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

Chapter 37: Allies in the Dark

                    As the weeks passed, the tension in Canterlot remained a constant presence, lingering like a storm on the horizon. King Cosmos and Queen Galaxia worked tirelessly to maintain the fragile peace within the kingdom, while secretly preparing for the war that was sure to come. Yet, despite their best efforts, cracks continued to form. The nobles grew restless, whispers of dissent were spreading among the citizens, and all the while, in the shadows, Nightshade's plans took shape.

Far from the radiant spires of Canterlot, in a hidden stronghold deep within the Obsidian Mountains, Nightshade paced restlessly. His dark wings fluttered slightly, and his eyes gleamed with an unnatural light as he considered his next move. The time to strike was nearing, but he knew that his current forces were not enough. Even with Canterlot's internal divisions, he needed more power—he needed allies who could match the strength of Cosmos and Galaxia.

In the dim light of his war chamber, Nightshade summoned a council of his most trusted followers. These were creatures of the night, loyal to him and his vision of a world ruled by shadow. Yet even they were not enough to secure victory. Nightshade knew he had to reach out to forces beyond his usual circle.

The chamber door creaked open, and in walked a figure draped in a long, tattered cloak. Her eyes glowed faintly under the hood, her presence as chilling as the cold winds of the north. She was Astralis, the fallen sorceress of the Northern Wastes, and one of the most dangerous magic users in the realm.

"You've summoned me, Nightshade," Astralis spoke, her voice like ice scraping across glass. "What is it you require?"

Nightshade smiled darkly, his gaze never wavering. "I require your power, Astralis. Canterlot is strong, but with you by my side, we could reduce it to ashes. I know you desire revenge against Cosmos and Galaxia—this is your chance."

Astralis stepped closer, her cold gaze piercing. "You think mere words will convince me to join your futile campaign? What do you have to offer me, Nightshade? What could possibly be worth my time?"

Nightshade raised a hand, his magic swirling in dark tendrils. "I offer you dominion over the north. When Canterlot falls, and the kingdom lies shattered, you will rule your lands uncontested. The territories beyond the Frozen Sea will be yours."

Astralis considered his offer, her lips curling into a sinister smile. "Very well. I will join you, but know this, Nightshade: If you betray me, I will not hesitate to take your head as my prize."

Nightshade nodded, unfazed by the threat. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

With Astralis's agreement, the first of his powerful new allies was secured. But Nightshade knew he needed more than just her dark sorcery. He needed raw strength, an unstoppable force that could crush any opposition. For that, he turned his attention to the distant lands of the Badlands, where the ruthless warlord Scorch reigned supreme.

Several days later, Nightshade arrived in the Badlands. The desolate landscape stretched endlessly, the ground cracked and scorched by the sun. In the heart of this wasteland stood Scorch's fortress, a brutal construction of jagged stone and molten lava. The air shimmered with heat, and the scent of sulfur hung heavy.

Nightshade approached the fortress gates, his steps confident as the guards watched him with wary eyes. He was escorted inside, where Scorch waited on a throne of blackened stone. The warlord was a towering figure, his scales glinting in the dim light, and his eyes burned with the fire of his namesake.

"Nightshade," Scorch rumbled, his voice like the growl of an ancient volcano. "What brings you to my domain?"

Nightshade inclined his head slightly, showing a rare gesture of respect. "I come with an offer, Scorch. One that will allow you to expand your reign far beyond the Badlands."

Scorch's molten eyes narrowed. "And why should I listen to you?"

"Because," Nightshade said, stepping closer, "I can give you what you've always wanted—conquest. With Canterlot's fall, the lands of Equestria will be ripe for the taking. You will lead the charge, and in return, you will claim the lands to the east as your own."

Scorch leaned forward, intrigued. "You think you can take down Canterlot? I've seen your kind try and fail. What makes you different?"

Nightshade's smile was slow and calculated. "Because this time, the kingdom is already crumbling from within. I have spies, allies, and now... with your strength and Astralis's magic, we will break their defenses and seize the throne."

Scorch let out a low, rumbling chuckle. "You speak with confidence, Nightshade. I like that. Very well, I'll join your little crusade. But know this—if you fail, I'll burn whatever's left of your army to the ground."

Nightshade's grin widened. "I don't plan on failing."

With Scorch's might added to his growing alliance, Nightshade's plan was nearly complete. He had the magic, the muscle, and the cunning. Now, all that remained was to wait for the perfect moment to strike.

Back in Canterlot, Cosmos and Galaxia remained unaware of the full scale of the threat gathering against them. The kingdom was still fragile, its leaders divided, and the populace anxious. They had no idea that a dark coalition was forming in the shadows—one that would soon threaten everything they held dear.

As the winds of war began to blow, Nightshade prepared to unleash his final assault on Canterlot. And this time, he would not stop until the kingdom lay in ruins.