Ruined Canterlotby 2crazyrainbowsChapters1- Glistening Rainbow2- Part Two: A Musicians Pride3- A General's Remorse4- An Eye for an Eye4.5- Meetup2- Part One: A Musicians PrizeHouse of Lulamoon1- Glistening RainbowIt all began when the queen, Chrysalis, attacked Canterlot. We were caught off guard, and stood very little chance..I am alone, attempting to make my way out of this place. This, *Ruined Canterlot.*** “I personally am going to leave the city and seek refuge in Ponyville, where Twilight Snarkle and her friends live. Not that I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, am worried about the war. I simply don’t want to get involved” Trixie was speaking aloud to herself, boasting about how she didn’t care, even though she was absolutely terrified of changelings ever since she saw on for the first time, disguised as her caretaker. “Well, better get the stage together, and get out of this sorry excuse of a capital.” "Trixie! Leave the stage, you must get out of here, the changelings will arrive at any moment!" Trixie's follower had burst into the mare's room, trying to get her to leave. "The great and powerful Trixie will not leave her stage, Trixie will stay here and kill anyone who opposes me. Including you, now leave Trixie be!" Surprised at her sudden outburst, and the threat to kill him, the stallion left the room as quickly as possible. "Trixie will not leave her life's work to a few mere changelings... Trixie will kill them all if need be." Little did she know, it would not be a "few mere changelings" it would be hundreds, thousands, and even millions if need be. Canterlot would fall, the queen would make sure of that.. Trixie walked out with her stage in tow, walking towards the edge of Canterlot, seeing very few ponies, well, live ponies.. The ground around littered with the corpses of dead royals, high class ponies, and servants. She paid little attention to the bodies, until a familiar one caught her eye. It was... The body of her rival, Twilight Sparkle.. She had over used her magic, causing a massive disruption and a spell backfired on her. She could tell by the broken horn.. Trixie didn't know how to feel.. "Twilight Sparkle, it looks like I.." Trixie stopped, she couldn't say this, even she had feelings.. "Rest now, Twilight Sparkle, you died for your country, I will kill that queen, that bit.. -She was cut off by a flare of green, when every single body around her, including Twilight Sparkle’s, had all transformed into changelings. "A TRICK!" Trixie exclaimed loudly, as she readied herself for the fight that was soon to start. Every single changeling, as if controlled by a single mind, attacked Trixie. Biting at her, beating her with their hooves, and flailing their wings to keep her in the blind. Trixie fiercely fought off the attackers, but to little avail.. She was quickly overpowered, and she stopped attacking.. Accepting her fate, she stood very still.. and began to cry. When nearly all of the changelings were upon her, she heard a loud blast. Then another, two, three, and four in rapid succession. She felt the weight of the changelings leave her as they went flying through the air. "Run you filthy changelings, run to your sorry excuse of a queen!" An unfamiliar voice called out to her, "Are you okay, I was passing by on my way to the exit, and I saw a large group of changelings crying out in dominance.” Trixie studied the pony before answering, Trixie knew she was a unicorn, given she used blast magic or magic at all. She had a dark, royal purple coat, her mane was a mix of black and white alike,it was thrown out in the front, in streaks, and her eyes, a vibrant red. She wore a red jacket, so Trixie could not see her cutie mark. It was then when Trixie noticed the most odd thing about this mysterious unicorn. Her horn, was broken. Snapped in two. It was then when Trixie spoke, “I appreciate your help, though I must keep on moving.” Trixie then noticed her habit of speaking in first person whenever she was actually sincere. “Wait, we should walk together, for safety.” This pony has a voice smooth as marble, but still as commanding as iron. It sounded as if she had never used it louder than a whisper. Trixie wondered, should she walk with this pony? She ultimately decided to walk with her, for her safety, not the pony’s. “Okay, before we go, what is your name?” Trixie asked. “Glistening Rainbow, my name is Glistening Rainbow.” “I am..” “Trixie” The purple unicorn said abruptly. “How did you..” “You’re a famous show-pony, I've seen your shows around the city.” Trixie hadn't thought about that, “One more thing before we set off, do you have any idea why the queen attacked?” “No” said Glistening Rainbow as she turned behind her The two ponies walked towards the exit, and talked very little. “How long have you been in Canterlot?” Trixie asked, “All my life, I've actually never been allowed to leave the castle section of the city.. My mother wouldn't let me.” Surprised by her answer, Trixie stopped. “You’ve, never left the castle grounds? That’s horrible.. I’m sorry your mother was so strict.” “My mother is a fair and kind mare, she did what was best for me.” Glistening Rainbow answered, raising her voice. Trixie thought to herself, “No matter how angry she gets that voice just soothes me. It’s like she has the voice of angels.” The two walked and talked until Trixie asked the wrong question. “What happened to your horn? I know you used magic earlier, but I’ve never seen a unicorn with a broken horn, well a live one anyway.” Glistening Rainbow stopped in her tracks and began to cry. Trixie, realizing her mistake, tried to console her, but her efforts were futile and the second she began to speak, Glistening Rainbow ran off ahead of Trixie. A few seconds passed, and Trixie heard a loud yell, followed by a sickening *thud.* Trixie quickly spun on her hooves, and saw a changeling swing a pipe covered in a red liquid towards her head. Then suddenly, black. 2- Part Two: A Musicians Pride~The streets~ The streets of Canterlot were chaotic. Burning buildings, flipped tables, and dead ponies. The ponies that were alive were running around trying to find cover. While the changelings were flying overhead and swooping down on anypony they could see. “Vinyl, what’s going on? Why are the changelings attacking?” “I don’t know.. But I won’t let them hurt you. I promise.” The two began down the road, hiding in alleyways and behind stalls and tables. They made way safely until Vinyl tripped over her hoof. “Ahh!” Vinyl crashed down, attracting the nearest changeling’s attention. The changeling swooped down in a speed so fast, even Rainbow Dash would be jealous. It began to attack Vinyl, thrashing around with it’s hooves. She retaliated by spitting in it’s eyes, then swung her left hoof into it’s jaw. As the changeling stumbled back, Octavia knocked its back hooves out from under it. Vinyl took this opportunity to tackle it, and began beating it’s jaw, eyes, and mouth. As the changeling cried out in pain, Vinyl relentlessly beat down with her hooves, and with a loud crack, the changeling grew quiet. Blood poured out from the back of it’s skull. “That’ll teach you.” Vinyl spat at the corpse. “V-Vinyl, t-turn around.” Octavia stared, wide eyed and terrified. “What is it?” Vinyl said as she turned around. When she saw what it was she stopped. “Oh.. Shit.” There in front of Vinyl, was a group of at least twenty plus changelings. All ready to fight, to the death if necessary. They bared their fangs, and screeched out in a cry so loud, even Vinyl had to cover her ears. “Well mothafuckas, let’s start this already!” Vinyl said, unwavering. “Vinyl!” Octavia shouted, “Are you trying to get yourself killed!?” “I said I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. I promised, I won’t break that. Not this time.” Before Octavia could say anything more, one of the changelings broke off from the group and tackled her. In what seemed like slow motion, Octavia fell on her cello. She heard a loud snap as the cello gave away beneath her. In a flurry of rage, Octavia attacked the changeling, swinging her right hoof into it’s temple. It fell off of her, and she ran into the group, attacking them as if they were ragdolls. “OCTAVIA!” Vinyl called out, fearing for her friends safety. She ran into the group after her, but she was blocked by more changelings. Octavia was angry, not even an iron wall could block her. If a changeling dared block, her hoof shattered it’s bone. If they hit her, she would respond with a yell and a hook to the jaw. Many of the changelings attacking her were struggling to stand or had their mouths hanging open. She had taken quick methods to either incapacitate, or kill her enemies. When there were merely 4 changelings left, Vinyl had gotten to her. “Octavia, are you okay?” Vinyl said in short breaths. Without responding, she attacked the first of the changelings, shoving her hoof in it’s eye. She turned, attacking the others. The second one had a similar fate as the first one, but the third one had it’s wings torn, and it’s head shoved into the concrete. When one changeling stood, Octavia knocked it over, and brought her hoof down in it’s skull. Again and again, she slammed her hoof down. She didn’t stop, even when tears began to form in her eyes. She slammed her hoof down, sobbing. Vinyl walked over to her and hugged her. “Octavia, stop.” Vinyl said Octavia stopped. She hugged Vinyl back, and sobbed into her shoulder. “I’m so sorry.. I’m so very sorry.” “Let’s go, we need to leave. Now.” “Vinyl.” “Yes Octavia?” “Thank you..” Vinyl nodded, and they began walking, when they heard buzzing. They ducked into a nearby alleyway, and looked up. Two changelings were carrying ponies. A blue unicorn, and a purple earth pony. 3- A General's Remorse~1 hour before the attack~ The CMC were all on their way to the Canterlot Stadium where the were going to watch the flying shows. Scootaloo was mostly excited because Rainbow Dash was going to be in the show as a guest of honor. Apple Bloom didn’t care much for the show, she would rather look at the other parts of the city, and Sweetie Belle was lost in thought, thinking about her studies with Twilight. “Woah, this is sooo coool!” Exclaimed an excited Scootaloo. “I can’t wait to see the flying shows, and maybe we’ll be able to talk to Rainbow Dash too!” “Scootaloo calm down, we’re almost to the stadium.” Apple Bloom wasn’t too excited about the shows, but she knew that Scootaloo would enjoy them. “Hey guys, what’s that?” Sweetie Belle asked as she saw a dark figure in a nearby alleyway. “What’s what?” Apple Bloom answered. “That.. Nothing.” It was apparent that they did not see it, so she gave up. “We’re here, we’re here!” Scootaloo screamed out in joy. The three arrived at the stadium, and were directed to their seats. The lights soon died down, and the Wonderbolts flew in from all directions. Colored lights of green, blue, yellow, orange, and red spotlighted them. They flew around doing their tricks, flipping and rolling. They came to a stop and made a circle when Rainbow Dash flew in with her first trick which she called “Phase One.” After her second trick “Phase Two” she flew up higher than the highest cloud. She flew down faster than the speed of sound, causing a Sonic Rainboom. The audience sat in awe for a moment before cheering out like there was no tomorrow. But there may not be, not for them. Changelings flew in from the sides and top of the stadium, letting of their war cries. They swooped in, more every second. The amount of changelings in the stadium tripled the amount of ponies in the stands. Attacking anything in sight, they ravaged almost everypony in a matter of minutes. “What’s going on!? RAINBOW DASH!? HELP!!” Scootaloo cried out. Applebloom stuck her muzzle, attempting to shut her up. “Be quiet, we don’ wanna call ‘tention to ourselves!” Sweetie Belle looked at her fellow crusaders, seeing the look of fear in their eyes. “C’mon girls, we need to get out of here.” Scootaloo refused to budge. “Not without Rainbow Dash.” Sweetie Belle was furious at Scootaloo. “PONIES ARE DYING LEFT AND RIGHT AND YOU WANT TO WAIT FOR RAINBOW DASH!?” Scootaloo whimpered. “I’m.. I’m sorry… We should go… Sorry...” The trio began to make a break for the exit when a changeling swooped down in front of them. It was soon followed by a cyan pegasus with her hoof out. The changeling was struck with the almost 50 mph strike given by Rainbow Dash and fell to the floor, jaw almost ripped off. She then turned to the three fillies huddled together. “You guys okay? I saw you in the stands and I was worried if one of the monsters got to you.” “You mean changelings?” Sweetie Belle asked. “How did you-” “There was a book in the library over mythical creatures, I thought the things looked familiar.” Before Rainbow could respond, another changeling swooped down. She grabbed it in mid flight and threw it on the ground, which caused it to writhe in pain. Rainbow bit its wings, and stomped on its horn. The changeling blacked out from all the pain, and Dash stood in triumph. “Good job, he was a better warrior than most of my soldiers. Though I am the best.” A deep smooth voice called out to Rainbow Dash. “Who the hell are you!?” She called back. “I am General Puff, faithful servant to the queen. I am the strongest and most intelligent changeling under Chrysalis’ rule.” “Ha, and what makes you think you can beat me? The best flier in all of Equestria?” “I will simply break you first, then kill you. And the fillies behind you.” Rainbow Dash responded to that with a gasp and a growl. Puff was not your average changeling, he wore a red suit with a black lining. He wore a helmet made of silver with red splotches, likely dried blood. And instead of the blue color, his eyes were a deep metallic yellow. Puff dashed towards Dash, and grabbed her by her wings, twisting them by the bones. “AGH!!” Rainbow Dash cried out in pain. She collapsed from the pain, as the wings are one of the most sensitive parts on a pegasus’ body. “Scream, scream and bow!” Puff cried out in victory, as he quickly overpowered the mare. “DASH!” Scootaloo cried, trying to get to her adopted sister. To her dismay, the other crusaders wouldn’t let her get near Dash. “LET ME GO! I NEED TO HELP DASH!” Scootaloo lashed out with a quick jab to Apple Blooms nose, causing her to lose her grip. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Scootaloo ran as fast as she could towards Rainbow Dash, only to be stopped by General Puff. “Oh, are you here to save your friend? Scootaloo looked up, and made the mistake of looking in Puff’s eyes. “Y-ye-yes!” Scootaloo shouted. “Oh really? Do tell, how are you going to do this?” “With my friends!” Scootaloo looked back at her friends, who in return tried to hide behind the seats. “It seems to me that they’re not going to help. Just like your wings. Let me get those for you.” Puff reached down and grabbed her right wing and pulled up. *RIIIIIIP* Scootaloo’s wing was torn straight out of its socket. “SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash and the other crusaders called out. Scootaloo stood there in shock and disbelief, knowing that she was going to die this day. Die in front of her friends and her adopted sister. She began to cry, not that she was going to die, or the pain surging her body. She cried not because she would never fly in her life, or that Equestria was going to fall. She cried for life, and happiness. She cried for the ones around her. And when the first tear left her eye… A dark hoof swung towards her, knocking her down. The changeling general grabbed her left wing, and tore it off. Blood began to seep from the empty socket when Scootaloo gave her final breath. “SCOOTS! I’LL KILL YOU! I SWEAR ON MY LIFE, I WILL KILL YOU!” Rainbow Dash was furious, she felt the rush of adrenaline through her body, and charged the changeling. Puff however, saw this coming and sidestepped her, tripping her in the process. As Dash fell, Puff brought his hooves on her neck. “R-Rainbow Dash?” Apple Bloom whimpered. “Oh little fillies, it seems your friends are gone, where are you hiding… Come out and play.” Puff was speaking in a rather sing-songy voice, though still threatening. Oh little fillies Come out and play For we’ve fun to had We’ve things to say Jokes on me And jokes on you We will play So very soon Come to me and you will see Your filly friend and Dashing fool The things we’ll see The things we’ll do The things I will do to you Rip your wings Smash your bones Fun like this Never gets old Oh my fillies Come out and play For we’ve fun to have We’ve things to say Close your eyes Walk the way Follow me To death and pain Puff’s voice was captivating, and Apple Bloom started to rise. “Apple Bloom!” Sweetie whispered harshly at her friend, but despite her protests Apple Bloom continued to walk towards the singing general. When General Puff saw her walking towards him, he smiled. His teeth seemed sharp as wicked knives, and there was a small orange feather lodged in his teeth. “Welcome little filly, welcome to hell.” He sunk his razor teeth into Apple Blooms neck, and tore a chunk of her neck off of her. When she hit the ground, Sweetie gasped. She sat there wide-eyed at her dear friends who were no more. “Oh where, oh where is that final filly?” Puff began walking through the seats, edging closer and closer to where Sweetie Belle was hiding. “Oh little pony, where are you hiding. I just want to play.” Puff was just a meter away. “Want to play hide and seek is it? I love that game, I always win.” 3 steps, 2 steps, and a single step away. Puff seemed to tower over Sweetie Belle, and as he looked down, his eyes looked fiery red. He smiled, “Hello there little pony. I believe it’s my turn to pick the game.” Sweetie looked up. Puff suddenly stopped advancing, staring at her horn. “You are a unicorn. Come with me.” Sweetie stood still. “I said, COME WITH ME!” Puff’s voice boomed like a rocket, causing Sweetie to jump. She stepped towards the general, and then stopped. “I did not wish to do this. Hold still or this will hurt more than it needs too.” Puff flew above her, wrapping his hooves around the young unicorn. His skin was rough, causing Sweetie to wince, and she couldn’t find a comfortable position no matter how hard she tried. The two flew above Canterlot, giving Sweetie a view of the city below. Or, what was left of it anyway. There were changelings running through the streets, attacking anypony they saw. She saw ponies trying to fight back. Though no matter what they did, more and more kept coming, attacking like ants. “Beautiful isn’t it?” Puff broke the silence. It was then Sweetie finally spoke to him. “It… It’s so terrifying.. Please tell me Puff, why are you doing this?” “Why because we can of course.” Sweetie fell silent. “Is anything troubling you my little pony?” “Why did you not kill me? Do you want me to suffer? Is that why!? Do you want to keep me as a slave for your disgusting queen!?” “Is it not obvious? I killed the others because they did not possess abilities like you. You are a unicorn, and you seem to have quite the potential. I am bringing you to the queen so we can expel your magic on a powerful spell even Princess Celestia herself could accomplish.” “But-” “You are not the only unicorn we’ve gathered. There are already plenty of unicorns, including a magical mare by the name of Twilight Sparkle. She was quite the trouble getting her to cooperate, but she came along just nicely when persuaded otherwise.” “You.. You’re evil.” “What is your name filly?” “My name?” “Yes, your name.” “I.. I am Sweetie Belle, Cutie Mark Crusader co-captain.” “Now listen here Sweetie Belle, I am not evil. I am outcast by my own kind, and my kind is an outcast to all of Equestria. We are considered monsters, degraded like a common timberwolf. Not even the most kind hearted soul would accept us. Do you understand?” “Fighting won’t help..” “Do you think we’ve not tried other methods? Every diplomat we’ve sent to try to reason with Celestia, has been struck down on sight. Not a single soul accepts us, and I believe we should show them how accepting we can be.” “I… I didn’t know..” “Of course you didn’t. No-one does.” “I’m sorry..” Puff was struck with a wave of confusion. “You’re.. Sorry?” “Yes, I’m sorry that you have to live as an outcast… I feel that way sometimes too… Back at home, Ponyville, these girls in my class treat me and my…” Sweetie stopped, recalling what had happened. “When I do this spell, what will happen?” “I don’t know. I was simply told to gather able unicorns.” When the two arrived at their destination, Puff released Sweetie. The sides of her skin now red from the changeling’s skin. “Here we are, Canterlot Castle.” 4- An Eye for an Eye“Are ya sure this is the right one.” “I’m perfectly sure, what other ponies have such horrid hair?” “Well, there was this one DJ I knew.” “Is this her?” “No.” “Then shut up.” These unknown voices kept in conversation as Trixie regained consciousness. She was still groggy from the strike to the head, and her vision was fuzzy. “Looks like the blue one’s awake.” The second voice said. Trixie slowly stood up only to be pulled down by a chain hooked to her back left hoof, causing her to fall back to the ground. She tried again trying to pull the chain off. Though because she wasn’t quite awake, she pulled the wrong way and the hook tore her leg. This caused her to come to her senses instantly. “AGH! WHERE AM I!?” “You’re in Canterlot castle, so be a be a good mare and be quiet.” “The Great Trixie will not be quiet until she gets her explanation!” A rough hoof was bashed into her face. Causing her snout to begin to bleed. “I SAID BE QUIET!” Trixie was quiet from then on. About ten minutes passed when a door opened and two figures walked in. One tall and one short. The two guards stood at attention as soon as they heard the door open. “SIR, PUFF, SIR” They shouted in unison. “Inform me of the situation.” The first one spoke “We found two unicorns walking in the slums. What seems like a showmare and her.” “HER!? Are you certain?” The second one spoke, “Positive sir, she matched the description perfectly. And, what ponies have such horrid hair?” Trixie overheard the conversation clearly, but due to lack of light, she couldn’t see any of the four figures. The guards and the new figure, who seemed to be named Puff, continued to talk. About three or so minutes after they arrived, the fourth figure stepped into the light. It was a face she had seen before. A face from Ponyville. “Trixie?” The face inquired. “Who are you?” “My name is Sweetie Belle, I’m Rarity’s sister.” “Rarity?” “You know, marshmallow coat, purple mane.” “I don’t seem to recall. Who are you again?” “My name is Sweetie Belle, lone crusader.” “Crusader?” “I don’t want to talk about it..” “And why do I feel like I know you?” “I’m from Ponyville. I live with my sister, Rarity.” “And-” “Just shhhh. I’m gonna help you out of here.” A new deep voice, belonging to the changeling general, answered before Trixie could. “Oh are you now?” Just then, a unicorn with an electric blue mane was thrown in the room. A grey earth pony quickly followed. “We found some more ponies to use for the machine.” Another changeling walked in. “Put them over here.” Puff pointed towards the hooks next to Trixie. “Now then,” He turned back to Sweetie Belle, “What is this, helping out of here?” “I-err-erm..” Sweetie was having trouble answering the intimidating general. “She wanted to use me as bait to lure out the remaining ponies in Canterlot.” Trixie answered for her. “Is this true? If it is, then I’ll have to congratulate you Sweetie Belle. Seems like a fine idea, discluding the fact that we are a race of shapeshifters.” Oops.. Trixie didn’t think that one through. Just then, sounds of agony came from the door. Sweetie looked up, “What’s that?” “What!? There’s no way they could’ve found us!” Puff turned and knocked the door off its hinges, with teeth barred. He didn’t get very far as he was thrown back into the room by a burst of purple magic. “BY ORDER OF CELESTIA, ALL CHANGELINGS IN THE VICINITY OF CANTERLOT MUST BE ELIMINATED!” Trixie perked up, for she knew that voice. It was.. “TWILIGHT! SHE CAME FOR US!” “Erm, Sweetie Belle. Could you unhook me, and perhaps those other ponies over there.” “OH! Okay.” As Sweetie Belle unhooked everyone, Puff got up. He seemed to have grown in size, being buffer and taller. He also had a crooked horn the size of a filly’s. “You want fight fire with fire? I’ll give you fire!” Puff shot a burst of flame through the door. When the flame died out, he ran out ready to fight. Screams rang out from the adjacent room as all the prisoner ponies in the room were freed. “Where do we go?” Sweetie Belle asked.’ “I know, but first let’s introduce ourselves to these two. I’m Trixie Lulamoon, this young filly is Sweetie Belle, you are?” “Name’s Vinyl Scratch.” “You may call me Octavia.” “Okay, this way. They have a friend of mine in this room.” “Wait, what makes you think we’re going with you? How do we know you’re not a changeling?” “Vinyl..” “No, I want proof she’s not a changeling!” “Well, my back left hoof is bleeding, and my snout is covered in dried blood. Changelings don’t bleed pony blood when transformed. And the filly, changelings can’t turn into young ponies. “Seems well enough, and why should we follow you? Especially after the filly came in with the general, without getting thrown in.” Sweetie spoke then, “Yeah, why should we follow you?” “You should follow me because we want to get out alive, we have to have strength in numbers. Which means we all travel together, and trust each other.” Trixie was done with being Great and Powerful. She lost her hat, and her cape was torn to bits, and after getting kicked around by the guards she knew she couldn’t stand up to the changelings alone. “So, unless you have further questions. Please, follow me.” Vinyl nodded, turned to Octavia and said, “I guess she’s right. You down Octy?” Octavia nodded. “I guess I have no choice. Let’s go.” The four trotted down the hall into the room that held Glistening Rainbow. When they arrived, she was tied on all four hooves, and there was a hook around her horn. When the door opened she yelled out, “I’M NOT GOING TO HELP WITH YOUR SPELL, JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” Trixie and the others flinched at the sudden outburst. Without a word, Trixie began untying her, and used her magic to break the spell on the hook. While working around her, Trixie noticed that Glistening Rainbow was blindfolded. She started to undo the knot in the back. “NO! PLEASE!” Trixie spoke up then. “I’m here to help you out, and eye for an eye you see. You save me and I save you.” When the knot came undone, everyone in the room gasped. “Oh my Celestia.” Octavia was the first to speak. “An eye for an eye indeed.” Said Vinyl, earning a hoof from Octavia. Sweetie Belle merely looked away. When the blindfold came off, everyone in the room saw what had happened to Glistening Rainbow. The General had cut out her left eye. 4.5- Meetup“C’mon Tavi! We’re almost out of the city! We gotta get out of here!” Vinyl was screaming for Octavia to run faster, as they were almost out and had a swarm of changelings on their flanks. “I’m.. I’m running.. As.. Fast as I can!” Octavia was panting between words, tired from the constant running. “YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE!” A changeling yelled in a spitty, bug voice. Vinyl and Octavia were a mere twenty steps from the gates. They burst forward in a final rush of adrenaline. In the rage of speed, Vinyl tripped. “Oof!” “Vinyl!” Octavia ran back towards her marefriend as the swarm rushed over her. “RUN TAVI RUN! LEAVE ME!” “I will not, and you know that!” A group broke off from Vinyl, and attacked Octavia. Who submitted to them, not wanting to fight and hurt herself or Vinyl anymore. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The two were thrown in a tower, where a tall changeling was speaking to the guards about their new captives. At his side was a white filly with a purple and pink mane. In chains was a familiar blue unicorn. Before they knew it, the door was blown open and the taller changeling ran out, only to be thrust back in by blast of magic. The white filly went to work on unchaining the blue unicorn and then, when asked by the other, unchained Vinyl and Octavia. “Thank you, we appreciate it.” The other unicorn came forth and introduced herself. Her name was Trixie, and the filly was Sweetie Belle. Vinyl and Octavia introduced themselves, and Trixie asked to for them to follow her. Vinyl, being the brash mare she is, spoke up about trust and treachery. Trixie proved herself a pony with reason and unusual knowledge of the changelings. After the argument, and a shocking realization about Puff, the group of four went through the tower to a room at the peak. A purple unicorn was chained and blindfolded. She also had a magic bind on her, horn? The pony was clearly a unicorn, yet seemed to be missing what all unicorns have. A horn. Trixie went over to her, taking the chains off of her hooves. She then walked over to the holds on the blindfold. “NO! PLEASE!” The unicorn yelled. Trixie spoke up then. “I’m here to help you out, and eye for an eye you see. You save me and I save you.” When the knot came undone, everyone in the room gasped. “Oh my Celestia.” Octavia was the first to speak. “An eye for an eye indeed.” Said Vinyl, earning a hoof from Octavia. Sweetie Belle merely looked away. When the blindfold came off, everyone in the room saw what had happened to her. She had lost her left eye. 2- Part One: A Musicians PrizeI don’t know why, only she knows.. She is gone now, and I am alone. Vinyl and Octavia were at home when the attack occurred. Neither of them knew what was happening, just that they heard screaming from their neighbors apartment. The two finally realized what was happening when three changelings broke down their door. “Octavia, you stay here. I’ll be right back.” “But Vinyl-” “No, I want you to stay safe. Stay here.” Vinyl walked into the entrance, peeking inside. “What the hell!? GET OUT!!” Vinyl burst into the living room to see the changelings. She attacked them with her magic, knocking the first one unconscious, while the other two went to opposite sides of the room, surrounding Vinyl. Octavia had heard the noise, and looked down the hall and saw the ruined door. She quickly ran into the room to see what was happening. When she heard Vinyl scream out in pain. “VINYL!” Octavia had reached the living room; glancing around quickly to see what was going on. “YOU BASTARDS!” Octavia screamed as she charged into one of the changelings, knocking it over. “OCTAVIA! I TOLD YOU TO STAY IN THE-” Vinyl was attacked from behind before she could finish her scolding. “VINYL!” Octavia rushed towards the changeling, grabbing a spare bow. When she reached her target, she slammed the bow on it’s head as hard as she could. Though it did very little damage, the blow stunned the changeling, leaving it open for an attack. Octavia struck her front hoof out into the changeling’s neck, causing the changeling to simply fall limp. “What have I done… I killed a living being.. I.. I’m so sorry..” Octavia began to tear up and she sat on the floor of her and Vinyl’s ruined living room. “Octavia, we should leave. I have a feeling those changelings weren’t the last ones we’ll see.” Vinyl walked over to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “We need to stay safe, c’mon let’s hurry.” “O-okay.. Let me grab my cello. I can’t leave it here, not to the changelings.” “I don’t think we should t-” “I am taking the cello, leave me behind if you want Vinyl. Everything I own came from that cello, and I will not leave it here. “Bu-” “NO!” Octavia made it clear she was not leaving without her cello. “Fine! We’ll take the cello!” Vinyl knew Octavia loved her cello, but Vinyl was frustrated at the fact that Octavia would risk her life for it. “Thank you Vinyl, thank you so much.” Octavia pulled her in for a hug, and began to cry. “I.. I just don’t want to lose it.. I hope you understand..” “Aww, Tavi, you know that I know that you love your cello. Hurry up, we need to leave as soon as possible.” Octavia, as if possessed by the spirit of Rainbow Dash, practically flew to her music room, gathered her cello, and returned to the living room. “I’m ready, let’s go.” Vinyl nodded, and they left their apartment. House of Lulamoon“Glistening, what happened!?” Trixie was astonished, as her new friend was missing an eye, and had jagged cut marks around the socket. “Oh my.” Octavia still sat in shock. “Well, we just going to sit here? Or are we going to get out of here!?” “Vinyl!” Octavia said angrily. “What? I don’t want to stay here longer than I have to!” “Can’t you just give Trixie and-” The freed unicorn answered, introducing herself. “Glistening Rainbow.” She put the blindfold over her left eye, going around like an eyepatch. “Glistening Rainbow? Is that royal? What kind of cutie mark do you have?” Sweetie asked a series of questions in quick succession, giving unicorn no time to answer.” “Yes, I am the daughter of royalty, and my cutie mark-” She stopped. “What’s wrong?” Glistening Rainbow grabbed her cape, pulling the knot out and it fell to the ground. When the rest of the group looked at her now uncovered body, they saw a sleek, slender body. They looked towards her flank, and saw… Nothing. “Where’s your cutie mark?” “I never got one, my mother never let me leave out home. At the castle.” The group sat in silence until Vinyl spoke out in her leadership speech voice. “If we all just sit here waiting for us to all get our feelings together. We will never leave, and we just need to go! We can’t cry, we can’t fight, and we all have to stick together. Me, Octavia, Sweetie Belle, Trixie, and Glist. Can I call you Glist?” A quick nod. “Good, now hurry, let’s get outta here!” “No.” “What?” “No. I, Trixie Lulamoon, swear on my life. I will kill the Queen. I will kill Chrysalis and all her followers. I will need help, and I do not ask you to come with me. Volunteer if you will. Glist, I don’t you to get hurt.” “I will go. I have to.” “Vinyl and Octavia?” “N-” “We will.” “WHAT!?” Vinyl was enraged at her partner. “I am going to get these scum out of my home.” “Sweetie Belle.” “I don’t know. But something tells me. I want to.” “Then come with us. I hate to put a filly in danger. But we’ll need all the help we can get.” “Okay.” Sweetie nodded. The newly formed group of Lulamoon’s League was formed. Starting with a small group of five. Glistening Rainbow, now known by her friends as Glist, a powerful, broken unicorn. Vinyl Scratch, ready to fight alongside her lover. Octavia Melody, ready to prove herself to the love of her life. Sweetie Belle, a bright filly ready to find her meaning. Trixie Lulamoon. A newly found leader. A friend to those in need. A fighter for her nation. And destined for greatness.
1- Glistening RainbowIt all began when the queen, Chrysalis, attacked Canterlot. We were caught off guard, and stood very little chance..I am alone, attempting to make my way out of this place. This, *Ruined Canterlot.*** “I personally am going to leave the city and seek refuge in Ponyville, where Twilight Snarkle and her friends live. Not that I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, am worried about the war. I simply don’t want to get involved” Trixie was speaking aloud to herself, boasting about how she didn’t care, even though she was absolutely terrified of changelings ever since she saw on for the first time, disguised as her caretaker. “Well, better get the stage together, and get out of this sorry excuse of a capital.” "Trixie! Leave the stage, you must get out of here, the changelings will arrive at any moment!" Trixie's follower had burst into the mare's room, trying to get her to leave. "The great and powerful Trixie will not leave her stage, Trixie will stay here and kill anyone who opposes me. Including you, now leave Trixie be!" Surprised at her sudden outburst, and the threat to kill him, the stallion left the room as quickly as possible. "Trixie will not leave her life's work to a few mere changelings... Trixie will kill them all if need be." Little did she know, it would not be a "few mere changelings" it would be hundreds, thousands, and even millions if need be. Canterlot would fall, the queen would make sure of that.. Trixie walked out with her stage in tow, walking towards the edge of Canterlot, seeing very few ponies, well, live ponies.. The ground around littered with the corpses of dead royals, high class ponies, and servants. She paid little attention to the bodies, until a familiar one caught her eye. It was... The body of her rival, Twilight Sparkle.. She had over used her magic, causing a massive disruption and a spell backfired on her. She could tell by the broken horn.. Trixie didn't know how to feel.. "Twilight Sparkle, it looks like I.." Trixie stopped, she couldn't say this, even she had feelings.. "Rest now, Twilight Sparkle, you died for your country, I will kill that queen, that bit.. -She was cut off by a flare of green, when every single body around her, including Twilight Sparkle’s, had all transformed into changelings. "A TRICK!" Trixie exclaimed loudly, as she readied herself for the fight that was soon to start. Every single changeling, as if controlled by a single mind, attacked Trixie. Biting at her, beating her with their hooves, and flailing their wings to keep her in the blind. Trixie fiercely fought off the attackers, but to little avail.. She was quickly overpowered, and she stopped attacking.. Accepting her fate, she stood very still.. and began to cry. When nearly all of the changelings were upon her, she heard a loud blast. Then another, two, three, and four in rapid succession. She felt the weight of the changelings leave her as they went flying through the air. "Run you filthy changelings, run to your sorry excuse of a queen!" An unfamiliar voice called out to her, "Are you okay, I was passing by on my way to the exit, and I saw a large group of changelings crying out in dominance.” Trixie studied the pony before answering, Trixie knew she was a unicorn, given she used blast magic or magic at all. She had a dark, royal purple coat, her mane was a mix of black and white alike,it was thrown out in the front, in streaks, and her eyes, a vibrant red. She wore a red jacket, so Trixie could not see her cutie mark. It was then when Trixie noticed the most odd thing about this mysterious unicorn. Her horn, was broken. Snapped in two. It was then when Trixie spoke, “I appreciate your help, though I must keep on moving.” Trixie then noticed her habit of speaking in first person whenever she was actually sincere. “Wait, we should walk together, for safety.” This pony has a voice smooth as marble, but still as commanding as iron. It sounded as if she had never used it louder than a whisper. Trixie wondered, should she walk with this pony? She ultimately decided to walk with her, for her safety, not the pony’s. “Okay, before we go, what is your name?” Trixie asked. “Glistening Rainbow, my name is Glistening Rainbow.” “I am..” “Trixie” The purple unicorn said abruptly. “How did you..” “You’re a famous show-pony, I've seen your shows around the city.” Trixie hadn't thought about that, “One more thing before we set off, do you have any idea why the queen attacked?” “No” said Glistening Rainbow as she turned behind her The two ponies walked towards the exit, and talked very little. “How long have you been in Canterlot?” Trixie asked, “All my life, I've actually never been allowed to leave the castle section of the city.. My mother wouldn't let me.” Surprised by her answer, Trixie stopped. “You’ve, never left the castle grounds? That’s horrible.. I’m sorry your mother was so strict.” “My mother is a fair and kind mare, she did what was best for me.” Glistening Rainbow answered, raising her voice. Trixie thought to herself, “No matter how angry she gets that voice just soothes me. It’s like she has the voice of angels.” The two walked and talked until Trixie asked the wrong question. “What happened to your horn? I know you used magic earlier, but I’ve never seen a unicorn with a broken horn, well a live one anyway.” Glistening Rainbow stopped in her tracks and began to cry. Trixie, realizing her mistake, tried to console her, but her efforts were futile and the second she began to speak, Glistening Rainbow ran off ahead of Trixie. A few seconds passed, and Trixie heard a loud yell, followed by a sickening *thud.* Trixie quickly spun on her hooves, and saw a changeling swing a pipe covered in a red liquid towards her head. Then suddenly, black.
2- Part Two: A Musicians Pride~The streets~ The streets of Canterlot were chaotic. Burning buildings, flipped tables, and dead ponies. The ponies that were alive were running around trying to find cover. While the changelings were flying overhead and swooping down on anypony they could see. “Vinyl, what’s going on? Why are the changelings attacking?” “I don’t know.. But I won’t let them hurt you. I promise.” The two began down the road, hiding in alleyways and behind stalls and tables. They made way safely until Vinyl tripped over her hoof. “Ahh!” Vinyl crashed down, attracting the nearest changeling’s attention. The changeling swooped down in a speed so fast, even Rainbow Dash would be jealous. It began to attack Vinyl, thrashing around with it’s hooves. She retaliated by spitting in it’s eyes, then swung her left hoof into it’s jaw. As the changeling stumbled back, Octavia knocked its back hooves out from under it. Vinyl took this opportunity to tackle it, and began beating it’s jaw, eyes, and mouth. As the changeling cried out in pain, Vinyl relentlessly beat down with her hooves, and with a loud crack, the changeling grew quiet. Blood poured out from the back of it’s skull. “That’ll teach you.” Vinyl spat at the corpse. “V-Vinyl, t-turn around.” Octavia stared, wide eyed and terrified. “What is it?” Vinyl said as she turned around. When she saw what it was she stopped. “Oh.. Shit.” There in front of Vinyl, was a group of at least twenty plus changelings. All ready to fight, to the death if necessary. They bared their fangs, and screeched out in a cry so loud, even Vinyl had to cover her ears. “Well mothafuckas, let’s start this already!” Vinyl said, unwavering. “Vinyl!” Octavia shouted, “Are you trying to get yourself killed!?” “I said I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. I promised, I won’t break that. Not this time.” Before Octavia could say anything more, one of the changelings broke off from the group and tackled her. In what seemed like slow motion, Octavia fell on her cello. She heard a loud snap as the cello gave away beneath her. In a flurry of rage, Octavia attacked the changeling, swinging her right hoof into it’s temple. It fell off of her, and she ran into the group, attacking them as if they were ragdolls. “OCTAVIA!” Vinyl called out, fearing for her friends safety. She ran into the group after her, but she was blocked by more changelings. Octavia was angry, not even an iron wall could block her. If a changeling dared block, her hoof shattered it’s bone. If they hit her, she would respond with a yell and a hook to the jaw. Many of the changelings attacking her were struggling to stand or had their mouths hanging open. She had taken quick methods to either incapacitate, or kill her enemies. When there were merely 4 changelings left, Vinyl had gotten to her. “Octavia, are you okay?” Vinyl said in short breaths. Without responding, she attacked the first of the changelings, shoving her hoof in it’s eye. She turned, attacking the others. The second one had a similar fate as the first one, but the third one had it’s wings torn, and it’s head shoved into the concrete. When one changeling stood, Octavia knocked it over, and brought her hoof down in it’s skull. Again and again, she slammed her hoof down. She didn’t stop, even when tears began to form in her eyes. She slammed her hoof down, sobbing. Vinyl walked over to her and hugged her. “Octavia, stop.” Vinyl said Octavia stopped. She hugged Vinyl back, and sobbed into her shoulder. “I’m so sorry.. I’m so very sorry.” “Let’s go, we need to leave. Now.” “Vinyl.” “Yes Octavia?” “Thank you..” Vinyl nodded, and they began walking, when they heard buzzing. They ducked into a nearby alleyway, and looked up. Two changelings were carrying ponies. A blue unicorn, and a purple earth pony.
3- A General's Remorse~1 hour before the attack~ The CMC were all on their way to the Canterlot Stadium where the were going to watch the flying shows. Scootaloo was mostly excited because Rainbow Dash was going to be in the show as a guest of honor. Apple Bloom didn’t care much for the show, she would rather look at the other parts of the city, and Sweetie Belle was lost in thought, thinking about her studies with Twilight. “Woah, this is sooo coool!” Exclaimed an excited Scootaloo. “I can’t wait to see the flying shows, and maybe we’ll be able to talk to Rainbow Dash too!” “Scootaloo calm down, we’re almost to the stadium.” Apple Bloom wasn’t too excited about the shows, but she knew that Scootaloo would enjoy them. “Hey guys, what’s that?” Sweetie Belle asked as she saw a dark figure in a nearby alleyway. “What’s what?” Apple Bloom answered. “That.. Nothing.” It was apparent that they did not see it, so she gave up. “We’re here, we’re here!” Scootaloo screamed out in joy. The three arrived at the stadium, and were directed to their seats. The lights soon died down, and the Wonderbolts flew in from all directions. Colored lights of green, blue, yellow, orange, and red spotlighted them. They flew around doing their tricks, flipping and rolling. They came to a stop and made a circle when Rainbow Dash flew in with her first trick which she called “Phase One.” After her second trick “Phase Two” she flew up higher than the highest cloud. She flew down faster than the speed of sound, causing a Sonic Rainboom. The audience sat in awe for a moment before cheering out like there was no tomorrow. But there may not be, not for them. Changelings flew in from the sides and top of the stadium, letting of their war cries. They swooped in, more every second. The amount of changelings in the stadium tripled the amount of ponies in the stands. Attacking anything in sight, they ravaged almost everypony in a matter of minutes. “What’s going on!? RAINBOW DASH!? HELP!!” Scootaloo cried out. Applebloom stuck her muzzle, attempting to shut her up. “Be quiet, we don’ wanna call ‘tention to ourselves!” Sweetie Belle looked at her fellow crusaders, seeing the look of fear in their eyes. “C’mon girls, we need to get out of here.” Scootaloo refused to budge. “Not without Rainbow Dash.” Sweetie Belle was furious at Scootaloo. “PONIES ARE DYING LEFT AND RIGHT AND YOU WANT TO WAIT FOR RAINBOW DASH!?” Scootaloo whimpered. “I’m.. I’m sorry… We should go… Sorry...” The trio began to make a break for the exit when a changeling swooped down in front of them. It was soon followed by a cyan pegasus with her hoof out. The changeling was struck with the almost 50 mph strike given by Rainbow Dash and fell to the floor, jaw almost ripped off. She then turned to the three fillies huddled together. “You guys okay? I saw you in the stands and I was worried if one of the monsters got to you.” “You mean changelings?” Sweetie Belle asked. “How did you-” “There was a book in the library over mythical creatures, I thought the things looked familiar.” Before Rainbow could respond, another changeling swooped down. She grabbed it in mid flight and threw it on the ground, which caused it to writhe in pain. Rainbow bit its wings, and stomped on its horn. The changeling blacked out from all the pain, and Dash stood in triumph. “Good job, he was a better warrior than most of my soldiers. Though I am the best.” A deep smooth voice called out to Rainbow Dash. “Who the hell are you!?” She called back. “I am General Puff, faithful servant to the queen. I am the strongest and most intelligent changeling under Chrysalis’ rule.” “Ha, and what makes you think you can beat me? The best flier in all of Equestria?” “I will simply break you first, then kill you. And the fillies behind you.” Rainbow Dash responded to that with a gasp and a growl. Puff was not your average changeling, he wore a red suit with a black lining. He wore a helmet made of silver with red splotches, likely dried blood. And instead of the blue color, his eyes were a deep metallic yellow. Puff dashed towards Dash, and grabbed her by her wings, twisting them by the bones. “AGH!!” Rainbow Dash cried out in pain. She collapsed from the pain, as the wings are one of the most sensitive parts on a pegasus’ body. “Scream, scream and bow!” Puff cried out in victory, as he quickly overpowered the mare. “DASH!” Scootaloo cried, trying to get to her adopted sister. To her dismay, the other crusaders wouldn’t let her get near Dash. “LET ME GO! I NEED TO HELP DASH!” Scootaloo lashed out with a quick jab to Apple Blooms nose, causing her to lose her grip. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Scootaloo ran as fast as she could towards Rainbow Dash, only to be stopped by General Puff. “Oh, are you here to save your friend? Scootaloo looked up, and made the mistake of looking in Puff’s eyes. “Y-ye-yes!” Scootaloo shouted. “Oh really? Do tell, how are you going to do this?” “With my friends!” Scootaloo looked back at her friends, who in return tried to hide behind the seats. “It seems to me that they’re not going to help. Just like your wings. Let me get those for you.” Puff reached down and grabbed her right wing and pulled up. *RIIIIIIP* Scootaloo’s wing was torn straight out of its socket. “SCOOTALOO!” Rainbow Dash and the other crusaders called out. Scootaloo stood there in shock and disbelief, knowing that she was going to die this day. Die in front of her friends and her adopted sister. She began to cry, not that she was going to die, or the pain surging her body. She cried not because she would never fly in her life, or that Equestria was going to fall. She cried for life, and happiness. She cried for the ones around her. And when the first tear left her eye… A dark hoof swung towards her, knocking her down. The changeling general grabbed her left wing, and tore it off. Blood began to seep from the empty socket when Scootaloo gave her final breath. “SCOOTS! I’LL KILL YOU! I SWEAR ON MY LIFE, I WILL KILL YOU!” Rainbow Dash was furious, she felt the rush of adrenaline through her body, and charged the changeling. Puff however, saw this coming and sidestepped her, tripping her in the process. As Dash fell, Puff brought his hooves on her neck. “R-Rainbow Dash?” Apple Bloom whimpered. “Oh little fillies, it seems your friends are gone, where are you hiding… Come out and play.” Puff was speaking in a rather sing-songy voice, though still threatening. Oh little fillies Come out and play For we’ve fun to had We’ve things to say Jokes on me And jokes on you We will play So very soon Come to me and you will see Your filly friend and Dashing fool The things we’ll see The things we’ll do The things I will do to you Rip your wings Smash your bones Fun like this Never gets old Oh my fillies Come out and play For we’ve fun to have We’ve things to say Close your eyes Walk the way Follow me To death and pain Puff’s voice was captivating, and Apple Bloom started to rise. “Apple Bloom!” Sweetie whispered harshly at her friend, but despite her protests Apple Bloom continued to walk towards the singing general. When General Puff saw her walking towards him, he smiled. His teeth seemed sharp as wicked knives, and there was a small orange feather lodged in his teeth. “Welcome little filly, welcome to hell.” He sunk his razor teeth into Apple Blooms neck, and tore a chunk of her neck off of her. When she hit the ground, Sweetie gasped. She sat there wide-eyed at her dear friends who were no more. “Oh where, oh where is that final filly?” Puff began walking through the seats, edging closer and closer to where Sweetie Belle was hiding. “Oh little pony, where are you hiding. I just want to play.” Puff was just a meter away. “Want to play hide and seek is it? I love that game, I always win.” 3 steps, 2 steps, and a single step away. Puff seemed to tower over Sweetie Belle, and as he looked down, his eyes looked fiery red. He smiled, “Hello there little pony. I believe it’s my turn to pick the game.” Sweetie looked up. Puff suddenly stopped advancing, staring at her horn. “You are a unicorn. Come with me.” Sweetie stood still. “I said, COME WITH ME!” Puff’s voice boomed like a rocket, causing Sweetie to jump. She stepped towards the general, and then stopped. “I did not wish to do this. Hold still or this will hurt more than it needs too.” Puff flew above her, wrapping his hooves around the young unicorn. His skin was rough, causing Sweetie to wince, and she couldn’t find a comfortable position no matter how hard she tried. The two flew above Canterlot, giving Sweetie a view of the city below. Or, what was left of it anyway. There were changelings running through the streets, attacking anypony they saw. She saw ponies trying to fight back. Though no matter what they did, more and more kept coming, attacking like ants. “Beautiful isn’t it?” Puff broke the silence. It was then Sweetie finally spoke to him. “It… It’s so terrifying.. Please tell me Puff, why are you doing this?” “Why because we can of course.” Sweetie fell silent. “Is anything troubling you my little pony?” “Why did you not kill me? Do you want me to suffer? Is that why!? Do you want to keep me as a slave for your disgusting queen!?” “Is it not obvious? I killed the others because they did not possess abilities like you. You are a unicorn, and you seem to have quite the potential. I am bringing you to the queen so we can expel your magic on a powerful spell even Princess Celestia herself could accomplish.” “But-” “You are not the only unicorn we’ve gathered. There are already plenty of unicorns, including a magical mare by the name of Twilight Sparkle. She was quite the trouble getting her to cooperate, but she came along just nicely when persuaded otherwise.” “You.. You’re evil.” “What is your name filly?” “My name?” “Yes, your name.” “I.. I am Sweetie Belle, Cutie Mark Crusader co-captain.” “Now listen here Sweetie Belle, I am not evil. I am outcast by my own kind, and my kind is an outcast to all of Equestria. We are considered monsters, degraded like a common timberwolf. Not even the most kind hearted soul would accept us. Do you understand?” “Fighting won’t help..” “Do you think we’ve not tried other methods? Every diplomat we’ve sent to try to reason with Celestia, has been struck down on sight. Not a single soul accepts us, and I believe we should show them how accepting we can be.” “I… I didn’t know..” “Of course you didn’t. No-one does.” “I’m sorry..” Puff was struck with a wave of confusion. “You’re.. Sorry?” “Yes, I’m sorry that you have to live as an outcast… I feel that way sometimes too… Back at home, Ponyville, these girls in my class treat me and my…” Sweetie stopped, recalling what had happened. “When I do this spell, what will happen?” “I don’t know. I was simply told to gather able unicorns.” When the two arrived at their destination, Puff released Sweetie. The sides of her skin now red from the changeling’s skin. “Here we are, Canterlot Castle.”
4- An Eye for an Eye“Are ya sure this is the right one.” “I’m perfectly sure, what other ponies have such horrid hair?” “Well, there was this one DJ I knew.” “Is this her?” “No.” “Then shut up.” These unknown voices kept in conversation as Trixie regained consciousness. She was still groggy from the strike to the head, and her vision was fuzzy. “Looks like the blue one’s awake.” The second voice said. Trixie slowly stood up only to be pulled down by a chain hooked to her back left hoof, causing her to fall back to the ground. She tried again trying to pull the chain off. Though because she wasn’t quite awake, she pulled the wrong way and the hook tore her leg. This caused her to come to her senses instantly. “AGH! WHERE AM I!?” “You’re in Canterlot castle, so be a be a good mare and be quiet.” “The Great Trixie will not be quiet until she gets her explanation!” A rough hoof was bashed into her face. Causing her snout to begin to bleed. “I SAID BE QUIET!” Trixie was quiet from then on. About ten minutes passed when a door opened and two figures walked in. One tall and one short. The two guards stood at attention as soon as they heard the door open. “SIR, PUFF, SIR” They shouted in unison. “Inform me of the situation.” The first one spoke “We found two unicorns walking in the slums. What seems like a showmare and her.” “HER!? Are you certain?” The second one spoke, “Positive sir, she matched the description perfectly. And, what ponies have such horrid hair?” Trixie overheard the conversation clearly, but due to lack of light, she couldn’t see any of the four figures. The guards and the new figure, who seemed to be named Puff, continued to talk. About three or so minutes after they arrived, the fourth figure stepped into the light. It was a face she had seen before. A face from Ponyville. “Trixie?” The face inquired. “Who are you?” “My name is Sweetie Belle, I’m Rarity’s sister.” “Rarity?” “You know, marshmallow coat, purple mane.” “I don’t seem to recall. Who are you again?” “My name is Sweetie Belle, lone crusader.” “Crusader?” “I don’t want to talk about it..” “And why do I feel like I know you?” “I’m from Ponyville. I live with my sister, Rarity.” “And-” “Just shhhh. I’m gonna help you out of here.” A new deep voice, belonging to the changeling general, answered before Trixie could. “Oh are you now?” Just then, a unicorn with an electric blue mane was thrown in the room. A grey earth pony quickly followed. “We found some more ponies to use for the machine.” Another changeling walked in. “Put them over here.” Puff pointed towards the hooks next to Trixie. “Now then,” He turned back to Sweetie Belle, “What is this, helping out of here?” “I-err-erm..” Sweetie was having trouble answering the intimidating general. “She wanted to use me as bait to lure out the remaining ponies in Canterlot.” Trixie answered for her. “Is this true? If it is, then I’ll have to congratulate you Sweetie Belle. Seems like a fine idea, discluding the fact that we are a race of shapeshifters.” Oops.. Trixie didn’t think that one through. Just then, sounds of agony came from the door. Sweetie looked up, “What’s that?” “What!? There’s no way they could’ve found us!” Puff turned and knocked the door off its hinges, with teeth barred. He didn’t get very far as he was thrown back into the room by a burst of purple magic. “BY ORDER OF CELESTIA, ALL CHANGELINGS IN THE VICINITY OF CANTERLOT MUST BE ELIMINATED!” Trixie perked up, for she knew that voice. It was.. “TWILIGHT! SHE CAME FOR US!” “Erm, Sweetie Belle. Could you unhook me, and perhaps those other ponies over there.” “OH! Okay.” As Sweetie Belle unhooked everyone, Puff got up. He seemed to have grown in size, being buffer and taller. He also had a crooked horn the size of a filly’s. “You want fight fire with fire? I’ll give you fire!” Puff shot a burst of flame through the door. When the flame died out, he ran out ready to fight. Screams rang out from the adjacent room as all the prisoner ponies in the room were freed. “Where do we go?” Sweetie Belle asked.’ “I know, but first let’s introduce ourselves to these two. I’m Trixie Lulamoon, this young filly is Sweetie Belle, you are?” “Name’s Vinyl Scratch.” “You may call me Octavia.” “Okay, this way. They have a friend of mine in this room.” “Wait, what makes you think we’re going with you? How do we know you’re not a changeling?” “Vinyl..” “No, I want proof she’s not a changeling!” “Well, my back left hoof is bleeding, and my snout is covered in dried blood. Changelings don’t bleed pony blood when transformed. And the filly, changelings can’t turn into young ponies. “Seems well enough, and why should we follow you? Especially after the filly came in with the general, without getting thrown in.” Sweetie spoke then, “Yeah, why should we follow you?” “You should follow me because we want to get out alive, we have to have strength in numbers. Which means we all travel together, and trust each other.” Trixie was done with being Great and Powerful. She lost her hat, and her cape was torn to bits, and after getting kicked around by the guards she knew she couldn’t stand up to the changelings alone. “So, unless you have further questions. Please, follow me.” Vinyl nodded, turned to Octavia and said, “I guess she’s right. You down Octy?” Octavia nodded. “I guess I have no choice. Let’s go.” The four trotted down the hall into the room that held Glistening Rainbow. When they arrived, she was tied on all four hooves, and there was a hook around her horn. When the door opened she yelled out, “I’M NOT GOING TO HELP WITH YOUR SPELL, JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” Trixie and the others flinched at the sudden outburst. Without a word, Trixie began untying her, and used her magic to break the spell on the hook. While working around her, Trixie noticed that Glistening Rainbow was blindfolded. She started to undo the knot in the back. “NO! PLEASE!” Trixie spoke up then. “I’m here to help you out, and eye for an eye you see. You save me and I save you.” When the knot came undone, everyone in the room gasped. “Oh my Celestia.” Octavia was the first to speak. “An eye for an eye indeed.” Said Vinyl, earning a hoof from Octavia. Sweetie Belle merely looked away. When the blindfold came off, everyone in the room saw what had happened to Glistening Rainbow. The General had cut out her left eye.
4.5- Meetup“C’mon Tavi! We’re almost out of the city! We gotta get out of here!” Vinyl was screaming for Octavia to run faster, as they were almost out and had a swarm of changelings on their flanks. “I’m.. I’m running.. As.. Fast as I can!” Octavia was panting between words, tired from the constant running. “YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE!” A changeling yelled in a spitty, bug voice. Vinyl and Octavia were a mere twenty steps from the gates. They burst forward in a final rush of adrenaline. In the rage of speed, Vinyl tripped. “Oof!” “Vinyl!” Octavia ran back towards her marefriend as the swarm rushed over her. “RUN TAVI RUN! LEAVE ME!” “I will not, and you know that!” A group broke off from Vinyl, and attacked Octavia. Who submitted to them, not wanting to fight and hurt herself or Vinyl anymore. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The two were thrown in a tower, where a tall changeling was speaking to the guards about their new captives. At his side was a white filly with a purple and pink mane. In chains was a familiar blue unicorn. Before they knew it, the door was blown open and the taller changeling ran out, only to be thrust back in by blast of magic. The white filly went to work on unchaining the blue unicorn and then, when asked by the other, unchained Vinyl and Octavia. “Thank you, we appreciate it.” The other unicorn came forth and introduced herself. Her name was Trixie, and the filly was Sweetie Belle. Vinyl and Octavia introduced themselves, and Trixie asked to for them to follow her. Vinyl, being the brash mare she is, spoke up about trust and treachery. Trixie proved herself a pony with reason and unusual knowledge of the changelings. After the argument, and a shocking realization about Puff, the group of four went through the tower to a room at the peak. A purple unicorn was chained and blindfolded. She also had a magic bind on her, horn? The pony was clearly a unicorn, yet seemed to be missing what all unicorns have. A horn. Trixie went over to her, taking the chains off of her hooves. She then walked over to the holds on the blindfold. “NO! PLEASE!” The unicorn yelled. Trixie spoke up then. “I’m here to help you out, and eye for an eye you see. You save me and I save you.” When the knot came undone, everyone in the room gasped. “Oh my Celestia.” Octavia was the first to speak. “An eye for an eye indeed.” Said Vinyl, earning a hoof from Octavia. Sweetie Belle merely looked away. When the blindfold came off, everyone in the room saw what had happened to her. She had lost her left eye.
2- Part One: A Musicians PrizeI don’t know why, only she knows.. She is gone now, and I am alone. Vinyl and Octavia were at home when the attack occurred. Neither of them knew what was happening, just that they heard screaming from their neighbors apartment. The two finally realized what was happening when three changelings broke down their door. “Octavia, you stay here. I’ll be right back.” “But Vinyl-” “No, I want you to stay safe. Stay here.” Vinyl walked into the entrance, peeking inside. “What the hell!? GET OUT!!” Vinyl burst into the living room to see the changelings. She attacked them with her magic, knocking the first one unconscious, while the other two went to opposite sides of the room, surrounding Vinyl. Octavia had heard the noise, and looked down the hall and saw the ruined door. She quickly ran into the room to see what was happening. When she heard Vinyl scream out in pain. “VINYL!” Octavia had reached the living room; glancing around quickly to see what was going on. “YOU BASTARDS!” Octavia screamed as she charged into one of the changelings, knocking it over. “OCTAVIA! I TOLD YOU TO STAY IN THE-” Vinyl was attacked from behind before she could finish her scolding. “VINYL!” Octavia rushed towards the changeling, grabbing a spare bow. When she reached her target, she slammed the bow on it’s head as hard as she could. Though it did very little damage, the blow stunned the changeling, leaving it open for an attack. Octavia struck her front hoof out into the changeling’s neck, causing the changeling to simply fall limp. “What have I done… I killed a living being.. I.. I’m so sorry..” Octavia began to tear up and she sat on the floor of her and Vinyl’s ruined living room. “Octavia, we should leave. I have a feeling those changelings weren’t the last ones we’ll see.” Vinyl walked over to her and put a hoof on her shoulder. “We need to stay safe, c’mon let’s hurry.” “O-okay.. Let me grab my cello. I can’t leave it here, not to the changelings.” “I don’t think we should t-” “I am taking the cello, leave me behind if you want Vinyl. Everything I own came from that cello, and I will not leave it here. “Bu-” “NO!” Octavia made it clear she was not leaving without her cello. “Fine! We’ll take the cello!” Vinyl knew Octavia loved her cello, but Vinyl was frustrated at the fact that Octavia would risk her life for it. “Thank you Vinyl, thank you so much.” Octavia pulled her in for a hug, and began to cry. “I.. I just don’t want to lose it.. I hope you understand..” “Aww, Tavi, you know that I know that you love your cello. Hurry up, we need to leave as soon as possible.” Octavia, as if possessed by the spirit of Rainbow Dash, practically flew to her music room, gathered her cello, and returned to the living room. “I’m ready, let’s go.” Vinyl nodded, and they left their apartment.
House of Lulamoon“Glistening, what happened!?” Trixie was astonished, as her new friend was missing an eye, and had jagged cut marks around the socket. “Oh my.” Octavia still sat in shock. “Well, we just going to sit here? Or are we going to get out of here!?” “Vinyl!” Octavia said angrily. “What? I don’t want to stay here longer than I have to!” “Can’t you just give Trixie and-” The freed unicorn answered, introducing herself. “Glistening Rainbow.” She put the blindfold over her left eye, going around like an eyepatch. “Glistening Rainbow? Is that royal? What kind of cutie mark do you have?” Sweetie asked a series of questions in quick succession, giving unicorn no time to answer.” “Yes, I am the daughter of royalty, and my cutie mark-” She stopped. “What’s wrong?” Glistening Rainbow grabbed her cape, pulling the knot out and it fell to the ground. When the rest of the group looked at her now uncovered body, they saw a sleek, slender body. They looked towards her flank, and saw… Nothing. “Where’s your cutie mark?” “I never got one, my mother never let me leave out home. At the castle.” The group sat in silence until Vinyl spoke out in her leadership speech voice. “If we all just sit here waiting for us to all get our feelings together. We will never leave, and we just need to go! We can’t cry, we can’t fight, and we all have to stick together. Me, Octavia, Sweetie Belle, Trixie, and Glist. Can I call you Glist?” A quick nod. “Good, now hurry, let’s get outta here!” “No.” “What?” “No. I, Trixie Lulamoon, swear on my life. I will kill the Queen. I will kill Chrysalis and all her followers. I will need help, and I do not ask you to come with me. Volunteer if you will. Glist, I don’t you to get hurt.” “I will go. I have to.” “Vinyl and Octavia?” “N-” “We will.” “WHAT!?” Vinyl was enraged at her partner. “I am going to get these scum out of my home.” “Sweetie Belle.” “I don’t know. But something tells me. I want to.” “Then come with us. I hate to put a filly in danger. But we’ll need all the help we can get.” “Okay.” Sweetie nodded. The newly formed group of Lulamoon’s League was formed. Starting with a small group of five. Glistening Rainbow, now known by her friends as Glist, a powerful, broken unicorn. Vinyl Scratch, ready to fight alongside her lover. Octavia Melody, ready to prove herself to the love of her life. Sweetie Belle, a bright filly ready to find her meaning. Trixie Lulamoon. A newly found leader. A friend to those in need. A fighter for her nation. And destined for greatness.
