Luna awoke to the sunlight rudely beating behind her eyelids. She shielded her face with her hooves as she stretched out for a moment, letting her wings shake and pop. Her right wing gnawed at her in pain as its injuries still refused to heal. She then realized that the sun was out, and she leapt to her feet. She looked off to the other tree where Streak was supposed to be and saw him standing with his back to her. She angrily marched towards him and began to ridicule him.

“I told you to wake me in an hour! I missed the whole night and now the army is well out of our reach!” She came to a snorting halt as he turned to face her. He smiled as he turned, but quickly dropped it as he saw how angry his princess was.

“I’m sorry Luna, you just looked like you could really use the rest.” He tried to excuse.

“Rest is something we can afford to miss in the case of saving the world! Now we have no chance of catching Cosmic and Dusk before they attack my sister! You idiot!” She stormed off in the direction she last remembered the army headed. The fields were empty in front of her and stretched on and on. She never realized how long of a boring walk it was to Canterlot. Streak flew down in front of her and backed up with her pace.

“Princess, wait. Something happened while you were asleep!” Luna paused and arched an eyebrow. Streak Lighter gulped and pointed to his left. “I saw a few squads of griffins making for Ponyville. Not many, but definitely more than us. Maybe we should head there and see what’s going on?” Luna thought about it. It made sense to regroup with whatever troops remained especially if their allies were coming to the call. But she shook her head as she remembered the scorched town they left behind.

“Nopony is there. If the griffins are going, maybe Celestia begged them to help reclaim whatever they could. You saw as well as I that the town was burnt out. Cosmic took any soldier left. Now come on, we’ve already lost too much time.” She pushed past him and broke into a gallop. She heard him sigh as his wings spread and he beat in time with her hoof steps.

As they traveled, Luna found herself with too much time to think. She remembered the conversation she had with Streak the prior night and how guilty she felt. How many soldiers did I leave like that? She thought about Twilight, her dear friend who rescued her all those years ago, now slave to the same foul creature that got Luna banished for a thousand years. Luna couldn’t help but feel that it was her fault that Twilight was now a monster. If I had just put aside my feelings and stayed together, we might have saved her. This brought up Star Strider to her mind. She felt her heart sink and her body shiver as she ran. How could he abandon me without a word? Luna felt betrayed. She kept trying not to think about the worst happening to him and prayed he was just off in Canterlot helping them. But she knew better. Star Strider had been talking too much about his sacrifice and how it might be their only option. He didn’t even try to teach me his magic. Now, an evil army stormed across the land, Star Strider was missing, and Luna felt their time running out.

Her running slowed as she felt Streak tiring beside her. It just now occurred to her that he had watched all night while she slept. Guilt racked her even more and she decided to walk at a decent pace so he could at least land and canter alongside. She took his heavy breathing and loud gulps from his water as a sign of gratitude. “Sorry Streak. I forgot how tired you must also be.” She said as she continued her march. He let out a wet breath from his canteen and trotted up next to her.

“No worries princess. I’m still good.” His breath and words were airy, indicative of his exhaustion. Luna decided to keep the steady pace for now. She looked up to the sky to see a few clouds wandering about; no doubt the pegasi were too busy preparing for the coming battles to monitor a few storm clouds. Luna tried to navigate in the shade of them so the heat of the sun would stop working against them. She worriedly looked around for any landmarks as she had never traveled to Canterlot this way. The ground was a much longer journey than the sky. As if reading her mind, Streak Lighter pointed ahead.

“See that hillside? Means were about a two-hour walk from the Canterlot outpost. Three-hour total to the gate. We’re making pretty good time all things considered.” He wheezed out and coughed at the end of his sentence. Luna turned to look at him and saw his sweat-covered face under his helmet. He looked like a walking corpse. She decided they would rest at the hillside for his sake. As they came to its base, she stopped walking and heard Streak Lighter grunt in confusion. She placed a hoof on his shoulder and brought him underneath a small tree. “What’re we doing? We have to keep going princess. They might already be at Canterlot.” His voice fought his words as they edged on slurred speech. She removed his helmet and sat him down; his eyes almost instantly closed when he pressed his back to the tree.

“You’ll die before we get there if you don’t sleep a little. Rest up, I’ll be watching over you.” She turned to look ahead and heard him whisper-giggle.

“I wouldn’t want anypony else to.”

Cosmic Sunder grew more frustrated by the second. Despite having total control over these incompetent ponies, they still managed to disobey him. Leading his massive horde towards Canterlot had proven quite difficult as his troops stumbled over every little obstacle.

“Faster, you wretched ponies. I shall not be denied my glory because of your insolence!” He sent a wave of magic over his army, which caused them to all snap to attention and begin marching in unison. He stamped his long legs into the ground as he knew their march would fall apart in a few minutes. He roared in anger as thousands of his corrupted ponies passed by him. His connection to Dusk Bringer had been severed nearly a full day, and now he was stuck with mindless thralls. Perhaps I should have taken that old fool when I had the chance.He hissed through his sharp teeth and stamped his way to the front of the horde. He knew Canterlot was close. Without Star Strider to defend them, the citizens and soldiers would be his before the new day broke. If he could corrupt Celestia, the morale of Equestria would fall and the world would bend to his demands. It could not come soon enough. Off in the distance, he saw a tower along the main road in what appeared to be an outpost. The mountains in the distance grew clearer as the waterfalls and castle of Canterlot became a tangible visage. One last stop won’t hurt my oddshe thought as he grinned at the unknowing fort.

Just as he took another step, he felt the earth change before him. His smile dropped as he ordered his army to stop. The message relayed to those in the front too late as they marched onto the road. The dirt collapsed beneath them and Cosmic reeled back in anger. Almost twenty of his men fell into a pit that was almost ten meters deep. At the bottom were jagged rocks that cracked the bones and armor of those unfortunate enough to fall. Cosmic Sunder narrowed his eyes and spat into the pit. He looked at the outpost that before had appeared unaware and small; now it bustled with troops as soldiers mounted the walls and pegasi took giant sky-ballista up. Bolts loaded and pointed at his army as he ordered them to march around the pit and the unicorns to raise magical walls. The first bolt launched through the weak conjuration and impaled some sorry unicorn. It crashed into his ranks and sent dirt and ponies flying in different directions. Casting his own spell, he lifted the bolt and sent it back towards his assailants. He watched with malice as the pegasi didn’t even try to move. The bolt crashed against an enormous magical wall, burning the wooden bolt into dust as it connected. He realized what was happening as another two bolts crashed against his own spell. They skidded off his wall harmlessly as his unicorns aided and held their own magical barrier. Cosmic Sunder looked into the command tower, peering across the hundred-yard road. He caught a glimpse of the royal armor of a general, and the wings of that alicorn wench.

Celestia breathed a sigh of relief as the enemy army halted and her troops cheered. They had halted the death march, if only for a moment. She turned to Shining Armor as he nodded to her. As she turned to descend the stairs, she glanced across the road and saw her former teacher’s twisted form sneer at her. She shuddered under her armor. They walked down the stairs to the command table where maps of all the traps and troops lay before her. She removed her own ornate helmet to get a better view. While the princesses hardly went to the front lines, they still had their own royal armor. It was more decorative than anything, but it still served to protect them whenever they needed. The commanders all saluted her and the general as they stood at the head of the table. Celestia was the first to speak.

“Twilight will be here with whatever troops she can by tonight. If we hold them long enough, we may catch their rear guard by surprise. If we can keep our distance and weaken his forces, he’ll be forced to move into the Box.” The commanders all nodded to her plan. Despite their current hold of the enemy, Celestia knew it may be short lived. Cosmic Sunder was just as cunning as powerful, and with the mind of Starswirl he would know almost every secret they had. Almost.

The war room was interrupted by a watchman as he bowed and announced loudly. “Princess! We have two pegasi here who claim they were with Princess Luna. They hold on the west side of the barrier. Shall we let them in?” Celestia’s eyes lit up with news of her sister. She pushed her emotions down and tried to rationalize. A dangerous enemy was sitting just outside, and two ponies just show up with good news.

“I will come out to the border. Let me talk to them first.” She walked out to follow the soldier, her own royal guards following her the moment she left. They walked the five-minute journey to the west side of the outpost. Royal pegasi flew above the gate with unicorns standing behind the walls. Celestia gestured for the gate to be opened, and the gatekeeper responded quickly. The gate swung inward and Celestia marched to the border of the magical barrier. Two exhausted looking pegasi in night armor stood just outside the barrier less than half a meter from Celestia. Without the keyword, anything that touched the barrier from outside would be disintegrated, so she had no fear. “You two, your names and positions please?” The pegasi snapped to attention at her presence and immediately answered.

“Cerulean O’Nessa ma’am. Private second class, fourteenth royal night division; Sky regiment.”

“Flare O’Nessa ma’am. Private first class, fourteenth royal night division; Sky regiment.”

Celestia looked up and down the two of them. She wanted to believe they came from Luna and had good news, but she tried again to hold her feelings at bay. “My envoy says you have news from Ponyville? From my sister?”

“Yes ma’am.” Flare said. “We joined her in a strike team to recover Star Strider after his disappearance. We were with her for the last three days until she ordered us to relay information back to you. By the looks of it, you’ve already encountered Cosmic Sunder and Dusk Bringer’s army.” Celestia looked confused at his statement.

“Yes—er Cosmic Sunder is held at bay for now, but Dusk Bringer? I haven’t heard of them are they a new foe?” The two siblings glanced at each other before Flare took another breath and sighed.

“Dusk Bringer is Twilight Sparkle, but as possessed by Cosmic Sunder. She led multiple attacks on our F.O.B. and even Ponyville.” The clarification only added to Celestia’s confusion.

“How can that be? I received a letter from Twilight yesterday informing me of the incoming army. I don’t see her on their line either.” Celestia grew wary of these two. They may yet be possessed and trying to infiltrate.

“What? That’s impossible!” Cerulean let out. “We saw the flames and fought her battle line directly.”

“Hold it Cerulean, we never saw princess Twilight, or I mean Dusk Bringer, after that assault on the base. That was before Star Strider left on his own.” Flare consoled and looked to Celestia. “It’s possible that he freed the princess somehow and they escaped. Or…” Flare’s eyes dropped as it was impossible to finish the suggestion. Celestia decided to finish for him.

“Or they died. Cosmic lost a prize and disposed of her.” Celestia bit her tongue trying not to think of the possibility that her faithful student and closest friend may be dead. “Where is my sister? Why has she not returned with you?”

“Princess Luna was badly injured on her right wing twice. She is currently crippled from flying and travels by hoof to your position as we speak. Last we were with her; she was nearly six hours away.”

“Did you abandon her?” Celestia failed to hide the panic in her voice.

“No ma’am.” Flare assured. “The organizer of the strike team, Streak Lighter, stayed behind with her. They should be here by sundown if they kept their pace.” Celestia felt a slight relief at the reassurance. She looked up to the unicorn line in charge of holding the barrier on the wall.

“Let it down for them. These two need a rest.” The barrier opened in front of Celestia in a small form just big enough for the two pegasi to pass through. It sealed quickly as they entered.

“Thank you princess.” Flare breathed out in exhaustion. Celestia nodded to them.

“Rest up. The battle is far from over. Thank you for bringing news of my sister.” Now let us hope she returns in time.

Twilight sat on the floor, cross legged and her eyes focused on the stallion sitting across from her. The room was completely barren as they had moved the furniture to the hallway for their practice. She was getting antsy as she waited for instruction. Star Strider finally spoke. “Flygar.” Suddenly, spectral wings formed on his back and spread, gently lifting him towards the ceiling of the room. Twilight gasped in astonishment as he touched down and looked to her. He looked so regal with his flowing black mane contrasting the white luminescent wings on his back.

“That’s… that’s incredible!” She gawked. He raised a hoof to quiet her as his wings faded back into nothing.

“You must focus, Twilight. You cannot think of this magic as something other-worldly if you are to embrace it. This will take extreme concentration and willpower to do correctly. Let us start with an easy word to ponder. Would you like to stay in ponish, or learn my ancient language? Perhaps there is another language you wish to use as your keywords?” Twilight thought about it. It didn’t make sense to learn a whole other language just to use a few words.

“I’ll stick with ponish. Perhaps another time I can learn yours, but seeing as how we don’t really have time…” She rolled her hooves to emphasize the point of shortness.

“Indeed. Now, the word you need to ponder is ‘Aegis,’ or ‘shield’. Either will work. As you consider this word, take it to your heart. Know what it is to protect something or someone. Cast a shield around you. Do not rely on your own conjuration knowledge; let the magic come from the power of your voice.” Twilight took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She focused on her friends and family, picturing them safe behind a massive shield. All I want is to protect them. She let her breath out and gently said the word.

“Aegis.”

She didn’t feel anything happen. She opened one eye to see Star Strider staring down at her. He shook his head. “Focus. Do not pay attention to the spell, pay attention to the word. What is it? What does it mean?” Twilight rolled her shoulders and closed her eyes again. She tried thinking of just a plain old shield and nothing else. She said again.

“Aegis.” Again, nothing happened. She began to grow frustrated by her lack of progress.

“Concentrate Twilight. It will be hard initially, but you must forget everything you know of magic. This is entirely based on summoning an object through power of name alone. Do not picture it, do not picture anything. Focus your voice and force it to manifest. This magic is yours.”

She furrowed her eyebrows and concentrated. Letting her mind go blank, she focused on the word. Every letter and how they sounded individually, and then together. Concentrating harder and breathing out again, she spoke.

“Aegis!” She opened her eyes as she felt something more escape with her words. A white and luminescent round shield stood in front of her. Wherever she looked, it moved to block her face. She smiled widely as Star Strider pat her back.

“Well done Twilight!” Her pride swelled up as she whipped the shield around the room. Her smile faded as it failed to go away.

“Um, Star Strider? It won’t leave.” He chuckled at her.

“Yes. Summoning is one matter, whereas sending it away is another. Simply focus on the word you wish to use as a banishing keyword. This will serve to destroy any spell. You will need to speak it until you wax strong with this magic. Choose wisely, as whatever word you use will permanently be bound to this magic.”

Twilight mulled over the long list of words she had memorized that meant ‘leave’. She finally decided on using the word ‘abscond’ as she had never remembered saying it through her life. As she settled on it, she turned to her trusted assistant who was furiously writing in a journal. “Spike? Take note please. My banishing word will be: abscond!” She declared triumphantly. She smiled at Star Strider who arched an eyebrow.

“Interesting, but I suppose it works. Concentrate on it and get rid of the shield.”

“Ab… a b s, uh k?” Spike looked up to Twilight as he struggled to spell it. She rolled her eyes.

“a b s c o n d Spike. I thought you read through that thesaurus I gave you.” She huffed at him, the shield whipping around to block the two of them.
“I did, but you seem to find words that aren’t in it all the time! Not my fault!” He jotted it down. Twilight refocused on the spelling in her mind. She spoke it again and the shield waivered but failed to disappear. She heard Star Strider chortle behind her.

“You had better focus it before you find yourself stuck with a shield forever!” He laughed at her. Twilight snorted and tried again.

“Abscond! You stupid shield, get out!” The shield flickered again but stayed right in front of her. “AGH! Just get out of here! Go!” Suddenly, the shield evaporated into nothing. Twilight’s eyes went wide in shock as she realized what happened. Star Strider was laughing loudly behind her.

“Oh my, you have really set yourself up for failure! Well princess, it seems ‘go’ is your new banishing word!” He threw his head back and laughed louder.

“What do you mean! Help me change it I say ‘go’ all the time! Star Strider!” She whined to him. He raised his hoof to calm himself and her.

“Fear not, oh my. No, do not worry. You just cannot say ‘go’ whilst your spoken magic is active. Not an entirely big deal.” He wiped a tear from his eye. Clearly, he found her situation too funny. “Now, conjuring up a tiny shield will not be enough. But now that you get the idea of how spoken magic feels and works, my only guide for you is to be careful what words you study. Words all have power, and some are more dangerous than others. Should you use a magic that damages too much, you may be out of luck.”

“Wait,” she said. “You don’t have any other lessons? That’s it? Just study words? I do that all the time! Where’s the nuance? The technique?” She sputtered.

“I was barely experimenting with this magic before I left. Perhaps you shall be the one to master it. You know as much as I do with it now, I just have a few more hours of experience.” He grinned at her. Twilight put a hoof to her forehead. This is not how I expected this to go.

“I shall go see what friends aim to join us. Practice all you need, but please try to join us by sundown. We shall march from then on.” Star Strider said. He closed the door, and she heard his hoof steps retreat down the stony halls. She turned to Spike and grinned.

“Alright Spike, start writing down some words and let’s get talking.”

Author's Note

I am so sorry for delaying this publishing. I cannot promise consistency due to my chaotic schedule, but I am hoping that this holds some people over a little longer. Thank you for sticking around thus far! I love and appreciate all of you and your support <3