The return trip from the frozen north had been almost eerily quiet. No, ambush or waiting army. I had half expected to see Nightmare Moon herself waiting at the border. Even now, it felt like the Moonlight tracked my every movement. The warmer weather was welcomed if nothing else. If I never had to trudge through the snow again, I would find myself grateful. Both Sombra and Sabre had been on edge since the moment we made it back into Equestria's embrace fully. It made me nervous. I'd taken to flying or trying to as long as I could throughout the quiet walking.
Sombra had only driven Cadence's forces back, and yet, there was no sign of those same forces since. It screamed trap, yet, we neared Canterlot undeterred. My every inch itched with the stress. But there was something else beneath that. The feeling of excitement one might have as the holidays loomed ever closer. If I hadn't been hovering a few meters off the ground, I'd be dancing from hoof to hoof.
"Star."
I looked behind me to Sabre, who motioned from me to drop. I acquiesced and, stuttering every other flap, landed at a half trot. Spade chuckled as he passed me.
"Oh sure, mock the aerially impaired. Real nice, Spade."
"Just doing my part," Spade said.
"Star."
I roll my eyes and look back to Sabre once more. "Yes, Sabre?"
"This doesn't feel right. Where is everypony?"
"Maybe they are regrouping or fortifying the Everfree?" Thorax offered.
"No, not the patrols or checkpoints. I mean, anypony. We haven't seen a single soul in almost two days. Something is wrong."
"I agree. This poses poorly for our objective."
Sombra leered passed Sabre at me. His eyes glinted in the dark. The bright red contrasted nicely in the nightlight when there wasn't a constant blizzard, fear of a blizzard, or even the word blizzard in use.
"Yeah, I've noticed. There's something in the air, like smoke, just before a fire. It has my stomach doing flips," I said. I could almost hear the alarms.
"So, what do we do?" Thorax asked.
"Maybe we should have brought Sombra's army of rock monsters," Bright said. The bouncy thestral was jogging backward at the front of the group. The jerk spent all his extra energy doing laps around the rest of us.
"Not possible."
"Why not, Sombra?" I asked.
"My Golems are powered by a network of highly tuned crystal generators. To take them out of the Empire would drain their energy far too quickly. It is an impractical ploy. If not, why would I have not simply marched into the Everfree long ago and crushed Nightmare Moon under hoof like the narcissistic fool she is?"
"Good point. A counterpoint, Why didn't we take a completely different path back across the border. You know, in case the Queen decided to wait us out?" Spade asked.
"Not possible. The north has very few safe paths in or out. If we used a lesser tread path, there was a greater risk of injury or death. Not to mention how much longer it would take. The citizens of Equestria do not deserve to hide scared and in the dark any longer than necessary."
Blueblood had his face buried in one of his maps and, even so, was still keeping pace. It was like he could see right through those precious maps of his. As well as expertly avoiding any trip up or pothole any other traveler would no doubt trip and falter.
"So what, we walk right into the monster's maw?" I asked.
"Yes, that is exactly what you will do. In fact, you'll parade yourself right to Her Majestie's gates. Oh, what a sight it will be."
"Oh sure, we'll get right on—"
The words died in my throat as I placed the Voice to the suggestion.
"Wait, when did you?"
"Shh shh shh, no need to get upset, my friend. I know you've missed my company, but I haven't been sitting idle. I'll have you know."
"Star?"
Sabre asked. The soldier knocked a hoof against my side. I barely noticed. I was far too busy learning how to facehoof in the metaphysical realm of my mind. The shadows had lurched into sight as the Voice had returned. I hadn't heard a peep since the playback in the Crystal Empire, but no, pop right back up like nothing had happened.
"Oh, come now, you look absolutely silly making that face. You'll end up having an accident at this rate. You know very well you missed me, and how could I blame you?"
"The voice is back," I said aloud.
That had a near-instant response, with the group gathering around like it was story time. Sabre had his brow knit so tightly together it was impossible to tell where the stress began or the brow itself ended. Bright hung just above me, smiling like a mad colt. I contemplated swatting at him but couldn't be bothered.
"And?" Blueblood asked. He'd finally pulled his eyes from his maps, and the bags certainly didn't soften my worry for the sullen unicorn.
"They said we should make a direct path for the Everfree. As in right down the main street and through the gates."
"Are they mad?" Sombra asked.
"I am quite giddy, actually. How are you?"
"For the love of. They claim to be sane. I wouldn't bet on it."
"You wound me, Stargazer. I have had nothing but your best in mind since the day you woke into this eternal night. I assure you, my plan is sound. Why don't you ask Queen Chrysalis if you don't believe me? She and I have hatched quite the plan, as it were."
"You what?"
I'd stopped midstep. My eyes pulled to Mount Canter looming in the distance. I suddenly missed the cold of the north.
"Star?" Bright asked.
"Thorax."
"Yes, Star?"
"Call, Chrysalis, now. Like right now."
"Um?" Thorax looked at the others but found no further enlightenment.
"The voice is claiming to have talked with Chrysalis."
The others looked stuck between worry and indifference. Sombra hummed, tapping a hoof to a chin as he dissected my explanation.
"Right, Do you?"
"I think all of us will need to be present for this," Sabre said, placing a hoof gently on Thorax's shoulder. The Changeling fell onto his haunches.
"Okay."
The group gathered around, each recalling the last time we'd entered the Hive Mind. A mixture of peace of mind and stimulated concentration.
"Oh, watching all the pieces come together is also so exciting," The Voice said with laughter. I could almost envision them jumping about in childish glee.
My eyes closed, and the material world faded away.
"Everyone present?" I thought.
Each of my friends accounted for themselves. That left only two more conversants.
"Captain." Chrysalis sounded tired. Her thoughts were sluggish and seemed to skip about. "I take it this is an emergency?"
"My Queen. Stargazer insisted. He claims you've spoken with the Voice from his dreams." Thorax's soft deflective tone was like that of a child getting scolded.
"Stargazer?" Chrysalis asked.
"Is it true," I thought?
Do you assume me a liar? "Of course it is. After all, I've done for you. Shame on you, Stargazer, shame."
"Everyone heard that, right?" I asked.
"Yes, Star, yes we did," Spade thought.
"So this is the pony behind the curtain?" Blue thought dryly. He felt almost as tired as the Queen did.
"I am of a sort, yes. That is, however, not the point of today's meeting."
"The stranger speaks true. We have little time for such trivialities."
"My Queen?"
The sudden sharpness of Thorax's thoughts embedded a deep seeded terror. It left a chill running down my back, metaphysically, that is. The others seemed to agree if the sudden deafening silence was to mean anything.
" The Voice thought, "The floor is yours, Chrysalis," the tone infantile. It ebbed like a yawn, barely aware or interested in the formality of where we were or whom they were talking to.
"This Voice, as you call it, visited my dreams not two nights prior. At this time, it and I came to an agreement. A plan that will soon commence."
"And that was?" I asked.
"Star, my dear friend, what do you think would happen if you made your way to Nightmare's palace and all her soldiers, mages, and other assorted murderously inclined followers were there to greet you?" The Voice asked.
The question was followed by a series of images and depictions of all the potential ways such an event might go down. Stabbed, beaten, blasted, burned, crushed, captured, and tortured were a few choice examples.
"Yet, you told us to march to the gates, correct?" Blue asked.
"I did, and that, my fair Blueblood, is all due in part to Chrysalis and her righteous rebels. It is no secret Nightmare Moon has quite the ire saved up for Canterlot's remaining residence. She only leaves them because she sees them as nothing but the rabbling masses. A non-threat, as it were. What if that were no longer the case?"
The Hive Mind was silent, devoid of even a stray thought. I felt my body shudder back in reality. A feeling that echoed through the silent mindscape. It was like a ripple, one that was amplified by the others and their own state of mind.
"War."
Sabre's solemn decree was a door to the return of the static that ran through everyone present. All except, The Voice, Chrysalis, and Sombra. The former seemed amused, the latter disinterested. Chrysalis was a collage of emotions, so thoroughly mixed that no one thought or feeling bubbled to the surface.
"The very same, yes. But you see, that is the beauty of it."
"If War is beauty, I am a master artist and lovable scamp. Oh, wait, bad example."
Spade's joke fell flat. The pegasus hummed in regret.
"So, what's the endgame then?" Bright asked.
"Simply put. If Nightmare Moon has no other choice but to entertain us and yet can not leave her throne, for the risk of you and your allies making it to the Elements, then an opening is bored into her overwhelming defense. If she brought the Elements with her, it would show fear and weakness. A thought the putrid narcissist could not bare. So she is left with only one option. She must wait, unguarded for what you may attempt. A pincer attack in twenty-four hours. We will grant you a single opportunity for you to finish this damned night once and for all."
Chrysalis shared visions of the Nightmare stuck on her throne alone and afraid. It roused a bit of amusement. It helped with the heavier themes this conversation had taken. That did not mean that all was well.
"My Queen, please, there must be another option. What if you or Sir Armor were hurt or worse? What would we do without you?"
Thorax's thoughts were rife with such abundant fear I felt my own hooves shaking. There were no images,s but they weren't needed. A rainbow of feelings whirled by in a twister of terror. The others, for the most part, didn't fare much better. Even Sombra seemed tense as Thorax wracked himself with what-ifs and could-be.
"Captain," Chrysalis paused a moment and softened her thoughts. "Thorax, we all have a part we must play. You ask what you would do without my rule. Yet, I have no such worries. For I know that my Hive and my ponies are strong. Even if I were not here, I have no doubt that you would fight on, and one way or another, no matter what may come of it. You will survive, and you will conquer. Nightmare Moon's nights were always numbered. That I am assured of."
The gentle maternal radiance of the Changeling Queen was that of a warm embrace, of soft consuming safety. Chrysalis had no need to demand respect or loyalty. For The Hive were her children, and they followed their own love for their All-Mother.
"My Queen."
Thorax could muster nothing more. He was left surrounded by Chrysalis' will and her undeterred fighting spirit.
"Such conviction is admirable."
Sombra let his words sit as the rest of the group recovered from Thorax and Chryalis' moment. I almost believed I felt a little mirth in the old king's words. Perhaps that was only the feedback from Chrysalis' unrestrained sincerity.
"It is, yes. Such is what happens when you rule. You either become a saint or a tyrant,"
The Voice sighed, attaching a plethora of images of others sighing as well to it. It certainly dragged me back to the less-than-simple plans at present.
"So, you plan to paint a target on your back and hope that Nightmare Moon sends out her armies to destroy you. In which, while you are doing so, we sneak in and usurp the throne, and huzzah, all is well. The world is saved. Let the dawn come forth. That about cover it?" I asked.
"No."
Chrysalis left no room for debate. I could feel the fire in her grow. The bright fury of her mind, the Hive itself, was staggering. I felt my lungs desperate to retain my breath as everything became Chrysalis, every Changeling in solidarity.
"We will crush Nightmare's forces, and by the time we march on the Palace, you will have bested the foul Queen and freed Luna, if possible, so we may return light to a bleak world. This is a matter of when, not a matter of if."
"Well, I'm sold."
Spade said before leaving the Hive Mind altogether.
"I can't tell. Was that sarcasm, or?" I asked.
"It's Spade, so probably both. I didn't sense any negative emotions before he left."
Neither did I, Captain."
Well, that's two erovores out of two. I'll just leave Spade to Spade.
"I believe we all mirror Spade's intent, if nothing else. The plan is dangerous, but it may be the only choice we have at present," Blue thought. "As for now, I believe we should prepare for what is to come. This may be the last chance to rest before meeting with the Queen. I wish you the best of luck, Your Majesty."
This Blueblood followed Spade and departed the Hive Mind.
"Oh, I should write all this down before it gets fuzzy. I can't wait to write the climax, and ooo, the epilogue will be fun too."
And like that, Bright was gone. It was a relief to see at least one of us was keeping it together. Heaven's above, know what we'd do if Bright got all mopey.
"A fate we have no business visiting, sir."
"I was doing it again, wasn't I?"
"Yes, yes you were."
Sabre followed the others.
"My Queen, I'll make you proud."
Thorax's mind felt sturdier than before. The doubt was replaced with determination. An image, not a memory of Thorax, standing side by side with another Changeling. The bright purple of Thorax's companion is a deep contrast to Thorax's own subtler presence.
"If only Pharynx could see what you've become. Go forth, Captain, and crush our enemy into the dust. For the Hive."
"For Equestria," Thorax finished.
Then He was gone. The image of him and what was undoubtedly his brother lingered even after he'd left. I then had to puzzle if his leaving would boot the rest of us. As I was still here, it didn't seem so. A puzzle for another day."
"That would be my doing, Stargazer. I couldn't have you and the dread King Sombra leave before I had my final say. That would not do at all."
"You can do that?" I asked.
"It appears they can," Sombra answered.
"I will make this brief. What follows tonight will change Equestria and Equis as a whole forever. I would be terribly disappointed if I had to wait another thousand years for a would-be hero. It'd take at least that long before I could pull another wayward soul from the aether."
"Do what now?" I asked.
"Never you mind. Focus on tomorrow. If you win, we may finally get to meet face-to-face. Consider that incentive as for you, Sombra. You may have left the bitter cold of the north but have yet to thaw. I'd work on that before it's too late."
"You dare?"
Sombra's thought boomed over the mindscape. It left my metaphysical ears ringing.
"Enough. We have accomplished what needs to be done here. I will see you both once this is done. Now, I believe it is time for you to leave."
Chrysalis' Voice soothed the soul. Like a lullaby, I felt myself drift off. Then as, suddenly, My eyes snapped open. I blinked away the spots that danced across my vision. I stood where I'd been before the meeting with Chrysalis.
The others had spread about, doing whatever they could while they waited for Sombra and I's return. It was only then that I noticed Sombra had lagged behind. I looked about the tree-paved path and back to Sombra. A few seconds passed, and the king finally returned to the waking plane.
"You okay, I asked.
Sombra didn't answer. He brushed past me and off into the trees. I hope we do not need to track him down now. We already have plenty on our plate. The clock was ticking. Tomorrow, one way or another, this would all end.
"Tomorrow," I whispered under my breath. "Tomorrow."