//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3 
// Story: Desolation 
// by FaelaArts 
//------------------------------//

Shuffling along slowly, both Twilight and Discord couldn’t help but tense up each time a Wraith flew overhead. Using the smallest hint of magic, Twilight carefully distracted the herd with well-timed movements that created sound. Making their way to the station, they were relieved to see the train was indeed there.

Sharing a glance, both entered, careful not to bump into any of the herd. Taking out their weapons, they began to lead the ones that were inside the train, outside. Closing the door, they breathed a sigh of relief, and moved onto the next car. Before they could close the door, Twilight huddled over, trying to keep her coughing quiet.

Closing the door quickly, Discord threw his spell over the car, and bit his lip, shrinking down as a Wraith flew past them. Looking out the window, he watched the storm cloud rolling in. Recovering, Twilight also noticed it. Coming towards Canterlot as it was, there was no doubt who would be atop it.

Moving through the cars, they began to pick up speed, risking some noise despite the Wraiths. Finishing the last car, they carefully exited into the front of the train, where the openings made them obvious targets. Keeping low, they walked over to the engine, and Discord concentrated, trying to get it running.

“SCREEEE!” Both jumped as a Wraith began to call the herd, and Discord swore, managing to bring the engine to a start. Whining loudly, the train began to slowly move, alerting everything to their location. Concentrating, Twilight placed a shield bubble over the small part of the train they were in, and looked toward the cloud.

Gulping, Twilight’s vision focused, and she saw the creature atop the cloud, smiling as his broken horn radiated energy. Eyes leaking purple mist, their green made her spell start to short out. Beginning to hyperventilate, she didn’t even notice Discord shaking her until she received a large slap.

“Don’t let him get you Twilight! We need to work together! We can still save everyone! Spike, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Celestia and Luna. Don’t let him take you, just hold out a little longer. Please!” There was a note of panic in Discord's voice, watching as the Wraiths descended. Just before they attacked, Twilight’s shield sprung back up, and she gasped for breath, collapsing.

“I don’t know how much longer I can resist. His eyes, the shadow is everywhere Discord. He’s laughing at us, he knows what we’re planning. I-I can’t, I-I-I don’t-” Tears leaking from her eyes, Twilight closed them, knowing Discord could see him in them. Leaning down, Discord embraced her, saying nothing as she sobbed.

“Come now Twilight, if you can turn me to stone, you can stand against him. You are the Element of Magic, remember? So open those eyes, and remember the magic of the world. Because you’re the only one who can.” Both were silent, the train chugging along. Canterlot got farther and farther away, and they remained in place.

“I’ll try…” Leaning out of the embrace, Twilight opened her eyes, looking to Discord. Noticing the slight jolt, she saw how hard he was trying not to see their darkness. Looking out, she let the shield spell end, and closed her eyes. Discord sat beside her, holding out another ice cream sundae. 

“Discord,” she scolded, a shallow smile appearing on her face.

“Eat up, or I’ll finish it aaall by myself.”