“I gotta admit, guys, I’m not sure if we can do this,” Twilight muttered. “Those golems are really powerful, and I don't know if we can take a force that big even with all the reinforcements we got.”

Twilight hummed to herself as she trotted through the dense woodland, her steps quick but unhurried. Around her moved a small throng of timberwolves, their long lanky forms easily loping over the many obstacles that got in their way. The largest of the bunch walked alongside Twilight, its brightly glowing eyes glancing in her direction every few seconds.

“I mean, don't get me wrong, we have some amazingly powerful people on our side now, but I don't know if it's going to be enough,” Twilight continued, pausing to hop over a fallen tree. “I know we have a plan to deal with each type of foe that we will be facing, but I’m not sure if it will work.”

She paused near the edge of a ravine. Her closest timberwolf lowered itself down and extended its body over the expanse, creating a bridge. Which Twilight used to cross the small waterway, the rest of her pack leaping over it with ease, bunching back up on the other side. Where Twilight waited for her largest wolf to reform before joining him as they walked ever deeper into the dark woods.

“Each one of the mages has enough magical know-how to destroy a small army, and there are over twenty of them out there,” Twilight continued. “The knights are no slouches either, and those golems are nearly indestructible.”

She weaved her way through the tree cover, breaking through a wall of vegetation and landing on a road. The dirt path stretched from left to right, and though both directions seemed identical, Twilight turned confidently to the right. With her pack in tow, the necromancer trotted swiftly, the wide expanse of packed gravel allowing her to pick up the pace.

“I just hope everyone makes it out of this alive,” Twilight murmured, following her abnormally long shadow that extended out before her, in defiance of the moonlight.

The mare’s worries were assuaged slightly when her bright-eyed wolf nudged her side, nuzzling the pony as they jogged. Though being comforted by an undead bundle of sticks may not have been very relaxing for most, it set Twilight's mind somewhat at ease. The cloying concerns remained but had retreated, allowing her to pay more attention to her surroundings.

And just in time, as after rounding the final corner, she emerged out into a wide-open area. One dominated by a distant castle that loomed over the surroundings and the nearby forest. Largely repaired and even sporting a few new additions, the Everfree Castle was a truly magnificent sight.

Its walls were high, its keep almost completely repaired, the awe-inspiring monolith casting its surroundings in shadow. The sight of that impressive structure made strange memories not her own to stir in Twilight's mind. A shake of the head dismissed them, however, her attention going to the many peoples who now filled the castle grounds.

Undead, thestrals, arachne, dozens of creatures of varied origin now either stood upon its walls or could be seen scurrying about. Supplies were moved, last-minute defenses constructed, and drills were undertaken by bellowing overseers. The entire place was abuzz with activity large and small, leaving few calm places left in the swirling chaotic hive.

One of which lay to Twilight's right, where a flustered Fluttershy stood amidst several other specters. Around which was arrayed a truly impressive number of animals both big and small, all sitting patiently. Fluttershy spoke quietly, only to pause when another of her kind interrupted her with another question.

Twilight flipped open her right saddlebag and glanced within, noting that the rough-hewn iron bangles she had created were still there. Little more than a single loop of black metal upon which set a single brightly glowing green stone. Twilight knew that within those orbs was a single spell waiting to be activated by her own bangle that bore within it a single ruby.

She tossed the flap closed and began approaching the group of animals and their caretakers, slowing briefly to cross the simple rope bridge. Though a few of the particularly unruly furry defenders growled, none were dumb enough to get in Twilight's way. A single look at her entourage of wolves was enough to make them think twice and give the unicorn the room she desired. Even the bears, still living wolves, and other large predators like the young hydra in their midst all stepped aside.

“I don't know,” Fluttershy exclaimed. “I don't know how any of this works.”

A small ethereal thestral with long ears and a long mane of see-through hair growled. “Surely you have something!” they exclaimed. “You can't just tell us that you figured out how to basically be alive again and then just leave it at that.”

“I-” Fluttershy’s eyes went wide. “Twilight knows more than I do. Don't you, Twilight?”

The dryad’s tone was desperate, though not nearly as desperate as the gaze of a dozen apparitions looking at her. The spirits inspected Twilight intently, crowding around Twilight who was temporarily too confused to say a word.

“I don't know, Fluttershy. She doesn't look like she knows anything,” offered an elderly earth pony mare who happened to be missing a foreleg. “Though I do smell a bit of necromancy on her.”

“A bit?” offered another ghost. “It's wafting off her like ugly off an ape.”

“I can hear you, you know,” Twilight declared.

The apparitions all stumbled back in shock.

“And see you,” Twilight added pointedly, glaring at the middle-aged stallion who had been peering a little too intently at her tail. “So do try to be polite.”

“Maybe she could help us,” murmured the long-maned thestral spirit. “She certainly seems powerful enough.”

“That depends. What exactly am I helping with anyway?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy cleared her throat despite not needing to do so. “This is Twilight Sparkle, the friend I mentioned earlier. She is an expert necromancer and a skilled mage. If anyone could replicate what happened to me, it is her.”

“Replicate what exactly?” Twilight pressed.

“Why, the whole ‘her having a body’ thing of course,” declared a short, round unicorn ghost with a broken horn. “We may have been fine enjoying the world through the lens of our animal friends, but that was before we knew this was an option.”

Nearly everyone present nodded or otherwise voiced their agreement with the specter’s assessment.

Twilight hummed. “I’m not quite sure that's possible. The event which precipitated this change was… unique, to say the least.”

“But I’m sure Twilight can think of something. Maybe with Sunset Shimmer’s help, we could come up with a solution,” Fluttershy offered.

“Maybe,” Twilight muttered. “Either way, it's something to be concerned about after surviving the coming battle.”

“Exactly,” bellowed the lone minotaur spirit. “We’ve been bickering far longer than we’ve been discussing how we are going to deal with these interlopers.”

“Well, um, I was hoping that we could pool our magic and plead with the forest to help deal with the mages. I’m sure if we assist, we could at least deal with those nasty spellcasters,” Fluttershy exclaimed.

Twilight stepped up, grabbing the spotlight. “Zecora believes that with a bit of guidance, you may be able to at least move the mages somewhere far enough away that they won't be able to help.”

“Hmm, it's possible. The forest has a knack for displacing things it doesn't like,” muttered one of the spirits.

“Though it’s going to be many at once. And they’ll surely be warded against such an attack,” added another.

“Their defensive spells will be weakened this close to the castle,” Twilight countered.

“We might as well try,” declared the minotaur. “Seems to be about the only way this is going to end up going our way.”

“It certainly would help,” Twilight remarked.

“Then you can count on us,” offered the youngest-looking of the group. “But after this is all said and done, we are going to talk.”

“Of course,” Twilight proclaimed.

“Great.” Fluttershy clopped her hooves together. “If anything happens to me, then my good friend Tree Hugger will be in charge.”

An earth pony spirit suddenly hopped up, blinking rapidly. “Uh, right. I’ll totally do whatever it is you were saying I was gonna do.”

“Then it seems like you got things more or less in order,” Twilight exclaimed, reaching back into her bag and producing one of her iron bangles. “Here, this is the surprise I mentioned before.”

“I just have to wear it, right?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight nodded. “Exactly. You don't have to do a thing, really. The spell inside the gem will take care of everything.”

The metal band slipped easily over the spirit’s leg, shrinking slightly in order to better fit her.

“It kinda looks nice too,” Fluttershy murmured.

“Rarity insisted on making them appear at least ‘serviceable’ in her words,” Twilight exclaimed with a chuckle.

“That sounds like Rarity,” Fluttershy agreed.

“Your bracelet looks lovely, Fluttershy. Now, can we please discuss the nature of this spell you have in mind? The last time I went into a situation half-cocked with barely a plan, I ended up tied to a tree and married to a dragon,” barked the minotaur spirit.

“One more thing. Take the wolves,” Twilight offered, gesturing to her pack. “I know they aren't animals in the traditional sense, but they can help you.”

“Well, they certainly are sturdy-looking,” offered one of the ghosts.

“Oh, um, thank you. I’ll make sure to take good care of them,” Fluttershy muttered hesitantly.

“Don't be too gentle though. They can take a beating,” Twilight added. “Oh, and Fluttershy, good luck.”

“You too, Twilight,” Fluttershy replied, pulling the other mare in for a brief hug.

With the release of Fluttershy’s ethereal limbs, Twilight trotted away, giving her wolves a single nod before leaving them behind. Though they seemed remiss to see her go, the timberwolves were loyal and remained with the spirits and their furry companions. Though a bit of an odd mix, Twilight knew they would be a valuable addition to Fluttershy’s little group.

As she walked away, Twilight picked out the next closest group which counted one of her friends among their number. Standing atop a small hill at the edge of the treeline were a large group of changelings and their thestral allies. Off to one side talking in low tones were Rainbow Dash and Chrysalis, the pair discussing something with fervent intensity.

Twilight began to trot over to them, only to stop at the halfway point, her body becoming rigid. Her shadow bulged briefly before recoiling, snapping back into its usual shape before ballooning outwards. In an instant Midnight Moon stood next to Twilight, the shadow pony immediately ducking into a small bow.

“Greetings, my master,” she whispered in a low, fake reverential tone.

“I wish you wouldn't do that,” Twilight muttered. “When you stretch yourself out that far, it feels like I’m in two places at once. It's weird.”

“My apologies,” Midnight Moon exclaimed. “I wished to keep an eye on Luna’s statue and couldn't trust anyone else to maintain such a vigil.”

“It's fine,” Twilight dismissed. “But do you really think someone is going to damage her? I mean, come on. Half the people here worship her like a god.”

Midnight Moon nodded. “I believe it's a clear possibility. With such a commotion around the castle and Ponyville being in disarray, it would be the perfect time for such a caper to occur.”

“Maintain your vigil if you like, but I want you back here well before the fight begins. I can't afford one of my best fighters to be stuck in some basement. Nor can I afford the headache that comes with having you stretched out so far,” Twilight warned.

“I’ll think of something by then,” Midnight Moon exclaimed.

“Good,” Twilight replied, waving a hoof in the air.

Midnight Moon bowed low once more before sinking into the ground and extending rapidly towards the castle, causing Twilight to lurch forward and nearly topple face-first into the ground, though the mare caught herself at the last second. As she shook off the vertigo and muttered a few curses under her breath, Twilight searched once more for Rainbow Dash.

Finding the mare standing in almost the exact same spot Twilight had last seen her, the unicorn set off in that direction. As she approached, Twilight was able to make out that the pair’s argument was only surface level. Both wore a small, poorly hidden grin while continuing to speak animatedly at one another. Their subordinates seemed mostly in on it and were passing around a helmet full of gems, an opportunistic changeling logging their bets.

“No way will your changelings end up killing more than us night guard. You may be even more stealthy than us, but you cannot match the guard in open combat,” Rainbow Dash declared, chest pushed out proudly.

“Which is why we won't do that,” Chrysalis retorted with a smirk. “We’ll be slitting sleeping throats and ambushing the unwary while you're still struggling to find them.”

“This is our forest, our turf. We know this land like our own forelegs,” Rainbow Dash boasted.

One of the changelings was suddenly engulfed in flame and was replaced by an unarmored copy of Rainbow Dash. Who looked down at her foreleg and gasped in dramatic fashion.

“Oh, would you look at that! I never noticed that before,” claimed Rainbow Dash’s copy.

Twilight shook her head and trotted up to the pair, standing between the now laughing or fuming duo. “Rainbow Dash. Do you have a minute?” Twilight asked, raising her voice slightly.

“Err, yeah. I guess. But this ain't over,” Rainbow Dash declared, shaking an armored hoof at Chrysalis.

“It’s been over since before you even opened that giant mouth of yours,” Chrysalis retorted.

Rainbow Dash snorted and turned to Twilight, the rest of the group dispersing behind them. “What do ya need, egghead?” asked the thestral.

“I was just going to ask how things were going with your preparations, and give you this,” Twilight offered, extending a hoof, upon which rested another iron bangle.

“Ahh, yeah, I remember you mentioning these things,” Rainbow Dash muttered. “So do I just put it on or… woah, neat.”

Rainbow Dash watched as the metal band expanded in order to fit around her armored limb. It then shrunk slightly, affixing itself to the greave without hurting the flexibility of the near pitch-black piece of protection. The thestral drew her weapon and went through a few sweeping motions before hooking it back into place.

“You weren't kidding. I don't even notice it's there,” Rainbow Dash mentioned.

“And you shouldn't have to do anything when it activates, just be aware if it starts flashing that you’re about to be teleported,” Twilight warned.

“I remember,” Rainbow Dash dismissed. “Then you’ll recall us all back to that point and use the cooperation word spell thingy to beat the big bad.”

“Their leader, yes. Their primary mission is still killing me, but their secondary is probably to get rid of the other local leaders like Dark Hallow,” Twilight continued.

“Which means protecting you protects my boss. Got it,” Rainbow Dash declared, a cocky smile coming to her face. “So, did you hear about the huge party that Pinkie Pie’s throwing once we win? It's going to be huge, like Ponyville-sized.”

“I think it's a little early for parties,” Twilight retorted. “We can't get cocky now.”

“It isn't being cocky,” Rainbow Dash shot back. “It's about follow-through.”

Twilight blinked. “What do you mean?”

“Noone here has been huffing enough of their own farts to believe this is going to be easy. Well, except maybe Spin Blade, but he's an idiot,” Rainbow Dash continued.

“Is this going somewhere?” Twilight pressed.

“Err, right.” Rainbow Dash cleared her throat. “Now if you swing a sword, you have to imagine where it's going, and assume you are going to hit, otherwise you won't put enough strength behind it. Thinking about what happens after is just another kind of follow-through. Gives us hope, a little extra pep in the step, that kinda thing.”

“I’m not sure I agree, but I do see where you're going,” Twilight reluctantly conceded.

“Heh, you’ll understand when you’ve got a mug of victory cider in your hoof and some cute mare hanging off your foreleg. Or stallion, or heck, maybe even both at the same time!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Twilight's face contorted in a mix of confusion and embarrassment before settling on irritation. “I told you, I’m not interested in any of that. Sex isn't something I’m really capable of anyway.”

“Pfft, it's not all about sex,” Rainbow Dash dismissed with a snort. “It's about sharing a moment, bonding. You can just cuddle and stuff, you know. Helps the ticker beat strong and the head stay clear.”

Twilight's shoulders slumped. “I guess.”

“Great,” Rainbow Dash declared, slapping the other mare on the side. “Now I gotta go do a few more drills in this new armor before we get moving. This shit’s heavier than the usual gear.”

Twilight blinked and for the first time really inspected the other female’s protective equipment. It was indeed thicker and bulkier than the minimal suit Rainbow Dash wore most days. Midnight black plates that seemed to suck in the ambient light covered nearly every exposed inch. What few chinks and spaces remained had a thick set of chainmail guarding just beneath. Though a bit plain at first glance, Twilight found her gaze struggling to stick to the armor, her mind urging her to look away. With a bit of focus, she was able to keep her eyes fixed long enough to see the full moon insignia emblazoned upon the pony’s chest.

“Interesting,” Twilight murmured.

She turned and trotted away. After a few moments, Twilight stopped and planted her hoof against her forehead.

“I should have asked if they were prepared to assault the golem pilots.” She sighed. “They don't need me to remind me of their mission.”

Twilight swiftly located her next targets, namely Applejack and Pinkie Pie, who were standing a little closer to the gates. They were joined by Pinkie Pie’s siblings and Zecora, though the zebra remained detached from the main group. Who was at the moment taking turns punching one another as hard as they could physically muster.

Pinkie Pie wound up and slugged Maud as hard as she was able, immediately collapsing to the ground and cradling her leg.

“I knew that was a bad idea. I even got the tummy rumblies, and I still did it anyway,” Pinkie Pie muttered.

“That was an excellent attempt,” Maud declared in a monotone voice. “You’ve improved considerably from the last time we play-fought.”

“It sure doesn't feel like it. In fact, I can barely even feel my hoofsie,” Pinkie Pie murmured.

“That's because you keep losing the damn thing,” Limestone jabbed. “Why, I’d bet you got that thing cut off at least twice since the last time we saw you.”

Pinkie Pie coughed. “Maybe.”

“Your turn, Limestone,” Maud exclaimed.

Limestone grinned. “Lemme show you, layabouts, how it's done.”

The troll cracked her neck, took a step back, raised her hoof, and threw her entire body into the punch. Maud’s body shifted an inch or so back, but the troll herself barely even seemed to register the blow. Limestone was grinning from ear to ear and pumped her foreleg in the air.

“Yeah, that's what I’m talking about. I’d like to see you do better, cousin,” Limestone exclaimed, spitting the last word out of her mouth like it was poison.

Applejack snorted. “I’ll show you us Apples are tougher than our trees.”

“And us Pies are tougher than the gems we grow,” Limestone retorted.

“Just, don't hurt yourself,” Marble whispered under her breath.

Applejack pounded a hoof twice against her chest in rapid succession, causing a wave of bark to ripple up her form. It coalesced in the form of a living wooden helmet wrapped around the farmer’s entire head. There was no grille for her to breathe through, only two narrow slits that gave just barely enough room to see from within.

She then shook each one of her back legs individually and leaped forward, shifting her entire body mid-jump. Landing with her forehooves now in the opposite direction, Applejack bucked the much larger creature square in the chest. The impact was powerful enough that a small shockwave rippled over the nearby grass, and a dull boom echoed.

Maud, however, barely lifted an eyebrow, even as the front half of her body was lifted from the ground. She slid over a foot before landing with a dull thump, moved, but seemingly none the worse for wear. Limestone, Maud, and Pinkie Pie stood in awe of the smaller creature, who didn't seem to realize her own accomplishment.

“Dang,” Applejack cursed, her helmet coming undone and receding back down into her neck. “Thought for sure I could at least knock ya over.”

“H-hey, that's cheating!” Limestone declared. “You were supposed to punch her.”

“That was the single strongest attack I have ever felt,” Maud exclaimed. “You should be proud of yourself. You bring honor to the Apple name.”

Applejack blinked. “Well, shucks. You ain't so bad yourself. I bet yer parents are rightly proud of ya.”

“For the most part,” Maud commented.

Twilight cleared her throat. “Um, excuse me. I was hoping to speak to Pinkie Pie and Applejack for a moment.”

“Wait, I want a rematch! You aren't supposed to buck your opponent!” Limestone exclaimed.

“Ya ya, we can do that later. Just gimme a sec,” Applejack dismissed, trotting over to Twilight. “Right, so what do ya need?”

“Lemme guess,” Pinkie Pie began while limping over to the undead unicorn. “You finished them hoop thingies after Rarity demanded that she redesign them for you.”

Twilight nodded, withdrawing a pair of bangles from her bag. “Yup. Thankfully they didn't take long to alter. Now at least they have an enchantment that keeps it from getting cold.”

“Huh, neat,” Applejack muttered while donning the slim piece of metal.

“Hopefully I won't lose righty again,” Pinkie Pie added.

Twilight winced. “Maybe, uh, put it on a different leg. Wouldn't want to misplace it.”

“Nah, it's fine. I don't think I’ll get another leg chopped off today,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, only to pause. “Though it's still a distinct possibility.”

“Don't suppose your Pinkie sense can tell us how this whole battle is gonna shake out, eh?” Applejack asked, bumping a shoulder against the troll.

Who shook her head. “I’m afraid not. Too many possibilities. Right now all I’m getting is a distinct feeling that Zecora is gonna give ya some kinda cryptic advice and that you’ll walk into conflict before the big fight even happens.”

“Err, great, just what I needed,” Twilight muttered, glancing over to the zebra lingering nearby.

“Well, we best let ya get to it. I don't feel like Pinkie or I want a headache right now, so we’ll leave ya alone,” Applejack declared, her wooden helmet regrowing and wrapping around her head once more.

“There is a way you must go, and that way is the flow,” Zecora announced suddenly.

“Bwah! You scared me half to death, er, life,” Twilight shook her head. “I suppose I should have seen that coming, honestly.”

“So many surprises and still no clue. Honestly, Twilight, now it's on you,” Zecora added, shooting the unicorn a smirk.

“Yeah yeah. Laugh it up. Now was that all you wanted to say?” Twilight demanded.

Zecora shrugged. “Just remember not to quit, and yes, now that is it.”

With that, the zebra walked away, trotting in the direction of Fluttershy and her band of forest spirits. There she was greeted like an old friend by nearly everyone present, further confusing Twilight.

The unicorn shook her head. “Thinking about Zecora is nearly as bad as contemplating Pinkie Pie’s weird abilities,” she murmured to herself.

Twilight glanced up to the gate which overlooked the castle interior, its portcullis raised and its interior door open. She was about to walk through it when she heard the distinct whine of Beaker’s nasally voice. Glancing up at the top, Twilight saw both of her previous self’s undead assistants standing guard atop the gatehouse.

Sharp Eye stood tall and impassive atop the battlement, her freshly polished and refurbished armor sparkling in the moonlight. The slender curves of the angled suit of plate cut an imposing figure atop the wall, her sharp, pointed helmet peering out into the woods. Gripped lightly in a single hoof was the long halberd the mare had held onto for centuries beyond counting. Now without any rust and fully repaired, the weapon held a cruel gleam and a keen edge.

Beaker meanwhile wore only leather armor over his padded bones, a number of concoctions strapped to his chest. One of which was in his hoof and was being gestured to while he spoke to a clearly confused thestral guard. The skeletal pony had forsaken his illusionary facade as Sharp Eye had, or at least Twilight assumed as much.

“Look, you need to know this if you are going to use the acid correctly,” Beaker repeated in an exasperated tone. “If you use it incorrectly, it could be useless, or worse, you could hurt yourself.”

“I’m trying, but you keep using big words that I don't understand,” exclaimed the guard.

“Shake twice, wait for a few seconds, then throw,” Sharp Eye stated.

“Wait, that's it? Why didn't you say that?” demanded the guard.

“I was trying to get there!” Beaker shouted, hooves thrown over his head.

Twilight chuckled, tuning out the conversation as she passed through the gate and into the castle proper. There the general chaos was doubled, with creatures running every which way, carrying supplies, running drills, or casting spells. The night guard, nightsworn, and Nebula’s children, everyone was doing something to aid in the defense.

In Cadence's case that meant mediating a disagreement between a trio of soldiers from different organizations. Near the center of the courtyard was the alicorn in question, a calm, neutral expression on her face. One not mirrored by the two enraged mares standing on either side of her, shouting at one another in bellowing tones.

Nearby sat what was likely the source of the argument, which was a pair of carts that had run into one another. The argument itself was likely petty, but if the shouted accusations were anything to go by, it was just the final straw. Twilight could hear a few pointed demands for the nightsworn and their subordinates within the Black Fang to return stolen goods. This, in turn, only seemed to irritate the other groups, who refuted the claims vehemently every time they were thrown their way.

Thankfully Cadance seemed to be slowly calming everyone down, the alicorn patiently listening to both sides. The process was slow and would probably take a while, so although Twilight wished to speak with the alicorn, she chose not to. Instead, she trotted over to a large hole being dug next to the castle walls, stopping at the lip and looking down.

Several stories deep, and as wide as a house, the pit sported not pointed spikes at its bottom but several workers. Among them was Spike, the dragon making his way back to the top with a bucket of dirt in each claw. Upon noticing Twilight, the drake’s eyes went wide, and he picked up his pace, reaching the top within a few seconds.

“Oh hey, Dusk. Here to help dig out my uglier half?” Spike asked, tossing the bucket’s contents into the pile next to the hole.

“No, unfortunately not. I was just checking to see how things were going while I gave the girls their bangles,” Twilight explained, shifting her bag of jewelry in emphasis.

“Are you sure I can't convince you to grab a shovel? We’ve done all the magical digging we can do without disrupting the foundation, but it's still going to be close,” Spike pressed.

Twilight shook her head. “I still have a lot of planning left to do. Plus I have to speak to Dark Hallow and Sunset Shimmer.”

“Dammit, and no one else has the time to lend a hand or hoof either,” Spike muttered.

“You got us, buddy!” called the voice of Hoops from within the hole.

“Yeah don't count us out yet, there's still time!” added Score.

“Would you two quit being emotionally supportive? We got a hole to dig already!” Dumb Bell shouted.

“Err, right,” the other two murmured to varying degrees of enthusiasm.

“Don't give up. I’m sure you four can dig far enough for you to join the fight,” Twilight stated confidently.

Spike sighed. “I sure hope so. I don't want to accidentally destroy the castle, but I also don't want to have to sit there and watch you all fight while I can't do anything.”

“Oh, Spike. You can always do something,” Twilight pressed.

“I suppose I can always shoot a crossbow and make rude gestures at them,” Spike retorted with a roll of his eyes.

“Well, you’re not wrong,” Twilight admitted. “Just try not to destroy the undertower, okay? We don't even know what's all down there yet, and if it collapsed now, the mystery would drive me nuts.”

“Ha, you and me both. Now go on. I think I saw Rarity talking to Nebula inside the keep,” Spike explained, pointing to the structure in question with a claw.

“Thanks, Spike. Good luck,” Twilight offered.

The dragon grunted and began to descend the winding stairs to the bottom of the pit. A quick visual inspection of which alerted Twilight to the fact that it wasn't nearly deep enough at its current level. It also likely wouldn't get close enough to the buried dragon in time, given what few people were assisting Spike. Twilight chose not to voice such concerns, however, deciding to believe instead that someone would come in and help.

It was either that or giving up, and Twilight's optimism was already dangling by a thread at the moment.

Pushing past such concerns, Twilight continued on, trotting towards the keep and to its large, central door. Which she was about to open using her magic, only for it to do so without any prompting from her. The individual who had opened it nearly ran into Twilight, stopping at the last second and stumbling back a step.

“You should watch where you're going,” Trixie accused, throwing up her nose. “We are on a very important mission, you know.”

Rarity rolled her eyes and crossed her hooves over her chest. “We are not. You are just worrying too much and think that I need to get another snack.”

“Well, you do,” Trixie retorted, jabbing a hoof at the mare. “Why, you’ve already lost five pounds probably. You don't want to get too skinny, do you?”

“Well, I would be able to fit into that dress Aunt Fly Catcher gave me all those years ago,” Rarity murmured.

Trixie snorted and turned around, glaring up at the large spider standing behind her. “Mother. Tell Rarity that she needs to get more carbohydrates if she expects to keep spinning silksteal at the pace she’s been doing.”

“You probably should,” murmured the spider in her strange, otherworldly voice. “You should also probably get out of the doorway.”

Trixie looked to find that a good number of creatures that had been trying to enter or leave the keep were staring at her. A rather large minotaur carrying an anvil cleared their throat, causing the magician to scamper off to the side. The rest of her small entourage followed, with Twilight joining them a second later, taking position next to Rarity.

“Here,” Twilight offered, hoof extended. “The bangle is finally done for a second time. You remember how it works?”

Rarity nodded. “I remember, darling, and I must say it turned out quite well. I am glad you went back on that first design of yours. Functional yes, but about as stylish as a brick.”

“Alright, you got your pretty little ring thingy. Now come on. They were making stew in the barracks, if we hurry, we can get some before it's gone,” Trixie urged.

The magician didn't wait for Rarity to respond and immediately grabbed the arachne’s hoof, leading her away.

“H-hey wait. Don't I get a say in this?” Rarity exclaimed.

“No,” Trixie retorted.

Twilight chuckled, watching the pair depart next to a thoroughly amused Nebula.

“So,” Twilight began, “what are you up to?”

“Oh me? I just needed a break, and watching these two flirt makes me feel young again,” Nebula remarked.

Twilight placed a hoof over her mouth, restraining the giggle that threatened to burst from her lips. “Oh, that's too funny. Don't tell them that. I’m pretty sure Rarity is still in denial about her attraction to Trixie,” Twilight commented.

“That may be true, but I have a feeling that our coming victory will be all the push those two need,” Nebula stated confidently.

“Just another reason we must win,” Twilight added. “Say, how much armor did Rarity even end up getting done? Trixie pulled her away so quickly I didn't get the chance to ask.”

“I am not certain. I believe much of what she has made was deemed not good enough for you, however,” Nebula replied.

Twilight sighed, running a hoof down her face. “I bet it wasn't even that bad, and Rarity was just being a perfectionist again.”

“You’ll be happy to know that her discarded attempts have been recycled for the common soldiery,” Nebula added.

“That's good. I would hate for them to go to waste,” Twilight murmured.

“As for what she has managed to finish, I cannot say,” Nebula remarked. “She has been quite secretive about her plans, though I do know she completed Trixie’s outfit even if my daughter doesn't know this.”

“Let's not ruin that surprise,” Twilight exclaimed.

Nebula bobbed her entire body in an approximation of a nod. “I agree. Oh, and do remember to take a moment for yourself. Being well-rested is integral to a battle of this size.”

“I will,” Twilight agreed.

The towering spider skittered away without another word, leaving Twilight to contemplate the advice she had been given. There were at least nine or so hours until they would make contact with Celestia’s forces. A quick calculation told Twilight that if she timed things properly, she would have just enough time to squeeze in a nap.

She didn't expressly need to do this, given that she was undead, but alive or not, rest helped the mind.

With that calming thought in mind, Twilight made her way back to the keep entrance and into the chaos beyond. Thankfully traffic was low, and Twilight was able to steer clear of the many people coming in or out. It was only a short hop and a skip from there until Twilight reached the meeting room that Dark Hallow had mentioned.

Outside of which sat two guards, one familiar, the other was new. The night guard Twilight had seen many times, their dark armor and scimitars easily recognizable. What was new, however, was his companion, a taller, wider framed thestral wearing heavier plate armor.

They also had with them a longsword which was strapped over one shoulder, the long weapon bearing a rose for a hilt. Though made of metal and dyed black, there was no mistaking the flower that adorned the blade. Beyond that, their armor was also thicker, and for lack of a better word, stylish.

The black plate of the night guard was simple and existed only to serve a purpose. Unlike the steely protection of this other pony which had a unique flair visible all across its surface. A midnight black rose was emblazoned upon each of their flanks, while a deep crimson band outlined each of the plates.

“You must be Twilight Sparkle,” exclaimed the oddly ambiguously-gendered voice of the taller thestral. “Please, go right in. Hall is just chatting with an old friend and wouldn't mind a bit of company.”

“Oh, um, of course. Thank you,” Twilight replied.

The undead unicorn hastily trotted inside the second the door was open to her. Her haste was not born from fear, but rather a series of strange emotions that she didn't want to deal with. The sensations were almost like arousal, but not quite. It was an unpleasant mixture that Twilight was quick to ignore.

Once inside, Twilight found that she had interrupted what had probably been a rather humorous argument. Dark Hallow had risen from his seat and was jabbing a hoof at the dragon sitting across from him. The old thestral wore an angry expression, as well as a blush, the combination diminishing what might have been an attempt at intimidation.

Unlike his guest, Dark Hallow wore no armor, only a set of white robes upon which was a single black rose. The dragon, in contrast, was wearing the same full plate mail as the other knight Twilight had seen seconds earlier. Only this suit of protection was made to fit a tall, waspish dragon with narrow features and bright gold scales.

“Well, well, well,” murmured the dragon huskily. “Would you look at what we have here?”

Dark Hallow grunted, seating himself once more. “This is Twilight Sparkle. The necromancer I told you about. Unless you’ve forgotten that as well.”

“I forget nothing,” dismissed the dragon, waving a scaled hand at the thestral. “Now then, dear, you simply must tell me about what product you use for your eye shadow.”

Twilight blinked, only now aware that the dragon had uncoiled herself from her chair and approached her. With a claw caressing the side of Twilight's face, the unicorn found herself struck by the other female’s appearance. Slender like a dragon of old, she sported large, expressive eyes that bellied an intense curiosity as well as a hint of mischief.

“Oh, um… none?” Twilight muttered.

The dragon’s eyes widened. “My oh my. You must be truly powerful then. Few of your kind sport such a physical manifestation of their abilities.”

“She is the most skilled necromancer we’ve seen in centuries,” Dark Hallow remarked with a small amount of irritation. Though it seemed like his annoyance was directed at Twilight, the mare herself knew that the dragon was the true origin of that feeling.

“Intriguing, but where are my manners?” The dragon stooped into a graceful bow that half resembled a curtsy, her twin scimitars dragging across the ground. “My name’s Vaspelodrax. Though you may just call me Vas.”

“Or Wasp,” Dark Hallow offered.

Vaspelodrax shot the old thestral a quick glare before rising back to her full height. “Only those that irritate me call me such a name. I hope you at least never do.”

“Vaspelodrax? That almost sounds like a-” Twilight began.

“Old dragon name?” Vaspelodrax interrupted. “You would be half right. My ancestor was one of the very few who fought against his people on the side of good.”

“I didn't want to assume,” Twilight quickly offered.

“Think nothing of it, dear,” Vaspelodrax dismissed.

“Now before Wasp gets off on another tangent, I warn you I will have to put off our little planning session,” Dark Hallow exclaimed. “It seems as though something has come up.”

“Nothing too terrible, I assure you,” Vaspelodrax added.

“Err, okay. I guess I should just, uh… go then,” Twilight muttered.

“Before you do,” Dark Hallow began, rising from his seat. “Here is the list of everyone who volunteered to be raised, should they perish in the coming battle.”

“Oh wow,” Twilight murmured, flipping through the veritable tome handed to her. “This is a lot of names.”

“It would have probably been easier to find everyone who didn't consent to become an undead,” Vaspelodrax stated.

“Perhaps, but we couldn't have known that going into it,” Dark Hallow remarked.

Twilight tucked the stack of papers into her saddlebags before turning back to Dark Hallow.

“Should I come back later then?” Twilight inquired.

“My assistant will be available in about an hour. Anything you would have discussed with me can be spoken of with them,” Dark Hallow answered.

“Oh, um, alright,” Twilight murmured, bowing slightly to the now seated dragon. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Vaspelodrax.”

“The pleasure was all mine, dear,” Vaspelodrax replied, flashing the pony a wink.

“Oh, cut it out, you,” Dark Hallow demanded.

Twilight turned and began to trot away, catching only a brief snippet of conversation before the door closed.

“Come now, Hall, you can't still be mad at me,” Vaspelodrax grumbled.

“It's not about that,” Dark Hallow continued. “It's about distracting everyone.”

“Really? You’re saying it's not because I was dating both you and your little love bug, only to leave you both. Such is dating the wind, dear. It changes,” Vaspelodrax retorted.

Twilight's eyes widened, though she didn't catch Dark Hallow’s response before it was cut off. The slam of the door startled Twilight from her distracted state, and she hastily trotted away. The night guard and their large companion shared a chuckle amongst themselves.

After she had put a bit of distance between herself and the meeting hall, the unicorn remembered her next objective. To reach it, she focused inward, grasping at the strand that connected herself to Sunset Shimmer. Twilight could feel that the other undead was nearby, just up a few floors up from her current position.

As she jogged over to the skeleton’s position, Twilight pondered her circumstances. Her necromantic abilities had increased significantly, and she was capable of many of the new spells. She paused her idle ponderings to let a pair of changelings sprint past her, the bug ponies carrying a large jug gripped tight by both of them.

With that out of the way, Twilight entered the stairwell and proceeded upwards, her pace slowing. Here at least there was no one to interrupt her thoughts, allowing her to run through the list of things she could now cast. A number of different life-sapping abilities were now easy for her, as were a few curses, including the ability to make someone blind or deaf.

Other more debilitating hexes such as making the target temporarily paralyzed were difficult, but possible. She could also empower her undead allies with a flood of negative energy or even make them tougher by hardening their bones. There were other buffs she was capable of casting, but they all relied on the target being undead to begin with.

Which was no longer a problem for the unicorn, who could raise most creatures with little trouble. Creatures dead for less than a minute were simple, and less than a day was at least in theory still a breeze for her. More powerful creatures such as old dragons or alicorns though would still be an issue, though even then it wasn't far away.

With enough of the draconic words known, she was almost there. All she needed was time to study the stone tablet left behind by her previous self. With that slightly uplifting thought in mind, Twilight rounded a corner and entered what was now a field hospital.

The wide-open area had at one point likely served as a small barracks or housing for the staff that called the keep home. Now, however, all non-load-bearing walls were gone, as was everything that wasn't a bed. Rows and rows of white sheets laid out before her, waiting to be filled by the dying.

Among them were a few healers from amongst the various sub-factions. Such as an undead thestral whose body was wrapped in black leather and bound by numerous belts. While her face was not visible due to the bird mask she wore, the tarantula-like arachne next to her wore only a simple bandana across his face. With broad shoulders and a large, hairy back, the half pony half spider was intimidating, though his eyes were kind.

There were more strange healers, but Twilight put them out of her mind as she had located her target. There at the back, stacking one of the repurposed dressers with medical supplies, was Sunset Shimmer. The skeleton wore her illusion as well as a simple uniform that bore the red cross on a white background.

“Hey, Sunset,” Twilight called as she approached the other undead. “How is everything going over here? Do you need anything?”

Sunset closed the drawer and turned around, her glowing eyes dulling slightly when they landed on her friend. “Ahh, Twilight. No, I think we’re about as prepared as we are going to get.”

“Well, that's good. If you need anything, let me know. I seem to have been given a surprising amount of authority around here,” Twilight remarked.

“You are a well-regarded local hero and incredibly powerful necromancer. What did you expect?” Sunset Shimmer retorted.

Twilight shrugged uncomfortably. “I guess, but it's not like I know anything about fighting or the like.”

“Do you think if you ordered someone to fight a certain way, they would?” Sunset Shimmer pressed. She continued after Twilight didn't have an answer, “Exactly. They trust you with the big things.”

“I suppose,” Twilight admitted.

“So is that the only reason you’re here?” Sunset Shimmer pressed.

Twilight shook her head. “No. I was hoping to talk to you about the battle. You’re the only one not busy and who might be able to appreciate this mess we're in.”

Sunset Shimmer gestured back the way Twilight had come. “Let's chat somewhere private then. Say, the roof?”

“Alright,” Twilight agreed.

Together the pair trotted back into the stairwell and made their way up to the topmost level of the keep. Along the way, they saw fewer and fewer other creatures, with most they passed taking a break or relaxing between shifts. They had neared the top when Sunset Shimmer imitated the sound of her throat being cleared.

“So,” she began, “have you studied those offensive spells we found?”

“I… have,” Twilight reluctantly admitted.

“Good,” Sunset Shimmer declared. “I know we’ve talked about it before, but you must learn them. Celestia is not going to simply let you go.”

“I know! I know,” Twilight repeated, softer the second time. “I memorized the finger of death spell, as well as the other you mentioned the other time like the one that causes the person to suddenly bleed profusely from any open wounds they may have.”

Sunset Shimmer nodded grimly. “Those spells may do awful things, but they will be important in making sure your friends stay alive, or unalive, depending on their death status.”

Twilight chuckled mirthlessly. “I understand that. I simply wish that it wasn't necessary.”

“On that, we agree,” Sunset Shimmer declared.

The skeleton then paused and pushed open the door to the roof before stepping outside herself. Twilight was quick to follow her friend, walking across the freshly restored stone roof and stopping at the edge. There the pair peered out from between the crenelations, looking down on the many creatures working below them.

“To think. All this is for me,” Twilight muttered.

“Hardly,” Sunset Shimmer spat. “Celestia would have done this regardless. You are simply the straw that broke the camel's back.”

“Yes, but without that final piece of straw, the camel wouldn't have a broken back,” Twilight retorted.

“The camel suffered long before that point,” Sunset Shimmer stated.

Twilight sighed, her legs dangling over the edge of the wall like limp noodles. “This whole thing sucks. Why does Celestia have to be so mad with power that she thinks world domination is an attainable goal?”

“I don't think it's even her. Not anymore, at least,” Sunset Shimmer half-whispered.

“Why do you say that?” Twilight inquired.

“It's just…” Sunset hesitated. “Her mental state is fractured. One moment she would be kind, the next sadistic to the point of being comically evil. Then there were moments where she seemed genuinely confused as to where she was or who I am.”

“Do you think she has multiple personalities or something? In one of my previous lives I was told an alicorn’s magic was so great that it eventually became semi-sentient,” Twilight offered.

“I don't know,” Sunset admitted. “Either way, something happened to her, and now her mind is broken, held together by only a domineering will to control everything.”

Twilight stared off into the distance for several long minutes, her mind awhirl with strange thoughts. She hated the alicorn, hated her with an intensity that was sometimes uncomfortable like it was a mass of roiling plasma sitting in her gut. Yet Twilight had seen what Celestia had been like in her previous life, how she had been kind, earnest, and naive almost.

Shaking her head viciously, Twilight pushed herself away from the edge.

“I don't think speculation is going to help us,” she declared.

“No. Probably not,” Sunset admitted.

“Right. What else do we have left to do?” Twilight muttered.

“You need to rest before that brain of yours burns its way out of your skull,” Sunset Shimmer declared, wrapping a bony hoof around the other female’s shoulders and pulling her towards the door.

“Doctor’s orders?” Twilight asked wryly.

Sunset Shimmer nodded. “Doctor’s orders.”

Tempest Shadow stood upon the rocky outcropping which overlooked a ravine and beyond a small field. The hill she had claimed wasn't overly tall, but it was large enough to fit her entire staff of golem pilots. The pony element wasn't strictly required for the automatons, but it did give them an edge, an edge they would require.

Especially considering how many of them remained.

Counting the heads of her pilots, she was able to make out that forty-two of them were left, two of whom were without anything to do. The duo sat alone, staring off into space, their minds no doubt wandering back to the last moments they had been connected to their stone machines. They imagined the last moments before destruction, the sudden backlash and surprise escape with their lives.

They also recalled their allies’ heads erupting in a fountain of gore when they had not been pulled out quick enough. Whether this hardened their resolve or broke it, only they could tell, and the pair spoke little. The two unicorns were swiftly dismissed by Tempest Shadow who looked back out over her trail of destruction.

The long horizon-spanning empty waste of destroyed trees and trampled underbrush was not without end. Already a wall of green was closing in on them, sealing off their escape route and promising doom, should they fail. It was an imposing sight and a potent reminder of the importance of victory, or to some it was a noose, slowly tightening about the necks of the invaders.

Regardless of how they felt, all of the ponies present worked quickly and diligently. Supplies were stowed, and hasty defenses were erected around the only side of the hill that bore a gentle slope. Golems cleared away brush while knights, squires, and what little reinforcements they had managed to acquire set up a rudimentary camp.

There would be no campfires this evening, and not only because of the rain clouds which hovered constantly overhead. The order had gone out, and those who lived to see the day were readying themselves for the final push. Soldiers who had spent weeks on starvation rations stuffed their faces with all they dared without throwing up.

Prayers to the old gods of ponydom were offered, offerings given, and candles lit, but none dare speak of revelry. The march had been long, and their task was a grim one, with only the chance of home giving them the strength to continue. Tempest Shadow saw this all and scowled in disgust, her teeth grinding together in barely contained fury.

“Ma’am, all preparations have been completed,” offered the resolute voice of her second-in-command.

Glancing down at her, Tempest Shadow noticed that unlike the majority of her forces, the unicorn next to her was still determined. The plate mail she wore was polished to a shine, and both the longsword as well as her shield were within easy reach. The only bit of protective covering she did not wear was her helmet which was strapped to her side. Allowing Tempest Shadow to look upon the pony’s young, almost childish pink features and straight-cut mane of orange hair.

“How old are you, Meadow?” Tempest asked.

“Twenty, ma’am,” Meadow Flower declared.

Tempest Shadow was about to say something, only for her to twitch and her stump of a horn to emit a golden spark. Then she frowned, and she looked back upon her troops, her expression deepening to a scowl.

“I should give them a speech,” Tempest Shadow exclaimed. “Celestia’s ponies seem distracted.”

“They are worried, ma’am,” Meadow Flower offered.

Tempest Shadow scoffed. “The chattel we will face upon the morrow is nothing to be scared of.”

“I think they are worried about you, ma’am,” Meadow Flower corrected.

“I… why?” Tempest Shadow demanded, turning to face her subordinate fully. “Do they not believe that I am in peak health?”

“You haven't rested or eaten anything for days,” Meadow Flower offered. “We are all a little concerned for your health.”

Tempest Shadow scoffed a second time. “I need naught but the approval of my princess and the light of her sun. Will alone can carry me the rest of the way.”

“That's very uplifting, but you still need to eat. Here, I saved the last of my chocolate rations,” Meadow Flower exclaimed, extending a hoof.

Tempest Shadow glared down at the piece of candy and pushed it away. “Keep it. I would not take the rations intended for you by Celestia herself.”

“But-”

“But nothing,” Tempest Shadow interrupted. “Now do I need to order you to stop pressing me, or will you give up this conversation of your own volition?”

Meadow Flower bowed low. “My most humble apologies, commander.”

“You were merely concerned,” Tempest retorted, waving a hoof. “Now then. Gather the soldiers. I wish to address them one final time before we take our final rest.”

“Right away, ma’am,” Meadow Flower exclaimed.

The pony then swiftly trotted away, diverting around the palisade that partially enclosed the hilltop. Within a few seconds, Meadow Flower was gone, vanishing into the mass of gold and pastel that covered much of the area. Despite no longer being able to make out which was her second-in-command, Tempest Shadow continued to stare out over the field.

She felt a hint of nostalgia worming its way out from the depths of her mind and emerging into her thoughts. Suddenly the ponies below her were replaced by bipedal dog-like creatures three times the size of a normal equine. The shoddy wooden barricades were gone and in their place stood tall walls that overlooked not a forest, but a roiling ocean.

Beyond which there were hundreds, maybe thousands of golden sails all arrayed before her. Tempest Shadow instinctively turned to her right, expecting to find her princess waiting to explain what was happening. There, standing next to her, with her hoof in his hand was not an alicorn, but another of the hairy fanged creatures.

Upon his head, he wore a jagged crown, and though an intimidating sight, Tempest Shadow found herself comforted. His dour expression lightened when he turned to Tempest, and only when he was about to speak did the scene end. Then she was back, back in the forest, at the head of an army, with only a blistering headache to mark what had happened.

“Ma’am. They're ready,” Meadow Flower exclaimed, a concerned expression on her face.

“R-right,” Tempest stuttered, turning to the crowd that now stared up at her from the bottom of the cliff. “My fellow ponies-”

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