//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 // Story: Age of the New Sun // by Foreshadow //------------------------------// “Comet, you’re going to be fine.” “Yeah. Yeah, sure.” “You don’t sound sure.” “No. I mean... I’m sure it’ll be fine. Yeah.” “Then why are you pacing like that?” Comet skidded to a stop, scuffing the dirt floor of the Warden’s tent with her hooves. She gulped and turned to look at Runestone; his expression was one of sympathy. The unicorn gulped again and drew in a deep, quivering breath. “Sorry, it’s just--” “It’s just Graham, you don’t need to be so scared,” Runestone said. “No, it’s... I mean…” She rubbed a hoof through her forelock and grimaced; felt like her heart had dropped down a chasm. “Everything is changing so fast, and... I mean, I know maybe it’s weird because of the type of magic I do, but I really hate violence. It scares me.” Runestone grimaced. He edged in closer and gave her a comforting hug. She couldn’t relax, but she appreciated the effort. She squished against him for just a moment and sighed. Her ears twitched to the sound of steps and she nervously stepped back and took a deep breath. She felt Orion climb onto her back, and for some reason, it reassured her. The seconds before the tent flaps were brushed back felt suffocating, the silence making her ears ring. She knew it was coming, but she couldn’t help but jump when Graham’s dark form pushed into the tent, followed closely by Umbra. “Getting muddled in wartime politics already, are we?” Graham asked. He didn’t sound angry, much to Comet’s relief. He moved to stand before her and Runestone, head tilted inquisitively. Runestone grimaced. “Sorry,” he said. Comet echoed the sentiment, bowing her head. “Ah, you do not need to apologize,” he said, and smiled a little. “Not yet. Now--” He nodded at Umbra. “Umbra has given me the details of what she knows. Now, if you two would be so kind...?” Comet bit her lip; she was about to speak, but Runestone did so first, his expression desperate. “It wasn’t Comet’s fault, she was just standing up for me, and--!” “Runestone, it’s okay,” the unicorn yelped. “It’s okay, I’ll tell them.” The stallion whirled on her, ears drooping, but after locking eyes with her, he nodded and took a step back. “Okay, so, it started when I got a letter,” Comet said, trying to gather her thoughts as she spoke. “It was just something from some friends in Canterlot. Nothing weird. But I guess because it was from the same place, another letter got stuck to it when it was given to me. I ended up reading it, but it was for Icicle Star.” She had to suck her tongue. It was still hard to put into words. “The letter was instructions to kill Runestone. From... From the Archmage.” Umbra frowned and looked inquisitively at Graham. The griffin’s brow furrowed, but Comet continued. “I guess rightfully so, but the courier took it back to deliver it. I tried to get it back, but I was too late, and right after, Icicle Star sent out the ponies to Runestone that I ended up running off. That’s why I did it.” Her ears drooped; Umbra’s eyes locked on her in a frown. The griffon was quiet for a moment but then began to pace, his crest flattening against his head. Comet bit her lip and Umbra strode up to her, her horn flashing. Runestone yelped out a, “Hey!” but the tall unicorn shot him a haughty glare. “This won’t hurt,” she assured Comet, and touched her horn against hers. Comet winced despite the other unicorn’s words. She felt something like a mild static shock along her horn and then a bit of magic scurrying around in her head. Umbra yanked back quickly and looked at Graham, frowning deeply as Comet winced and rubbed her forehead. “I thought so,” she said. “She’s telling the truth.” “Of course she is!” Runestone barked; Comet wanted to melt. Graham’s expression was grim. He approached the ponies and, as Umbra stepped out of the way, he put a wing each around Comet and Runestone. “I am so sorry.” He pulled back, frowning deeply; Umbra gave him a troubled look. “Wh-What do we do?” Comet squeaked out. “What were you planning on doing?” the tall unicorn asked. “Um... Well, after what happened, I just planned on following Runestone around; not letting him be alone with anyone Icicle sends.” “Huh. With the trouble you keep getting into, I’m surprised you weren’t thinking of confronting him,” Umbra said. Comet’s face flushed and she shook her head. “Never, never, never.” “Comet doesn’t go looking for this,” Runestone said; he looked exasperated. “Stuff just... happens.” Graham seemed troubled. He looked between the three ponies and then carefully settled back on his haunches. “I’m afraid that I cannot address this directly, not with the battle so close,” he said. “This strikes me as rather odd. Why in Equestria would the Archmage of Canterlot want to have the King’s top battlemage assassinate a relatively innocuous pony?” “She, um... she wants me back at the tower,” Comet said, staring at her hooves. “In the letter, it said... It seemed like she thought that if Runestone wasn’t here, I’d just come trotting straight home. At Icicle Star’s insistence, of course.” “What does she want with you?” Umbra asked. “I don’t know!” Comet’s eyes were wide; tearing up a little. “Relax,” the other unicorn said; the edge to her voice had dulled. “I think your plan just to stick by your friend is a good one.” “Y-Yeah?” she asked. “It seems like it may be all you can do for the moment,” Graham agreed. “I will speak to the King and Queen about this disturbing overreach after the battle. In the meanwhile, stick to your orders and to your groups. Remember that you are Wardens and you are not permitted to take orders from Icicle Star or General River Rush unless I specifically allow it. Umbra?” Her ears perked. “You will keep an eye out, won’t you?” “I will,” she said. Graham nodded. “And Comet?” he asked. “Yes?” she said. “It is now your specific assignment to act as Runestone’s bodyguard,” the griffon said, “understood?” Comet felt a little relief. She nodded. “Yes, sir,” she said quickly. She looked at Runestone, though he still seemed a bit grim. She supposed that she couldn’t blame him. It was his life that was on the line, after all. Graham had a troubled look on his face. He muttered, “What a mess,” as he shook his head, and then patted Runestone reassuringly on the shoulder. “Though I technically cannot intervene, be assured that I will not let them harm you.” “Th-Thanks,” the stallion said. The griffon’s crest flattened; he nodded and sighed. He turned, pinning his huge wings in tight as he shouldered out of the tent. Umbra took an extra moment to give the ponies a nod--one of solidarity, it seemed-- before she trailed the Commander outside. Comet collapsed onto her rear almost instantly; Orion jumped into a hug and Runestone let out a huge, loud sigh. “That went way better than I thought,” he said. “Yeah,” Comet agreed. “Now what?” The unicorn paused to consider. Her friend looked at her, his brow furrowed, and she beckoned him over to give him a hug. He sagged into her. When he pulled back she gave him a rather matter-of-fact nod. “I think I needed that,” he said. “I know,” Comet said. “Ugh... What a mess is right.” She rubbed her forehead with both hooves. “It’s fine,” she muttered. “Fine. Okay. We’ll just stick to each other. Right?” “Right,” Runestone agreed. “What should we do?” “Why are you asking me?” Comet asked with a laugh-- it came out a little dryer than she had intended. “Because my brain isn’t working well enough to make choices right now,” he admitted. Comet sympathized. Every once in a while, her stomach would flip with panic, as if she were falling. “I guess we could see if there’s anything to help with around camp?” she suggested. “The battle is supposed to happen tomorrow, right? If that’s true, I bet there’s still a lot of stuff to do.” “Right.” Runestone looked perturbed, but he nodded. Comet was struck with paranoia. Any pony she didn’t recognize as a Warden instantly rubbed her the wrong way. She was alert and twitchy, even as the daylight faded and the Wardens bedded down for the night. Comet could swear she heard drumming again, but it wasn’t that that prevented her from sleeping. She was alert, but kept her eyes closed to a squint, ears alert even as she clutched the snoozing Orion against her body. Cloudrush was still gone, and she worried for him, but there wasn’t much she could do. --- Sunlight on her eyelids startled Comet awake and she was instantly upright as the sound of drums left her ears. Her eyes shot to Runestone’s cot and she took a breath of relief to see he was there, just as he had been all night. As soon as other Wardens started to rise, Comet left and quickly returned with breakfast for herself, her crocodile, and her friend, which she left for him on his wooden chest at the end of his bed. She was just about to settle in with a book when she noticed Runestone sit straight up, eyes wide, panting as he looked around in alarm. Comet cast a confused look at him. “You okay?” she asked. He sucked in a sharp gulp of air and focused on her, and then rubbed his mane. “Thank Celestia.” “Rough night?” she asked. “Nothing unusual for me,” he admitted. “But that drumming—!” “Me too,” she said. He nodded, sniffed to clear his snout, and then reached out for the apple on his breakfast plate. As others got up and started to go about their day, Comet and Runestone armoured up, grabbed their bags, and headed out together, though there wasn’t much for them to do but stay out of the army’s way and walk around the ruins. Comet kept herself alert, though, scanning through anyone who might pose a threat. She was tense on her own, but the atmosphere around them was crackling like the makings of a storm. The clouds moving in across the sky overhead weren’t helping matters. Wandering through, one of the training pits caught Comet’s eye for the fact that she noticed Calfala and Crush. There were a few others with them, sparring, and with the hippogryph marking emblazoned on their armour, she guessed they must be Wardens as well. Nudging Runestone, she snuck up against the fence and peered over curiously to watch. He did the same. The group was mostly ponies— though there was one tawny, long-eared griffon amongst them— and they certainly weren’t bothering with training dummies, but were somewhat gleefully engaged with each other. The hits were like thunder with these fights, and not a single step was taken out of place. Eyes widening, Comet focussed on Calfala, mostly due to the fact that, in her match against a pale grey pegasus, she ran sideways along a wall to gain a height advantage. Her steps were so quick and precise, she outmanoeuvred the pegasus in the air, until he took off and flew around her with such speed that his streaked mane and tail left a lightning-like blur behind him. They were both so fast it was hard to follow, but when they finally collided on the ground, each had a blade to the other’s throat before backing off and laughing it off like it had been nothing. Comet had to force herself not to gawk, and Runestone scooped his jaw up from the ground, then gently snapped Orion’s closed as well. “Are…? Do you think they’re all that good?” Comet asked. Runestone backed up, took a deep breath and nodded for her to follow him. She was a little reluctant to do so because she caught a glimpse of Crush going after his partner with a mace bigger than he was, but she followed her friend nonetheless. “I do,” he said. “Do you think they’re the best?” she wondered. “Like, out of the Wardens? I mean, that’s way better than a normal soldier, right? I’ve never seen anyone move like that.” “You didn’t see Graham,” he said. “Those guys down there, they’re amazing. No doubt. But Graham could wipe the floor with any of them.” “Really?” Comet squeaked. “We fought our way into Canterlot before you shredded those Nightspawn with your magic,” he explained. “He was like… I don’t know. Like he could predict every move. I barely had to do a thing. He was amazing. I think that anyone training with him, or in his same method, or whatever you’d call it… Well, I think they’d get good like that. But also, remember that Graham’s super old.” “So he’s had a ton of practice,” Comet said. They stopped near the river to let Orion take a dip and Comet was happy to take a short rest. Runestone plopped down onto the grass beside her, wondering, “How are you doing, by the way?” “Fine,” she fibbed— the bruises under her fur were still achey and rough— and she took a deep breath. “Worried about tonight?” “Yes. Absolutely,” he said. “It makes me a bit nauseous to think about it.” “Yeah.” She pouted, her eyes glazing as she stared into the ripples of the river. Orion swam into her field of view and she reached out a hoof, which he brushed up against happily. Her ears flicked to the sounds of hooves on the grass and, rather quickly, Orion was hissing. Comet whirled quickly and her mouth went dry as she saw Icicle Star standing a little ways away, near the bridge, looking at her perhaps as a grandfather might. He didn’t say a word, though, as another pale unicorn in silver armour— a mare she had never seen before— strode up before them. Icicle Star tossed his ivory mane casually and moved on. “Greetings. Lord Icicle Star extends an invitation,” the new unicorn said. “There is an all unicorn assault team that he is counselling for the battle tonight. He would be pleased if you would attend, Comet Strike.” “That’s not really something I can do,” Comet said. “I’m a member of the Wardens.” “But surely the Wardens would allow you to come!” the unicorn insisted. “Lord Icicle Star was very insistent on including you.” The mare seemed surprisingly sincere. Comet had to shake her head. “That’s not how the Wardens work,” she said apologetically. “I have orders already.” “But surely you—!” “Specifically, I’m assigned to be this pony’s bodyguard,” Comet said. “So, I can’t just leave to go join some other group.” “Oh… I see,” she said, and she sounded a little disappointed. “So, I should tell him ‘no’, then.” “Yeah. Sorry,” Comet said. “That’s alright. He’s not going to be pleased, though.” “If he gives you trouble, send him to Commander Graham of the Wardens,” Runestone added. “He’ll tell him the exact same thing.” The mare nodded and turned to head after Icicle Star and Comet and Runestone shared a worried look. “That wasn’t very subtle, was it?” Runestone asked. “I guess it wouldn’t be, assuming we weren’t on to him at all,” Comet said, shrugging. “I hope that unicorn doesn’t get in trouble, though.” “You don’t think she’s in on it?” he asked. Comet shrugged again. “I have no idea. But I guess I just thought that if she were, she would have been a little pushier, like those ponies from yesterday.” “Hmm. Yeah. Fair enough.” “Then again, I could be totally wrong,” she said, “but either way, it doesn’t matter. I’m not letting you out of my sight. Not a chance.” “Didn’t expect to need a bodyguard,” he joked. Comet smiled tiredly and stuck her tongue out at him. “You’d think they’d spring for someone a bit more buff than me, huh?” “Nah. A unicorn like you is just as good. Maybe better,” he said. She laughed, but despite that, she couldn’t help but feel on edge. She gently pulled Orion from the river with her magic and then cast a quick glance around. “I think maybe we should head back towards camp,” she said. “What? Why?” “I dunno, just in case. I kind of want more Wardens around us.” “Whatever you say, boss,” Runestone said. The three headed back towards the Warden tents, with Comet once again on high alert. Her mane at the base of her neck was already bristling. She jumped when her friend elbowed her lightly. “Your horn is sparking,” Runestone whispered. Comet cringed and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, only to almost leap out of her fur when Shatter Spear jumped in front of them. “Hey, kiddo! Hi, Runestone! You two busy right now?” “Ah... N... No, not at all,” Comet said. “Where’s the rest of Night group?” the stallion asked; he looked around. “Umbra’s with Graham; Cloudrush is still busy with whatever she asked him to do, I guess,” Runestone said. “Ah, okay, fair enough,” Shatter said with a nod. “Toby and I were about to get all the groups together just to make sure everyone knows where everything is. Just in case. You in?” Comet and Runestone shared a look. “I don’t see the harm,” Runestone said quietly to Comet. “It’s probably safer, actually,” she said, nodding, and then turned back to Shatter. “We’re in.” --- Meeting up with the rest of the new Wardens was rather reassuring to the two worried ponies. Toby, the Diamond Dog, led the group around the perimeter of the fortress. The barrier was holding strong, and the defences were good, which was reassuring until noting the white eyes shone out under the shadows of the trees from the forest just beyond. Comet paused to stare out and Runestone and Gwen joined her, pressing her wings in tight and leaning up on the battlements as many of the others passed them by. Comet could see why, now, they had been saying the attack was coming that evening. “Thank Celestia for the sun,” Gwen muttered. “I guess kinda literally.” “For sure,” Comet agreed. “I know, it’s freaky, right?” Comet jumped despite herself and the turned to see Cloudrush coming in to join them. He was wearing light leather armour, but nonetheless he seemed a bit worse for wear, one of his eyes was darkened with a bruise, and his right ear was missing a chunk. “Dang, kid!” Gwen exclaimed. “Are you okay?” Comet barked. Runestone was all over the pegasus, checking him. “Did you get this looked at? What happened?” “Got in a bit of an air fight with one of those things that can fly,” Cloudrush said. “I’m okay, don’t worry.” “Glad you’re safe,” Comet said earnestly; she gave him a quick hug. “Where’d you end up?” “Ah, Umbra wanted me to take a letter to her mother,” he said. “She said she used to be a great warrior, and it had something to do with the battle coming up, but otherwise, private stuff.” He shrugged and Runestone patted him affectionately on the shoulder. “Glad you made it back,” he said. Cloudrush was instantly absorbed back into the group and followed along as they took in the full layout of the perimeter of the fort. Comet did her best to solidify a map in her mind; hoped Runestone was doing the same. From the wall, they got their first true view of the armies accumulated within. It was impressive; reassuring, and the way King Tornado strutted around amongst the warriors gave Comet a little confidence. That, however, contrasted in her mind with General River Rush. She picked him out at a distance, close to the King but looking over some maps on a long table set out in the grass. He looked sick. “This is weird,” Gwen commented as they walked. “Almost doesn’t seem real.” “I wish I felt the same,” Runestone admitted. “Every once in a while, I lose track of it, but then it all comes back and I’m like, ‘Oh, right, probably going to die tonight. Lovely.’” “You’re not going to die,” Comet chided. “I’d say the chances are pretty high that we’re going to win this,” Gwen said. “King Tornado is pretty pumped. General River Rush is an old pro. And the army’s huge. We’re basically just here to make sure those creeps don’t rebuild themselves.” “And I’d say we have a good chance,” Cloudrush added, “because we’re Wardens. Some of the best of the best, right? We’re all here because we do something really well.” “That’s true,” Runestone admitted, but then laughed bashfully. “I don’t feel even close to being ready, though.” --- The atmosphere in the ruins felt taut and strained as the day wore on. No one was comfortable, and the sounds of steel clashing, weapons grinding, and the grunts of last minute training reverberated around the walls, making rest fairly impossible to all but the most exhausted. It was an hour or so past noon when Umbra approached the young Wardens, almost as if materializing straight from the shadows of the castle walls, and told them of a final meeting, called by Graham. With anxious steps, they followed her back to the Warden’s camp. A few tents had been removed, making room for even more Wardens, many clearly veterans. Still, their numbers couldn’t have reached more than sixty. Graham stood in front, his calm expression and fatherly smile as he greeted the new arrivals reassuring despite what was to come. Umbra moved up to join him. “Hello again, my friends. Now that we’re all here, let’s begin.” He ruffled his wings. “As you know, tonight is meant to be our final battle to put down the Nightspawn in Equestria. However, I would have you know it may not be so easy as our King’s bravado might have you believe.” Comet saw Runestone wilt just a little and she nudged him, trying to reassure him. “Nonetheless, keep your spirits high! You are Wardens of Harmony. You would not be here if you were not among the most capable in Equestria. This will be a challenge, but one that we can overcome with courage, teamwork, ingenuity, and careful planning.” He smiled and Comet felt herself relax despite the circumstances; she noticed that many around her looked like they felt the same. “I will now outline the basics. I feel like all of you are entitled to know our movements for this evening. Senior Wardens will be split into three groups: one on the front lines, and two flanking our enemy. Our rangers will stand with the King’s archery units as a second line of defence. Two scout groups will surround our enemy and take out marked targets,” he said. “Our numbers are small, but we will find ways to make ourselves as effective as possible.” “If you’d look over here,” Umbra said— with her magic, she wheeled before them a large map on a rolling display board— “I’ll mark our movements. Pay close attention.” Runestone nudged Comet. “What are we doing? They aren’t sending us out, are they?” Before she could answer, another pony hissed a sharp shhhh at Runestone, to which he hastily and bashfully apologized. “Now, this applies to all but the newest recruits,” Graham said. “Wind group, you will be on the wall keeping watch, sending missives if you spot anything out of the ordinary, and maintaining the large barrier crystals. Stone group, your main focus will be support. Pull out the injured and help provide new weapons. There may be a little fighting involved, but your group will work with some of the more advanced archers. I’m sure you can handle it.” “We sure as heck can!” Amber Moon called out. There were a few snickers and some hoof-stomps of approval, and though Umbra looked annoyed, Graham smiled. “Night group, your work starts a little early,” he said. “You will scout the walls from the base and make sure the lower barriers are secure. As some of you will know from Canterlot, Nightspawn are conniving and will often try to make their way in underground. Prepare to confront any sort of internal threat to our success.” The meeting went on half an hour longer, but most of the information presented pertained to the groups joining with the main army. Once again, it was tactical jargon that went completely over Comet’s head. Judging from the faces of her friends, they didn’t seem to get it either. When Graham finally announced that everyone was dismissed, it came along with a heartfelt, “May Celestia’s light protect you and Twilight Sparkle’s wisdom guide your steps.” As everyone dispersed, Umbra joined Comet, Runestone, Cloudrush, and Orion with a light scowl on her brow. “Something wrong?” Comet asked. “I had expected to fight alongside Graham,” she said bluntly, “but I suppose he doesn’t feel I’m ready yet.” “Well, you’re newish too, aren’t you?” Runestone asked. She glowered at him. He quickly followed up. “B-But Graham seems to treat you almost like you’re his second in command. That’s gotta mean something, right?” Umbra snorted and then looked to Comet, and then disdainfully to the reptile on her back. “You’re not bringing that, are you?” she asked. “He has nowhere else to go,” she replied. Umbra rolled her eyes and then looked them over with a sort of analytical stare. “Stay alert,” she instructed. “We’ll start looking around.” Sticking together, the group walked the walls, and Umbra showed them to one of the many points that held the barrier ridged around Harmonia. It was housed inside a port in the wall that looked as if it had originally been some sort of storehouse. Comet was surprised to see a stone, dark black, pulsing with a pale gold light. She had been expecting a crystal. As Umbra strode in and circled it cautiously, she couldn’t help but wonder if these or Pinklily’s worked better. “So is this one okay?” Cloudrush asked. “Seems so,” she said. “Don’t tell any others I said this, but they can be a little finicky.” “Perfect,” Runestone joked. “How can we tell?” “If the stone looks like anything other than this,” she said. She nodded at the doorway. “Comet and Runestone, circle the wall counterclockwise and check any others. Cloudrush, come with me. We’ll go the other way. Comet, do you know any barrier spells?” “Uh… Not really,” she said bashfully. “Not like these. They’re made of sunlight, right?” “Yes, they are. Fine. We’ll meet up at the other end of camp and if there’s any problems, tell me. Don’t try to fix it yourself.” Comet nodded and Runestone saluted. Umbra rolled her eyes and strode out past them; Cloudrush waved to them and hurried out after her. They could hear Umbra, her voice low, ask the pegasus something about his encounter with her mother. Runestone and Comet shared a worried look and he turned towards the doorway. Comet was sure to stick close. Making the rounds didn’t take too long. It was a relief to find that only a single barrier stone was out of whack on their side, and once they reunited with Umbra and Cloudrush, it was quickly remedied. Comet was becoming increasingly impressed with Umbra’s magic. She seemed to be a master of magic involving tricking the mind, or looking into it, but to also be proficient at barriers seemed unusual. Comet was intrigued. She hoped they might be able to stick together in a group for a bit longer. Maybe she could warm the older unicorn up a little; perhaps could convince her to be a teacher? She was jarred out of her thoughts as their patrol took them past a small tower laden with the banners of the King and Queen that she had taken note of the other day. Where two unicorns once stood as guard now only one was left. He looked quite antsy, almost as if he would rather have been standing anywhere aside from where he currently was. She paused, tilting her head, and in turn, Runestone stopped to look at what she was before turning to her. “What’s up?” he asked. “What’s in there?” she asked. “Looks like a watchtower to me,” Cloudrush said. “It is,” Umbra confirmed. “Why?” “I saw Icicle Star’s guard protecting it the other day,” she said. “Okay, so?” Cloudrush asked. The others looked at him with surprise until they realized he hadn’t been around to learn about what seemed to be edging into conspiracy territory. “We are having issues trusting the General,” Umbra said. “But, could something not involving you two be legitimate?” “Why, what happened?” the pegasus asked, eyes widening. “What’s wrong?” “We’ll explain everything later,” Runestone assured him. “Might not be best to talk about it right out here anyway,” Comet added, patting him on the shoulder. “Sorry to not keep you in the loop. It’s pretty bad, though.” “Okay. I trust you guys,” he said, but he frowned. “Do you want to check in there? You think he’s hiding something?” “I… I don’t know,” Comet said, ears drooping. “Fine. I’ll ask him,” Umbra said. Before the others could stop her, Umbra approached the other unicorn. “Hey! Soldier! A moment?” she said. “Uh, yeah, sure, of course, ma’am,” he said, eyes widening. Hurriedly, the other ponies trotted to catch up as Umbra stared the guard down. “Why are you posted here?” she asked. “Icicle Star’s orders, ma’am,” he said. “Yeah, yeah, but more like, why though,” Runestone said, waving a hoof as if to hurry the unicorn up. “What’re you guarding, exactly?” “It’s for safety, sir,” he said. “Safety?” Comet repeated. “What d’you mean? Is something wrong in there?” “The floor collapsed.” Comet’s heart dropped, as did Runestone’s jaw. Cloudrush yelped and Umbra scowled. “Are you serious?” she demanded. “Absolutely,” he said. “And the other guards, are they inside?” Cloudrush asked quickly. “They must be, right?” “Other guards?” the unicorn repeated, frowning. “No one’s inside, sir. It’s too dangerous. That’s why I’m posted here.” Comet stared him down, worried, and saw him flinch back ever so slightly as Orion mimicked her posture over her shoulder. She tilted her head and frowned. “So... you’re the only guard then?” she asked. “Yes, ma’am.” “And?” She raised her brows skeptically. “You don’t see any problem with that?” “I’m not sure I get your meaning,” he said, frowning. “Well, I don’t mean to be rude, but you’re telling me part of the floor just fell in in there and no one is going in there to investigate,” she said. “And we all know Nightspawn can travel well underground, so doesn’t it make sense to send someone in there to take a look around?” The unicorn looked a little baffled. “I’m just following Icicle Star’s orders, ma’am,” he replied. “This is getting us nowhere,” Umbra scoffed. “Our orders are to investigate any possible internal threats. This constitutes a possible internal threat.” “But I can’t--! I’ll get in trouble!” “No offence meant,” Comet said quickly, and then turned to Umbra, “but, don’t you outrank him?” “We’re Wardens, we all outrank him by default,” the unicorn said. “But Icicle Star said--” “Look, you don’t have to tell him,” Cloudrush suggested. The unicorn simply looked worried and Comet nodded. “Yeah, and if it comes up, just say I hit you.” He raised his eyebrow as he looked her up and down and she laughed, moving to step past him; he reluctantly moved out of the way. “Fine, say Runestone hit you,” she said. “Yeah, say-- hey!” Umbra rolled her eyes as Cloudrush snickered and they entered the tower. Dappled light and a few scattered torches brightened the interior, and the rustle of birds’ wings echoed down through the tower from the weathered rooftop. As the group went in, looking around, Runestone suddenly let out a yelp and skittered backwards to the sound of rough pebbles dropping far. Hurriedly, Comet and Cloudrush came to his side, but neither needed to ask what had happened. They quickly realized that the floor fell away into a pit deep enough that the light was having trouble reaching its floor. “Oh, damn, look at that,” Comet said. She squinted and Cloudrush made as if to fly down, but before he could, Umbra called out. “Wait,” she said. They turned to look at her and her horn lit up; an orb of light formed from her magic and floated down into the pit. Comet’s eyes widened and she copied her, sending a second light down. The two danced in a circle like moths, revealing what seemed to be a rough tunnel. Comet bit her lip. “That’s scary,” she muttered. “Ah… Well, a bit, yeah,” Runestone admitted. “Maybe it’s just something from the old times,” Cloudrush suggested hopefully. “This is an ancient ruin, right? There could be all kinds of weird stuff in here.” Umbra prowled up behind them and stared down into pit, frowning. The pegasus looked at her hopefully, but his face fell when it was clear that she was concerned and serious. Runestone grimaced; lay down and extended his neck downwards to get a better look, and then turned to look at Comet. She gulped. Umbra turned her gaze on her, ears back. “You know something?” she asked. “I don’t wanna speculate and freak everyone out, but, I mean—“ “C’mon Comet, if there’s any time to be a hyper-alert scaredypants, now is it,” Runestone said. “What is it?” “It’s… It’s just that, when the Nightspawn tried to take Canterlot, they had tunnels a lot like this one under everything,” she said. “Oh, great,” Cloudrush said, eyes widening with fear. “You saying Nightspawn made this!?” “N-No, I… I don’t know,” Comet said hurriedly. “I mean… You’re right, it could have been there earlier.” “Or it could be recent,” Umbra said quietly. “But Nightspawn, in here? I doubt it. The barrier is too strong.” “But they did get through the barrier in Canterlot, right?” Runestone said. “Ours is more powerful,” Umbra said sternly; her eyes turned back on the tunnel. “…But in any case, I think it might be prudent to investigate.” She hopped down, hooves clacking on the wrecked tower stone, and hurriedly, Cloudrush flitted down after her. Grimacing, Comet cast a worried look at Orion as Runestone jumped down into the darkness. “Orion, will you get in my bag?” she asked. The crocodile looked confused and she opened the flap. “There’s room. I promise. I just don’t want to lose you in the dark. Okay?” she said. “You can watch over my books.” Orion seemed pleased with the notion and slithered inside. Comet wasn’t sure just exactly how much space the enchanted bag held, but inside, he seemed happy enough and was actually lighter than before. She she jumped down the hole, stumbling as she landed. Runestone helped her regain her footing before they headed down. It got cramped quickly down the tunnel, forcing Cloudrush to land reluctantly, sticking close to Comet and Runestone. Comet’s fur was bristling and she had to suck her tongue, but she noticed that the pegasus was looking far more uncomfortable that she had expected. She nudged against him. “Just stay close to me.” she assured him. “I can zap anything we find.” “Thanks,” he laughed. “It’s just… it feels so tight in here.” He bit his lip. “I know what you mean.” Runestone assured him gently. “Not being able to see the sky, feeling all that dirt above us—“ Comet shhed him sharply and his eyes widened. “Oh! That’s not helping, is it?” “Of course not,” Umbra said; she didn’t even have to look at them for them to know she was rolling her eyes. “I didn’t mean it like that, I just mean I understand where you’re coming from and… Well, I’m an idiot.” Cloudrush laughed half-heartedly, but he shot Runestone a smile. “It’s fine, I get it,” he said. Delving deeper along the path, it soon widened out, giving enough space for the tense pegasus to stretch his wings. The orbs of light swirled around them and Umbra turned her eyes to the walls. She raised a hoof and touched the stone curiously and her frown deepened thoughtfully. “Comet,” she said, and the younger unicorn trotted up cautiously. “What would you say cut this pathway?” “Me? Uh… I’m no expert in tunnel digging,” she said, but she touched the wall. “Oh! It’s so smooth.” “Exactly.” Umbra gave her a knowing look and Comet’s eyes widened. “You don’t think-?!” “What? Keep us in the loop, huh?” Runestone said. “It’s been cut with magic,” Umbra said. The stallion’s eyes widened and Cloudrush pinned his wings in nervously. “Magic?” he repeated. “But… But who could’ve…?!” “We won’t speculate just yet,” Umbra announced. “Come on. Let’s continue.” Umbra continued onwards and an apprehensive Cloudrush hurried to follow her and the lights. Comet frowned to herself, biting her lip: she knew who she suspected of being behind the strange tunnels, but she couldn’t wrap her mind around the reasoning behind it. Could there be something hidden below the ruins? Of course, it could be something completely innocent, like storage, or a place to hide the royal family if things got too dangerous. She hoped it was something along those lines, but the knot in her stomach left her worried and alert nonetheless. “Comet?” Runestone’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts and she turned to see him waiting as the magical light faded away. Quickly, Comet conjured another orb of light. “Sorry,” she said. “What’s up?” he asked. “Just thinking,” she said. Runestone tilted his head. “I mean, I can probably guess,” he said, “but let’s just keep looking for now, yeah?” She nodded. Umbra took the ponies down the tunnel, deeper underground than any of them had expected. The longer they walked, the more nervous Comet got. After what felt like hours, Umbra’s light came up against a solid wall. The ponies stopped in their tracks. “Th… That’s it?” Cloudrush asked, looking at his friends. “There’s nothing?” Umbra frowned. “Comet. Your light, too, please,” she said. Comet nodded and hurriedly brightened her horn as she conjured a brighter orb of light and sent it to join Umbra’s. The striped unicorn took it from her and sent both around, but quickly took a step back, unable to hold in a gasp. “What? What is it?” Runestone asked, immediately bracing his hooves on the ground. “Down,” Umbra said. The other ponies looked confused, but Comet’s heart sunk. Without a word, Umbra hopped down a hole they had been unable to see in front of them. Quickly, Runestone followed and Cloudrush lifted off to drift down. Comet felt sick to her stomach, but she jumped down as well. She arrived in a cavern that opened up much wider than she had anticipated, illuminated by the faint, sunshine-like glow of the spherical barrier that encompassed Harmonia— and was quickly struck by the sight of a huge, magic-seared hole straight through it. “Not again,” she gasped. “No, no, no, this can’t happen again!” “Calm down,” Umbra said, “I’ll try to seal it.” Her horn lit up, but Comet couldn’t help but think it wouldn’t be of any use. Umbra went to work, but they all suddenly became aware of the sound of movement down the tunnel. “Cover me,” Umbra said. Runestone pulled his sword without hesitation and Cloudrush landed and braced his hooves on the earth. Comet conjured some energy blades to either side of her body and stood ready. Comet counted only four heavy thuds of her heartbeat before the darkness beyond Umbra shot out towards them, lead with three sets of bright white eyes. Umbra jumped back, a magic shot slamming into one of the Nightspawn attackers. Comet drew back with alarm as Runestone hesitated for only a second before running in, smacking his shield hard into a wraith-like body. As Cloudrush jumped in to join, Comet concentrated her magic, shooting bolts left and right into the assailants. Her mind was racing; she didn’t stop until they were puddles of dark energy on the ground. Before any of them knew it, the energy divided itself between them, drifting into their body as if it were smoke absorbing through their fur. Comet felt a rush of cold, and then nothing more. She looked worriedly between her friends. Runestone took a deep breath. “Wow,” he said. “Okay. That wasn’t good. That was really, really not good.” “They… They can just walk right through this,” Cloudrush said hoarsely. “More will be coming,” Umbra said, her normally level voice elevated with urgency. “I… I’ll keep trying to seal it.” Her horn lit up and she went back to work, but the others were left adrift. Comet bit her lip. “Um... Okay. Okay. Damn.” She paced with urgency in her steps and she whirled on Cloudrush. “Can you warn them? Graham, I mean. Someone. Someone who can do something.” “Me?” he asked. “You’ll be the fastest,” Umbra said. “Right. Right. You’re right.” He gulped nervously and made to take off, but Comet hugged him quickly. “Be careful,” she squeaked. He squished her in return and nodded; spread his wings and took off, speeding away into the darkness. Comet took a long, deep breath. Runestone held her hoof. She leaned into him for just a moment before pulling away and hurrying to join Umbra. “How can I help?” she asked. Umbra frowned and pulled back, taking a breath. She shook her head and frowned at the edge of the shattered barrier. “It’s not extending like I hoped,” she said. “It’s like it’s been sealed.” “So can you do anything?” Comet asked. Umbra’s frown deepened. “Maybe,” she said. “Just… Keep watch.” Comet wasn’t at all satisfied with the other unicorn’s answer, but there wasn’t much else she could do. She set out a few more orbs of light and waited. Her ears lifted high, tilting, listening intently. Runestone patrolled the area cautiously. After a long while of only the sound of Umbra’s magic buzzing, low rumbling started, far away and above them. Comet flinched. “Sounds like the soldiers are marching,” Runestone commented. “D’you think the fighting’s started?” “I hope everyone’s okay,” Comet said quietly. The sounds were getting lower, but were soon punctuated, much to their alarm, by huge, heavy thuds. It was like something was crashing to the earth from a great height. “I’m seriously not liking that,” Runestone said. “Stop whining,” Umbra growled. “Well excuse me for not being thrilled about huge monster sounds!” the stallion barked. “Guys, c’mon,” Comet said anxiously. “Now’s not the time to—“ She cut herself off with a yelp when she picked out white eyes in the dark beyond Umbra. She shot a strong bolt of magic from her horn straight past Umbra and into the form of a Nightspawn just beyond her vision. Runestone instantly had his sword out again and Umbra cursed and jumped back from the barrier, shooting a spell of her own into the darkness. Before she had time to do anything more, it seemed as if the shadows exploded out at them, bodies swarming through the hole like ants and rushing past them down the way back into the fortress. Panic took Comet and she was swiftly firing magic bolts at anything that didn’t look tan or dark blue, drawing fluid blades of energy up around her and spinning them in the closest thing she could manage to a barrier. It helped to clear enough space so she could get her bearings. Runestone was striking down a beastly Nightspawn with his sword as he slammed another that had jumped onto his back against the rocky wall, hard. Umbra was blasting attackers left and right with powerful, purple bursts, but her ear was bleeding and she was stuck near the barrier’s opening. Gulping, Comet hurried towards her, ramming her small body shoulder first into the closest Nightspawn. It tumbled down, but seemingly only because it had been taken off-guard. Comet scrambled over it as fast as she could, but it was on its hooves again quickly, grabbing her by the tail and throwing her to the ground. She rolled; lost her attacker in the confusion of righting herself and shooting magic all around her in panic. She was breathing too hard, her body hurting already. She wished she had taken to the combat training better. She tried to catch her breath and lowered her head, setting it alight with icy energy and trying her best to make herself into a battering ram. She cleared a few smaller Nightspawn from her path, dodged around a larger one with a bulky build, and shot some sharp, slicing energy behind her as she finally broke through to Umbra. The unicorn shot her a surprised look and Comet hurried to send a burst of blue-white through the barrier hole, giving them a small window of time to draw back and away from it. Comet felt a small amount of relief, but it was short lived. Without warning, her shoulder began to burn with pain. She cried out and her front leg gave out and she couldn’t fight through it. The stitched wound under her shoulder plate felt like it was on fire. Umbra yelped and shot strong blasts of energy quickly to clear some room around the other unicorn. “What’s wrong?!” she demanded. “My… My shoulder,” Comet choked. Umbra cursed and pulled her back, taking a hard, sturdy stance before her. Comet focused on trying to breathe but her eye caught something strange back the way they had come from. She could barely turn her head, but she was sure she pulled the form of a unicorn from the darkness. His horn was lit up with white magic, and for a moment, she felt relief. It was short lived, however, when she saw the unicorn’s horn pulse and the pain from her wound doubled, making her vision swim. “U…Umbra…” she said, but her voice was warbled and weak. She didn’t think she had heard her. Time slurred in the unicorn’s brain, but Comet heard a harsh rushing in her ears and her vision went dark. She knew she was still conscious because she felt her limp body dragged across the stone. When her eyes cleared, she quickly realized that it wasn’t her vision that had blurred, but the Nightspawn had crowded in so close that she could see nothing else. Now, though, they had stopped moving, but she knew she was pinned, with a needle-sharp brow horn tucked up against her neck. Her heart thumped with terror and she gulped, trying to catch her breath and figure out what on earth to do. Her eyes cast around frantically. She pulled out Umbra, held tight by a few Nightspawn that had talons rather than hooves and Runestone was pinned to the ground a few horselengths away, gritting his teeth as one of the bulkier Nightspawn pushed down on his head with a hoof. “I see that poison is still bothering you, my dear?” a familiar voice asked. Comet froze as pale hooves entered her field of view, but her reaction was mostly fed by Runestone’s look of horror and Umbra’s sneer of disgust. She felt nauseous, even more so as she was pulled up onto her hooves to see the gently smiling face of Icicle Star. Comet stared with blank terror, only vaguely aware of the cavern filling with more and more dark bodies. “Now, that’s no way to greet the one who saved you, is it?” he asked. “Saved us?!” Umbra spat. “You’re controlling them. How are you controlling them?” Comet asked at a whisper. “He’s a traitor!” Umbra snapped. “Are you interested in my magic, Comet Strike?” the older unicorn asked. “Your Archmage said you were a clever one. You really should have come to my meeting, you know.” Comet didn’t know if lying or remaining silent would be the better option, especially as Runestone stared at her with wide, worried eyes. All she could force herself to do was gulp. “Your unicorns built this tunnel?” she asked quietly. “Why? Icicle Star sighed, as if he were disappointed. “You don’t understand, do you? I’m here to make you an offer. You and Umbra.” “Don’t even bother,” Umbra spat. “Comet, don’t listen to him.” “Please, Umbra,” the stallion began. “No! I understand who you are now,” she said. “There’s no other way you could be working with the Nightspawn. I can’t believe the King trusted you.” “And so it stands to reason that the King is now no more,” Icicle said simply. Umbra’s eyes widened and Comet’s heart dropped to her hooves even as her mind rushed to piece together exactly what was going on. “I’d like you two unicorns to come with me,” Icicle said. “I understand you might feel conflicted at first, but honestly, two powerful mares like yourself would fit right in with our organization.” Umbra glared and turned her head upwards. Comet grimaced and hurriedly shot her eyes around, trying to see any way out, any weakness in the horde. However, she was stunned still and she let out a gasp before she could stop herself as she pulled out a familiar face in the dark, spiky, blank-eyed mass. “C-Cloudrush?” she almost screamed. “Hmm? Him? Oh yes,” Icicle said, absently poking the dark, twisted young pegasus with his hoof, “I’ve taken all the Wardens.” Comet saw Runestone’s expression go blank with shock and she felt like her insides had collapsed. She looked through the spectral forms around them and saw many faces she recognized: Flash, Amber Moon, Calfala, Gwen, and even more that she had just seen in passing. Even farther back, Shatter Spear’s normally jovial face was twisted into a snarl. Comet felt tears prick in her eyes and she tried not to choke. “No. No, you couldn’t have,” the unicorn breathed. “He’s telling the truth,” Umbra said quietly, her ears pressed back, “You sick—” “Now, now, Umbra. Graham, or... should I say the Wraith that was formerly your commander? He always thought so highly of you. You’re a smart filly. Please consider my proposition.” The unicorn snarled and Comet’s eyes darted to Runestone again. Her friend looked like he was in complete shock. Umbra stamped and snorted. “Get out of my face.” Icicle smiled and turned on Comet. She wanted to throw up and she gritted her teeth. “How about you? Your Archmage truly said you had amazing potential. Your power can only grow from here.” “Wh-What?” Comet stammered, the words rung too familiar and she began to feel like the hooves had been knocked from under her. “Surely you realize that other types of ponies have nothing for you. They’re scared of you, and the power you can unleash. Unicorns should be the ones in charge, not these ignorant others, and their Sunwalkers,” he said as he approached her with confidence. “We will be agents of the Night. Of the Nightmare. Don’t you see the beauty in it? You yourself have fought for the freedom of unicorns, yes? You must agree with our goals.” Comet saw Umbra give her a stare of daggers and Runestone’s eyes widened; Comet grimaced and gulped heavily before raising her eyes to meet the unicorn before her. “How could I possibly agree with you?” she said, and though her voice was weak, she meant every word. “After what you’ve done? You are a monster. And so is anypony like you.” Icicle clicked his tongue and pulled back, looking at her cooly. “Very well.” He turned, striding away through the Wraiths as they parted way for him like well-trained soldiers. “Take them. Start with the earthborn.” The Nightspawn grasping Runestone tight lunged at him so quickly Comet didn’t even have time to react. She screamed for him, rammed herself against her captor, but there was dark magic stabbed into her friend before she could do a thing, and almost instantly, the Wraiths moved in, tackling them to the ground. Comet heard Umbra yell through the commotion and brought magic up quickly, only to be kicked down and pinned by a face she recognized. “Cl-Cloudrush?!” she squeaked— white eyes stared back at her blankly, but he smiled at her with pointed teeth and she couldn’t help choking, tears spilling down her cheeks. “Cloudrush, please, don’t-!” “Sorry, Comet,” he said, his voice deep, layered with that of Icicle Star’s, and raspy, chilling her to the bone, “but don’t worry, you’ll be much happier like us.” The pain was instant and intense, burning cold so deep into the unicorn’s body that she was certain that she was dead. She was sure she screamed, but she didn’t hear it.