Having run throughout the entire forest, Sunset and Tempest stop to take a breather while Grubber jumps off her to take watch for any enemies. They sat near a dead tree and took a load off. They were exhausted from running out of that cave after encountering that Ursa Minor back in the cave. Sunset made sure to check her bag just in case her journal fell out. Luckily, it was still inside and she closed her bag to keep it from falling out.

“How are things on your end?” Sunset asked while checking for any monsters.

“We seem to have lost the Ursa Minor. Although I’m not sure if the other monsters have caught on to our escape.” Tempest answered while double-checking her supplies.

“We better stick together while we’re out here! Celestia knows what’ll happen if those monsters out there get ahold of us!” Grubber said while continuing to keep watch.

The unicorns took the hedgehog’s advice to heart and proceeded to keep checking their supplies before leaving their resting place. The trio proceeded to walk through an unknown forest outside of Equestria. They had no idea where they were and how far away it was from, but they kept vigilant and made sure to avoid any form of attack coming from any creature that would cross their path. Especially during the night times where only black clouds and the blood moon kept them company.

"How far do you think we strayed away from the Crystal Empire? Tempest asked, starting to feel worried.

"No idea. Though by an estimate, I'd say we have moved thousands of miles away from here." Sunset answered in a grom tone.

They looked at each other out of sheer concern and worry while they rested. So much is lingering on their mind and they have no idea what to expect now after wandering so far into enemy territory. It was only then Grubber said,

"Hey girls, I think I can see Canterlot from here."

The two unicorns looked off into the distance where the hedgehog pointed out and, to their horror, had noticed the Ooze-covered City of Canterlot. It was like something out of a nightmare nopony could wake up from, let alone attempt to run away from it. Sunset could feel its aura all over the city. It was nothing compared to the times when she fought against the various entities back in the human world. Canterlot was now the citadel of true, unfiltered evil and it was now the city of death. Regardless, they felt the need to see what was going on there. But walking over to Canterlot was like walking straight into the lion’s den. Neither of them were prepared and they had no idea what would happen if they were to infiltrate the citadel if they were to be spotted. And even then, curiosity took over Sunset and she wanted to go over. But then Tempest said,

“Sunset… whatever it is you’re thinking, it isn’t worth it. No matter how much information we receive and what weaknesses we may find over in Canterlot… getting our heads cut off isn’t worth the risk. So don’t even think about going over there.”

“But if we don’t figure out who their leader is, we can’t-!” Sunset said before getting her mouth covered by Tempest and ducking down along with Grubber.

They kept quiet and still when then heard a couple of manticores growling from a short distance away. The creatures thought they had heard something, but they decided to let it go after assuming it to be a false alarm. After listening to them leave, they slowly got up and resumed their discussion with each other.

“Sunset… going over to that citadel over there is suicide. Even if there were creatures who haven’t turned, there isn’t a snowball’s chance in Tartarus that we can just be allowed in. Plus, there are more of those things out there.” Tempest said, trying to reason with the determined unicorn.

“Even so, there has to be something we can do. It could be our one and only chance to uncover that monster’s secret identity.” Sunset countered, trying to give her new comrade a reason.

“I’m sorry, Sunset. But it’s far too dangerous to walk over to that citadel over there. We need to leave this area right now.” Tempest said as she and Grubber turned the other direction.

But instead of listening to her, Sunset proceeded to walk towards Canterlot. Quickly taking notice of this, Tempest and Grubber rushed over to stop their comrade from venturing any further.

“Did you not hear me, Sunset!? Canterlot is dangerous! If you go over there, you will be getting yourself killed! Do you want to die for nothing!?” Tempest said while keeping her friend tackled.

“Tempest, this could be my one and only chance to discover who their leader is! If you don’t wish to join me, then do as you please! But don’t interfere in my mission!” Sunset said while trying to get off the ground.

“Sunset, just listened to Tempest! We know how much your mission matters, but it won’t amount to jack squat if you die for nothing!” Grubber shouted as he put his two cents in.

Continuing to be stubborn, Sunset tried getting Tempest and Grubber off of her. However, it was all in vain as their combined strength kept the unicorn down. But having become fed up with their excuses, Sunset teleports away from them and just looks at her two companions in disappointment before saying,

“You two can leave if you want, but I’m going over to Canterlot whether you join me or not. And if you two wish to stop me, then-!”

Suddenly, they were surrounded by a swarm of Changelings and Hippogriffs. And just as Sunset was going to activate her horn, she suddenly starts having hallucinations of her demonic self invading her psyche once again.

“Nice to see that you’re treating your new friends well~. So what’re you gonna do about this crowd in front of you~?” her demonic self teased as she wrapped her arm around Sunset.

Sunset started sweating all over her body once more. But her breathing grew shallow, her heart was beating faster, and she was on the verge of feeling her brain snap in half like twigs being stepped on in the middle of the forest. However, just before she could react, she and her companions were knocked out where they were to be taken to Canterlot.

Author's Note

Small update: I have already finished chapter one of Spike's Polygamy Marriage. I dunno long it will take me, but I am aiming for twenty chapters. It's gonna be a fun story, a nice change of pace from all the sad shit you've been reading. It will all be worth it in the end. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.