The drive to the Masterson's was deathly silent. Heavy fog glided over the road, and Connie watched it drift across the moor. They hadn't left as early as planned, so she would have to see Skylark after the meeting. She was in the back with Rat, who hadn't spoken a single word. Connie wished she could tell him about her upcoming plan, but she didn't want to risk Evelyn overhearing. In truth, she wasn't exactly sure how Skylark could help, but his companion bond was the key. Despite how fragile it had become, it was the only way she could break Stormbolt's connection. With him out of the picture, Col's influence over the pegasi would fall, and the Society could finally breath more easily again.

Suddenly Evelyn's mobile rang.

"Connie, get that for me," she said, tossing it to the back. "Who is it?"

Connie glanced at the number.

"It's Mrs. Clamworthy." She accepted the call and held the phone to her ear.

"Evelyn, it's me, Lavinia. Have you left home yet?"

"Hi Mr. Clamworthy, it's Connie, we're on our way right now," Connie answered.

"Good," Mrs. Clamworthy said. "Dr. Brock just phoned. There's been an emergency, so he won't be able to make it."

"Emergency?" Connie repeated. Rat sat up straighter. "Is it about the pegasi?"

"Undoubtedly yes, but he couldn't spare many details," Mrs. Clamworthy answered. "Kira might know more, she's chairing the meeting in his stead. I'll find out what I can. See you soon."

"Alright, thank you, bye." Connie ended the call. "Dr. Brock might not be able to make it, he's attending some emergency. So Kira's going to chair."

"I see," Evelyn said.

"I bet he's been called to Mallins Wood," Rat said, slumping in his seat again. "Ma's friends have been saying that some 'stray horses' keep smashing their camp sites."

"They're not the only ones," Evelyn added. "People have been sighting a lot of deer, badgers and foxes much closer to town, too. The pegasi must be forcing them out of the forest."

Connie clenched her fist. This has got to stop, she growled to herself.

At long last Evelyn pulled in to the farm, and they hastily made their way to the barn. Connie could sense Windfoal and Skylark, and Icefen was lurking nearby as well, but there was a complete dearth of other creatures. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled. Something was wrong.

"Icefen!" Rat called. The frost wolf emerged from the mist, and Rat hugged him tightly. Icefen licked his face, growling. "Eh? What do you mean everyone's left already?"

Connie frowned and headed for the barn. Before she could open the door, a voice called behind her.

"Connie, Evelyn, Sean!"

Connie turned, spotting Kira and Windfoal hurrying towards them.

"Kira!" Evelyn cried. "What's going on? Where is everyone?"

"We have a massive crisis right now," Kira explained. "I've just received word Col is leading his pegasi army against the creatures in Mallins Wood. They are sparing no-one, not even the campers or natural wildlife. Captain Graves is trying to form a counter-attack, but they're not making much ground."

"Then we need to get over there!" Connie snapped.

"That may be difficult," Kira said. "The pegasi are guarding their territory fiercely and have formed blockades. Col knows you aren't there, and it seems he plans to keep you out."

"So can't we just break through?" Rat asked.

"Their numbers are vast," Kira admitted, "and we don't have enough people to spare for a distraction."

"Maybe it's not people we need," Connie said, an idea forming. "Last time the wild pegasi attacked me, Skylark was able to reason with them and break Stormbolt's hold. If he can break up one of the blockades, we can get through."

"You ask a lot of Skylark," Kira answered. "After everything he has been through, will he be up to the task?"

Yes!

A crash echoed from the stables, and Connie felt the rush as Skylark bolted into the open. He galloped straight to the barn, his mane flying. He stormed to a stop beside her, and nuzzled her chest. Connie wrapped her arms around him, her heart filled with warmth. She'd seen him before her fight with Col and he'd looked so frail, but now he was fully recovered and much more like his old self.

"I will do it," Skylark said. "I will do whatever it takes to bring Col home."

"Are you sure you can handle this?" Connie asked.

"Sentinel spoke of your fight against Stormbolt, and your courage has renewed mine," Skylark said. "I cannot let the pain of loss cripple me any longer. I saw his true heart that night, and you were right. He still cares for me, as I do for him. We are the only ones who can bring him back to his senses."

"Right," Connie said. "And we're not going to back down until he comes with us."

"Well, that's decided then," Rat chimed. "So what are we waiting for?"

"Just a second you two," Evelyn broke in. Connie rolled her eyes. She couldn't possibly still be thinking about her grounding. "Be careful." She turned to Kira. "Don't let Connie leave your side, Kira. Or she's going to be in worse trouble after this is all over."

"I will protect her, Evelyn," Kira vowed, and Connie heard Windfoal echo the same.

"Good," Evelyn said.

Nodding, Kira mounted Windfoal and offered Connie her hand.

"Ride with us," Windfoal explained. "The wild pegasi will not talk to Skylark if he has a rider. We will keep you safe."

"Alright." Connie mounted in front of Kira, and dug her hands into Windfoal's mane. So different from Argand's scales.

"Rat, go on ahead with Icefen," Kira ordered. "He will be better at navigating the fog, and we'll reach the woods faster."

"I'll drive down to Mallins Wood and gather my banshees and anyone else I can find," Evelyn offered. "Take care, all of you."

She hurried off into the mist. Rat jumped onto Icefen's back and barked out a command. Icefen sprinted off, and Windfoal and Skylark followed. The wind tore through Connie's hair as they galloped across the moor. Windfoal's excitement bubbled through her veins; the rush that could only come from running free. Beside her Skylark felt the same, yearning for the skies, but he stuck to the ground, tethered by fear and doubt. They were riding into battle, and Connie would have to decide the fate of an entire companion species.

But she wouldn't have to do it alone.

They ate up the distance across the moor, Icefen's nose leading them through the fog.

"They are near," Skylark reported.

"Don't leave us just yet," Connie warned. "Don't forget I'll need you against Col as well. You have to be careful."

"Of course, Universal."

Quickly the silhouettes of trees started to appear. Other shadows soon followed, and Connie gasped, sensing the pegasi. There were loads of them swarming the border of Mallins Wood, and it didn't take long before they spotted the trio. Connie didn't bother trying to communicate. Instead she crouched lower against Windfoal's neck.

"I will distract them, Universal," Skylark said. He seemed more sure of himself than ever. "Get to Stormbolt and Col, and I will find you as soon as I can."

He cut off their connection before Connie could reply.

"I'll give him a hand!" Rat yelled, guiding Icefen to follow the pegasus. "Just get into the woods!"

"Be careful!" Connie shouted back.

Both pegasus and frost wolf broke away, and Kira pressed forward. Windfoal stretched out her neck, her mouth foaming slightly. They were so close, only another few feet…

"Watch out!" Kira twisted her fingers into Windfoal's mane, and she veered to the right, narrowly avoiding the dive of a wild pegasus. Another pegasus lunged at them, and Windfoal was forced to run parallel to the trees. They weren't going to let them inside. Connie cast her mind to Skylark, who was caught in a hurricane of hooves, tails and feathers. The plan wasn't working.

"We need to change tactic!" Kira called. "Hold on, Connie!"

Connie tensed, bracing herself against Windfoal's shoulders. Kira was silent, directing the unicorn with her mind. They were perfectly in sync; the result of a companion bond strengthened over years and years. The pegasi were above and behind them, but Windfoal never faltered. She dashed along the border of the trees, ever so slowly edging towards the branches. The pegasi in the sky began to peel away, not wanting to risk getting caught in the boughs.

Finally Windfoal turned sharply, and they bolted into the trees. Connie's heart leapt.

"Skylark, we're through!" she called out. "We're…"

Suddenly a pegasus appeared from the trunks, its head bowed, and it rammed straight into them. Windfoal neighed, bowled to the floor, as Kira and Connie went flying. Connie hit the ground, scratching her face on loose twigs. Windfoal's pained cries filled her head, and she could barely sense anything else. Coughing, she struggled to sit, pushing away the swirling emotions of the creatures around her. Hooves began to surround her.

"Connie!" Kira yelled, but she too was blocked off and pushed apart from Windfoal.

Connie looked up, gazing into the angry eyes of the pegasi herd. There had to have been more than fifty of them, and who knew how many lurked within the forest itself. A grey mare stepped forward, and she kicked dirt into Connie's face.

"You will come with us," she ordered. Connie's eyes widened; she wasn't a wild pegasi. "If you try to fight, we will kill your herd companions."

Connie frantically glanced to her friends. Icefen was wounded, and Rat stood protectively in front of him as more pegasi surrounded them. She sent out a mental call for Skylark, but he didn't answer.

"Your pegasus companion fled the battle," the mare mocked. "We have no use for one as weak as he is. Now get up and come with us."

Connie's heart sank. She couldn't blame Skylark for fleeing; they were completely outnumbered. She hadn't realised the true numbers of Stormbolt's force. But she could sense the unease of the creatures around her. They were not fully in control of their actions, motivated more by fear than loyalty.

With no other choice, she rose to her feet and began following the pegasus mare. Shape-shifting was a potential option, but Kira and Rat would see, and with so many pegasi around they could still recapture her, no matter what form she took. No, she'd have to wait until they took her to Col. He was central to all this, and she had a much better chance of defeating him than an entire army.

They took a winding trail through the woods. The further they went, the more Connie sensed panic from the surrounding creatures, both mythical and non-mythical. Then a familiar presence broke through, honing on her thoughts.

"Universal!" Firewings exclaimed. "Help us, they are…"

He was cut off into silence, and Connie bit back her tears. They were losing. She wanted to cast out her power and find out what was happening, but if the others knew she'd been captured, their morale would collapse. Reluctantly she strengthened her shield, hiding her presence.

At last they came to a clearing. Connie swallowed back the bile in her throat. Stormbolt was here. Her pegasi escort parted, leaving a definitive path to the black pegasus. For a moment she stood her ground, until the grey mare shoved her forward with her head. Stumbling, Connie regained her footing. This was a show of power. She wouldn't cower so easily.

"Where is Col?" she asked.

Stormbolt's eyes flared.

"You dare ask about my prince when you are brought here as my prisoner?" he croaked. "Bow before me and I might answer."

"I'll never bow to you," Connie hissed.

The pegasi surrounding her lunged, butting her in the back. Connie fell forward, and hit the ground on her knees. Stormbolt's laughter echoed in her ears.

"How does it feel to be humiliated so?" he jeered, fanning out his wings. "I had almost given up hope on my freedom, but my prince has surpassed all of my expectations. The pegasi are almost fully united, and this land is ours. He is more than worthy to be my companion." He stalked forward, so he was almost on top of Connie. He blew hot air into her hair, and Connie gritted her teeth, fighting the nausea. "Now, with you as his victory gift, nothing will get in our way."

He turned away. Fury burned through Connie's chest. Almost without permission she stole into Icefen's power, readying an ice-lance, but the frost wolf's mental howl stopped her. If she struck Stormbolt, the entire pegasi herd would rip them to shreds. She couldn't risk her friends' lives.

"You're so pathetically soft, Universal," Kullervo yawned. "But I must concede Stormbolt is not the one who needs to die."

"Nobody is going to die!" Connie shot back.

"Your denial will only last so long," Kullvero replied. "Your 'other option' has already bolted in fear. Don't waste the opportunity."

Connie couldn't argue further, as the pegasi herd started to step back. Windfoal and Icefen were pushed into the trees, kept further apart from Kira and Rat. Then the pegasi dropped to one knee. Connie's eyes widened. Twigs and leaves crunched, and she looked up. Col was walking towards her, his sword at an angle as it rested on his shoulder. Stormbolt was at his side, gleeful.

Connie remained on her knees, her fists clenched, as Col stopped in front of her.

"So, you decided to join the party after all," he said slyly.

"Col!" Rat yelled, straining against his captors. "What the hell are you doing, man? Stop pretending to play dictator and come home!"

Col didn't answer. Instead he raised his hand, and the pegasus trapping Rat kicked him. Rat groaned, and fell to the floor, clutching his mouth. The pegasus' hoof was stained with blood.

"I don't have to listen to any of you," Col snarled. "Not anymore." He spread his arms, a dark grin on his face. "You'd better listen, Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures!" His voice boomed across the woodland, and Connie felt the distant fighting still. "I've captured your Universal, and if you keep resisting, she's going to suffer. Surrender at once!"

"What are you trying to achieve, Colin?" Kira asked, her voice cold.

"My birth right!" Col snapped. "You're supposed to be leader of the Two Fours but you never stood up for the pegasi!" He pointed his sword at her. "Every companion to pegasi were ridiculed, told they were nothing special, that we were the weakest! But I've proven you all wrong!"

"Col, you've proven nothing!" Connie suddenly spoke up. "Our Society is meant to maintain harmony between all creatures, not to pit us against one another!"

"Of course you'd say that rubbish!" Col jeered. "Do the Society even care about you, Universal? They're terrified of you! They don't want harmony, they only want their own creatures put first!"

"You're wrong!" Connie shot back. "You're just following in Kullervo's steps!"

Col glared.

"Just…" He raised his sword, his arm shaking. "…shut…" A tear escaped his eye. "…UP!"

He swung his sword down, but it met against a blade of pure white. Connie was holding a white sword of her own. Bracing her arms, she shoved Col away, so hard that he stumbled and fell backwards. She stood up, the wind picking up as the light of her sword grew stronger. The fog parted, and Skylark descended, landing beside her.

"Skylark!" Kira and Rat cried.

Connie smiled. She'd felt his presence not long after Col appeared.

"I knew you'd never abandon me," she whispered in her thoughts. "Thank you."

"What?!" Col recoiled at the sight of his companion, snatching his sword back. "How…you should be dead!"

"Col, stop this nonsense!" Skylark answered. "We know this is not what you want!"

"Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!" Col retreated to Stormbolt. The other pegasi tensed, awaiting his order. "No, this one is mine! I'll…I'll get rid of you once and for all!"

Connie mounted Skylark quickly, knowing what was about to happen. They took to the air, weaving in and out of the trees. Within seconds Stormbolt was alongside them, Col atop his back.

"Get back here, coward!" he screamed.

"Col, you're the one running from the truth!" Connie hollered back. "But if this is the only way you're going to listen, then so be it!"

She whirled Skylark around, and her blade met Col's, sending sparks flying.

"I'm stronger than you!" Col bawled. "I'm stronger than anyone!"

"We know, Col, you don't have to prove anything!" Skylark chimed, dodging a kick. "Please, remember our bond!"

"No!" Stormbolt rasped. "He is my companion and mine alone! I will not let you take him from me!"

He opened his mouth and a jet of black flame shot out. Skylark dived, and Connie raised her shield. Stormbolt must've been desperate if he was using new moves like that.

"Impossible!" Skylark breathed. "No pegasus can command fire!"

"He's not a true pegasus," Connie reminded him. "Never mind, we need to get them apart!"

Skylark nodded, retreating to the ground. He hit the turf running, ripping through the branches. They cut through the undergrowth, passing a crowd of mythical creatures. Several presences pounced on Connie, and her heart filled with delight.

"Connie!" Argand squealed. "They said you were captured!"

"I'm okay!" Connie replied. "I need your help, we have to get Col and Stormbolt apart! Spread the word!"

Argand nodded, disappearing into the shrubs. Skylark changed his path, following a separate trail.

"We will trap him," he informed Connie. "Please hold tight!"

"Right." Connie braced herself, hugging Skylark's neck. Skylark grunted, then put on an added burst of speed. Even Stormbolt struggled to keep up.

"Stop them!" Col shrieked.

The fog began to swirl again, and the sky clouded. Moments later rain fell, and Connie gulped. Stormbolt was going to turn the weather against them. The trail became slick with mud, and Skylark had to use his wings to control his balance. It took its toll on his speed, though, and he was forced to slow down.

Stormbolt seized his chance, rushing forward. Col yelled, his sword raised. Connie took a breath, letting her white sword fade, before she climbed onto Skylark's hindquarters. She'd only get one chance.

As Col was almost on top of them, Connie sprang. The sword sliced her sleeve, but she hit her true mark, tackling Col around the ribs. They both fell off Stormbolt and into the mud. Col dropped his sword and wrestled with Connie, but she held on, refusing to yield.

Rain splattered heavily into the leaves and trees as they grappled with each other, tearing clothes and skin.

"You…can't…win!" Col grunted. Abruptly he broke away, before elbowing Connie in the jaw. Her teeth clipped her lip and she held her cheek, blood trickling from her mouth. In return she aimed a punch, striking Col square on the nose. Col staggered, but then swept his leg around, knocking Connie to the ground. That was all the time he needed to retrieve his sword. Connie shot to her feet, but before she could raise her shield, he lunged.

The iron blade tore into her shoulder and she screamed. It was like white-hot fire running through her skin. Col let the sword tug free, and she collapsed, her faced soaked with tears and rain. Her cry had transmitted to every creature in the forest, and in moments almost every mythical creature in the area came rushing towards them. Their companions came with them; Dr. Brock, Captain Graves, Gard, and several members of the Two Fours and Winged Creatures. Skylark and Stormbolt also appeared, sporting wounds from their own fight.

"Connie!" Gard gasped. "Col, this is enough! Just…"

"Stay back!" Col warned. "Or I'll…I'll…"

"Do what?" Connie whispered. "Kill me?"

Col remained silent, but his arm was trembling. Connie clutched her bleeding shoulder. He was hesitating.

Suddenly she felt bubbling beneath her, and a gentle singing reached her ears. The puddles from the rain had joined together, deep enough to reach the creek that ran through the woods. Finally a water sprite appeared, and Connie blinked.

"Issoon?"

The water sprite acknowledged her, then glanced to the gathering around them. Connie followed his gaze, and her eyes widened.

"Colin Clamworthy, do you have any idea what you've done?" Mrs. Clamworthy spoke, escorted by Mack, Evelyn and a flock of water sprites. The rain sustained them, so they were able to leave the confines of the creek. Col stared, his face white. "You've become so obsessed in your lust for power, you've forgotten the true source of it!"

Issoon drifted to Connie, and he touched her shoulder. It was like a cooling balm, and the bleeding stopped. Connie hadn't realised the water sprites were capable of some healing, too. She sat up, still hurt, but able to watch the scene unfold.

"Is this really what you wanted?" Mrs. Clamworthy went on. "To turn the peaceful and noble pegasi into creatures of war? To hurt and harm other mythical creatures who share their homes? To break apart our family and the ones who love you most?"

The horror in Col's eyes deepened, and tears began to form.

"No…I'd never…"

"They are lying, my prince!"

Suddenly Stormbolt charged forward, standing in front of Col.

"They never cared for you like I did!" he bellowed. "They only care to make you weak again!"

Col gripped his temples.

"Don't listen to that thing!" Mack shouted. "We want you back with us!"

"You can't trust them!" Stormbolt hissed.

"I…"

"Please listen to us!" Evelyn cried. "George misses you, he wants his brother back!"

Col snapped his eyes shut. "I…I want to…"

"No!" Stormbolt stomped his hooves. "We're stronger together! You don't need them!"

"I…" Col dropped his sword. "I don't know anymore!"

"Skylark," Connie yelled, "now!"

She bolted from the ground, as Skylark ran towards her. Stormbolt flared his nostrils, but Connie caught a handful of his mane. With her other hand she grasped Skylark, and then forced a bridge between them. Col let out an anguished wail, and the forest disappeared.

The four of them appeared on her mental island. Col was on his knees, holding his head. Oddly enough, Connie didn't feel sick this time. Skylark was protecting her. Now she could see the one bond Col shared between the two pegasi. Skylark's sky-blue and silver aura mixed with Stormbolt's red and black one, so intertwined they were almost impossible to tell apart.

"Universal, hurry," Skylark said. "I'm not afraid."

"What are you doing?!" Stormbolt cried.

Connie's eyes narrowed.

"Getting rid of you!"

She conjured a helm, her one defence against intruders in her mind. She could only hope Col's companion bond would be strong enough to resist. Striding forward, she came to Col's shivering form and touched his shoulders. He looked up at her, his face streaming with tears.

"What have I done?" he croaked.

"It'll be over soon," Connie soothed, kneeling beside him. "Here."

Col didn't resist as she fixed the helm around him. The mixed aura began to twist and writhe, and both Skylark and Stormbolt shrieked. The colours tried to merge to Connie to form another bond, but Skylark resisted, blocking off his connection.

"Skylark!" Connie reached out to him. The strain was going to be too much.

"I will…make sure…he cannot bond…ever again…" Skylark whispered. "Tell Col…I am proud…to have been his companion. Goodbye…Universal!"

Connie couldn't maintain the bridge and her mental island vanished. The cold wet woodland returned, and she found herself in Evelyn's arms. She could barely move. Col was with Mack, his eyes closed.

Stormbolt was rearing, flapping his wings in fury. His eyes were wide and panicked. Connie felt him reaching out, but even she couldn't connect to him. Skylark had dealt him a final blow. He'd lost his ability to bond to humans forever.

Before the other creatures could react, a group of wild pegasi arrived. But they ignored the gathering, and instead went for Stormbolt. Stormbolt retreated, fleeing to the skies, and they took chase. He was their master no longer, and they were going to exact their own revenge on him.

One pegasus however remained, but he had collapsed into the leaves, and was lying very still.

"No…Skylark!"

Connie pushed Evelyn away and crawled to the pegasus. She passed the black sword, which had cracked, centuries of decay catching up at once. The magical seal—and Helena Goldswift—were gone forever. She threw herself onto Skylark, trying to sense his heart. It was too faint. He'd sacrificed his companion bond to get rid of Stormbolt. He wasn't going to survive.

"This can't be!" she wept, burying her face in his mane. "I promised I wouldn't let this happen, and…"

"Universal, there is still a chance!" Gard spoke. "Mack, bring Col to Skylark, quickly now!"

Mack picked up Col and hurried to the pegasus. He laid his son down beside Connie, and Connie held his hand tightly.

"You can rebuild their bond, Connie," Gard said.

"But…how?" Connie asked. "I never could before…"

"Reach into your heart, Connie," Gard instructed. "Your feelings for them are the same. Let that be the base of the new bond between them. You are the only one who can save them."

Connie nodded, squeezing Col's hand tighter. She wrapped her other arm around Skylark and delved into her mental realm. Both pegasus and companion lay on her island, flickering wisps of silver all that was left of their former connection. There wasn't much time left.

Connie stepped into her ocean, the silver waters filling her with strength. Slowly, she began to weave her arms, twisting the water into crescents, finding her connection to the pegasi. The lines folded around each other, rising and wrapping around her wrists, before extending to the silver fragments in the air. One end touched Skylark, bathing him in light, and the aura started to grow. The other side touched Col, and the silver changed. Sky-blue, navy, orange, purple, dusky pink; the aura took on the colours of a sunset.

"Your power is truly remarkable, Universal," Kullervo said, appearing as a crow on her shoulder. "I have never seen a bond created like this. You have performed a miracle. Well done."

Connie lowered her arms, and the aura shimmered. It would be unbreakable. The ocean and island slipped away, and the cold air stung her cheek. Still lying against Skylark, she felt his heavy breaths, and the strong pulse of his heart. He was going to live. She backed away, weary, as Col stirred. His hands roamed Skylark's flank, and he gripped his mane, his knuckles white.

"I'm so sorry, Skylark," he whimpered. "I'm so sorry!"

He burst into tears.

"I am glad you have come back to me," Skylark answered softly. "I missed you."

Connie smiled. They were going to be alright. However, Captain Graves huffed. He dismounted Firewings, his eyes narrowed.

"He doesn't get away this easy," he said, making to step forward, but Mrs. Clamworthy held his arm.

"Leave them alone." Her eyes were fierce. "Can't you see Connie has given them a second chance? You can decide your punishment later." She turned to the rest of the group. "The battle is over. It's time to go home."