This one is for you, RRBB.
Midnight Castle: Everhere, Vol 7, Chapter 12, Burn this Fire
The chapter starts in Hades-Reality, where we learn that Cerberus has been a spy all along. We get a cool flashback of the first chosen (who happen to be Euryala, Echo, and Cerberus). Apparently there's a war going on and Poseidon has started the practice of selecting "mongrels" as his minions. The three of them go though a lot of trials (originally there were 24 chosen) with other chosen being weeded out. Finally they get to the gates of Tartarus, where Hades tells them that "now the real test begins."
Jump to Bellucio and Molly who are stealing a gem (everstone?) from the temple of a changeling dragon! (Not a changeling, but a dragon that can rake human form.) Slightly comedic (and definitely suggestive moments) fight scenes ending with the two escaping to safety in an attic of the dragon city. Icelos appears and tells them that's the mirrorrune, and its best they don't give it to Poseidon and Blazen. There's a long discussion with references to previous chapters with Icelos explaining that Euryala cannot think clearly until she gets her heart back and her animosity towards Poseidon subsides. It's also revealed that he, in fact, never was a chosen, but a god imprisoned like the rest as a consequences of the war. He also tells them the Everprince is the same.
Finally, in Zeus reality, the Director tells Danny that Echo is not to be trifled with. She'll use them to kill the deities then kill them since they are her chosen as well. The solution is to try and escape while killing Zeus. An intricate plan is set in motion, in which they plan to warn Zeus and hope he'll be busy with Echo leaving them to escape. Echo, however finds out somehow and while they sneak into Zeus's mansion (during one of his "constant parties") it is revealed that Eric was Echo all along (well since they went through the portal). Echo's power, among others, is to mimic appearance. (Cool! :)) She strikes and kills Danny, yet then we learn that was Zeus changed form as well (warned by Director Danny). Zeus knocks her out, then he betrays them (since he doesn't want the Everprince to return). However, the Director foresaw that and uses the "god killer" to wound Zeus so that Megan can splinter them back into the original reality.
In real reality, Danny, Megan, and Eric take an unconscious Echo to Danny's dorm. ("Danny, it's cool and all, but I already have a girlfriend." Loki points at a poster above his bed. Loki bast character ever! :)) Then, suddenly Euryala appears (whoa! Moving between realities) and tells her that everything is ready and Megan needs to get the group together again.
That's it. After twelve chapters, things are finally starting to make sense. I'd probably be more enthusiastic if everypony I knew wasn't going through a hard time. :( At least the chapter made me feel a bit better. Right now I just wish I could go to RRBB and hug her. Short too.
PrinceEric
Well, that might not be a bad idea. RRBB can use more than a single shoulder to cry on right now. I know I said I wouldn't discuss things, but she seemed a bit better yesterday, so I thought I'd share the news.
Of course, by better I mean she managed to last half an hour without bursting in tears or breaking anything. Pixel helped a lot, though. (On a side note, I had no idea that it takes the colour of its owners emotions. At least I could see she was a bit better.)
@Short&Hoofy, @SweetStuff: I guess I have you to thank as well.
PaintDrop
@PaintDrop: I guess...
Short&Hoofy
@PaintDrop: Aww, I'm so happy! :) Sorry about the quality :( The stupid cat decided to pass by and start purring while I sang. I didn't even notice until I was compressing the file :(
SweetStuff
@SweetStuff: It's perfect and you know it!
ForceFeedback
@ForceFeedback: Hello, and welcome to the site. Don't let the moment of flood fool you. We are a tight group and are always here to help each other out and discuss the magic that is Midnight Castle. :)
@PaintDrop, @Short&Hoofy, @SweetStuff: You three are great. Don't you ever forget it.
LyraHands
@ForceFeedback: Huh? O.o
SweetStuff
@SweetStuff: Umm, it's me. I finally decided to create an account here. You've been hassling me for days, so... err... surprise? O:)
ForceFeedback
Omg! I can't believe you did! *hugs* Missed you soooooo much :D
SweetStuff
I can't say I'm happy about this, Short. :/ But I guess talking will do no good.
@PrinceEric: At this point, I think everything is pretty much obvious. I admit the elements have been well positioned to create a mystery, but now that they are all in place there won't be any more surprises. The Everprince is Loki (nice touch in having him be a secondary character) who will inevitably revealed when he gets the crown (as I know he will). Most probably there will be a fight between the two major groups: Euryala and Bellucio to prevent that from happening ending in reality being changed again. Molly and Bellucio will go on a crazy adventure to seek out Poseidon (since we know there will be a spinoff with them), the corporations will start fighting for control of the stones (and the Wonderbolt wannabes will start fighting them). My guess that will be arc two, with everyone trying to find a way to defeat the Everprince.
Still, an interesting arc.
MixaMax
@MixaMax: Somepony didn't get their vitamins today. Can't you be more like Brush?
Jade
@Jade: Not in the mood. We'll talk more when you get here.
MixaMax
I see that. That's precisely my point.
Jade
This got awkward...
ForceFeedback
Nah! I'm getting popcorn! :D
Just kidding! It's a pretty lame situation, but it's not the first time it's happened. It'll either end well or will get well in time.
@LyraHands: Okay if I invite a few pals to this place? They're a bit hotheaded, but cool at heart.
Feather
@Feather: Of course :) We'll be overjoyed to have new Nightlings :D
LyraHands