Connie swallowed, watching the members of the Chartmouth chapter for the Society drift into the Masterson's barn. Some acknowledged her with friendly nods, while others remained indifferent. The sense of déjà vu wasn't lost on her, and she sighed. It was a fact she'd have to get used to as universal; there would always be those who'd never trust her. She just had to remember her first commitment was to the mythical creatures, and it didn't matter what anyone else thought.

"Hi, Connie." Connie looked up, and Mrs. Clamworthy smiled as she hobbled in on her stick.

"Hello, Mrs. Clamworthy," Connie greeted. "How's your leg?"

"I'm managing just fine," Mrs. Clamworthy said. Her smile faltered a little. "Although I must admit some days it can be a struggle on my own."

Connie bowed her head.

"It won't be for much longer," she said. "I promise."

"I have no doubt your plan will work," Mrs. Clamworthy said. "Good luck."

She hobbled over to the Sea Snakes, and took her seat beside Mack. He was more subdued than usual, keeping his thoughts to himself. Yet his eyes still held hope; a hope fed by Connie's promise of returning Col to them. She'd briefly gone through her plan with him and Evelyn, and he'd instantly offered to act as one of her element sources. But Connie still had to win the Two Fours, Elementals and Winged Creatures to her side, otherwise she'd lack the elements needed to re-seal Stormbolt. If it was even possible, that is…

"Hey, Connie!" Jessica called. Connie waved, and Jessica grabbed the seat beside her. Arran followed, and sat at their feet.

"Hello, Universal," he said, touching her hand. "Everyone is saying you've got news about what to do with Col. Is this true?"

"I do," Connie said.

"That's brilliant!" Jessica exclaimed. "Rat'll be pleased, too. He's been moping with Icefen for ages now."

"We don't mope!" Rat snapped, also appearing. He stormed to the seat beside Connie and folded his arms. Icefen curled up by his feet, his breath making frost settle on Connie's shoes. "I've just been spending more time with him. He understands me better."

Connie sighed, knowing how withdrawn Rat had become without Col around. She hadn't seen him at all since their visit to Argot's home, and that made her fist clench. Didn't Col realise how much he was loved, how much he meant to everyone? How could he push them all aside for Stormbolt's promise of power?

A flash of grey caught her eye, and she glanced up. Dr. Brock had entered. Argot wasn't with him, as he was still recovering, but another creature accompanied him instead; one Connie was relieved to see.

"Hi, Gard," she said.

"Greetings, Connie," Gard replied. His chiselled features broke into a smile, and Connie smiled in return. "I hope you don't mind, but we've brought a guest as well."

"Oh?" Before Connie could question further, a woman strode through the barn doors, followed by a beautiful white unicorn.

"Kira, Windfoal!" Connie couldn't help herself and stood up.

"Hello, Connie," Kira said, bowing her head. "Dr. Brock has kept us updated with recent events, so I came here as soon as I could. As Trustee of the Two Fours, I feel some responsibility must rest with me, also."

"I am saddened for the troubles the wild pegasi have caused," Windfoal added. "They have always been such free-spirited creatures, it is very unlike them to take to violence. We will do whatever we can to end this."

Connie nodded, and sat down again as Kira and Windfoal took their place beside Dr. Brock. She couldn't believe her luck. She was certain both Gard and Kira would accept her plan, so the Two Fours and Elementals were as good as on her side already. All she had to do now was focus on the Winged Creatures…

Captain Graves was the last to arrive, a sombre Firewings at his side. He gave Connie a brusque nod, then took his seat with the other Two Fours. Connie sensed intense anger in Firewings, so raised a shield. She could only imagine how hard this was for the pegasi to have their kind so divided.

Dr. Brock stood, and raised his hand. The other members quieted.

"Welcome everyone," he began. "Thank you for attending at such short notice. As you might have gathered, we have some updates regarding the situation with the rebel pegasi. And now, thanks to our universal, we may also finally have the solution."

Connie felt all eyes turn to her, and she bunched her fists into her lap. Her stomach was knotted with nerves, so she focused on taking calming breaths.

"It would be easiest if Connie explains what we've discovered about Stormbolt so far first," Dr. Brock went on. "Connie, if you please."

The butterflies in Connie's stomach redoubled. So much for the calming breaths. Slowly, she rose to her feet. Arran smiled with encouragement, and Connie squared her shoulders, striding to the front of the gathering.

"H-Hi," she said, gulping. How had her mouth become so dry? "W-Well, as Dr. Brock said, I've found some information about the black pegasus, Stormbolt. One of my ancestors fought him in the past, before the Society was even formed."

She paused, unsure how to continue, but Gard came to the rescue.

"Indeed," Gard said. "This perhaps explains why nobody seems to recall the event, as it was never recorded."

"Right," Connie said, also remembering Colman's words that Helena's lover had done his best to erase the story altogether. Her courage returned, and she continued. "Anyway, when Stormbolt first appeared, he was companion to a pegasus companion who'd been exiled for murder. Both of them wanted the pegasi to rule over all other creatures, and they started a war." She licked her lips. "My ancestor Helena Goldswift managed to defeat him, and she sealed him in an iron sword made from the powers from all four parts of the Society."

"I see," Dr. Brock murmured. "Then the black sword recently discovered at the tor, that must have been where Stormbolt was sealed." He looked to Connie. "So do you propose to do something similar?"

Connie nodded.

"It's not going to be easy, though," she said. "Helena had to bond to Stormbolt to seal him, but Stormbolt's powers amplify negative emotions, and it made her go mad. She ended up hurting a lot of her friends before she finished creating Stormbolt's prison."

"Then this plan is no plan at all," Dr. Brock stated. "It's no good exchanging one companion's freedom for another. We will have to find another way."

"But I know a way around it!" Connie protested. Dr. Brock frowned, about to protest further, when Kira held his arm.

"Let Connie finish her proposal," she said. "We will discuss its merits then."

Connie flashed Kira a grateful smile. She turned back to the members in the barn.

"You all remember when Kullervo took control of my body," she said. "It seemed impossible to stop him at first, but then you shielded me with your creatures. He couldn't take control of my thoughts, and that was how we beat him." She took a breath. "So this is the favour I'm asking. If I can break Col's bond to Stormbolt and make him my companion, I need you all to shield me like you did before. That should give me enough time to make another sword, and seal him away again."

Silence fell over the companions, as they mulled over Connie's words. Connie felt her knees begin to buckle, so she rested against a hay bale.

Eventually Kira sighed, and brushed back her hair.

"What you propose seems valid," she said, "but if what you say about Stormbolt's power is true, I see a potential flaw."

Connie's heart skipped a beat. "Oh?"

"Connie, this is not quite the same as when Kullervo controlled you," Kira went on. "He was an external force trying to impose his will onto you, and so we were able to shield you from that. However, if you become Stormbolt's companion and his negative energy affects you, you could well cut us off before we have a chance to defend you."

"And he could do a lot more damage with a universal at his side," Gard added. "I'm sorry Connie, but I must agree with Kira. Even if this method succeeded in the past, it is not how we should tackle the present situation. It poses too much risk."

"I might be able to offer an alternative solution," Kira went on. "You say that Stormbolt is heightening Col's negative emotions, his feelings of helplessness and sadness?" Connie nodded. "Then maybe Windfoal can help. If you could make a bridge connection between her and Col, we could remove Stormbolt's influence, and that would also remove Col's loyalty to him."

"I fear this will also not work." Captain Graves spoke. All eyes fell to him. "Stormbolt has worked his way deep into Colin's mind, and his only thoughts towards us are as his enemies. Even if Windfoal could placate him, it would only last as long as Connie's bridge would. And Stormbolt has made it all but impossible to approach Col in any way currently."

"What do you mean?" Kira asked.

Captain Graves cleared his throat.

"If I may give my own report, Dr. Brock?"

Dr. Brock nodded. Captain Graves stood up, and took the lead. Connie was grateful to sink back to her seat, although she was disappointed her proposal had been rejected. Just what the heck were they supposed to do?

"Firewings and I have been leading a small team of spies against the wild pegasi," the Captain began. "So far, Stormbolt has been co-ordinating specific attacks at certain groups of mythical creature, and we have managed to successfully prevent several such ambushes. However, many of the creatures, particularly the residents of Malin's Wood, are tired of hiding, and some have even voiced plans to retaliate to protect their families and their homes."

Connie's eyes widened.

"Dr. Brock here has seen first-hand what the wild pegasi are capable of, as a group attacked Argot and his family only recently," Captain Graves continued. A collective gasp rang around the barn; this was obviously not widespread news. "The situation is reaching boiling point, as it won't be long before skirmishes start. Not only does that risk casualties, but also exposure of the creatures to non-companions." He briefly locked eyes with Connie, his gaze serious. "It is my opinion that as we have been unable to come across a peaceful resolution, we may need to resort to more forceful methods to prevent a full-scale war breaking out."

"No!" Connie spoke before she thought. "We can still find a way…"

"Captain Graves is right," interrupted another companion. "We can't just keep tip-toeing around just because Stormbolt's companion is the Universal's boyfriend. Our creatures' homes and lives are at stake, we need to take the fight to the pegasi before they bring it to us!"

"Yeah!" chorused a group within the Two Fours. "We'll show the pegasi not to mess with us!"

"Calm yourself!" Dr. Brock called. "Declaring war on the pegasi is not the way forward."

"It has already begun, doctor," Captain Graves said. "The Society needs to protect itself, we can't let our creatures suffer. Colin can no longer be considered one of our own…"

"You're wrong, Captain!" Mack shouted. "Can't you see it's that bloody pegasus behind all of this? Col's been brainwashed, and it wouldn't surprise me if that's why the wild pegasi have sided with Stormbolt, too! We need to eliminate him, not my son!"

"And to do that, we need to remove Col's influence," Captain Graves shot back. "Stormbolt is only able to command the wild pegasi through Col. We sever that link, and Stormbolt will have lost his army."

"And how far will you go to do that?" Mack snarled.

"A tranquiliser would be ideal," the Captain said.

"Ha, you think that'll do anything?" Mack scoffed. "Connie was still controlled by Kullervo in her sleep! And you admitted yourself no-one can get near him right now!"

"Then if we have no other choice…"

"That is enough!"

Connie shivered as Gard's voice shook the entire barn. At once both the Captain and Mack quieted, looking like admonished school children.

"That will quite do, Captain, Mack," Gard said, in a calmer tone. "It appears we have not come across the solution we were hoping for." He looked to Connie. "Universal, I regret we cannot accept your proposal, but neither can we let this problem continue much longer. Yet I do see potential in Captain's Graves' idea. If we can separate Col from Stormbolt, we can lessen his control over the wild pegasi. Let us focus our plans towards that."

Connie could only nod slowly.

"We will disband for a break," Dr. Brock said. He flashed the Captain and Mack a dark look. "Let some tempers cool, before we make any firm decisions."

Mack huffed, and was the first to depart. Gradually the others followed. Connie remained in her seat, her fist clenched.

"Oh Connie, I'm sorry," Jessica consoled. "It sounded like a good plan."

"Maybe," Connie said, "but I don't like where the Captain is coming from."

"Why?" Rat asked. "He just said he wanted to knock Col out."

"It won't do anything," Connie argued, "and it'll make Col even more angry, which works in Stormbolt's favour." She held her head. "I need to break his link to Stormbolt."

"What, so you can go crazy in his place? That's not going to work, either," Rat countered. "Come on Connie, the answer's so close! You just have to find it before the others make their own plans."

"I know, I know," Connie muttered. Sighing, she stood up. "I should go and see Skylark for a bit. Maybe he'll give me some inspiration."

"You do that," Jessica said. "We'll see you later."

Shuffling on her coat, Connie stumbled out of the barn, then headed towards the stables. She quickly sensed Skylark's thoughts, and a misty sigh escaped her. She'd been so excited to tell him about her plan, and now it was all for nothing.

She slipped past the latched door—Skylark had been moved to a proper stall, although he was still as miserable as he'd been in the barn. The grey pegasus lifted his head as she approached, and nuzzled her shoulder.

"Universal, you are early today," Skylark said.

"There's a Society meeting," Connie explained, sitting by his foreleg. "I can't stay for long, but I thought I'd check on you."

Skylark brushed his nose through her hair.

"You are always so kind to me," he said. "I do not deserve it."

"Don't talk like that," Connie answered, rubbing his flank. "You've always been brave, noble and strong for me, and for Col."

Skylark snorted.

"Um, how are you feeling, anyway?" Connie asked, deciding to change the subject.

"Much the same," Skylark answered. "I do not know how much more of this I can bear. I miss him so much."

"I know, Skylark. So do I." Connie rubbed his cheek. "I'm sorry, too."

"What for?"

"I thought I'd found a way to fix this," Connie admitted, "but it's not going to work."

Skylark's wings twitched. "Why not?"

"My ancestor Helena fought Stormbolt in the past," Connie said. "She broke his bond to his companion and made him her own, but his negative emotions sent her mad, and she destroyed everything dear to her, just before she sealed him in that black sword. It seemed a lot like when Kullervo possessed me, but it's more complicated than that. I just don't…" She ground her teeth. "I don't know what else to do!"

"I am sorry," Skylark said. A brief silence descended, and he sat down. "But perhaps there is something I can do."

Connie looked up at him.

"You say the key to this is to dissolve Stormbolt's false connection to Col," Skylark stated. Connie nodded. "But to do so would cause his power to overwhelm you?"

"That's right," Connie said.

"Then why not use my connection?" Skylark asked. "If you link to Col through me, not Stormbolt, and break his link that way, only I will suffer that demon's power, and you will be able to seal him once more."

"Skylark, that's too dangerous," Connie said. "Last time I did that, you almost…" She trailed off. "And you'll still go mad."

"A young pegasus with a temper is hardly a threat," Skylark countered. "A universal, though, could destroy the entire Society with a single thought." He brushed his head against Connie's. "It is the only way, Universal. I do not want Col to suffer any longer."

Connie felt tears prickle behind her eyes. Skylark truly loved Col deeply, as she did, but she couldn't let the pegasus risk his life like this.

"Let me think about it," she said at last. "I'll tell you my decision tomorrow."

"Thank you, Universal."

With a parting hug, Connie left the stall and made her way back to the barn. The evening had grown much colder, and she could see the vapours of her breath as she walked across the grass. The moon was high in a clear sky; there would be a heavy frost tonight. She hoped the weather had cooled the frustrations of Captain Graves and Mack. At least now, thanks to Skylark, there was another possibility…

"Enough daydreaming, Universal," Kullervo suddenly spoke through her thoughts. "Check behind you."

"What?" Connie half-turned her head, when a shadow blotted out the moon. She barely had time to react; the shadow charged at her, and she ducked on instinct, cutting her cheek on the hardened ground. Her battle senses took over, and she raised her arm across her chest, calling on her powers. Just in time, too, as the shadow returned, butting its head against her newly-formed shield. Connie gasped.

A speckled pegasus was attacking her!

"Stop!" she cried, trying to form a connection to the creature, but she was blocked. The pegasus refused to open himself to her.

Snarling, Connie dug her heels into the ground, drawing on more energy for her shield. The pegasus suddenly stopped pushing, then took to the sky. Connie watched it, when a second chestnut pegasus landed almost on top of her. It raced across the ground, kicking up mud and stones, and Connie leapt aside before it tramped her into dust. The edge of its wing caught her arm, tearing skin.

"I don't want to fight you!" Connie yelled, trying to communicate to the creature, but again it cut her off. These had to be the wild pegasi, the ones who rejected their bond to humans.

"Connie!"

Connie turned to the barn, where Rat and Mack were running up the hill towards her. Icefen bolted, his teeth bared as he shot towards the chestnut pegasus.

"What's going on?" Mack puffed. "We heard scuffling, then saw these pegasi…"

"Icefen, don't hurt them!" Connie screamed; the frost wolf was biting at the pegasus' hooves. "Rat, please!"

"They attacked you first!" Rat shot back. "It's what they deserve!"

"You'll only make them angrier!" Connie hollered. "Call Icefen off, now!"

Rat scowled, but he shouted to the frost wolf. Icefen immediately dropped his attack, and retreated. The two pegasi landed, glaring at Connie intensely. Their eyes were hazy, clouded with rage.

"Take one step closer…" Mack growled, bracing his arm in front of Connie. The pegasi stopped their advance. Suddenly they took to the air again, and Mack shook his fist. "That's right, and don't come…"

His words caught in his throat. Connie followed his gaze, and gasped. Two dragons had burst from the darkness and were fighting the pegasi. Not just two dragons; Connie sensed it was Argand and her brother Haemator. Claws, hooves and teeth scratched, bit and maimed, and she could feel their pain through her connection.

"Argand, stop it!" she yelled. Argand hesitated, but then she broke away from the fight. Her brother, however, didn't relent.

"This is for our Father!" Haemator growled. "They will pay!"

"Haemator, no!" Connie pleaded. "Argand, make him stop!"

As she stood there, hurting as the creatures fought so aggressively, a crash echoed from the stables. Moments later Skylark came galloping out, and he shot into the sky. Connie watched, frozen, as he wove between the pegasi and Haemator. Argand took her chance and pulled her brother back, while Skylark faced the wild pegasi. Connie couldn't really understand what was going on, as the rage of the dragons seemed to drown out everything else. Mack came to her side, and touched her shoulder.

After a tense few minutes, the wild pegasi fled. Haemator flapped his wings, prepared to take chase, but Argand and Skylark blocked his path. Connie was grateful for their loyalty. Together they all landed on the grass, Skylark shaking his head.

"Argand!" Connie ran forward and hugged the golden dragon. She glanced at the cuts on the dragon's side, and frowned. "You're hurt again. You shouldn't have come here."

"We sensed the pegasi coming here," Argand answered. "We did not want what happened to Father to happen to any other creature."

"You should not have interfered, Universal," Haemator growled. "They were trying to kill you!"

Connie frowned. Before she could answer him, she heard panting coming from behind. She turned, and found Dr. Brock and Kira jogging up the hill towards them.

"Argand? Haemator?" Dr. Brock was confused to see the dragons. "What are you doing here?"

"Some wild pegasi decided to say hello to Connie," Rat informed him. "Then these two showed up to fight them off."

Dr. Brock's eyes narrowed.

"That was a foolish thing to do, both of you!" he snapped at the dragons. "You are still not fully healed. Your father is going to be most disappointed."

Haemator scoffed, but Argand bowed her head.

"Skylark, are you okay?" Connie looked to the pegasus.

"I'm fine," Skylark said. "I told the wild pegasi to leave you alone. They seem to be under a thrall, which I managed to break. They will not return to Stormbolt."

Connie wrapped her arms around his neck. She knew how scared Skylark had become to venture outside. It had taken a lot of courage for him to come to her rescue. "Thank you."

"It is fortunate you had help, Connie," Kira said, "however this is very worrying. The wild pegasi are growing too bold. We need to contain them as soon as possible, before the situation gets out of control." She glanced to Connie. "Let Windfoal see to your injuries, then we will discuss things further."