Chapter 20: Time and Tide

Jace was tired, and he was getting more tired by the second. Since breaking off from the other planeswalkers for Nivix, the headquarters of the Izzet League, he had not stopped fighting. Wave after wave of Eternals still poured through the streets, allowing no reprieve for his constant projections. So far, his illusions had managed to keep him out of harm's way, guiding the Eternals' attacks to either completely miss or hit one of their own, with the exception of an errant axe swing that clefted his trailing robes. This had been straightforward when he was dealing with five or so zombies at once, but as he neared New Prahv, and the Planar Bridge, the density of bodies seemed to increase exponentially. Now, he found that dodging one attack put him in the crosshairs of three more. The effort alone was taking its toll on his fortitude, but Jace knew that he was capable of managing so many variables. What he could not account for, and what was truly putting him through the physical and mental wringer, was the consistently inane telepathic chatter from his two companions.

Ral and Vivien fought slightly behind him, destroying the Eternals that Jace led out of position with their considerable magics. When there were no visible threats, the three had chatted amiably to learn more about their new allies. Once the endless ranks of the Dreadhorde reemerged, however, Jace opened a mental link to convey battle strategies. He would run interference at close range, while Ral and Vivien sniped the Eternals from afar. It worked well, the three slowly molding into their roles, but with the increase in Eternals, Jace was starting to understand just how inexperienced the other two were with telepathic communication.

I just don't understand how you can live on such a…developed plane, Vivien projected with a smack of distaste. She was talking to Ral, but Jace was also subject to the conversation that neither concerned nor interested him.

Ral was no better than her, answering her in between blasts of lightning. The two had been going back and forth about Ravnican culture for most of their journey, and it had quickly spiraled from engaging to ignorable to downright irritating. I just prefer a bit of civilization. I'm an inventor, I work with technology. Living where progress lives is the way I like it.

There's nothing you can learn surrounded by brick and steel that you can't learn from nature.

I'm not so sure about that. I've never seen anything like this out in the woods, Ral thought as he proudly tapped his Accumulator with one hand.

Then I suggest looking up next time it rains.

Jace could practically hear her smirk, and his face creased into an exasperated frown. Throughout this exchange, Jace had been trying to steer their attacks, but they seemed unable to hear him. Between his tired state and the multiple illusions he had running interference, his powers were spread so thin that he could not pierce through the pair's mental static. He had just set a minotaur Eternal off balance, but with no incoming attack, the creature had time to readjust. It raised its twin swords over Jace's head, poised to cut off both his arms in one swing. Jace winced in anticipation, but the Eternal was met with both a bolt of lightning and a shimmering green arrow before it could connect. The beast limply collapsed to the ground, a smoking hole through its chest cavity and an ethereal serpent springing from its skull.

That was a little too close! Jace snapped at the others. Noticing the timbre of his thoughts, Jace paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. Try your best to keep your thoughts clear. I can barely hear myself think with you two going back and forth.

My apologies, Vivien said, her tone conveying a strong remorse.

Yeah, sorry about that. Ral was nowhere near as convincing, and Jace could almost pick out a thin film of resentment clinging to his words.

Jace shook his head, frustrated. It's fine, just try and keep the channel clear. We're almost at the Bridge, and then it's a straight shot to Nivix. We just gotta get through these Eternals as fast as we can, so follow my lead, ok?

Ral and Vivien communicated their agreement, but Jace could tell that they were not happy with him exerting authority over them. He had known the risk of grouping the three of them together. They all had the same predisposition to reject orders, to fight in their own way and call the shots when needed. They were not a harmonious group, but with Vivien's strength and Ral's knowledge of the Izzet, this was the best group they could get for their mission.

It's not their fault, Jace sighed, walling off his private thoughts from the others. I can't really complain. Neither of them are equipped for close combat, and they are stopping every Eternal they hit. I just wish they'd shut up and let me think of a plan.

At the mention of a plan, Jace's mind lapsed for a moment as he was seized by a deep melancholy. It squeezed his chest, weighing him down like a ball and chain latched around his soul. He had been compartmentalizing it since the Gatewatch was on Kaladesh. He thought he had it under control, but since their forced arrival on Ravnica, its grip had only strengthened. Now, the miasmic force made itself known once more, and its sentiment pealed across his brain like a dirge.

You're just wasting time. No matter how long you think, you'll never come up with a plan that can stop Bolas. Face it, you're just not smart enough to save the day.

There it was again. Since he had learned of Bolas' plans, these thoughts had been a permanent fixture in his mind, like a stain he could not remove no matter how much he scrubbed and scoured. Ever since he left Ixalan, Jace felt two steps behind. His mind seemed to be slowing down, the gears dryly scraping as they tried to turn. His plans came slower, almost too late in some cases. Before all this, Jace was confident he could have maneuvered through the crowd of Eternals and reached the Planar Bridge by now. For whatever reason, he was unable to think as quickly as he could, and the only person who seemed fit to blame was himself. Not the Dreadhorde, not the other planeswalkers, not the Gatewatch, not Liliana, not Vraska…

Whatever, now's not the time for this 'down and out' bullshit.

Before his inner voice could berate him anymore, Jace grit his teeth and crammed the wad of self-loathing into the farthest corner of his mind that he could find. He felt the ten or so illusions he was manipulating falter from the strain, allowing the Eternals surrounding him to see his true location. Luckily, he refocused before long, and the only Eternal still keyed on his position was swiftly met with an electric discharge.

Jace, are you alright? Vivien's voice suddenly popped into his mind. Though her attention was split with firing another volley of arrows, Jace could hear a clear hint of worry in her words. Can you still maintain all your illusions? If you need to rest, retreat around to your left and you can get behind Ral and I.

I'm fine, Jace answered, just got distracted for a moment. It's all good now.

You sure? Ral piped in. You don't need to push yourself. Vivien and I should be able to keep these things at bay so you can catch your breath.

Jace could feel a swell of anger coming, but he stamped it down as best he could. I said I can handle it. We need to get there as quick as possible. I'll keep setting them up, you two keep knocking them down.

Once again, Ral and Vivien offered a muted acknowledgement and resumed their artillery positions. Jace took another deep breath in through his nostrils, pushed it evenly from his mouth, then redoubled his efforts of leading the Eternals into the line of fire. As the three continued pushing forwards, the telepathic channel was free of idle chatter.

About damn time, Jace mumbled to himself. Maybe I can actually think of something now that those two finally shut up.

Silently, they cut a swath through the ebbing sea of zombies, the only communication between them coming in the form of short, direct attack orders. Lightning and arrows flew freely, each one now hitting multiple targets thanks to Jace's positioning. Some semblance of teamwork seemed to blossom, and it was not long before the drab street they were traveling was bathed in faint purple light.

The Planar Bridge is just up ahead, Ral reported, instinctively gesturing with his head to the outlet of the road. I can't see much, but if the number of Eternals here is any indication, we may have our work cut out for us once we get to the Bridge.

You sound almost worried, Vivien chided. Our trajectory has made us fight against the current. Getting to this Nivix place should be much simpler, especially for us.

Jace was dubious, but he did not want to cloud his allies. One more big push, and we'll get there. We should be fine, and if not, Teferi and Sarkhan should still be at the Bridge to help us out.

I don't know who that is, Ral replied, but if they're on our side, I guess I can't complain.

Together, and with a renewed energy from their proximity to the goal, the three planeswalkers furiously fought their way through the Dreadhorde. The number of Eternals only increased as they plunged deeper into their ranks, with many now slipping past them to terrorize the city unabated. This irked Jace to no end, that his allies would let even a single Eternal past them, but his pragmatism held back any comments and focused his attention on pushing them ever forward. It was not long before a small channel appeared in the undead horde, a minute disruption in their formation that would allow passage. He informed his teammates, sent his illusions to clear the path as much as they could, and with a concerted effort, Jace, Ral, and Vivien made a mad dash for the crevice. Their speed was rewarded, as the three broke free of the pulsating crowd and landed in the open air of New Prahv.

Oh Gods…

This was the only thing Jace could think as he took in the truly horrific sights bathed in the purple glow of the Planar Bridge. His former office still lay in ruins, its bricks and beams now intermingled with those of other buildings that had sustained heavy damage from the invasion. Shops and restaurants he had frequented now sat in shambles. While this troubled him greatly, seeing spaces that once brought him joy brought low by Bolas, the property damage paled in comparison to the apparent deaths across the courtyard.

Bodies from all Ravnican races littered the ground. Some whole and some in pieces, but all were now trampled beyond the point of recognition by the endless advance of the Dreadhorde. The stench of decay permeated the area, making the air noxiously heavy. It took considerable fortitude for Jace to keep back the bile rising in his throat, and he could sense the same rage-tinged nausea radiating from his comrades. Fighting against his own instincts, Jace peeled his eyes from the street to survey the active scene unfolding in front of the portal, desperate to confirm his other allies had not added their own bodies to the unidentifiable corpses below.

As his eyes traced a path to the Planar Bridge, he noticed that the number of Ravnican corpses was outmatched by the number of dead Eternals. Across the courtyard, he saw lazotep-coated heads rolling separate from their bodies, limbs contorted into unnatural shapes that cracked their shells, and pools of melted lazotep that had hardened in the cobblestone cracks. Following these seeds of destruction, Jace finally beheld the mouth of the portal, and a slight sigh of relief escaped his lips.

He first saw Teferi, standing to one side of the Bridge. His staff was alight with temporal magics, casting a wide net over the portal that caused the Eternals to move in slow motion. Though he was far away, Jace could see the chronomancer's shoulders heaving from the effort and the slump in his posture as he held himself upright with his staff.

Jace's eyes then swept across the battlefield of slowed Eternals, and he saw two other distinct figures aiding in their battle. He did not recognize either of them, and even their garb did not remind Jace of any plane he had visited. One wore a white dress and an oversized hat that shielded her entire head, aside from a few stray wisps of snow-driven hair. They deftly wielded a sword that glowed with white mana, slicing Eternals in singular arcing swipes. The other appeared to be a woman wearing a light blue hood, with golden hair spilling out the sides. A crooked staff shone in one hand, blue energy spilling from it into the Eternals before her. Jace watched as a zombified human, sluggishly running up to the unknown mage, shrank into the form of a frog, albeit still encased in its blue mineral shell, before it could touch her.

While Jace watched these mysterious individuals fight, he also noticed a winged shadow dart across the battlefield. Casting his gaze skyward, Jace beheld a mighty red dragon sweeping the area, which he instantly recognized as a transformed Sarkhan. While the ground was secured by the white and blue planeswalkers, Sarkhan was keeping the skies clear. His toothy maw let loose massive bursts of fire, incinerating any airborne Eternals that were caught in his range and raining molten lazotep on the troops below.

This display, his allies still alive and fighting, aided by new faces, should have filled Jace with hope. Instead, he could only see the cracks and faults in their attempts. Teferi was not the only one who physically bore the toll of their extended engagement. Sarkhan's flames, while still dazzling, had lost the sheer intensity Jace had previously witnessed. The dracomancer was also riddled with wounds, including several spear tips lodged in his wings and a mosaic of cuts across his scaled frame. The planeswalkers on the ground seemed to fair better, with only mild splotches of red blood seeping into their now-tattered clothes. Beyond this superficiality, Jace also saw the sluggishness in everyone's movements. Even with their powers, they were struggling to keep the invasion at bay, with more and more Eternals slipping through the gaps in their attacks.

Shit, this doesn't look good, Jace internally remarked, his thoughts erratic with worry as he tried to figure out the proper course of action. They all look ready to collapse. We need to get to Nivix as soon as possible to alert the Izzet, but we can't just leave them here. If they can't hold the line, the whole city'll go under before we even get there. Could we get to Nixiv first and send the Izzet here? Maybe, but it doesn't seem worth the risk. Ok, I think we'll need to jump in and help.

Jace reopened the telepathic link with Ral and Vivien ready to offer his thoughts on the current situation. Turning to his side, however, he noticed that neither of the planeswalkers were standing beside him as they had been a moment before. Confused, Jace whipped his head back to the Planar Bridge, and he saw Ral and Vivien running towards the others, arrows and lightning already flying freely.

A quick swear escaped under his breath, and Jace bolted forward to catch up with them. On his way, he opened the mental connection to Teferi and Sarkhan, careful to introduce his telepathy as delicately as possible so neither lost concentration.

Teferi, Sarkhan, it's Jace. I've got a few reinforcements with me to help control the spillage. How are things going over here?

You are lucky that I am indisposed at the moment, Sarkhan spat back. I won't take an intrusion in my head lightly, Beleren. Keep your mind reading as far from me as possible.

Glad to hear you've still got some energy, Jace glibly responded, but trust me, I couldn't care less about what you think. I'm keeping the channel open to help you. This seemed to pacify Sarkhan for the moment, as he fell silent once more.

Thank the Gods you're here, Teferi thought, his inner voice sounding strained from the effort. We had been keeping the flow steady, but my magic is getting weaker. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this temporal field up and running.

Jace nodded to himself. Alright, I'll try and figure out what we can do before that happens.

Vivien and I will help with the Eternals, Ral interjected. My Accumulator still has plenty of juice, so we should be able to slow them down more.

Sarkhan's voice flared up again, his passion broadcasting to all. I do not know who you are, stranger, but you should watch what you say. The dragon's flame does not burn slow, and its flight is never hindered!

Ral paused, faltering over his words. Uh, sure, got it. Sorry. My name's Ral Zarek, by the way, current Viceroy of the Izzet League.

Forgive him, Sarkhan, came Vivien's own stoic voice, he meant no disrespect to your strength. You've been here a while, can you get us up to speed?

Very well, he huffed, attention clearly already split between flying and attacking. The Eternals have been steadily pouring out since we returned to the Bridge. There doesn't seem to be an end in sight to the damnable things. Even with the extra assistance, it's like flying against a hurricane's gusts!

Who are the other two people helping you? Jace jumped in. Is it safe to add them into the telepathic network?

Sarkhan's tone shifted slightly, his rough edges smoothing over just a bit. Yes, they are allies. But, tread carefully in… The Wanderer's mind. If you root around where you're not welcome, they will need to scrape your remains from the cobbles.

Something about Sarkhan's words piqued a curiosity in Jace. Between the oddly timed threat and the obvious pause before he spoke that name, as if he were about to say something else and caught himself just in time, Jace could not help but ponder the intent behind Sarkhan's declaration. He felt it prudent, however, to save those inconsequential ideas for later, and he opened the psychic link to the two strangers.

What is the meaning of this? came a harsh voice into Jace's mind. He sensed it coming from the hat-wearing planeswalker, and a quick glance in their direction confirmed that they had momentarily paused their attack as they sorted out what was happening. The presence of their mind instantly struck Jace as unusual. It seemed unaccustomed to telepathic communication, but it carried a level of sharpness and precision that he did not expect. Stay away from my thoughts, monsters!

Wanderer, you needn't worry, Sarkhan answered. Once again, his speech seemed off to Jace, as if he were holding back his usual ferocity for some reason. This is not the work of the Eternals.

Sarkhan, The Wanderer puzzled, is that you? You never told me you had telepathic abilities.

Trust me, he doesn't have the brains for it, Jace quickly stepped in. Sorry for the sudden intrusion. I'm-

Oh, you must be Jace Beleren, a second new voice interrupted him, which Jace assumed came from the hooded woman. Her voice was surprisingly warm given the situation, and her clear intonation told Jace that she had some practice with telepathy. I remember your voice from your earlier message. I'm Kasmina. I tracked your message back to this spot. You'd already left by then, but these three needed some help. I must say, Wanderer, this telepathic communication is quite refreshing. My throat was starting to hurt with all the yelling.

A small spot of warmth appeared in Jace's chest. Well, glad to hear my message reached at least one person. So, how has the fight on the ground been?

Before either could answer, Sarkhan roared: Don't think I will let your little comment slide, Beleren! I would love to see you try and mock my intelligence to my face, but I know your sheer cowardice would-

Sarkhan, The Wanderer's steely voice cut in, now is not the time. Keep your focus on the skies. We need them clear, and only a dragon's might can dominate the air.

Her words seemed to immediately diffuse the tension. Sarkhan gave a growl of approval, followed by a cacophonous surge of dragonfire ripping through the fetid air. Jace's mind boggled at the turn of events, but The Wanderer continued speaking before he could raise any questions.

Unfortunately, Kasmina and I have not been as effective with the earthbound Eternals as we had hoped. I can cut down several at a time, but only at close range. I'm not fast enough to patrol the entire perimeter, even with Teferi's time field.

And my powers are only really suited for singular targets, Kasmina added with a pinch of frustration. Psychotransomatics isn't normally used for field work.

Then I will help you cover the ground, Vivien declared. My arrows should make short work of any errant Eternals.

Jace looked up, and though still had some distance to cover before he could reach the Planar Bridge, Vivien and Ral were almost upon it. Kasmina and The Wanderer stood near the center of the portal, so Vivien cut a path around its side, where the majority of Eternal overflow seemed to originate. As she ran, she let loose myriad arrows into the temporal field. The chronomancy did not slow her projections, and soon shimmering green bears and tigers began ripping the Dreadhorde apart.

If you have the ground with them, added Ral, then I can help cover both above and below. Sarkhan, do you think you can fly safely in a lightning storm?

Sarkhan's haughty voice ripped through their minds once again. Do you take me for a hatchling? No lightning can outrace me! Do what you must, stormmage, and I will show you why you should never underestimate a dragon!

This time, Ral did not seem phased by the sudden accosting. Ok, I kinda figured you'd say something like that. If I want to summon a storm that can hit the things in the sky and the ground, I'll need some altitude. Sarkhan, can you get me to that spire over there? It looks like the tallest point left standing.

Consider it done, Sarkhan replied. With a deft flick of his wings, the draconic planeswalker started plummeting to the ground. He pulled up just before hitting the pavement below, intersecting with Ral's path and scooping the Izzet mage up in his talons. With his cargo secured, Sarkhan sharply pulled into the sky towards the desired vantage point.

Good thinking, everybody. Jace projected these words out to his compatriots, but he could not help but hear a hollowness in his own voice. He shook his head, trying to clear away whatever was causing it, and refocused on the battlefield. I'll keep running interference with my illusions back here. I can't really fight them, but I can keep them off your backs for the time being. I'll see if I can figure out a plan in case the time dilation gives out.

I suggest you hurry on that part, Teferi tersely implored. Without any kind of rest, I don't think I have much time left before my powers shut down.

If that happens, The Wanderer added, we may very well get overrun. Four of us on the ground and two in the air won't be enough to hold everything back. We'd have to retreat, give this area up and fight on the backroads.

Jace's face pulled into a determinative grimace. That won't happen. You all worry about keeping these Eternals down. I'll figure something out.

The other planeswalkers sent their approval, though Jace could not help but feel their messages' perfunctory nature. He did his best to chalk it up to their focus on the tasks before them. Knowing that he had his own job to perform, Jace splintered off from his planned route and made his way to the ruins of the Office of the Guildpact. He quickly ducked behind a large chunk of rubble, away from the Eternals' view. His illusions continued to roam the battlefield, diverting attention away from the others. Their perspectives, along with the telepathic sight from his allies, gave Jace the full scope of their mission. Almost immediately, he felt his mind start to ache, the pace of his breathing picked up tremendously, and a cold sweat started to coat the inner lining of his hood. He quickly retreated into his mind, closing his thoughts from the others.

Oh fuck, oh fuck. This is really bad. Shit, I need to think of something. Ok, just calm down for a second. Breathe. He took a deep breath through his nose, then pushed it out with his diaphragm. Ok, now, let's gather the facts and see what we can do.

Through the eyes of his projections, Jace watched as the grounded planeswalkers continued to dispatch Eternals, breaking their bodies in uncountable ways. Above them, the sky had begun to darken, and a great cloud begin nebulizing as it spread across the square. A light rain started falling, peppering the ground with miniscule droplets. It was not long before the first crack of lightning shook the sky, bathing the area in brilliant light as it cleaved through the wings of an aven Eternal. After that, the bolts came sooner and sooner, slicing through airborne Eternals and obliterating those in its groundward path. Limbs and weapons flew from the subsequent explosions, littering the street with charged metal and flesh. Sarkhan kept true to his boast, effortlessly dodging between bolts and smelting any Eternals who managed to stay clear of the storm.

With the added help of Ral and Vivien, it seemed that the flow of zombies into the city was roughly halved. Despite this positive trend, Jace knew that time was not on their side.

This isn't bad, but it's not a long-term solution. If Teferi can't hold up, then that Wanderer lady is right. If we retreat, I don't know if all the planeswalkers in the Multiverse can clean up the mess. Fuck, we need a plan.

Hunkering down in his makeshift shelter, Jace prepared to think. With his conscious thoughts split between a dozen or so illusions, along with the invisible tether connecting his teammates' minds, he forcibly cleared a wide-open space in his brain. He could still see the events unfolding around him, and he could hear the cooperative grunts and chirps of everyone else's thoughts, but he pushed it all to the periphery, allowing his subconscious to sort it out.

Ok, that should be fine. If anyone needs me, I'll know. Alright, time to get to work.

Jace let another deep breath cycle through his body, allowing the calming ebb to center his mind. He kept his eyes closed, holding his attention inward, and he began pulling variables from his vision to see what he could do.

The biggest thing I need to work around is Teferi. I can feel his exhaustion from here. With how he feels at the moment, factoring in his advanced age and rate of exhaustion… compounded by expulsion of time magic on the body… I think we have a maximum of 10.83 minutes before he completely collapses, and that's being generous.

The gears in his brain ground and sparked as he crunched through the numbers, their effort weighed down even more by the dour conclusion he reached. On the battlefield, one of his illusions stopped moving for a second, then was immediately dissipated by a heavy axe swing. Sensing this, Jace shook his head and tried to focus.

Ok, ok, it's fine. We don't have much time to waste, but we have some time. I can do this. Ok, I need to work around Teferi's time limit. No one here appears to have any sort of restorative spells, nor any area effects that could replace the time dilation field. Maybe Teferi could shrink the field down to conserve energy? Sarkhan and Ral seem to have the air covered, maybe they can handle it if the aerial Eternals weren't slowed. Though Ral's attacks aren't directed, I think. They seem to have a striking interval of about 3 seconds, and only every fourth one hits something in the air. It's not great… What if we cover just the legs of the ground ones? It should have the same slowing effect. No, wait, some of them have arrows. Or magic. I think I even saw one in a chariot… Maybe just cover all the ground ones. That would extend our time by about…7.14 minutes. But that's still just a bandage, not a solution. I need to call Ajani over here to help Tef out, but we're already at risk just having a telepathic link open. One with that radius could give Bolas unfiltered access to every planeswalker on Ravnica. Wait, what if we-

Jace, how's that plan coming? Teferi's haggard voice suddenly knocked against his subconscious, which he let in after a slight recognition delay.

It's coming, he projected back, but I need more time to figure everything out.

Is there anything we can do in the meantime? Kasmina asked in between polymorphic bursts.

Um… Jace began, but he immediately froze after uttering the singular syllable. Fragments of outlines littered his brain, and he could feel decision paralysis set in. He did not know what pieces could make a proper plan, which ones would only make things harder to figure out. He needed more time, enough time to see everything together and feel the puzzle pieces click into place. Without a full plan…

Jace, are you OK? Vivien's voice filtered through, jogging him out of his near-catatonic state. He rapidly blinked his eyes a few times, shaking off the lingering stiffness, before answering.

Yeah, sorry about that. Give me a sec. Ok, uh… I think… we should drop the upper half of the temporal array, Teferi. You'll need the extra energy.

Are you sure? Teferi grunted, still demonstrating a commendable level of caution despite his condition.

Jace swallowed hard. Um, yeah, I think it's what we need. Ral, I need you to increase the lightning intervals by about a half second and shift the cloud about… 4.7 meters closer to the Bridge.

On it, Ral quickly replied.

Sarkhan, Jace continued, you'll need to fly closer to the portal as well. Tighten your circles to catch the new overflow. Everybody else, keep up what you're doing, but watch out for the lightning bolts.

Understood, Sarkhan nodded before tilting into the newly suggested flight pattern. The other planeswalkers echoed his sentiment, returning to their frontline tasks with a small surge of urgency. It took a few seconds for Ral to recentralize the storm's eye and increase the lightning frequency to Jace's specifications, but eventually the square was filled with the rapid-fire tempo of crackling electricity.

Ok, I've adjusted the cloud patterns, Ral reported in, sounding rather pleased with his own quick turnaround. Ready when you are down there!

Jace nodded his approval. Got it. Ok, Tef, whenever you're ready, go ahead and drop the top half of the field.

Sure thing, Teferi managed to call out through the strain. Suddenly, Jace felt the air in the streets change. Teferi retracted the upper section of the temporal field, and all at once, the aerial Eternals sprang forth like water from a blown-out levee. Lazotep-coated avens, angels, and dragons flooded the skies, diluting what little sunlight was left and whipping up a startling whirlwind with their combined wingbeats.

Jace, through the eyes of his illusions, watched the winged Eternals methodically file out of the Bridge's top. Shit, that's a lot. I hope my calculations were correct. My estimates seem right. If everyone would've just given me more time, I could've…

He forcibly cut his inner monologue off, the weight of the coalescing doubt pushing against his ribcage. There was nothing he could do about this now. He just had to watch, hope his plan worked, and try to figure out the next step.

To his utter amazement, his half-formed plan seemed to be working. The flush of Eternals was sudden, but once they exited the Bridge, they were met with either a barrage of lightning or a steady stream of dragonfire. The faster strikes hit their marks, and the greater density of Eternals allowed the discharges to arc between targets, taking multiple creatures down with a single bolt. Sarkhan could still maneuver around the lightning, picking off any stray Eternals outside the storm's reach. He could not get them all, but it appeared to Jace that the number of Eternals escaping into the city's airways did not change.

I guess parity is pretty damn good at this point, Jace commented to himself. We were never gonna hit all the Eternals. Hopefully, the rest of the city can deal with them.

He quickly turned his attention to Teferi, reaching out into the chronomancer's mind to check his condition. Jace felt the corners of his mouth turn up as he sensed Teferi's vitals leveling out and the stress on his mind alleviate slightly.

It's working. I can't believe it's working! Ok, don't get too excited. We're not out of the woods yet. At this rate, we bought ourselves a few extra minutes. It's not a lot, but it's something. With that extra time, I can come up with a more permanent solution to our problem.

As Jace set about reorganizing his mind for the work to come, he noticed a subtle shift in his mental movements. The turning gears now glided smoothly instead of the rusty clanging to which he had grown accustomed. It quickly dawned on him that he had not felt this kind of lightness since he arrived on the plane.

I can do this. I wasn't sure about the half-baked plan I had to throw out, but it's working. I guess all that second-guessing came in handy. Alright, we need an answer to this situation. Let's see what we're working wi-

Before he could get to work, Jace suddenly felt an alarming sensation in the back of his mind. He grimaced, wanting to focus all his attention on planning their next moves, but he knew that he should check in. Pulling up his psychic links, Jace peered out to see what the issue was. He could never have been prepared for what he was about to witness. The color disappeared from his face, and his throat instantly dried up, as all around him, utter pandemonium had broken loose.

One by one, his illusions were trampled by the unrelenting horde of Eternals now freely pouring forth from the Bridge's mouth. They were no longer slowed by the temporal array at all, and they quickly swarmed through the square and out into the city like a propagating virus. He frantically checked through the minds of his allies. Chaotic psychic static filtered through from various sources, a symptom of the sudden shift in the battle's tide. It was enough for him to confirm almost everybody, except for one person. The crushing pain in his chest returned tenfold with the realization that, for some reason, Teferi's mental connection had been cut.

Jace felt his breathing grow increasingly erratic, his mind unable to focus on what any of the other planeswalkers were doing. He clutched his hands together, knuckles white beneath his gloves.

No, no, no, this can't be happening. This can't be happening! How did I let this happen!? Fuck! Not like this.

He felt his back softly knock against the hunk of rubble he was crouching behind. Huddled in the hollowed-out carcass of his former office, he had unknowingly started rocking back and forth, trying to calm himself enough to think straight. He felt the gears slip from position, clattering to the floor of his mind. The metallic reverberations were all he could hear, a fitting echo to his abject failure. Then, in the middle of his wallowing, Jace heard a dim voice in the back of his mind. It was muddled, so he unclasped his hands, wiped his face, and tried to amplify the voice as best he could.

Jace, where are you!? It was Vivien, calling out to him amidst the turmoil. He sensed her close by and moving swiftly through the Eternal's breakneck march. He did his best to compose himself before answering.

I'm fine, he lied, I'm hiding out in the ruins off the side of the main road, near the Bridge.

Ok, I'm coming to you, then, Vivien replied. He felt her change course and start heading his way, firing arrow after arrow to clear a sliver of a path through the undead sea.

As he waited for his ally to reach him, Jace refocused on the telepathic link with the others. What the hell happened? he anxiously shouted to them. Where is everybody?

We are fine, The Wanderer's voice came through, sounding preternaturally placid in this situation. Kasmina and I have retreated to what appears to be an abandoned café. The Eternals seem more preoccupied with entering the city than hunting us.

Ral spoke up next, his words shaky with nerves, I'm still up on the spire. From where I'm looking, this isn't good.

Yeah, I know that! Jace shot back with an unusual amount of hostility. Hearing himself lash out, he took a pause to center before returning to the conversation. He knew what he needed to ask next, but he did not truly know if he wanted an answer. Regardless, he pushed his thoughts forward, mentally preparing for the worst. What happened to Teferi? Why did the time field go down?

I have the time mage in my care. For the first time he could remember, Jace was ecstatic to hear Sarkhan's gravelly cadence. He is alive, but unconscious. I'll bring him to you, stormcaller, so that I may continue to smite as many of these wretched creatures as I can.

Jace allowed the brief wave of relief to wash over him for a moment. Once it passed, he asked everyone: So what happened to Teferi? He shouldn't have just passed out yet. Did anyone see what happened?

I did, Kasmina piped up, her previously cheery voice now mired in worry. When one of the lightning bolts hit the ground, it blew up an Eternal with a rather large staff. The staff went flying off and hit Teferi right in the head. If I hadn't seen that, I don't know if Wanderer and I would've been able to react in time.

He does have a rather large mark on his forehead, Sarkhan added. I can still sense a heartbeat, so I suspect he'll recover. Though I don't know how much good it'll do now.

Jace barely heard Sarkhan's additional comment. He did not need the confirmation for Kasmina's story. As soon as she said it, Jace immediately understood. His fists tightened, and he violently severed his connection to the others' minds.

It's all my fault. Me and my stupid plan! I told Ral to move the clouds closer, right in line with Teferi. I told him to make them hit faster. I knew that the lightning would hit the ground, and I knew that any Eternal hit by it would combust like that. I should have known something like this could happen. Why didn't I see this before I opened my fucking mouth!? If I had just thought everything through, this would never have been a possibility.

The resonance of his deprecation was so loud, he did not hear as Vivien perched atop his makeshift shelter. He saw her shadow loom over him for a moment, then she slid off the rubble and crouched beside him. With particular effort, Jace pulled his face into what he hoped was his usual look of neutral inquisition. Vivien did not seem to notice anything off, as her emerald eyes darted back and forth, surveying the ruinous scene.

"We need to get out of here," she spoke aloud, recognizing that Jace had cut off the telepathic link. Her voice was hard, but it was undercut with a delicate concern. "The Eternals will be swarming through here any minute. They won't enter buildings, but I hardly think this place counts anymore."

Jace took a moment to absorb the image of his hideout, and he offered a sullen nod. "Yeah, I guess you're right." Grunting, he shifted from his sitting position onto his haunches, mimicking Vivien's predatory squat. "So, where can we go that's not in the warpath?"

Vivien gestured with her chin to a building several meters away. "I saw Kasmina and Wanderer go over there. If you can cloak us, I will guide us through." Her words were fast and assured, as if this were something she had experienced before. Jace could not help but feel a pang of jealousy as her confidence, but he immediately crammed it into whatever unoccupied gap his mind had left. With it gone, Jace activated his illusory magic, shielding himself and Vivien from sight.

"Ok, that should do it," he said once the glow of his runes died down. "We'll need to move quickly, otherwise they might just overrun us, even if they can't see us."

She nodded in agreement. "Then let's move."

Rising from her crouched posture without fully straightening, Vivien started moving ahead with feline grace. Jace followed behind as quick as he could, though a sizable gap was appearing between them as Vivien climbed over blocks of masonry that Jace could only walk around. Even with the physical exertion from the day, Jace felt unusually tired. Regardless, he pushed as hard as he could, ensuring that he was close enough to Vivien to keep her presence hidden.

It did not take long for them to clear the remains of the former Office of the Guildpact. Once he was free of it, Jace paused, taking a moment to catch his breath and surveil the square. Just as he had seen before, the Bridge continuously rippled as Eternals filed out unhindered, filling the main street and fording down all available outlets into Ravnica. Sarkhan continued to attack as best he could, but it was clearly too much for him to handle. The scene was grim, and Jace knew he should keep moving to escape as soon as possible. With this break in activity, however, Jace finally noticed a psychic disturbance that had been in his periphery for a while now. Reaching out with his powers, he found a telepathic link with Kasmina's signature magic, and he immediately reestablished their connection.

Kasmina, what's going on? Are you and The Wanderer ok? Vivien and I are on our way, so just hang tight for a little bit longer.

Oh, Jace, thank the Grand Magus you're alright! Kasmina sounded surprised and relieved, and Jace chastised himself for ignoring her communique. Wanderer and I are fine, the Eternals are still keeping out of the building. I was trying to reach you because Ral has something urgent he wants to tell you. I think he saw something.

Jace quickly moved to apologize. Sorry about that, I lost my concentration with everything happening. I'll find everyone else and let them back in. Allowing his mental tendrils to slither out into the ether, Jace found the other planeswalkers and jacked them into the conversation. Feeling this sensation, Vivien, who had kept moving while Jace rested, turned around and scanned for him. Once she found him several meters away, she gave a broad gesture with her bow to urge him forward. Jace held up a hand to signal a stop, and though a look of impatience creased her features, she obliged.

Ral, Jace projected, I'm here. What did you see?

There was a pause as Ral gathered his thoughts. Well, there's something coming straight at us. Something big.

What do you mean? Jace nervously asked, already feeling a cold sweat on his brow at the prospect of another threat on the way. Did Bolas cook up something new for us?

No, I don't think this is Bolas' doing. It looks like a… like a giant warship, and it's got the Boros insignia on the front. I've lived here a while, and I've never seen anything like this.

Jace did not hear this last, idle thought from Ral, as his mind had started humming the moment Ral mentioned the insignia of this unknown aircraft.

A Boros warship coming this way? Does that mean…

His train of thought faded out as he turned his focus towards the incoming vessel. Though he could not see it, he sent a telepathic connector out as far as he could in its direction, hoping to latch onto a familiar mind. Unfortunately, his range was lacking, and his psychic abilities fell off long before they reached the ship.

Damn, I can't know for sure yet. It could be a trap set up by Bolas. No, no, there's no way it's not what I think.

He recognized that his words were not steeped in confidence, but mired in doubt that needed reassuring. As he nodded to himself, trying desperately to will his thoughts to truth, Ral's voice crackled into his ears, now with a fresh coating of panic.

Jace! This thing is getting close, and it looks like the front is opening. Wait, I can see something glowing inside. Do you want me to try and blast it down?

Jace snapped back to the conversation with breakneck reactivity. No, don't shoot! Just get yourself and Teferi as far out of its path as you can. If I'm right, then they should be here to help.

And if you're wrong? Ral asked.

I'm not.

Ral paused, taking in Jace's curt response. A small sigh escaped his breath, its sentiment echoing to Jace's brain. Ok, we'll hide out around the back of the spire I'm on. If things start going south, I'll be sure to give 'em a nice light show.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that, Jace muttered before signing off from the communication. He was about to rejoin Vivien and tell her what he believed was happening, but before he could take a step, an earth-shattering sound ripped through the air.

Jace whipped around, his hood flying off his head with the speed. He turned in time to see one of the side streets fill with a searing illumination. Jace had to shield his eyes to see even the barest edge of the light, and within its glow, he saw Eternals disintegrate where they stood. An entire phalanx turned to ash in a moment.

What the hell was that?

Around the outline of his raised arm, Jace saw the light dim from the throughway. Once it dissapeared, he lowered his arm to try and get a better view of this mysterious weapon. Instead, he was met by a rush of superheated air, which washed over the battlefield and reached Jace with enough intensity to buffet his exposed face. This was followed by a cloud of dust thick enough to blind him for a moment and incite a coughing fit.

It took Jace some time to recover, to wipe the dirt from his eyes and let the burning sensation across his face die down. Once he reopened his eyes, however, he thought that the attack had truly damaged his vision. His surroundings were now bathed in shade, with only broad movements perceivable in the inkiness. A brief panic set it, but once Jace arched his neck up to the sky, he saw the true cause of the sudden darkness. Above the city skyline, Jace took in his first glimpse of the massive Boros warship as it steadily flew towards the Planar Bridge.

The vehicle was grander than anything Jace could have expected. Ral had mentioned that the ship was opening, and Jace now saw it closing its parted sides, which locked around the massive fist of the Boros. The logo glowed with white-hot light, and Jace could only assume that was the source of the blazing attack he had just witnessed. Once it was fully sealed, it looked more like a flying battlement than a ship, with a massive brick façade interspersed with aviaries, spires, and wing-like ramparts. A low hum of magic emanated from twin thrusters at its base, propelling it forward through the clouds and keeping it airborne. As it pushed forward, its enormous frame blotted out the sun, casting more of the Bridge in shadow and giving it a bright corona that seemed almost divine.

The floating fortress moved at a quick clip, and it was not long until it entered the airspace of the square. Upon reaching the perimeter of the Planar Bridge, the ship ceased its forward movement. Jace squinted to see why it had stopped, and noticed that, from an assembly of open aeries across the ship's face, a squadron of Boros soldiers poured into the sky. In an instant, the area above the battleground was filled with the sounds of war, battle cries and weapon strikes echoing off the fallen structures below.

Jace's eyes were transfixed by the battle unfolding above him, but not from the timely display of the Legion. Instead, his eyes desperately flitted across the skyscape, looking at every face he could find. Despite the distance, he could clearly make out the members the Boros Legion as they clashed with the aerial Eternals. He saw brilliant angels wielding emblazoned swords and armor-encased skynights perched atop majestic rocs. He even saw Aurelia, the guild's leader, slicing through zombies on the front lines. Then, amidst the tumultuous scene, he homed in on a single familiar face. There was no mistaking the striking figure of Gideon Jura as he streaked across the sky on a snowy pegasus, reins in one hand and a blood-soaked Blackblade in the other.

Seeing his friend in the heat of battle, Jace took no time in reestablishing a telepathic connection. Gideon, it's Jace. Glad to see you're alright.

Jace! Gideon practically yelled back at him in surprise. Jace winced from the volume, but he was mostly appreciative to hear the man's voice again. Thank the gods. I don't see you, but I take it you're alive and well.

I'm alive, at least. Is it safe to assume your talk with the Boros went well?

Jace could feel Gideon smile. Indeed. I spoke with Aurelia, and a few other planeswalkers, and we've come up with a proper plan to abate the Dreadhorde. What's the situation for you?

Jace pursed his lips. After you left, the Gatewatch and I found some allies and splintered off. Karn and Ajani are on the outskirts, getting civilians out of harm's way. Chandra should be on her way to Vitu-Ghazi, and a few more are going to Orzhova. Some other planeswalkers and I were on our way to Nivix, but we got stopped here. Teferi was keeping the Bridge in check, but he's knocked out at the moment.

Hmm, Gideon mused, that is most troublesome. If he is in need of healing, we can take him aboard the Parhelion II for that. Boros clerics are some of the best in the city. What about you, are you injured?

I'm fine, Jace flatly stated. I managed to stay safe in the rubble of what used to be my office.

Glad to hear it, friend. If that's the case, I would suggest you continue your journey to the Izzet. We need their support if we're to win the day.

Are you sure? We can stick around for a bit, make sure the ground is shored up while you keep the skies clear?

It's taken care of. The Parhelion II is charging for another solar energy attack, but it also carries ground troops. They'll keep the horde at bay until we can wipe them out.

Jace's gaze fell to the Parhelion II, and he noticed a stream of soldiers filtering down from the warship's undercarriage. A menagerie of humans, goblins, minotaurs, and elementals landed on the bricks below, prepared to lock blades with the oncoming Dreadhorde.

Are you sure? Jace implored further. This is a big battle, and I don't know if-

Gideon quickly cut him off. The Legion and I can handle this. You're needed elsewhere. Go on. I'll be ok.

A lump formed in Jace's throat, one that he struggled to swallow before responding. Ok, I'll find the others and head out. Teferi is up on the spire to your left, and Ral Zarek is with him. Whoever you send to get Teferi, have them drop Ral on the ground so he can meet up with us.

Of course, I'll fly over there as soon as I can.

Heh, a small laugh escaped Jace's mind, it's a good thing the Legion gave you a pegasus. I can't imagine you just running around out here would do as much good.

I suppose you're right, Gideon conceded, his tone somewhat playful. Aurelia picked this one out especially for me. Apparently, she had named it Gideon's Promise.

That's the dumbest fucking name for an animal I've ever heard.

Gideon chuckled. I wholeheartedly agree. If this battle ever dies down, I will start thinking of a more appropriate name.

At this, Jace sensed Gideon's flight path change as he turned to intercept Teferi and Ral. He disengaged his connection to Gideon's mind, then reconnected to the other planeswalkers. He quickly laid out the plan to Vivien, Ral, and the rest, not wanting to waste any more time before departing. Once everyone sent their confirmation, Jace cut the connections.

With his mind now silent, Jace looked over the awesome sights of the Boros' fight. Both in the air and on the ground, the Eternals were falling at the might of the trained militia. For every Boros soldier that fell, it seemed that a dozen Eternals were put to rest. The onslaught of the Dreadhorde's march already appeared to falter, and the Boros were regaining more and more ground as they pushed them back to the Bridge. Thanks to Gideon and the Legion, it looked like victory was once again a possibility. The scene would have filled anyone with hope. Why, then, did Jace feel so empty?