“You know darling. When you said we should travel as a unit, this isn't what I thought you meant,” Rarity murmured, frowning bitterly.

“What do you mean?” Kanathara retorted, pausing her horn sharpening to glance down at Rarity.

“Well, all of this!” Rarity exclaimed.

“I don't understand,” Kanathara retorted, growing irritated.

“I think she's talking about how we are gearing up to head out behind enemy lines, alone and away from the rest of the army,” Applejack piped up from across the room.

Kanathara blinked and looked around at the small camp they had established not far from the main group. Tucked away in what had once been a clothing store, the small group of six were in the middle of gearing up. Rainbow Dash was polishing her armor, Pinkie Pie was replacing the string of her crossbow with the help of Applejack. Fluttershy was checking her medical supplies, counting out each bandage and suture she had before tucking them neatly away once more.

“I still don't understand why you are upset,” Kanathara remarked. “I told you we were going to have to stick together from now on, and that we had an important mission.”

“I understand that,” Rarity hissed. “But can't we at least bring an escort? Perhaps my wife and I could locate our chaotic pet and bring it with us.”

“Where did that big bastard go anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked without looking up. “I haven't seen it around since we dealt with those windigos.”

“It does what it wants, I’m afraid,” Rarity murmured. “It only consistently comes when I call it when I’m in danger.”

“Hmm that gives me an idea,” Kanathara whispered to herself.

“I don't like that look in your eye darling,” Rarity warned.

“Don't worry about it Rarity. But to answer your question we don't have time,” Kanathara explained. “The army will move out soon, and they will come face to face with a freshly reinforced barrier. We need to deal with it immediately lest we be slowed.”

Rarity hesitated and glanced out the lone unbroken window. Past the hills and low mountains of snow rose a shimmering dark sphere that covered the royal quarter. Within the barrier, the occasional flash of golden light could be seen, signaling that the battle between Nightmare Moon and Celestia continued even now.

“I don't like it much more than you do Rarity, but it's what we gotta do,” Applejack declared.

“The window on success is closing, I can feel it in my bones,” Pinkie Pie added, shivering in a mixture of fear and anticipation.

“And I assume we’ll remain split up after we deal with this barrier?” Rarity pressed.

“That is likely,” Kanatahra continued. “We will need to press on to our next objective immediately.”

“Can I at least say goodbye to my wife?” Rarity whined. “Daisy is likely worried sick by now.”

Kanathara’s upper lip curled, and she was about to deny the request only for the demon to lock eyes with the unicorn across from her. Within those enormous, watery puppy dog eyes Kanathara found a small hint of patience she had lacked a moment ago.

“Augh, fine,” Kanathara spat, jabbing a hoof at the mare. “But make it quick.”

“Thank you, darling!” Rarity exclaimed, turning and jogging out into the blizzard raging just beyond the shop’s ravaged doorway.

“Anyone else?” Kanathara growled, turning to the others.

“Nah,” dismissed Applejack.

“Noper doper!”

“I don't need any other supplies,” Fluttershy murmured.

“Good,” Twilight spat, turning away and sulking a few feet away from the others.

It wasn't long before Rainbow Dash joined her, the armored demon plunking down next to her mistress.

“You sure you don't want to chat with Tirek before we roll out?” Rainbow Dash offered. “Something tells me we aren't exactly going to have time to talk until after this is all said and done with. One way or another.”

“I know,” Kanathara retorted, only to pause and take a shuddering breath. “And no. We’ve spoken at length already. To go to him now would be a waste of both our time.”

“What about Pear Butter or Velvet?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

Kanathara hesitated. “No,” she whispered. “That would be an unneeded distraction at this point.”

“Good cus I don't know if I’d be able to say goodbye to either of ‘em,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

“You could go if you wish,” Kanathara offered somewhat awkwardly. “You need not be at my side every moment.”

“Nah, with you is where I belong. Besides, I want to hold on to the idea that we’re all gonna make it through this and we’ll have plenty of time to chat once this is over,” Rainbow Dash dismissed.

“Wise. To do otherwise is to allow the idea of defeat to fester and perhaps to manifest,” Kanathara mused.

“Yeah, I totally just don't wanna think about it,” Rainbow Dash dismissed.

Kanathara sighed and rested her head against the vengeant’s armored shoulder.

“Are the others watching?” Kanathara whispered.

“No.”

“They are, aren't they?” Kanathara retorted.

“Yeah, pretty much,” Rainbow Das admitted with a chuckle.

“Whatever,” Kanathara muttered, a blush burning hot on her cheeks.

“Now I ain't complainin', but are you sure we have to stick to the sewers? I didn't think it was safe down there,” Applejack muttered, scratching her head.

“It's going to be fine,” Kanathara retorted, the demon tapping the twisting red line she had drawn on the map between them. “They’ve all but given up the ground game for the moment and are relying on winged forces to harry the main army as it approaches the barrier.”

“Yeah good luck getting past Cloudsdale,” Rainbow Dash remarked with a harsh, barking laugh.

“They are coming in low and fast, avoiding the sky fortress for the most part,” Kanathara replied.

“I’m surprised that thing’s still flyin',” Applejack muttered. “Them winds could strip a tree bare in seconds.”

“Never mind how cold it must be up there,” Pinkie Pie murmured emphatically, glancing up at the sky.

“I’m not sure for how long we’ll be able to count on Cloudsdale’s presence. It's a big place, but the storm’s only getting worse,” Kanathara grimly stated.

“Getting back to the point,” Rainbow Dash offered.

“Right,” Kanathara sat up and cleared her throat. “Once we are able to infiltrate the lower level of the mall I’ll observe our foe, and come up with a plan. One that hopefully won’t be time or resource-heavy.”

“We’ll need every second and every bit of strength we have if we are going to reach the hospital. Never mind fight and kill a god right after that,” Rainbow Dash proclaimed.

“I don't know bout this,” Applejack muttered while rubbing her chin. “Why can't we-”

The conversation ended abruptly when the door to the small shop opened to reveal a slightly distraught Rarity. The mare seemed unharmed, with her heavy leather coat obscuring most of her from sight. All save for her face, as well as her upper neck.

“Hey, Rarity’s back!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed, bouncing over to the other pony. “Oh hey, what happened to your neck?”

Rarity blushed and pulled her coat a little tighter. “I don't know what you are talking about darling,” Rarity muttered.

“It looked like it was covered in bite marks. Are you okay? Did one of the imp’s attack you?” Pinkie Pie pressed, getting closer with every sentence spoken.

“No, I am quite alright I assure you Pinkie,” Rarity exclaimed.

“Then what happened?” Pinkie Pie continued to ask.

“It's a diamond dog marking ritual,” Kanathara remarked, rolling up the map and standing up. “Rarity here has been claimed by her mate and depending on how old the tradition is, her partner has promised to make her pregnant when next they meet.”

“Oh my gosh is that true?” Pinkie Pie inquired, eyes wide.

Rarity’s mouth opened and closed several times before uttering two short words. “No Comment,” the pony then pulled her hood so tight that her eyes were barely visible.

“Come on. We don't have time to waste. We’ll fill Rarity in while we are moving,” Kanathara declared.

The group moved out into the street, heading for an already cleared section of the street where an open manhole waited for them.

“Hey uh, hilarious though that may have been. Are you sure you should be poking our new friends? Especially given your whole theory about us and the elements of harmony,” Rainbow Dash asked, gesturing beyond her.

“It was simply the most expedient way to get them moving,” Kanathara stated firmly.

“Uh huh,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

“Huh. Well, that wasn't so bad,” Applejack muttered, shaking a limb free of the refuse that clung to it.

“It may not have been pleasant but at least it was safe,” offered Fluttershy.

“Speak for yourself, darling. That stint in the sewers was lethal to my perfume,” Rarity remarked, the mare pulling a pink bottle out of one of many pockets and all but hosing herself down with the fragrant liquid.

“Stars above that stuff reeks,” Rainbow Dash whined, waving a hoof in front of her nose. “Why do you even have a bottle of whale urine anyway?”

“It is not whale urine you ruffian,” Rarity hissed.

“I thought perfume used whale piss,” Rainbow Dash murmured.

“You are thinking of ambergris,” Kanathara remarked. “And that is actually a waxy substance that originates from the small intestine of a whale.”

“So whale shit then?” Rainbow Dash offered.

“More or less,” Kanathara replied with a shrug.

“I am so conflicted all of a sudden,” Rarity muttered.

“Well I’m just glad that everything wasn't all frozen down there,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie, the mare pausing to shake herself like a dog. “I totally thought it was gonna be one giant ice tunnel.”

“The infrastructure of this city is something of a marvel,” Kanathara admitted. “I expected the wards in the sewer to have collapsed already yet they continue to function even now.”

“We can marvel at this city’s engineering another time,” Applejack dismissed, turning to the keeper of secrets. “What's the plan there boss lady?”

“The scrying spell I sent ahead of us should be done in a few minutes. For the moment, just spread out, and secure the area,” Kanathara ordered.

“Aye aye, el capitan,” proclaimed Pinkie Pie before bouncing off.

Kanathara looked out over the strangely serene storage area they had entered into. Only a few feet away was the open manhole cover, and the safety grate they had torn aside to get inside.

Beyond that were rows and rows of merchandise waiting to be sold. Each of the mall’s stores seemed to have a section reserved for it as one shelf was dedicated entirely to toys while another was piled high with makeup and dresses. From unsold boots to the higher-priced spell-enhanced household items, everything was untouched and seemingly forgotten.

“Kinda spooky huh?” Rainbow Dash remarked.

“I suppose,” Kanathara muttered, glancing out over the cluster of lights gathered several rows over.

Her new friends weren't exactly conspicuous, but there were no signs of demons or even looters. Kanathara was about to begin wandering the area and double-checking the exits when her horn began to tingle. Closing her eyes, the keeper of secrets accepted the returning scrying spell, her mind filling with information gathered during its travels.

“Hmmm,” Kanathara murmured.

“Bad news?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“Mixed,” Kanathara replied. “Their security is light so I’ve been able to gather all the information I need but there is a hiccup.”

“They are really bunkered down up there,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “This is going to be a slog.”

“Overlapping shields. Plenty of defensive positions and they’ve even taken the time to reinforce the supports holding up the second and third floors so we can't even bring the entire building down on them,” Kanathara continued, eyes still tightly shut. “There may be an easier way through this, however.”

“Oh? What am I not seeing?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

“The core of their defensive strategy is to defend the pride demon at the center of their formation,” Kanathara began, a grin spreading across her face. “Ha. As I thought, he's tied most of the wards to himself. If we were able to take him out their entire plan would crumble.”

“And then we what? Teleport out and leave the remnants to the main army?” Rainbow Dash inquired.

“Pretty much,” Kanathara answered.

“I don't get why they gotta leave this big fancy barrier of theirs in order to make it stronger,” Applejack declared, the mare leaning against a nearby shelf. “Wouldn't it make more sense to stay inside of it?”

“The type of barrier they are employing can only be empowered so much from within but with secondary, or even tertiary exterior modules, the overall strength can be multiplied with ease,” Kanathara explained.

“Huh. I suppose that makes sense. Can't build a proper house if you can only work on the inside,” Applejack added.

“A crude, but apt metaphor,” Kanathara muttered. “Regardless, I have a plan.”

“What are we doing? Making a bomb? Burning the place to the ground, them in it? Or are we going in, crossbows blazing?” Pinkie Pie asked, miming the act of shooting a bunch of demons with her oversized ranged weapon.

“Nothing quite so brutish,” Kanathara dismissed. “Instead of raw strength we shall prey upon their insecurities, and have them invite us inside.”

“And how exactly are we going to do that? These creatures aren't exactly known for being good hosts,” Rarity remarked, rolling her eyes.

“We’ll simply make them an offer they can't refuse,” Kanathara exclaimed.

“I can't believe you talked me into this,” Rarity hissed.

“It is the best course of action,” Kanathara retorted. “Now be silent and allow me to do the talking. I know how best to manipulate simpletons like him.”

Rarity grumbled under her breath but did as she was told, trodding silently behind the keeper of secrets. Together they made their way up to the third floor before emerging at the far end of the shopping plaza and making their way towards the distant sign of activity. Demons and cultists alike were hastily erecting more barricades using whatever they could find.

Though they weren't numerous the nearly hundred-strong group had managed to create a number of impromptu obstacles constructed out of the shop’s contents. Already ballista emplacements were set up and pointed out into the empty, dark expanse of the mall, their operators standing nearby but giving their surroundings little attention. The most unfortunate sight was the three separate layers of shimmering red magic that created a series of kill zones and choke points.

The individual who was controlling it all stood on the far end, the tall, dark green-skinned demon held a large, swirling black gem in his hands. Shadows peeled off from the orb, and flew out the open window behind him, escaping into the night to seek out new prey.

Why don't we just hit him through that window? Rainbow Dash asked, the vengeant shifting uneasily from inside Kanathara’s body.

It's a honeypot. He's made himself appear weak on that side in order to draw foes into the field of shadows he's erected in the parking lot just beyond. Kanathara explained.

Which explains why we are walking straight at him. Rainbow Dash added.

Exactly.

“Are you sure this is wise?” Rarity whispered.

“Yes, now shush. We are nearly there,” Kanathara declared.

Striding ahead of the unicorn, Kanathara made a show of clopping her hooves loudly against the polished floor, drawing the attention of the demonic defenders. Shouts went up, and soon several ballistas, crossbows, and spears were being pointed Kanathara’s way. While Rarity hid behind the large demon, Kanathara remained unmoving, striding up until she stood at the edge of the first barrier.

“Hail, and well met,” she announced, smiling widely. “I see you’ve dug yourself in quite deep.”

The demons shifted uncomfortably, clearly confused by the warm greeting.

“What are you playing at, Keeper?” Spat a short, squat bipedal demon with froglike features and tiny arms.

“Rarity and I,” Kanathara began, pushing the unicorn out from behind her so they stood beside one another. “Are here with an offer of parlay to your boss.”

“We are not to entertain any offers of parlay, surrender, or otherwise. Ballista team,” the frog demon exclaimed. “Prepare to fire!”

“Are you sure you’re master feels the same?” Kanathara interrupted, raising her voice. “I am Kanathara, whose hooves shatter mountain and whose voice lulls the sun. Surely your lord would not turn away an opportunity to ally himself with as great a potential ally as I. He is, after all, a brilliant strategist, and an expert mage.”

“The mistress was quite clear,” blubbered the frog. “We are not to entertain any such offers. Now would someone kill this- hurp.”

The demon suddenly stopped mid-sentence, the chubby creature hoisted into the air by a shadow hand that rose from the ground. It then forced open the infernal entity’s gaping maw and climbed inside of it, rearranging its interior until the shadow wore it like a fleshy suit.

“Ignore this fool’s inane chatter,” the frog suddenly declared. “The lord of excess, Sheodara welcomes you to his castle. Such as it is.”

“So good of you to see me. I was beginning to wonder if you were not as wise as the stories made you out to be,” Kanathara remarked.

“Apologies, honored guest. I had to take a moment to do away with any pesky observers first. We wouldn't want the Nightmare listening in on this conversation now would we?” the other demon offered, smiling widely.

“I am assuming we are not going to have said conversation here,” Kanathara stated, glancing around at the row of demons and cultists still pointing various weapons at her. “There are far too many other interested parties.”

“Of course not. We shall speak in my inner sanctum. Please, come with me,” he offered, extending a hand through the barrier.

Kanathara accepted, dragging Rarity along with her as they passed through the first magical force field. The crawling sensation along her flesh was unpleasant, but Kanathara bore the indignity with grace. Unlike her mortal partner, who shivered in disgust, and began attempting to wipe away the sensation still assaulting her.

“It feels like insects are all over me. Why won't it go away?” Rarity murmured.

“It will pass in a moment. Be strong,” Kanathara urged.

That seemed to shock Rarity out of her brief bout of panic, the mare collecting herself and walking a little more regally. Kanathara could still see that one of Rarity’s eyes was twitching, making it evident she was clearly still unnerved. Even still, she walked tall and proud down the hall, through two more of the magical fields, and countless other defenders.

Finally, they stood before what had once been a display area meant to accommodate pony quins displaying fancy dresses. Atop the series of of shrinking and rising circles, was the pride demon who served as the center of it all. Wearing a long black suit, and pants, he appeared at first glance to be a merchant of some kind, an oddly normal one at that. Then, as Rarity’s eyes adjusted she noticed the fact that he had three yellow-slitted eyes that bore into her, appraising her like she were little more than a piece of meat.

“You called yourself Kanathra, did you not?” The pride demon offered.

“That is my name,” Kanathara pressed.

“Strange. The last time we met you were… how do I say this? Bipedal,” the pride demon retorted.

“Yes well. She was weak, so I took her flesh and her power,” Kanathara proclaimed.

“So you have. How curious, but not as curious as this little thing,” the other demon began, kneeling until he was almost at Rarity’s eye level. “What are you supposed to be? Offering? Morsel? An acolyte in the making perhaps?”

“I am Rarity Belle, of the Belle family,” Rarity began, stepping forward. “And we have come to bargain with-”

“No one cares, little one,” the pride demon retorted, rising back into a stand. “Be quiet now. The adults are talking.”

“Well I never,” Rarity harumphed.

“Oh but where is my manners? I am Uldread. Normally I would list my many titles but you don't seem the type to be impressed by such a thing. Are you Kanathara?” Uldread exclaimed, the final words slithering their way out of the demon’s mouth like it were a fat worm.

“No. I am not,” Kanathara sternly stated, her eyes narrowing.

“Then let us get down to the business at hand, hmm?” He offered. “What exactly is it that you are offering me.”

“We are offering you our knowledge of the army’s movements,” Rarity interrupted, forcing her way between the demons. “As well as our allegiance against them. We’ve seen who is going to emerge victorious and wish to be on the winning side as they say.”

“You really should keep your slaves on a tighter leash Kanathara. Some may consider this little outburst-” Uldread began, gesturing at Rarity. “-A sign of weakness.”

“You have not answered the offer,” Rarity growled.

“I refuse,” Uldread proclaimed. “The movement of your little army is obvious to any with eyes. As for your allegiance…”

The pride demon’s upper lip curled in disgust as he looked down at the unicorn.

“You are worth less than that whelp,” the pride demon began, gesturing to the twitching frog demon that stood nearby, black ichor dripping out of his open maw. “And though Kanathara hear is a different story, we have rather express orders to kill her should she try anything like this.”

“Then allow me to counteroffer,” Kanathara rerouted, using a spell to bind Rarity’s legs together, while also holding her jaws firmly shut. “First of all, I have a gift for you, Uldread.”

“Interesting,” the pride demon murmured. “I was told you were on the side of these dreadful horse creatures.”

“I am on no one’s side but my own,” Kanathara declared. “And as for your orders… are you really going to do what she wants you to do?”

“It is not a matter of what I want,” Uldread shot back, snarling once more. “Few of us are here by choice after all. When one such as her calls, we have little choice but to come. The power of a prime evil is beyond your comprehension.”

“Oh but that is where you are wrong,” Kanathara pressed, stepping forward and tossing Rarity at the feet of the demon. “I know her, and I know that once she has doomed this wretched backwater she is going to turn her fangs on you.”

The pride demon’s eyes narrowed and his shoulders fell slightly.

“You know as well as I that you lot are little more than loose ends waiting to be tied up,” Kanathara continued. “And with the power she gains after killing an entire planet she will have more than enough strength to hold you hear, and force you to share in their fate.”

“Is that all you are offering?” Uldread spat. “Grim portents and a reminder that we are all doomed?”

“No. I am giving you the chance to flee while you can. To escape her wrath and to avoid the crushing depths of oblivion,” Kanathara proclaimed.

“Impossible,” spat the pride demon.

“Not impossible. Merely improbable,” Kanathara explained, trotting back and forth. “Her power is great, yes, but she is distracted fighting the sun princess. With her attention divided, we can both slip away from her gaze and return to Tartarus.”

“Ahh but that assumes she wouldn't hunt us down like dogs immediately after she is done with her meal,” Uldread added.

“With the power of a dead world her gaze would be a little higher than a pair of lowly demons who slipped through between her fingers,” Kanathara corrected, stopping and turning to him. “Think about it. Surely you don't wish to share the same fate as these… creatures.”

Ulread’s eyes narrowed and the demon hummed softly to himself.

“You make some excellent points,” the pride demon finally concluded. “However. Before we ink a contract, and share our blood. I would like nothing more than to sample this one’s soul.”

Uldread plucked Rarity from the ground with a long, stick-thin arm, raising her into the air like she were little more than an overgrown cat.

“Be my guest,” Kanathara offered. “I admit I’ve been tempted to taste one of these fabled element bearers myself.”

“An element bearer? A fine offering indeed,” Uldread exclaimed, the demon pausing to wipe his lips clean of greenish spittle. “Perhaps you are more sincere in this request than I gave you credit.”

“It would be uncouth to come to the bargaining table empty-handed,” Kanathara added.

“Indeed, now if you will excuse me. We will talk more once I’ve sampled this one,” Uldread dismissed.

The demon raised Rarity up high into the air, dangling the wide-eyed mare over his increasingly widening maw.

Boss? Rainbow Dash pressed.

Wait for it. Kanathara retorted.

Uldread’s mouth cracked, and extended, growing and widening until it was wide enough to swallow the pony whole. Bright green slime dripped from between his pointed teeth, hitting the ground and sizzling upon impact.

Uh, boss? Rainbow Dash asked, her mental voice increasingly nervous.

Just a moment longer. Kanathara thought back.

As if on cue, an enormous shape darkened the window, blotting out what meager light had been able to pierce the ever-present blizzard. A split second later a great fist smashed through the side of the building and kept going. Through one, two, and then finally three magical barriers and stopping only long enough to grab the pride demon around the middle.

“Now,” Kanathara exclaimed.

Rainbow Dash leaped out of her, reforming almost immediately, her body already encased in a thick layer of demonic armor. The vengeant sprung upon the confused frog demon, tearing him apart before he knew what was happening. As Rainbow Dash moved onto the next target, fiery wings pumping, Kanathara plucked Rarity out of the air, catching her before she could fall more than a foot.

“Relax, I’ve got you,” Kanathara exclaimed, using a spell to remove the restraints binding the unicorn. “There, better?”

“How dare you, you, you brute!” Rarity shouted.

“I-”

Kanathara barely had a chance to open her mouth before Rarity struck her hard across the face.

“You insufferable wench,” Kanathara spat.

“Well at least I-” Rarity began, only for the mare to be dropped unceremoniously onto the ground.

“On second thought, you can stand on your own damn hooves,” Kanathara stated.

Rarity hastily stood back up and was about to launch into another reprimand of her companion when an explosion rippled through the mall. Spinning around, Rarity looked up just in time to be blasted back by a wave of shadow. A scream ripped past her and continued past her before vanishing a moment after it appeared. For a moment Rarity felt the cold touch of a thousand icy fingers scratching down her skin, the sensation lingering for a few seconds before it too vanished.

“What in the hay?” Rarity murmured.

Looking up, the pair watched as the grootslang tossed aside the broken remnants of the shadow orb formerly wielded by Uldread. The demon himself had been folded in half once and though alive, was in agony. He tried to conjure enough power to teleport himself away, to retreat and likely heal himself but the grootslang was quicker.

Grabbing one set of limbs in one giant hand and the other in his spare, the grootslang gave the demon a sharp twist. Followed by a fold, then a flatten, and another fold, transforming the still twitching creature into a fleshy version of a paper swan.

“Put that silly creature out of its misery. I do believe he has learned his lesson,” Rarity ordered, trodding toward the grootslang.

The creature looked down at the demon, then rolled his great eyes and crushed him flat under a single giant hand.

“Good boy,” Rarity continued. “Thank you for the save by the way. You’ve done a wonderful job.”

The grootslang grinned, flashing a maw filled with strange, mismatched teeth. It leaned forward and allowed Rarity to pet it a few times before recoiling once more.

“Now go on. I’m sure Daisy needs you now more than I do,” Rarity began, pausing to glance over her shoulder. “Unless Kanathara is planning on using me as bait without telling me again.”

The grootslang growled, glaring daggers at the keeper of secrets.

“Spare me the drama,” Kanathara retorted, rolling her eyes. “You being aware of my plan from the start may have poisoned the results.”

“Or it could have spared me the terror of potentially getting killed and having my soul eaten,” Rarity shot back.

“This bickering is pointless,” Kanathara stated. “We must continue, and move quickly if we are to maintain the necessary pace.”

“Fine, but you are not keeping me in the dark again. Got it?” Rarity demanded.

Kanathara looked from the unicorn, to the still glaring grootslang and back again. “I find your terms acceptable, but we must hurry,” Kanathara encouraged.

A cultist ran between the two, her robes covered in hellfire and screaming all the while.

“Alright. I suppose Rainbow Dash has nearly finished sowing enough chaos anyway,” Rarity muttered, turning back to the grootslang. “Thank you again, dear. Be a good boy for Daisy now.”

The chaos beast nodded its great head before turning and slipping away, vanishing into the howling blizzard.

“Are you coming?” Kanathara prodded.

“I’m right behind you,” Rarity replied.

“The shadows part and the way is clear,” intoned the voice of a shade-like pony with long, batlike wings.

“So it seems,” Pear Butter rumbled.

The wrath demon looked out over the vast expanse of snow and shattered civilization. The darkness found there was deep, but not unnaturally so, the cloying shadows having been banished by some unknown force. With the way suddenly clear, shouts demanding that the army move, and for squads to form up were heard from all directions.

“The prodigal daughter succeeds again. It seems,” added the bat pony.

Pear Butter glanced out of the corner of her eye at the former priest. She spotted where the moon symbol had once been, but was now bear. The rest of her vestments remained, tattered though they may have been, the ex-cultist making no attempts to hide her former allegiance.

“It seems so,” Pear Butter finally replied, turning away and walking down into the camp proper.

“The shadow whispers grim portents for our tyrant moon,” whispered the bat pony, following close beside the demon. “They say Twilight is soon upon us, and that the final barrier shall fall shortly.”

“Let us hope that is true,” Pear Butter retorted.

“You don't believe them,” the priest replied.

“We are moving too quickly, and advancing at a pace I had not even thought possible. We are forcing Nightmare Moon’s hand, and I have no doubt she has more cards to play,” Pear Butter stated.

The bat pony nodded once and broke away from the demon, slipping away into a crowd of militia ponies milling about a fire. Pear Butter watched her go but made no effort to follow her. Instead, she meandered through the crowd, taking her time returning to her post and simply enjoying the moment of relative quiet.

“Why have you returned with that crate after I told you quite explicitly that it should have been delivered to militia squad delta two?” Declared a highborn, imperious voice.

“I don't understand. You were there when I delivered the supplies and you told me it wasn't needed,” retorted an annoyed-sounding male.

Pear Butter turned to find that a militia pony was staring up at a changeling Pear Butter recognized as the supposed queen of their race, Chrysalis.

“Preposterous,” snapped the queen. “I have not left my post since I sent you on your way.”

“I don't know what to tell you. You were there, you called me an idiot and sent me back. So? Which one is it huh?” He pressed.

“Send it back, obviously,” retorted Chrysalis. “And don't let me catch you skipping out on your job again. Transporting supplies may not be the most glamorous work but it is every bit as necessary as fighting.”

“You told me to send it back! This is your own damn fault, you overgrown flee!” Yelled the pony, throwing the crate on the ground with a crash.

Pear Butter strode toward the two and nearly made it there when a second Chrysalis appeared from the supply tent.

“What is all this racket? I am trying to work in here,” exclaimed the second royal.

“You should be working on keeping these people supplied. Not on your disguises,” sniped the first Chrysalis.

“Please. It is you who needs to work on their disguises. I sound nothing like that,” countered the second.

“Uh… what?” Murmured the pony.

“Foolish drone,” spat the changeling queen. “We are the rightful monarch of the changelings.”

“Wrong!” Shouted a third royal, striding into the mix. “It is I who is your true ruler. You should all bow to me!”

“What is this, some kind of drone joke I am too great and powerful to understand?”

“I’m just… gonna go now,” murmured the pony before hastily trotting away.

“Stand down!” Pear Butter ordered, striding boldly up to the quarreling trio. “This is no time for some manner of inane power grab. We are about to move and will need every ablebody we have to pack up camp.”

The three changelings all turned to Pear Butter, their mouths opening to spit some manner of retort. Only for their horns to all alight with emerald lighting that rippled down their bodies, and sparked off their hooves like flickering embers. Though the strange magic passed in mere moments, its effects lingered, with the changelings twitching and staring vacantly off into space. Like puppets, forgotten by their master, they hung loosely on their strings, lacking any will of their own.

Then they all lurched upward at the same time and released a horrid scream. The cacophony of noise was so great that even Pear Butter winced away from it, covering her ears and shutting her eyes. An act which she would immediately regret as a blast of magic struck her square in the chest, sending her flying through the air.

Her flight was brief, with the enormous wrath demon crashing through a tent and finally coming to a stop amidst a pile of crates assembling near the entrance to an alley. Emerging out of the mound of shattered wood, Pear Butter eagerly sought out the creature who had dared to strike her. She found her almost immediately, but the problem was that there was more than one. In fact, there were more Chrysalis’ than even three.

It seemed like every last changeling present had donned the disguise of their ruler, and was now madly attacking everyone and everything. Drones disguised as royals blasted apart empty buildings, set fire tents, and tore apart allied demons with conjured claws and altered teeth. Not only did they lay into their former allies and their supplies, but they also attacked one another, ripping apart a fellow Chrysalis if they strayed too close.

It wasn't localized to just this one area either.

Pear Butter could hear explosions ripple across the camp from all directions, and changeling queens flew overhead, engaging their former allies in brutal mid-air dog fights.

“Stars above,” Pear Butter murmured. “I am really starting to hate being right all the time.”

Author's Note

This is part of the countdown to christmas, head over here to keep track of all the cool stuff coming down the pipes. If you want to ensure I can afford to keep doing stuff like this, consider backing me over on Subscribestar or Patreon.

Also! This is the first story to reenter monthly updates!