Above Equestria the clouds were sparse, though imposing, and with the only illumination being the moon, the land was bathed in darkness. The low-lying hills, long dirt roads, and many farm houses looked empty, their inhabitants having long since fled, allowing the large motley assortment of creatures to march down the many dirt roads with almost complete impunity.
Large, hulking demons pulled carts or wagons alongside a great number of zombified beings of varied origin. Pack animals were few and far between, with the majority of the army’s supplies having been borne on the backs of its soldiers. Either that or placed within the mobile fortress of Cloudsdale which soared high above them, the floating city flying against the wind.
Towed by over a hundred winged creatures of various races, the once venerable metropolis had been stripped bare. Entire districts had been cut loose and moored near Ponyville, leaving only the central pillar in a single piece. All remaining structures had been reinforced, their roofs sporting siege weapons, supplies, or squads of winged entities ready to spring into action.
Ahead of them stood Canterlot, its many peaks gleaming in the mid-summer winter. Its walls were high, its battlements mostly intact, and the damage was visible on more than just its fortifications. The odd pillar of smoke billowed up from its many districts, and the occasional spell could be seen lighting up the sky. Contrary to the activity in Canterlot, the lowlands around it were quiet, with its inhabitants having been killed, evacuated, or turned bandit.
Kanathara cared little for her surroundings and grumbled as she stomped alongside Tirek, a scowl permanently affixed to her face. Around her marched the rest of their army, most of whom gave the grumpy demon a wide berth. Pear Butter, the lone centaur of the bunch, and Pythias were the only real exceptions to that rule.
“Would you stop sighing every five seconds?” Tirek muttered. “You won't be away from her for that long anyway.”
“It's not that,” Kanathara replied. “It's just… okay, so maybe I’m a little annoyed, but it's not like they need Rainbow Dash right now anyway.”
“Now I know you may not like it, dear, but you can't deny that it's for the best. She is a very strong flier,” Pear Butter pointed out.
“I think Kanathara knows that,” Pythias added in a slightly jerking tone, as if she were still unused to speaking rather than communicating through telepathy. “That does not mean it is any easier for her.”
“I’m just bitter, is all,” Kanathara muttered. “I am walking hoof-first into hell, and I want my partner here by my side. Is that too much to ask?”
You know we can still communicate, right? Rainbow Dash mentally pointed out.
“I know that!” Kanathara shouted, the demon grumbling angrily under her breath.
The familiar merely snickered through their connection, though Kanathara knew she felt similarly. It was hard not to pick up on the vengant’s slightly sour mood, the only difference being that Rainbow Dash was better at hiding it. Unlike Kanathara who continued to stomp, snort, and glare at almost anyone who looked her way.
The haze of annoyance and general anxiety that hung over the keeper was interrupted by the beat of leathery wings. A second later, an imp appeared from the dark, partially cloudless sky before somewhat awkwardly landing in front of Pear Butter.
“Boss, boss! We ran into more bandits,” he exclaimed, his nasally voice barely audible over the ever-present wind. “They had great stuff. Mostly food, but they did have some weapons and magic doohickeys.”
Pear Butter blinked. “Really now? You must have dealt with them quite expediently if we didn't even have to slow our march.”
The imp cackled loudly. “They were worthless ponieses that barely even put up a fight. Squad leader almost let them go until she found out they had a bunch of demons in cages. Then we ate them.”
Pear Butter sighed. “What did I tell you about eating people?”
“To kill them first and make sure no one sees,” the imp dutifully replied.
“And do not talk about you eating them,” Pear Butter added.
The imp blinked. “Oopsies.”
“So, what kind of demon did they capture?” Kanathara inquired. “They couldn't have been very strong if a bunch of poorly trained ponies managed to catch them off guard.”
“I don't know,” declared the imp with a shrug. “They looked like ponies, but they had wings, a horn, and a bunch of holes in ‘em like someone impaled them a bunch of times. Maybe they were sadism demons?”
“Wait, holes, wings, and a horn? Did they have a black exoskeleton?” Kanathara asked.
“I think so. Their skin was all hard and dark like onyx,” replied the imp.
“Wait, what would a changeling be doing way out here?” Tirek inquired.
“I don't know, but I desperately want to find out. Come on,” Kanathara urged. “You’re taking me to them right now, imp.”
The slightly rotund, red-skinned humanoid bobbed his armored head dutifully. “Yes, of course. Follow Skinbag.”
“I really need to find a better name for you,” Pear Butter muttered while she watched the imp and Kanathara sprint off down the column.
“Imps have the weirdest names,” Tirek remarked.
“At least he wasn't called Pus Bucket,” Pythias pointed out.
The trio shuddered.
Kantathara trotted impatiently into the throng of imps and their overseers, cutting a path through the chaos. Which wasn't too hard, as the cultists and their minions were busy carrying crates of dried goods out of the impressively large farm house. Another trail of supplies were coming from the barn, though those were less numerous and were in larger boxes. Arms and armor alike were extracted from what had once been the banditss hideout, its former inhabitants now either imp food or captive.
All of this was ignored by Kanathara who tromped up to the home quickly and without paying any mind to the others. Upon reaching the door, she paused just long enough for a cultist carrying a crate to pass before she slipped inside. There she found that the whole place had been ransacked, either during the fighting or in the looting which had occurred immediately after.
“Where are they?” Kanathara demanded, turning back to the imp.
“Basement, through there,” replied the dutiful demon, who pointed to a handless door barely visible behind a large china cabinet. “They hid the entrance behind that big box thingy with all the expensive stuff in it.”
Kanathara grunted, pushing open the entrance a little more before proceeding down into the gloom. With no light save for the odd candle sitting on a holder in the wall, it was hard to see, provided you weren't a demon. Kanathara, however, had no such trouble, and all but leapt down the stairs before looking curiously around the bottom floor.
A large room was visible to the right, while on the left were two smaller ones that were nearly identical to one another. The demon was about to start with the two smaller rooms when she heard the sound of conversation coming from the opposite direction. Turning her attention the other way, Kanathara swiftly trotted out into a much more open area which had once been a living room.
Its original purpose was now all but forgotten, as cages had replaced couches, though a single large bed remained. There were also a pair of cultists, and a trio of imps who stood aimlessly around these occupied enclosures. Which had within them nearly a dozen changelings between the three steel cages, their forms packed tight together.
“So you’re saying that you aren't a demon,” remarked a cultist in a confused tone.
“For the last time, we are not demons!” shrieked an angry changeling. “Now as the last queen of the Badlands hive, I order you to free me!”
“Yeah, I don't think you’re going to be ordering anyone around here, missy,” retorted the cultist.
The largest of the changelings growled and reached through the bars, attempting to grab the rotund earth pony by the throat. Her efforts were met not by fear but by laughter, and eventually the changeling gave up, slumping back into her cage. Where she were comforted by its two other occupants who patted her back or brushed her mane.
“Well well well, what do we have here?” Kanathara mused aloud. “You lot have acquired quite an interesting catch.”
“We are noone's catch,” spat the largest changeling, who spun around to reveal that she was missing an eye and had numerous shallow scars across her exterior. “We are the last of the changelings, and we will not be treated like cattle or common whores.”
“That assumes you produce something of value or are attractive, and I have yet to see evidence of either of those things,” Kanathara remarked.
The other cultists chuckled while an imp rolled around on the floor laughing obnoxiously.
“Who are you to mock our suffering, creature of sin?” spat the changeling.
“I am Kanathara, though my name is irrelevant. All you need to know is that I hold your fate in my hooves, and that you need to give me a reason to spare you,” Kanathara replied leisurely.
The creature’s eyes narrowed. “You are a keeper of secrets, yes?”
“You know of my kind?” Kanathara inquired.
“We changelings remember many things that the Equestrians have forgotten. Truths which have gone unwritten and magic which has long since been declared lost,” answered the changeling.
Kanathara couldn't help but smile. “Oh, something tells me we are going to get along just fine, though before we continue negotiations, I have a different curiosity to satisfy. Namely, how did you end up here? I thought the changeling nation was larger than what, a baker's dozen?”
The largest changeling scowled and gnashed her teeth in barely contained rage. “We were legion, but then that foul creature took Canterlot and killed what love was left in this wretched world.”
“Wait, love? What does that have to do with anything?” asked a cultist.
“They are emotivores,” Kanathara answered. “If things are too bleak and loveless, then they would starve.”
“It seems as though I am not the only one with knowledge of the other,” exclaimed the changeling, her tone containing a small hint of appreciation.
“I am very well read,” Kanathara stated simply.
“Hmmph, so it seems,” murmured the changeling. “And to continue my tale, we attempted to get rid of this Nightmare creature, but were rebuffed.”
She growled, shaking with barely contained rage. “Her hatred poisons this land and infected my children, driving some to madness and leaving the swarm open to a counterattack.”
The shapeshifter sighed. “After that it wasn't long before my forces were scattered, and I was forced to put the majority of my population into hibernation. What you see before you are the last warriors I have left, our final mission left incomplete.”
“Which was?” Kanathara prompted.
“I had heard of an army approaching from Ponyville and was hoping they were going to stop the Nightmare. I assume some remnants of the Equestrian guard have managed to regroup and had mobilized,” reasoned the changeling.
“Nope,” Kanathara declared. “That army would be us.”
The changeling blinked several times. “Color me intrigued. Why would an interplanar being such as yourself bother to risk so much on this world?”
“A long story short, I like it here,” Kanathara smiled wolfishly and leaned in close. “But I’m not the one telling their life story right now. That would be you.”
“I am Chrysalis, Queen of the changelings and Sovereign of the Badlands,” declared the changeling proudly. “The would-be Bane of Canterlot, and now a prisoner.”
Kanathara nodded slowly, trotting back and forth in front of the cage. “Here is what's going to happen. You are going to tell me all of your secrets, starting with any tactical advantages you could give us on Canterlot.”
“And then?” Chrysalis replied.
“I’ll consider letting your species survive the night,” Kanathara answered with a grin.
The changelings all looked to their leader, each one able to detect the malice radiating off the keeper in waves. Even Chrysalis was a little put off and found herself unsettled by the intensity of the demon’s emotions.
“Fine,” the large changeling muttered in a defeated tone. “Just please, save my children. They have suffered enough.”
“If you give me what I want, then you’ll have improved the chances of defeating the Nightmare and thus averting planar annihilation,” Kanathara answered. “Treat me to enough secrets, and I just might aid you after she is defeated.”
Chrysalis’s shocked expression slowly morphed into one of curiosity. “You really are an interesting creature, aren't you? Well, allow me to start with all the secret tunnels and backways we used to enter Canterlot. If you’re lucky, a few might still be hidden.”
Kanathara clopped her hoof loudly against the floor before pointing at a few cultists at random. “You, grab paper, you, prepare some warm clothing, you, find a few captives of our own. Can't have our new allies dying of hunger, now can we?”
“Oh, I like you,” Chrysalis exclaimed with a grin. “Now then, the first is-”
So, what you’re saying is nearly all of the tactical information is likely useless, Rainbow Dash deadpanned, the demon locked in an intense mental discussion with her mistress while also pulling an entire city behind her, thick ropes wrapped about the vengant’s armored midsection.
Some of it is probably of value. I’m just glad we've found a piece of the puzzle and now have an explanation as to how Celestia has been able to hold out this long. The Nightmare was busy fighting a whole other army on top of an insurrection, Kanathara gushed.
I still don't like it. This Chrysalis seems the type to sell out anyone and everyone at the drop of a hat. Who's to say she isn't in league with the Nightmare? Rainbow Dash replied.
I have her on contract now. She can't lie to me, and I’ve already gone over the information she gave me. The only thing she lied about was how successful her invasion was. Kanathara chuckled. Turns out that an army of malnourished and underequipped civilians is no match against a well dug-in foe, even if those civvies can shapeshift.
Duh. Spotting an illusion is the first thing any accomplished soldier learns, Rainbow Dash remarked.
Provided they aren't a blood demon or something and can just see right past it without any effort, Kanathara added.
True, Rainbow Dash agreed. That would really only work on ponies, and even then, only if they were untrained militia. Speaking of which-
I already checked in with the rest of the army. They’ve been briefed on this development, Kanathara cut off. Pear Butter already came up with a few countermeasures should the changelings become an issue.
Well, that's good. Anything else of note happen since we left? Rainbow Dash inquired.
Nearly every single militia pony and ranger signed up to be a zombie upon death. A couple royal guards and a few paladins did as well, but they were in the minority, Kanathara replied.
Rainbow Dash chuckled. Predictable. Even facing the prospect of their world being cleansed of life, they cling to their stubborn pride.
All save for those fighting not for the abstract concept of global annihilation, but their homes and loved ones, Kanathara reasoned.
Exactly, Rainbow Dash agreed.
Other than that, it seems as though the bandits have realized that they can't hide or beat us, so they’ve fled. Opposition has been minimal on the ground. What about you? Kanathara asked.
Almost nonexistent, Rainbow Dash answered. There were a couple flying demons that harassed us at the start, but wayward clouds have become our greatest obstacle. Most are so loaded with snow that they are impossible to bust or move without diverting an entire squad to the task.
So there has been no concerted effort to slow you down at all? Kanathara asked.
Not that I’ve… wait a second, Rainbow Dash began, her gaze narrowing on a patch of black clouds rolling her way.
They seemed normal at first glance, but Rainbow Dash had a well-trained eye and could tell they weren’t moving with the wind. Rather they were drifting along in a manner which would end with them in the path of Cloudsdale. Worse still, Rainbow Dash could tell that there were numerous creatures moving about the back of the bank of clouds.
What, what is it? Kanathara inquired.
Looks like we got some opposition after all. Give me a second to unhook myself. I gotta deal with this, Rainbow Dash replied.
The demon tugged at the ropes binding her, attempting to remove them without simply slashing through them all or turning to smoke and wasting her limited energy. She stopped doing this the second she noticed something odd from behind her. The flap of many beating wings could be heard, though they all paled in comparison with the shriek of a terrified seamstress.
A second later, an angry grootslang leapt into the sky, it's great body shifting like it was swimming through the air. On its back, clinging for dear life, was a baffled Rarity and her wife, who was holding the reins as well as the unicorn. The chaos beast didn't seem to care about the frantic tugs from its rider and shrieked loudly as it charged the cloud embankment.
Close on its heels were a dozen Ebon Wind assassins, all flying as fast as they could in order to keep up with the chaotic creature. Who slammed into the enemy emplacement like a meteor, sending the destroyed remnants of what had once been a ballista falling to the ground below. The grootslang also smacked aside roughly a dozen imps before rearing back and unleashing a gout of flame from its mouth.
“Huh,” Rainbow Dash muttered.
Within seconds the Ebon Wind assassins, clad in their signature black leather armor, descended upon the confused pack of demons. Daggers flashed, smoke bombs detonated, and within seconds over half of the would-be ambushers were dead. The rest did their best to fight back and even rallied behind a larger pit demon bearing a moon-shaped brand upon his head.
That resistance didn't last long, however, as the grootslang soon grabbed ahold of him and pulled the poor demon in half. Without a leader or surprise, there was little the attackers could do but try and take as many down with them. Which didn't work very well, as the assassins were too fast, and the grootslang was far too tough for the demons to actually injure.
It wasn't long until almost all of the enemy forces were dead, and the assassins were mopping up those who were trying to flee. The grootslang merely stood there proudly, looking out over the battlefield while Rarity continued to cling to its back with all four legs. Only the lone diamond dog in their midst seemed cognizant of what needed to be done and was busy barking orders.
Status? Kanathara inquired with a hint of amusement.
Ay, okay, Rainbow Dash replied. It seems as though Rarity and her pet are here.
Best not to question it. A chaos beast rarely if ever makes sense, Kanathara muttered somewhat bitterly.
No kidding, Rainbow Dash agreed. We are still a few hours out. How are you guys doing?
Provided we don't get stuck again, we should be there at about the same time. Don't forget to meet us for the final debriefing, Kanathara reminded.
And miss my chance to shower you with affection one final time before we really start this fight? No damn way, Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
Kanathara grunted, her embarrassment coming through their connection. Just try not to get slowed down.
Rainbow Dash laughed to herself as the connection was cut. “One day you’ll be better at showing affection. That is not tonight, however.”
Kanathara tapped her hoof impatiently against the cold, frost-covered ground. Behind her sat a large command tent, one filled with most of the higher-ups from their motley army. Said army was busy making camp for one final time, their tents erected beneath the shadow of the Canterhorn.
Or at least it would be, as the moon hung directly above the mighty mountain, its light bright yet didn't warm them one bit. Beneath its baleful glare, the various sects and factions toiled away, constructing limited fortifications in case of an attack. None had tried, but with Canterlot only a few miles away, no one was willing to take that chance.
“Where is she?” Kanathara muttered.
“Whosat?” asked Pinkie Pie.
“Bwah! Where did you come from?” Kanathara demanded.
Pinkie Pie blinked owlishly. “The tent, silly.”
“Just… don't sneak up on me,” Kanathara murmured.
“It's Applejack, isn't it?” Pinkie Pie inquired while scratching her chin. “I think I remember her saying something about resolving an issue with a few squads not working together properly.”
“Well, she should hurry up. I want to get as much time in with my girlfriend before we depart,” Kanathara exclaimed.
“Oh I’m sure it will be fine,” Pinkie Pie replied.
Kanathara merely grunted, her gaze sweeping over the bustling crowd with a sharp, analytical eye. Seconds ticked by without the familiar orange mare appearing from amidst the horde of working creatures. Tension built, and Kanathara’s horn lit, a scrying spell forming within the keeper’s mind.
Only for a sudden gust of ice cold wind to cause the magic to suddenly flicker and die. Her curiosity now piqued, Kanathara glanced up at the sky, half expecting to find that it was still relatively clear. Yet that was not the case, as a storm front had seemingly sprung up out of nowhere within seconds.
A black swirling mass was hanging above the Canterhorn, its turbulent underside rippling unnaturally. Dark blue lightning shot throughout the cluster of clouds, lighting up the sky and sending a primal spark of fear into Kanathara’s soul. Though fearful, the keeper was also intrigued, the strange phenomenon sparking a need to learn more about what was going on.
“Woah,” Rainbow Dash muttered.
Kanathara didn't look back, though she knew the rest of the officers and leaders of the army had exited the tent. All stared up in awe at the bizarre sight, confused, and curious whispers passing between them. Kanathara didn't pay them any attention, however, merely looking on, her mind churning with possibilities.
All of which collapsed the second she saw several shapes begin to move through the strange cloud. Their forms were gaseous, yet still solid and flowed like the ghost of a winter storm. Snow fell from their cloudy forms, and as they moved, the wall of clouds grew thicker as well as darker.
Then, as one, a trio of the creatures leapt from the top of the cloud and galloped through the sky towards the camp at the base of the Canterhorn. Alarms were raised, spells were being cast, and orders were shouted, but Kanathara didn't pay attention to any of that. For the objects of her fascination were coming directly at her, their hooves hitting only air, yet pulling them along just the same.
“Kanathara, snap out of it!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “We need to prepare for an attack.”
“They’re windigos, Rainbow Dash. They were supposed to have gone extinct, starved by the peace that came after the unification wars,” Kanathara muttered. “What are they doing here?”
“I think we’re about to find out,” Rainbow Dash replied.
Together the pair watched as the trio of windigos finished their gallop and stopped just beyond the edge of the camp. High above the ground, the three ethereal creatures glared balefully down at the gathered army, their white eyes glowing with maleficence. With their arrival, the temperature plummeted, and the sky darkened as the moon was blotted out, a stiff wind cutting through the air like a knife.
“Listen here, creatures of flesh and blood,” boomed the slightly feminine voice of the lead windigo. “The true ruler of this world has returned and gifted us a glorious purpose.”
“To bar your passage with ice and snow, keeping you from interrupting her purification of this plane,” continued another of the windigos. “No longer will you vile creatures spoil our home with your presence and pollute our skies with your so-called industry.”
“So go back. Go back and await the end in the company and warmth of your fellows,” added another of the creatures. “Enjoy the final, fleeting moments of your existence in comfort while you wait for the cold to sap the fires in your soul.”
“Well, I guess we found out why she didn't bother to fortify the approach to Canterlot,” Rainbow Dash remarked.
“Now for the real question,” Kanathara exclaimed. “How do we kill them?”