Cosmos and Galaxia: The Birth of a Kingdom (MLP AU)

Chapter 28: Beneath the Surface

                  As Nocturnus settled into his new role within the Canterlot government, the kingdom's attention turned once again to the threat of Nightshade. Despite the uneasy alliance with Nocturnus, Canterlot's citizens could not fully shake their fear of the shadows that seemed to creep ever closer. While life in the city continued, the tension hung in the air like a storm waiting to break.

In the heart of the royal castle, Cosmos and Galaxia met regularly with Nocturnus to discuss their strategy. It had been weeks since his pardon, and though the arrangement was working, there were still moments when Cosmos found himself doubting the decision. Nocturnus had proven himself useful, yes, but there was something about the way he moved through the corridors of power, quietly amassing influence, that made Cosmos uneasy.

This day was no different. The three of them sat around a large, circular table in the war room, studying the latest reports from their scouts. Galaxia's expression was thoughtful as she reviewed the maps spread before her, while Nocturnus, as always, appeared composed and focused.

"We've confirmed that Nightshade's forces are regrouping along the northern border," Nocturnus said, his voice steady as he pointed to a spot on the map. "He's preparing for another assault. His numbers are greater than before."

Cosmos frowned. "We've been expecting this. What concerns me is how quickly he's able to replenish his ranks. We've inflicted heavy losses, yet his army seems endless."

Nocturnus nodded. "That's because Nightshade is not relying solely on the living. He's using dark magic to summon shades—beings of shadow that can fight without rest or fear."

Galaxia looked up, her eyes narrowing. "And how do we combat such a force? If Nightshade can conjure an army of shadows, then even our strongest defenses might falter."

"There are ways," Nocturnus replied, his voice lowering. "But they are not without risk. Shadow magic is volatile, and to counter it, we would need to employ methods that your kingdom has long shunned."

Cosmos' gaze sharpened. "You mean to suggest we use the same dark magic that Nightshade wields?"

Nocturnus met Cosmos' eyes evenly. "I'm suggesting that if we don't, we'll be fighting an enemy that grows stronger with each battle while we grow weaker. Nightshade will not stop until Canterlot falls. To defeat him, we must be willing to fight fire with fire."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Galaxia, ever the diplomat, broke it first. "We will not compromise the principles that Canterlot was built upon. But... we also cannot ignore the reality of the threat we face. Is there any way to harness this magic without succumbing to its darkness?"

Nocturnus hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "There are ways to channel the magic without being consumed by it, but it requires immense skill and discipline. I can teach your mages how to use it—under strict supervision, of course."

Cosmos looked conflicted. His mind raced through the possible outcomes, weighing the dangers of using dark magic against the necessity of protecting his kingdom. He didn't like the idea of allowing such forces into Canterlot, but Nocturnus wasn't wrong—Nightshade's army was unlike any they had faced before.

"We'll consider your proposal," Cosmos said at last. "But know this, Nocturnus: if I see even a hint that this power is being abused, it ends. We will not trade one threat for another."

Nocturnus inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I understand, Your Majesty."

While the royal family debated the use of shadow magic, a different sort of tension brewed among Canterlot's nobles. Nocturnus' presence had always been a divisive issue, and as his influence grew, so did the whispers of dissent. Some of the more conservative members of the court, who had never approved of the alliance, began to question the wisdom of giving so much power to a former enemy.

In the lavish halls of Canterlot's aristocracy, private gatherings and secretive conversations took place, with some nobles voicing their displeasure more openly than others. One such figure was Duke Starfire, a charismatic noble known for his sharp wit and cunning. He had been one of the most vocal opponents of Nocturnus' pardon and had garnered a following among those who shared his distrust.

"The royal couple are wise, no doubt," Starfire said to a group of fellow nobles one evening as they sipped wine in his private salon. "But wisdom can sometimes be clouded by mercy. They believe Nocturnus has changed, but can a snake truly shed its skin?"

The others murmured in agreement. Lady Radiance, a close ally of Starfire, nodded. "I've heard rumors that he's been seen in the lower districts, meeting with unsavory characters. Who's to say he isn't building his own network of influence behind the crown's back?"

Starfire smirked. "Precisely. And while our beloved rulers focus on the external threat of Nightshade, there may be an internal threat growing right under their noses."

As the nobles continued their plotting, the seeds of doubt were quietly sown across the court. Though Cosmos and Galaxia remained steadfast in their decision to trust Nocturnus, the growing discontent among their advisors was becoming a force unto itself—one that could not be ignored for much longer.

Later that week, in the quiet of Canterlot's oldest tower, Nocturnus stood before a gathering of Canterlot's most powerful mages. The room was dark, illuminated only by the flickering light of candles placed in a wide circle. Cosmos and Galaxia observed from the back, standing near the entrance with cautious expressions.

Nocturnus, standing at the center of the circle, addressed the mages in a tone both solemn and authoritative. "You have all been chosen because of your skill and discipline. Shadow magic is dangerous—it can corrupt those who are not prepared. But with the right training, it can also be a weapon unlike any other."

One of the senior mages, Master Radiant, stepped forward. "What assurance do we have that we will not fall prey to this magic's influence, as so many others have?"

Nocturnus regarded him calmly. "That is what I will teach you. You must understand, shadow magic is not inherently evil. It is a tool—powerful, yes, but only as dangerous as the hand that wields it."

The mages exchanged uncertain glances, but none stepped away from the circle. With a nod from Cosmos, Nocturnus began the ritual that would introduce the first lessons of shadow magic to Canterlot's most trusted spellcasters.

As the shadows deepened and the magic took hold, a sense of unease settled over the royal couple. They knew they were treading dangerous ground, but with Nightshade's army on the horizon, they had little choice but to press forward. The question that lingered, unspoken between them, was whether this new power would be their salvation—or their undoing.