//------------------------------//
// Melpomene 
// Story: Order of the Black Sun 
// by daOtterGuy 
//------------------------------//

“Alas, poor Stygian could not avoid injury indefinitely, for misfortune struck as the stage lights from up high fell.”

Stygian quickly conjured an arcane shield just as a rack of lights crashed on top of him. He cursed, once more regretting fighting Melpomene and Mistmane in a theater, since their combined strength was significantly more powerful on their home turf. Unfortunately, it was also the only way to draw them out into the open.


“Artemis met a fate most foul when her hoof thus tripped over a pile of rope. Tumbling, tumbling off the rafters and down to the stage below.”


Acting quickly, Stygian cast a feather fall spell on Artemis as she plummeted from above. She stopped just short of the floor. She righted herself, a glare firmly affixed to her face and mane a whirlwind of fury. Melpomene leaped gracefully from the upper stage to land next to Mistmane. Both stared down Stygian and Artemis, waiting for their next move.

“I really hate fighting these two,” Stygian remarked.

“Due to their complete control of the world around them?” Artemis noted. “Because if so, I agree with the sentiment.”

“No, because they’re smart. Smart villains suck.”

“I also agree with that sentiment.”


“We will take that as a compliment,” Melpomene said.


“It is truly a joyous thing to hear that we are both problematic for you, as you two have proven to be a massive pain to us,” Mistmane added.

“And soon, we will see who the biggest pain truly is,” Stygian said. “Artemis now!”

Artemis took out a stack of pages from her saddlebags, a worn, yellowed thing scrawled on with scratchy words.


“Regrettably, Mistmane and Melpomene found themselves glued to the floor as Stygian made his move.”


Stygian lunged toward Mistmane whose eyes opened as surprise as she found herself unable to dodge. She had probably not expected another muse’s magic to be used against her.


“Due to structural issues from times long ago, Stygian fell through the floor of the stage that collapsed underneath him,” Melpomene quickly said.


He felt the floor buckle. Artemis repeated the prior statement, reinforcing the magic granted to them from the muse Terpsichore. He felt the pull of their combined magics, each vying for control of his fate. The world seemed to slow down in his view.

A hoof outstretched, reaching toward the pin in Mistmane’s mane. She leaned away from him, a look of reproach on her face.

The floor collapsed.

He grabbed the hairpin, undoing Mistmane’s bun.

Stygian slammed against the debris in the trap room with a pained groan. Artemis landed next to him, lifting him onto her back.

“You have the symbol?” She asked.

He lifted his prize up in his magic. She smiled.

“Excellent work,” Artemis said.

“Get back here, you rats!” Mistmane shrieked.

“I suppose we shall make our exit through stage bottom,” Artemis remarked.

“Whichever way gets us away from them and me into a bed,” Stygian replied.

Artemis galloped off, Mistmane’s angry shouting following behind them.