Practice Under the Moon

Ch.3: Trottingham/Hive

Rocky and Trixie walked through the cold streets of Trottingham, staying close together for warmth. Though, Trixie wasn’t going to complain. The warmth from Rocky’s winter coat was far more welcomed than any jacket. Now that Trixie had opened up to her feeling for Rocky, she thought it was time to admin for all of the troubles she caused to Ponyville, but first she was going to need to do a little studying if her plan was going to be any of a success.

“So, Trix.” Rocky started using the pet name he gave her. “What’s here in Trottingham? Not that I’m complaining, this town is kind of cool.” Rocky said looking around the more developed part of Equestria. Developed in the sense that it was less rural and more urban than most town and other cities would be. Tall office and other workplace buildings every now and again but for the most part anything you can find in Trottingham you can find just about anywhere else...almost everything.

“We’re here to visit the Trottingham magic library.” Trixie said her breath casing a thick cloud of fog. As it was expected from the urban city, next to Canterlot, Trottingham was one of the coldest cities in all of Equestria. Even Rocky had to admit that it was cold.

“What’s so special about this library?” Rocky asked, never really having pay it any attention when he been through Trottingham.

“Just that its one of the biggest magic library in all of Equestria.” Trixie explained having ample knowledge about the subject. The Arcane Archive of Trottingham; the home of many subjects of magic and the history behind each spell. The only other library that could compare in size and in contents would be the Canterlot royal library which is closed to the public side for a few private individuals.

“Umh...neat.” Rocky said not understanding just how important the library is to unicorns. “Okay so, we’re here to look for some books for you to study?” He asked not knowing any other reason Trixie would want to visit the library.

“Pretty much, though I’m looking for a very specific book.” Trixie said leaning into Rocky. Mmm...I could get use to this. She blissfully thought to herself.

“A specific book huh?” Rocky thoughtlessly asked, blowing a cloud of fog in the air. “So what makes it this book so special?”

“It was written by a old friend of mine.” Trixie said in a hollow voice trying to cover up the sadness behind the memory that comes with the book.

Even though Rocky only known Trixie for a short amount of time, he could easily picked up on the sad tone in Trixie’s voice. “Trixie is there something you want to tell me?” He asked knowing that his mare was hiding something from him.

Trixie shot out along sigh and a massive cloud of fog followed with it. “When I first started out, I met another traveling show pony, and we quickly became friends and partners. But as our shows started to get bigger and bigger, she started to call herself the best unicorn in all of Equestria.” Trixie started recalling the old and forgotten memories.

“Well that was very egotistic…” Rocky said in an off-handed manner.

“Then I’m just as egotistic.” Trixie said in a sigh.

“What do you mean?” Rocky said having no idea what Trixie meant.

“When she started to boast about her magical prowess, I did the same thing in hopes to upstage her.” Trixie said frowning at the way she used to act. “Of course this just led to arguing which led to more boasting, which in turn led to even more arguing.” The memories quickly came flooding back to her, all of the show ruin because of one of them trying to upstage the other, the times they were run out of towns for all the boasting and troubles that she would cause.

Trixie despised the way she used to act and it only gotten worse when they went their separate ways. It was only when she heard that her former partner claimed to defeat a hydra when Trixie started to claim that she has defeated a ursa major. The break up of friends was so hard on Trixie that she started talking in third person just to remind her that she was always on her own, and that she was the only person that she could count on.

But now all that has change since she met Rocky. He was someone that she could count on, always watching out for her, and actually caring about her. It was only cause of him that she had the coughed to face her past mistakes, starting with her first one.

I just hope that she can ever forgive me for all the things I’ve said. Trixie was lost in thought about what to do about confronting the mare that she didn’t hear Rocky shouting.

“Trixie!” He shouted for the third unheard time, shaking Trixie out of her stupor.

“Huh, what is it?” Trixie asked confused as to why they stop walking.

“I think we’re here.” Rocky said pointing out a fairly large building with the words; Trottingham Magical Archive, written on the top in bright bold letters. Trixie could see that ponies were going about their business checking out or buying books from the library. Her eyes strained to look for the unmistakable mane of the mare that was the reason for the long train ride.

At first she didn’t see any trace of the mare and was getting worried that she might not be there. As Trixie was about to give up on the search a mare’s voice called out to her. “Trixie?” The rough yet refined voice brought back so many warm memories and so many that she wanted to wish away, but she knew that wouldn’t happened.

Trixie and Rocky turned around to find that a lone mare holding shopping bags stood in front of her. Trixie had no troubles recognizing the mare; the sickly green mane and tail, the dirty brown fur coat, and the big orange eyes. The mare’s body may have changed over the years but everything else hasn’t. Trixie could clearly remember the mare’s name.

“Hey, Jade. It’s been awhile hasn’t it.” Trixie asked with a nervous smile, not sure how the mare would reacted to seeing her for the first time in years.

“Trixie? Trixie Lulamoon?” Jade asked, unable to believe that the mare before her was the same cubby one from year’s past. Trixie blushed knowing why Jade didn’t remember her, and simply nodded yes. “Wow, I’ve got to say Lulamoon, you sure did change.” Jade said noting Trixie’s slender body and mentally comparing it to the old one in her head. “A whole lot.” She said finally taking note of Rocky. “So who’s your friend?”

“Oh right, Jade this is Rockwall, my dogfriend.” Trixie introduced Rocky with a blush on her face. Hearing Trixie introduced him as her dogfriend made Rocky feel a lot warmer on the inside and he pulled Trixie closer. “And Rocky this is Jade Flare, my old friend and show partner.”

“Hello,” Rocky said friendly. As much as he didn’t want to say it he kept getting an off-feel from the mare towards Trixie, and it made him on edge ready to protect Trixie if the need arises. Though he doubted that it would come to that.

“Well, we should take this met up inside. Don’t you?” Jade ushered the two inside the library. Rocky was amazed by all of the assortments of unicorn reading material. Books on magic circles and spells could be found housed in the massive library. “So- Rockwall was it- how did you meet Trixie.” Jade asked striking conversation.

“Oh well, I was walking through Whitetail forest when I saw Trixie begin chased by a pack of timberwolves.” Rocky said replaying the fresh memory.

“Oh my, so is that how you horn got damaged, Trixie?” Jade asked the pressing question that’s been on her mind. Being a unicorn herself, Jade knew the kind of pain that Trixie was going through.

“Close, when I was running I tripped and fell down a hill.” Trixie said frowning at her own clumsiness.

Jade started to nod, though Rocky could have sworn that it was a knowing nod, and not one of understanding. “Well isn’t that just a misfortune, so then what brings you here to my little library?”

“Jade,” Trixie started but immediately paused right after. She bit her lip and stared intently at the hardwood floor of the library. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t manage to look Jade in the eyes.

“Yes Trixie? What is it?” Jade asked sounding slightly annoyed. Even all these years have passed the mare still had that air of superiority to her that made Trixie vexed with her. It was shown in the way she walked and talked, always thinking that she had something over everyone else. Jade seemed to have practice hiding her complex cause it was hard for Trixie to notice it at first, but begin around the mare for a moment quickly showed Trixie that she hasn’t changed at all.

Even Rocky was able to pick up on the subtle hints. He started to hold Trixie closer to reassure her that she isn’t alone anymore. Taking in a deep breath, Trixie readied for the hardest part of the meeting of old friends. “Jade, do you still have that old spell book? I need it to study.” To Trixie saying that was the hardest thing she had to do in a long time.

Jade stopped right in front of a fight of stairs, her expression hidden from the fearful Trixie. The longer Jade stood motionless, the more the silence was eating at Trixie, and she started to lean closer to Rocky as though she was afraid of what Jade was thinking.

After a prolonged moment, Jade started to chuckle which soon grew into a mocking laugh. The unicorns of the library stopped what they were doing to see why the owner was laughing at Trixie; as she was known to have a mocking tone when she spoke to others.

“Haha...wait.” Jade grabbed the handle of the railing to the stairs. “You mean, that you managed to get your horn broken, have a diamond dog look after you, and then you think that if you came all the way here that I would just give you that book?” Jade managed to say in the fit of laughter. All of the other ponies went back to their own business knowing what happens when Jade start showing her true colors.

“Wow, Lulamoon after all these years you still just a helpless foal.” Jade said harshly, letting her old self take hold.

Rocky started to fiercely growl at the mare and bared his fangs. “Why you little-” Rocky was stopped by Trixie, who just shook her head. Rocky could see the dejection in Trixie’s eyes, they own was enough to make Rocky stop.

“Jade I’m serious, that book belongs to me as much as it does you.” Trixie said fighting off the dark emotions.

“Oh yeah?” Jade continued to mock. “Then tell me this Lulamoon, just why should you get it and not me?” She asked with a smug attitude. “All you could do with it is try to use those spells, not like you’ll ever learn any of them.” Jade’s voice lost all sense of compassion, only leaving the stock and malicious filled tone. “You know I feel sorry for you.”

Rocky was at a breaking point with the mare, his claws subconsciously unsheathed themselves just from the rage alone. When Jade saw the look of pure anger in Rocky’s eyes she actually back off, but tried her best to act unafraid.

Trixie broke the two’s standoff by stepping in front of Rocky. “No, I feel sorry for you Jade.” Trixie said in a disapproving tone. It finally clicked with her, the reason why Jade started to act as though she was better than everyone else. She was afraid. She was afraid of what others thought, of how they would treat her if they knew how weak she really was.

That’s why she started to act like she was the most powerful unicorn. She was scared that one day her magic wouldn’t be enough, so she relied on the stories she would make up to make her seem better.

And Trixie did the same thing.

Trixie started to feel like she would become nothing with Jade around, so she too started to make up stories and deliberately ruin shows, just to make Jade seem like a hack. All this accomplished was putting a stain on their already stressed friendship. It wasn’t long after that Jade just up and left Trixie all along on a big show, the feeling of abandonment still haunted her for years.

But that was the past, this was the present, and Trixie had no intentions on reliving the past. “What did you say to me, Lulamoon?” Jade asked venom encasing her voice.

“I said that I am the one that feels sorry for you.” Trixie repeated, unmoved by Jade’s sudden change in attitude.

“What?” Jade couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The clumsily mare she used to pick on was now standing up to her. It was on heard of!

“You had all these years to move on, yet you didn’t. All you did was continue to act as though you are better than everypony.” Trixie said taking a step forward. “And look where that’s gotten you.”

“Where? A job in one of the biggest arcane library in all of Equestria?” Jade snap back, unwilling to let Trixie beat her. “And where are you? You’re the one with a broken horn.”

“So? Do you really think I care?” Trixie said with a smirk. “Jade, it is a bone, it’ll heal with time, but it is not too late to heal our friendship. There’s no reason that we should be acting like this.” Trixie tried her hardest to get Jade to see reason, genuinely hoping that she would listen.

“Not a chance Lulamoon.” Jade said in an indifferent tone. “You think just cause you didn’t give up on your dreams that I should have to help you!” Jade shouted, bitterness, sadness, and anger clouding her thoughts. “The world doesn’t work like that Lulamoon! You can’t always get what you want just cause you think that you’ve changed.” Jade breathing started to become heavy and it felt as the room around her was closing in. “No, it’s too late for that now.”

“Jade that’s not true and you know it. It’s never too late.” Trixie pleaded.

“No Trixie.” Jade said turning her back to Trixie and Rocky. “You what the piece of garbage book, you can have it!” Her horn glowed a bright green and a book appeared in front of Trixie. “Take it and leave.” She said walking up the stairs. Trixie looked at the book heavy hearted, “I don’t ever want to see you again.” Jade’s words cut deep, leaving Trixie feeling more sorry for her then before.

Trixie took the book in her hands and held it close to her chest, on the verge of tears. “Jade...I’m really sorry…” Jade stopped at the top of the stairs, a single tears falling out of the corner of her eye hidden from view.

“Just get out.” No emotion was heard from the mare as she disappeared from view. Trixie just hanged her head low and started to turn to leave the library. Rocky wrapped a protective arm around Trixie and held her close.

“Hey Trix, you going to be okay?” He asked in a low whisper. Knowing that the ordeal left Trixie feeling sad and depressed.

“Y-yeah...I’ll be alright, I’m just worried about Jade.” She said wiping a tear from her eye. Rocky caught the tears and started to rub Trixie shoulder as they walked through the streets. “So...Rocky where do you want to go next?” Trixie asked with a warm forced smile. Rocky knew that Trixie’s stubbornness would have kicked in at some point and he knew by now that arguing with her about it was pointless.

He looked up towards the moon as it was peaking out through the clouds, it’s pale light lighting their path as they walked to the train station going out of Trottingham. However they didn’t notice the pair of eyes watching them as they left. The figure stood on top of the building examining every detail it could about the two. It quickly came to a decision, guessing the two would serve perfectly for its plan.

“Vixen, Malixa.” The figure called out and immediately two female changelings were at its side, with their heads bowed. “Vixen, follow those two and bring them back to the hive, but don’t get caught.” The taller changeling commanded.

“Yes my queen.” Vixen, the changeling with silver mane and tail, said obediently. She snapped her wings open and took to the air to follow Rocky and Trixie out of town.

The changeling queen remained silent until Vixen was out of earshot. “Malixa.” She said in a commanding voice that made the other changeling jump slightly.

“Y-yes my queen.” Malixa stuttered. She wasn’t like the other changelings of her small hive, Malixa believed in earning the love instead of stealing it, but she kept these thoughts to herself knowing what happens to any that speak out against the queen.

“I think its time I show you the real way to ‘earn’ someone’s love.” The queen said with a wild smirk, all thought on what possibilities she could have with a unicorn mare and a male diamond dog. She started to shiver in anticipation.

Malixa looked towards her queen, and bit her lip. She knew she couldn't let her queen get her hands on the two lovers, but if she got caught it would spell the end for her. She had only one hope to save the two she just prayed to the makers that it would work.

Changeling sub-hive

Rocky started to slowly open his eyes groaning.

The dim light of his surrounding started to become clearer in view and the wet dripping sound told him that he must be in some cave of some short. Groaning to his left sent him reeling back into reality. Rocky looked towards the sound to find the unconscious body of Trixie. “T-Trixie?” He tried to stand but his legs have out from under him.

The sound of Rocky moving was enough for Trixie to wake. “R-Rocky…” She was tried her body felt heavy and she was confused. “R...Rocky…” Trixie tried to move but the pain stopped all attempts.

“I’m right here Trixie. Everything is going to be okay.” Rocky scooted to Trixie rubbing her mane to calm her down. Trixie started to shake in fear, far too worn out to figure things out.

“Oh Rocky, how could you lie like that.” A female’s voice hissed through the cave. Rocky forced his eyes and ears to locate the source of the sound. Quickly he spotted a pony-like creature, the odd thing was that it had a horn and a pair of translucent wings on its back. Holes lined the pony’s mane, tail, horn, and wings. It’s fur was a sickly black, and Rocky didn’t like the feeling his instincts was telling him about the ‘mare.’

“Who are you, where are we, and what did you do to Trixie? Answer me!” Rocky demanded in rage. His eye burning with a fire that could melt stone.

“Rocky, Rocky, Rocky…” The creature said taking a step closer to the two. “Why don’t you relax, you must be tried.” It said with a smug smile on its lips. Rocky growled at the creature, anger taking hold of his mind. The creature seemed to sense Rocky’s bloodthirsty rage as it backed off and receded into darkness.

Rocky’s breathing became heavy as he looked for anyway to get Trixie out of there safely. Sobbing stopped his search as he turned his attention back to Trixie. “Shhh...Trixie it’s alright. I’ll get you out of here.” Rocky promised not sure how much of it he could keep.

Trixie used all of her strength to leap into Rocky’s chest, where she started to audible cry from fear. “T-that was a changeling Rocky.” She said remembering the Canterlot invasion and what it was reported that changelings are capable of.

“They could be alicorns for all I care. I am going to get you out of here.” Rocky said brushing a hand through Trixie’s hair. His eyes searched the cave for anything that could be used to aid in their escape. Movement caught his attention and his eyes immediately forced on the source of the sound.

“Trixie, don’t move and stay here I got a plan.” Rocky whispered to Trixie, who didn’t put up any arguments. A pair of dull red was easily made out from the covering darkness. Rocky readied to pounce the changeling the first chance he got. Slowly the red haired changeling made her way towards the two taking care with each step.

Rocky slowly slide Trixie off his chest and unsheathe his claws. “Come on Malixa, you’ve got to do this.” Rocky heard the changeling whispered to herself. “Oh great they're still asleep, maybe I should come back later.”

“Why leave?” Rocky used the element of surprise and pounced Malixa. She gasped in surprise as Rocky forced one of her arms behind her back and covered her mouth with a clawed hand. “Not so tough are you?” He said holding the mare hostage.

Malixa was startled by Rocky’s sudden attack, and tried her hardest to not panic. “You going to get us out of here or I bury you. Got it?” Rocky said in a cold and bloodthirsty tone that even made Trixie shiver in fear. “I’m going to move my hand from your mouth and if you scream you’ll regret it.” Malixa nodded her head sure that her arm was about to break.

Satisfied with the changeling's nod, Rocky let Malixa go, but kept her arm firmly behind her back. “Please hear me out, I don’t want to do anything to hurt you.” Malixa said quickly hoping that Rocky would believe her.

“Oh really and just why should I believe you?” Rocky asked not listening to neither Malixa nor his instincts.

“Cause I’m the only your only hope of getting out.” Malixa said hoping that it would be enough for Rocky to start listening.

“Ha, you do know that diamond dogs can dig through solid mountains? Why would we need your help?” Rocky continued to question poking holes through Malixa’s plan.

“So do you really think that you can tunnel all the way out here, with a injured mare with you?” Malixa quieted, she hated that she had to act like the way she was, but it was the only way to get Rocky to agree to her plan.

Rocky growled not liking being told wrong and started to twist Malixa’s wrists. She winched and struggled against Rocky’s grasp, but it was useless as he was far stronger than her even when drained.

“Rockwall stop.” Trixie pleaded trying to stand on her own. Rocky growled but let Malixa go.

“Thank you.” Malixa said rubbing her wrists.

“Don’t thank me just yet. If we don’t make it out I’ll be sure to take you with us.” Trixie said coldly. Rocky quickly ran over to help her stay up. “So just what is your plan?”

“Look I know you don’t trust me and you have all the right to, but I’ve lived in these caves for all my life.” Malixa started getting the two to realize that she really was their only hope at escape. “See my point? Now come on we don’t have a lot of time.” Malixa said rushing to the entrance of the cave room.

Rocky and Trixie unwillingly followed Malixa out of the cave. “Come on this way.” She led the two down a small tunnel.

“Think we can trust her?” Trixie whispered.

“I say no, but my instincts are saying ‘yes.’” Rocky answered keeping his voice as low as possible.

“Which one should we listen to?” Trixie asked, she lean closer to Rocky feeling the warmth come off of him.

“For now my instincts.” Rocky said as they rounded another corner. Malixa stopped dead in the middle of the tunnel, and called over the other two.

“Alright here’s the deal,” She started peeking out around a corner. “we’re gonna have to split up.” She finished, flinching when she saw the rage in Rocky’s eyes.

“Like hell we’re splitting up.” Rocky said barely able to keep his deep voice above a whisper. Being separated from Trixie was the last thing Rocky wanted to happen, especially leaving her with a changeling.

“Rocky, we don’t have that much of a choice.” Trixie said trying to put up a brave face.

Rocky shook his head. “I’m not leaving you.” He said in an overprotective tone.

“I’ll be fine, I may not have my magic, but I’m not helpless.” Trixie said with a smirk

“Rocky please, we need you to do this.” Malixa begged, she knew that she is too weak, and Trixie didn’t have her magic. So it was up to Rocky to get this part done.

“Fine,” Rocky said in a sigh. “But if I see a single hair out of place…” Rocky finally listen to his instincts but still threaten Malixa.

Rocky had no knowledge of changelings and their magic. For if he did know, he would have known that changelings can sense emotion of others around them just as well as predators can. “Rocky I wouldn’t hurt her. I wouldn’t be risking my own life if I was just going to turn around and try something.” Malixa said reassuringly.

“Alright, so what you need me to do?” Rocky said acknowledging Malixa’s true intentions.

Malixa lit her horn and a map appeared in her hands. “I need you to force a cave in at these spots.” She pointed out the locations, “Each one is an important part of queen Sikora's hive. If you force them to cave in then the whole hive will go into an uproar. That’s will be our chance to escape.” Malixa relived her plan.

“So do what a dog does best and smash stuff? That’s easy.” Rocky took the map from Malixa and stuffed it in his pocket.

“Great, could you take those to out first though.” Malixa said pointing out the two guards at the end of the tunnel-way. “And try to get them both if you can. Changelings work on a hive mind and if one of us is disturbed all we have to do is send out a distress signal, and then the whole hive would know.” She warned Rocky of changelings’ hive mind.

Rocky nodded locking the new bit of information in his head. He then turned to Trixie, “Alright Trixie, I’m going to go and do my part, and Trixie?” Trixie looked dead into Rocky’s eyes, she could see the worry in them.

“Yes?”

Rocky pulled Trixie into a much needed kiss, Malixa could feel the love coming from the two, and she tried her best not to feed off it. Rocky pulled away from Trixie, taking her breath with it. “Stay safe.” Rocky whispered in Trixie’s ear as he gave her a heart-warming hug.

“I will now go, the sooner the better.” Trixie said wrapping her arms around Rocky not wanting to ever let go, but she knew that he had stuff he needed to do first. Rocky pulled away from the hug and gave Trixie one last peak on the lips before nodding to Malixa.

“You keep her safe.” He gave one final warning.

“I’ll put my life on it. Now quickly before someone notice you two are gone.” Malixa said feeling that time may be against them.

Rocky nodded and used his claws to dig a tunnel to the two guards. Shortly afterwards two muffled screams cried out. Trixie and Malixa peaked out from the corner to see Rocky hitting the two for good measure. He gave them a thumbs up and tunneled his way to the first nearest dig site.

“Wow, you’re one luckily mare, Trixie.” Malixa said impressed at Rocky’s strength and speed.

“Yeah I know, so what are we supposed to do?” Trixie asked ready to get to work.

Malixa looked into Trixie’s eyes and saw the determination, “We’re going to get the others out.” Malixa answered.

Trixie eyes widen at this discovery, “There are others?” She asked worried about the kidnapped victims.

Malixa sighed and nodded her head. “Yes, some have been here for years, and they don’t have much time left.” She said in a low tone, proving to Trixie that she did care about the victims. “We’ve got to get them out of here, I have a friend that works with the princesses. I’ll single him and in moments the Royal Guard will be here.” Malixa said, she stood up and nodded to Trixie who nodded back.

They started down the tunnel where the two guards remained unconscious. Malixa pushed open a door leading up a stairwell. The two mares began running up the stairs until they came up on another door that seemed to be locked by magic. Malixa lit her horn and the door began to glow a soft red, before opening.

“Through here,” Malixa led Trixie through the door. At first Trixie was confused by the principally empty room, but a green substance falling on her cheek made her look up. Trixie almost let out a horror scream but Malixa was able to cover her mouth in time. Trixie still scream with the hand covering her mouth.

Just above their heads was green pods filled with ponies that seemed to be in coma-like stated. When Trixie finally stop trying to scream, Malixa removed her hand. “W-what is this?” She asked about the horror scene above her head.

“This is changelings being desperate for food.” Malixa said slowly. “This is what happens when we’re pushed into a corner with no way out.” Her sad tone turning into one of rage and hate. “This is what happens when no one is willing to give second chances!” Her horn sparked off and shot a large rock, easily destroying it.

Malixa was heavy breathing, her eyes showing absolute disgust towards the way changelings deal with these kind of issues, but she was more disgusted with how weak and helpless she was about it. In her mind she was no better than any other changeling. A hand snapped her out of her internal conflict, she whipped her head around to see Trixie with a worried look on her face.

Damn It, sometimes I wish I couldn’t feel others emotions. Malixa thought before calming down. “Let’s hurry we don’t have a lot of time left.” Malixa said getting to work removing the ponies from the pods. Trixie nodded and got to work as well.

The found ponies of all kinds locked away in the pods, Trixie even found a pair of twins stallions. At first most of the ponies pointed an angry finger to Malixa, but Trixie and a few more reasonable ponies stepped in her defense.

“Alright is that everypony?” A stallion called out, apparently he was apart of the guard before he got captured, and he quickly took control of the escape effort.

“Yes that should-” Malixa was cut off by a large trimmer rocking the caves that knocked a few ponies to the ground.

“W-what was that?” One of the victim asked.

“That’s was Rockwall, it seems that he’s almost done.” Malixa said, she didn’t think that Rocky would be able to start the cave in so quickly, it will be little time before queen Sikora organized the rest of the changelings. “We better get moving.”

“What about Rocky?” Trixie asked worried that they might leave Rocky behind.

“If he followed the map, then we’ll be meeting up at the hive’s entrance.” Malixa said running towards the door. “Come on everypony, we need to get out of here.”

“Well? You heard the changeling, get moving.” The guard said commanding everyone out of the room and down the stairs. “Alright changeling, you're in charge. Tell us how to get out of here.” The stallion said in a rough voice, Malixa nodded and pointed down a tunnel.

“Down this way, it will lead us into a forest. I have a friend that on his way and will help us get out of here.” Malixa said leading the way. The sounds of changelings buzzing around the hive looking for the case of the trimmers filled the ponies’ ears. They continued down the tunnel, the light at the end filled their hearts with hope, but were stopped dead in their tracks by a wall of changelings.

Sikora stood in front of the army of changelings, her face show anger and disappointment. “Malixa, what do you think you’re doing?” she asked in a distant tone.

“You can’t keep these ponies here, they have families too.” Malixa pleaded.

Sikora angrily hissed at the smaller changeling. “You dare go against the hive?” She questioned her horn glow in rage. “I’ve raised you from an egg and this is how you repay me?”

Malixa looked into her mother’s eyes seeing the boiling rage; she wasn’t afraid. “Yes.”

Sikora’s wings snapped open and she charged her horn. “Then you can die along with them.” Just as she was about to fire a bolt of magic at everyone, the adjacent cave wall burst wide open, and knocked the changelings to the ground.

The dust settled revealing it was Rocky that knock the wall down. “Woo, looks like I made it in time.” He shook the bits of rubble from his claws.

“Rocky!” He looked up in time to see Trixie wrap her arms around his neck and locked him in a kiss.

“Oh Trixie it good to see that you’re alright.” Rocky said wrapping his arms around Trixie, never wanting to let go. “Thank you for keeping your promise.” He said to Malixa, who smiled and nodded.

“Don’t thank me just yet we st-” Malixa was stopped by a bolt of pure magic, she fell to the ground a large scorch mark on her chest.

“Never loved that brat anyway.” Everyone looked towards the rubble to see that most of the changelings have recovered from Rocky’s surprised attack and that queen Sikora was already on her feet.

“You little bitch!” Rocky roared and charged at the queen, but was cut off by changeling drones. He duck under one’s swap with a sword, and upper cut straight into the tunnel ceiling. He was going to jab another but was suckered punched to the ground.

“Rocky!” A changeling raised its sword above its head, ready to deliver the final blow, but was knocked off its feet by a powerful gust of wind.

“What’s the matter Rocky? I thought you were faster than that.” Rocky opened his eyes at the sound of the voice. I know that voice, it can’t be… “Well Rockwall? What do you have to say for yourself?” Rocky looked toward the entrance of the cave to see the shadowy figure of a diamond dog. “Get up Rocky, you’re giving us diamond dogs a bad name.” Rocky smirked, it was unmistakable now. The dog at the end of the tunnel was the same one that he traveled with before going to Equestria. The only known hellhound in the world; Soul Cerberus.

Rocky got off the ground, paying no attention to the changeling charging from behind. Another gust of wind sent the drone flying towards the back of the cave. Rocky cut his eyes to the left to see Soul still mid air.

“I’m the one giving diamond dogs a bad name? You’re the one that is late.” Rocky joked with his old friend.

“I’m here aren't I?” Soul quipped. “Now let’s do what a dog does best.” He said getting into a fighting stance. Rocky too got ready to fight the changeling hoard. “You ready?”

“Always.” The two sprang forward smashing through the first few changelings that was in their way. Soul tossed one changeling into another with his magic, easily dropping them. Rocky duck and dodge the attacks before unleashing his own, moving from one to another.

A changeling with a halberd tried to take Soul’s head off but Rocky caught the bladed staff. He spun the weapon around throwing the changeling to the ground and used the wooden part to knock it out. Rocky broke off the blade and started to twirl the staff around his body quickly gaining momentum.

“I see you haven’t forgotten those lessons from the zebra tribes.” Soul said slashing another changeling with his claws.

“And I see that you haven’t forgotten those lessons from the griffin tribes.” Rocky said slamming the staff into a changeling’s stomach and knocking him to the ground.

Sikora was horrified by the scene in front of her. Her many changeling drones being taken down by two mere diamond dogs. But she was smart and knew when she was beat, this is what helped her avoid capture during the Canterlot invasion. Sikora tried to spill out of the cave, but was caught by the stallion guard.

“And where do you think you’re going?” He asked holding on to Sikora’s tail.

“Release me now!” The queen struggled against the stallion’s strength. She was going to fire a bolt of magic, but a sickening feeling washed over her. Sikora whipped her head back to see Malixa standing on her feet and a fire in her eyes.

“Good bye mother.” She said sparking her horn and placing it on Sikora’s how started to violently shake to get free, but it was in vine. Malixa’s magic started to flow through Sikora’s body, draining it of everything she had until there was nothing left. Sikora’s eyes rolled to the back of her head and she fell to the ground.

Malixa’s body started to glow and the burn injury was healed but that wasn’t the only change. She started to grow taller and her dull color started to brighten up to a red crimson. “I’m sorry mother but you time is over.” Malixa said taking the role of queen.

She looked over to Rocky and Soul who were finishing off the last of the changelings. Trixie was blown away by the dogs movements. Rocky’s were fast and precisely time to move on to the next opponent; almost as if he was dancing with the staff. Soul’s movements were much faster and it seemed that he was at two places at the same time.

Both dogs delivered the final blow to the last standing changeling sending him flying into the cave wall. Their breathing was heavy and ragged, cuts and lacerations could be seen although out their bodies, but they managed to remain standing.

They looked into each other’s eyes and smirked. “So how many you took down?” Soul asked taking a breath with each word.

“Twenty-five. And you?” Rocky said using the staff to hold himself upright.

“Twenty-six, I win.” Soul said triumphantly.

Rocky chuckled and waved over Trixie. “Hey Trix, I want you to met somedog.” Trixie walked over to the two dogs, her eyes transfixed on Soul. “Trixie, this is Soul Cerberus; an old friend of mine. Soul this is Trixie Lulamoon; my marefriend.” Rocky introduced the two to each other.

“Hello.” Trixie said with a wary smile.

“Hiay, so how’s being around Rocky been for you? It’s a pain isn’t it?” Soul joked remembering all the times Rocky would act like a lightning rod for trouble.

“It’s been an adventure, but I would much like to get out of here.” Trixie said hugging up on Rocky.

“That I can do.” Soul said righting himself. Suddenly bright red tribal runes appeared on his body and the air around him started to grow hot. “Everyone hold your breath, this is going to be one hell of a ride.” Soul said his voice having an eerie reverb to it. Everyone did as he instructed, and Trixie held onto Rocky tighter as Soul teleported the kidnapped victims, Trixie and Rocky, and Malixa back to Canterlot.

And out of the changeling hive.

Author's Note

Well guys that was something right? I sure hope so. Well the next chapter will be the last one I would like to thank everyone that's been reading and managed to read past my 'horrible' grammar.