarity sighed. “Fine.”

“Remember, only shoot if I really need you,” Trixie whispered.

Rarity nodded.

Trixie put her head down and lit her horn, casting a particularly powerful spell. Upon completion, she was once more surrounded by duplicates, only these were utterly identical to her in every way. Then, as one the small army of Trixies began to sprint out from cover, making a beeline directly for the vampire.

“A whole host of hunters!” declared the stallion. “Good, it is about time someone tested my mettle.”

Again he became a blur, only this time he appeared directly atop one of the Trixie clones, his forehooves wrapping about her neck. With a sickening twist, the Trixie’s head turned right around, her tongue sticking comically from her mouth.

“Bleh. I’m dead,” blurted the Trixie before turning into a pile of glitter.

“What is this, a decoy? I shall root you out in but a moment!” declared the thestral, his eyes glowing.

In a flash his orbs were shimmering brightly, only this time there was no look of smug superiority which leapt to his face.

“What, how do you avoid my sight?” he bellowed.

“What do you take me for, an amatuer?” declared one Trixie.

“We are Trixie, and we are not some petty trickster!” shouted another.

“Replicating body heat and everything else your spell looks for is easy,” stated a third Trixie.

“So have at you!” yelled a fourth before kicking him in the chest.

“Aha, it is you who is the mastermind!” he shouted, grabbing the Trixie who had kicked him and biting her throat.

“Bleh, you got me. Jerk,” stated the duplicant, who poked the stallion in the eyes before poofing.

Temporarily blinded, the stallion yelped in surprise, backpedalling into a pile of Trixies who grabbed his forelegs. Another pair of copies then trotted up to him and began punching him left, then right, each taking turns wailing on him.

“We got him on the ropes! Can he escape?” shouted another Trixie dressed as an announcer and leaned over a table which had sprung out of nowhere.

“Enough of your games!” he shouted, throwing off the Trixies holding him before smashing together the two who had been punching him a moment earlier. “I do not have the time for-”

“Now!” Trixie shouted, pointing to the vampire’s origin point.

Rarity obeyed without question, releasing her shot before he had even faded away completely.

He appeared back at his starting position, his eyes opening wide as something hard suddenly appeared in his chest.

The vampire released a garbled grunt as he gazed down at the bolt sticking out of his chest.

“Willow Wand sends his love,” Trixie whispered.

“How,” was all the male could mutter before he dissolved into a pile of dust.

“Woah, that was... something,” Rarity murmured. “How'd you get past his true sight?”

“My true duplicates may not be as strong, or as pretty as me, but they are almost perfect copies in all other respects,” Trixie declared, brushing some invisible dirt off her shoulder.

“Color me impressed,” Rarity muttered.

“I’d rather color you teal,” Trixie shot back.

“Wh-what?” Rarity exclaimed.

“Now,” Trixie began in a firm tone, “make me a helmet.”

“What, right now? But I need the book,” Rarity replied.

“You just defeated an elder vampire with a single shot of a crossbow. Do you really think you need something as little as a book?” Trixie pressed.

“Well, I mean, that was mainly you. Yes, it took a bit to aim properly, but-”

“You’ve accomplished something Celestia’s hunters have been trying to do for centuries, have a little faith in yourself,” Trixie interrupted. “Make me a helmet!”

“Alright alright, just hold on a sec,” Rarity muttered.

The arachne then laid down, tugged forth some silk and began to spin, first slowly, then with greater speed. Though slightly unsure of herself, something about this attempt felt different. Rarity wasn't sure if it was Trixie’s intense, judging gaze, or the odd atmosphere of the decrepit building. Either way, Rarity found herself accomplishing deft maneuvers that had left her baffled only a day earlier.

Minutes passed, and Rarity watched as the helmet began to take shape.

“I’m doing it,” she muttered.

“Shh, just focus,” Trixie urged.

Rarity took the mare’s advice and devoted herself completely to the task at hand. Time passed, and soon Rarity was sitting quietly, a completed piece of armor sitting in her lap.

“I did it,” Rarity whispered.

“I knew you could,” Trixie exclaimed.

“You just wanted to boost my confidence, didn't you?” Rarity asked.

Trixie chuckled. “Yeah I kinda figured that's all you really needed. Plus you can't take anything from here, and the whole place is probably going to vanish the second we leave so I was hoping you’d figure it out.”

“Wait, what?” Rarity asked, leaping to a stand.

“Don't worry about it. The spell will only collapse after we walk past the edge of its range,” Trixie replied, waving a dismissive hoof at the arachne. “Mother made sure to check it out after my brothers told her about it.”

“That's disappointing. I was rather hoping I could save a few of these relics,” Rarity murmured.

“Me too. Don't worry though, I’ve saved the most precious relic around,” Trixie whispered, leaning in close.

“Oh, Trixie,” Rarity muttered.

And that's all that happened.

“Well, I mean, not everything. The whole monastery did fall off the side of the cliff in a rather dramatic fashion,” Trixie remarked with a snicker.

“No wonder you guys have been hanging out so much,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“You two are adorable,” murmured Fluttershy.

“It is unfortunate that you couldn't save anyone,” Sunset interrupted.

Rarity offered the skeleton an appreciative smile. “I agree, Sunset, but in the end we could at least let them rest.”

“All in a day’s work for the Great and Powerful Trixie,” Trixie declared, a wide smirk crossing her face.

“To think there would still be some vampires to this very day. I believe they were only meant to survive until the end of the war, as they were mostly used as mindless, near unkillable berserkers. I suppose their unique physiology would grant incredible longevity, though I may be mistaken about all of this. My memory is rather fuzzy,” Midnight Moon muttered.

“That was quite a tale,” Twilight offered. “I’d ask you to teach me such a spell Trixie, but I doubt I even have the aptitude to learn something so advanced.”

“Ha, finally. Something Trixie is superior at. To the surprise of no one,” Trixie exclaimed, raising her nose high into the air.

“So, what else were we gonna talk about?” Applejack asked. “I kinda lost track. What with that whole story takin’ like an hour.”

“Hey, a good story needs time to grow!” Pinkie Pie declared.

“Exactly. How else would everyone understand how truly magnificent Trixie is?” Trixie added.

Applejack raised her forehooves defensively. “Hey now, I ain't complaining. I’m just sayin’ I forgot what else we planned on discussin’.”

“I think that was everything. Just planning from here, I suppose,” Twilight answered.

“I think everyone intends on training or assisting with building more defenses,” Sunset reasoned.

The ensuing chorus of agreement was interrupted when Chrysalis burst through the door and skidded to a halt.

“Oh good. You’re all here,” she exclaimed. “That means we can get started right away.”

“Right away for…” Twilight muttered, her question falling away when a heavily scarred Cadance limped into the library.

Two changelings stood on either side of the mare, allowing the alicorn to lean on them as she trundled slowly inside.

“Hello, Twilight.”

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