Chapters The unicorn mare paused at the top of the hill, and looked out across the ruins of Canterlot. Various forms could be seen shuffling through the structures, but none she thankfully reconised. One eye covered by a bandage, cloak billowing in the breeze. Closing her single good eye, she let the breeze brush away the past for but a moment.
“We need to get moving.” Her partner, a brown pony with dull yellow eyes, glanced behind them as he joined her at the top of the hill. The voice caused the mare to open her violet eye, and give a nod. Levitating out her small, sharp knife, the two began to creep silently toward the city. As they approached, the forms began to grow clearer and clearer.
A filly with a broken leg and a crooked neck, a stallion missing half his head, a mare biting down on the flesh of recently killed colt. All had pitch black eyes without an iris. Pausing at the edge, the mare levitated up a rock, and tossed it toward some houses in the distance. Her rock sailed true, and the ponies turned toward it, snarling as they dashed toward the noise. Crouching slightly, the mare led them into the city.
Occasionally, one would crawl, or shamble into their path, and once more a rock would be thrown. They dared not make a sound as the stone around them whistled a harrowing tune in the wind. The ground beneath them lightly tapped with their every step, despite their slow pace. Above them, a layer of clouds blocked out all sunlight.
Arriving at a house that was somewhat intact, the mare tried the door. As it opened, it gave a loud creak, and both winced. Pulling out another rock, the mare threw it close by, but not too close. Heading inside, her magic enveloped the door, shutting it silently. There were in luck, it had a working lock.
Locking the door, the two made quick work on barricading the room from the outside to the best of their ability. Calling upon her magic, the mare also cast a spell on the space, making any sound not carry beyond it. Breathing a sigh, she slid her blade back into the sheath on her hind leg, and looked toward the stallion with her.
“How’s our food situation?” The mare waited as the stallion rifled around in his bags, pulling out a large ice cream sunday. A spoon appeared in his hoof, and he began to dig in. The mare gave a small smile, and walked over. Taking the spoon he offered, she rolled her eyes and began to eat.
“You know, we can’t live off of junk food every day. You better make some proper food appear tomorrow, Discord.” The mare’s smile vanished as a groaning was heard outside. After a moment, the shuffling sound indicated that it had moved on.
“Nonsense Twilight, what fun is there in eating ‘proper’ food?” Discord chuckled, swishing his tail and making the dust form into a doughnut. Twilight smiled, giving a chuckle before launching into a coughing fit. Discord was by her in a second, rubbing a hoof on her back as she coughed. After a few minutes, it subsided, and they returned to eating.
“Do you know what we will find at the castle?” Raising her head, Twilight licked her lips clean, glad to have such a great cook with her on her journey, even if he didn’t understand what a proper diet was. Pulling out a scroll, Twilight unfurled it and looked at the map of Canterlot. Tracing a path up to the castle, she saw Discord shrug from the corner of her eye.
“Could be good, but it’s likely bad I’m afraid. With most of my power sealed I can only guess. I am very good at guessing mind you. We just don’t know how this plague will affect Alicorns.” Discord gulped down the remaining ice cream, glancing toward the map. They quietly began discussing the route, before deciding to take the most direct one.
“I’ll take the first watch as usual my dear,” spoke Discord, giving a bow. Twilight smiled, giving a bow of her own, and curling up in her cloak. Closing her eyes, she fell asleep instantly. Discord flicked his tail, and a spell once more weaved around the room. With Twilight asleep, he would have to keep the room soundproofed. His was far less effective, however.
The next morning, the two exited, and took their chosen path. While most of the ponies in their path were alive, a few keeled over right in front of them. When it did so, the live ones crowded around, aiming to feast on the fresh meat. Well, Twilight supposed, fresh enough for sustenance in dire times.
Arriving at the entrance to the castle, they slowly entered, grimacing as their hoofsteps got louder. Twilight concentrated, pulling down small puffs of cloud, and fastening them around her hooves. Discord did the same, and they continued forward. Thankfully, most of the castle was untouched, and most ponies already cleared out. Likely during a final stand.
Opening the door to the throne room, both looked to the two forms sitting there, and forced themselves to approach. Both were barely skeletons, but their eyes shined with the same darkness the ponies outside contained. Their chains rattled as they groaned trying to leave their thrones. Twilight looked away, forcing herself to not cry.
Taking a risk, Discord quietly spoke. “It could have been worse, they could have become Wraiths.” As if called by his words, a loud screech sounded from outside. Both flinched, crouching as they approached the window. Right on the ledge was a spiked, bat like pony with piercing red eyes.
Ducking as it looked in their direction, both quietly snuck away, knowing that if they were spotted, a lot more than one single Wraith would descend upon them. While the black-eyed ones couldn’t see, the Wraiths certainly could. As they exited the room, they breathed quiet sighs, they had made it out.
Click, click, clack.
Both turned, and watched as a second Wraith walked around the corner. All was silent for a moment, and then a loud, harsh cry rang out across all of Canterlot. Both ponies swore, and Twilight pulled out her knife once more. Turning, they bolted toward the exit, hoping they reached it before they reached them.
Twilight flared her wings, hooking the front legs of Discord in her hooves. Taking to the air, they leapt out of the front of the Castle, skimming the large herd coming toward them. Glancing back, Twilight cursed, seeing the two Wraiths screeching as they flew after her. They were catching up quickly.
“There! That tower!” Discord pointed to one of the round towers at the corner grounds of the Castle. Landing on top, they both watched the herd begin to try to break in from the bottom. Taking out her blade, Twilight crouched. They had a small amount of time to defeat the Wraiths and escape into a building before more showed up.
Twilight jumped up as one dived for her, landing on top and slicing off the two wings protruding from it with one deft flick. Tossing the blade toward Discord, she jumped backward, pivoting and aiming a strong buck at the Wraith, sending it skittering off the edge of the building. Discord took the blade, removing the wings with ease before pushing the Wraith off the edge of the building as well.
Twilight flared her wings, once more picking up Discord as they took to the sky. Both scanned for a sturdy building, hearing the cry of a flock of Wraiths on it’s way. Finding one, Twilight dived down, casting a silence spell to silence their movements just as they landed. Opening the door, they dived inside just as the flock descended upon the city.
Barricading the building, Discord and Twilight picked the only corner with no openings, and set up a small trench in the ruined building. Twilight took off her cloak, tossing it over their heads and holding it down with some stones, levitating them based on memory. Breathing a sigh, she ensured they were soundproof, and turned her attention to Discord.
“So what’s our next move? With the Princesses affected, we’ve lost our chance of regaining control of the Sun for now. Heck, even the moon would suffice at this point.” Grimacing, Twilight shuddered as she dry heaved for a moment. Discord gently patted her on the back as his ear flickered, hearing the cries from outside pass them by.
“If we can release my power, I could control the Sun. As much as I love chaos, it’s no fun when there was no order to begin with.” Discord gave a smile, wiggling his eyebrows. Twilight chuckled, wincing as a sharp pain passed through her stomach. Flying had not been a good idea, it only sped up her deteriorating state.
“Alright, that sounds like our best bet. How do we go about doing that?” Twilight finally shook off her affliction, and returned her attention to Discord. Pulling out a map, he pointed out their location, and then traced the path back to Ponyville. Twilight groaned, they had come all this way, and now they had to return back to where they started?
“I knew you would not listen to my plan until you knew the fate of those two, so I did not mention it. But the seeds of chaos I planted should have grown their fruit by now, in soil so ripe with it. It should help boost my power enough to break the seal.” Discord held out the map, and Twilight put it away, sighing, she rubbed her forehead. It was true, she would have never trusted Discord if there was another option.
“It’s gonna take us twice as long to walk now that I can’t fly. We could risk it, but with how quickly it is affecting me, it is not a good idea.” Twilight closed her eyes, folding her arms as she considered their options. Discord looked up as the sounds of screeching began to die down. As he did, he attention went to an old toy surprisingly still sitting on the rotten carcass of a desk. Gently, he directed Twilight’s attention to it with a hoof, and the silence stretched for a moment.
“Would it even work after so long in this environment?” Looking to Discord, Twilight wanted to believe in it. It would greatly speed up their journey. Even with the tracks being close to rotten, they looked like they might support one more ride. Shrugging, Discord levitated the toy off the desk, watching it crumble silently into a mouldy pile.
“Working on not, it is our best option if we want to reach Ponyville in time. You have days left, at most.” Gravely looking at Twilight, Discord wondered if she would last. There had been times during the last week she had been unable to even move, and he had been forced to carry her. As fighting fit as she was, none had lasted as long as her.
Coughing, Twilight nodded. “You’re right, we don’t have any other option at this point. Will your magic be enough to get it running?” Wincing, Discord gave a mournful nod.
“Running? Yes, living? Sadly not. Oh how I wish I had the power to just brighten this world up with wonderful chaos.” Discord smiled sadly, looking toward the cloak above them. Twilight chuckled, before beginning to cough uncontrollably. Breathing out, she began to lie down, closing her eyes.
“Never change Discord…” Growing faint, Twilight began to breathe slower. Discord pursed his lip, and then shook Twilight, giving a sly grin.
“Now now my dear, you’ll have plenty of time to rest once we get ‘er running. And if we don’t get her running, well we’ll find you somewhere to rest regardless. I’ve got one more question for you my dear.” Smiling, Discord watched Twilight open one eye and look at him. A small smile fell on her face.
“Oh?” For a brief moment in time, neither spoke, simply smiling and enjoying the other’s company. There was no separation between them, nothing that prevented them from understanding the other, in such a way that they could be considered friends. Each one knew their chances were low, and they didn’t care.
“Do you choo-choo-choose me?” Winking, Discord smiled as Twilight snorted, standing up and putting her cloak back on.
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.”
