Unicorn, thestral, minotaur, or griffon, nearly every sapient species was represented within the tide of ghosts. Within the crevice, the ocean of undead rose, spilling over the side and surging toward the embattled attackers. Joining their more eager brothers and sisters, the tidal wave of flickering semi-ethereal forms surged toward their foe.

“Now!” shouted a distant voice.

The Celestial soldier turned and lurched suddenly to the left. Dashing out of formation, he sprinted towards the forest, straight into a mass of ghosts all desperate to tear out his throat. Their claws, hooves, and teeth never reached their target, however, as the soldier was encased in a golden glow.

Protected from all sides, the light surrounding him was bright but dimmed each time he was attacked. He ignored it all, however, a hoof going for his pack and producing a round flat stone bearing a magical seal of incredible complexity. Using one hoof to hold the odd magical artifact, the other was employed in digging as deep and as fast as possible.

Without tools or assistance, he struggled to get far, though his armored limb was at least able to break the top soil fairly easily. As he scrambled to dig as deep as was needed while also being assaulted by spirits, he noted that others around him were doing the same. A half dozen other similarly glassy-eyed soldiers all sporting the same golden exoskeleton were all frantically digging.

Seconds ticked by, and though his barrier was beginning to falter, he had at least reached the level required. Just as he was about to deposit his payload, the closest soldier to his right cried out in pain. Her enchantments had run out, and within seconds she was torn apart by the angry ghosts clawing at her from all sides.

Grimacing to himself, the first soldier dropped his load into the hole, then scrambled over to his dead comrade. Around him, he heard his fellows complete their mission before being torn apart in short order. Some fought, others tried to return to their squad, and all perished having accomplished their main goal but little else.

The soldier ignored it all, dashing over to the first to die and sifting through the viscera that had once been a unicorn. As panic began to build, his hooves struck stone, and he pulled a bloody circle from the mass of crimson. He dropped it into the hole, pushed earth over it, and activated an enchantment placed on his chest plate.

The moment he did so, the protective charms keeping him from being torn apart failed. The incredibly strong hands of a ghostly minotaur tore one of his forelegs clean off, though he didn't cry out. Even as the rest of his body was torn apart and he died in agony, he remained as deathly silent as his companions had been.

A few short seconds after his death, his chest plate flashed brightly, incinerating the ghosts, as well as any trace of the soldiers. In an instant the small clearing was notable only for being a little cleaner than most, all signs of struggle having been scrubbed away. Soon a thestral would find it, and pass over it without thinking, seeing nothing out of the ordinary.

Celestia stared down impassively as the parade of soldiers walked up to the entrance of her imperial residence. They didn't slow as they rounded the edge of the long reflecting pool that served as the centerpiece of her villa, however, they just continued. Marching down the other side, they exited the left gate before disappearing back into the city beyond.

Watching from the open door of the second-story balcony, Celestia was cloaked in darkness. Outside, waiting for her were her two honor guards, the bright gold mares resembling statues in more ways than one. Wearing a suit of armor that encompassed their entire form, not even their eyes were visible to an outside observer. They also never moved, even as the crowd outside cheered, or the brave marching soldier waved up at them.

Stoic, and unmoving, they resembled their monarch and ruler. For even as the festivities began in earnest, she and they, stood silently, simply observing the goings on with little actual care.

While Celestia’s staff and those guests important enough to be seated only a few short feet from the villa parade route were more restrained in their celebration Celestia knew the rest of the city was far more raucous. The polite wreath laying, and the bunches of grapes thrown onto the path of the marching army were replaced by dumping wine onto the street and offering quaffs of hard liquor to the soldiers that were a part of the ceremony.

Already Celestia could see that a few of the more indulgent, or who had a lesser constitution were already looking a little tipsy. None had broken formation though, remaining next to their companions and marching in lockstep down the road. Together these soldiers made up a parade several miles long, stretching from Celestia’s current position to the entrance of Canterlot itself.

Normally the sight of drunken ponies would annoy the alicorn, but today was a day of celebration and thus it was allowed. What was also allowed for today and today alone was the praising of a general, one returning triumphant from conflict. Though no one knew his successes were hardly his own, not even himself, the parade was held and the occasion marked with joyous revelry.

Another backwater province had been conquered, with its people now in the midst of integration. Compliance was still a long way off, but so far things were progressing smoothly, and if all went well another prosperous sector would join the empire. Before that would happen, the general would have his day, after being pulled by a pair of Celestia’s bodyguards through the capital.

Those same bodyguards appeared in the distance, their sparkling forms twinkling in the midday light. The golden statues strode before the general who was supposedly the focus of the parade, making the true message clear to those observant enough to see it. Though Celestia was not the one at the head of the parade she was ever present, with her eyes and ears silently judging the general’s conduct during his celebration.

Still, to be guided along by the golden mares of Celestia’s bodyguards was an honor. One which would double, should Celestia decide to make an appearance and acknowledge the male in some manner. The time for such an important moment was swiftly arriving, and as it did, Celestia couldn't help but feel mixed.

On the one hoof, her expeditionary force’s defeat in the Everfree had left a foul taste in her mouth. While on the other, the general had at least done his duty, and well enough to keep losses below projection. The choice to ignore him, and thus publicly make her disappointment known to the world, was balanced on a knife’s edge.

“Your majesty. The wards placed near the rebel holdout are indicating full readiness,” offered the soft voice of Celestia’s assistant.

“They were secured after all,” Celestia mused. “I had assumed they had failed in that regard as well.”

“No, you’re grace. It seems as though it simply took longer for them to charge than previously assumed,” replied the assistant.

“Likely the forest’s influence,” Celestia muttered. “No matter. Keep the link steady. I will utilize it after I have had a chance to acknowledge my general, and meet with my newest guard captain.”

“As you will. You’re grace,” murmured the assistant reverently.

Celestia stared back at the window, noting that the general’s open-air carriage was drawing close to the balcony. As he got closer, the general began to sweat, growing nervous due to Celestia’s continued non-acknowledgment. Simply being there to greet him would seal a future promotion, and a mere nod may very well pave the way to even greater responsibilities.

The stallion resisted valiantly the urge to wipe away the sweat gathering upon his brow. As he stood there, attempting to appear unbothered, Celestia continued to wait until he had begun to round the bend before striding out onto the balcony. Once visible to all, the roar of the crowd grew louder then ever, and the soldiers all banged the butts of their spears against the ground in greeting.

The general breathed a sigh of relief and bowed low to the monarch as he passed by. Celestia simply smiled back at him, standing tall in the afternoon sun. The general only stopped bowing after he left the imperial residence completely, prompting Celestia to consider granting him an extra privilege of some kind for his deference.

The nature of such a gift would need to be discerned in the future, however, as she heard the door to her suite begin to open. Stepping back inside, Celestia turned to find that a slightly nervous-looking young stallion with a white coat was waiting for her. Shifting from hoof to hoof, he didn't seem comfortable in the armor he now wore, the stallion tugging at his collar as if the metal would bend beneath his touch.

“Trouble with your armor, Armor?” Celestia teased.

Shining Armor chuckled. “No, just getting used to it.”

“Are you sure, we could always have it reworked?” Celestia offered. And the blacksmith flogged. She thought grimly.

“No, I’m sure,” Shining Armor stated a little more confidently. “It just feels weird but it doesn't rub or anything.”

“You’ll grow into it,” Celestia exclaimed.

The alicorn stepped fully into the room, closing the door behind her and giving them complete privacy. The space, illuminated only by the noonday sun spilling in through the partially obscured window was filled with shadow. Despite that, there was enough light to see, though only just barely.

“Grow into it?” Shining Armor offered.

“Of course. There are perks to being an alicorn’s consort you know,” Celestia teased.

“Oh right,” Shining Armor muttered.

“Try not to act too thrilled,” Celestia remarked.

Shining Armor chuckled nervously. “It's not that I don't love it, or you for that matter it's just… a lot. I would have never in a million years expected I’d be here.”

“What part is so unbelievable?” Celestia inquired.

The alicorn stepped over to the young male and wrapped a wing around his midsection. He resisted the touch for only a single second before leaning against her, sighing contentedly as he did so.

“That I’d be here at all,” Shining Armor admitted. “I know that I always wanted to join the royal guard to be your right hoof, but to actually accomplish that dream, and become captain?”

He shook his head in silent disbelief.

“And then there's us,” Shining Armor continued. “I admit that like most colts I had a crush on you when I was young, but as I grew older that became respect and admiration. Yet not only have you seen fit to have me serve you but I’m also..”

“Hush,” Celestia whispered in a soft tone. “When it is just us you are not my right hoof, nor my guard captain, or any kind of soldier. You are just my partner, my confidant, and my lover.”

“Heh, yeah,” Shining Armor murmured, his face turning a bright red. “I feel like I’m going to be pinching myself for a lot of years.”

“Well try not to hurt yourself. I would hate to see you harmed, my knight in shining armor,” Celestia cooed.

“I won't,” Shining Armor proclaimed. “Say, we have a few minutes, would you like to sit, maybe have some tea or something?”

“Of course,” Celestia replied.

Together the two sat down on the large, alicorn-sized couch. With Celestia at the back, and Shining Armor held tight in her grip the pair slowly relaxed. Tea was warmed and served by Celestia’s dutiful assistant. Once poured, the pair sipped at the pleasant liquid in silence.

“You know, at moments like these well…” Celestia began. “I feel like a prisoner of circumstance, a boat tossed by the unthinking waves that are the running of Equestria.”

“That makes sense. That sure describes politics,” Shining Armor offered.

“Quite so, but that wasn't my point. My point is that when I’m with you,” Celestia murmured, her voice quivering. “I feel more myself than I’ve been in years. Like, a mask I didn't know I was wearing falls away and reveals an inner me that I wasn't aware of.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Celestia you wear a heavy burden, not only commanding Equestria but guiding most of the free world. You need to take time for yourself, you can't let that mask become you,” Shining Armor urged, clutching his partner’s hoof tightly.

“I…” Celestia began.

Her head jerked suddenly to the right, and all at once the tears that had been building on the edges of her eyes were gone. The vulnerability on her face was banished, and with a dismissive hoof, she cast aside Shining Armor’s touch.

“I need to get back to work,” Celestia stated.

“Are you sure, we could-” Shining Armor began.

“I am sure,” Celestia interrupted.

The alicorn rose suddenly, stepping over the male.

“I have learned much from the recent struggles in the Everfree, and though the next wave of golems shall be stronger still, I think this requires a more personal touch,” Celestia proclaimed.

“Should I prepare your personal guard? Perhaps an envoy?” Shining Armor asked, the stallion hastily rising from the couch.

“No. That won't be necessary,” Celestia answered.

“-And then I said oatmeal, are you crazy?” Pinkie Pie declared.

The small table erupted with polite but subdued laughter.

“You know Pinks. I’m fairly certain you told that joke like, two hours ago,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

“Really? Oh…” Pinkie Pie muttered. “I did recently receive like, several concussions recently.”

“Thats quite alright darling your jokes are like a…” Rarity began, only to meander off.

“Pizza? Better the next day?” Spike offered.

“Yes, like… Wait, you like cold pizza more?” Rarity replied, her voice filled with disgust.

“I mean he is right here,” Twilight agreed. “None of the toppings want to slide off, and it's so much easier to eat. Less grease too.”

“You guys are crazy. Who leaves pizza for the next day?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“Um me,” Fluttershy remarked. “Or at least I used to when I was a kid. I couldn't eat that much without feeling queasy.”

“What's pizza anyway? That some kind of fancy vegetable or somethin?” Applejack asked while scratching her head.

Pinkie Pie gasped in exaggerated shock. “You’ve never had pizza?”

“Nope,” Applejack declared. “Wait, why y'all looking at me like that?”

“We simply must go out for pizza sometime darling,” Rarity proclaimed. “You must try one covered in smoked aphids, they are to die for.”

“Smoked aphids? That's good?” Twilight muttered.

“I admit it is a bit of an acquired taste, but it's sure better than putting fruit on pizza,” the arachne retorted.

“Hey, mango and ham pizza is a part of our culture! Tell ‘em Shy,” Rainbow Dash urged.

“I uh… never really liked that,” Fluttershy muttered, the dryad shrinking down in the form of a tiny field mouse.

“I’m surrounded by philistines!” Rainbow Dash groaned, throwing up her hooves in defeat.

Twilight smiled and watched as her friends continued to argue over the best kind of pizza. The answer, at least in her mind, was sun-dried tomato with pesto sauce, but she wasn't brave enough to assert herself. Instead, she sat back and took the entire situation in, simply enjoying the comradery, as well as the sense of belonging.

A sense that was made stronger when she glanced about the large open-air tent. The nearly barn-sized temporary structure was host to a long line of food-covered tables, a bar, and plenty of places to sit. She counted nearly a hundred other individuals present, all scattered across the tent, each one enjoying themselves to some degree.

The mood was somber, as it had been less than twenty-four hours since the battle, but they had at least managed a rest since then. Refreshed, or at least as much as they were able to be given so little time had passed, the survivors of Castle Everfree were jovial but restrained. Exhaustion still hung heavy over them, and the sting of their losses had yet to fade.

Despite it all, Twilight could tell that the feast was a success, with morale being on the rise. She knew they would need such a boost, for soon the time would come to finish burying the dead, take stock of their situation, and begin rebuilding. All those things would come later, however, as now they were enjoying a well-earned meal alongside a responsible number of alcoholic beverages.

With a smile on her face, Twilight turned back to her friends. None wore the armor that they had the previous day, nor were they armed, with such things being left in the barracks. Though as light as a couple of feathers, the weight of their gear had felt immense, and so they had been discarded. Soon they would be required again, but until such time the small group could at least pretend as though they weren't in a war zone.

“Keeping an eye out for any of our new fans?” Rainbow Dash offered.

“Oh, uh. No,” Twilight muttered. “I was actually just kind of taking everything in really. Letting my mind wander.”

“Well you better catch it before it gets too far,” Pinkie Pie offered.

“I do hope that doesn't become a trend,” Rarity began. “The fans, not the mind wandering thing.”

“What, I thought you always wanted your own adoring fans,” Applejack chided with a smirk.

“I want admirers, not fans,” Rarity retorted.

“What's the difference?” Applejack replied.

“One is good for business and the other isn't,” Rarity answered.

“Good one Rarity,” Pinkie Pie added with a giggle.

“They aren't going to start following us around, are they?” Fluttershy whispered.

“You guys need to relax,” Rainbow Dash declared. “It's only natural that some creatures would end up idolizing us. I mean were heroes like twice over at this point and we got these neat little things now too.”

Rainbow Dash raised her element and gave it a spin on the tip of her hoof.

“I don't like it,” Applejack muttered, crossing her forehooves over her chest. “I don't want anyone to end up getting a big head over it.”

“Yes, that is a concern,” Spike agreed.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Rainbow Dash accused.

“No reason. No reason at all,” Spike replied.

“Whatever,” Rainbow Dash dismissed, rolling her eyes.

“I mean they are cool and all, but I don't get why everyone thinks these things are so crazy,” Pinkie Pie began. “They are the best boomerangs around though.”

“Uh, boomerangs? Are you sure we’re talking about the same thing,” Rarity replied, an eyebrow raised questioningly.

“Well yeah. Here, look!” Pinkie Pie declared.

The troll then plucked off her element, cocked back her hoof and before Twilight had a chance to intervene, threw it as hard as she could. The piece of jewelry flew over the heads of the various feastgoers, flying nearly to the other side of the tent before vanishing. The unspoken question of where it had gone was answered rather quickly, as Pinkie Pie held the artifact up for all to see.

“Neat, huh?” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“I would have never thought to do that,” Rarity murmured.

“Me neither. Though that does explain the other night when I coulda sworn I left it in the bathroom,” Applejack muttered half to herself.

“Well I’m just glad that our newfound fame isn't too much to handle, and that everyone is okay,” Twilight exclaimed.

“Augh, don't get all mushy on us again,” Rainbow Dash whined. “I swear we’ve already done the hug each other and cry thing like four times.”

“Oh come on Rainbow. Who doesn't like a good group hug, huh?” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “I suppose I did need it before, but not now. Now I’m good.”

“I don't know guys. She’s looking kinda down. Maybe we should initiate another group hug,” Spike teased.

“Hey yeah, she does seem like she's on the verge of tears anyway,” Applejack added.

“Oh my goodness, are you okay Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked, the dryad returning to her pony form and eying Rainbow Dash closely. “Your shoulder isn't still bothering you, is it?”

“I’m fine, they are just pulling your leg,” Rainbow Dash retorted.

“I don't know, maybe we should do another one. Just in case,” Pinkie Pie offered.

“I think I’m gonna stick this one out,” Twilight muttered, standing up from her chair.

“Wait, no. Take me with you Twilight!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Group hug!” Pinkie Pie shouted before leaping on the diminutive thestral.

“No, nooo!” Rainbow Dash cried as she was enveloped on all sides by her loving, as well as teasing friends.

Twilight watched as Rainbow Dash’s pout slowly turned into a smile.

Turning away from the small group, Twilight made her way towards the nearest exit. She hadn't explained where she was going, but her friends knew that Twilight routinely wandered off. The undead mare had a lot on her mind, and the only thing that seemed capable of giving her a moment of mental quiet was walking.

As she crossed the tent she took note of how the others viewed her. Most had long since accepted her presence and didn't even react to seeing the lanky lich amongst them. Some viewed her with awe, and stared for a bit too long, while a very select handful seemed fearful of her. Though she was happy those who were frightened of her presence were in the very small minority it still served as a sharp reminder of the gap that had opened between her and most other creatures.

She was more powerful than ever after unlocking the elements, to the point that she could likely snuff the life out of someone before they even had the chance to blink. Before their fear was unfounded, or created by her out-of-control aura instilling in them an unnatural sort of terror. Now they had reason to be frightened of her, given their own mortality, and her semi-immortal nature.

Twilight's thoughts were starting to turn sour when she passed by one of the undead she had raised the day before. Their eyes met, and the young thestral smiled warmly, banishing any dark musings before they had a chance to take root in Twilight's mind. The unicorn gave a nod to the other unliving creature before continuing out of the tent and into the cool night air.

Though the sky was mostly black, Twilight could see the last fading vestiges of evening were holding onto the distant horizon. The long rays held fast as if attempting to keep the dark at bay and ensure the day lasted for a bit longer. Yet they faded all the same, the bright, harsh light of the sun being pushed back by the ever-still and stationary moon.

Twilight let her gaze linger on that unmoving object that hung directly above her head as it always did. The pale dot was one constant she could always count on, though she began to wonder if that would change when they brought Luna back. She certainly felt as though she had the power to do so with the boost she had received, thus all that was left was hand-crafting a spell specifically for Luna’s situation. After that, it was a matter of a bit of testing, some back and forth, and probably referencing the tablet she had found.

“I hope I don't need to learn any more words of power,” Twilight remarked aloud. “Every time I figure one out I experience some new traumatic thing that I’m sure I’ll have to deal with once this is all over.”

Twilight stopped.

“I really need to start talking to a therapist or something. I don't want to end up a crazy cat lady before I even hit thirty,” Twilight muttered.

Twilight gave her head a shake, and looked around, only now aware of how far she had wandered when she hadn't been paying attention. Leaving the general population tent behind, Twilight had accidentally made her back towards the castle, as if drawn there like a moth to flame. It was there, at the edge of the battlefield that Twilight saw another tent, this one smaller and with a pair of guards stationed out front.

Marked with the flag of the Black Rose, as well as Cadance’s cutie mark, Twilight reasoned that it was the command tent of sorts. She wondered briefly if she should bother whatever important work they were doing, and then an attendant opened a flap to deliver a tray of drinks. The wave of jovial music and animated conversation that emanated from within immediately dispelled any notion that they were doing something official.

Twilight approached, flashing the pair of guards a smile and noting that one was alive while her partner was dead. Not only was he dead, he had been raised recently, having perished during the battle the night before.

“Greetings, and good night,” Twilight offered.

“Oh hey boss lady,” the undead troll remarked. “I was wondering when you’d join the big wigs. Sounds like a real party in there.”

His griffon partner snorted her agreement.

“Dark Hallow did always strike me like the type to know how to really get down as they say,” Twilight mused aloud.

“Ha, you had him pegged!” the troll proclaimed. “He used to be a total party animal at one point. Had a whole harem of folks following him around. Just uh, just don't tell him I said that eh?”

“I learn something new about this guy every week,” Twilight murmured.

Twilight stepped back as the serving stallion stumbled out of the tent, a smile on his face and black lipstick on his cheek. With an empty platter in hoof, he trotted off, nearly tripping with every step he took. Twilight glanced at the troll, and together they shared a snicker as Twilight stepped into the tent.

Or at least she had been about to, as mid-stride she felt a tug on her shadow.

“One second,” Twilight exclaimed.

Stepping away from the tent, Twilight tugged back. A moment later she felt a recoiling sensation, her shadow growing thicker as the dark energy bundled up. Once it had reached a critical mass, Midnight Moon arose from the darkness, her form solidifying quickly.

“You’ve been busy,” Twilight remarked.

Midnight Moon smiled. “Ahh yes, I’ve been helping Sunset Shimmer, and Sharp Eye get the other undead back on their feet, or hooves or whatever they got.”

“That's been going well?” Twilight pressed.

“I’d say so,” Midnight Moon replied. “There were a few who were a bit touch and go for a while there but I think they’ve got things in hand now.”

“Well, that's good. Would you like to join me for a bit?” Twilight asked, gesturing to the command tent. “It seems like they are enjoying themselves.”

“Don't mind if I do boss lady, come on!” Midnight Moon declared.

The shadow creature bumped her hip against Twilight's side as she passed the undead by. Rather than be offended, Twilight just chuckled and trotted in behind her, a smile coming to her face. Once inside Twilight looked around to find that it was much rowdier here, though there were far fewer creatures present.

There were the members of the black rose, who Twilight immediately recognized though one of their number wasn't present. Twilight recalled that it was the ghost, Old Blood who had excused himself to return once more to teaching. The specter was powerful, but Twilight could tell that this last brush with death had shaken him to his core. She wouldn't be surprised if he ended up concluding his worldly ties and departed this world of his own accord in due time.

The other undead she had raised only a day earlier was also there, the headless thestral assassin, Whisper Wind. The laconic stallion was sitting back and listening, a part of the group yet still not quite part of the group. The grappler Twisted Knee was also there and though he sported a considerable amount of bandages across his midsection he still had a beer stein in hand and a grin on his face.

Then there were Dark Hallow, his partner, the ever-dour Vambrace, and Vaspelodrax, or Wasp as she preferred to be called. The three were in the midst of a rather rowdy drinking game where they tossed a knife from one player to the next. Who in turn caught it, before continuing at an ever-increasing pace, blade flashing quickly through the air.

“Fifteen, sixteen, seventeen-” the table chanted, adding an extra number with each time the dagger was thrown. “Eighteen, nineteen, twenty.”

Twilight looked past them to where Chrysalis and Cadance sat alone, separate from the others but still observing the game. The pair gave Twilight and Midnight Moon a nod the moment they entered the tent but swiftly turned their attention back to the dagger.

The blade flew at Wasp’s head and for a moment a flash of panic crossed her face. Then she ducked, avoiding it, and letting the weapon fly over her head and get stuck in the tent wall.

“Dammit,” Wasp cursed. “You just had to throw it right between the eyes. You know that freaks me out.”

“That was the point,” Vambrace declared, voice monotone as usual.

“Ahh Wasp. Do you want me to kiss your wounded pride?” Dark Hallow mocked, the old stallion making exaggerated kissy faces at the dragon.

“Yes, I think I do,” Wasp declared.

Then before anyone had a chance to react, she lurched across the table and locked lips with Dark Hallow. For a second the pair made out in stunned silence, then Vambrace intervened, smacking Wasp hard across the cheek. As the drake recoiled, Vambrace kissed Dark Hallow firmly.

“I suppose that was expect-oof,” Wasp muttered.

The dragon’s statement was interrupted by Vambrace magically dragging her across the table and kissing her hard on the lips. The pair then engaged in what could only be described as a romantic wrestling match in the middle of the table. Drinks were spilled, and food knocked off the table, all the while their companions, including Dark Hallow, egged them on.

“These guys know how to party,” Midnight Moon declared, plunking down next to Twisted Knee.

Twilight rolled her eyes and continued past the rambunctious group to where Chrysalis and Cadance were waiting. Pulling up an empty chair, Twilight sat down and watched as more drinks arrived only to be either immediately downed or spilled in the chaos.

“I hope you girls are enjoying yourselves a bit more responsibly than the others present,” Twilight remarked.

“We don't drink,” Cadance answered.

“With the exception being after Celestia’s demise. Then we shall get blasted!” Chrysalis added.

“Very true, dear,” Cadance agreed with a chuckle.

“Oh I’d drink if I could,” offered the spider Twilight hadn't noticed. “Though I don't think they’ve made a beverage for arachnids quite yet.”

“Ahh Nebula. I didn't see you there,” Twilight remarked. “I hope you are healing quickly.”

“I am,” stated the fist-sized Nebula standing on the table. “Though I think one side of my face is going to end up with a rather nasty scar.”

Twilight peered a little closer to find that where she had been struck by Tempest Shadow’s attack. Sure enough, the ancient spider was healed but there still was an unpleasant mark on the arachnid’s face.

“Yeesh. Yeah, it sure looks that way,” Twilight remarked.

“No matter,” Nebula dismissed. “It looks cool, or at least that's what Trixie keeps telling me anyway.”

“She's right,” Chrysalis added. “It makes you look like a total badass.”

“You kids and your slang,” Nebula muttered.

“So,” Twilight began, gesturing towards the empty room. “The others not showing?”

“I don't think so,” Cadance answered. “The nightsworn seem intent on leaving the moment the last of their wounded can be moved.”

Chrysalis leaned forward. “They say it’s because they have urgent dealings back home but I think there's something else going on.”

“Maybe they just don't want to get drunk under the table by Dark Hallow and the rest of the Black Rose,” Twilight offered with a smirk.

“Ha, that's possible,” Chrysalis admitted. “They always were a prideful bunch.”

The group fell silent for a moment, merely watching as the black rose took a collective break to attack a platter of food delivered to them. One such platter was given to Twilight and her group as well, though it wasn't piled nearly as high with food. The waiter hesitated for a moment after offloading the last dish, though he was brushed off by Chrysalis with a wave of her hoof.

“So,” Twilight began. “Do you think there's going to be a war?”

“There has to,” Chrysalis replied simply. “We’ve been preparing for one for so long that we can't just stop now. Not when we have the biggest advantage we’ve had in centuries.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight questioned.

“I think they are talking about you, dear,” Nebula remarked, pointing a hair limb at the undead before dragging over a plate full of candied flies and biting into one.

“Well that, and we’ve been restored. The elements have returned, and Celestia seems to have become even more unstable recently,” Cadance added.

Twilight sighed.

“I guess I just hoped this would be enough,” Twilight muttered. “There has been so much suffering already that anymore feels almost silly in a way.”

Cadance reached across the table and took one of Twilight's hooves, clasping it tight in her own.

“Twilight, this is only going to get worse as time goes on,” Cadance warned. “As Chrysalis and I return to our full strength Celestia will notice and will try everything in her power to strike at us.”

“That's without even mentioning the chance of bringing back Luna,” Chrysalis added. “If you add her to the board Celestia is gonna go even crazier.”

“I hate how much sense you all are making,” Twilight groaned.

“Plus her propaganda machine won't be able to handle the fact that our side has two fully-fledged alicorns,” Nebula remarked. “Though I don't know much about that myself.”

“It's true,” Chrysalis declared. “She has inflated the importance of Alicorns assuming she was the last one left alive. If we pop that balloon and reveal ourselves to the population it will sow distrust and confusion across the whole of her empire.”

“That just makes getting Luna back even more important,” Twilight stated.

“Exactly,” Chrysalis proclaimed.

“But even that won't be enough,” Cadance added. “Rebellions and other trouble will need to be made if we are even going to have a hope of winning this conflict.”

“Wait, hold on,” Twilight retorted, raising her hooves. “You make it sound like you’ve got this whole thing planned out already.”

The three glanced at one another in confusion.

“I mean, we do,” Chrysalis muttered.

Twilight sighed. “Of course you do,” she murmured, mostly to herself. “Well, go on then. Clue me in.”

“Well you know most of it already,” Chrysalis began. “Foment revolution in as many places as possible in order to tie down her legions. Then, strike Canterlot with everything we have, killing her and taking the head off the snake.”

Chrysalis grabbed a butter knife and mimed the act of decapitating a legless reptile with a single swift slash.

“Surely Celestia will have some manner of backup plan, or escape route,” Twilight reasoned.

“Celestia is many things, and chief among those things is proud,” Cadance remarked. “She would never back down when so many of her enemies gathered in such a central location. So long as she thinks as though she has even a small chance of victory, she will take it.”

“Well,” Twilight began with a sigh. “Tempest Shadow, err Fizzle said she knew a considerable amount about the logistics of Celestia’s army, and the defenses in and around Canterlot but that her knowledge was not complete. The mind magic used on her combined with her well, dying, left her with a few holes.”

“That's fine. Any help is good help,” Cadance replied.

“And with enough good help we can crush that self-righteous bitch,” Chrysalis proclaimed, slamming her hoof against the table.

“Yes, yes, but it is peace that we ultimately desire,” Cadance added. “We mustn't forget that.”

“Yeah yeah,” Chrysalis muttered dismissively.

Twilight stared down at the cup that had been placed in front of her. A small amount of food also sat nearby, mostly pastries, but there were also some tiny sandwiches that looked appetizing. Though Twilight didn't require such sustenance, or at least the kind of which you would gain from eating food, it did appear tasty.

Tossing one of the pastries into her mouth, she noted that it had been filled with cheese and what she assumed was spinach. It was delicious and still warm, and as she chewed, Twilight couldn't help but let her mind wander. She thought of what life might be like with Celestia gone, and with such thoughts, she couldn't help but think about her family.

Her father may have not been the best person, but he was one of the only two people Twilight really had left. Aunts, uncles, and extended family had all pushed them away due to the fear exposure to her aura created. Leaving only the less-than-pleasant male that had helped raise her, and Shining Armor, of course.

Twilight swallowed hard, and glanced out over the room, letting the various conversations fall into the background. Taking in the antics of the Black Rose, the naive interest of Midnight Moon, and the quiet, reserved aura of Cadance, Twilight couldn't help but imagine what her brother would think. Though more responsible than even her own parents were in a way, Shining Armor was the type of pony that could still unwind when the time came.

In the undead mare’s eyes, she could see Shining Armor sitting amongst the Black Rose, hoisting a drink and leading a song. Even then, Twilight could also see the royal guard wannabe sitting next to Chrysalis, laughing at the changeling’s cruel jokes. Either that or engaging Cadance in conversation while also inquiring about some of the ancient battles Nebula must have witnessed from the sidelines.

“Are you alright dear?” Cadance whispered.

Twilight blinked rapidly, a hoof going to the side of her face.

“I’m fine,” Twilight muttered, wiping the tears from her eyes. “Just, lost in thought is all.”

“Thinking about family again?” Cadance questioned.

Twilight nodded mutely.

“I’m sure you’ll be able to see them soon,” Cadance whispered. “In the meantime take solace in the family you’ve found since then.”

“I will,” Twilight murmured, the undead mare staring off into the distance, a small smile crossing her face.

This is a part of the Jest Days of Christmas, where I update something every single day of December. Go check out the link for the full list and check back everyday for a new update!

Oh and the next update should drop in about... 12 hours or so :P