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

Chapter 38: The Calm Before the Storm

                  The following days in Canterlot were deceptively peaceful. The air was crisp, and the city gleamed under the late afternoon sun, its towers standing tall and proud. The streets bustled with citizens going about their daily lives, seemingly unaware of the darkness gathering at their borders. Yet, within the castle, the tension was palpable. King Cosmos and Queen Galaxia were acutely aware that something was amiss, though they couldn't quite pinpoint the source.

In the grand council chamber, King Cosmos stood at the head of a long table, surrounded by his most trusted advisors. Queen Galaxia sat beside him, her presence calming but her eyes betraying her concern. The council had been convened to discuss the growing unrest within Canterlot and rumors of outside forces gathering power. Duke Starfire, who had been an outspoken critic of Cosmos's rule, sat across from them, arms crossed.

"We've been receiving troubling reports," Cosmos began, his voice steady but grave. "There are whispers of armies gathering in the far reaches of Equestria. Nightshade is out there, and he's not alone."

Duke Starfire let out a dismissive scoff. "And we're supposed to act on rumors and whispers? How long are we going to let fear guide our actions, Cosmos? The people need strength, not speculation."

Queen Galaxia shot a sharp glance at Starfire. "This isn't just speculation, Duke. There are too many coincidences, too much unrest. We can't afford to be complacent."

"Complacency isn't the issue here, Your Majesty," Starfire replied coolly. "The issue is the lack of transparency. The nobles are losing faith. They've been left in the dark, and now rumors are filling that void. If you want unity, you must be honest with us."

Cosmos clenched his fists, his patience wearing thin. "You think I don't want unity? Every decision I've made has been to protect this kingdom, to keep us from tearing ourselves apart. But there are threats—real threats—that we must prepare for."

Before Starfire could respond, the doors to the chamber swung open, and a royal guard rushed in, bowing hastily before addressing the room. "Your Majesties, we've received word. There's been movement in the Badlands. A force is amassing near our southern borders."

The room fell silent. Even Duke Starfire's defiant posture faltered as the weight of the news sank in. Cosmos exchanged a glance with Galaxia, both knowing this was the confirmation they had feared.

"How large is this force?" Cosmos asked, his voice tight.

"It's difficult to say, Your Majesty, but reports indicate it's larger than anything we've seen in recent years. And it's growing," the guard replied.

Cosmos turned back to the council. "We cannot wait any longer. We need to prepare our defenses and ensure the safety of our people."

Starfire stood, his expression stern but less confrontational. "Then let's not waste time. Call the armies, reinforce the borders, and for once, let's act with purpose."

The council erupted into motion, each member swiftly moving to carry out their orders. Starfire lingered for a moment, locking eyes with Cosmos. "Do what needs to be done, King Cosmos. For all our sakes."

Cosmos nodded, watching as Starfire left the room. The internal conflict had not disappeared, but for now, there was a shared understanding. The real enemy was closing in, and Canterlot needed to stand united.

As preparations for defense intensified within the kingdom, Nightshade watched from afar, his dark eyes gleaming with anticipation. His forces, bolstered by Scorch's army and Astralis's magic, were nearly ready. He had waited for this moment—waited for Canterlot to falter, for its rulers to struggle with their own divisions.

But even with his newfound allies, Nightshade knew that an attack on Canterlot would not be easy. The city was powerful, its rulers formidable. He needed to ensure that when he struck, it would be decisive, and the kingdom would fall for good.

In his private war room, Nightshade summoned Astralis and Scorch once again. They arrived swiftly, each bringing their own menacing presence into the room. Astralis, with her chilling gaze, leaned against a stone pillar, her fingers absentmindedly twirling dark magic between them. Scorch stood rigid, his massive form taking up half the space, eyes flickering with fiery intensity.

"We've confirmed movement in Canterlot," Nightshade began. "They've received word of our plans. They're preparing their defenses."

Astralis smirked. "Let them prepare. Their defenses won't stand a chance against the magic I've gathered. When the time comes, we'll reduce their walls to rubble."

Scorch growled in agreement. "And when those walls fall, my army will be there to sweep through the city. We'll leave nothing but ashes in our wake."

Nightshade nodded, satisfied with their readiness. But even as he plotted, he couldn't help but recall the last time he had faced Cosmos and Galaxia. There had been a time when they had been allies, a time when he had fought alongside them rather than against them. But those days were long gone, and now, there was only darkness and vengeance to guide him.

"We'll strike soon," Nightshade said, his voice low and determined. "But we must be patient. We need to catch them off guard, when their defenses are weakest. And when we do, Canterlot will finally fall."

As Nightshade and his allies prepared for their final assault, the winds of war began to blow harder, their cold touch spreading across the land. The peaceful days in Canterlot were numbered, and soon, the city would be engulfed in a conflict unlike any it had ever seen before.